* All * That * Glitters *

SHOP IT TO ME!!! FREE Gift Cards (Old Navy, Sephora, Macy’s and more)!!

2011-07-24T15:22:00.000-05:00

Here is How to Get FREE Gift Cards (Old Navy, Sephora, Macy’s and more)!!

NO, this is not a scam and no, there’s no catch. Here’s how simple it is. For every 10 friends you refer, you’ll get a $10 gift card of your choice. That’s it! There are no forms (other then your initial sign up of course), no survey’s, nothing to buy (or sell).

So, you’re probably thinking “then how can they afford to do that”? Easy… when you sign up HERE, they will ask you what type of clothing interests you (womens, men, boys, girls, etc). They match your selections to clearance sales of high end designers, and send you an email (either daily or weekly, whatever you prefer). You are under NO obligation to purchase anything, however, many people do take advantage of the sales they email as they are priced SERIOUSLY low! But, that’s how they can afford it. It’s their way of thanking you for referring more users to their website that have the “potential” to purchase (again, not required).

The way I see it, if you’re sitting at your computer anyway, you may as well get paid for it. Best of all, there’s no limit on the amount of FREE gift cards you can earn!!

THE CROSS

2011-06-27T09:02:00.000-05:00

These pictures were taken during the Southern California fires. It is the last picture that is so awesome. This must have been really something for those who witnessed it...

Notice the cross on the bottom right of the hill near the fire...

THE VERY NEXT DAY!!!!

Even the fire fighters that were near the cross as it was surrounded with flames, said it was going to be destroyed.

The next day, Gene Blevins (photographer) went back to the scene to get some more shots. He saw that the cross was not even touched or scorched from the heat.

IF THAT DOESN'T MAKE YOU THINK, I don't know what will!!!???
May God's richest and best be yours always!!

Christy's Reviews and More

2011-03-01T10:45:00.004-06:00

Christy's Reviews And More is a wonderful site!!! So much so I have added their link to the left side of my blogs! Let me tell you a little more about her site. "Here you will find information about products that Christy has reviewed. You will also find the occasional sample offer that she has found available on the web for you to take advantage of along with possible giveaways that she is able to host for you from a sponsor. Keep checking back as new content will be added. Christy is 34 years old with 2 children one boy and one girl ages 13 and 15. They love finding good products at good prices and love letting others know all about them.

Christy has a BondiBand Giveaway March 1st to March 8th. If you click on the heart above it will take you straight to her site. BondiBands has given Christy an opportunity to host a giveaway that will give one of my readers, yes you guys a chance to win one Bondiband.

What is a BondBand?

The simple premise of Bondi Bands is to offer comfy, colorful, and creative headbands to fit every lifestyle and personality.
Bondi bands are a comfy, colorful and creative way to hold your hair back whether you're riding in a convertible, rushing out the door to get your kids, or getting some exercise. Bondi Bands are an easy fix for your hair. Check out our wicking fabric bands; they will absorb and evaporate buckets of sweat. BondiBand come in numerous patterns, you can get them with sayings on them, or just pick a solid color!

To enter this giveaway you will need to do the following:

Required (you must already be a follower of Christy Review and More facebook fan page (does not count toward your numbers).
1. Like them on Facebook. +1

Extra Entries:

2. Follow them on twitter +1
3. Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs +1 (just click the link and it votes for me)
4. Rank and review me on Alexa +1 (may require registration)
5. Follow me on twitter +1
6 & 7. If you blog about my site Giveaway +2 Extra Numbers only if you use @ and then my site name so it links me back.

By doing this it will get you a total of 7 entries in the drawing. Then please go to my Discussions page and find the appropriate giveaway to post your numbers. When you have completed and let me know which items above you have completed underneath that discussion along with your choice of a number between 1-100 for each item com pleated above. Please be honest as I will be checking. Once the giveaway is over I will use http://www.random.org/ to choose the winning #. If we have more than one person with the winning # I will then have those individuals choose another # between 1-50 and will use the above site again.

Restrictions to the giveaway:

1. This offer is only for those residing in the US. (no P.O. Boxes for shipping address)
2. Winners cannot have received a promotional item from this company within the past 90 days.

I suggest you go to Christy's Review and More for all links you might need (facebook and twitter links for example).

Swagbucks

2011-02-20T13:43:00.000-06:00

I LOVE swagbucks!!! I can search their toolbar and get just as good of a search as if it were any other searchbars (Google, Yahoo, etc.). But I earn credits while searching. I can easily get $5 e-giftcards to Amazon at least 3 times a month! That is just an example. You can get other things as well but I love the e-giftcards. I'm working on a $25 e-giftcard to Amazon right now. It also has come in handy for birthdays. I got a $15 gift card from I-tunes for Tay's last birthday and I didn't spend a dime!

CHECK OUT THIS SITE: NOMORERACKS.COM

2011-02-17T09:47:00.014-06:00

nomorerack is an online sales site that gives consumers access to high-quality, branded and non-branded merchandise at “TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE” prices. What does this mean for you? It means we offer a variety of products from leading and up-and-coming brands as well as quality designs and merchandise at up to 90% off regular retail price. Our team of buyers carefully selects only the very best products ensuring an amazing selection of high quality items, much-loved brands and must-have items.

$2 Flat Fee Shipping
New deals are revealed everyday at 12 noon EST and lasts for 24 hours. Keep in mind that these products are EXTREME deals and sell out quickly, so don’t wait!

You can earn $5 in nomorerack money for each friend you invite. The cool thing is that your friend then gets $10 when they signs up!

How It Works
The first question customers always ask is, how are you able to offer such low prices?

"Well, our dedicated buying team loves what they do and they search for the best deals possible. Some of our merchandise comes from cancelled orders, overrun/overstock product and manufacturer closeouts. All our products are brand new and guaranteed authentic.

Purchasing products from these sources allows us to buy at deep-discounts that we then pass on to you. We know you love a good deal as much as we do!"

Step 1:
Go to nomoreracks
Start adding the items you want into your shopping basket.
Don't hesitate because remember these deals are ONE day only!

Step 2:
When you're ready to checkout you'll be asked to create a profile if you haven't already done so. Then you go through the usual order placement details; name, address, email etc... This generates your personalized profile for you so next time you come back we'll already know who you are – one less step for future shopping visits!

Step 3:
Confirm your purchase and make payment by using a credit card - Visa or MasterCard. You'll receive your confirmation email shortly. Now you're done!

We want as many people as possible to take advantage of these great deals! Buying in high volume allows us to give you the deep discounts you want and deserve! Share nomorerack with your friends and save even more! Click here to tell your friends about us and reap the rewards!

Giveaway: Win a free iPod nano! from Freebie Paradise

2011-02-15T17:39:00.001-06:00

Freebies Paradise is giving away an iPod nano (6th generation). The 6th generation of iPod nano is all music and all Multi-Touch. Now with smaller size, lighter weight, colorful and sleek design. You can clip it on and take it everywhere you go.

It’s just so cool and Freebies Paradise is going to give away a free iPod nano to a lucky visitor. The lucky winner of this giveaway will receive a free 8GB iPod nano (6th generation) in brand new condition in a color of their choice.

Here is what you can do to enter:
You must be a US resident over 18 years old with a valid US address. All you have to do is subscribe to their newsletter for free. If you love getting freebies you should really consider subscribing anyway. Now you have an added incentive! Remember, only use a valid email address. The winner must have a valid email address to win.

Get extra entries by:

1. Like Freebies Paradise Facebook page (1 extra entry)
2. Share this with your friends on Facebook (1 extra entry)
3. Tweet about this contest (1 extra entry)
4. Digg this contest page (1 extra entry) 1diggdigg
5. Leave a comment on their website page and tell them which color you like and what you will be doing with the free iPod Nano if you win! (1 extra entry)
6. Write a blog post about FreebiesParadise.com and this contest

When you have done any of the item above to get extra entries, email Freebie Paradise at giveaway@freebiesparadise.com and tell them what you have done to get extra entries and send them the link to your Facebook profile, Twitter profile or blog post. Simple huh?

Free iPod nano contest ends Saturday, Feb 26th 2011 at 5pm (Pacific) / 8pm (Eastern). Winner will be directly contacted via email following random draw the next day so please remember to use valid email address! We will announce the winner here as soon as we have received response from the winner.

Get started now by clicking: Free iPod nano

Stop yourself from Texting & Driving! (Neat Site)

2011-02-15T14:33:00.000-06:00

Found this neat site. You can go to XtheTXTStore and get these cool thumb bands. By wearing the official X the TXT thumb band, you’re making a commitment not to text and drive. Get yours free. Thumb band orders are limited to five or fewer.

I ordered myself some and plan to give to my daughter and her friends. I thought what fun and it's sending a great message. Although, Tay does not drive, it's never too late to start learning the dangers of texting while driving.

Pluse, these are just COOL!!!

I am not sure how long these will be available, so go as soon as possible. So what are your thoughts on texting while driving?

7 Reasons Not To Mess With Children (Cute)

2010-12-10T08:44:00.001-06:00

7 Reasons Not To Mess With Children

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.

The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.

The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.

Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.

The little girl said, 'When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah'.

The teacher asked, 'What if Jonah went to hell?'

The little girl replied, 'Then you ask him'.

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work.

As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.

The girl replied, 'I'm drawing God.'

The teacher paused and said, 'But no one knows what God looks like.'

Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, 'They will in a minute.'

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds.

After explaining the commandment to 'honour' thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, 'Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?'

From the back, one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, 'Thou shall not kill.'

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head.

She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, 'Why are some of your hairs white, Mum?'

Her mother replied, 'Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white.'

The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, 'Mummy, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?'

The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture.

'Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a lawyer,' or 'That's Michael, He's a doctor.'

A small voice at the back of the room rang out, 'And there's the teacher, she's dead.'

A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, 'Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face.'

'Yes,' the class said.

'Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn't run into my feet?'

A little fellow shouted, 'Cause your feet ain't empty.'

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray:

'Take only ONE . God is watching.'

Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.

A child had written a note, 'Take all you want. God is watching the apples.'

It doesn't matter how many people you send this to, just remember if it made you laugh, your friends will laugh too…

I would like to thank Monica Greeno Schoeneck for sharing this with me, so I could share it with you!!!

Apple Ipod Touch! Giveaway!

2010-11-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

I've taken "Living on Love and Giveaway's" words and posted below. This is a wonderful chance to win an Apple Ipod Touch!!! And there are several ways to get in more than one entries.

How many of you have been wanting an Ipod but not able to work it in the budget? Well I was lucky enough to get one for my birthday and I also got an Iphone but I only need one, so why not share the wealth. Everyone who enters has a chance to win and I think this will be either a great Christmas gift or even just a nice present to yourself. It is still brand new never been opened and ready for tons of music to be uploaded! It is 8GB has a 3.5 in screen and is beautiful. You can do face time with it which I think is awesome and I have done this on my Iphone so yes it is great. I am able to be at home and call my dad with face time and he can see his granddaughter which makes all of us happy! Maybe those of you away from home these holidays will be able to still see your loved ones. Also this has a total of 4 winners so go ahead and leave some entries!

One reader will win a 8GB Apple Ipod Touch! And 3 winners will win a $10 Itunes Card

SO run over to: Living on Love and Giveaways website and begin your chances!!!

LISTIA ~ It's like Ebay but FREE

2010-09-04T15:37:00.004-05:00

CLICK ON BANNER TO TAKE YOU THERE!!!!

What Is Listia?

Listia is a new kind of auction site where you bid on other people's stuff using credits instead of real money. We make it easy for users to get rid of stuff they don't need anymore and find stuff they want for free. Listia is a marketplace where people enjoy giving and getting items for free.

Every user gets 100 free credits after signing up and listing an item. The more popular your listing is, the more credits your auction will go for. You bid credits for things you want. So each thing goes to the person who wants it most! Getting more credits is easy, fun and most importantly, costs nothing!

Check this site out!!!! LISTIA. COM

Consider the AVON Opportunity

2010-07-24T08:25:00.003-05:00

Why not you? Why not today? AVON offers you an earning opportunity equal to your ambition. You can work as little or as much as you want in your own AVON business. I built a successful direct marketing business in my spare time. No inventory is required and training is great. You can sell through parties, online, through brochures, or any way that meets your needs. The flexibility is fantastic for busy career-focused people like me. I became an AVON rep to earn extra money. If I had known how simple and fun it would be, I would have become a rep a long time ago. I talk about AVON in my every day activities so it just works very naturally. Most of my customers are women and they hunt me down to ask for the latest brochure. It's pretty easy to sell when people are coming to me asking to buy! If you are interested in learning more about the AVON opportunity, contact me through my website or or e-mail me at angel_nearby_me@yahoo.com and I will be happy to discuss your future with AVON. Why not today?

AVON's NEWEST CAMPAIGN 14

2010-06-29T01:57:00.000-05:00

Click brochure to browse

GREAT DEALS in AVON's Campaign 13

2010-06-29T01:54:00.000-05:00

Click brochure to browse

Audrey's Giveaways Blog is Tops

2010-03-11T02:38:00.001-06:00

One lucky winner will receive a Glass Tile Pendant of their choice! From L'Atelier a rever eveille

Here are the Rules to enter the Give Away:

Please leave a SEPARATE comment for each Entry!

* For the first entry - Go to: L'Atelier a rever eveille Which I did and chose the Cat & Mouse Tile

Pick the Glass Tile you would like to receive if you win and come back here with the name or link.

(enter "Tile" into the search for the shop to see the selection)

* 1 extra entry - blog about the give away, and leave a link. (or add a picture with a link to the sidebar of your blog) As you can see I have added Audrey's Banner w/ a link to the left of my blog...lol.

* 1 extra entry - mention the give away on Facebook with a link, let me know that you did
I added the link and told about this great giveaway on my Facebook http://www.facebook.com/renniet
* 1 extra entry - twitter about this contest with a link, let me know where

You can twitter this:

@audreyscrafts Win Your Choice of Glass Tile Pendant 19http://audreysgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/03/pendant.html
I tried to twitter about this but have lost my password.
*1 extra entry for each of my other give aways you enter - just comment telling me which one you entered.
I have but it has been so long ago i have forgotten ~ my loss!!!
*1 extra entry - subscribe via email (sidebar) - find out when a New Give Away has been posted.
I was already subscribed prior to this giveaway!!!
*1 extra entry - grab my button on the sidebar and add it to your blog, let me know
It is there in all it glory and it is really nice!

* 5 extra entries - purchase something from the shop - leave me a comment telling me what you purchased.
I am working on it, will let you know. Hugs, Rennie

The draw will take place on: March 19 @ 10PM Central

This is open to EVERYONE worldwide!

Good Luck Everyone!!

100 Uses for Skin So Soft from Avon

2010-02-09T06:19:00.000-06:00

As many of you might know I sell Avon. I have been selling since August of 2009. I love it. It gives me a little something extra to do while i am going to school full-time.

I wanted to share with you 100 Uses for Avon's Skin So Soft. Check all these out.

100 Uses for Avon's Skin So Soft <- Click on this link to take you straight to the SKIN SO SOFT line on my website.

(Skin-So-Soft bath oil is approved by the FDA/CDA only as a bath oil. This list of uses comes from customers. Avon does not endorse the product with these uses.)

This list was compiled from various customers and sales representatives.

PERSONAL USES

1. It's a bath oil and after shower moisturizer.

2. It can be used to remove makeup.

3. Great tanning oil (no sunscreen).

4. Hot oil treatment to soften cuticles.

5. Great massage oil for tired muscles.

6. Cleans off tape marks left from bandages on skin.

7. Cleans ink off the skin.

8. Insect repellent.

9. Helps relieve itching caused by dry skin.

10. Cleans oil and grease off of skin.

11. Painting something? Use SSS to remove paint from the hands. (Instead of turpentine).

12. It soothes light sunburn.

13. Rub hands with it before washing, it helps get them cleaner.

14. Rub on dry, cracked skin.... helps heal skin in 2-3 days.

15. Put 1-2 cap fills in liquid soap and use it for shaving legs and under arms. Helps razor glide and leaves skin feeling smooth.

16. Pour a little into your Foot Saver to help moisturize your feet while you relax them.

17. It removes chewing gum from hair, skin, and most nonporous surfaces.

18. Cleans permanent ink off stamps.

19. SSS Original Bath Oil works GREAT on Head Lice!!!!! Saturate head and let it set for 15 minutes. Then rinse under an outdoor faucet, but the lice were gone!!!!!!! Of course shampoo hair a couple of times to get the oil out, but the lice were gone and stayed gone!

20. It kills ants instantly.

21. Spray on skin to relieve dry itching skin. Helps skin retain it's elasticity.

22. Wash hair with shampoo and conditioner like always and after it dries.... Use about the size of a dime of SSS and rub it in your hair. It goes straight in and leaves hair as shiny as the ads on TV, not greasy at all, just soft and shiny.

23. Use bath oil towelettes -- cover windowsill with towelettes to keep ants out.

24. (LICE) Sometimes, using a bath oil, like Avon's SSS, will work to loosen the glue, which holds the nits to the hair. There is a product called Neon Nits, which when sprayed on the hair, will highlight the nits so you can see them to then snip them out with a small scissors.

25. Mild cases of psoriasis.

26. Bath use, fill bath with water and a little SSS, very relaxing and gets rid of dry skin.

HOUSEHOLD USES

27. Sponge it around doors, windows, and on screens to keep crawling bugs out.

28. It's a good wood cleaner and conditioner for natural wood.

29. It removes glue and gum left from price tags and labels from glass, metals, and most plastics.

30. It removes soap scum from shower doors and curtains, and bathroom and kitchen figures.

31. It removes lime and hard water deposits from fixtures, tile, shower doors and windows.

32. It's an oil lubricant for fitting pipe joints that won't slip together.

33. It cleans ink off most vinyl and painted surfaces.

34. It cleans heavy oil and grease from nonporous surfaces.

35. It takes fur off of clothing.

36. Rub on brass ornaments or figurines to help keep them from turning dark.

37. Removes crayon from appliances and most painted surfaces.

38. Wash cupboards with it mixed in your cleaning water to keep ants off and out of the cupboards.

39. Use it to discourage hornets from building their nests. After using a hornet killing spray, remove the nest and keep the area sprayed with SSS. They will not rebuild there.

40. Use it to clean leather; it will also keep it soft and supple.

41. Use it on your air conditioning screen (filter)--your incoming air will smell fresher and the filter is easier to clean.

42. Rub all over windowsills to keep ants out.

43. It cleans paintbrushes easily and leaves them soft as new.

44. It removes gum from carpets.

45. It removes scuffmarks from patent leather shoes.

46. Use it on running rails for sliding glass doors and windows.

47. It removes "ring around the collar".

48. It removes liquid nail (paneling glue).

49. Two glass bowls or glasses stuck together? Drizzle a little SSS down the sides and they'll come apart easily.

50. It removes candle wax from furniture, carpets and clothing.

51. Hummingbird Feeders: To deter bees try rubbing SSS on the feeder surface by the feeder ports.

52. Maggots too!! You squirted SSS in can and lid, then later flushed with soapy water, you shouldn't have any bugs in cans rest of summer!!!

53. It is a great furniture polish!

54. Ok, we have a new use for SSS bath oil. Put it in one of the bottle that you attach to your backyard hose and then spray down the back yard! Will cut down on ants, mosquitoes and other creepy crawlies.

55. Spray it on rose bushes to keep the deer from eating them, and at the cemeteries on the flowers they put out there for the same reason.

56. Kills spiders.

57. It cuts grease and cleans dirt from range hoods.

58. Add a capful to wash water of clothes...acts as a fabric softener and keeps the bugs off clothes.

59. Spray on orchids and other flowers for moisture and to keep bugs away.

60. Cleans baseball caps. Just spray on and rub with toothbrush.

61. Mix one part SSS and 2 parts water on tomato plants and kept those ugly old tomato worms off. I think that adding the vinegar would be fine too and would be nice not to have to shake the spray bottle all the time. Spray plants about every 2 or 3 days.

62. SSS bath oil also does a great job cleaning cherry wood cabinets.

63. Put a little in your mopping water to help keep crawling bugs out. (Not too much or the floor gets slippery.)

64. Use to clean windows.

65. Removes crayon from most surfaces. 66. It's a great insect repellent (or you can use Bug Guard, the actual SSS repellent)

67. Screens can be lightly sprayed with Avon SSS to repel no-see-'ums and tiny gnats that otherwise might slip though the screens.

68. Another use for SSS is it will kill those pesky earwigs. Spray it on & they don't return to life.

69. Also if you ever make candles, use clear wax and melt put SSS in it and harden works great for out side in the summer.

70. As a deodorizer, spray into air and let settle, kills those nasty pet orders.

71. Kids rooms if a child wets the bed, spray the bedding and sheets before washing and will give it a fresh clean smell.

ANIMAL USES

72. It's a great insect repellent for your pet. (As recommended in "Outdoor Life" and "Field and Stream")

73. Mix 5 parts water, 1 part SSS and mist on animals. Brushing it in makes their coats gleam and keeps insects off so the animals don't fidget in the show ring.

74. Mix in your pet's bath water. It takes the fleas off of them...and in between sprays them with the same mixture as in #2 to help keep them off.

75. Rub on your hands before and after working with your pets and farm animals. It will remove the strong smells. 76. Black Fly Spray For Dogs: Use as a spray or a dip. 1 cup SSS, 1/2 cup liquid detergent and 3 gallons of water.

77. For dogs dry skin mix 1 tablespoon of SSS per gallon of water and use as an after bath rinse. Or spritz your pet's coat once per week.

78. If your dog should get tar or asphalt on the pads of their feet rub on SSS and then wipe off.

79. Flea Bath: Use a flea and tick shampoo. Rinse, rinse, rinse so no soap residue is left. Follow with final rinse of 2 gallons of water mixed with flea dip and 1 capful of SSS. The SSS helps replace the oils lost in bathing and has the added benefit of repelling insects.

80. Flea Repellent: Avon's SSS Bath Oil. 1-1/2 ounces per gallon of water; used as a sponge-on dip (or as a spritz) has been tested and proven to have significant, but not complete, flea-repellent activity for a 6-day period. It should help those dry coats, too.

81. Many chows have very dry and flaky skin, especially for being black. Use it about twice a month just spray it on.

82. I use the following on my horses and on my dogs when necessary. 1-cup Avon SSS bath oil 1-cup white vinegar 1-cup (or more) water 5 cc of essential oil of citronella (from the health food store NOT the type you burn to keep insects away that is available in a drug store) Mix in a spray bottle. Straight SSS works well for mosquito’s too but really makes your dog greasy.

83. (Barns) Use of an inexpensive fly control spray or a diluted mix of Avon SSS in water can be sprayed on barn walls and floor to discourage insects from hanging around or to eliminate them before putting in the new bedding. As time permits, and if you can keep your goats out of the barn for a few hours - let the barn stand and air out before re-filling with bedding.

84. Rub on your hands before and after working with pets and farm animals, takes away pet odor.

85. Avon's SSS bath oil massaged directly into the skin of your Rottweiler acts not only as a successful repellant and makes their dogs smell good but helps prevent drying and itchy skin.

86. A natural way to help cats with flea problems and flea allergies is to rub Skin So Soft into the skin. Once a bug, always a bug. Fleas don't like it either! Spread the word!

87. Cats: SSS IS SAFE FOR FUR LICKING -------The SSS plus is safe as long as it is the one without sunscreen.

88. Don't overuse the SSS. I just use the lotion, and rub it into the skin, not more than every few days. My cat's sensitive and we're being careful. Common sense is the rule. Sprinkling Yeast on the cat food helps, too. My cat's fur is medium-length; he's part Persian, and he's doing fine, no ill effects from the SSS. You can check with your vet to be sure if it's okay...

USES FOR HORSES

89. SSS can be used as a hoof polish. This will put a nice shine to the hoof without drying it. The farrier's wife will appreciate this one!

90. SSS can be used as a muzzle, eye, and ear enhancer. Generally we used baby oil but it was so messy. I tried SSS and it works great and still helps keep bugs away.

91. I have a show mare that has allergies and also gets dry skin very easily so I started giving her baths in SSS. What I do is bathe her like normal and then I put a capful of SSS in a 5-gallon bucket of warm water and sponge this all over her. Her hair coat dries silky soft and she quits itching. Works for her.

92. The bug guard towelettes we had last summer work great on the horse’s ears and around their eyes.

93. When I have to band (braid) their manes I use the Techniques Oil Sheen. It seems to help hold the braids a lot better and they don't try to rub them out.

94. The dry end serum works great in their tails as a detangler. Everything I have mentioned here I use faithfully on our show horses. The products are a heck of a lot cheaper than actual horse products. People see me using these products at the horse shows and start inquiring about them. I usually let them take my bottles and try them on their horses at the show, which usually ends up in a sale for me.

AUTOMOBILE USES

95. It removes tar spots from the car without damage to the paint.

96. Use it to clean vinyl dashboards, seats, and tops. It not only cleans, but also keeps it soft and helps to prevent any cracking.

97. After washing your car, use it as a tire dressing to keep them looking like new. 98. Put some on a small washcloth and leave in the car to help keep the air fresh and clean.

99. Wipe down vinyl surfaces inside your car. Cleans nicely and removes smoke odors left by cigarette smokers.

100. It gently cleans heavy grease and oil from skin and nonporous surfaces (great for Mechanic's Hands).

2010-01-27T13:10:00.001-06:00

You Can't fail as long as you NEVER Give up!

FERGIE To Partner Up With AVON

2010-01-19T22:34:00.001-06:00

Fergie Adds Sparkle to Avon's Celebrity Portfolio

Fergie’s first brush with the beauty world came last year when she partnered with MAC Cosmetics’ Viva Glam campaign to raise money and awareness for the MAC AIDS fund. “It’s very important to me to work with a company that has supported real issues,” Fergie said. “It makes me feel like a better person when it’s not just about me.”

While the name and exact composition of the upcoming scent with Avon are still being finalized, Fergie described her debut fragrance as “fresh and alluring.” She hinted, “The vibe for the scent is for the woman who wears it to feel confident and not be afraid to be noticed.”

Advertising for the fragrance is being shot in Los Angeles today by photographer Mario Sorrenti. A global print, television and digital campaign is scheduled to bow next September. Avon executives said they will be targeting beauty and entertainment books as well as embarking on some new digital advertising initiatives.

“We sought Fergie for the fact that she was a diverse addition to our already diverse alliance strategy,” said Tracy Roe Haffner, Avon’s vice president of global fragrance marketing and strategic alliances. “We are not just looking for celebrities or designers; we wanted a wide range of equities that would appeal to people across the globe. Fragrance is about aspirations, and Fergie is a confident, sexy woman who is not afraid to be herself. She is a very global celebrity who is exciting to women everywhere.”

The new fragrance is one of many projects keeping Fergie busy this fall.

Having just competed the Japanese, Australian and New Zealand leg of a one-and-a-half-year-long world tour with The Black Eyed Peas, Fergie is also getting ready for the November premiere of her new film “Nine” where she will appear alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Penélope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren and Kate Hudson. The songstress is also promoting her shoe line with Brown Shoe Co., which hit stores earlier in the year, and collaborating with former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash on two new tracks. “I’m working with Cypress Hill on one of the songs, and working with these people gives me a chance to explore another side of me, more rock ’n’ roll,” she said.

This weekend, the newlywed is looking forward to squeezing in some quality time with her husband, actor Josh Duhamel, whom she married in January.

“We’re having a romantic rendezvous in Oklahoma where I am opening for U2,” she said. “We’re actually both in high-work mode right now, which is very healthy. He is filming a movie in Atlanta right now, so I am usually waking up when he is going to bed.”

Fergie adds luster to Avon’s growing list of high-profile names — some of which, at first glance, extend beyond what may seem like a natural fit for the direct seller. Avon’s celebrity alliances also have allowed the company to raise the price points on its fragrances.

“We felt that a designer stable could help us to continue to elevate our share in mass premium fragrance and to elevate the [brand] image, and it has been an extraordinary success and we are extremely pleased with the fragrance business we’ve been able to grow year on year since 2006,” Jung said. “It builds image, it allows pricing power and there is a strong desire to buy a piece of celebrity,” Jung said. “These strategic alliances in my mind have step-changed our success in the category.” She added the each of celebrity scents have global reach.

BMO Capital analyst Connie Maneaty, Avon’s celebrity strategy, “adds a little sparkle, and it helps the brand profile.” Maneaty added, “There’s a positive benefit for the representatives, too. It makes the products easier to sell.”

Avon representative Marie Benoit-Wilcox of Irvington, N.J., said, “It’s a plus because it puts Avon in a higher class bracket.” Benoit-Wilcox, a top earner for Avon, added the celebrity name may get a customer’s attention, “and I can then introduce them to additional Avon product as well.”

As for whether Avon plans to scout more high-profile names, Jung said, “We will have a continued pipeline of designers and celebrities for the foreseeable future that will we add to the stable.”

SO KEEP YOUR EARS AND EYES OPEN, I WILL HAVE IT FOR YOU,

Your Avon Gal,

HGTV Dream House Giveaway ~ Enter

2010-01-19T20:38:00.001-06:00

You can enter once a day for your chance to win HGTV Dream Home 2010 Giveaway — a grand

prize package worth more than $2 million!

The grand prize includes:

A custom-built luxuriously furnished home

located in beautiful Sandia Park, N.M.

$500,000

An all-new 2010 GMC® Terrain

High-end appliances

HGTV Dream Play Home

You Could Live in Beautiful New Mexico

Remember you can enter daily by re-entering your e-mail address on the ENTER PAGE every day through February 19, 2010, at 5 pm!!!

HGTV Dream Home 2010, an all-new 2010 GMC® Terrain and $500,000 to live the dream!

Enter Now!

SWAGBUCKS: You just have to try this!!!

2010-01-17T13:38:00.004-06:00

I just found out about Swagbucks yesterday but I am really excited to stumle upon it. I'm still trying to figure it all out but it looks like so much fun. I have added plenty of info and links for you to check it out. I have a Swagbucks widget at the very bottom of my blog. Check it out too.

Here's tons of info on Swagbucks.....start grabbing your money now!!!

What is Swagbucks? Unless you live under a rock, you know how much I love my Google-powered search engine, Swagbucks (SB)! I get the same search results as I would with Google, but I have the added benefit of earning digital dollars by using it for the daily searches I already make! It’s pretty much a no-brainer!

What can I buy with Swagbucks? After my digi dollars (SB) add up, I can go shopping and get FREE stuff! My friend managed to earn about $250 in Amazon gift cards since March of 2009.

How Do I Earn Swagbucks? You earn Swagbucks by searching the web, inviting friends (this is the biggee), promoting the site, and by joining/following Swagbucks’ Facebook page, YouTube page & Twitter account. You also win Swagbucks via codes the Swagbucks guys give out just about every day!

How Can I Get Started? Sign up for a Swagbucks Account . It only takes 30 seconds! You get 3 Swagbucks just for signing up! Of course, I’d love you FOREVER, if you sign up using my link!

1. Refer your friends & family to Swagbucks. For every friend who signs up, you’ll receive a free Swagbuck in your account! Post your link on Facebook, forums, Twitter & your Blog to promote your Swagbucks account.

2. Download their toolbar which fits nicely into Internet Explorer or Firefox. The toolbar will allow you to use the Swagbucks search engine for your normal daily searches. Each search has a chance to win you $1,$2,$5,$10 Swagbucks! Not every search will win you a prize. On Fridays (Mega Swagbuck Days), you can win up to $100 Swagbucks in one search!

3. Sign up for their newsletter. There’s always a secret swag code inside!

4. Check the Swagbucks blog for information on codes, updates and contests. They always have a “treasure hunt” on national holidays!

5. Follow and check Swagbucks Twitter for codes. Every Tuesday, tweet the “Phrase of the Day” for a chance to win some serious Swagbucks!

6. Join and check the Swagbucks facebook page for free codes & trivia, especially in the evenings.

7. Advertise using a Banner. Put it in your UBB code signature or your email signature!

2010 Census: Be Cautious

2010-01-17T08:29:00.001-06:00

I was reading this article avbout the Census starting up and I have the upmost respect for the Census workers. My mom did it for a year and she worked so hard and did a lot of walking but there were a few facts in here that I was not aware of so I copied the article for all of you to read about what to give a Census worker and what NOT to give them.

THIS IS PRETTY BASIC ADVICE:

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door:

they will have a badge
a handheld device
a Census Bureau canvas bag
a confidentiality notice.

Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.

However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Do not give your:

Social Security number
your credit card
banking information to anyone

Even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Anyone asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

My Avon site's Virtual Makeup

2010-01-16T23:44:00.000-06:00

Great fun ahead. Go to my link and sign-up and you can upload a picture of yourself and apply Avon products to your face. This is fun because you can check out colors you might not normally wear and see how you look in different colors.

If you would like to have some Avon catalogs and samples just let me know and I can bring them to you. Again to access this link click the title above. Check out all the great goodies Avon has instore for you. Check out the clearance and Top rated items. You can even read reviews about products you are interested.

You may order directly on my site or call me at 931-304-1093 and place your order directly for me.

I will be placing my Campaign 3 orders 6:30 pm, Tuesday, January 26. If you want to order before then just go through the website. Again let me know if you are interested in receiving some catalogs. I can order back 2 Campaigns. We are currently on Campaign 3 but I have extra books 1 thru 2.

The greatest thing too about Avon, if you order it and you don't like the color, or if you order say shoes and you don't like the fit, don't like them period, I will return your item either for another color, size, or simply refund you your money.

Please feel free to call me for any of your Avon needs.

So True!

2010-01-13T12:06:00.003-06:00

HOW???

2010-01-12T17:22:00.002-06:00

Campaign 3 Orders Due by 1/26/10

2010-01-11T14:18:00.002-06:00

You do not pay until you receive your order!!!

Wonderful Quote to think about...

2010-01-09T12:32:00.001-06:00

The grass is greener whereever you water it!!!!

Our 13th Wedding Anniversary Rings In the New Year

2010-01-07T06:07:00.012-06:00

Joey and I celebrated our 13th Wedding Anniversary on New Year's Eve. Every year we venture out finding a great place to celebrate our Anniversary. Since it falls on New Years Eve, it is never hard to find some wonderful place to stay and ring in the New Year together.

This year our daughter, Tay, asked why did she never get to go out with us on New Year's Eve. We explained because it is always our wedding anniversary. As we joke as often as we do, we told her light-heatedly that she can celebrate New Year's Eve on our 25th. In fact she can host a party for us.

We really hadn't made any plans before the day. Our dear friends Chris and Daughn called and asked if we would like to come to their house for their NYE party. Daughn said, I know it's your Anniversary but we wanted to invite you anyway." We told her we would love to come. They are the kind of friends who are always there for anyone and we love being around them. We enjoy spending time with people with positive attitudes.

It just so happened that their son, Zach, was having a few friends over as well. Tay was immediately invited. So we were excited to let her know she WAS spending the New Year with us after all.

It was an amazing party. Several couples and friends were there. Poor Daughn tried to teach us all to play Bunco. We played but aren't sure if we ever got it right but it was hilarious that not a one of us knew how to play, yet we tried so very hard. I think it was more fun that way.

Chris and Daughn surprised us with this cake that was a small Wedding cake. On top were a little champagne bottle, a Happy Anniversary banner, Joey and my name, and two tiny champagne flutes with champagne in them. We were so overwhelmed that they went to so much trouble to include our Anniversary into the NYE party.

The time flew so fast and it was midnight before we knew it. We switched on the TV just in time for the ball to start to fall in New York.

ENOUGH (beautiful)

2009-07-31T08:26:00.003-05:00

To all my friends and loved ones, I PRAY YOU ENOUGH.......
ENOUGH:
Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said, 'I love you, and I pray you enough.'

The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough, too, Mom.'

They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated.. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry.. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'

'Well...I'm not as young as I once was, she lives so far away & has her own busy life. I have some challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said.

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I pray you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

She began to smile. 'That's a prayer that has been handed down from other generations.. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I pray you enough,' we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.'

Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger..
I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Then, she began to cry, and walked away.

They say, it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them.

* Only if you pray, send this to the people you will never forget, and remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you. If you don't send it to anyone, it may mean that you are in such a hurry that you have forgotten your friends.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE.....

2009-01-23T15:36:00.001-06:00

HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

Saying Grace In A Restaurant (thanks Monica)

2009-01-02T23:18:00.001-06:00

Last week, I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, 'God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!'
Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, 'That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!'
Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, 'Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?' As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.
He winked at my son and said, 'I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.' 'Really?' my son asked. 'Cross my heart,' the man replied.
Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), 'Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.'
Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, 'Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.'
The End

I love this story! Please keep it moving. Sometimes, we all need some ice cream. I hope God sends you some Ice Cream today!

I Married a Marine (12 years ago)

2008-12-26T04:10:00.004-06:00

In 5 days, New Year's Eve) Joey and I will be married 12 years. We've gone through a lot. We married when he was still in the Marine Corps. Times were tough. Financially and mentally. We had nothing but each other and soon Taylor would enter our lives. We lived in this cracker box house that had 3 rooms in it. Bedroom (mattresses on the floor which we bought at the Salvation Army), a bathroom and a kitchen combo. Very small but that was all we needed. I remember getting so excited when we found this sofa sleeper for $30 on base. Now we could have visitors!!! LOL!

Needless, to say I was so frightened when I became pregnant in North Carolina, 12 hours from home, no friends, no family near, nothing. Now looking back we daily thank Heavenly Father for what we have now but also what we had then. We didn't have many material things, I never had a baby shower, like I had seen everyone at church receive. BUT mom & dad made sure Taylor had plenty of clothes. BUT most importantly we had love, true love.

Living in the military (and they have this quote "Marines Wife, Toughest Job in the Corps." and it WAS!) I even had this sticker on the back window of our old Nissan Stanza that got us through many trips to Tennessee and Ohio visiting family when we could. There were struggles like taking 3 or 4 loads of laundry to the laundry place 7-8 months pregnant all by myself, those we tough but made me stronger.

Although there have been struggles from being apart for long periods of time, I truly found my soul mate. Heavenly Father shined a light on Joey and let me know NOT to let this one go. That is a LONG story.

I can count on one hand the times we have ever shouted at each other. He completes me. Yes, you know me and you know how goofy I am, heck, my whole family is goofy and Joey fell in love with my family. Dad got a son he never had. Who he could talk military with and soon had a new fishing buddy. Joey has completed not only my life but my whole family's life.

So this is a little dedication from my love of him and how proud I am of him. What a wonderful provider, husband and father. And I married a Marine. Talk about feeling safe at night...lol.

Here is a tender moment with him and Switch as a baby sleeping. My tender Marine. I've spent over 13 years with this man and plan to be by his side no matter where life takes us. He's wanting to move us to Ohio where his dad lives and where he can get a better job and I resisted at first because I didn't want to miss my family and friends but he has been in McMinnville since the day he came home from the Marines so I guess I will follow him where ever he takes me because I trust his judgement, and we have prayed about it (always remember to pray) and I know he would never do anything that would hurt the family. He knows we are a strong family and we have been through a lot of growing up together and we know there are yet more struggles that are bound to come our way but together, the three of us can do anything possible with the love we have built and have for each other. I love you dear.

A Letter From A Friend

2008-12-26T03:21:00.003-06:00

I saw this year's ago and have kept in one of my many folders of letter and messages that inspire me and I bring them out when I feel it's time to share them. Many of you have read this before but I hope it inspires you in some way.

A LETTER FROM A FRIEND

I just had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you. Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends; I hoped that soon you'd want Me to walk along with you, too.
So, I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool breeze to refresh you. I waited and you never called. I just kept on loving you.
As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much to touch you. I spilled moonlight onto your face- trickling down your cheeks as so many tears have. You didn't even think of me; I wanted so much to comfort you.
The next day I exploded a brilliant sunrise into a glorious morning for you. But you woke up late and rushed off to work- you didn't even notice. My sky became cloudy and My tears were the rain.
I love you. Oh, if you'd only listen. I really love you. I try to say it in the quiet of the green meadow and in the blue sky.
The wind whispers My love throughout the treetops and spills it into the vibrant colors of the flowers. I shout it to you in the thunder of the great waterfalls and compose love songs for bands to sing for you.
I warm you with the clothing of My sunshine and perfume the air with nature's sweet scent. My love for you is deeper than the ocean and greater than any need in your heart. If you'd only realize how I care. I died just for you.
My Dad sends His love. I want you to meet Him. He cares, too. Fathers are just that way. So please call Me soon. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait because I love you.

Your Friend,
Jesus

Putting On Weight This Time of Year

2008-12-25T07:07:00.005-06:00

YOU WILL HAVE TO CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS!

Cell Phones vs. The Bible

2008-12-25T06:23:00.002-06:00

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go ... hmm, where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
But most important of all...you'll never have to ask Him 'can you hear me now?'
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities?

And no dropped calls!

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME

2008-12-25T05:58:00.004-06:00

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl. We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat- man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

The Tree Is Up!

2008-12-24T00:48:00.005-06:00

WITH THE LIGHT ON!

WITH THE LIGHTS OFF!

We actually finally got the tree up this year minus our tree I always put up in honor and in memory of our soldiers who have sacrificed their lives either those who passed away or for those who are not at home with their families this year, although I do have a picture of it from last year.

This is the tree that is in Honor and in Memory of all our past and present soldiers, the Angel are for the Fallen.

Being born into a military family and marrying a Marine, I have a very special relationship in my heart for the families and soldiers that serve our Nation and they are remembered daily by having an Americana themed Den.

A Baby's Hug

2008-12-19T14:03:00.003-06:00

This was sent to me today from a dear freind Jerry, who sends me daily laughs through e-mails, this one I felt so moved by. Not only did I get goose bumps but tears flowed. I hope you experience the same feelings as I did as you read this.

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed out with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.
We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'
Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk..
My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the ad miring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'
Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'
I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity. How did God feel when he put his baby in our arms 2000 years ago.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.'
If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are.
This one is a keeper.
'It is better to be liked for the true you, than to be loved for who people think you are........'

A Sad Truth To A Night Before Christmas

2008-12-18T21:26:00.002-06:00

T' was the night before Christmas
and all through the town
Not a sign of Baby Jesus
was anywhere to be found.

The people were all busy
with Christmas time chores
Like decorating, and baking,
and shopping in stores.

No one sang "Away in a manger,
no crib for a bed".
Instead, they sang of Santa
dressed-up in bright red.

Mama watched Martha Stewart,
Papa drank beer from a tap.
As hour upon hour
the presents they'd wrap

When what from the TV
did they suddenly hear?
'Cept an ad.. which told
of a big sale at Sears.

So away to the mall
they all flew like a flash
Buying things on credit
and others with cash!

And, as they made their way home
From their trip to the mall,
Did they think about Jesus?
Oh, no... not at all.

Their lives were so busy
with their Christmas time things
No time to remember
Christ Jesus, the King.

There were presents to wrap
and cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember
who died for their sake?

To pray to the Savior
they had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time
to "Shop till they dropped!"

On Wal-mart! On K-mart!
On Target! On Penney's!
On Hallmark! On Zales!
A quick lunch at Denny's

From the big stores downtown
to the stores at the mall
They would dash away, dash away,
and visit them all!

And up on the roof,
there arose such a clatter
As grandpa hung icicle lights
up on his brand new step ladder.

He hung lights that would flash.
He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...
Light of the World.

Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!
Christ's Spirit... how merry!
Christ's love... how enormous!
All our burdens... He'll carry!

So instead of being busy,
overworked, and uptight
Let's put Christ back in
Christmas and enjoy
some good nights!

Merry Christmas my friends!

"Don't Quit, Keep Playing"

2008-12-18T20:42:00.002-06:00

This was sent to me by my wonderful new friend, April, and I wanted to share it with you.

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her child was missing.
Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.
In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".
At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit". "Keep playing".
Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato.
Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.
The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played. Only the classic "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".
Perhaps that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music.
However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful.
The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit". "Keep playing".
May you feel his arms around you and know that his hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.
Remember, God doesn't seem to call the equipped, rather he equips the 'called'. Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire.
And remember, "Don't quit".

Arguments on Jesus' background (funny)

2008-12-18T10:51:00.002-06:00

I got this from Michelle Prater's blog. It's too funny not to share.

There are 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:
1. He called everyone brother
2. He liked Gospel
3. He didn't get a fair trial

But then there are 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish:
1. He went into His Father's business
2. He lived at home until he was 33
3. He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his Mother was sure He was God

But then there are 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian:
1. He talked with His hands
2. He had wine with His meals
3. He used olive oil

But then there are 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian:
1. He never cut His hair
2. He walked around barefoot all the time
3. He started a new religion

But then there are 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was an American Indian:
1. He was at peace with nature
2. He ate a lot of fish
3. He talked about the Great Spirit

But then there are 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish:
1. He never got married.
2. He was always telling stories.
3. He loved green pastures.

But the most compelling evidence of all - that Jesus was a woman:
1. He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was virtually no food
2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it
3. And even when He was dead, He had to get up because there was still work to do.

Mrs. Jones Class

2008-12-18T10:37:00.001-06:00

Miss Jones wanted to start the year off right. She announced to her 5th grade class, "Boys and girls, there are two words I don't allow in my class. One is gross and the other is cool."
From the back of the room Little Johnny called out, "So, what are the words?"

(Don't feel bad if you have to read this twice to get it, I had to)

I Am Thankful Because...

2008-12-14T02:00:00.002-06:00

I AM THANKFUL: FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A DINNER BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE.
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
FOR THE BIBLE BECAUSE IT TELLS ME THAT GOD LOVE US SO MUCH THAT HE GAVE HIS SON JESUS TO DIE FOR OUR SINS!

Taylor's 6th grade picture

2008-12-14T01:39:00.002-06:00

First a little bit of my ramblings...

Tay turned 11 this year. She is turning out to be a lot like me. She has been just like me since the day she was born. Her silliness is definitely just like mine and she loves to laugh just as I do. She was actually a little mini-me up until about a couple of years ago, now she has her own style and is not looking so much like me now. Which I hate.

Why might you ask, well I guess it's all really silly but here is why..

I was adopted from birth to the BEST parents on the face of the earth. I have always known I was adopted and it never has bothered me and I know it is because of how my mother explained it to me. She always told me that she couldn't have me so God made another way for her to have me. Awesome, huh?

Anyway back to Tay. So when Tay entered my world I finally looked like somebody. I knew God must have known all this time my longing to look like somebody and the soonest chance he had was when I had Tay.

So anyway, I decided to add her 6th grade picture this morning to my blog. We forgot it was picture day unfortunately but it turned out quite good.

2008-12-14T01:00:00.002-06:00

Adam's Rib (cute)

2008-12-14T00:59:00.000-06:00

At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.

Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and she said, 'Johnny, what is the matter?'

Little Johnny responded, 'I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife.'

Marine Christmas Poem

2008-12-13T15:54:00.005-06:00

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
'SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY! COUNTRY, MY CORPS.'

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.'

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,!
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.'

This poem was written by a Marine.

The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.....

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. Service men and Women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

My personal prompting from God to get out of Hell

2008-12-12T02:04:00.005-06:00

I recently resigned from a job I had for 5 years. I loved my job as an Administrative Assistant at a local church. I won't expose the name because the congregation was NOT the problem. They are some of the best people I've come to know. I am not a member of this church. No affiliation.

The problem was the pastor. He was day and night every week, sometimes he was nice for weeks at a time. One day he might be in a good mood or come in the next morning and start something with me. It was always the morning, first thing.

Sunday nights I always was anxiously upset wondering what awaited me bright and early each Monday morning. Would it be quiet and a good day or would I be belittled and fussed at for no good reason. And then was the his mood going to shift during the week.

I lived with this mean-streaked, power hungry, ego beyond belief of a pastor for over 3 years and it was really taking it's toll on me. He could turn it off just as quick as a clapper when one of his members entered the front of the church (you can hear down the hall from our offices when someone came in). I seriously feel he was trying to get me to quit. I know, I know, you're thinking a pastor? Well, there are those out there. I mean just look at the fallen ones from TV.

But he and I were in a business relationship and he wasn't trying to get me to be one of his "numbers" sitting a pew on Sunday mornings. He never treated me like he did his congregation and I got use to that, didn't like it but I lived with it. Numbers drove him to be as kind as he could to get his congregation to grow and it has. Sad truth though, they really are just "numbers" to him.

But I had decided even though my husband was loosing hours at work, and even though I knew there were no jobs for me with my back condition as it is, that I could no longer deal with the stress of the situation.

I was suppose to go up for an evaluation back in August. I had been working there for over 4 and half years with no job description. I did was I was asked and told to do. I was never late on any assignment. I even came in on Saturdays if I was sick and needed to get caught up.

After being there a year I knew exactly what my job was and it was all good as far as that went. But then after asking for a job description about 2 years ago(this was to cover myself to show I was doing everything I was suppose to be doing) and possibly they would see that I had at times gone above and beyond my job description at times, I received one this April! Wow 2 years in the making...lol.

In the job description was only one new thing, other than what I had been doing for 4 and a half years, an evaluation, and in this (what I WILL call a binding contract, because it was signed by me and chairman, agreeing on what was in it), it was to be held in August...yet..they put the evaluation off until little over a week into November and I knew after talking to the chairman from their little hiring/firing committee that they were going to keep me until into January and get all their loose ends tied up before probably letting me go.

We are talking annual reports, financial reports, tax exemptions to send out...on and on...Christmas programs, tons of stuff to do in December. Anyway, I had already figured out the head-game that was going on, and I am sure the congregation knew none of this. NOTHING.

So, Joey and I talked and decided that we would never be financially ready for me to go back to school, so why not just DO IT! It's been something I have been kicking myself in the butt for years now. So I set things in motion and I start January 5th at TN Tech. Center here in McMinnville.

I had planned on giving a 2 weeks notice on December 1st and my last day would have been December the 12th. But on the third Monday of November after telling boss man that I would be late for work on December 5th due to personal reasons he went off. I didn't want to tell him why I was to be late. He started raising his voice and telling me that I had to be there.

Sorry, but I do have days when I must do things very important and can't help it. Plus, I only missed 2 days of work in 5 months. Finally after he named off several things, trying to name anything and everything it could be. I just gave in for the sake of him to quit and so I told him that I was in fact going to an orientation for school and wanted to take some computer classes. He asked if I couldn't go after work. I asked him did he think he could call the school up and arrange a special orentation for me.

Obviously being miffed he told me I was to find a replacement to sit and answer the phones, easy, my mom would love to come in and answer the phones while I was there but he wanted me to search harder. So I found a replacement. I thought that was that.

NOPE

All HELL (this is not me cussing, I do NOT cuss) broke out on Tuesday when he came in and started right in on me. Telling me i was contracted to be there 20 hours a week in that chair (my chair...lol). Oh did I mention I was part-time? Yeah. Anyway, it escalated into him yelling, I told him to quit yelling at me, he said he was not yelling, so I asked him to not raise his voice at me, and while he was not "yelling" perhaps it was "raising his voice", he said he was not raising his voice. Must have hearing problems that moment.

Anyway, I've dealt with this kind of attitude for years with him. I've told those I thought should know of this but those who should have cared when I tried to tell them either didn't believe me or didn't care how he treated me. In fact they went to HIM and not the proper channels.

So he decided to throw that up in my face. That I had told them he had harassed me numerous times, which he had. He said he never did any such thing. I gave him one of the times. I pointed as he did to me the day this occurrence happened, and he said and I quote "I have my eyes on you and I am watching you" Don't point your finger at me and say that and think I am not going to get offended. He went into his office and slammed the door, then in 5 seconds he was back in my office this time in my face and smirked, like a 6th grader, "I never pointed at you but you just pointed at ME!"

It didn't even stop there, he went on for 30 minutes, I had not even began to start any work. He told me "You better be looking for another job, because you aren't going to make it." Hmm, really now? He was not the hiring or firing committee. I knew it, he DID want me gone and was working overtime to get me frazzled. Yet, he didn't know that I was leaving in 3 weeks. And going to school FULL-TIME.

In my evaluation I was told that I had a "thankless" job. That the less my name was mentioned the better, I did every single printing that came out of that office, I did all the paperwork for that church and I am to not get notice or thanked. SORRY. Oh, well I never got thanked for any extra things I did for the pastor. Like help him plan a Gatlinburg vacation for his wife or the time I made, designed and printed up 200 business cards for his son from my house, on my computer, using my software. No thanks at all.

But before I went into work Tuesday morning I felt this prompting, a strong one, to type up a letter to resign that had no date on it but a line I could fill in with a date I would resign WITHOUT A 2 WEEKS notice. See, I had already made a letter out to resign for my planned 2 weeks notice a week prior and I carried it around with me eager to turn it in and get the heck out of Dodge.

And you know what he had me so shaken up I was beside myself. I left my office and called the chairman and got his voice mail. I walked back into the church and as I came down the hallway I heard ole boss man talking about me and leaving everything out about him and making things up as he went.

By the way, I was told by chairman, in my evaluation, that boss man never ran to them about me that they asked him. LIES!!!!!!!!!!

I told boss man while he was on the phone to "tell the truth, tell the whole story" and as nonchalantly he said "Can you hear her (pulling the phone away from his face towards the door where I was standing), do see what I am talking about?" all the time smiling at me!

I told him to tell chairman to get over to the church ASAP that I was resigning immediately (I pulled the prompted newly typed letter out of my back pocket and waved it in the air). Then I smiled.

I had already cleared my office out about 2 months prior after having one of those days with boss man thinking I might NOT return then, so all that was left to grab was a mug, a fan, and a wreath I had on the wall.

I waited for chairman to drive up and then I just broke down crying. I explained that I hated leaving this way but I couldn't stay one second longer.

I told him through my heavy tears "They will see the real him, somebody will see it." I must have said it 4 times. Then I apologized that I didn't want to leave like this without telling the congregation goodbye. I made some great friends. Those were some good people being led by a totally different person I had come to know. Although I must add that some WERE seeing what I was seeing already.

There is no telling what has been said about me, I have no clue what they must think. I've received a few Christmas cards but no questions on why I left. Boss man probably made something up or told people I was fired.

It took me about 3 days to calm down from the mental ranting I got from ole boss man, lol, don't have to call him that anymore now.

I'm happier than I have ever been. Financially we ARE strapped but we WILL get by because I WAS suppose to leave that day. My Heavenly Father made sure of it. He prompted me to write that letter which almost made me late for work that morning. I have to giggle at that.

My life looks very bright. And about the 2 weeks notice thing, before chairman got there that morning, GET THIS, my ex-boss man smirked and asked "Don't you want to put in a 2 weeks notice for your resume?" Nope, I thought if I was there for 5 years I must have been doing something right.

Besides I was leaving work to go back to school.

Listen to your heart, listen for that small voice deep within you, it's there for a reason, listen for the promptings that God gives us and we can never go wrong.

One last thing for ex-boss man and/or his 2 side kicks...........
THIS IS MY RIGHT OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH IF YOU READ THIS...but you will probably decide to cut and paste or tamper with it to suit you and who know come after me for slander or something but I don't think you know how to do that, because I'm not there to help you figure anything out anymore. Miss me yet...lol!!!

I NEED TO ...

2008-12-12T01:09:00.003-06:00

POST SOME FAMILY PICS, HUH?

I promise soon. All my pics were erased when Joey decided he would revamp my computer, yeah right...lol. Well, he WAS suppose to tell me before doing so, but luckily I have them all over the place on-line & on discs saved. Some one has to remember things like this around here. But God love HIM!!!

Great Site: Send A Soldier Some Cheer

2008-12-11T19:36:00.008-06:00

Found a site that knocked my socks off! Being a wife of a Marine who served two deployments, I know first hand how bad our soldiers get seriously bored and lonely. Think of those who don't even have family who write much less send care packages. And there are plenty!

This site is set up to send to just those soldiers. You can customize your packages as well and to them. The two (well three) I thought which we great were the ***female and male personal kits and the ***fun pack. Joey said that playing cards were a treasure on ship to pass the time.
Please take moment and check this site out. Also, think about possibly making this a family affair. One box is as cheap as $7.00.
They have great pics of what you will be sending. And they state that in fact what you see is what they will get unless you add to the extras. Click on the drop down "Extras" button and see how reasonable a pack of cards are. They have everything I could think of.
Also, you are able to personalize a message for free to the soldier you are sending the cheer package too.

Oh how I love Christmas and how good it feels to give to those in need of love and hope and CHEER.

HERE ARE THE CHEER PACKS THERE ARE PICTURES ON THE SITE:

Custom your Cheer Pack $7 Just pick out your Extras and custom build your own cheer pack.
All in One from $14 A bestseller. Assortment of snacks, games and personal care.
Sweet Favorites $16.50-$25 Filled with wonderful sweet candy and gum that will surely brighten a soldier's day. Choose Size Small or Large.
Packful of Chocs $20-$30 A chocolate lover's delight. Choose size Small or Large.
Heavenly Cookies $15-$25 A sure pleaser that reminds a soldier of home. Great with adding extras! Choose Size Small or Large.
Desert Relief $44.50 A must have for the soldier in Hot Climates.
***Fun Pack $39 Fun and games to pass the time. Don't forget our wonderful Extras!
Breakfast Pack $20 Packful of breakfast favorite that's good for anytime of the day!
Heroes Cheer Pack from $250 Show you Care by Donating Big to large numbers of soldiers. Choose Small, Medium, Large, Xlarge.
***Woman Personal Care $35 A girl would really appreciate this out in the field. Check out the Extras too!
***Male Personal Care $35 Your soldier will be greatful to receive this cheerpack with all the necessities for hygiene care.
Energy Pack $22 Give a soldier a boost of energy with this high energy pack. Don't forget to checkout our Extras!

Holy E-mail (I just had to, this was too funny)

2008-12-11T18:51:00.002-06:00

One day God was looking down at Earth and saw all of the rascally behavior that was going on. So He sent one of his angels to earth to look into it. When he returned, he told God, 'Yes, it is bad on Earth; 95% are misbehaving and only 5% are not.
God thought for a moment and said, 'Maybe I had better send down a second angel to get another opinion.'
So God called another angel and sent him to Earth for a time.
When the angel returned he went to God and said, 'Yes, it's true the Earth is in decline; 95% are misbehaving, but 5% are being good.'
God was not pleased. So He decided to e-mail the 5% that were good because he wanted to encourage them and give them a little something to help them keep going...

Do you know what the e-mail said?

Okay, I was just wondering, because I didn't get one either.

A Doll and A White Rose...thanks April (a must read)

2008-12-11T17:30:00.004-06:00

I was walking around in a Target store, when I saw a Cashier hand this little boy some money back. The boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old. The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll.'Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him: 'Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?''
The old lady replied: ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.'' Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly.
The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.'
I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.'
His eyes were so sad while saying this. 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.''
My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet.... I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing.
He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.
I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!'' 'OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.
The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!' Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give it to my sister. He heard me!''
'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.''
'My mommy loves white roses.'
A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket.
I finished my shopping in a totally different state of mind from when I started.
I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local news paper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to p ull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma.
Was this the family of the little boy?
Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the news paper that the young woman had passed away.
I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial.
She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest.
I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed for ever.. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine.
And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

Now you have 2 choices:
1) Send this message to others, or
2) Ignore it as if it never touched your heart.

The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:
'With hurricanes, tornado's, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

The value of a man or woman resides in what he or she gives, not in what they are capable of receiving.

A Thanksgiving Funny

2008-11-25T15:12:00.002-06:00

If you know me at all I'm not the domesticated Princess. I'd rather clean than cook so when I read this I had to share. And let's just say that before I went on a diet the phone book was my recipe book...lol.

This is called "Grandma's House"

Little Johnny and his family were having Thanksgiving dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served.

When little Johnny received his plate he started eating right away.

"Johnny wait until we say our prayer."

"I don't have to." The boy replied.

"Of course, you do," his mother insisted.

"We say a prayer before eating at our house."

"That's our house," Johnny explained. "But this is Grandma's house, and she knows how to cook!.

God Does Speak To US

2008-11-23T19:11:00.001-06:00

This will give you the chills....... GOOD chills.

A young man had been to Wednesday Night Bible Study. T he Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice.

The young man couldn't help but wonder, 'Does God still speak to people?'

After service, he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways.

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started Driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, 'God...If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey.'

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk.

He shook his head and said out loud, 'God is that you?' He didn't get a reply and started on toward home.

But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk.

The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.

'Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk.' It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, 'Turn Down that street.'

This is crazy he thought, and drove on past the intersection.

Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street .

At the next inters ection, he turned back and headed down Seventh.

Half jokingly, he said out loud,

'Okay, God, I will.'

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi- commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed something, 'Go and give t he milk to the people in the house across the street.' The young man looked at the hous e. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat.

'Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going To be mad and I will look stupid.' Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.

Finally, he opened the door, 'Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for some thing, but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here.'

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, 'Who is it? What do you want?' Then the door opened before the young man could get away.

The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. H e looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. 'What is it?'

The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, 'Here, I brought this to you.' The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway.

Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face.

The man began speaking and half crying, 'We were just praying. We had Some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk.'

His wife in the kitchen yelled out, 'I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?'

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers.

This is so true. Sometimes it's the simplest things that God asks us to do tha t cause us, if we are obedient to what He's asking, to be able to hear. His voice more clear than ever. Please listen, and obey ! It will bless you.

"Teddy" (A Must Read)

2008-11-18T19:02:00.003-06:00

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. However, that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big 'F' at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners... he is a joy to be around..'

His second grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle.'

His third grade teacher wrote, 'His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest, and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken.'

Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class.'

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, 'Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to.'

After the children left, she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her 'teacher's pets.'

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he had ever had in his whole life. Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer.... The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.

The story does not end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, 'Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference.'

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, 'Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you.'

(For you that don't know, Teddy Stoddard is the Dr. at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)

Warm someone's heart today. . . pass this along. I love this story so very much, I cry every time I read it. Just try to make a difference in someone's life today? tomorrow? just 'do it'.

Random acts of kindness, I think they call it!
'Believe in Angels, then return the favor'

Lucky the Dog

2008-11-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

Lucky Dog....Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one!

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease . . . in fact, she was just sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her . . . what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember . . . live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget . . the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.

If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God

Be nice to everyone, you never know...

2008-11-12T17:27:00.002-06:00

I am sure many of you have read this story before but it's a great one and has touched my heart everytime I have read it. I wanted to share it with you. ~Rennie~

I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.'

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'

There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now.

I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!' He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown , and I was going to Duke.

I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.

He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.

Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had an d all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days.

I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. 'Thanks,' he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.'

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way.
Look for God in others.

I GRANT YOU ONE WISH ~ Funny

2008-11-11T11:08:00.000-06:00

A man riding his Harley was riding along a California beach, when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said, "Because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish."

The biker pulled over and said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want."

The Lord said, "Your request is materialistic! Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking; the supports required reaching the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things.

Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help mankind."

The biker thought about it for a long time.

Finally, he said, "Lord, I wish that I and all men could understand women; I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says nothing's wrong, and how I can make a woman truly happy."

The Lord replied, "You want two lanes or four on that bridge?"

YOU SAY ~ GOD SAYS ~ BIBLE VERSES

2008-11-11T09:24:00.002-06:00

You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )

You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

PASS THIS ON. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO MAY BE IN NEED
The first sentence is pretty powerful!

God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.'

Something on Burdens

2008-11-08T16:26:00.004-06:00

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked:

'How heavy is this glass of water?'
Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it.'

'If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.'

'In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.'

He continued, 'And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on.'

'As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while, and rest before holding it again.

When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden

'So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work/life down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.'

'Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short.'

2008-11-05T09:42:00.003-06:00

The important thing is, not how good were your ancestors, but how good an ancestor you will be. ~Anonymous

How to make sense of the World

2008-11-05T08:42:00.003-06:00

A father wanted to read his magazine, but was being bothered by his little daughter, Susie.

Finally, he tore out a page of the magazine, on which was printed the map of the world.

Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Susie, and said, "Go into the other room and see if you can put this together."

After a few minutes, Susie returned and handed him the map correctly fitted together.

The father was very surprised and asked how she finished so quickly.

"Oh", she said, "on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got Jesus in His place, then the world came out all right."

LORD PROP US UP...

2008-11-04T09:24:00.000-06:00

LORD PROP US UP...

Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed, Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side.' After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.

He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this... I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years.

It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit.

So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.

Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I ve been around a long time.

I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot Of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times.

Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't So we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.''

If you stare at this barn for a second you will see who will help us stand straight and tall again. Pass this on to others who might need Propping Up, if you wish to!

A.S.A.P.

2008-11-04T09:16:00.001-06:00

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.

*************

There's work to do, deadlines to meet; You've got no time to spare, But as you hurry and scurry- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
In the midst of family chaos, "Quality time" is rare. Do your best; let God do the rest- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
It may seem like your worries Are more than you can bear. Slow down and take a breather- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares, And He'll respond to all your needs A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

My instructions were to send this to people that I wanted God to bless. If you would like, send this to friends or family that you want to be blessed.

God bless and have a wonderful day!

Please send this on ASAP!!!

Sunday school class question

2008-10-14T18:40:00.001-05:00

How to get into Heaven

I was testing the children in my Sunday school class to see if they understood the concept of getting to heaven. I asked them,

'If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, Would that get me into Heaven?'

'NO!' the children answered.

'If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into Heaven?'

Again, the answer was, 'NO!'

By now I was starting to smile. Hey, this was fun!

'Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children, and loved my husband, would that get me into Heaven?' I asked them again.

Again, they all answered, 'NO!'

I was just bursting with pride for them. 'Well,' I continued, 'then how can I get into Heaven?'

A five-year-old boy shouted out,

'YOU GOTTA BE DEAD.'

A Thought

2008-09-16T11:09:00.002-05:00

Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty - they merely move it from their faces to their hearts. - unknown

Patience

2008-09-16T11:09:00.001-05:00

One of the greatest secrets of life is having patience AND wisdom.

Rennie's Reading suggestion

2008-09-05T11:00:00.028-05:00

Yes, I actually am writing a personal blog.

I am currently reading "Enjoying Where You Are On the Way To Where You Are Going" by Joyce Meyer (when does she have the time to write so many books?!?!)

The first 3 Chapters sang to me. Especially Chapter 2. I'm on the 4th or 5th chapter now. It's opening my mind and it's helping AND teaching me how to really ENJOY life, helping me to overcome and understand dread, regret andmany other faults that I have let bog me down for over 25 years.

It's no secret I suffer from major depression and Sever Anxiety, well, it's not anymore. I have a chemical imbalance in my brain and don't produce enough serotonin. I was born with it. It's genetic apparently and being adopted my parents didn't know the signs and I guess I came off pretty moody a lot or overreacted to the least of the littlest things at times...I repeat...at times. I am outgoing but scared a lot, I have a happy go lucky attitude (or so I like to think that) most of the times yet deep inside I'm so anxious The bad anxious kind, not the "OH, I can't wait to open that Christmas present" anxious.

I was miserable off and on for years yet I did the best I could and because of God, who gave me the best parents a child could ask for, laughter got me through A LOT, still does. I am a huge cut up, always have been, it's in the family and goes way back and apparently I'm raising another silly little being...Taylor. She's a joy. And luckily I see no signs of depression or anxiety from her. I have the knowledge and the insight and I decided when she was still in the womb that I was going to watch for these things because I can help her early and she wouldn't have to go through all the needless feeling I struggled with for so many years and still do.

She is a little more shy at times when I wish she wasn't but she's the best. She is one of my best friends. We've got a great open communication relationship and that is exactly the way I want it to stay, and some of you may be thinking, "Oh, just you wait." I know that there will be the teen years and I am not looking forward to that at all, but I feel Joey and I are doing a great job raising her and I don't see her being a problem at all, well not all the time.

Long story short, I have a problem with self-worth, I have a problem with what others think of me, I am the best procrastinator on this planet, I worry about everything, I think way to much over the simplest things, everything has to be just so, I am a perfectionist.......and so it goes.

I was married once before. I married right before my 21st birthday to who I thought was the man of my dreams (if my mom is reading this right now, she is gagging...lol) but little did I know I was in for a heck of a ride. He was emotional abusive, then physical towards the end. He had brained washed me from thinking he was the only man on the planet, NO the universe that would ever love me. Little did I know but I was his trophy wife, yet he treated me like a dog at times infront of friends and his relatives. I stayed married to him for a year and half. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be a divorcee, never. You marry for life, right? But my friends could see me change from this silly lady to a shy shell of a woman. i couldn't go anywhere alone, I was scared. If I visited my parents in McMinnville, I had this overwhelming feeling I must go home, I must get back to him, only to find him not there anyway.

So I divorced him and it took many years to get the funny Rennie back, the person who could hold her head up and walk into Wal-mart alone. Sounds easy but that was a hard one to over come. To feel ok to be alone, be by myself.

There are still scars in my heart and head from the abuse and that has left me with a lot of terrible feelings about myself that I am still today this day EVEN though I am remarried to THE MAN OF MY DREAMS, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, JOEY and we will be celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary this New years Eve!!!

But anyway, you add depression and anxiety on top of abuse or perhaps those maybe the very thing that causes these problems for me but my heart has been heavy with constant worry, anxiety, fear, dread, even feelings of guilt and I've not done one thing that I should feel guilty about and I know it, so why? Why do I feel this way?

Well, this book has laid out many things and defined many of these very words, defined them and even follows up with scriptures assuring me why there are these feelings and I know and I didn't have to read this book to know this but I do know my Heavenly Father loves me I know Jesus loves me. But I'm plagues with these hmmm...let's call them "quirks."

At any rate this book fell in my hands when I was hungry to find why I feel the way I do and I wanted the feelings to go away, I wanted to do something about this. You know I asked myself for years "How do I handle these unnecessary" feelings and she has given me some insight about just letting go. Past is past. I understand that God did not give me fear, as she says...

"We know that God has not given us a spirit of fear and since He did not give us fear, we know that He did not give us dread either. As a matter of fact, the Bible teaches us in several places not to dread."
"Dread is like fear---it draws disaster. It is Satan's open door to bring in the feared or dreaded." "'Relish the moment's a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24, This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Oh and how I love this: "It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today."
"Regret of the past and dread of the future are both thieves of joy."
"In order to live as God intends for us to live, the first thing we must do is truly believe that it is God's will for us to experience continual joy. Then we must decide to enter into that joy." - Joyce Meyer

She goes on and quotes many scriptures which Jesus revealed that it is God's will for us to enjoy life.

Now, I know God loves me. I know He wants me to be happy. And to enjoy life to the fullest but I couldn't seem to pull myself up and realize that Satan has been stealing a lot of my joy. I think I have had some cracks in me and he has found a way in and I not knowing or even thinking that Satan, himself, has had something to do with. You know I forget about Satan a lot. My love for God and his Son, I never think about Satan trying so hard to work on everybody. Never thinking he could be working on me.

I don't like admitting that apparently he's been working on me. Trying his hardest to bring me down and I daily struggle with insecurities even when I am just sitting at home alone much less when I need to go out in public. My anxiety doesn't help matters and the depression either.

I just wanted to share this book or rather suggest it for anyone struggling with how to make the decision to ENJOY life, get over those unnecessary feelings of dread or regret, unexplainable feelings of guilt and ways to simplify your life (that's the chapter I am on now...wonderful) and apparently so much more.

I just felt the need to pass this book along. And have meant to write about this a few days ago but alas, I procrastinated...lol.

Love you dearly, ~Rennie~

GOD'S 26 Guards

2008-09-05T11:00:00.027-05:00

Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said, 'I'll pray for them later?' Or has anyone ever called you and said, 'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?'

Read the following story that was sent to me and may it change the way that you may think about prayer and also The way you pray. You will be blessed by this.

A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan.

'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.
On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city. Where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.
Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord. I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.
Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight.
We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.
At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards, my friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.'
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story:
'On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you.
Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?' The men who had met together to pray that day stood up. The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were, He was too busy counting how many men he saw.
There were 26!

This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him. If you ever hear such prodding, go along with it.

Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell.
I encourage you to forward this to as many people as you know.
If we all take it to heart, we can turn this world toward God once again.
As the above true story clearly illustrates, 'With God all things are possible'.

More importantly, how God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful.

After you read this, please pass it on and give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith, for the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many miracles He works in your own daily life. And then pass it on. Who says God does not move on the earth today?

I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today. To guide you and protect you as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him our cares you know He will see us through. So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best, just remember I'm here praying, and God will do the rest.

Pass this on to those whom you want God to bless.

Great Qoute to Think About

2008-09-05T11:00:00.026-05:00

"The optimist laughs to forget.
The pessimist forgets to laugh."

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN

2008-09-05T11:00:00.025-05:00

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN

This is one of the nicest e-mails I have seen and is so true:

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.'

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them. 'I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked.

'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments .'
'How does one acknowledge God's blessings?' I asked.
'Simple,' the angel answered. Just say, 'Thank you, Lord.'
'What blessings should they acknowledge?' I asked.

* 'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wall et, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.'

* 'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.'

* 'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day .'

* 'If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... You are ahead of 700 million people in the world.'

* 'If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world '

* 'If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare .'

* 'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.'

Ok, what now? How can I start?

* If you can read this message, you just receive d a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

ATTN:

Acknowledge Dept.: 'Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share it with.'

If you have read this far, and are thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not send it on???? I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends!!

Blessings with love,
Amen

Need Washing???

2008-09-05T11:00:00.023-05:00

NEED WASHING???

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Me mories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said 'What?' Mom asked.

'Lets run through the rain!' She repeated

'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain,'

'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.

'No, we won't, Mom.. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

This morning ?When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?

'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently.. No one came or left in the next few minutes.Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing,' Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children a ll the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Send this to the people you'll never forget and remember to also send it to the person who sent it to you. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in a hurry.

Take the time to live!!! Keep in touch with your friends, you never know when you'll need each other -- and don't forget to run in the rain !

Billy Graham's prayer aired by Paul Harvey.

2008-09-05T11:00:00.019-05:00

GUY SURE HAS A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THIS COUNTRY!

PAUL HARVEY'S ON-AIR PRAYER

'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God.'

If possible, please pass this prayer on to your friends. 'If you don't stand for something, you will fall for everything.'

Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your e-mail list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world. (It's worth a try!)

One Nation Under God

CHARLES SCHULTZ PHILOSOPHY

2008-09-05T11:00:00.018-05:00

You don’t actually have to take this quiz. Just read it straight through, and you will get the point, an awesome one, that it is trying to make!

Take this quiz:
1.) Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2.) Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3.) Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4.) Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5.) Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor or actress.
6.) Name a decades worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1.) List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2.) Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3.) Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4.) Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5.) Think of a few people you enjoy spending time with.
6.) Name a half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The Lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care! Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life.

~~Charles Schultz~~

Catch the moment - Perfect photography!

2008-09-05T11:00:00.017-05:00

Catch the moment - Perfect photography!

Remember the buddy system...because two have more fun than one!

Take time once in a while to just enjoy the moment...

When someone tries to surprise you, let them think they got away with it...

Don't worry about what you see in the mirror, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder...

Remember, your mother thinks you're cute... even if no one else does.

Always try to do what you are taught, it can sometimes lead to beautiful things....

Try to give a gentle lift to a friend in need...

Search for the best route to what you're hoping for...

No goal is too hard to attain when you persevere...

Sometimes it's better to watch from a distance and plan your next move carefully...

Get to know someone first before accepting that he may be your enemy...

Be careful what you put into your body, health is too important to ignore...

Present yourself well and mind your manners...

Remember, no matter how much you resemble your siblings, you are still unique.

Whenever possible, jump and clap for joy!

Always keep in mind that the world is filled with marvels... You never know what awaits around the next bend.

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

2008-08-29T08:17:00.002-05:00

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL? Amen!

In MEMORY of Navy Petty Officer Mike Monsoor

2008-08-15T08:30:00.014-05:00

PO2 (EOD2) Mike Monsoor, a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade in Iraq , giving his life to save his fellow SEALs.

During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego , as his coffin was being moved from the hearse to the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery , SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route forming a column of twos, with the coffin moving up the center. As Mike's coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin. The slaps were audible from across the cemetery; by the time the coffin arrived grave side, it looked as though it had a gold inlay from all the Tridents pinned to it. This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero.

This should be front-page news instead of the crap we see every day.

Since the media won't make this news, I choose to make it news by forwarding it onto you guys. I am proud of our military and the men and women who serve in it. They represent the highest and finest values of this country.

GIRLIE WISDOM ~ funny!!!

2008-08-15T08:30:00.013-05:00

Women over 50 don't have babies because they would put them down and forget where they left them.
A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... she has 14 kids but doesn't really care.
One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.
My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.
The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.
The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.
Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.
Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.
I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my pants.
Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes!
Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!' .....Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys, but I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!
I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!
SEND THIS TO 5 BRIGHT WOMEN YOU KNOW AND MAKE THEIR DAY!!!

LIVE SIMPLY.....LAUGH OFTEN....LOVE DEEPLY

I just had to add this joke...lol

2008-08-15T08:30:00.012-05:00

A man boarded a plane with 6 kids...

After they got settled in their seats, a woman sitting across the aisle from him leaned over to him and asked, "Are all of those kids yours?"

He replied, "No, I work for a condom company. These are customer complaints..."

Amazing Art with Egg Shells

2008-08-15T08:30:00.011-05:00

These egg shells were cut with a high intensity precision laser beam. This gives a very good idea of what can be achieved with a laser beam. From this can be surmised what laser surgery performed on one's eye is all about. Is it any wonder how one's vision can be improved in just a few moments? Science is sometimes wonderful, and it's still on the frontier of gaining new knowledge.

"A true friend is someone who knows you're a good egg even if you're a little cracked."

Wedding Ring be worn on the 4th Finger

2008-08-15T08:30:00.010-05:00

Why should the wedding ring be worn on the fourth finger?

You really won't believe it - but it is, as it says, Amazing. There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese.

Thumb represents your Parents Second (Index) finger represents your Siblings Middle finger represents your-Self Fourth (Ring) finger represents your Life Partner

The Last (Little) finger represents your childrenFirstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together - back to back

Secondly, open and hold the remaining three fingers and the thumb - tip to tip(As shown in the figure below):

Now, try to separate your thumbs (representing the parents)..., they will open, because your parents are not destined to live with you lifelong, and have to leave you sooner or later. Please rejoin your thumbs as before and separate your Index fingers (representing siblings), they will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will have to lead their own separate lives.

Now rejoin the Index fingers and separate your Little fingers (representing your children), they will open too, because the children also will get married and settle down on their own some day.

Finally, rejoin your Little fingers, and try to separate your Ring fingers (representing your spouse). You will be surprised to see that you just CANNOT, because Husband & Wife have to remain together all their lives - through thick and thin!!

I N S T R U C T I O N S F O R L I F E

2008-08-15T08:30:00.007-05:00

I N S T R U C T I O N S F O R L I F E
by the Dali Lama

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s:
Respect for self,
Respect for others and
Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

REAL MOTHERS

2008-08-15T08:30:00.005-05:00

REAL MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of shag carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know as much as she thinks she does.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's too old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She has no earthly idea, she's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it.

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Please send this to 5 women today in celebration of Women's History Month.

If you don't, nothing bad will happen, but if you do, something good will: you will boost a Mother spirits.

$20

2008-08-15T08:30:00.003-05:00

20.00 - Sometimes we just need to be reminded!

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill.

In the room of 200, he asked,'Who would like this $20 bill?'Hands started going up.

He said, 'I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.

He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.

He then asked, 'Who still wants it?'

Still the hands were up in the air.

Well, he replied, 'What if I do this?'

And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.

'Now, who still wants it?'

Still the hands went into the air.

My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson.

No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value.

It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless..but no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you.

The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE.

You are special - Don't EVER forget it.'

If you do not pass this on, you may never know the lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to, or the hope that it can bring.

Count your blessings, not your problems.

'And remember: amateurs built the ark ..professionals built the Titanic.

If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

The lunch day with Mae (good read)

2008-08-15T08:30:00.001-05:00

This is a good one. Love you all!

One day I had a date for lunch with friends. Mae, a little old 'blue hair' about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, 'Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.'

I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast.

'Along with heated apple pie,' Mae added, completely unabashed. tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time

But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.

I couldn't take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down.

The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae. I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait.

I smiled. She asked if she amused me.I answered, 'Yes, you do, but also you confuse me.

How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible? She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, 'I'm tasting all that is Possible.

I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.This year I realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven't been this old before.' 'So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many books I haven't read. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. There are many malls I haven't shopped. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of Broadway hits and potato chips and cokes. I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance call s to t he folks I love the most.

I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain.

I need to feel wind in my hair. I want to fall in love again. So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired.'

With that, I called the waitress over.. 'I've changed my mind, ' I said.. 'I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!'

This is my gift to you - We need an annual Friends Day! If you get this twice, then you have more than one friend. Live well, love much & laugh often - Be happy.

SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS including me if I'm lucky enough to be counted among them.

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige , but on relationships with people we love and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE SINGS!

When You Thouht I Wasn't Looking

2008-08-12T15:21:00.001-05:00

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight and I felt safe and loved.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we were given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handle your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

* * *

Each of us, whether a parent, grandparent, relative or friend, influence a child somewhere. How will you touch the life of someone today? ~ author unknown ~

Judge Not

2008-07-18T06:56:00.002-05:00

BEST POEM IN THE WORLD!
I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

'And why's everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.
'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

JUDGE NOT.

Remember...Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian no more than standing in your garage makes you a car!

The Blessing of Cancer by Tony Snow

2008-07-15T11:05:00.017-05:00

The Blessing of Cancer by Tony Snow
November 5, 2007

Blessings arrive in unexpected packages, - in my case, cancer. Those of us with potentially fatal diseases - and there are millions in America today - find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God's will. Although it would be the height of presumption to declare with confidence 'What It All Means,' Scripture provides powerful hints and consolations.

The first is that we shouldn't spend too much time trying to answer the 'why' questions: Why me? Why must people suffer? Why can't someone else get sick? We can't answer such things, and the questions themselves often are designed more to express our anguish than to solicit an answer.

I don't know why I have cancer, and I don't much care. It is what it is, a plain and indisputable fact. Yet even while staring into a mirror darkly, great and stunning truths begin to take shape. Our maladies define a central feature of our existence: We are fallen. We are imperfect. Our bodies give out.

But despite this, - or because of it, - God offers the possibility of salvation and grace. We don't know how the narrative of our lives will end, but we get to choose how to use the interval between now and the moment we meet our Creator face-to-face.

Second, we need to get past the anxiety. The mere thought of dying can send adrenaline flooding through your system. A dizzy, unfocused panic seizes you. Your heart thumps; your head swims. You think of nothingness and swoon. You fear artings; you worry about the impact on family and friends. You fidget and get nowhere.

To regain footing, remember that we were born not into death, but into life - and that the journey continues after we have finished our days on this earth. We accept this on faith, but that faith is nourished by a conviction that stirs even within many non believing hearts - an intuition that the gift of life, once given, cannot be taken away. Those who have been stricken enjoy the special privilege of being able to fight with their might, main, and faith to live fully, richly, and exuberantly - no matter how their days may be numbered.

Third, we can open our eyes and hearts. God relishes surprise. We want lives of simple, predictable ease,- smooth, even trails as far as the eye can see, - but God likes to go off-road. He provokes us with twists and turns. He places us in predicaments that seem to defy our endurance; and comprehension - and yet don't. By His love and grace, we persevere. The challenges that make our hearts leap and stomachs churn invariably strengthen our faith and grant measures of wisdom and joy we would not experience otherwise.

'You Have Been Called'. Picture yourself in a hospital bed. The fog of anesthesia has begun to wear away. A doctor stands at your feet; a loved one holds your hand at the side. 'It's cancer,' the healer announces.

The natural reaction is to turn to God and ask him to serve as a cosmic Santa. 'Dear God, make it all go away. Make everything simpler.' But another voice whispers: 'You have been called.' Your quandary has drawn you closer to God, closer to those you love, closer to the issues that matter, - and has dragged into insignificance the banal concerns that occupy our 'normal time.'

There's another kind of response, although usually short-lived an inexplicable shudder of excitement, as if a clarifying moment of calamity has swept away everything trivial and tiny, and placed before us the challenge of important questions.

The moment you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change. You discover that Christianity is not something doughy, passive, pious, and soft. Faith may be the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But it also draws you into a world shorn of fearful caution. The life of belief teems with thrills, oldness, danger, shocks, reversals, triumphs, and epiphanies. Think of Paul, traipsing though the known world and contemplating trips to what must have seemed the antipodes (Spain), shaking the dust from his sandals, worrying not about the morrow, but only about the moment.

There's nothing wilder than a life of humble virtue, - for it is through selflessness and service that God wrings from our bodies and spirits the most we ever could give, the most we ever could offer, and the most we ever could do.

Finally, we can let love change everything. When Jesus was faced with the prospect of crucifixion, he grieved not for himself, but for us. He cried for Jerusalem before entering the holy city. From the Cross, he took on the cumulative burden of human sin and weakness, and begged for forgiveness on our behalf.

We get repeated chances to learn that life is not about us, that we acquire purpose and satisfaction by sharing in God's love for others. Sickness gets us part way there. It reminds us of our limitations and dependence. But it also gives us a chance to serve the healthy. A minister friend of mine observes that people suffering grave afflictions often acquire the faith of two people, while loved ones accept the burden of two peoples' worries and fears.

'Learning How to Live'. Most of us have watched friends as they drifted toward God's arms, not with resignation, but with peace and hope. In so doing, they have taught us not how to die, but how to live. They have emulated Christ by transmitting the power and authority of love.

I sat by my best friend's bedside a few years ago as a wasting cancer took him away. He kept at his table a worn Bible and a 1928 edition of the Book of Common Prayer. A shattering grief disabled his family, many of his old friends, and at least one priest. Here was an humble and very good guy, someone who apologized when he winced with pain because he thought it made his guest uncomfortable. He retained his equanimity and good humor literally until his last conscious moment. 'I'm going to try to beat [this cancer],' he told me several months before he died. 'But if I don't, I'll see you on the other side.'

His gift was to remind everyone around him that even though God doesn't promise us tomorrow, he does promise us eternity, - filled with life and love we cannot comprehend, - and that one can in the throes of sickness point the rest of us toward timeless truths that will help us weather future storms.

Through such trials, God bids us to choose: Do we believe, or do we not? Will we be bold enough to love, daring enough to serve, humble enough to submit, and strong enough to acknowledge our limitations? Can we surrender our concern in things that don't matter so that we might devote our remaining days to things that do?

When our faith flags, He throws reminders in our way. Think of the prayer warriors in our midst. They change things, and those of us who have been on the receiving end of their petitions and intercessions know it. It is hard to describe, but there are times when suddenly the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you feel a surge of the Spirit. Somehow you just know: Others have chosen, when talking to the Author of all creation, to lift us up, - to speak of us!

This is love of a very special order. But so is the ability to sit back and appreciate the wonder of every created thing. The mere thought of death somehow makes every blessing vivid, every happiness more luminous and intense. We may not know how our contest with sickness will end, but we have felt the ineluctable touch of God.

What is man that Thou art mindful of him? We don't know much, but we know this: No matter where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our prospects, each and every one of us who believe, each and every day, lies in the same safe and impregnable place, in the hollow of God's hand.'

Note:
Tony went to be with the Lord June 12, 2008. He had been a commentator and broadcaster for many years. In 2005 Tony announced that he had colon cancer. Following surgery and chemotherapy, he joined the Bush Administration in April 2006 as press secretary. Unfortunately, on March 23, 2007, Snow, 51, a husband and father of three, announced the cancer had recurred, with tumors found in his abdomen. That led to additional surgery and chemotherapy in April. Snow went back to work in the White House Briefing Room on May 30, but he later had to resign again, 'for economic reasons,' and to pursue 'other interests.'

Beauty Aids

2008-07-15T11:05:00.013-05:00

A dear old lady was asked what she used to make her complexion so beautiful and her whole being so bright and attractive.
She answered:

I use for my lips, truth
I use for my voice, kindness
I use for my ears, compassion
I use for my hands, charity
I use for my figure, uprightness
I use for my heart, love
I use for any who do not like me, prayer.

Once a week, write a heartfelt letter

2008-07-15T11:05:00.012-05:00

This is an exercise that helped to change many lives, assisting people in becoming more peaceful and loving.

Taking a few minutes each weak to write a heartfelt letter does many things for you. Picking up a pen or typing on a keyboard slows you down long enough to remember the beautiful people in your life. The act of sitting down to write helps to fill your life with gratitude.

Once you decide to try this, you will probably amazed at how many people appear on your list. I had a friend who said,” I probably don’t have enough weeks left in my life to write everyone on my list.” This may or may not be true for you, but chances are, there are a number of people in your life, or from your past, who are quite deserving of a friendly, heartfelt letter. Even if you don’t have people in your life to whom you feel you can write, go ahead and write the letter to someone you don’t know instead – perhaps to an author who may not even be living, whose works you admire. Or to a great inventor or thinker from the past or pesence. Part of the value of the letter is to gear your thinking toward gratitude. Writing the letter, even it is isn’t sent, would do just that.

The purpose of your letter is very simple: to express love and gratitude. Don’t worry if you are awkward at writing letters. This isn’t a contest from the head but a gift from the heart. If you can’think of much to say, start with a short little note like,” Dear Jasmine. I woke up this morning thinking of how lucky I am to have people like you in my life. Thank you so much for being my friend. I am truly blessed and I wish for you all the happiness and joy that life can bring. Love, Me.

Not only does writing and sending a note like this focus your attention on what is right in your life, but the person receiving it will, in all likelihood, be extremely touched and grateful. Often, this simple action starts a spiral of loving actions wherby the person receiving your letter may decide to do the same thing to someone else, or perhaps will act and feel more loving toward others. Write your first letter this week. I’ll bet you will be glad you did.

"Give Me Enough" Poem

2008-07-15T11:05:00.010-05:00

Give me enough tears to keep me human,
Enough humor to keep me wise,
Enough setbacks to keep me humble,
Enough accomplishments to keep me confident,
Enough patience to teach me waiting,
Enough hope to teach me trusting,
Enough friends to give me love,
Enough memories to give me comfort,
And enough FAITH to keep me going.

~Author Unknown

Senior Version of Jesus Loves Me

2008-07-15T11:05:00.009-05:00

I received this from a friend.

While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a Church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.

After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....

"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... the only thing that would comfort was this verse.........

"Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
we are weak but He is strong...
Yes, Jesus loves me...
The Bible tells me so."

When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it.

A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best."

Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others check out this newest version of Jesus Loves Me.

"Senior version of Jesus Loves Me"
JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me ! trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love
(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)

If you think this is neat, please pass it on to your friends. If you do not pass it on , nothing bad will happen, but you will have missed an opportunity to "Reach out and Touch" a friend or a loved one. God Bless Us All !!!

Never judge someone...

2008-07-15T11:05:00.005-05:00

'Some people!' snorted a man standing behind me in the long line at the grocery store. 'You would think the manager would pay attention and open another line, 'said a woman. I looked to the front of the line to see what the hold up was and saw a well dressed, young woman, trying to get the machine to accept her credit card. No matter how many times she swiped it, the machine kept rejecting it.

'It's one of them welfare card things. Damn people need to get a job like everyone else,' said the man standing behind me. The young woman turned around to see who had made the comment. "It was me,' he said, pointing to himself.

The young lady's face began to change expression. Almost in tears, she dropped the welfare card onto the counter and quickly walked out of the store. Everyone in the checkout line watched as she began running to her car. Never looking back, she got in and drove away.

After developing cancer in 1977 and having had to use food stamps; I had learned never to judge anyone, without knowing the circumstances of their life. This turned out to be the case today.

Several minutes later a young man walked into the store. He went up to the cashier and asked if she had seen the woman. After describing her, the cashier told him that she had run out of the store, got into her car, and drove away.

'Why would she do that?' asked the man. Everyone in the line looked around at the fellow who had made the statement. 'I made a stupid comment about the welfare card she was using. Something I shouldn't have said. I'm sorry,' said the man.

'Well, that's bad, real bad, in fact. Her brother was killed in Afghanistan two years ago. He had three young children and she has taken on that responsibility. She's twenty years old, single, and now has three children to support,' he said in a very firm voice.

'I'm really truly sorry. I didn't know,' he replied, shaking both his hands about. The young man asked, 'Are these paid for?' pointing to the shopping cart full of groceries. 'It wouldn't take her card,' the clerk told him.

'Do you know where she lives?' asked the man who had made the comment.

'Yes, she goes to our church.'

'Excuse me,' he said as he made his way to the front of the line. He pulled out his wallet, took out his credit card and told the cashier, 'Please use my card. PLEASE!' The clerk took his credit card and began to ring up the young woman's groceries.

Hold on,' said the gentleman. He walked back to his shopping cart and began loading his own groceries onto the belt to be included. 'Come on people. We got three kids to help raise!' he told everyone in line.

Everyone began to place their groceries onto the fast moving belt. A few customers began bagging the food and placing it into separate carts. 'Go back and get two big turkeys,' yelled a heavyset woman, as she looked at the man. 'NO,' yelled the man.

Everyone stopped dead in their tracks. The entire store became quiet for several seconds. 'Four turkeys,' yelled the man. Everyone began laughing and went back to work.

When all was said and done, the man paid a total of $1,646.57 for the groceries. He then walked over to the side, pulled out his check book, and began writing a check using the bags of dog food piled near the front of the store for a writing surface. He turned around and handed the check to the young man. 'She will need a freezer and a few other things as well,' he told the man.

The young man looked at the check and said, 'This is really very generous of you.'

'No,' said the man. 'Her brother was the generous one.'

Everyone in the store had been observing the odd commotion and began to clap. And I drove home that day feeling very American.

We live in the Land of the free, because of the Brave!!! Remember our Troops of Yesterday and Today!!!

A great example of why we should be kind and patient. Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear.

May God's many blessings continue to be with you - ALWAYS!!!

MAY THIS KEEP GOING....

2008-07-15T11:05:00.002-05:00

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God.

Here are some of the results: scroll down.

God is like.
BAYER ASPIRIN
He works miracles.

God is like.
a FORD
He's got a better idea.

God is like.
COKE
He's the real thing.

(This is great)
God is like.
HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to send His very best.

God is like.
TIDE
He gets the stains out that others leave behind.

God is like.
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things to life.

God is like.
SEARS
He has everything.

God is like.
ALKA-SELTZER
Try Him, you'll like Him

God is like.
SCOTCH TAPE
You can't see Him, but you know He's there.

God is like.
DELTA
He's ready when you are.

God is like.
ALLSTATE
You're in good hands with Him.

God is like.
VO-5 Hair Spray
He holds through all kinds of weather.

God is like.
DIAL SOAP
Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?
(that one is my favorite)

God is like.
the U.S. POST OFFICE
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination.

God is like.
Chevrolet
He's the heart beat of America

God is like
Maxwell House
Good to the very last drop

God is like.
Bounty
He is the quicker picker upper. He can handle the tough jobs and He won't fall apart on you!

There is a God in the Post Office

2008-07-03T10:20:00.024-05:00

THIS Gave me goosebumps immediately!!!

This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim.. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith, and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith'...in an unfamiliar hand writing. Meredith opened it Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies'. Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love,
God

2008-07-03T10:20:00.023-05:00

In Order To Be Irreplacable,
One Must Always Be Different

2008-07-03T10:20:00.022-05:00

Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly .....
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass .....
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Why We Love Mom

2008-07-03T10:20:00.021-05:00

Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, 'I'm tired, and it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed'

She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches.

Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning

She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button

She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer.

She watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to dry.

She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair.

She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her purse.

Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her Night solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and filed her nails.

Dad called out, 'I thought you were going to bed.'

'I'm on my way,' she said.

She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on.

She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps and TVs, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework.

In her own room, she set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her 6 most important things to do list. She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals.

About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular 'I'm going to bed'

And he did...without another thought.

Anything extraordinary here? Wonder why women live longer..?

CAUSE WE ARE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL..... (and we can't die sooner, we still have things to do!!!!)

2008-07-03T10:20:00.019-05:00

One Minute A Night

2008-07-03T10:20:00.016-05:00

This is the scariest election we as Christians have ever faced and from the looks of the polls, the Christians aren't voting Christian values. We all need to be on our knees.

Do you believe we can take God at His word? Call upon His name, then stand back and watch His wonders to behold. This scripture gives us, as Christians, ownership of this land and the ability to call upon God to heal it. I challenge you to do so. We have never been more desperate than now for God to heal our land. This election is the scariest I remember in my lifetime.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

During WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped. There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. The United States of America and our citizens need prayer more than ever!!!

If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace in the world, the up-coming election, that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the U.S.

If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along.

Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.

Thank You. Please pass this on to anyone who you think will want to join us.

Hilarious Answers for those Caught Sleeping at Your Desk

2008-07-03T10:20:00.015-05:00

FIVE BEST THINGS TO SAY IF YOU GET CAUGHT SLEEPING AT YOUR DESK:

NUMBER 5:They told me at the Blood Bank this might happen.

NUMBER 4:'This is just a 15 minute power nap they raved about in the time-management course you sent me to.

NUMBER 3:'Whew! Guess I left the top off the White-out. You probably got here just in time!

NUMBER 2: Did you ever notice sound coming out of these keyboards when you put your ear down real close? .
.
.
.
And the Number one is::::

Number 1:And MY all time Favorite: best thing to say if you get caught sleeping at your desk: (Raising your head slowly) '... in Jesus' name, Amen

Great Quote

2008-06-25T09:30:00.009-05:00

"I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
– Michael Jordan