My Precious Mom Went Home to Jesus Today...
No fancy fonts this time around, just a simple, although deeply poignant, announcement to make--along with an earnest request for your prayers...
Well, as God so beautifully orchestrates His plans, changing the direction of ours even as we, His followers, balk and whine and sometimes even wail in protest, we did not go to Florida, nor do we plan to. My mother died this morning, and even now, in "Heaven Time", has probably found a piano on which to accompany some supremely delightful choral group. She is with Jesus after an approximate 10-year upward battle with Alzheimer's. In one respect I am rejoicing with her homegoing; yet, on the other, so wish I could visit her one last time. In fact, ironically, my grandboy and I were on our way to see her this morning when the call came in that she'd just died. (I was only five minutes away.) I was so shocked. And shocked that I was shocked. I thought that I'd prepared myself in every way mentally and emotionally. You go over and over each possible scenario as you think about how "the end" will come about, and then when it finally comes, you find you are not prepared at all. In my head I truly thought she would just go on and on and on. (And she does and will go on and on, just not here. Selfishly, I want to rub her arm once more or lightly touch the top of her head as she lies there sleeping, but now I've run out of opportunities to do that.)
I thought that I would be strong when I walked into the adult foster care facility where she's lived out the last 3 1/2 years. I had my 1, almost 2-year-old, grandson in my arms, so I had to guard him against trauma, but in actuality, when I walked into her room and saw her lying there, mouth open, unmoving and so, so peaceful-looking, I fell at her bedside and started to wail, "Mommy, Mommy!" My goodness, I haven't called her that since I was a wee child. Never expected that little girl in me to come leaping out. Thankfully, my weeping didn't faze Gavin, especially when one of the workers offered him a cookie, and off he went.
God is ever so good, though, and I feel so, so at peace and utterly assured of seeing her again. She was the most precious woman of God, loving, caring, highly intelligent, multi-talented, compassionate, a voracious reader, a generous, stay-at-home missionary (giving to so many worthy causes), having a huge, tender heart for the world, a strong, impenetrable faith, a deep, unconditional love for her children and grandchildren--and, boy, could she get the giggles when the moment hit her just right. Sometimes she laughed till she cried.
There will never be another Dorothy Baker, that is for sure.
I have just spent hours going through photos, and it is now 2:30 a.m., and would you believe I did not get one wink of sleep last night? So, now I must crawl into bed with Cecil and snuggle in for a few hours before going to the funeral home to pick out a casket. Sounds morbid, huh, but I am up for the task--with God ever closeby, offering strength and courage for each new challenge. Mom would have been 97 in May, by the way.
This year she will be "Home" for her birthday.
********
I love you all so very much and thank you for your prayers of concern and love...
Shar
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
G'-BYE! I SHALL MISS YOU ALL!!
Okay, lest you think I am going far, far away from FACEBOOK, SHOUTLIFE, TWITTER, ETC., never to return, you would be wrong. I am going far, far from home, however. Tomorrow, AFTER I finish baby-sitting my 1-year-old grandboy, we're setting off for a warmer climate, Cecil and I. FLORIDA!
That will mean less chances for me to log into my beloved sites and check in with all you wonderful "Online BUDS" (no...I don't have a phone with that capability), but I'll do my best to come around as much as possible--if we can find free wi-fi. All of you try to behave while I'm away, would you?
Picture this: A bar in the back seat holding up Cecil's suits, shirts, and slacks (this is a business trip for him, and I'm the tagalong) and me with ear plugs in, sitting somewhere between the suits doing my best to block out distractions, pillow on my lap, computer on that, poking away on the keyboard and working on edits for my September release, Tender Vow. GOT TO GET THAT PUPPY DONE, SUNSHINE OR NOT!
Ah well, the good news is I'm leaving dreary skies and cold air behind --and I think some forecasted snow. So, it's all good.
And now--off to get my nails done and my first pedicure of the year, a sure sign of spring!!!!!
DON'T FORGET: I LOVE YOU ALL! And don't have too much fun without me!
Okay, lest you think I am going far, far away from FACEBOOK, SHOUTLIFE, TWITTER, ETC., never to return, you would be wrong. I am going far, far from home, however. Tomorrow, AFTER I finish baby-sitting my 1-year-old grandboy, we're setting off for a warmer climate, Cecil and I. FLORIDA!
That will mean less chances for me to log into my beloved sites and check in with all you wonderful "Online BUDS" (no...I don't have a phone with that capability), but I'll do my best to come around as much as possible--if we can find free wi-fi. All of you try to behave while I'm away, would you?
Picture this: A bar in the back seat holding up Cecil's suits, shirts, and slacks (this is a business trip for him, and I'm the tagalong) and me with ear plugs in, sitting somewhere between the suits doing my best to block out distractions, pillow on my lap, computer on that, poking away on the keyboard and working on edits for my September release, Tender Vow. GOT TO GET THAT PUPPY DONE, SUNSHINE OR NOT!
Ah well, the good news is I'm leaving dreary skies and cold air behind --and I think some forecasted snow. So, it's all good.
And now--off to get my nails done and my first pedicure of the year, a sure sign of spring!!!!!
DON'T FORGET: I LOVE YOU ALL! And don't have too much fun without me!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
WAIT! I THINK I HEARD SOMETHING! Shhhh...
God rarely, if ever, hurries. His steps are usually planned and deliberate (He knows right where He's going), as He takes us by the hand and leads us along. He loves to walk slowly and talk quietly, so don't go ahead of him, and keep your ears tuned in for His still, small voice.
Ever wonder why you haven't yet received an answer to that long ago, heartfelt prayer, why it seems God isn't even listening half the time, or why we even keep asking it, since He doesn't appear to be paying attention anyway?
VALID QUESTIONS. Let me tell you you're not alone. Take a second to put yourself in the place of our Christian brothers and sisters, the faithful, God-fearing, Christ-filled Haitians who lost everything. I read of a Wesleyan church down there who was known for its DAILY prayer meetings, attended by a THOUSAND people (can you imagine?), GONE, the building and everything, and half the people unaccounted for.
God, I don't mean to be a doubting dodo here, but what were You thinking?
His steps are planned and deliberate. That is, he ALWAYS knows what He's doing. We may not like it sometimes, but He's GOD--KING of the MOUNTAIN. He decides what to allow and disallow, and everything for a purpose, hard as that may be to accept.
"For we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love the Lord, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
But lest you think all the sadness lies in Haiti, think again. All you have to do is look out your back window, drive past a deserted, run-down neighborhood, check out the myriad of "For Sale" signs and realize that many of them are foreclosures, seek out the "Help Wanted" ads and find few, and, last, search deep into the eyes of insecure children who've been listening to their parents' money squabbles. (We think they don't know?)
Fear, worry, hopelessness, despair, sorrow--they're everywhere, BUT...
If ever there was a time to stop panicking, slow down, listen for God's direction and wait for answers, it is NOW. He is like a tree planted by a river, supplying us with IMMOVALBLE strength and courage, HOPE for a faithless day, and FAITH for a hopeless day.
LOOK UP, you worn, weary soldiers; whatever your sorrow may be, it is NEVER too big for the KING of the MOUNTAIN. Whatever your pain or heartbreak, your grief or discouragement, just be still about it, and KNOW that He is God. He hasn't forgotten you.
He hears your cries, but, remember, His clock ticks at an altogether different rhythm from ours, his steps are planned to perfection, His voice is often quiet and almost too hard to discern. Pray for wisdom to know and ears to hear.
He will give you both. I promise.
I LOVE YOU ALL!
God rarely, if ever, hurries. His steps are usually planned and deliberate (He knows right where He's going), as He takes us by the hand and leads us along. He loves to walk slowly and talk quietly, so don't go ahead of him, and keep your ears tuned in for His still, small voice.
Ever wonder why you haven't yet received an answer to that long ago, heartfelt prayer, why it seems God isn't even listening half the time, or why we even keep asking it, since He doesn't appear to be paying attention anyway?
VALID QUESTIONS. Let me tell you you're not alone. Take a second to put yourself in the place of our Christian brothers and sisters, the faithful, God-fearing, Christ-filled Haitians who lost everything. I read of a Wesleyan church down there who was known for its DAILY prayer meetings, attended by a THOUSAND people (can you imagine?), GONE, the building and everything, and half the people unaccounted for.
God, I don't mean to be a doubting dodo here, but what were You thinking?
His steps are planned and deliberate. That is, he ALWAYS knows what He's doing. We may not like it sometimes, but He's GOD--KING of the MOUNTAIN. He decides what to allow and disallow, and everything for a purpose, hard as that may be to accept.
"For we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love the Lord, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
But lest you think all the sadness lies in Haiti, think again. All you have to do is look out your back window, drive past a deserted, run-down neighborhood, check out the myriad of "For Sale" signs and realize that many of them are foreclosures, seek out the "Help Wanted" ads and find few, and, last, search deep into the eyes of insecure children who've been listening to their parents' money squabbles. (We think they don't know?)
Fear, worry, hopelessness, despair, sorrow--they're everywhere, BUT...
If ever there was a time to stop panicking, slow down, listen for God's direction and wait for answers, it is NOW. He is like a tree planted by a river, supplying us with IMMOVALBLE strength and courage, HOPE for a faithless day, and FAITH for a hopeless day.
LOOK UP, you worn, weary soldiers; whatever your sorrow may be, it is NEVER too big for the KING of the MOUNTAIN. Whatever your pain or heartbreak, your grief or discouragement, just be still about it, and KNOW that He is God. He hasn't forgotten you.
He hears your cries, but, remember, His clock ticks at an altogether different rhythm from ours, his steps are planned to perfection, His voice is often quiet and almost too hard to discern. Pray for wisdom to know and ears to hear.
He will give you both. I promise.
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
WHY DON'T MEN GET IT?!
Oh, to be "6" again!
A man sat on the edge of the bed, watching his wife check out her image in the mirror. Since her birthday wasn't far off he asked her what she'd like.
She continued perusing herself from top to bottom and frowned. "Ha! I'd like to be six again", she replied.
On the morning of her birthday, he rose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, then announced he was taking her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the screaming Roller Coaster, and everything else imaginable.
Five hours later, they staggered out of the theme park, her head reeling and her stomach feeling turned inside out. He then took her to McDonald's for a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie and the works: popcorn, her favorite candy, and a large soda pop.
After the movie, she wobbled out of the theatre and, finally at home, collapsed onto the bed, exhausted.
He leaned over her with a big smile and asked, "Well, honey, how was your birthday? Did you feel six again?"
She dragged her gaze up at him and blinked. "I meant SIZE 6, you doofus!
The moral of this story is: Even when a man is listening, chances are good he's still gonna get it wrong.
Oh, to be "6" again!
A man sat on the edge of the bed, watching his wife check out her image in the mirror. Since her birthday wasn't far off he asked her what she'd like.
She continued perusing herself from top to bottom and frowned. "Ha! I'd like to be six again", she replied.
On the morning of her birthday, he rose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, then announced he was taking her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the screaming Roller Coaster, and everything else imaginable.
Five hours later, they staggered out of the theme park, her head reeling and her stomach feeling turned inside out. He then took her to McDonald's for a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie and the works: popcorn, her favorite candy, and a large soda pop.
After the movie, she wobbled out of the theatre and, finally at home, collapsed onto the bed, exhausted.
He leaned over her with a big smile and asked, "Well, honey, how was your birthday? Did you feel six again?"
She dragged her gaze up at him and blinked. "I meant SIZE 6, you doofus!
The moral of this story is: Even when a man is listening, chances are good he's still gonna get it wrong.
HATE THAT I HAVE TO MODERATE MY COMMENTS!
Hey, all you beautiful peeps! I hope you are enjoying God-filled days and even moments. Hubby and I are getting set for a couple weeks vacay in Florida. Should be fun, relaxing, and blissful--for me anyway. This will be mostly a business trip, as Cecil has several appointments with clients. It will be "business" for me in that I'm taking my laptop so I can write in the car. Some vacay, huh? At least it will be a change of scenery with hopefully lots of sunshine.
Hey, some of you have commented and then had to wait to see your comment post. That is because I'm getting lots of "junk" from anonymous posters. Don't know who they are, so I've had to start filtering my responses. Bummer. Which means if you do post it might not show up for a day or so. Hope this doesn't discourage you from leaving a comment.
As always, I love you all and hold you in my prayers. Thanks for following my blog. So sorry today's is SO EXTRA boring!!!!!!!
HUGS...
Shar
Hey, all you beautiful peeps! I hope you are enjoying God-filled days and even moments. Hubby and I are getting set for a couple weeks vacay in Florida. Should be fun, relaxing, and blissful--for me anyway. This will be mostly a business trip, as Cecil has several appointments with clients. It will be "business" for me in that I'm taking my laptop so I can write in the car. Some vacay, huh? At least it will be a change of scenery with hopefully lots of sunshine.
Hey, some of you have commented and then had to wait to see your comment post. That is because I'm getting lots of "junk" from anonymous posters. Don't know who they are, so I've had to start filtering my responses. Bummer. Which means if you do post it might not show up for a day or so. Hope this doesn't discourage you from leaving a comment.
As always, I love you all and hold you in my prayers. Thanks for following my blog. So sorry today's is SO EXTRA boring!!!!!!!
HUGS...
Shar
Sunday, January 17, 2010
THE BEAUTY OF MATHEMATICS!!!
1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111
9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888
Brilliant, isn't it?
And look at this symmetry:
1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111 111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321
Mind Boggling...
Now, take a look at this...
101%
From a strictly mathematical viewpoint, what equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%
How about ACHIEVING 101%?
What equals 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:
IF:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
IS REPRESENTED AS:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26,
THEN:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
AND:
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+ 5 = 96%
BUT:
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+ 21+4+5 = 100%
THEN, look how far the LOVE of GOD will take you:
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+ 6+7+15+4 = 101%
THEREFORE, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While HARD WORK and KNOWLEDGE will get you close, and ATTITUDE will get you there, it's the LOVE OF GOD that will put you OVER THE TOP!
1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111
9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888
Brilliant, isn't it?
And look at this symmetry:
1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111 111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321
Mind Boggling...
Now, take a look at this...
101%
From a strictly mathematical viewpoint, what equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%
How about ACHIEVING 101%?
What equals 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:
IF:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
IS REPRESENTED AS:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26,
THEN:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
AND:
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+ 5 = 96%
BUT:
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+ 21+4+5 = 100%
THEN, look how far the LOVE of GOD will take you:
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+ 6+7+15+4 = 101%
THEREFORE, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While HARD WORK and KNOWLEDGE will get you close, and ATTITUDE will get you there, it's the LOVE OF GOD that will put you OVER THE TOP!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
HELP MAKE THIS A BESTSELLER!
Michelle Sutton has done it again, written another winning book. I can say this because I read the manuscript from beginning to end, and it's a page turner--or in this case, a scroller. A scroller, you say? Yeah, it's an E-book, which means it can be purchased in electronic format, a cheaper route for anyone looking to save a few cents as well as shelf space! Just take a look at this awesome cover design. Ain't it grand?
Here's a description of the book. Read and drool.
Sammie Carpenter understands how a uniform influences behavior. Wearing her Army fatigues puts her in the mindset of a soldier and donning her Class-A Uniform always helps her shift into Captain Mode. So what harm could come from her dressing like a saloon girl and strutting through the streets of Tombstone? She didn't know how to flirt to save her life, and she wasn't getting any younger.
When she met the lonesome stud cowboy, Jimmy, she knew he was the one. So why was their communication always so awkward? Couldn't he see that she was interested in him? No matter how hard she tried to win him over, she couldn't seem to get him to see past his first impression of her. But Sammie didn't give up easily. Somehow, she would make him see that they were meant to be together, but how can she do that when all of her plans keep falling apart?
The link to the trailer is HERE!
But don't stop there. Come to the publishing site itself and check out all the info by clicking HERE!
Last, but not least, for purchasing information for First Impressions, click HERE!
Michelle Sutton has done it again, written another winning book. I can say this because I read the manuscript from beginning to end, and it's a page turner--or in this case, a scroller. A scroller, you say? Yeah, it's an E-book, which means it can be purchased in electronic format, a cheaper route for anyone looking to save a few cents as well as shelf space! Just take a look at this awesome cover design. Ain't it grand?
Here's a description of the book. Read and drool.
Sammie Carpenter understands how a uniform influences behavior. Wearing her Army fatigues puts her in the mindset of a soldier and donning her Class-A Uniform always helps her shift into Captain Mode. So what harm could come from her dressing like a saloon girl and strutting through the streets of Tombstone? She didn't know how to flirt to save her life, and she wasn't getting any younger.
When she met the lonesome stud cowboy, Jimmy, she knew he was the one. So why was their communication always so awkward? Couldn't he see that she was interested in him? No matter how hard she tried to win him over, she couldn't seem to get him to see past his first impression of her. But Sammie didn't give up easily. Somehow, she would make him see that they were meant to be together, but how can she do that when all of her plans keep falling apart?
The link to the trailer is HERE!
But don't stop there. Come to the publishing site itself and check out all the info by clicking HERE!
Last, but not least, for purchasing information for First Impressions, click HERE!
Monday, January 11, 2010
IT'S WINTER IN MICHIGAN!
View from our back window, overlooking "pool area" - where's the pool?
View from our front picture window, overlooking front yard and home across the street.
IT'S WINTER IN MICHIGAN!
It's winter in MICHIGAN
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At thirty-five below.
Oh, how I love MICHIGAN
When the snow's up to your butt.
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful,
So I guess I'll hang around.
I could never leave MICHIGAN
Cuz I'm frozen to the ground!
--Author Unknown--
I LOVE YOU ALL. Stay warm wherever you are!!!
View from our back window, overlooking "pool area" - where's the pool?
View from our front picture window, overlooking front yard and home across the street.
IT'S WINTER IN MICHIGAN!
It's winter in MICHIGAN
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At thirty-five below.
Oh, how I love MICHIGAN
When the snow's up to your butt.
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful,
So I guess I'll hang around.
I could never leave MICHIGAN
Cuz I'm frozen to the ground!
--Author Unknown--
I LOVE YOU ALL. Stay warm wherever you are!!!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
This is a very SAD, HEARTBREAKING day for me...
I write this note with a very sad heart and swollen shut eyes, as Cecil and I had to take our beloved Dakota boy, our almost 11-year-old collie, to the vet to be "put down". He fell asleep in my arms and died very peacefully. He is no longer with me, my faithful, loyal companion and friend, and my heart is heavy. I laid on the floor with him all night last night and prayed for all the many hurting people and situations God brought to my mind, and it occurred to me that grief is grief, sorrow is sorrow, no matter if it's loss over a beloved pet, a house fire, a family tragedy, divorce, pain and suffering, disease, you name it. God cares abundantly and unerringly about every detail of our lives, and I am comforted in knowing that. Dakota was the perfect dog, and God brought him to me 10+ years ago after enduring months of depression and anxiety. HE KNEW I needed soothing, healing, and comfort for my battered soul.
And so I grieve over the loss of my precious, beloved, old boy, Dakota. I shall miss not having him at my feet as I write my books. He has been there for all dozen or so of them, and I will feel the void of his absence when I jump into my next series.
Is it a silly request (?) (I don't think so) to ask that you will think about both Cec and me and pray for us whenever God brings us to your minds, as it will be tough walking into the house without seeing his welcoming face and wagging tail.
Thank you, and I love you all.
P.S. The above photo depicts our gentle, patient giant allowing my daughter's toy poodle to make her bed beside or right atop him countless times. Sweet.
I write this note with a very sad heart and swollen shut eyes, as Cecil and I had to take our beloved Dakota boy, our almost 11-year-old collie, to the vet to be "put down". He fell asleep in my arms and died very peacefully. He is no longer with me, my faithful, loyal companion and friend, and my heart is heavy. I laid on the floor with him all night last night and prayed for all the many hurting people and situations God brought to my mind, and it occurred to me that grief is grief, sorrow is sorrow, no matter if it's loss over a beloved pet, a house fire, a family tragedy, divorce, pain and suffering, disease, you name it. God cares abundantly and unerringly about every detail of our lives, and I am comforted in knowing that. Dakota was the perfect dog, and God brought him to me 10+ years ago after enduring months of depression and anxiety. HE KNEW I needed soothing, healing, and comfort for my battered soul.
And so I grieve over the loss of my precious, beloved, old boy, Dakota. I shall miss not having him at my feet as I write my books. He has been there for all dozen or so of them, and I will feel the void of his absence when I jump into my next series.
Is it a silly request (?) (I don't think so) to ask that you will think about both Cec and me and pray for us whenever God brings us to your minds, as it will be tough walking into the house without seeing his welcoming face and wagging tail.
Thank you, and I love you all.
P.S. The above photo depicts our gentle, patient giant allowing my daughter's toy poodle to make her bed beside or right atop him countless times. Sweet.
Friday, January 01, 2010
May Your New Year be a "10"!
Yes, a "10"! Of course, I wish for you, even pray for, HAPPINESS, but more than that, JOY! There is a difference, you know.
HAPPINESS is an emotion, a clear result of wonderfully good things happening to and around us. JOY, though, is something that wells up from inside our spirit no matter the circumstance or situation befalling us. You might be swimming through murky, dark waters right now--but you can still have JOY in your heart. You might be traveling a rough, hard course, pulling a heavy load while you're at it, but JOY can still be the theme song of your heart. Why?
Because the Lord Himself provides it when we give Him our fully surrendered souls.
Rose bushes are so hearty, have you noticed? From spring through fall, I pretty much ignore my bush planted on the east side of my house. Don't feed it, spray it, or water it--just let the rains take care of it whenever they come. But, despite my lack of attention to it, it still produces beautiful blooms. On the rare occasion when I walk to that side of the house, other side of my garage, I'm usually welcomed by gorgeous blossoms and budding promises! Oh, there's evidence of bugs chewing the leaves, and the branches aren't very well trimmed or cared for, but the sturdy little bush still gives me colorful flowers. What a picture of JOY in the midst of pain, neglect, disease, and even abuse!
My prayer for your 2010 is that you'll be happy, yes, but more that you'll find peace, rest, contentment, and TRUE, GENUINE JOY!
I LOVE YOU ALL--BUT GOD LOVES YOU MORE!
Yes, a "10"! Of course, I wish for you, even pray for, HAPPINESS, but more than that, JOY! There is a difference, you know.
HAPPINESS is an emotion, a clear result of wonderfully good things happening to and around us. JOY, though, is something that wells up from inside our spirit no matter the circumstance or situation befalling us. You might be swimming through murky, dark waters right now--but you can still have JOY in your heart. You might be traveling a rough, hard course, pulling a heavy load while you're at it, but JOY can still be the theme song of your heart. Why?
Because the Lord Himself provides it when we give Him our fully surrendered souls.
Rose bushes are so hearty, have you noticed? From spring through fall, I pretty much ignore my bush planted on the east side of my house. Don't feed it, spray it, or water it--just let the rains take care of it whenever they come. But, despite my lack of attention to it, it still produces beautiful blooms. On the rare occasion when I walk to that side of the house, other side of my garage, I'm usually welcomed by gorgeous blossoms and budding promises! Oh, there's evidence of bugs chewing the leaves, and the branches aren't very well trimmed or cared for, but the sturdy little bush still gives me colorful flowers. What a picture of JOY in the midst of pain, neglect, disease, and even abuse!
My prayer for your 2010 is that you'll be happy, yes, but more that you'll find peace, rest, contentment, and TRUE, GENUINE JOY!
I LOVE YOU ALL--BUT GOD LOVES YOU MORE!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
FEELING A LITTLE "DOWN" SINCE CHRISTMAS? TAKE HEART...
For many, Christmas is a JOYOUS occasion, but for some the holiday brings nothing but grief, heartache, the stirring up of bad memories, and perhaps tension and regrets. It's a time when most families gather to celebrate, but some families don't enjoy congregating because of past hurts. Understandable.
Others of you may love Christmas but for some reason battled feelings of sadness or loneliness this year. Perhaps 2009 brought heartache, turmoil, loss of employment, feelings of failure, divorce, ...or any number of things. Everyone suffers periods of pain and sorrow. It is called life, and we all must walk it day by day, moment by moment.
I read something today that struck a chord with me, and here it is:
"Any man can sing in the day. When the cup is full, man draws inspiration from it. When wealth rolls in abundance around him, any man can praise the God who gives a plenteous harvest? The difficulty is for music to swell forth when no wind is stirring. It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight; but he is skillful who sings when there is not a ray of light to read by -- who sings from the heart. Lay me upon the bed of languishing, and how shall I then chant God's high praises, unless He Himself give me the song? No, it is not in man's power to sing when all is adverse, unless an altar-coal shall touch his lip? Then, since our Maker gives 'songs in the night' (Job 35:10), let us wait upon Him for the music."
I guess, then, the test that life throws at us is this: Will you keep singing even when the road gets bumpy and hard to travel, or will you grow silent, maybe even bitter, in your pain? Will you let God help you pick up the pieces of your broken spirit and downtrodden heart, or will you let the pieces lie there until they crumble into dust and your heart turns hard and cold? Will you lean into the Heavenly Father for strength and courage, or will you try to stumble along in your own strength, barely finding the ability to put one foot in front of the other?
GOD IS YOUR EVER-PRESENT STRENGTH. HE WILL NOT FAIL YOU, FORGET YOU, OR FLEE FROM YOU. He promises in His Word that He will carry you through every circumstance of life, no matter how difficult or impossible it seems. Trust Him to take your hand. Reach out. He is ALWAYS there...waiting for you to take the first step.
I love you ALL and welcome any prayer requests you might want to call to my attention. I promise to pray for you.
May 2010 bring abundant joy and God's richest blessings.
For many, Christmas is a JOYOUS occasion, but for some the holiday brings nothing but grief, heartache, the stirring up of bad memories, and perhaps tension and regrets. It's a time when most families gather to celebrate, but some families don't enjoy congregating because of past hurts. Understandable.
Others of you may love Christmas but for some reason battled feelings of sadness or loneliness this year. Perhaps 2009 brought heartache, turmoil, loss of employment, feelings of failure, divorce, ...or any number of things. Everyone suffers periods of pain and sorrow. It is called life, and we all must walk it day by day, moment by moment.
I read something today that struck a chord with me, and here it is:
"Any man can sing in the day. When the cup is full, man draws inspiration from it. When wealth rolls in abundance around him, any man can praise the God who gives a plenteous harvest? The difficulty is for music to swell forth when no wind is stirring. It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight; but he is skillful who sings when there is not a ray of light to read by -- who sings from the heart. Lay me upon the bed of languishing, and how shall I then chant God's high praises, unless He Himself give me the song? No, it is not in man's power to sing when all is adverse, unless an altar-coal shall touch his lip? Then, since our Maker gives 'songs in the night' (Job 35:10), let us wait upon Him for the music."
I guess, then, the test that life throws at us is this: Will you keep singing even when the road gets bumpy and hard to travel, or will you grow silent, maybe even bitter, in your pain? Will you let God help you pick up the pieces of your broken spirit and downtrodden heart, or will you let the pieces lie there until they crumble into dust and your heart turns hard and cold? Will you lean into the Heavenly Father for strength and courage, or will you try to stumble along in your own strength, barely finding the ability to put one foot in front of the other?
GOD IS YOUR EVER-PRESENT STRENGTH. HE WILL NOT FAIL YOU, FORGET YOU, OR FLEE FROM YOU. He promises in His Word that He will carry you through every circumstance of life, no matter how difficult or impossible it seems. Trust Him to take your hand. Reach out. He is ALWAYS there...waiting for you to take the first step.
I love you ALL and welcome any prayer requests you might want to call to my attention. I promise to pray for you.
May 2010 bring abundant joy and God's richest blessings.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
OKAY, I ADMIT IT...I'M A PROUD GRANDMA!
I hope you all had a FABULOUS Christmas. Let's share some of our traditions. How do you celebrate? When do you open gifts? Did any of you do something completely out of the ordinary this year? Do your kids/grands believe in Santa? What are some of your favorite Christmas foods?
Ever since Cec and I got married, we've been opening our gifts on Christmas Eve because Christmas morn was reserved for going up to both of our parents' houses. After our kids were born we continued the tradition, and to this day it's remained as such so our kids can have their personal Christmases in the morning and then go to their in-laws' houses after that. First, we attend the 5 o'clock Christmas Eve service, then we come home and read the Christmas story, then we fill our plates with snacks and goodies, and, finally, proceed with the gift-opening.
Christmas Day belongs just to Cecil and me, and we love it that way.
As for food, I LOVE chocolate! Gotta stock up on all the best chocolate treats.
Thought I'd share just a few piccies of my precious grands. Hope you don't mind indulging me!
Here're my three darlings standing in front of the fireplace before heading off for the Christmas Eve service:
Here they are after church in their Christmas 'jammies':
Grandma trying her best to hold the "grands'" attention during the telling of the Christmas story:
My daughters (Kendra on my left; Krissi on my right) and me shopping at one of our local markets where they sell homemade cider and lots of other goodies.
Now that Christmas is behind us, it's time to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! May it be filled with blessings from above!
I love you ALL!
I hope you all had a FABULOUS Christmas. Let's share some of our traditions. How do you celebrate? When do you open gifts? Did any of you do something completely out of the ordinary this year? Do your kids/grands believe in Santa? What are some of your favorite Christmas foods?
Ever since Cec and I got married, we've been opening our gifts on Christmas Eve because Christmas morn was reserved for going up to both of our parents' houses. After our kids were born we continued the tradition, and to this day it's remained as such so our kids can have their personal Christmases in the morning and then go to their in-laws' houses after that. First, we attend the 5 o'clock Christmas Eve service, then we come home and read the Christmas story, then we fill our plates with snacks and goodies, and, finally, proceed with the gift-opening.
Christmas Day belongs just to Cecil and me, and we love it that way.
As for food, I LOVE chocolate! Gotta stock up on all the best chocolate treats.
Thought I'd share just a few piccies of my precious grands. Hope you don't mind indulging me!
Here're my three darlings standing in front of the fireplace before heading off for the Christmas Eve service:
Here they are after church in their Christmas 'jammies':
Grandma trying her best to hold the "grands'" attention during the telling of the Christmas story:
My daughters (Kendra on my left; Krissi on my right) and me shopping at one of our local markets where they sell homemade cider and lots of other goodies.
Now that Christmas is behind us, it's time to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! May it be filled with blessings from above!
I love you ALL!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
SOMEBODY KEYED MY CAR! I MEAN, WELL, READ ON!
I almost lost my CHRISTmas cheer today. I mean, it was a close one. I had several errands to run: a trip to the veterinarian, the bank, the grocery, Sam's Club, the dollar store, and my final stop, the UNITED STATES POST OFFICE, yours and my favorite place to visit this time of year, right?
I pulled my maroon colored Impala right in front of the P.O, found a perfect spot right by the door to park, nabbed my packages from the back seat, jumped out, hit the lock button, and headed across the street. The line, OF COURSE, was excessively long, but I put on my best Christmas smile despite everyone else's frowns. No one was stealing MY good cheer.
((Here's my car, by the way--'cause I was quite sure you'd want to see it!))
Things went amazingly well, and I was out the door in record time considering the line behind me had grown a half-mile. The first thing I noted when I hit the unlock button was the beep sound I made in the car behind me. It's true. I have this uncanny ability to make other horns honk when I use my keys--weird, I know. I once had to use my own key fob to stop some truck's alarm system! I HAVE POWERS, what can I say? (The people passing by were quite amazed I might add!)
Back to my story. The second thing I noticed on my maroon Chevy Impala was a HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE, NEVER BEFORE SEEN, deep, gouged line that went the length of my car, starting at the rear door, going up to the front fender, then circling back again. I ran my hand over it, thinking it would rub right out, but, nope, this was a true act of anger on someone's part. I'm talking the "somebody hates me" kind of rage. I gasped and immediately thought, "Who would do this in broad daylight? And right before Christmas? The meanies." Well, I got inside and sort of looked around. It "felt" kind of different in there, although I couldn't quite put my finger on why. For one thing, my chocolate sucker, which I'd left in the cup-holder was gone. Blast it all! The bums even took my sucker! It wasn't enough that they keyed my car? They had to reach in and take my milk-chocolate sucker--that cost me $2.25?
The next thing I noted was the blanket on the seat. What? Who's blanket is that? Then I turned around and saw a package on the back seat that wasn't mine. And THEN I remembered the beeping sound my key had made on the car behind me when I hit the UNLOCK button. EEEEE-GADS!!!!! I wasn't even in my own car!
I jumped out, made a mad dash for my own car, jumped in, started the engine, and sped away. Looking in my rearview mirror, I saw a young man walk across the road and climb into HIS maroon Impala.
Phew! No insurance calls today--and best, I still had my chocolate sucker. I've lost something, though, in relaying this story to you. Hmm. MY PRIDE. Oh well, I didn't have much to begin with anyway.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, DARLINGS, AND DON'T LET ANYONE STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS CHEER!
I love you all!
I almost lost my CHRISTmas cheer today. I mean, it was a close one. I had several errands to run: a trip to the veterinarian, the bank, the grocery, Sam's Club, the dollar store, and my final stop, the UNITED STATES POST OFFICE, yours and my favorite place to visit this time of year, right?
I pulled my maroon colored Impala right in front of the P.O, found a perfect spot right by the door to park, nabbed my packages from the back seat, jumped out, hit the lock button, and headed across the street. The line, OF COURSE, was excessively long, but I put on my best Christmas smile despite everyone else's frowns. No one was stealing MY good cheer.
((Here's my car, by the way--'cause I was quite sure you'd want to see it!))
Things went amazingly well, and I was out the door in record time considering the line behind me had grown a half-mile. The first thing I noted when I hit the unlock button was the beep sound I made in the car behind me. It's true. I have this uncanny ability to make other horns honk when I use my keys--weird, I know. I once had to use my own key fob to stop some truck's alarm system! I HAVE POWERS, what can I say? (The people passing by were quite amazed I might add!)
Back to my story. The second thing I noticed on my maroon Chevy Impala was a HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE, NEVER BEFORE SEEN, deep, gouged line that went the length of my car, starting at the rear door, going up to the front fender, then circling back again. I ran my hand over it, thinking it would rub right out, but, nope, this was a true act of anger on someone's part. I'm talking the "somebody hates me" kind of rage. I gasped and immediately thought, "Who would do this in broad daylight? And right before Christmas? The meanies." Well, I got inside and sort of looked around. It "felt" kind of different in there, although I couldn't quite put my finger on why. For one thing, my chocolate sucker, which I'd left in the cup-holder was gone. Blast it all! The bums even took my sucker! It wasn't enough that they keyed my car? They had to reach in and take my milk-chocolate sucker--that cost me $2.25?
The next thing I noted was the blanket on the seat. What? Who's blanket is that? Then I turned around and saw a package on the back seat that wasn't mine. And THEN I remembered the beeping sound my key had made on the car behind me when I hit the UNLOCK button. EEEEE-GADS!!!!! I wasn't even in my own car!
I jumped out, made a mad dash for my own car, jumped in, started the engine, and sped away. Looking in my rearview mirror, I saw a young man walk across the road and climb into HIS maroon Impala.
Phew! No insurance calls today--and best, I still had my chocolate sucker. I've lost something, though, in relaying this story to you. Hmm. MY PRIDE. Oh well, I didn't have much to begin with anyway.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, DARLINGS, AND DON'T LET ANYONE STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS CHEER!
I love you all!
Friday, December 18, 2009
It's Our 34th Anniversary!
WE'RE OFF TO SHIPSHEWANA, land of the Amish--where the food is old-fashioned and delectable, the shopping is fun, the people are warm and friendly, and the accommodations are down-home. It's a land where the sound of horses' hooves clip-clop up the street and the smells of homemade fudge and pretzels fill the air. Quaint shops line the streets where beautiful handwoven crafts like AMAZING quilts, dolls, jewelry, and other items hang or sit on display. You always come away wishing you'd brought more $$$. Christmas is an especially good time to go, as the streets are lit with an array of beautiful decorations. Not many Santas here, as Christ is fully emphasized--nor will you find anything open on Sundays. Truly, it's a land of old traditions and family fun.
Although Cecil has a bad, bad cold (slept in a recliner last night 'cause he couldn't stop coughing), he still wants to go. I told him he could lie in bed and watch TV, and I'll shop--which I'd be perfectly content doing, but I'm sure he'll want to tag along anyway.
There won't be as much snow there as here, so that will be a blessing, but it will be just as cold. (Glad I'm not Amish and riding in one of those horse drawn carriages with no engine-powered heaters.)
Have a beautiful weekend, everybody.
I love you all. (And now, here's just a tiny glimpse of Shipshewana, Indiana.)
WE'RE OFF TO SHIPSHEWANA, land of the Amish--where the food is old-fashioned and delectable, the shopping is fun, the people are warm and friendly, and the accommodations are down-home. It's a land where the sound of horses' hooves clip-clop up the street and the smells of homemade fudge and pretzels fill the air. Quaint shops line the streets where beautiful handwoven crafts like AMAZING quilts, dolls, jewelry, and other items hang or sit on display. You always come away wishing you'd brought more $$$. Christmas is an especially good time to go, as the streets are lit with an array of beautiful decorations. Not many Santas here, as Christ is fully emphasized--nor will you find anything open on Sundays. Truly, it's a land of old traditions and family fun.
Although Cecil has a bad, bad cold (slept in a recliner last night 'cause he couldn't stop coughing), he still wants to go. I told him he could lie in bed and watch TV, and I'll shop--which I'd be perfectly content doing, but I'm sure he'll want to tag along anyway.
There won't be as much snow there as here, so that will be a blessing, but it will be just as cold. (Glad I'm not Amish and riding in one of those horse drawn carriages with no engine-powered heaters.)
Have a beautiful weekend, everybody.
I love you all. (And now, here's just a tiny glimpse of Shipshewana, Indiana.)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Hey, Peeps! Check this out!
PREVAILING LOVE recently arrived on my doorstep. I pre-ordered my copy from Amazon, and it wasn't supposed to arrive till 2010, but it released early! This is a "3-in-1" book by Loree Lough, three wonderfully delicious, captivating books all wrapped up in one beautiful cover!
Loree Lough is one of my favorite authors. She writes stories filled to the brim with action, intrigue, and plenty of romance. Each story in Prevailing Love stands on its own and will keep you spellbound from start to finish! Don't miss out, my dear hearts! You will love these fantastic reads by award winning Loree Lough!
Order your copy TODAY!
PREVAILING LOVE recently arrived on my doorstep. I pre-ordered my copy from Amazon, and it wasn't supposed to arrive till 2010, but it released early! This is a "3-in-1" book by Loree Lough, three wonderfully delicious, captivating books all wrapped up in one beautiful cover!
Loree Lough is one of my favorite authors. She writes stories filled to the brim with action, intrigue, and plenty of romance. Each story in Prevailing Love stands on its own and will keep you spellbound from start to finish! Don't miss out, my dear hearts! You will love these fantastic reads by award winning Loree Lough!
Order your copy TODAY!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I've Been Known to Go A
Little Berserk!
Maybe you can't tell by this picture, but I have cut back on the gift buying this year. In the past, I've been known to go a little berserk in the gift-buying department. When it was just the four of us, I always got the girls anywhere from 15-20 presents each. But now with both girls married and three grands (so far), I can't possibly continue with that ridiculous, outlandish number of gifts, and besides, in this economy it's indulgent and excessive. So, I announced there'd be less this year--and it's been so much more enjoyable for me. Thankfully the kids agreed I'd taken this whole gift-giving thing to an extreme level, and it had to stop.
And I'm loving it. Last night I sorted gifts, making individual piles for everyone, switched on the TV to some Christmas specials, and watched and listened with a joyful, thankful heart. I had about 30 different rolls of Christmas paper, multitudes of ribbons and bows, and hundreds of pretty Christmas tags, a collection left over from previous years. I had so much fun making each and every gift unique, right down to the one-year-olds who won't care one hoot about the extreme care I took to wrap their gifts. But it won't matter because I did it out of a heart of love.
As I look at this beautiful "Christ" season, I am filled with such gratitude--gratitude that my children live nearby, that we all attend the same church and gather together most every week for Sunday dinner (how many can say that?); that my daughters married Christian men and that they're raising their children with the same values we instilled in them; that my beloved husband and I are about to celebrate our 34th anniversary (Dec. 20 to be exact); and that the things that truly count in life are the very things we enjoy--jobs, love, health, comfortable homes, plenty of food, wonderful friends, and a loving family. (I could go on and on.)
Here's the thing. Life is fleeting. In an instant, everything could change. But this one thing I know: God is ever constant and true. His love never fails.
Aren't you glad we have the assurance of an ever-present Savior, one who will never leave or forsake no matter what befalls? Count every single blessing you have while you still have it. That's what I'm doing this year.
And as I count my blessings, I count each of YOU as well. I love you all!
Little Berserk!
Maybe you can't tell by this picture, but I have cut back on the gift buying this year. In the past, I've been known to go a little berserk in the gift-buying department. When it was just the four of us, I always got the girls anywhere from 15-20 presents each. But now with both girls married and three grands (so far), I can't possibly continue with that ridiculous, outlandish number of gifts, and besides, in this economy it's indulgent and excessive. So, I announced there'd be less this year--and it's been so much more enjoyable for me. Thankfully the kids agreed I'd taken this whole gift-giving thing to an extreme level, and it had to stop.
And I'm loving it. Last night I sorted gifts, making individual piles for everyone, switched on the TV to some Christmas specials, and watched and listened with a joyful, thankful heart. I had about 30 different rolls of Christmas paper, multitudes of ribbons and bows, and hundreds of pretty Christmas tags, a collection left over from previous years. I had so much fun making each and every gift unique, right down to the one-year-olds who won't care one hoot about the extreme care I took to wrap their gifts. But it won't matter because I did it out of a heart of love.
As I look at this beautiful "Christ" season, I am filled with such gratitude--gratitude that my children live nearby, that we all attend the same church and gather together most every week for Sunday dinner (how many can say that?); that my daughters married Christian men and that they're raising their children with the same values we instilled in them; that my beloved husband and I are about to celebrate our 34th anniversary (Dec. 20 to be exact); and that the things that truly count in life are the very things we enjoy--jobs, love, health, comfortable homes, plenty of food, wonderful friends, and a loving family. (I could go on and on.)
Here's the thing. Life is fleeting. In an instant, everything could change. But this one thing I know: God is ever constant and true. His love never fails.
Aren't you glad we have the assurance of an ever-present Savior, one who will never leave or forsake no matter what befalls? Count every single blessing you have while you still have it. That's what I'm doing this year.
And as I count my blessings, I count each of YOU as well. I love you all!
Friday, November 20, 2009
A THOUSAND DOLLARS IN QUARTERS...
I heard something the other night that had an impact on me, but I don't remember the source, i.e. who said it, so forgive me for paraphrasing. In a nutshell, here's what I heard: Relinquishing your life to Christ can SOMETIMES mean dying for His cause, OR it can mean giving up your life in small, meaningful increments.
Think of your life as a one-thousand dollar bill. As a Christ-follower, you lay it on the table, symbolically, and say, "Here it is, Lord. This is yours. All of it. Take it now, every last bit of it." It's like saying, "Yeah, I'll die for You. Here I am, take me now. I am ready to die a martyr's death."
But, that would be the easy way out. Why? Because 99.9% of the time God says, "Take that thousand dollar bill to the bank and ask the clerk to give it back to you in quarters. Now, throughout your life show ME to the world. Pass out quarters here and there -- to those who need a helping hand. Remember that single mom who needs a night out. Offer to take her children. (There goes a quarter.) Visit the sick and the elderly and put your arms around the mentally or physically challenged (more quarters out the door). Be a friend to that fatherless boy, that motherless girl (more quarters...). Invite a widow or widower to supper, stop to help the beggar on the street, offer to house missionaries, write letters of encouragement, take time to listen to a stranger in need, make hospital visits, LEARN YOUR NEIGHBOR'S NAMES!. (Quarters, quarters, quarters...)
Our goal should be to come to the end of our journeys with empty pockets, having given completely of ourselves even as Christ gave to us.
Something to think about as we approach this beautiful season of thanks and gratitude to the One who first loved us!
I love you all--but God loves you MORE!
I heard something the other night that had an impact on me, but I don't remember the source, i.e. who said it, so forgive me for paraphrasing. In a nutshell, here's what I heard: Relinquishing your life to Christ can SOMETIMES mean dying for His cause, OR it can mean giving up your life in small, meaningful increments.
Think of your life as a one-thousand dollar bill. As a Christ-follower, you lay it on the table, symbolically, and say, "Here it is, Lord. This is yours. All of it. Take it now, every last bit of it." It's like saying, "Yeah, I'll die for You. Here I am, take me now. I am ready to die a martyr's death."
But, that would be the easy way out. Why? Because 99.9% of the time God says, "Take that thousand dollar bill to the bank and ask the clerk to give it back to you in quarters. Now, throughout your life show ME to the world. Pass out quarters here and there -- to those who need a helping hand. Remember that single mom who needs a night out. Offer to take her children. (There goes a quarter.) Visit the sick and the elderly and put your arms around the mentally or physically challenged (more quarters out the door). Be a friend to that fatherless boy, that motherless girl (more quarters...). Invite a widow or widower to supper, stop to help the beggar on the street, offer to house missionaries, write letters of encouragement, take time to listen to a stranger in need, make hospital visits, LEARN YOUR NEIGHBOR'S NAMES!. (Quarters, quarters, quarters...)
Our goal should be to come to the end of our journeys with empty pockets, having given completely of ourselves even as Christ gave to us.
Something to think about as we approach this beautiful season of thanks and gratitude to the One who first loved us!
I love you all--but God loves you MORE!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
I AM LIKE THE ALWAYS - PREGNANT LADY!
Glory, Glory, HALLELUJAH! Another one leaves the nest. Now I await word from my editor. Did this "mother" do a good enough job of preparing Abbie Ann for the world?
Pushing out a baby is hard work, but I tell you, I'm like the woman who LOVES to be pregnant! It can be sheer agony, painful, wearisome, frustrating, and exhausting, BUT the joys of giving birth to a brand spanking new "baby" far outweigh the struggles it takes to get there! I look in the mirror and I think, yep! I'm a writer, and I'm going to have another "baby" soon, and it's good, and I can hardly wait to get going on my next one! Am I sick or what?
This "at last" completed series, The Daughters of Jacob Kane, took place in the fictional town of Sandy Shores, Michigan (actual setting: Grand Haven). My next series, "River of Hope", has a 1925 Wabash, Indiana setting. So, it's "GOODBYE, SANDY SHORES; HELLO, WABASH!"
As a refresher, here is the cover of Abbie Ann If you go to Amazon.com you will see that "she" is already up for pre-order! (Or you can just click on the cover right here on my profile page!) RELEASE DATE: APRIL 2010
I LOVE YOU ALL!
SYNOPSIS: Abbie Ann Kane, the youngest of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is a busy woman. Between running the Whatnot, the family's general store, being active in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and assisting the elderly citizens of Sandy Shores, Michigan, she has little time for frivolous matters. And those include matters of the heart. When the recently divorced Noah Carson comes to town with son Toby in tow to pursue a shipbuilding business, Abbie Ann tries to keep her distance. But God has other plans in mind...
Glory, Glory, HALLELUJAH! Another one leaves the nest. Now I await word from my editor. Did this "mother" do a good enough job of preparing Abbie Ann for the world?
Pushing out a baby is hard work, but I tell you, I'm like the woman who LOVES to be pregnant! It can be sheer agony, painful, wearisome, frustrating, and exhausting, BUT the joys of giving birth to a brand spanking new "baby" far outweigh the struggles it takes to get there! I look in the mirror and I think, yep! I'm a writer, and I'm going to have another "baby" soon, and it's good, and I can hardly wait to get going on my next one! Am I sick or what?
This "at last" completed series, The Daughters of Jacob Kane, took place in the fictional town of Sandy Shores, Michigan (actual setting: Grand Haven). My next series, "River of Hope", has a 1925 Wabash, Indiana setting. So, it's "GOODBYE, SANDY SHORES; HELLO, WABASH!"
As a refresher, here is the cover of Abbie Ann If you go to Amazon.com you will see that "she" is already up for pre-order! (Or you can just click on the cover right here on my profile page!) RELEASE DATE: APRIL 2010
I LOVE YOU ALL!
SYNOPSIS: Abbie Ann Kane, the youngest of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is a busy woman. Between running the Whatnot, the family's general store, being active in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and assisting the elderly citizens of Sandy Shores, Michigan, she has little time for frivolous matters. And those include matters of the heart. When the recently divorced Noah Carson comes to town with son Toby in tow to pursue a shipbuilding business, Abbie Ann tries to keep her distance. But God has other plans in mind...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"THE PRICE OF GAS IN FRANCE":
A THIEF IN PARIS PLANNED TO STEAL SOME PAINTINGS FROM THE LOUVRE.
AFTER CAREFUL PLANNING, HE GOT PAST SECURITY, STOLE THE PAINTINGS, AND MADE IT SAFELY TO HIS VAN.
HOWEVER, HE WAS CAPTURED ONLY TWO BLOCKS AWAY WHEN HIS VAN RAN OUT OF GAS.
WHEN ASKED HOW HE COULD MASTERMIND SUCH A CRIME AND THEN MAKE SUCH AN OBVIOUS ERROR, HE REPLIED, "MONSIEUR, DAT IS DEE REASON I STOLE DEE PAINTINGS."
"I HAD NO MONET
TO BUY DEGAS
TO MAKE DEE VAN GOGH."
SEE IF YOU HAVE DE GAULLE TO SHOW DIS TO SOMEONE ELSE.
I POST DIS TO YOU BECAUSE I FIGURED I HAD NUTTING 'TOULOUSE'!
(clearing throat...Dis eez goot, no?)
I LOVE YOU ALL!
A THIEF IN PARIS PLANNED TO STEAL SOME PAINTINGS FROM THE LOUVRE.
AFTER CAREFUL PLANNING, HE GOT PAST SECURITY, STOLE THE PAINTINGS, AND MADE IT SAFELY TO HIS VAN.
HOWEVER, HE WAS CAPTURED ONLY TWO BLOCKS AWAY WHEN HIS VAN RAN OUT OF GAS.
WHEN ASKED HOW HE COULD MASTERMIND SUCH A CRIME AND THEN MAKE SUCH AN OBVIOUS ERROR, HE REPLIED, "MONSIEUR, DAT IS DEE REASON I STOLE DEE PAINTINGS."
"I HAD NO MONET
TO BUY DEGAS
TO MAKE DEE VAN GOGH."
SEE IF YOU HAVE DE GAULLE TO SHOW DIS TO SOMEONE ELSE.
I POST DIS TO YOU BECAUSE I FIGURED I HAD NUTTING 'TOULOUSE'!
(clearing throat...Dis eez goot, no?)
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Monday, November 09, 2009
Want to Watch My Mug on Canadian TV?
I mean it is probably the LAST last thing you feel like doing, actually, watching me talk on some TV show, but just in case I'm wrong...hm...I did a segment for a cool television show in Canada called It's a New Day! Wonderful interview, really, very professionally done and fun to watch. To be truthful, I did the interview about a month or more ago, and because the interviewer fired questions at me so fast, I barely remember any of it. I'm watching it and thinking, hm, I wonder how I answered that question. (haha)
Anyway...here's the link in case you want to watch it. I can't PROMISE the link will work, but here's hoping.
SIMPLY CLICK HERE!
P.S. You may have to wait a few minutes for the video to actually load. It took me a while to catch onto that.
I LOVE YOU ALL!
I mean it is probably the LAST last thing you feel like doing, actually, watching me talk on some TV show, but just in case I'm wrong...hm...I did a segment for a cool television show in Canada called It's a New Day! Wonderful interview, really, very professionally done and fun to watch. To be truthful, I did the interview about a month or more ago, and because the interviewer fired questions at me so fast, I barely remember any of it. I'm watching it and thinking, hm, I wonder how I answered that question. (haha)
Anyway...here's the link in case you want to watch it. I can't PROMISE the link will work, but here's hoping.
SIMPLY CLICK HERE!
P.S. You may have to wait a few minutes for the video to actually load. It took me a while to catch onto that.
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Sunday, November 01, 2009
I AM MOURNING!
Yes, I am mourning. Deeply. But not in the way you might think--praise God. No, my mourning is probably what you'd term shallow and insignificant in light of the bigger scope of things because, you see, it involves my stomach and taste buds. Here's the thing...it is the end of another season. Concord grape season, that is, and I'm sad. I never get enough of those delicate, juicy, straight-off-the-vine, deep purple, seedy, candy-like treats! I mean, really, just look at them, would you...
The beauty of them is that you can walk right up to the vine, pull off a marvelous, untouched cluster, and pop them straight into your mouth! I am sad to say I don't have a vine in my backyard, but my friend does, and this year he dropped off bags and bags of them, hanging the plastic grocery sacks on my doorknob--at first anonymously until I caught him in the act one time. ha!
I ate every last one, too, because the season is so short and you have to wait a full year to experience their savory sweetness again. I suppose if the season went on forever, as several other variety of grapes do, I wouldn't be so hooked, but then again it might be all I'd ever eat, and in the end I'd pay. (Umm, no pun intended in that last sentence. ha!)
There is really no point to this blog other than I needed a break from my other writing, the manuscript which is due on November 15. Yow! Do you know what a strange feeling it is to look on Amazon and find you have a book already on pre-order that isn't even finished yet? Yikes-Bikes!!! Back at it. (I have to go kill somebody, ur...in my manuscript, that is!)
I love you all!
Yes, I am mourning. Deeply. But not in the way you might think--praise God. No, my mourning is probably what you'd term shallow and insignificant in light of the bigger scope of things because, you see, it involves my stomach and taste buds. Here's the thing...it is the end of another season. Concord grape season, that is, and I'm sad. I never get enough of those delicate, juicy, straight-off-the-vine, deep purple, seedy, candy-like treats! I mean, really, just look at them, would you...
The beauty of them is that you can walk right up to the vine, pull off a marvelous, untouched cluster, and pop them straight into your mouth! I am sad to say I don't have a vine in my backyard, but my friend does, and this year he dropped off bags and bags of them, hanging the plastic grocery sacks on my doorknob--at first anonymously until I caught him in the act one time. ha!
I ate every last one, too, because the season is so short and you have to wait a full year to experience their savory sweetness again. I suppose if the season went on forever, as several other variety of grapes do, I wouldn't be so hooked, but then again it might be all I'd ever eat, and in the end I'd pay. (Umm, no pun intended in that last sentence. ha!)
There is really no point to this blog other than I needed a break from my other writing, the manuscript which is due on November 15. Yow! Do you know what a strange feeling it is to look on Amazon and find you have a book already on pre-order that isn't even finished yet? Yikes-Bikes!!! Back at it. (I have to go kill somebody, ur...in my manuscript, that is!)
I love you all!
Monday, October 26, 2009
My Brother-in-Law, the Amazing ARTIST!!!
Dearest friends, you simply must click on this site and view my talented bro-in-law's latest venture, designing and creating from scratch, these beautiful coasters. Yes, coasters! Not ordinary ones, though. Check them out by clicking HERE!
ORDER YOURS TODAY!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Dearest friends, you simply must click on this site and view my talented bro-in-law's latest venture, designing and creating from scratch, these beautiful coasters. Yes, coasters! Not ordinary ones, though. Check them out by clicking HERE!
ORDER YOURS TODAY!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE TRUE BENEFITS TO GETTING OLD? I'm serious! And if you don't believe me, then read this list of PROS. Well, okay, in some cases they're not pros -- they're telltale signs...
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation, you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run -- anywhere!
4. People call at 9 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy won't wear out.
8. You can eat supper at 4 p.m.
9. You can live without, um, 'you know what', but you can't survive without your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
17.. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
And you notice these are all in big print for my "older readers'" convenience. (teehee)
****I love you all! I really do!****
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation, you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run -- anywhere!
4. People call at 9 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy won't wear out.
8. You can eat supper at 4 p.m.
9. You can live without, um, 'you know what', but you can't survive without your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
17.. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
And you notice these are all in big print for my "older readers'" convenience. (teehee)
****I love you all! I really do!****
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
EVER TRIED TO OPEN A FAIRY CARRIAGE?
Well, let me tell you, it's not easy! First of all they are wired shut from every which direction, starting with the wheels, then the doors, and then the roof. Even the fairy, yep, sealed off, impossible to get at--unless you happen to have a crowbar--or very strong acrylic nails such as I have!
What am I talking about, you ask?
THIS!!!
It's a Fisher Price Fairy Carriage for children 12-36 months, in other words, a toy for babies.
Okay, I have one question. WHY DO THEY HAVE TO MAKE CHILDREN'S TOYS SO HARD TO GET AT? CAN I GET AN AMEN? I can understand why they put high security on things such as CDs, DVDs, electronic instruments, cameras, etc. I'm sure the retail industry has had its fair share of thievery in these departments. But come on, how many one-year-olds do you know that are going to walk up to a big boxed toy, pick it up, carry it down the aisle, and proceed to walk out the door with it? Besides that, they'd NEVER in a million years be able to play with it even if they did manage that impossible feat because they'd NEVER GET IT OUT OF THE BOX!!!!
Okay -- this is Thursday, baby-sitting day for Gavin, my one-year-old grandboy. (No, I did not buy the fairy carriage for him.) You remember my blog about the "burn circle" on my counter and how I tried to blame him for my absentmindedness in laying a hot skillet on the countertop? Well, TODAY I decided it might be good to get out of the house, go shopping, do things that wouldn't require my having to file an insurance claim. SOOOO, we went to Target. And, of course, when you have your grandchild with you, you absolutely MUST drive down the toy aisles, right? He pointed at everything because that was what he wanted Grandma to put in the cart. But I picked just one of things he pointed at -- a TRUCK, of course. But then I thought about my grandgirl, so we went to the "pink" aisle. And that's how I happened upon the fairy carriage.
Well, we got back home, sat down on the floor, Gavin beside me, and proceeded to rip, pry, cut, slice, and chip at the cardboard package holding the truck. THEN I had to turn the thing over and begin the process of unwinding one wire after another, each wrapped around wheels and everything imaginable. (I tell you, a stand-up comedian could have a heyday with this one.) In his impatience to get at his brand new toy, Gavin started screaming, and I started trying to reason with him. "See this wire?" I said. "We need to unwind it from this, and then we need to unwind it from that, and then we have to move to the next wire--and the next--and the next. And then in about one year, after I finally get it out of the box, you can play with your toy. How's that?"
Okay, so that process took a good 6 or 7 minutes, although I didn't actually time it.
While he played with his brand new truck, which incidentally did not move forward as it was supposed to (I refuse to take it back to the store, though, because that would mean I would have to open another one!!!), decided to unwrap Lexi's toy and time exactly how long it took me to free the little carriage, fairy, basket of fruit, and flower stem from its cardboard PRISON. So, armed with heavy-duty kitchen sheers and my acrylic nails, I started the job at exactly 3:55. I worked as fast as I could unwinding wires from these little plastic dohickees, pulling, and prying. I even cut my finger under the nail till it bled while trying to get a piece of plastic off the little fruit basket. OUCH! Do you know what time it was by the time I finally finished unwrapping this $15 toy? SEVEN minutes after FOUR -- which means it took me 12 stinkin' minutes to do the job! WHAT IN THE WORLD? Is this really necessary?
I'm tempted to send this blog to the Fisher Price Company and ask their opinion on the matter. What do you think? Anybody else ever run into this problem? Granted, my hubby would probably have made faster work of removing the toy, but I dare say the majority of people removing these things are moms and grandmas.
How 'bout we organize a march on Washington, DC? (haha) Wrong place? Well, okay then, what's say we all meet in Fisher Price's parking lot, say, sometime before Christmas?
Well, let me tell you, it's not easy! First of all they are wired shut from every which direction, starting with the wheels, then the doors, and then the roof. Even the fairy, yep, sealed off, impossible to get at--unless you happen to have a crowbar--or very strong acrylic nails such as I have!
What am I talking about, you ask?
THIS!!!
It's a Fisher Price Fairy Carriage for children 12-36 months, in other words, a toy for babies.
Okay, I have one question. WHY DO THEY HAVE TO MAKE CHILDREN'S TOYS SO HARD TO GET AT? CAN I GET AN AMEN? I can understand why they put high security on things such as CDs, DVDs, electronic instruments, cameras, etc. I'm sure the retail industry has had its fair share of thievery in these departments. But come on, how many one-year-olds do you know that are going to walk up to a big boxed toy, pick it up, carry it down the aisle, and proceed to walk out the door with it? Besides that, they'd NEVER in a million years be able to play with it even if they did manage that impossible feat because they'd NEVER GET IT OUT OF THE BOX!!!!
Okay -- this is Thursday, baby-sitting day for Gavin, my one-year-old grandboy. (No, I did not buy the fairy carriage for him.) You remember my blog about the "burn circle" on my counter and how I tried to blame him for my absentmindedness in laying a hot skillet on the countertop? Well, TODAY I decided it might be good to get out of the house, go shopping, do things that wouldn't require my having to file an insurance claim. SOOOO, we went to Target. And, of course, when you have your grandchild with you, you absolutely MUST drive down the toy aisles, right? He pointed at everything because that was what he wanted Grandma to put in the cart. But I picked just one of things he pointed at -- a TRUCK, of course. But then I thought about my grandgirl, so we went to the "pink" aisle. And that's how I happened upon the fairy carriage.
Well, we got back home, sat down on the floor, Gavin beside me, and proceeded to rip, pry, cut, slice, and chip at the cardboard package holding the truck. THEN I had to turn the thing over and begin the process of unwinding one wire after another, each wrapped around wheels and everything imaginable. (I tell you, a stand-up comedian could have a heyday with this one.) In his impatience to get at his brand new toy, Gavin started screaming, and I started trying to reason with him. "See this wire?" I said. "We need to unwind it from this, and then we need to unwind it from that, and then we have to move to the next wire--and the next--and the next. And then in about one year, after I finally get it out of the box, you can play with your toy. How's that?"
Okay, so that process took a good 6 or 7 minutes, although I didn't actually time it.
While he played with his brand new truck, which incidentally did not move forward as it was supposed to (I refuse to take it back to the store, though, because that would mean I would have to open another one!!!), decided to unwrap Lexi's toy and time exactly how long it took me to free the little carriage, fairy, basket of fruit, and flower stem from its cardboard PRISON. So, armed with heavy-duty kitchen sheers and my acrylic nails, I started the job at exactly 3:55. I worked as fast as I could unwinding wires from these little plastic dohickees, pulling, and prying. I even cut my finger under the nail till it bled while trying to get a piece of plastic off the little fruit basket. OUCH! Do you know what time it was by the time I finally finished unwrapping this $15 toy? SEVEN minutes after FOUR -- which means it took me 12 stinkin' minutes to do the job! WHAT IN THE WORLD? Is this really necessary?
I'm tempted to send this blog to the Fisher Price Company and ask their opinion on the matter. What do you think? Anybody else ever run into this problem? Granted, my hubby would probably have made faster work of removing the toy, but I dare say the majority of people removing these things are moms and grandmas.
How 'bout we organize a march on Washington, DC? (haha) Wrong place? Well, okay then, what's say we all meet in Fisher Price's parking lot, say, sometime before Christmas?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
ME AND MY FROZEN BRAIN!!!
SEE THIS?
It is called a 'burn circle'. Isn't it pretty? I thought so too. Not. It is on my countertop right next to my stove, and it is there because I had something termed, well, brain freeze. Yes, that sums it up nicely. Read on to hear my tale of woe....UNLESS, of course, you can't bear drama, in which case you might want to click your 'back' button NOW.
I babysit my one-year-old grandson once a week, so you can start picturing the fun any time now. I was standing at the stove at 8 a.m. this past Thursday making him pancakes when from behind I heard a great shout of joy and utter exuberance. I glanced around only to discover the little doohickie on his sippy cup had come loose, making it very easy for him to splash his milk in every which direction, which in my case meant all over the floor and cabinet doors. Milk. EVERYWHERE. (Are you envisioning?) Well, the pancakes were done to sort of a burnt stage, and in my haste to clean up the disaster behind me I picked up the hot skillet and laid it on my countertop. (WHY DID I DO THAT? I told you - brain freeze.) Well, I reached for the paper towel and proceeded to clean the mess when the pancake smell intensified. OH, CRAP! (I can say that because my pastor sometimes says it in his sermons!) I jumped up and moved the skillet back to a cool burner, and that's when I saw the "ring". Quick as a lightning bolt I reached for the scouring powder, the 409, the bleach, anything, until I realized the futility in that when I felt the raised bubbles. Ohhhhh. "Gavin!" I said, looking at my one-year-old grand. "Look what you've done." He laughed as if I'd just tickled his tummy.
What I did next, after cleaning up the milk, was go to the phone to call my hubby. I needed to hear his words of..."Don't worry, honey, it was an accident." Foolish, living-in-a-bubble me. What I heard instead was, "You did what?" Then, "Honeeeeeeeeey, what were you thinking?" AND IN A NOT-SO-UNDERSTANDING TONE, either. Ugh.
"Do you think the insurance will cover it?" I asked.
Snide chuckling on the other end. "Uh. No."
"Isn't it worth a try?"
"I guess I could call them and say, 'Guess what my wife did. Will you cover it? No? Okay. Thanks anyway. Bye.'" He is already dealing with the insurance company and waiting for our agent to call back on some roof issues as a result of a bad storm. (Which also ruined part of our ceiling.) So, okay, I understood his being hesitant to bring up yet another claim, but couldn't he at least give it a shot? Nope. (Uh, also bear in mind he has been married to me for almost 34 years, so sometimes his patience tends to run a little thin, as I'm prone to doing things without thinking. Need I say more?)
"Give me the number. I'll call them," I said.
"No, I'll do it," he said in a relenting voice.
"How are you going to say it?" I asked.
"What? I'll just tell them what you just told me."
"You're going to make me sound stupid. Give me the phone number." At this point, I think he has the number memorized.
"All right, all right." He gave me the number.
Well, let me tell you, I happen to be very good with insurance agents, and I didn't even know I had that talent! I got a very nice, understanding, motherly type on the other end, and in my best storytelling voice I relayed exactly what happened.
"Oh, my goodness," she said. "Is your grandson all right? That's the important thing." I assured her he was absolutely fine even as I watched him try to figure out the nozzle on my Pledge Dusting Spray. "Well, let's start the claim process," she said. "That would fall under, hmm, fire."
"It would?"
"Yes. Here's your claim number. Do you have a pen and paper handy?"
And so it went. You cannot imagine how excited I was to call my husband and say, "Na-na-na-na-na-naaa." Just kidding, of course. (But, I did say it in my head.)
Incidentally, he's still waiting for a return call from the agent regarding the roof and ceiling situation and getting the royal runaround. In the meantime, I've already picked out my new Formica countertop!
I think it's all in the voice, don't you?
***Okay, I do have a bit of a confession to make in the midst of all this. The adjuster called me the next day to inform me they would only cover the cost of the damaged section. Huh? Which meant I had to try to match up my 12-year-old laminate? This is where hubby is G-O-O-O-O-D! He very politely called him back and said, "Uh, no. We've been given a claim number, instructed to obtain a full estimate, and you WILL replace all the countertop." Guess what...they ARE replacing everything, including island and telephone desk. So, like I said -- it's all in the voice.
And, no, you cannot babysit my grandson. I may need him next week to file another insurance claim!
--------------------------------------------------------------
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
SEE THIS?
It is called a 'burn circle'. Isn't it pretty? I thought so too. Not. It is on my countertop right next to my stove, and it is there because I had something termed, well, brain freeze. Yes, that sums it up nicely. Read on to hear my tale of woe....UNLESS, of course, you can't bear drama, in which case you might want to click your 'back' button NOW.
I babysit my one-year-old grandson once a week, so you can start picturing the fun any time now. I was standing at the stove at 8 a.m. this past Thursday making him pancakes when from behind I heard a great shout of joy and utter exuberance. I glanced around only to discover the little doohickie on his sippy cup had come loose, making it very easy for him to splash his milk in every which direction, which in my case meant all over the floor and cabinet doors. Milk. EVERYWHERE. (Are you envisioning?) Well, the pancakes were done to sort of a burnt stage, and in my haste to clean up the disaster behind me I picked up the hot skillet and laid it on my countertop. (WHY DID I DO THAT? I told you - brain freeze.) Well, I reached for the paper towel and proceeded to clean the mess when the pancake smell intensified. OH, CRAP! (I can say that because my pastor sometimes says it in his sermons!) I jumped up and moved the skillet back to a cool burner, and that's when I saw the "ring". Quick as a lightning bolt I reached for the scouring powder, the 409, the bleach, anything, until I realized the futility in that when I felt the raised bubbles. Ohhhhh. "Gavin!" I said, looking at my one-year-old grand. "Look what you've done." He laughed as if I'd just tickled his tummy.
What I did next, after cleaning up the milk, was go to the phone to call my hubby. I needed to hear his words of..."Don't worry, honey, it was an accident." Foolish, living-in-a-bubble me. What I heard instead was, "You did what?" Then, "Honeeeeeeeeey, what were you thinking?" AND IN A NOT-SO-UNDERSTANDING TONE, either. Ugh.
"Do you think the insurance will cover it?" I asked.
Snide chuckling on the other end. "Uh. No."
"Isn't it worth a try?"
"I guess I could call them and say, 'Guess what my wife did. Will you cover it? No? Okay. Thanks anyway. Bye.'" He is already dealing with the insurance company and waiting for our agent to call back on some roof issues as a result of a bad storm. (Which also ruined part of our ceiling.) So, okay, I understood his being hesitant to bring up yet another claim, but couldn't he at least give it a shot? Nope. (Uh, also bear in mind he has been married to me for almost 34 years, so sometimes his patience tends to run a little thin, as I'm prone to doing things without thinking. Need I say more?)
"Give me the number. I'll call them," I said.
"No, I'll do it," he said in a relenting voice.
"How are you going to say it?" I asked.
"What? I'll just tell them what you just told me."
"You're going to make me sound stupid. Give me the phone number." At this point, I think he has the number memorized.
"All right, all right." He gave me the number.
Well, let me tell you, I happen to be very good with insurance agents, and I didn't even know I had that talent! I got a very nice, understanding, motherly type on the other end, and in my best storytelling voice I relayed exactly what happened.
"Oh, my goodness," she said. "Is your grandson all right? That's the important thing." I assured her he was absolutely fine even as I watched him try to figure out the nozzle on my Pledge Dusting Spray. "Well, let's start the claim process," she said. "That would fall under, hmm, fire."
"It would?"
"Yes. Here's your claim number. Do you have a pen and paper handy?"
And so it went. You cannot imagine how excited I was to call my husband and say, "Na-na-na-na-na-naaa." Just kidding, of course. (But, I did say it in my head.)
Incidentally, he's still waiting for a return call from the agent regarding the roof and ceiling situation and getting the royal runaround. In the meantime, I've already picked out my new Formica countertop!
I think it's all in the voice, don't you?
***Okay, I do have a bit of a confession to make in the midst of all this. The adjuster called me the next day to inform me they would only cover the cost of the damaged section. Huh? Which meant I had to try to match up my 12-year-old laminate? This is where hubby is G-O-O-O-O-D! He very politely called him back and said, "Uh, no. We've been given a claim number, instructed to obtain a full estimate, and you WILL replace all the countertop." Guess what...they ARE replacing everything, including island and telephone desk. So, like I said -- it's all in the voice.
And, no, you cannot babysit my grandson. I may need him next week to file another insurance claim!
--------------------------------------------------------------
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
THIS WAS A BLAST!
I LOVE book-signings because they give me the perfect opportunity to meet my darling readers, connect with old friends and family, and introduce myself to people I've never met. I hate when they look at me in awe, though, as if I were actually somebody other than plain ol' ordinary me! I am not good at sitting on pedestals. I fall off easily.
I love being a part of God's precious family. We are all brothers and sisters in the Lord. Isn't it positively INCREDIBLE to even think about? I have more than 5000 "friends" over at a WONDERFUL social network known as SHOUTLIFE! (Check it out sometime if you haven't already, and bring all your friends!). I also have more than 700 Facebook friends. I know, I know--it seems excessive because I can't possibly connect with all of them. But here's my philosophy on that: I figure the bigger the number the greater my opportunity to cross paths with someone who might need a word of encouragement or a prayer lifted up to the Father on his/her behalf. You would not believe the marvelous friends I have made ONLINE, one of which Cecil, my hubby, and I visited in England last year. She is one of my very dearest friends TODAY, and all because God orchestrated our meeting each other on SHOUTLIFE! SO...if you have a need for which you'd like some extra prayer, please feel free to ask me to lift a prayer up for you. It would be my HONOR.
And now -- ta-dah! -- Here I am just before a recent book-signing at Family Christian Stores! CLICK on photo to enlarge if you like! (And then you can see my wrinkles better!!!)
I LOVE book-signings because they give me the perfect opportunity to meet my darling readers, connect with old friends and family, and introduce myself to people I've never met. I hate when they look at me in awe, though, as if I were actually somebody other than plain ol' ordinary me! I am not good at sitting on pedestals. I fall off easily.
I love being a part of God's precious family. We are all brothers and sisters in the Lord. Isn't it positively INCREDIBLE to even think about? I have more than 5000 "friends" over at a WONDERFUL social network known as SHOUTLIFE! (Check it out sometime if you haven't already, and bring all your friends!). I also have more than 700 Facebook friends. I know, I know--it seems excessive because I can't possibly connect with all of them. But here's my philosophy on that: I figure the bigger the number the greater my opportunity to cross paths with someone who might need a word of encouragement or a prayer lifted up to the Father on his/her behalf. You would not believe the marvelous friends I have made ONLINE, one of which Cecil, my hubby, and I visited in England last year. She is one of my very dearest friends TODAY, and all because God orchestrated our meeting each other on SHOUTLIFE! SO...if you have a need for which you'd like some extra prayer, please feel free to ask me to lift a prayer up for you. It would be my HONOR.
And now -- ta-dah! -- Here I am just before a recent book-signing at Family Christian Stores! CLICK on photo to enlarge if you like! (And then you can see my wrinkles better!!!)
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
"The Premier Christian Fiction Conference"
STANDING FIRM...MOVING FORWARD
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)
DENVER, COLORADO SEPTEMBER 17 - 20, 2009
Bestselling authors, publishing industry representatives, and newcomers to Christian fiction writing will gather in Denver at the American Christian Fiction Writer’s annual conference September 17-20 to compare notes, learn from each other, and encourage one another in the pursuit of publishing goals.
This year’s conference theme , Standing Firm…Moving Forward, will especially inspire the full range of talent and dreams in the ever-changing publishing world today.
This amazing conference will feature representatives from major publishing houses like B & H, Guideposts, Zondervan, Harvest House, Barbour, Steeple Hill, Summerside Press, Bethany House, Waterbrook Multnomah, Marcher Lord Press, Tyndale House, and Thomas Nelson, and top literary agents who will meet with writers and identify promising proposals from both new and veteran novelists. Conferees will have access to publishing panels, professional critiques, and customized workshops based on skills and interests.
The keynote speaker is New York Times bestselling author, Debbie Macomber, who has more than 100 million copies of her books in print worldwide.
To learn more about the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference, visit: www(dot)acfw(dot)com.
STANDING FIRM...MOVING FORWARD
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)
DENVER, COLORADO SEPTEMBER 17 - 20, 2009
Bestselling authors, publishing industry representatives, and newcomers to Christian fiction writing will gather in Denver at the American Christian Fiction Writer’s annual conference September 17-20 to compare notes, learn from each other, and encourage one another in the pursuit of publishing goals.
This year’s conference theme , Standing Firm…Moving Forward, will especially inspire the full range of talent and dreams in the ever-changing publishing world today.
This amazing conference will feature representatives from major publishing houses like B & H, Guideposts, Zondervan, Harvest House, Barbour, Steeple Hill, Summerside Press, Bethany House, Waterbrook Multnomah, Marcher Lord Press, Tyndale House, and Thomas Nelson, and top literary agents who will meet with writers and identify promising proposals from both new and veteran novelists. Conferees will have access to publishing panels, professional critiques, and customized workshops based on skills and interests.
The keynote speaker is New York Times bestselling author, Debbie Macomber, who has more than 100 million copies of her books in print worldwide.
To learn more about the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference, visit: www(dot)acfw(dot)com.
Monday, August 31, 2009
ROCKY MOUNTAIN OASIS By Lynnette Bonner
My dear friends, Lynnette Bonner has a book releasing soon titled ROCKY MOUNTAIN OASIS.
I have asked her to blog about it at MY blog. Cool, eh?
So, kick back, enjoy, and even click on the link she provides in order to read a sampling of what's inside this excellent romantic fiction rife with adventure and action, set in the late 1800s, my favorite era!
First, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Shar for hosting me today. She has a heart of gold and I'm benefitting from it. Thanks so much, Shar!
My son was about 7 years old and every night he would listen to the Bible on tape while lying in bed. One day, as we were driving home together from an appointment, he asked, "Mom? Did Jesus really say he would make Peter a fisher of men instead of a fisher of fish?"
"Yes," I said. And I went on to explain what Jesus meant by that statement. That Peter would tell others about Jesus, how He had come to earth and died for their sins. That Peter would now encourage people to live free from sin instead of being a fisherman.
"Oh." My son was silent for a long beat as he thought over what I'd explained. Finally he asked, "So Peter wasn't hookin' scuba divers or anything like that?"
I laughed, but that story has stuck with me through the years. The Lord keeps bringing it to mind and I ask myself, "Have you hooked any scuba divers, lately? Do you even have a hook in the water?" Let's face it; fishing for people is hard work! But, as writers we have the opportunity to reach people far beyond our normal circle of influence. Jesus often used story to capture the attention of his "fish," because fiction can pack a powerful message.
It is my sincere prayer that the message in my book, Rocky Mountain Oasis, will touch lives for the Kingdom. While I hope the story will engage and be enjoyable, I pray it will go beyond mere entertainment, and I'm looking forward to seeing what God will do with it.
Below is a little taste of what the book is about. You can click on the "excerpt" link to read the first few chapters. And don't forget to leave a comment because I'm going to give away one electronic copy to a lucky winner, ONE WEEK from today, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8!
SYNOPSIS:
She's been living in a desert all her life.
Suddenly she's come upon an oasis.
But is it just a mirage?
Idaho Territory, 1885
Brooke Marie Baker, eighteen, has been sent west as a mail-order bride. As the stage nears Greer's Ferry, where she is to meet the man she's pledged to marry, she tries to swallow the lump of nervousness in her throat. Can it be any worse than living with Uncle Jackson?or Hank? she wonders. All men are the same, aren't they? But with her parents and sister dead, she has no choice.
Sky Jordan, a rancher, holds a single, yellow daisy in his hand as he watches the ferry cross the river. Ever since he'd found out his surly cousin, Jason, had sent for a mail-order bride, his mind and heart had been ill at ease. No woman deserves to be left with the likes of Jason. But now he questions his own plans to claim the bride for himself. Why am I drawn to this woman I don't even know?
A wounded heart. Desperate choices. Unfathomable love.
Set in the adventure and danger of the Wild West.
To view a picture of Lynnette, hear more about her, and to read an excerpt of her book, clickHERE!
My dear friends, Lynnette Bonner has a book releasing soon titled ROCKY MOUNTAIN OASIS.
I have asked her to blog about it at MY blog. Cool, eh?
So, kick back, enjoy, and even click on the link she provides in order to read a sampling of what's inside this excellent romantic fiction rife with adventure and action, set in the late 1800s, my favorite era!
First, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Shar for hosting me today. She has a heart of gold and I'm benefitting from it. Thanks so much, Shar!
My son was about 7 years old and every night he would listen to the Bible on tape while lying in bed. One day, as we were driving home together from an appointment, he asked, "Mom? Did Jesus really say he would make Peter a fisher of men instead of a fisher of fish?"
"Yes," I said. And I went on to explain what Jesus meant by that statement. That Peter would tell others about Jesus, how He had come to earth and died for their sins. That Peter would now encourage people to live free from sin instead of being a fisherman.
"Oh." My son was silent for a long beat as he thought over what I'd explained. Finally he asked, "So Peter wasn't hookin' scuba divers or anything like that?"
I laughed, but that story has stuck with me through the years. The Lord keeps bringing it to mind and I ask myself, "Have you hooked any scuba divers, lately? Do you even have a hook in the water?" Let's face it; fishing for people is hard work! But, as writers we have the opportunity to reach people far beyond our normal circle of influence. Jesus often used story to capture the attention of his "fish," because fiction can pack a powerful message.
It is my sincere prayer that the message in my book, Rocky Mountain Oasis, will touch lives for the Kingdom. While I hope the story will engage and be enjoyable, I pray it will go beyond mere entertainment, and I'm looking forward to seeing what God will do with it.
Below is a little taste of what the book is about. You can click on the "excerpt" link to read the first few chapters. And don't forget to leave a comment because I'm going to give away one electronic copy to a lucky winner, ONE WEEK from today, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8!
SYNOPSIS:
She's been living in a desert all her life.
Suddenly she's come upon an oasis.
But is it just a mirage?
Idaho Territory, 1885
Brooke Marie Baker, eighteen, has been sent west as a mail-order bride. As the stage nears Greer's Ferry, where she is to meet the man she's pledged to marry, she tries to swallow the lump of nervousness in her throat. Can it be any worse than living with Uncle Jackson?or Hank? she wonders. All men are the same, aren't they? But with her parents and sister dead, she has no choice.
Sky Jordan, a rancher, holds a single, yellow daisy in his hand as he watches the ferry cross the river. Ever since he'd found out his surly cousin, Jason, had sent for a mail-order bride, his mind and heart had been ill at ease. No woman deserves to be left with the likes of Jason. But now he questions his own plans to claim the bride for himself. Why am I drawn to this woman I don't even know?
A wounded heart. Desperate choices. Unfathomable love.
Set in the adventure and danger of the Wild West.
To view a picture of Lynnette, hear more about her, and to read an excerpt of her book, clickHERE!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
From God's Great GOODNESS to Men's, uhhh, URINALS...
First of all, is that how you spell 'urinals'? I don't think I've ever written that word before, and I don't care if I ever do again.
At any rate...second off, (I'll get back to the urinals part later...) we attended a huge family/friend wedding last night, and it was fun, beginning with the 5 PM ceremony of the outdoor version. Let me just say that planning an outdoor summer wedding in West Michigan is iffy at best, but this couple had FAITH! And good thing, too, because it rained and dripped all day with nary a spot of sun! People coming into the wedding said there was rain until they came from within five miles of the location! Now, that's answered prayer. Also, Cecil (dear hubby) said he got on his knees yesterday morning and prayed the rain would hold off, and I'm sure he wasn't the only one who did, 'cause God, in HIS GREAT GOODNESS, shone down His love on the occasion, giving us all the SONshine any of us could possibly have needed. The wedding was sweet, the couple so obviously in love, they couldn't stop smiling and giggling. They even sang to each other--so romantic with the water behind them and a trail of ducks quacking to the music. Oh, oh, and here's the best part - after the wedding, and all 'few hundred' of us got to stand around and chat up a storm (no pun intended) before heading to the banquet hall, we started to feel drips on our shoulders. Yup, the rain came 20-minutes AFTER the ceremony finished. See? God is GOOD indeed.
Okay, urinals, the subject I know you've all been waiting for...
We entered the reception hall, twinkling lights, long banquet tables with pretty flowers, LOTS of loud conversation, music, big dance floor, family and friends whom I love scattered hither and yon. OOOOh, I wanted to see EVERYBODY at once, so I quickly left my husband and started making the rounds. This is how it's always been with me: wherever there is laughter and circles of conversation, I'm THERE. The first thing out of my mouth is, "What's so funny?" See, I just hate to miss anything. And usually when I sit at any long table, I fight for the middle chair, so I can be in on everyone's conversation.
Well, I was talking to some old girlfriends, and I do mean old in that, sad to say, we are all in our 60s (ugh). I asked, "Where's the restroom? Anyone know?" One of the ladies pointed waaaay across the room. "There!" she said. This was a big hall. The door to the restroom was wide open, so I walked in. First, I couldn't get the thing to shut. I tugged and tugged. Hmm. Okay, well, at least the stalls had doors, but the thing was I could see out into the banquet hall where people milled about, and I just didn't want to "go" with the main door wide open. So, I worked on the door some more - and that's when I saw it - the URINAL! Oh, those things are odd looking, bolted up to the wall like some kind of miniature white throne. Well, would you believe I went back to work on the stuck door--because, well, I thought this was one of those UNISEX bathrooms?! (I'm slow, okay?) But after a few more seconds of turning and studying the urinal I got to thinking, 'Hmm, wait a minute, is this - am I -?' So, that's when I stepped out and looked up at the the teeny, tiny sign located at the top of the door. GENTLEMEN it read! Well, forevermore! So, I tried to walk away in utter nonchalance, but then the cheering and comments from onlookers started! "Looking for something, Shar?" "'LADIES' is around the corner, Shar." hahahahaha - more giggles and guffaws. I did not know I was putting on a little show!
Of course, everybody at my long banquet table where I'd parked my purse got a good laugh because, well, apparently they enjoyed watching me struggle with the door. What kind of friends and family would do that? Aren't they meanies?
Anyway, weird blog post, I know, but, hey, I'm one of those people who just likes to write about anything and everything, and I do love a good laugh, even, and especially, at my own expense. Hope you were able to picture my minor dilemma and smile with me. As for urinals...UGH! Don't men like privacy?
I love you ALL!!!!!
First of all, is that how you spell 'urinals'? I don't think I've ever written that word before, and I don't care if I ever do again.
At any rate...second off, (I'll get back to the urinals part later...) we attended a huge family/friend wedding last night, and it was fun, beginning with the 5 PM ceremony of the outdoor version. Let me just say that planning an outdoor summer wedding in West Michigan is iffy at best, but this couple had FAITH! And good thing, too, because it rained and dripped all day with nary a spot of sun! People coming into the wedding said there was rain until they came from within five miles of the location! Now, that's answered prayer. Also, Cecil (dear hubby) said he got on his knees yesterday morning and prayed the rain would hold off, and I'm sure he wasn't the only one who did, 'cause God, in HIS GREAT GOODNESS, shone down His love on the occasion, giving us all the SONshine any of us could possibly have needed. The wedding was sweet, the couple so obviously in love, they couldn't stop smiling and giggling. They even sang to each other--so romantic with the water behind them and a trail of ducks quacking to the music. Oh, oh, and here's the best part - after the wedding, and all 'few hundred' of us got to stand around and chat up a storm (no pun intended) before heading to the banquet hall, we started to feel drips on our shoulders. Yup, the rain came 20-minutes AFTER the ceremony finished. See? God is GOOD indeed.
Okay, urinals, the subject I know you've all been waiting for...
We entered the reception hall, twinkling lights, long banquet tables with pretty flowers, LOTS of loud conversation, music, big dance floor, family and friends whom I love scattered hither and yon. OOOOh, I wanted to see EVERYBODY at once, so I quickly left my husband and started making the rounds. This is how it's always been with me: wherever there is laughter and circles of conversation, I'm THERE. The first thing out of my mouth is, "What's so funny?" See, I just hate to miss anything. And usually when I sit at any long table, I fight for the middle chair, so I can be in on everyone's conversation.
Well, I was talking to some old girlfriends, and I do mean old in that, sad to say, we are all in our 60s (ugh). I asked, "Where's the restroom? Anyone know?" One of the ladies pointed waaaay across the room. "There!" she said. This was a big hall. The door to the restroom was wide open, so I walked in. First, I couldn't get the thing to shut. I tugged and tugged. Hmm. Okay, well, at least the stalls had doors, but the thing was I could see out into the banquet hall where people milled about, and I just didn't want to "go" with the main door wide open. So, I worked on the door some more - and that's when I saw it - the URINAL! Oh, those things are odd looking, bolted up to the wall like some kind of miniature white throne. Well, would you believe I went back to work on the stuck door--because, well, I thought this was one of those UNISEX bathrooms?! (I'm slow, okay?) But after a few more seconds of turning and studying the urinal I got to thinking, 'Hmm, wait a minute, is this - am I -?' So, that's when I stepped out and looked up at the the teeny, tiny sign located at the top of the door. GENTLEMEN it read! Well, forevermore! So, I tried to walk away in utter nonchalance, but then the cheering and comments from onlookers started! "Looking for something, Shar?" "'LADIES' is around the corner, Shar." hahahahaha - more giggles and guffaws. I did not know I was putting on a little show!
Of course, everybody at my long banquet table where I'd parked my purse got a good laugh because, well, apparently they enjoyed watching me struggle with the door. What kind of friends and family would do that? Aren't they meanies?
Anyway, weird blog post, I know, but, hey, I'm one of those people who just likes to write about anything and everything, and I do love a good laugh, even, and especially, at my own expense. Hope you were able to picture my minor dilemma and smile with me. As for urinals...UGH! Don't men like privacy?
I love you ALL!!!!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
HOLY CUTENESS! Look at this!
The following story came to me via email, and I just simply HAD to share it because it gave me so much joy! Not only that, I'm reminded anew of God's fabulous, if not wondrous, creation. Here's the story from photographer, Tom Sears.
**************************
Black bears typically have two cubs; rarely, one or three. In 2007, in northern New Hampshire, a black bear sow gave birth to five healthy young. There were two or three reports of sows with as many as 4 cubs, but five was, and is, very extraordinary. I learned of them shortly after they emerged from their den and set myself a goal of photographing all five cubs with their mom - no matter how much time and effort was involved. I knew the trail they followed on a fairly regular basis, usually shortly before dark. After spending nearly four hours a day, seven days a week, for more than six weeks, I had that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and photographed them. I used the equivalent of a very fast film speed on my digital camera. The print is properly focused and well exposed, with all six bears posing as if they were in a studio for a family portrait.
I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive. As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them, and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears, as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, and treat them as 'approachable friends'. This could easily become dangerous for both man and animal.
After Halloween, I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated. The next spring (2008), just before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered all over the same familiar territory they had trekked that spring of 2007.
I saw them before mid-April and dreamed nightly of taking another family portrait, a highly improbable, second once-in-a-lifetime photograph.
On 25 April 2008, I achieved my dream.
When something as magical as this happens between man and animal, Native Americans say, "We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow". And so it is with humility and great pleasure that I share these exhilarating photos with you. Do pass them on!
Sincerely,
Tom Sears, photographer
*****************************
So there you have it, my friends. Is this not a treasure to behold?
Love you all!
The following story came to me via email, and I just simply HAD to share it because it gave me so much joy! Not only that, I'm reminded anew of God's fabulous, if not wondrous, creation. Here's the story from photographer, Tom Sears.
**************************
Black bears typically have two cubs; rarely, one or three. In 2007, in northern New Hampshire, a black bear sow gave birth to five healthy young. There were two or three reports of sows with as many as 4 cubs, but five was, and is, very extraordinary. I learned of them shortly after they emerged from their den and set myself a goal of photographing all five cubs with their mom - no matter how much time and effort was involved. I knew the trail they followed on a fairly regular basis, usually shortly before dark. After spending nearly four hours a day, seven days a week, for more than six weeks, I had that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and photographed them. I used the equivalent of a very fast film speed on my digital camera. The print is properly focused and well exposed, with all six bears posing as if they were in a studio for a family portrait.
I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive. As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them, and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears, as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, and treat them as 'approachable friends'. This could easily become dangerous for both man and animal.
After Halloween, I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated. The next spring (2008), just before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered all over the same familiar territory they had trekked that spring of 2007.
I saw them before mid-April and dreamed nightly of taking another family portrait, a highly improbable, second once-in-a-lifetime photograph.
On 25 April 2008, I achieved my dream.
When something as magical as this happens between man and animal, Native Americans say, "We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow". And so it is with humility and great pleasure that I share these exhilarating photos with you. Do pass them on!
Sincerely,
Tom Sears, photographer
*****************************
So there you have it, my friends. Is this not a treasure to behold?
Love you all!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
MY SURRENDERED HEART...
Over the years, many have asked, “What’s it like to be a writer?” In fact, I get the gamut of comments and questions—everything from, “How does anybody write a one-inch thick book when I can barely write a one-paragraph Email?” to “How long does it take to write a book?” to “Have you always been a writer?” to “How in the world do you come up with all those ideas?”
Great questions! Each one gets a different answer, of course, but my overall response is that God Himself planted in my mind and soul an earnest desire to write, and I truly experienced a “calling on my life” – probably in much the same way a minister or missionary or any church worker might experience. And because of that calling, He is the one who ultimately equips me with the tools I need to complete the task.
Have I always written? Interestingly, no. I am 60-years-old, but I didn’t complete my first full manuscript till the “well-seasoned” age of 52. Why? Well, in short, many things in life impassion me—my spiritual walk with Christ, my darling husband, daughters, grandchildren, music, reading, traveling, and, until retiring from 31 years of teaching in 2003, my career! I did not know I had room for one more passion, but God did! And in the year 2000, He began to plant a seed.
It started with a dream that I’d written a book. I, of course, shoved it aside as silly. A book. Imagine me writing a book. Yes, I’d always been a creative writer in school, my essays and term papers usually earning me ‘A’ grades, and I had dabbled in scribbling off foolish high school romances back in 11th and 12th grades. But then college came, then marriage, and children, a career in education, my involvement in church activities, a vocal music ministry. And the list continues. Plainly put, writing was the very last thing on my mind.
So, why ever would I dream I’d written a book? But then it recurred at least two or three times more, the same dream. – I had written a book. – I recalled having earlier asked God to show me what He would have me do with the second half of my life once I finally did decide to retire from teaching, and pleading that He would lead me into an area in which I could make a difference in the lives of others. I wanted my life to count, to touch hearts for eternity. Was it possible He wanted me to attempt writing an entire novel? And if I did, what would it even be about? Again, I prayed. And this time my prayer was, “Lord, I am willing to travel the path You set out for me. Take me out of the equation and simply work in and through my spirit. I surrender all.”
And that was the key! My surrendered heart. One sunny summer day in the year 2000, I sat down at my computer and began to write, and let me tell you, the ideas literally poured from my brain, down through my arms, and onto that keyboard! And my brand-spankin’ new passion came into existence!
Did I immediately find a publisher? Absolutely not. Timing is everything, namely, God’s timing. I had much to learn in this new realm I found myself – writing seminars and conferences to attend, books to read on the craft itself, not to mention mountains of information to gather about the writing/publishing industry. And then it still took years before I reached a point of readiness and my books found a home in the wonderful place known as Whitaker House.
I think if I have learned anything on this journey, it is this: God is simply NOT done with us until He says so. Oh, how He loves a willing heart, no matter our age or stage in life. If you put yourself out there and say, “God, I would love for You to take my life and use it in a way that can be effective for Your kingdom—and will bring You honor and glory,” well, He doesn’t take that lightly. No, He is right on that prayer!
Whether you are an office assistant, a daycare provider, a banker, a contractor, a stay-at-home mom, a single parent, a factory worker, or a mail carrier—whatever your pursuit in life, God has plans that go beyond your imaginings. He is always looking for “harvest workers”. I challenge you to pray the prayer of surrender—and then watch what He does to fulfill His purpose in your life.
A surrendered life equals one exciting adventure!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Shar MacLaren
Over the years, many have asked, “What’s it like to be a writer?” In fact, I get the gamut of comments and questions—everything from, “How does anybody write a one-inch thick book when I can barely write a one-paragraph Email?” to “How long does it take to write a book?” to “Have you always been a writer?” to “How in the world do you come up with all those ideas?”
Great questions! Each one gets a different answer, of course, but my overall response is that God Himself planted in my mind and soul an earnest desire to write, and I truly experienced a “calling on my life” – probably in much the same way a minister or missionary or any church worker might experience. And because of that calling, He is the one who ultimately equips me with the tools I need to complete the task.
Have I always written? Interestingly, no. I am 60-years-old, but I didn’t complete my first full manuscript till the “well-seasoned” age of 52. Why? Well, in short, many things in life impassion me—my spiritual walk with Christ, my darling husband, daughters, grandchildren, music, reading, traveling, and, until retiring from 31 years of teaching in 2003, my career! I did not know I had room for one more passion, but God did! And in the year 2000, He began to plant a seed.
It started with a dream that I’d written a book. I, of course, shoved it aside as silly. A book. Imagine me writing a book. Yes, I’d always been a creative writer in school, my essays and term papers usually earning me ‘A’ grades, and I had dabbled in scribbling off foolish high school romances back in 11th and 12th grades. But then college came, then marriage, and children, a career in education, my involvement in church activities, a vocal music ministry. And the list continues. Plainly put, writing was the very last thing on my mind.
So, why ever would I dream I’d written a book? But then it recurred at least two or three times more, the same dream. – I had written a book. – I recalled having earlier asked God to show me what He would have me do with the second half of my life once I finally did decide to retire from teaching, and pleading that He would lead me into an area in which I could make a difference in the lives of others. I wanted my life to count, to touch hearts for eternity. Was it possible He wanted me to attempt writing an entire novel? And if I did, what would it even be about? Again, I prayed. And this time my prayer was, “Lord, I am willing to travel the path You set out for me. Take me out of the equation and simply work in and through my spirit. I surrender all.”
And that was the key! My surrendered heart. One sunny summer day in the year 2000, I sat down at my computer and began to write, and let me tell you, the ideas literally poured from my brain, down through my arms, and onto that keyboard! And my brand-spankin’ new passion came into existence!
Did I immediately find a publisher? Absolutely not. Timing is everything, namely, God’s timing. I had much to learn in this new realm I found myself – writing seminars and conferences to attend, books to read on the craft itself, not to mention mountains of information to gather about the writing/publishing industry. And then it still took years before I reached a point of readiness and my books found a home in the wonderful place known as Whitaker House.
I think if I have learned anything on this journey, it is this: God is simply NOT done with us until He says so. Oh, how He loves a willing heart, no matter our age or stage in life. If you put yourself out there and say, “God, I would love for You to take my life and use it in a way that can be effective for Your kingdom—and will bring You honor and glory,” well, He doesn’t take that lightly. No, He is right on that prayer!
Whether you are an office assistant, a daycare provider, a banker, a contractor, a stay-at-home mom, a single parent, a factory worker, or a mail carrier—whatever your pursuit in life, God has plans that go beyond your imaginings. He is always looking for “harvest workers”. I challenge you to pray the prayer of surrender—and then watch what He does to fulfill His purpose in your life.
A surrendered life equals one exciting adventure!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Shar MacLaren
Sunday, August 02, 2009
See My Gentle Giant?
Hi, my darling friends. I thought this picture was too cute not to share. This is my 10-year old, 100# "boy" sharing a bed on the floor with my then 10-month-old grandgirl. (She just turned one on July 1.)
Dakota was "my gift" from God when I needed him. (That probably sounds corny to you non-dog-loving people.) I had just passed through a very dark year back in 1999-2000 (clinical depression and chronic panic disorder--anybody ever been there?). I truly wanted a dog that would not create MORE anxiety, but would be a great companion and low-maintenance. God led me straight to this big boy, the laziest, most laid-back of the litter. And I can honestly say he has never done ANYTHING that annoys either hubby or me. No barking, no digging, no messing in the house, no chasing cars, no running off in disobedience, no chewing. We brought him home when he was 8-weeks old, and he had one poopie accident in the house -- and that was IT! Smooth sailing ever since.
As I write this, he is sprawled out on the floor of my office, just five feet away. He follows me everywhere, up the stairs, down the stairs, despite his troublesome arthritis. Yep, he was God's gift to me when I needed a special reminder of just how very much HE loves me!
What has God done for you lately - or at any time for that matter - to remind you of His awesome, faithful, unfailing love?
I love you all, but God loves you more!
Hi, my darling friends. I thought this picture was too cute not to share. This is my 10-year old, 100# "boy" sharing a bed on the floor with my then 10-month-old grandgirl. (She just turned one on July 1.)
Dakota was "my gift" from God when I needed him. (That probably sounds corny to you non-dog-loving people.) I had just passed through a very dark year back in 1999-2000 (clinical depression and chronic panic disorder--anybody ever been there?). I truly wanted a dog that would not create MORE anxiety, but would be a great companion and low-maintenance. God led me straight to this big boy, the laziest, most laid-back of the litter. And I can honestly say he has never done ANYTHING that annoys either hubby or me. No barking, no digging, no messing in the house, no chasing cars, no running off in disobedience, no chewing. We brought him home when he was 8-weeks old, and he had one poopie accident in the house -- and that was IT! Smooth sailing ever since.
As I write this, he is sprawled out on the floor of my office, just five feet away. He follows me everywhere, up the stairs, down the stairs, despite his troublesome arthritis. Yep, he was God's gift to me when I needed a special reminder of just how very much HE loves me!
What has God done for you lately - or at any time for that matter - to remind you of His awesome, faithful, unfailing love?
I love you all, but God loves you more!
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