Glorious Expressions

Aunt Scalped by Indians and lived; genealogy records...

2011-07-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hi there, as many already know, I am totally fascinated by genealogy (my heritage'....some good...some hilarious....some very, very horrible).... And just like everybody else on earth, I have four grandparent's linages to trace down and with the help of two awesome experts (my nieces) in this field of genealogy reseach...one being Mormon---(the top of world genealogical research) it is even more rewarding to have this hobby in my retirement years.

I am so blest to enjoy awesome true stories that are printed in archives of American and Texas History and I hope this will inspire YOU to try to research your own family background....as well as Record your present day family events and stories. Your future grandchildren and relatives will LOVE reading YOUR personal writings/stories....just as I am humbled, honored and mystified by the bravery, wisdom, strength, courage and love by each and every relative that I come across through the awesome 'pages of time'.

I was recently asked to 'blog' the following true story about one of my Aunt's,
BARBARA CULP-McKinney, Scalped by Cherokees as a young Mother and lived.
Women of the United States Revolutionary War -- Records/book
To : "Gloria Helleson" From Neva’s research….
Subject : Your long ago Aunt with a legend
=========================================================

Barbara Culp/Kulp - McKinney, daughter of my Great Grandfather Casper Culp born Germany in 1716 immigrated to the USA Carolina’s. Barbara had 7 siblings, John b 1750 NC(our GF), Benjamin, Henry, Agustine, Mary, Margaret, Catherine, (Barbara was youngest in family)
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Attachment : BarbaraCulpMcKinneyWEB.jpg (0.08 MB)

Life On The Frontier
The Story Of Barbara Culp McKinney
Indian Territory
Chester District, South Carolina-----1761
Barbara Culp McKinney's grave at Burnt Meeting House Church Cemetery, Chester Co., SC.

I became obsessed in learning more about our descendants before James Patrick, the private tutor of Mrs. Anna Morrison (Stonewall) Jackson. What I found was absolutely fascinating.
They came across the “big water” from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Germany. Their names were Kolb (Kolb’s Farm on the Kennesaw Mtn. Battlefield), Culp (Culp’s Hill at Gettysburg), Abendschon, Adams, Banks, Bell, Benton, Chileab, Hamilton, Ferguson, Ferris, Abendschon, Bailey, Hyatt, Ivey, Jordan, Lawrence, Leighton, Lewis, Mayer, Morton, McFadden, Mumforde, Nunnery, Patton, Partridge, Pollock, Price, Ringgold, Schumacker, Simpson, Smith, Stubbleson, Tribble, Vaughan, Waite, Waters, White, Williams, Winston, and Woodson. They also came from America. Yes, I said America, Cherokee Indian to be exact, from our McDaniel line.

In our family tree have three veterans of the French-Indian Wars, eleven in the Revolutionary War (one was a Tory), two in the War of 1812, two in the Mexican War, and one hundred seventy-four in the Civil War. They range from privates to Generals. Most survived their respective wars, but many did not. Life on the frontier was hard in those days.

But the one person, out of all those frontier men, that I found the most intriguing was not a man…but a woman named Barbara Culp McKinney, my 5th Great Aunt. This is her true story as written in the book “Women of the American Revolution.”

The little settlement of white settlers had spread over the rich lands on Fishing and Rocky Creeks, the dwellings being gathered into clusters, of which there were some three or four within a short distance of each other. Not a great way from Steel’s and Taylor’s Forts was another settlement consisting of a few families, among which were those of William McKenny and his brother James. These lived near Fishing Creek.

In the summer of 1761, sixteen Indians, with some squaws of the Cherokee tribe, took up their abode for several weeks near what is called Simpson’s Shoals, for the purpose of hunting and fishing during the hot months. In August, the two McKennys being absent on a journey to Camden, William’s wife, Barbara, was left alone with several young children.

One day she saw the Indian women running towards her house in great haste, followed by the men. She had no time to offer resistance; the squaws seized her and the children, pulled them into the house, and shoved them behind the door, where they immediately placed themselves on guard, pushing back the Indians as fast as they tried to force their way in, and uttering the most fearful outcries.

Mrs. McKenny concluded it was their intention to kill her, and expected her fate every moment. The assistance rendered by the squaws, whether given out of compassion for a lonely mother, or in return for kindness shown them, --proved effectual for her protection till the arrival of one of the chiefs, who drew his long knife and drove off the savages.

The mother, apprehending another attack, went to some of her neighbors and entreated them to come and stay with her. Robert Brown and Joanna his wife, Sarah Ferguson, her daughter Sarah and two sons, and a young man named Michael Melbury, came in compliance with her request, and took up their quarters in the house.

The next morning Mrs. McKenny ventured out alone to milk her cows. It had been her practice heretofore to take some of the children with her, and she could not explain why she went alone this time, though she was not free from apprehension, it seemed to be so by a special ordering of Providence.

While she was milking, the Indians crept towards her on their hands and knees; she heard not their approach, nor knew anything till they seized her. Sensible at once of all the horror of her situation, she made no effort to escape, but promised to go quietly with them. They then set off towards the house, holding her fast by the arm. She had the presence of mind to walk as far off as possible from the Indian who held her, expecting Melbury to fire as they approached her dwelling.

As they came up, he fired, wounding the one who held Mrs. McKenny; she broke from his hold and ran, and another Indian pursued and seized her. At this moment she was just at her own door, which John Ferguson imprudently opening that she might enter, the Indians shot him dead as he presented himself.

His mother ran to him and received another shot in her thigh, of which she died in a few days. Melbury, who saw that all their lives depended on prompt action, dragged them from the door, fastened it, and repairing to the loft, prepared for a vigorous defense.

There were in all, five guns. Sarah Ferguson loaded for him while he kept up a continual fire, aiming at the Indians wherever one could be seen.
Determined to effect their object of forcing an entance, some of the savages came very near the house, keeping under cover of an outhouse in which Brown and his wife had taken refuge, not being able on the alarm, to get into the house.

They had crept into a corner and were crouched there close to the boarding. One of the Indians, coming up, leaned against the outside, separated from them only by a few boards, the crevices between which probably enabled them to see him. Mrs. Brown proposed to take a sword that lie by them and run the savage through the body, but her husband refused; he expected death, he said, every moment, and did not wish to go out of the world having his hands crimsoned with the blood of any fellow creature. “Let me die in peace”, were his words, “with all the world”. Joanna, though in the same peril, could not respond to the charitable feeling. “If I am to die”, she said, “I should like first to send some of the redskins on their journey. But we are not so sure we have to die don’t you hear the crack of Melbury’s rifle? He holds the house. I warrant you, that redskin looked awfully scared as he leaned against the corner here. We could have done it in a moment.”
Mrs. McKenny, meanwhile, having failed to get into her house, had been again seized by the Indians, and desperately regardless of here own safety, was doing all in her power to help her besieged friends.

She would knock the priming out of the guns carried by the savages, and when they presented them to fire would throw them up, so that the discharge might prove harmless. She was often heard to say, afterwards, that all fear had left her, and she thought only of those within the building, for she expected for herself neither deliverance nor mercy. Melbury continued to fire whenever one of the enemy appeared; they kept themselves, however, concealed, for the most part, behind trees or the outhouse.

Several were wounded by his cool and well-directed shots, and at length, tired of the contest, the Indians retreated, carrying Mrs. McKenny with them. She now resisted with all her strength, preferring instant death to the more terrible fate of a captive in the hands of the fierce Cherokees.

Her refusal to go forward irritated her captors, and when they had dragged her about half a mile, near a rock upon the plantation now occupied by John Culp, she received a second blow with the tomahawk which stretched her insensible upon the ground. When after some time consciousness returned, she found herself lying upon the rock, to which she had been dragged from the spot where she fell. She was stripped naked, and her scalp had been taken off. By degrees the knowledge of her condition, and the desire of obtaining help came upon her. She lifted up her head, and looking around, saw the wretches who had so cruelly mangled her, pulling ears of corn from a field near, to roast for their meal.

She laid her head quickly down again, well knowing that if they saw her alive, they would not be slack in coming for finish the work of death. Thus she lay motionless till all was silent, and she found they were gone; then with great pain and difficulty she dragged herself back to the house.

It may be imagined with what feelings the unfortunate woman was received by her friends and children, and how she met the bereaved mother wounded unto death, who had suffered for her attempt to save others.

One of the blows received by Mrs. McKenny had made a deep wound in her back; the others were upon her head.

When her wounds had been dressed as well as was practicable, Melbury and the others assisted her to a bed. Brown and his brave wife having then joined the little garrison, preparations were made for defense in case of another attack’ the guns were all loaded and placed ready for use, and committing the house to the care of the Browns, Melbury sallied forth, rifle in hand, and took to the woods.

He made his way directly, and as quickly as possible, to Taylor’s Fort at Landsford. The men there, informed of what had happened, immediately set about preparations for pursuing the treacherous Indians who had thus violated the implied good faith of neighbors by assailing an unprotected woman.

The next morning a number of the, well armed, started for the Indian encampment at the shoals. The Cherokees were gone; but the indignant pursuers took up the trail, which they followed as far as Broad River. Here they saw the Indians on the other side, but did not judge it expedient to pursue them further, or provoke an encounter.
　In the meantime William McKenny had reason for uneasiness in his absence from home; for he knew that the Indians had been at the shoals some time, nor was the deceitful and cruel character of the tribe unknown to him. He was accustomed long afterwards to tell of the warning conveyed to him while on his road to Camden; two nights in succession he dreamed of losing his hat, and looking upon this as an omen of evil, became so uncomfortable that he could proceed no further. Taking one of the horses out of the wagon, he mounted and rode homeward at his utmost speed.

Reaching his own house a little after dark, he was admitted by the women as soon as he made himself known. The scene that greeted his eyes was one truly heart-rending; the slain man, John Ferguson, still lay there, and in the same apartment the dying mother and Mrs. McKenny, more like one dead than living, mangled almost past recognition- the blood still gushing from her wounds, and drenching the pillows on which she lay. No fictitious tragedy could surpass the horrors of this in real life.

Days later a group of men from the area trailed the Indians within miles of the Cherokee Nation. One of the men, Thomas Garett, killed the Indian that scalped Mrs. McKinney and actually found her scalp in the Indian’s shot bag hanging on his horse.
The wounds in Mrs. McKenny’s head never healed entirely; but continued to break out occasionally, so that the blood flowing from them stained the bed at night, and sometimes fragments of bone came off; nevertheless, she lived many years afterwards, to age 56, and bore several children. She was at the time with child, and in about three months gave birth to a daughter-Hannah, afterwards married to John Stedman, then living in Tenneesee in 1827. (after husband, Wm. McKenny killed as a Frontier leaders and soldier).

This child was plainly 'birth' marked with a tomahawk and drops of blood, as if running down the side of her face.

The families of McKenny and McFadden residing on Fishing Creek, are descended from this Barbara McKenny; but most of her descendants have emigrated to the West, many in Texas. The above-mentioned occurrence is narrated in a manuscript in the hand-writing of her grandson, Robert McFadden.

Several years later, Barbara would be faced with an equal threat in her life that would test her strength and devotion for her family. For in the near future, the clouds of war would open and pour out eight years of hell.

Once she committed to that war of independence, to retreat was unacceptable, no matter how imposing the task ahead. The mounting investment in her blood, sweat, and tears influenced a final, decisive resolution of the great question of the American independence. Thanks to Barbara Culp McKenny, and others like her, an independent nation was born…
The End
Edward Jordan Lanham
4-2001
Credits: Ellet, Elizabeth F.; The Women of the American Revolution

2011-06-06T12:07:00.001-07:00

Seniors are NOT the cause...;-)

Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable, deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others. HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was NOT the senior citizens who took......

The melody out of ....music.

The pride out of appearance.

The courtesy out of driving.

The romance out of love.

The commitment out of marriage.

The responsibility out of parenthood.

The togetherness out of the family.

The learning out of education.

The service out of patriotism.

The Golden Rule from rulers.

The nativity scene out of cities.

The civility out of behavior.

The refinement out of language.

The dedication out of employment.

The prudence out of spending.

The ambition out of achievement.

And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!

And, we do understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country.

Does anyone under the age of 50 know the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner

What about the last verse of My Country 'tis of Thee?

"Our father's God to thee, Author of liberty, to Thee we sing. Long may our land be bright,With freedom's Holy light. Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King."

YES, I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN! I can be the life of the party...... even if I can only lasts until 8 p.m. ;-)

I'm very good at opening childproof caps.... with a hammer.

I'm awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

I'm smiling all the time because I can't hear a thing you're saying.

I'm sure everything I can't find is in safe secure place, somewhere. ???

I'm wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, I shake/rattle/roll even when I don't mean to...and I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

I'm a walking storeroom of facts..... I've just lost the key to the storeroom door...and even IF I could find the Key...no one Really wants to hear them!

Yes, I'm a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life!

Please, don't anyone tell me any differently, I really want to enjoy this last run around the track! May you all be blessed, may you enjoy good humor, share it with others. May God bless your life until He allows you to see Him face to face.

What an Awesome God of Perfection!!! Wow!

2011-02-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

What an awesome and orderly GOD!! I think this is sooooo awesome and just have to share it.

For example: -the eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days; -those of the canary in 14 days;-those of the barnyard hen in 21 days; -The eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days; -those of the mallard in 35 days; -The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days. (Notice, they are all divisible by seven , the number of days in a week!)

The lives of each of you may be ordered by the Lord in a beautiful way for His glory, if you will only entrust Him with your life. If you try to regulate your own life, it will only be a mess and a failure. Only the One Who made the brain and the heart can successfully guide them to a profitable end.

God's wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant.. The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other quadruped is so made.
God planned that this animal would have a huge body, too large to live on two legs. For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily. The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first.

How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!God's wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains
Each watermelon has an even number of stripes on the rind. -Each orange has an even number of segments. -Each ear of corn has an even number of rows. -Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains. -

Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.

-The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather. All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and the Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundredfold - all even numbers.

God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified times during the day, so that Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!Thus the Lord in His wonderful grace can arrange the life that is entrusted to His care in such a way that it will carry out His purposes and plans, and will be fragrant with His presence.

Only the God-planned safe life is successful. Only the life given over to the care of the Lord is fulfilled. Let's all enjoy each and every blessing of Mother Nature and the God of our Creation. He is!!!

Who Among Us Should Lead? Hummm...= )

2011-01-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

I thought that the following lesson is sooo great. Life (and God) always has a way of surprising us from time to time. We like to 'think' we know at least a few answers to daily ups and downs...yet sometimes....we just simply 'miss the mark'. I hope you enjoy the following...that it gives you inside, renewed inspirations and a smile to your lips...as we all have to contend with life and ....it's surprises...both the bad....AND, thank God, the GOOOD!!!!! = ) Blessings,

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to dosomething different. He called all the young executives in his companytogether. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO.

I have decided to choose one of you." The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed.He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. Shehelped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.

By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have aplant and he felt like a failure. Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he hadkilled his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing.

Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however, he just keptwatering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow. A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened.

Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes.

Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back.

"My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front.Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer!His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.

"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"*

The moral of the story....

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust * If you plant goodness, you will reap friends * If you plant humility, you will reap greatness * If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment * If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective * If you plant hard work, you will reap success * If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.

Highest of Golden Dreams for Miss Potato Princess....;-)

2011-01-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

Well, as the story goes...a Girl Potato and Boy Potato had eyes for each other, And finally they got married, and had a little sweet Potato, which they Called 'Yam.'

Of course, they. as the most loving of parents, wanted the very, very 'best' for Yam....after all she was so beautiful, so charming, so talented,....hummm, SO SWEET!!!

When it was time, they told her about the facts
Of life.They warned her about going Out And Getting 'Half-baked', so she wouldn't get accidentally 'mashed', and Get a bad Name for herself like 'Hot Potato,' and
End up with a bunch of Tater Tots .....

Yam said not to worry, 'no Spud' would get Her into the 'sack'.... and Make a 'rotten potato' out of her!
But on the other hand she Wouldn't stay home And become a "Couch Potato" either.
She would get Plenty of exercise so as not to be skinny like her Shoestring Cousins.

When she went off to Europe , Mr. And Mrs. Potato told Yam To watch out
For the "hard-boiled"... guys from Ireland ..And the "Greasy" guys from France called the "French Fries". And When she went out West,....To Watch out for the Indians so she wouldn't get scalloped.. After all, didn't she have 'good EYES'

Yam said she would 'stay on the straight and Narrow' And Wouldn't Associate With
Those high class "Yukon Golds", or the ones from the 'other Side of the tracks' who advertise their trade on all The trucks that say, 'Frito Lay.'

Mr. And Mrs. Potato sent Yam to Idaho P.U. (that's Potato University ) so that when she graduated she'd really Be In the Chips. But in spite of all they did for
Her, one-day Yam came home And announced she was Going to marry Tom Brokaw.

Tom Brokaw! Mr and Mrs. Potato were very upset. They Told 'Yam she couldn't Possibly
Marry Tom Brokaw Because he's just.......

*Are you Ready for this?
Are You sure?

OK! Here it is!

*he is just a......just a........justa A ....COMMONTATER!!!!!
,
(I hope you have a great day...laugh a lot...forget your troubles, share this with someone else ....make their day brighter!) hugs

Apology to followers....

2011-01-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

I must make an apology to you....since I started Facebook ....my blog has bombed out. I really don't seem to find time to 'blog' and I used to love doing it. Many of my friends have now pledged that they are going to be 'blogging the 365 days of the year' and I think that is neat...but I can't seem to find time to blog for months at a time. I greatly admire 'blogger' because it is a means of speaking openly and at far more length/depth.... on any given subject than space allowed on Facebook. It's a great way to reach/teach/preach/meet/gripe/snipe whatever. ha ha ....and we LEARN from other people as well. Wow...some good...some great....some er ...err...not so good. ha ha

I love Facebook Friends...so very, very much...because you can CHOOSE the people that you communicate with each day....while Blogs...are open to any/all types of wierdoes to send comments and virus' if you try to trace their comments. So, for the present....I am 'into' Facebooking to the max....my known friends...not people that I do not know....and occasionally I may come back to blog from time to time. Either way, thank you for stopping by and my prayer is that today is a blessing to you and life bids you the greatest of JOY. This is my wish, my prayer and truly...my Glorious Expression! (smile) ;-D

Two Faced People R also Two Taled ...;-D

2010-10-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

If someone is a Two Faced person...do they also have Two Tales (tails)...oh yes!!! You bet they do.

Maybe it's because I am getting older...or having more experiences in life... but I certainly have far less patience than I USED to have with people who constantly prove to be two-faced and untrue. I have always called this the 'the 5th grade Mindset" because it's so immature and stupid. But after living it as a child in school as all do AND after working daily for over 15 years/trained in both regular/Special Ed..... with school kids/church kids and then raising two of my own, plus two others...I feel that through the years/kids...I learned a long time ago that it is common...tho...unnecessary element of life and extremely hurtful to innocent individuals. People with Two faces...also have two tales/tails...the latter is the largest!!!

Yet here I am, recently turned 70 years old and this crazy junk still pops up in my life...and I step back in total disgust and amazement...'where does this mess come from?". What's it all about? What does the Giver Get out of being two-faced/hypocritical. What is gained?

And no, it is not coming from friends my age or older...mercy...they~~for the most part~~ are like me...had ENOUGH of this world's weird junk that they grab for every inch and fraction of joy/laughter/rainbow that they can sqeeze out of each day...as their own bodies give them enough pain/misery of aging....that they certainly don't care to stir up more troubles/pain/disgust..on top of what they already have to endure just 'staying alive'.

We all agree tho...it seems that 'lying' has become the most practiced lifestyle/acceptable/often expected of the world today.

It seems that some PREFER to LIVE in lies and deceit...than just live a simple and happy life. Almost everyone is sick of the renown Politicians lying about everything/we sort of 'expect it/ hahaha...but most commercials consist of lies, TV, Ads, media....and people in general. What makes fakes feel such low self-esteemed that they lie about unnecessary things/junk & that truth doesn't even matter? (You can see/understand that the person in the courtroom always says "I didn't do it"...but two-faced so called friends...'what's with that??) I am simply referring to some people hurt by two faced/taled 1/2 wits/gossip.

And I am not talking about people 'kidding', cutting up, telling silly funnies to entertain and make somebody laugh...that's not the issue at all. Almost everybody loves to laugh...if they don't...then they should!!! ;-D It's good for their health/life and spirit. But I am addressing those that JUST LIE...no reason needed.... are two-faced and carry two tales/tails..(or more) .and eventually make real tails out of themselves and others by their actions//words/deeds. Wrong/hurtful/devilish junk. humm, guess I have just written my own REAL answer....in the word...devil.... hummm. ;-\

I'm just saying...wrong is wrong....just because 'somebody said it'...does not make it true. Gossip is gossip...it's disgusting! If it's not helpful...it's usually hurtful!..God sees and judges all.

Hilarious Scientific Research...Texas Style ;-D

2010-05-27T07:52:00.001-07:00

Scientists at NASA built a GUN specifically to launch standard FOUR POUND DEAD CHICKENS at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea is to simulate the frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to TEST the strength of the windshields.

BRITISH ENGINEERS heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made, and a gun was sent to the British engineers.
When the gun was fired, the engineers stood shocked as the chicken hurled out of the barrel,
crashed into the shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens, blasted through the control console,
snapped the engineer's back-rest in two, and embedded itself in the back wall of the cabin, like an arrow shot from a bow.

The horrified Brits sent NASA the disastrous results of the experiment,
along with the designs of the windshield and begged the US scientists for suggestions.

NASA responded with a one-line memo –
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"Defrost the chicken."

PILOT to GROUND CONTROL... 'WATCH for flying CHICKENS...' ;-D

Backward Moments... ;-D

2010-05-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

"WOW, I LOVED LIFE IN THE COUNTRY!"

The above cartoon is ACTUALLY my husband...ha ha. Every evening we like to sit outside...in the cool of the day and enjoy watching traffic from our front yard. But since this year we have had a wonderful amount of rainfall and also have numerous lakes/earth tanks nearby....we are infested by those dratted ZINGING ugly little pests...called mosquitoes! Not bad if there is a wind blowing...but unmerciful when it's a gentle breeze. Needless to say, we often 'give in' rather than 'fight their feasting'.

The last few days have been what I call...backwards days...things just keep 'messing up'...unnecessary junk keeps coming 'down the pike'----when I saw the following poetic UN TRUTH...I knew I needed to post it ....for myself and others to 'just get a chuckle'. Hope you enjoy the creative writing of someone....not me...but could've been. ha ha

BACKWARD MOMENTS....

Ladies and gentlemen, hoboes and tramps,
Cross-eyed mosquitoes and bow-legged ants,
I come before you to stand behind you,
To tell you something I know nothing about.
Next Thursday, which is Good Friday,
There will be a Mother's Day meeting for fathers only;
Admission is free, so pay at the door,
Pull up a seat and sit on the floor.
The topic to discuss...
The crime that has never been committed.
-------------------------------------------------------------
HUMMMMM, do you ever feel like 'life is sooo confusing?" hahaha Blessings 2 U

The FUN Side of Getting Old....;-D

2010-05-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

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I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement Frog... that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon---which I can't...ha ha? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50's & 60's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.
I will walk the beach in clothing that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver....or loose. ;-D
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore..
I've even earned the right to be wrong. I've earned the right to 'have it my way'.

So, to answer your question, sometimes, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever,
but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I might just eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it)...just kidding---when your a diabetic, had cancer twice & a double knee replacement---you enjoy not always eating the sweets of the past. There are JOYs on many avenues and venues....and aging has a thousand streets to wander around...if you can walk.ha ha And as the old song used to say "these Boots are made for Walking and that's just what I'll do"---as long as my Sweet Lord, allows me to~!! "Walk ON and Have Happy Day!

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART.... ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

Origin of Cats & Dogs....cute ;-D

2010-04-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

Where do pets come from? GOD CREATES DOG FOR ADAM & EVE.

And Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me every day. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me."
And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will know I love you, even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish and childish and unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself."

And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. ... See More
And it was a good animal. And God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam, and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "But Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom, and all the good names are taken, and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."
And God said, "No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."
And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and to Eve, and loved them.And Adam was comforted.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was content and wagged his tail.

After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but no one has taught him humility."

And the Lord said, "No problem! I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know he is not worthy of adoration."

And God created CAT to be a companion for Adam.
And Cat would not obey Adam.
And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the Supreme Being.

And Adam learned humility.
And God was pleased.
And Adam was greatly improved.

And Cat did not care one way or the other.

Easter Story....Easter Cookies...yummy message!

2010-04-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

EASTER RESURRECTION COOKIES Share with family and friends...or the lost....
These cookies are to be made the evening before Easter to demonstrate the story of Christ's resurrection. Our family will be making these together for the first time this year.

You will need:

■1c. whole pecans,
■1 tsp. vinegar,
■3 egg whites,
■pinch salt,
■1c. sugar,
■zipper baggie,
■wooden spoon,
■tape,
■Bible
Preheat oven to 300 BEFORE BEGINNING.

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.

Add 1 c. sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know this and how to belong to Him.
Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matt.27:65-66.

GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.

Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow!
On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty!
Read Matt. 28:1-9

Enjoy!
Have a great weekend celebrating the resurrection of Christ!

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Happy Easter 2010, Joy comes in the Morning, Thank You, Jesus!

2010-03-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to 'fly on the wings of an Eagle'? Have you ever thought how awesome it must be to soar high, around the mountain peaks, watching all the earth and beings below? Have you ever wondering how it feels to have the soft gentle breeze of the valley reach up and brush your face with freedom and abandon? Well, I have. I love to dream. I love to drift....and I love to think of God being 'right there with me'. ;-D

I think God gave reference to the awesome eagle in Scripture to entice us to seek Him, seek His majestic greatness, the unknown, the wild freedom as we have never known. God also wants us to experience the Valley, not just the mountain. There can beauty in each...there is fear in both. Yet, Faith...like the majestic eagle...soars onward, upward and always TO Him.

Weeping, tears and fears love to encompass our night...yet Scripture assures us 'that JOY comes in the morning"...and usually it does or at least the situation seems better in the light of day...than it did in the middle of blackest night! I think Easter is a great example of light breaking through all darkness, (the empty tomb at Sunrise) the sun shines light into the valley...just as it did on the mountain peak and sometimes we may be in 'our darkest valley' but God really wants us to come up out of the valley.... 'soar like Eagles, above, in the light, not darkness/shadows, free.... not in bondage of problems and... shouting JOY, inspite of pain.
These are my poetic thoughts on it....

THE VALLEY of Shadows...

Yes, I HAVE been through the 'valley of weeping',
I've been through sorrow, death and pain.
And yes, the 'comfort of God' was with me,
pushing me to be bold, trusting and to sustain.

For the earth needs clouds, rain and sunshine,
Just as our souls need both, sorrow and Joy.
And He often places us in the furnace,
For golden lessons and our troubles to destroy.

He leads us through some 'Valleys of trouble',
His hands of power... we can easily trace,
Becaue the trials and sorrows we endure,
Are part of His lessons... of solitude and grace.

We try to shrink away from His pruning,
Forgetting, the Knowledge that He betows,
Because the deeper the cutting and paring,
The Richer and stronger... the plant will grow.

He knows that deep affliction is oft needed,
For He has a wiser purpose... in His view,
For after we walk in the Valley, He whispers,
'Hereafter, you will know what I would Do'.

Yes, we travel through life's shadowed valley,
His love springs forth fresh....constantly arise,
As we all learn that all our sorrows and losses,
Are really our Blessings, growing in disguise.

So, in blind faith, humbly....we follow,
Regardless if pathways are dreary.... or bright
For we have proof that God is our Comforter,
He gives us... Songs in the shadows...
as well as.... Joy in the morning light!

Have a Happy Easter! An empty tomb... He is Alive, we're forgiven and can have eternal life!!! Hallaluia!

Facebook, Fun and Foolishness....

2010-02-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

FACEBOOK is a place on the internet that is lots of fun, tons of foolish laughter, yet lots of neat wisdom and 'serious mind bending issues' each day. Tons of games, some a bit wild and querky, some 'down home' goofy...but for the most part...just fun. The following is a personality test 0f which there are a jillion to choose from.

While on Facebook, I noticed that a lot of my friends were taking "Dr. Phil's Personality Test"...most of the results that I read... did fit the persons...as I knew them...but then there were a couple that I thought just sort of 'flew off the wall' in a couple of places. Yet I could also see a 'wee bit' of the negatives as the results of the testings. It just was not really complimentary to that individual.

Anyway...out of curiosity...I WANTED to try the test....but in reality...I thought 'Oh, my grief...all I need is to take a stupid test and then have all my negatives plastered all of Facebook for millions to laugh at. So, I mulled it over a couple of days/scared to make a 'bigger' fool of myself...and after phone conversations ...urging me to do it....'aaawww just for fun''...I finally did it. ;-D And in fact...I repeatedly took...trying my best to 'fool' the test. ha ha

Thank God, Dr. Phil took 'pity' on me and gave me a decent grade. Below is his testing and results for me. Whew! The worms were exposed.

Dr. Phil's Personality Test
This test was created by Dr. Phil and several psychologists. He presented this test on the Oprah Winfrey show. It is reported to be the most accurate psychological test in the entire world. (for the Facebook testing you answer questions BUT they referred back through your writings/contact messages on Facebook to compile the results.) And tho foul talk is not allowed ...very curt/cutting things are. You can read some ...er..er.. interesting' exchanges of words at times.) ;-)

Fun fact about this pyschological testing: Dr. Phil himself scored a 55 on the test, while Oprah scored only a 38.
Ouch!
=============================================================

Gloria took the "Dr. Phil's Personality Test" quiz and the result is.../she is....

The Lively Center of Attention. (I certainly do not feel that way, for sure)

(but I love reading the following...yea for ole Dr. Phil...ha ha)

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not one to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

(wow...what a relief...he gave me a decent grade...so you know now why I say...Dr. Phil took "pity on me"...it was fun after all. Sure glad there weren't any more questions. ha ha

Hope you have a great day.... & 'a special little secret' just between you and me...'don't take the test...you already KNOW you are great!!! woohoo!

God created you & He don't make junk!!! ;-D

My Attorney....

2010-02-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

The horror of a silent Courthouse.
The 'thunder' of a harshly, rapping mallet from a Stern Judge!

Something to think about....pray about....

and then there's the...................Prosecuting Attorney......

(this is not my writing but it is my creation and something I feel with my soul that needs to be shared with the world...I hope you receive 'Gods message' rather than mine'' If you like it...share it.) Blessings, g

My Attorney .........................>

After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the
end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of
what I thought to be a courthouse. The doors opened and I was instructed to
come in and have a seat by the defense table.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing
robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I
couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He
said, "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you
why this man belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies I told, things I
stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible
perversions once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my
seat I sank. I was so embarrassed, I couldn't look at anyone, even my own
Attorney, as the Devil told of sins even I completely forgotten about. As
upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally
upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense
at all. I know I was guilty of those things, but I did some good in my
life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I' d done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty
of all I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise."

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the
bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and
beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able
to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so
familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hello Father," then
He turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying this man
sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is
death, and this man deserves to be punished."
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms
and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so this person might have
eternal life and he accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine." My Lord
continued with, "His name is written in the Book of Life and no one can
snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to
be given justice, but rather mercy."

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, "There
is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all.."

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following
words bellowed from His lips... "This man is free The penalty for him was
already paid in full. Case dismissed"

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give
up, I will win the next one."

I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever
lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that comes to Me
and asked Me to represent them, received the same verdict as you,

"PAID IN FULL."

Please Vote...The Holocaust was Real & it was Not Holy.

2010-02-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

Our family went to see "Dairy of Anne Frank" at our Civic theatre...awesome performances by all. (Anne's story from age 12 to 15 during WW II, in hiding from murdering Nazi.) This true story and like Schindler's List (movie/books) should be required for every US citizen in order to re-evaluate AMERICA'S FREEDOMS versus a world controlled by Satan until Jesus returns. Terrorist, tyranny, torture are Satans sick tools & cause of 'power WARs'...today and in both WW I & II. Thank God for our Freedom. Remember 2 Vote on March 2nd!

(this is from my Facebook posting but the message is one that would be appreciated by my dear friends who do NOT use Facebook,) as many are older than me and they have also 'witnessed/lived' through the horrors of World War II, Hitler, Stalin & Mossuline's slaughtings of innocent men, women and children. Some served in the armed services, some lost family members, many, many had family members right in the middle of the bombings, raids, prison camps and starving, freezing 'walks' of Nazi war crimes.

Holocaust was real and it was not Holy...

It really is an insult to intelligence when I hear some total idiot scream out that the Holocaust never happened. How, how, how...can ANY human being be sooo ill-informed, so blind to TRUTH....to the millions of actual photographs, actual first person stories, national archives/records/documentations....dead bodies/tombs/cemeteries across this earth/broken families---as to say such insult and wear that (God Forbidden) swashsticker on arm bands and body tatoos. I guess that...Only our God could possibly know WHY...and I certainly do not come close to trying to figure out such persons beliefs and choices of ignorance. (and ignorance does not mean that someone is stupid...it simply means that THEY choose to IGNORE the truth.) So, here and now, I am legally able to say that the people who choose to wear Nazi bands or tatoos of swashstickers are totally IGNORANT!!! They are enjoying the same Freedom that thousands died to save THEIR tails...then they curse them with disrespect of this method. (And,Yes, I can respect them... as a person...but I do NOT have to appreciate their actions/choice/disrespect---which is also MY freedom in America). Most of my friends feel the same...naturally...that's most likely why we are friends. ha ha

Oh,mercy, how I thank God for every past and present American Soldier; Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, National Guards, Coast Guard...every Law officer, CIA, DPS, Texas Rangers, Deputies & Police Officer---these are the real MEN and Women of America--our PROTECTORS/PROVIDERS... not mouthy politicians whom we elect for their campaign words (often of deceit) who most often 'change their servanthood mode into 'what's in it for me' mode after entering their desired office. The above HONOREES..however, deserve all our daily respect for all they GIVE toward maintaining our FREEDOMS that the rest of the world doesn't always have. God Himself tells that WAR is part of our life...because of Satan utilitizing the 'self-centered' egos of man. POWER. Yes, it's often disguised as a religious issue but it's basis is Satan and power/control.

Rem: It started in the Bible...Abraham and 2 sons. War is not a new thing and will not end until Jesus returns for His believers/followers. So, again, as we come to this 'election Day" March 2nd...I pray that we all will study and vote for family values, morals and regained respect of our God given Freedoms of this wonderful Nation called America "the Beautiful".

I dearly love C/W singer Lee Greenwood's awesome song...."

'And I’m proud to be and American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,and New York to L.A.

Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

So, today, I want to say a special "Thank you dear soldiers/law officers" for protecting and providing these blessings to all of us...everyday. I, Thank you Dear God, that we have not seen bulldozers digging pits in the earth just to fill with dead and 'living' bodies as done in WW 2...or loaded train cars used to be 'gas' chambers for hundreds at a time of naked, starving men, women & children, or the worse---burning 100's alive, as their screams echo through every snow covered mountain side, valley, thousands of graves and tombs of Europe as well as the whole world.

Yes, WE DO need REMINDING of these horrors...because... only by the Holy GRACE of GOD almighty--it all-could have been here, right in our own beloved backyards....or it could BE us, today...if we do NOT stop and pay attention to WHO...What...and HOW.... leaders take (and MIS-TAKE).... control of our daily civil rights/FREEDOMS. Our children of today and the future,... deserve better ...they deserve our dedication and respect...to live better...not in overwhelming, defeated DEBTS, destroyed nation/Constitutional rights, destitute, and disabled to function! They deserve, as we do...to live with FREEDOM (& the pursuit of happiness)!

If you are reading this...I know that you LOVE our country...our nation and our God...as well as your own (and all) little children---they--- NEED us to VOTE for wise leaders TODAY. Tomorrow may be too late. Over 6,000 dead Jews and 8,000 dead Allied forces will whisper to you ....from their graves of WW I and II... and beg you...'please, hear our cries...fight for Right/good/morals....for your children, even your own future......VOTE while you can---WE NO LONGER have a voice. :-/

Will You be my Valentine? ;-D

2010-02-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

(this blog is for my good friends that are not on Facebook, who also like reading the writings of others...or so you say. ha ha. If you enjoy it, great ...if not, ignore, ;-D either way just know that I love ya and wish you the greatest of everyday of life!)

I love Valentine's Day!! ;-D (as many of you know....Valentines Day originated from the Christian Priest, St. Valentine, a Roman who was killed for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D.)
Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, whom he loved as a friend and signed it "From Your Valentine". Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius, who hated Christians. Claudius had Priest Valentine jailed, beaten, beheaded for defying him... because he performed 'weddings'ceremonials...while Claudius wanted MEN/warriors free from emotions/love as soldiers.
Later, in 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine-the Christian Saint..
The story is touching ... yet, today, as Christians KNOW... Jesus Christ was actually the First Valentine...as He GAVE his life/heart on Calvary.. (the Crimson Rose) for US to live with blessings here/now and throughout eternity. LOVE was born at CALVARY..and that LOVE is our greatest of gifts in life....so celebrate your blessings... with joy, share it and have a very Happy Valentine's Day...everyday!
I dearly LOVE Valentine's Day...how about you? xoxoxo ;-D

Sunrise...Sunset, Quickly go the Days!!!

2010-02-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

I love the morning Sunrise and evening Sunset. This morning was awesome, after weeks of rain. I have read that the 'gold' and awesomely brilliant colors that occur at this time of day is because of something called, Rayleigh Scattering. Science says it's where earthly particles split into 'colors' when sun is between us and the horizon. ??? Whatever it is---it is a reminder that 'we are such a tiny part of this awesome universe that God created and that HE really does have more 'awaiting' us when we greet our 'last Sunset'. What a joy to behold...here and there!

My Mother used to say that 'a beautiful Sunset...was when St. Peter 'left the gate open'...(and thus we are allowed to 'see' a bit of heaven. Yes, I know that we all have different views of what Heaven is...will be...how/when/where/whatevers...but I enjoy believing that 'it's all in HIS hands and it is HIS business, not ours, as to who/whom gets to see those beautiful scenes beyond the 'gates" ;-D This is how I feel about the death of my brother in law, Nick. Many times as an Aero Acrobatics stunt pilot, World Olympian, he flew airplanes with unbelievable speeds straight up into the heavens, by passing earth and..... exchanging breaths with God, whomwatched over, protected and guided the flights beyond the knowledge of all mankind.

Last Saturday, our family was honored to have the Texas EAA aero acrobic pilots to put on a small 'Air Show' and honorary memorial to Nick. Their finale' was the 'Missing Man' flight performance where many airplanes do many patterns in the sky and at the end... then one lone plane pulls away (lost)....the fellow pilots remain in formations and then the lead plane 'drops' towards the earth..(it seemed like you could actually TOUCH the aircraft)..shocking but safe...and all.to honor the family.... with patterns 'wing tipping', performances etc. awesome---then the final drop is to release the 'ashes' of their 'missing comrad' over the landing strip, hangars and displayed airplanes on the ground.

There is really no way to describe the beauty, the mesmerizing effect and touching emotions of the complete event. Awesome flights...repeatedly honoring of us on the ground....WITH AIR PLANES. can't be explained.

Yes, there were silent tears...but wonderful cheers of excitement, as the roaring motors conquering every domain of the earth where we stood. (we actually heard the 'droan' of the fleet of planes....long before they arrived over head to perform their show..(from the direction of G.W.Bush ranch no less ;-D)....it really was so exciting---everybody was squealing, laughing & carrying on like little kids----camera's flying everywhere. (and needless to say...some of my own 'MOST favorite...head on shots of the airplanes diving into us/runway/landing area....did not take...grrr....but guess it's par for life... that ya have to laugh about. There's is NOTHING like facing an spinning airplane propella that you KNOW is going to miss you...but you are RIGHT in front of it---trying to take photos. (I needed my daughter, the photographer, to be there at those moments!!!) We had a nice attending group but sadly she was nursing 'strep throat'---yuk.

But it was such a 'mixture of emotions'...to be way out on a cattle ranch hillside...beautiful sunshine...family, laughter... but bitter cold north wind that we tried to buff. :-) Below is a pic of only 4 airplanes that I could get in one shot...but there were many behind this---again, pics didn't turn out...I was absolutely freezing/shaking the camera of which I'm not great at anyway, even at my best. poo

The 'sound' was totally awesome. As a child we always went to all the AIR SHOWS; it was one of my Daddy's favorite things to do. (four in our family were in the Air Force) I remember when I was about 7 or 8 years old ? that I couldn't stand all the noise of the air show & I ducked down & quickly hid behind & between my Daddy's legs.... at a Waco Air Show where a huge B 36 did a 'fly over' because it was too big to land on any of the local airfields. (it was very scary). The Tribune Herald newspaper reporter was watching me, started laughing & took our picture---and everybody around us, including my Mother & Daddy were dying laughing....but THAT was the only place I could find protection from the awful noise.. ;-D

Yes, all air shows SHAKE the earth...but the B 36 was the largest... (& carrier of army tanks/jets) and it was later deemed to expensive for use. Another brother n law had helped in the Engineering design of the B 36, so it was special to many in our family, even tho it wasn't in service but about 8 or 10 years.

Nick had a hobby of collecting Antique airplanes/aircrafts of all kinds. Well, known in that world. This red, white and blue beauty is a 69' Rally. My nephew 'taxied' all the airplanes out on their landing strip for the air show display. Very pretty, very unique & special.

My nieces favorite, 1931 Wright...note where the propellar is located. (I have another shot of the tail which is unique in itself...but ? couldn't get it to download for some reason) As you know the older the aircraft....or more unique...the higher the value. whew...neato

This is just an inside view of a hangar that has a huge ? antique airplane-wall to wall-very nice in a bright yellow. All was quite a tribute to Nick and his wisdom, work and collections. We laughed because everywhere you look, there are pieces of airplanes/parts/wings....so Nick! One of the family favorites is his 1919 French Bi-plane. He has refurbished many, many and resold them through the years....great artist, Engineer and wise collector.

Below is my darling niece; messing around on her brothers motor bike in the woods. Needless to say 'everybody' had to take a 'spin'---tons of laughter, fun and craziness. Add to that a few great games of 'basketball (even my 70 yr. husband who couldn't walk the next day.hahaha) and tons of yummy food to follow throughout the afternoon.

Also...naturally, there was the usual walk in the woods...along the flooded creek, across the pastures, taking pictures of buzzards, dogs, kids and crazy stunts. Below is my hubby---before he played the game of basketball ....which I have to say...'he did some REALLY neat POP SHOT PERFECT GOALS...for being the oldest male there...huummm. (you don't wanna hear about how it was to try to get him UP the next morning tho...hahaha

The following poem was dedicated to my brother-in-law at his memorial and I think it is very beautiful and fitting, called:

"The High Flight"

Oh! I have skipped the surly bonds of Earth!

And I danced the skies Sunward. I've climbed and joined the Tumbling mirth of Sun-split clouds.

You have not dreamed of the sunlit Silence; hov'ring there, I've chased the Shouting Wind along and flung my eager Craft through footless halls of the Air.

Up, Up the long, the delirious, as a burning blue lark, or even an Eagle flew.

And, while with silent ....lifting mind...I've trod the high Untrespassed Sancity of Space,

I put out my hand and 'touched the Face of God!

Nick Pocock wheeled and soared....and swung High with easy grace, Where never I've topped the Wind -Swept heights and done a hundred things...

on 'laughter and Silvered Wings'...

----so, Sunrise...Sunset, quickly go the days....

no one ever knows, when/where/how...we will see that last earthly Sunray. Make the most of every moment, enjoy life, grab every rainbow, swing on every cloud, kiss the snowflake and know that our God is ALWAYS there!!!

Living Today & Facing our Tomorrows....

2010-01-29T05:57:00.000-08:00

Life is too short to wake up with regrets...

So, love the people who treat you right and..... forget the one's who don't.

Believe that everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance in life....grab it with both hands....and if it CHANGES your life
...let it...and enjoy the ride.

Nobody has promised us that life would be easy....just that it WOULD be WORTH IT.

I have often found that we seldom appreciate the miraculous beauty of the awesome morning 'Sunrise'...if we sleep through it...or if we wait constantly crying in the darkness. :-( The early bird gets the worm....and a half of a worm is better.... than no worm at all when you are hungry. ;-D My precious Mother used to say this and jillions of Biblical and old pioneering phrases that have all 'proven to be soooo true' throughout my life. I treasure my memories of her constant 'quotes' of wisdom, humor and scriptures.

I read this the other day and absolutely laughed myself to pieces because in my SENIOR years I live daily with dear ones that I truly enjoy.... but many fit the following.

People who wear 'their own halo...a wee bit tooo tight....gives everybody else a headache. ;-)
Some people are so conceited that they think that God changes his 'opinions to suit their needs'.
While conceit often 'refreshes' the individual....it also makes everybody else sick. ha ha How true, how true! (I am with many, many college professors, retired pastors, top musicians and teachers....lovely people...but sometimes...OMGosh. Believe me, I truly speak little and just listen. ha ha I have to also add ....these are not my chosen/closest friends...just associates. ha ha (often--so sad--- age makes people forget the meaning of 'grace', wisdom and good manners....that they used to abide by professionally...and don't as they grow older....but I have to admit that they ARE entertaining. haha)

I find the following to be cute to remind myself to laugh and move on as well because:

If....and when....we turn 'green with envy'....you can bet we are RIPE for trouble to hit....in the long run of things....very often the 'less' that people know....the more certain they are that they are right. ;-D And, equally so, the Bible tells us plainly that it is foolish to argue with a fool, lest you reflect your own foolishness. hahaha Isn't God smart.

However, I continuiously have to say.... that 'Life still beautiful....even when there are warts, moles, trolls and holes". I am so glad to BE Alive...to BE able to Laugh, to listen...in silence or with a giggle. It is a great blessing to treasure. Have a great day.

Lord, help us all endure the things that we don't understand...because YOU first loved us...and still do. "I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy; for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities." Psalm 31:7 Don't allow others to steal away your joy.

'A merry heart doeth good like a medicine'....so choose to laugh today & everyday with blessings. ;-D

Happy 9th Birthday to our First Granddaughter...

2010-01-24T07:51:00.000-08:00

Can it be possible? Our first Granddaughter...is now 9 years old...and looks, well I'll leave that up to you. Mercy...it seems that it was ONLY yesterday that she was a tiny infant. Today, I set this blog aside just to honor her. She is most deserving of the "highlights and blessings' of having her 'cutie' picture to be posted on Grandma GG's blog!

Kori is special to me...not just because she is our first...but that she is a remarkable young lady that is constantly asking me, "Grandma GG, can I help you with cooking....in the kitchen...always there for me."

I love remembering back to when she was just a little thing....her first 3 or 4 years, she always LOVED coming to stay with me. And her 'favorite position' for me and her....was me stretched out in my rocking recliner....and she PLANTED herself on my lap but also stretched herself on top of my legs. I was her mattress...ha ha...as we watched cartoons. She would FLOP...TURN...FLIP...but Grandma was not suppose to move. ha ha (ya know the mattress has to be firm and a good foundation). Yes, she has outgrown laying on Grandma GG's lap/legs (esp. since I had double knee replacement surgery ...ouch)...but she loves sitting on my lap whenever possible. Very meaningful for any Grandma...even when they out grow the ....hummm....foundation! ;-D

Since it is Kori's 9th birthday...it is only fair to have a picture of her Mom and Daddy, our son, Dewayne and his wife, Kelleye....cozy and cute.

This is one of my FAVORITE pictures of Kori as a baby. She is wearing HER DADDY'S own 'baby Santa Suite" that he wore as a baby...that Grandma saved for JUST THIS MOMENT...the first grandchild. ;-)

Aunt Jana also wore this darling little suit as a baby. (we even have the baby blue suit that Me Ma Seeley saved from Pop-pa when he was a baby... to be used for the grandkids....but we forgot to do this :- (---so sad. It would have been neat to have 3 generations represented in the same little infant clothing.)

But...One question about the above photo...."Do you think this baby could possibly have ...maybe...just a few too many STUFFED animals...hahahaha? Absolutely love this photo, Kori does too!

Kori's first date. Dad and Daughter Dance this last year. (I love this) She is reading Dad's "Love Letter" to her. ;-)

Happy 9th Birthday, Kori. Sweet Kisses...Sweet hugs...sweet nothings-- yet sweet everything to you, our beloved Miss Kori. May our loving God...Jesus Christ...forever guide your thoughts...all your actions...all your blessings and may you in return also forever honor, praise HIM and try your best to follow His guidelines as He teaches in your own personal Bible. May you always know where to turn when sad or bad times come into your life.

Kori, May all your dreams and prayers come true and become a blessings. May you always keep that awesomely BEAUTIFUL dimpled smile of yours...may that smile be used to help you through the tearful times that comes to everyone. But more importantly, Kori...may that beautiful smile of yours be used by you....to make OTHER people happy and smiling. Our greatest times of happiness comes when 'we make somebody else feel good'.

We love you so very much, Kori, may this little blog that we write in Honor of YOU...make you truly have the greatest of HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!!! You are ALWAYS in our daily prayers for protection, guidance and your happiness.

Again....Happy 9th Birthday! Love, Granma GG and Poppa

Fun games...all about ''MeMe"...ha ha

2010-01-12T12:09:00.001-08:00

Saw this 'meme' on my daughters blog and then she telephoned...asked me to 'do' this. So, 'just for the fun of it....and because she asked....I SHALL PARTAKE OF THIS JOY thereof. ha ha :-D

I am thinking: how addictive are the joys of the 'computer world'...(you know...facebook friends, blogs, prayer lines/inspirationals, testimonies, politics, angels and crooks, punkjunk, tons of jokes )... and yet...some of God's richest of blessings. :-D (I love it...or I wouldn't even know it WAS addictive. ha ha)

I am thankful for: everything good. (this page nor computer...or my time....can truly COVER all that I am sooo thankful for. Only God knows....and after all, guess that's what counts for all of us....smile

From the kitchen: wafting aroma of fresh cooking beef, onion, potatoes & veggies...encircle my head from a new pot of stew.... brewing for hubby...who just called me on the cell phone with excitement of watching a 'drug bust' in action on S. 340, complete w/DPS, deputies, cops, swat...all with guns drawn--- of all kinds. How exciting is that....a pot of stew here....or 'pot' crew causing a stew there? :-D lol...

I'm wearing: oh mercy...my beloved old purple 'Cancer Survivor' tee shirt, jeans and my favorite fuzzy, flannel, 'hunters' shirt. So cozy.... :-D

I'm creating: poetry and computer cards for friends who enjoy being remembered and some who are 'seldom remembered by others'. I love creating my own cards...with their name...or their pictures with dinky little poetic chatter that ONLY they would/could enjoy. :-D It's personal ...they seem to love it ....and I really love doing it. fun fun fun

I'm going: to TRY to be better at accomplishing a jillion things this year....but hey, I have also, chosen to NOT beat myself up with guilt if I don't... I feel that God just wants me to treasure what I have, take better care of that....and do my best to see that other people have a blessing THROUGH me each time we meet....(in person or computer) That's a sincere prayer for me!

I'm reading: my Bible...not because of a MANdate...but because I always feel 'connected closer and touched' by God/Christ when I do. I love to journal my thoughts when I am doing this. I have ton's of composition books packed with the above. It has helped me become 'a Survivor of cancer, twice and get thru a million miserable issues that I didn't feel that I deserved, but was given. I encourage both...the reading and the writing. healthy fun. (oh yes...and I am not making fun...of churches or Bible Study groups that set their New Years goal 'to read through the Bible this year". That's always tops.)

I'm hoping: That I can achieve the above....plus another jillion major things for loved ones who are caught in some mighty hectic life situations...that THEY TOO did not ask for or deserve. :-(

I'm hearing: Red Birds and sparrows singing outside my windows....along with cars and 'truckers' going down the highway in front of my beloved home on the hillside---at 80 to 90 miles per hour at least. 70 on road sign...hummm. :-D Instrumental music is my fav ESCAPE TV channel that is also playing softly from the living room. (it lifts me to heaven when I am not yet dead...ha ha, how neat is that?) :-D

Around the house: One gigantic Tom cat is SNORING....and two--- half grown-- kittens are constantly trying to get my attention by getting ON the computer table...in the window sill...near me... where they look outside & dribble 'cat spit' from tiny quiver lips..DREAMING... of desirous/DElicious .. Red birds and sparrows for an afternoon snack. ha ha Truly is 'wishful thinking'. (the other day....one of these kittens actually 'batted his paw way up in the open air/sky...when he saw a BUZZARD silently flying overhead. We nearly died laughing--- poor thing just KNEW he was going to bat that buzzard down to the earth--checking that dude out.)

One of my favorite things right now: Warmer weather. After temps dipped to around 5 degrees a couple of nights ago----dear Father, thank You for Texas Sunshine and the hope for Spring.

A few plans for the week: my favorite groups have meetings. The retired Missionary group will have a luncheon, along with the WBA Pastors and Ministry leaders, the favorite....Baylor University Senior Choir has tons of new plans for this week and this Semester. Love my friends...about 100 in our choir. I've been there for ten years now....(since,..back when my Mom passed away & I joined because I missed her so much) and this was a wonderful transition for me---plus it added new power to my cancerous lungs that were destroyed by both Cancer and Staph infections that wiped out my immune system. I love performing in our concerts all over Central Texas, across the State and esp. the annual out-of-state Tours. We are headed for Oklahoma in April for a few days of entertaining numerous places: OK bombing site, Fed. sites, Cowboy Hall of Fame, many churches and retirement homes, etc.

Now if you'd like to play the above game...highlight, copy and paste it...erase my answers and have fun doing your own thing....it was a fun thing. Surprise...ha ha

Hope I didn't bore ya to tears. Life needs a little zest every once in while...do something different. Regardless, just have fun in whatever ya do.

Bitter Cold....Tiny Miracles

2010-01-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

How does Mother Nature do it?
How do these teeny tiny pink flowers on these delicate velvet purple vines
survive 18 and 19 degrees of
weather...ice and horrendous winds? (mercy, I'm in the house and
wrapped up, sitting next to a heater and I'm almost wilted...lol)

Gigantic trees leaves curl up and die
at the first breath of cool Autumn chill? Science...God, Lord, tell us
the simple answer? What miracles they are!

Each day I am deeply amazed at
'the Wonders of Nature". (God's Goodness)

I love this little present that God sent 'just for me...because this awesome Texas Sunflower suddenly decided to come live in my flower bed in November and then BLOOM long after the first freeze. It powerfully seems to flourish even greater as the temperatures deepen (18 and 19 degrees, high cold winds...yet it stands, smiling each day while all of it's cousins 'met their maker' way back in September.

a
I'm equally amazed at the awesome beauty of CABBAGE...in flower beds of recent years and their remarkable beauty...and as said, "how DO they survive the horrible freezing temperatures?" Little tiny Pansy faces...that grace every frozen northern lawn...in the deep snow of winter.

Their remarkable FACE seems to get brighter and more vibrant in vast colors as the ice gets harder. Our God of creation must have had a real "party' when He designed all these beautiful array of colors and powerful plants of endurance. (Lord, help me be like these plants...strong, colorful, face the cold winds of life, the bitter things of life---that often make me fold over and beg to meet you sooner than Your plan is laid out.) :-o

Can anyone deny that THIS is beautiful...remarkable and a powerful representation of it's Creator? (pictures I recently took in Branson, Missouri...very cold...where all tourist questioned 'HOW".)
:-D God knows...so,

May YOU be blessed this day and everyday.
May we all gather encouragement from this simple thing ....as the ''tiny flower''... that is able to overcome the 'harshness' of the world around us. :-D

Let the earth put forth vegetation, plants yielding seed....And God saw that it was good.

2010 Resolutions and HIS hands...

2010-01-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, how EASY it is to make all those New Years Resolutions---after all there are sooo many to choose from! Ha ha But then, that may just be 'me'...maybe you are much better at being perfecto than I am.

For years now....I join the whole nation in 'sharing' the same New Years Resolutions as the average American....eat right, healthy, lose weight, exercise more. This usually last for about a month and some maybe, even a week or so. ha ha

Oh, how pitiful. How 'not in control'. How unwise and oh, how I NEED MY SAVIOR. :-D

Well, that is all a wonderful goal...and again I claim it---but after a wonderful Holiday celebration for the whole month of December....as well as November with Christmas trips and tours....I have chosen to add one special goal to the above resolutions. LIVE SIMPLE....

The other night after all the celebrations were over and all families had returned to their own homes, also in their own joys of relaxations.... :-D .... our house and our rooms were suddenly quiet (well, if you don't count hubby's remote control in hand...ha ha)...the house seemed back to a relaxed peace of an aging couple...us.... and the joy & contentment of me and all three cats...all spread out on our king sized bed, mellowing down in the fluffy old bed comforter that we all like to 'bury up within'. Warm Snuggles.

As usual, I read my Bible and...this time... my favorite way...of just 'opening it up to WHATEVER GOD wants me to read for the moment'. That night it was a SIMPLE passage that seemingly I had read a jillion times. Psalms 13:6 "I will sing unto the Lord, for He is good to me".

Wow, that seemed to take on new meaning. after all----I love music, I love to sing, love my Lord and oh yes, HE IS SO GOOD TO ME. ---- It's just that simple! He loves me ....just like I am. Simple. Simple. Simple.

As I curled up....thinking....(you know...the 'be still and know' thing)....really LISTENING to God's whisperings in my heart, ear and soul. Yes, I suddenly realized.....that's my REAL RESOLUTION...to just.... LIVE SIMPLE.

His words were simple: "Don't be fearful....just be Faithful..."

Instantly, (because that's the way God is sometimes...)...I began to remember the Christmas Story: Mary, the sweet young innocent maiden.... so simple in her faith when it was a horrific, almost deadly situation for her. No wonder she 'feared"... Then there was Joseph...a simple man...facing a world that was ruled by 'judgemental MEN, his fellow friends...and yet secretly... his heart was fearful and broken... because of his deep love for an innocent young girl (Mary) who could be murdered for being pregnant and he wasn't the father--yet Joseph also, like Mary.... in blind Faith, they both listened to an angel (which in great likelihood... may have doubted even seeing an angel of God...much less followed in blind Faith, all the things that they both questioned/feared....as well as what they both KNEW... could happen.

They both chose to FEAR NOT...and follow.

Then my mind quickly went on to thoughts of the lowly Sheep herders, on the cold winter hillside far away from Bethlehem to 'leave their sheep to danger and follow a STAR" (how foolish is that? They also knew the world looked down upon them because of their smell and their jobs... (they likely even feared of being around people who judged them harshly by their sheep smell! No one likes to be rejected.)

Yet , daily and Nightly....with love, tenderness and innocence they tended to their flocks of messy smelly, sometimes stubborn sheep ---(just as did all of my childhood (300 at one point) and yes, I, too, remember their sheepy smell, poop, their awful birthing, bleating, death, freezing cold, the pitiful little orphans, attacks by wolves and wild dogs, blood, worms, suffering and pain... and yet I really loved taking care of them...because they WERE simple....innocent, needed my care. I too have been a Sheppard and so, it is easy for me to identify with stubborn, smelly, yet sweet/innocent sheep.... the Sheppard's lifestyle. Simple. Simple work. Simple kindness. Simple care taking.

So, the Sheppard's, just like Mary and Joseph...chose to 'Fear not...to go in blind Faith" following 'unbelievable angels voices'. They each followed in simple faith...to the Star of Bethlehem, to the Star of David, to the Star of of the whole Universe and Eternity! God.

That night as I lay on my warm, comfortable bed, listening to cold winds blowing harshly against the window panes....I began to totally FEEL God's presence and touch...as well as HEAR...Him whispering words of encouragement into my soul, my heart and trying erase FEAR that only the devil tried to place upon me. "God's word is SIMPLE"... "Simply BE YOU...be what I made you to be. LIVE SIMPLE----Faithful, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly....and LEAVE the rest to me---your GOD''

Could God be any plainer...(even to lowly sheep...who sometimes find it hard to understand the voice of the Sheppard.) Mercy..God KNEW that these are the very THINGS that I already LOVED to do, anyway! God simply told me in... no misunderstood words...."Be simple, be yourself, I love you. I died so that you could LIVE. Live simple. I created you...and I am GOD." .............

( So, can it get any better than THAT?)

And how about your world....could this message be helpful to anyone else? I don't know...but He does. :-D

The devil constantly tries to 'set our limits and place fear of the unknown in our hearts to defeat our moving forward and accomplishing what God has planned for our good. The choice is ours in 'whom we believe and whom we follow'. Lovingly and sometimes, silently, God constantly reminds us that....All we can do....is the best we can do...the rest is HIS.

Live Simple: Fear not. Be Faithful ...(like the examples of Mary, Joseph and the lowly Sheppard's) Join me in this SIMPLE resolution, in covering all the other desires of your heart.

Father, may you bless all who reads this 100 fold. "I will SING unto the Lord, for HE is good to me."

Goodbye to 2009...We Leave You Behind

2009-12-30T08:40:00.000-08:00

Wow, another year... has come and passed,

With tons of joy and pain; .... all too fast.

Can it be...that a whole year has come and gone,

Can it be...that it has so quickly zapped and flown.

I look at my old calendar... resting upon my desk,

I review the events of the year... oh what a mess.

Each date is posted... tiny notes to remind,

Each with deeper stories....gladly left behind.

Yes, some memories are wonderful... and such a joy.

While others break my heart.... others simply annoy.

I deeply treasure all the good... it brings me great cheer.

I love reading back on the fun things... moments so dear.

But still there were sorrows... some so deep, it hurts to think.

To think of the horror, the pain... that drove me to the brink.

When I screamed out in prayer... yet not a single reply or word.

I listened constantly, faithfully....but little sound was heard.

I watched the horizon...I watched the skies,

I begged for answers...I got no replies,

Yet...deep within...my emotions remained,

Clinging tightly to my Spirit..... my soul retained.

The trials did not fade...they moved right along.

I had cried many tears...but it was time to move on.

My Spirit within, began moving... swishing wildly all about,

I began to realize, I STILL had BLESSINGS....beyond a doubt.

Slowly I moved, slowly was the process.... and each little change.

Slowly I challenged each day...and slowly my life to regain.

Gradually, I accepted the venue... that God placed on this year.

Yes, slowly I began to cherish the good... and erase each tear.

For I learned a long time ago,... my destiny I do not control,

That I just have 'this moment'....and that is my role.

For God hold the 'keys'... to all that comes into my life.

Regardless the joy, the pain...regardless the strife.

So, today, as I look back.... on this past year in time

I am thrilled to 'look forward' ....and leave this one behind. :-D

Again, I hold tight to the joys and treasures, ...each so sweet & dear.

But I've let go of those horrors.... and pray they never re-appear.

But if it IS in God's plan...be it sunshine, storms.... or horrific drenching rain

At least I have the experience and I now know... how to start over again

"He Restoreth My Soul"...Guides my path and "He carries me over the stormy sea"

So, I, Thank you, Lord for all your gifts;...as 2009 vanishes, much to my glee. :-D

Happy New Year, 2010...Let the Good Stuff BEGIN!!

(By: Gloria Helleson, His humbled Child)

May God Bless and bring the greatest of JOY, Health, Successs and Happiness to everyone that I know and love.

"I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord". Psalm 118:17

Christmas Tears...Mingled with Christmas Joy!

2009-12-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

Cancer and death at Christmas! Christmas tears...doubles the pain. Christ suffered so shall we.

When you have spent a LIFE time celebrating the Glorious world of Christmas celebrations with the greatest of joy for the awesome American world of massive multicolored lights, dancing candles, radiant evergreens, laughter ringing throughout the air, the homes, at parties, music, music, music filling every crevice, excitement enticing hearts, sweet aromas fill the air, then the plays, pageants, radiant Nativity scenes beaming out the awesome, ancient Story of Christ, down to the lawns covered in portrayals of 'Jolly old Saint Nick' and his prancing reindeer, little green elves and sparkling fairies floating in the air with angels watching over the Christ child-----and suddenly...unmistakeably....DEATH .....walks in.

Life stops! For the moment, Death rules all your world...your kingdom is smashed...your world had vanished! Your brain joins in. Stopped! You cannot move. FROZE. Aimless!

Yet, deep within....comes a tiny voice of whisper..."I am here"

I Corinthians 15:51-55 (my paraphrase)....death: We shall not all sleep...but we shall all be changed...in a moment of time...in the twinkling of an eye, at the Last trumpet sound. (death) With that sound, the dead arise...we all will be changed. Death is nature and natural. THEN...we can say "death is SWALLOWED UP .. (gone) by VICTORY (God)---"Oh, death, WHERE is your victory...WHERE is your sting?" (gone-God's erased it)

No more pain! No more worry! No more sorrow! Only Joy! Joy! Joy! Rejoicing...a real Christ-Mass!

This is my tribute to my beloved Brother-in-Law, Nick, and favorite Sister....

I took the picture below one week before he died recently of LUNG CANCER. "Asbestos Poisoning" from one his jobs. On the day of this picture, he was happy, kidding, as best possible...but so weak that I just KNEW that he would not make it through that night. But Thanksgiving was less than a week away and he was determined 'to make it'....to have that 'last laugh' with his family, his beloved children. And HE DID....but as the oncologist told us in late September when the cancer was found, that he would not live pass December.

He didn't...much to our sorrow.

Nick was very 'accomplished man' by anyone's measures. Born in London, England near Buckingham and like his successful father, who headed the Royal Air Force of Great Britain under the famed Winston Church Hill, my brother-in-law, Nick, also served in the European Royal Air Force of Gr. Britain, became a very accomplished aeronautical engineer as a pilot and in the World Aerobatics Olympics in Budapest/Hungary (speed/tricks/maneuvers). He won the World Pearl Hyde Trophy, and Great Britain's top aerobatic pilot. After winning and receiving a honorary trip to the United States and coming to Central Texas to visit with equally renown pilots, he met and married my sister where he continued to receive numerous honors in his leadership as an engineering instructor, aircraft collector/developer in antique airplane restoration, (his pride & joy was 1919 French Bi-plane), along with building/teaching of experimental air crafts, writing books, for magazines and participating in movies (with Robert Redgrave & others) and air shows all over the world....yet always and ever present was that very dignified, quite and reserved nature with explicit mannerism of royal British etiquette.

And about their "it was love at first sight" thing.... they both told me that neither of them believed that such a thing could happen. But it did....47 years together ....must prove it to be somewhat true. humm. :-D

Yes, death is always so hard to endure...even when you know Heaven is a better place than the junk that takes place down here---tho we love what we got! Nick was a great gentleman of highest of English protocol and good manners....EVEN in death. He set a great example to me in how to TRY to handle the unmanageable stages of death---horrific is a better word, since I am more 'down to earth' ...than his Royal English/British speech patterns.

Nick was an awesomely HANDSOME young man, now he lay humbled, meekly with snow white hair but still very handsome, on his death bed of life, whispering in deep struggles for air, for my coffee. whispering: "Gloria can do it" (I treasure those memories of his last speaking or whispering days, as the ravenous cancer continued to swamp his powerless lungs.) He even tried to joke with me on this day....as we ALL did the same with him, trying to entertain and help him keep his mind off of the issues at hand.

God blessed his weeks of Hospice so very much as he loved his home and had such an awesome view of the world from his gigantic windows and sliding glass doors that displayed a majestic view of the woods, birds, flowers, pets and the radiance of sunshine lathering every area with sparkle. I personally had never paid attention to what an awesome view they encountered daily until Nick was bedridden. Grecian archways, sheer white curtains with touches of light blue drapes, delicate flowers, graceful Grecian statues, white pillar stands with urns of greenery and artistic stepping stones. This particular day the gentle winds seem to wave the small bushes and leaves in musical patterns that seem to mesmerize both me and Nick... as I stood and patted his hand, trying to let him know that we were all there with him and wanting to help ease his devastating weakness. Truly, my sister became a hero as she stood by and tried to handle things that were far beyond her powers, her strength and sometimes wisdom of the moment! Medical pumps, drains, tubes and ports...constant sterilizations: unbelievable world, yet one that many, many dear ones must endure with this horrific disease.

I, so greatly admire her talents and determinations...even though we, like all siblings do not always see things the same-naturally, but I have watched throughout this time with amazement as she gave the best of all that she had to give. She would make up jokes and kid when her eyes spoke more. He tried to respond to her silliness which proved that he was happy. For him this was the perfect way to find peace....in his own home....with family...to the last moment.

Yet---like the Bible Scripture above (in Cor. 15)....she ALSO found JOY...and even a wee bit of humor....in the last moments prior to the death of her loving husband of 47 years.

(oh where is your nasty sting Mr. Death--forget it---God wins this game!!!!) God's with us.

About 10 minutes BEFORE Nick died....she and their daughter, Alicia, (awesomely beautiful blond model and American Airline hostess for years) decided that "they were going to SING to DADDY''...(to entertain him) And they will be the first to tell you that tho they love to sing that it may NOT be their greatest attributes of life. (My sister, however, is unique in creativity & an awesome artist and writer, tho)

First, my sister, who sings all time--- decided to sing---some of his & her favorites---songs that she sang EVERY evening (prior to Oct. 20th) as they all would go WALKING in the woods or on the little country roads where they live. This was their passion...walking/her singing. So---at Nicks bedside, his last night...she sang and sang. She sang her heart out. "Amazing Grace" "How Great Thou Art", etc. etc. (anything to get through this horror)

Then, daughter, Alicia...grown, but child-like sweetness, heart of gold...loves fairy tales...children books and also loves to sing children songs, ...decided to sing to her dying Daddy...:none other than....the peppy, delightful song of her childhood.... the little...." Teddy Bear Picnic" song. (about the little bear on picnic in the woods)

Sadly however, although they sang their hearts out, trying to entertain Nick---as said, he died only about 10 minutes after they sang to him----

BOTH, my sister and their daughter, Alicia---in greatest of sorrow but also by God's Grace, goodness & wisdom of humor that only He can give....they both humorously decided that "Well, sad to say, we must have killed Daddy with our singing! :-) :-(

(even Nick would have love that one...he had a great sense of humor) :-D

However...The story doesn't really end there ....even tho it was a great 'salve' to help them through their sorrow----to me the best part is below ....and greatest testimony that could ever be given is the 'rest of the story'.

(I am 'back tracking here...bare w/me).....or is it Bear w/me???? :-)

After singing the Teddy Bear song to her dying Daddy....Alicia decided that since her daddy was an airplane pilot (College Professor & World Olympian) that she would PRETEND....a fantasy ride for her Daddy....and soooo, she took Nicks hand and told him that "Well, Daddy, NOW...you and me are going to TAKE A Ride in an airplane---YOU be the pilot and I am your American Airlines hostess....Now ...are you ready to FLLLLYYYY? You throttle down; now pull that Stick out all the way, Nose up....HERE WE GO now...UP...UP...UP AND AWAY we go.

'Ladies and Gentlemen....We are now at 1,200 feet above sea level, brace yourself but just enjoy the ride.....refreshments will be served momentarily but.....for right now....we are going up, up, higher, higher, higher than ANY of you have ever, ever been. Whew...now we are above the clouds....oh isn't it beautiful. This is beauty beyond belief. I love it up here with you, Daddy. You are the world's greatest pilot. I am so proud of you. Fly high, Daddy, you are the BEST! Isn't beautiful, Daddy.

Oh, hey, look over there. What it that, Daddy? What is so beautiful over there? What is that? I have never seen anything so beautiful! What is it, Daddy, What is it? Can you tell? Can you see it? Look Daddy! It's so pretty!

The clouds are so pretty around it..the colors are so beautiful..Daddy, can you see, Daddy...oh my....Daddy, I think it must be Heaven! (soft voice..) yes, Daddy, it IS heaven...how awesomely beautiful........OOOOH, Daadddy.

Then giving a long, long silent pause:......she changed voices to a very STRONG STEWARD ALERT, emergency "I'm in control" voice level...."Oh, I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen, we had to make a small detour here----yes, that was a beautiful tour of heaven but...we must return to earth----(pause)....we are now coming back down to earth.

"WE are now ENTERING DFW air space....now entering DFW airport,.... hook your seat belts, stay IN YOUR Seats and.... BRACE for the world's smoothest landing---my Daddy's flying this airplane!"

Then with a chuckle.... in her regular voice...."oooops, I am so sorry Ladies and Gentlemen...there has been another change and unexpected DELAY....it seems that "President GEORGE W. BUSH has priority" landing and will be landing before us. Sorry for the delay!"

She laughs...(not knowing just HOW to get out of this fantasy flight to Heaven) she chuckles again and begins...making sounds like the airplane is going around and around in circles above DFW....and watches her Daddy's sweetest reactions....

*****Nick Pocock smiled his last little smile for his beloved daughter Alicia...

ten minutes later he entered the Real gates of Heaven....

Christmas tears....also bring Christmas JOYS! Merry Christmas, for He is the Reason for the Season

Beautiful Autumn...Bear Facts of Joy & Wisdom...

2009-11-14T05:59:00.000-08:00

Autumn is here!!!

As I daily live in the 'Autumn years of my life'...it becomes even more beautiful day by day. In my younger years, I loved the beauty and freshness of the awesome Spring air...and still do..... But then, I was born in the summer, so I always felt THAT season was the special one for me. ha ha ;-)

I equally enjoy that 'first snowflake of Winter'. Throughout the years I have loved to telephone my mother-in-law in the MIDDLE of the night...ouch...(she loved Winter best of all)...to tell her 'guess what, it's SNOWING'. She would die laughing and let out a big cheer---that freaked her hubby straight up out of the bed. He later would enjoy 'giving me a playful 'tongue lashing'...ha ha They loved our little game of the 'first winter snowflake'. (Their true Winter of life finally came and they now get to enjoy every aspect of God's creative beauties of Heaven.)

But Autumn, to me is a special time to reflect...relax...respond....to God in total "Thanksgiving' of our hearts for all the many blessings that He has placed in my life...from my awesome childhood on the wide open plains of prairie and woodlands, rivers, valleys, lakes & creeks, all laden in wildflowers, meadows of grasses, with animals, varments, even vile creatures to beware of. ;-( Most assuredly...His Angels watched over constantly... with all the rattlesnakes, copperheads and coral snakes everywhere that I trod as a child....not to mention all the 'foolish stunts' of our childhood adventures...

Then, so dear to me were the amazing world of beautiful horses, cattle, sheep, tons of cats and dogs that loved me beyond measure ....all this encircled by dear loving parents, strict-yes, but with greatest of wisdom and a baseball team of siblings who made me 'Queen' because I was blessed to be the 'baby' of the family. That choice was God's....but oh what a joy! I humbly am grateful. I am different. I am blessed.

Again as a teenager...though the world had massive pain and suffering...my world & years were so blessed. I quickly learned Compassion for others. I had the most awesome years of honors, accomplishments, fun, awesome memories and met the 'love of my life'....whom others advised me to turn another direction. But God again...had THEE plan. Now 51 years later...how could I ever, ever NOT see God's hand upon my life. Yes, there has been TONS of water to flow beneath the BRIDGES of my life....and toooo many rickety, rackety old rusty bridges that I HAD to treaded treturously across---but with God's angel's around me....I made it to the other side, time and time again. There were more times than I wish to count ...that I thought that I was alone on that rocky road...many times I cried or screamed out in pain, suffering and brokenness, defeated and yet ....determined----because He was with me....holding me....guiding me...when the tears fell... beyond all control; when suffering and confusion filled every portion of my body and pain intermingled with my blurred carnal vision..., He became my eyes...my feet...my heart...my future!

So. once again, here I am, joyfully lathered in my favorite time of the year....Autumn...with it's most colorful leaves that fall to the earth to remind us that 'life is short'...that we all will fall to the earth...our banners of colors will fall and fade away....but GOD lovingly GIVES US TODAY....today, we shout "wooohooo, I'm alive". I can laugh, I can cry, I have a choice. God gives the freedom of choice; how wonderful is that? Today, across this vast earth, so many dear sweet people HAVE to live in bondage in greatest of tortureous pain and sufferings, without ANY freedoms, facing horrors beyond ANY of our American imaginations. Yet, here we are....as a Nation....(even as bad as things are right now in our country...and they are) ...compared to THEM and our past.....we are STILL so very, very blessed...so triumphant. Again, it's GOD'S CHOICE!!!

His Gift. Praise His Holy Name, Grace and Gifts!

Obviously, no one hold the KEYS or knows what the future brings except God...but He plainly tells us to ENJOY every day...renewed each morning. So, on this beautiful Autumn day of sunshine, soft breeze and leaves floating through the air, the smell of fresh plowed fields near my home, I humbly and joyful celebrate Life...this day....this breath ...with a voice of total Godly THANKSGIVING! And....I am Wishing YOU the same!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below is a cute Autumn Blessings of Reminders ....simply meant to help make our days better and brighter. I hope that you enjoy! May you Be Blessed and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

H A P P Y... A U T U M N
(The 7 Ups---for a Beary happy life)!

1. Wake Up !!
Decide to have a good day.'

This is the day the Lord hath made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.' Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !!The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. (the smile turns the frown up-side-down)

'The Lord does not look at the things like man looks... as Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'I Samuel 16:7

3. !!Shut Up (ouch)....Say nice things and learn to listen.God gave us two ears and one mouth,so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

'He who guards his lips guards his soul..' Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!
. . . for what you believe in.Stand for something or you will fall for anything.

'Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good...'Galatians 6: 9-10

5. Look Up !! . to the Lord.'I can do everything through Christ

who strengthens me'. Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!. . for something higher.'Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and lean not unto your own understanding.In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.' Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !!. . your Prayers. 'Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.'Philippians 4:6

God answers all prayers....in His time....His way....

and He loves Knee Mails. :-)

Remembering.....9 1 1

2009-09-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

May we all HUMBLY remember ALL who suffered and died, as well as those who STILL Live , daily, moment by moment....with the suffering.... pain..... and RESULTS of this great UN-NECESSARY EVIL.... and .....SORROW!

May we lift our praise to God for helping us through the horrors and awakening of 911....and with faith and confidence continue to pray from the depths of our hearts for this GREATEST of NATIONS (that HE created), along with prayers for every soldiers, groups and individual person who works daily to PROTECT us from enemy forces of terrorist plots to destroy innocent lives and moral values.

Each day in the shadows of secrecy they make their horrendous evil plans and ploys to steal, kill and destroy us---yet also---behind the scene and media ....we have awesome people who 'lay down their lives' (in secret services & as soldiers) to PREVENT these evil deeds & events.

Today, in gratitude, I want to praise and thank God...but also to thank all those secret warriors of good....(including one in our own family).... WHO PROTECT and have secretly prevented terrorist plots from completing MORE of their evil deeds of.... bombing, burning, poisonings and infiltrations of government, transportation and medical centers. THESE are the people....who are today's heroes....and those who names will seldom be 'in the media' or will ever be honored publicly. Naturally they can't be....or their loved ones would face horrific situations. So, on this 911 of 2009, I humbly bow down...kneel on my knees as best possible to pray for ALL the above. YOU are our Heroes. May God bless you!

Wow, 11 ft. Rattlesnake, Odessa, Texas

2009-09-11T05:54:00.000-07:00

And I was griping in my previous blog about 2 little 5 ft. chicken snakes HIDES in the tree above us!!!

Holy Toledo---this eleven foot rattlesnake was found and killed last Friday at 3rd and Knoxx Street ...in the city of Odessa, Texas! My favorite Aunt lived not far from this on 10th street---with her oil well in their back yard.

(but wow....this thing looks more like a Boa Constrictor) How could something so big....get by all the growth years and not be found....especially inside a city the size of Odessa---which is NOT small.

Mercy---I was RAISED with tons of Rattlesnakes believe me! We thought that we had one of the largest ever.....it was 8 ft. 2 inches...and my brother & brother-n-law killed it & split it open...because it had a huge hump in it's belly....only to find a full grown gigantic Jack Rabbit...in perfect condition but dead.

As children on a ranch we were taught from birth forward to 'watch out for snakes'...every blade of grass or rock held deadly danger. Our ranch had all 4 venomous snakes of Texas, copperheads and water moccasin's at the rivers. earth tanks and creek bottoms, deadly Coral snakes-occasionally and the rattlers were everywhere....in the pastures, barns, sheds and beneath our house and in your yards many, many times----including under the steps when my hubby...then boyfriend started to 'kiss me goodnight'....and zzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzz came the resounding but familiar noise of deadly FEAR...and his huge 6 ft 3 inch teenage body JUMPED back about 10 feet into the air screaming.

My Parents were asleep at the midnight hour---but KNEW instantly WHAT was happening. My boyfriend was either BITTEN or 'had totally taken flight' in fear!!! lol
He was basically a 'city boy' and had NEVER even been around snakes. Period.

My precious MOM--TO THE RESCUE---the old shotgun behind the door at midnight...with a flashlight...took care of that issue immediately. One dead 6 foot rattlesnake gone! And one City boy returned home with wet pants---and a story to 'tell all his friends' forever. ha ha And he still does....smile

Mercy, Summer 2009--What Happened?

2009-09-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

Help me somebody! Somehow I WISH that I had been RIP VAN WINKLE and SLEPT through this past 3 months!

Or maybe I did...I feel so confused....maybe this has all been a bad dream! PLEASE, tell me that it really was a dream. :-D

Surely we DIDN'T break all WEATHER records in history....WITH HORRIBLE temperatures OVER 100 degrees for almost 60 days of one summer!!!

Surely I didn't go through the greatest pain of my life....physical and mental!!!

Surely all of our earth is not drying up for the lack of rain!!! All our plants, grain, trees and animals....and food supply is not dying away.

Surely Americans are NOT out of work by the millions, including my loved ones with college degrees!!!

Surely I didn't spend 2 weeks in the hospital having my legs cut off and replaced them with man made artificial implements that 'pop out" of socket often with great pain.

Surely BOTH hubby and I didn't BOTH fall flat on our faces...have horrible pains with these 2 sets of artificial knees!!! Surely the blood & scabs are not ours!!!

Surely after a lifetime of WORKING my tail off and 'paying my dues' from every paycheck that our new President will not succeed in destroying my retirement income that I WORKED FOR ...as well as my retirement Health care coverage...for my many health problems culminating from WORKING my tail off all these years!!!

Surely ...as always....I will be wise enough and strong enough in FAITH to keep my eyes on my Savior...and USE that great 'SENSE OF HUMOR' that he so generously gave me....to help me, my family and friends to OVERCOME....SURELY!!! Please, Lord, SURELY>

Well, how's that for a negative introduction...ha ha...and drat-it....it's all TOO DARN TRUE!!! This summer has 'come and gone' and although I am excited and feeling better about the upcoming season change---praise God---buuut, I, like many others....still have 'Summer hang over pains' and I don't even drink. I still feel in a deep daze at ALL that has come 'down the pike' this summer---which is USUALLY my most appreciative, restful time of the year. This year COULDN'T be further FROM that!!!

So, with determined faith, today, I have chosen to honor the BLESSINGS of this Summer of 2009 with photos and try to close.....or at least....ease the door shut on the bad.

However, I SHOULD HAVE caught onto the very 1st clue early....that THIS was going to be a tough summer. Naturally, first the double knee surgery on a body of a diabetic and cancer patient----CERTAINLY couldn't be all good. ha ha...2 surgeries @ once!!!

But...then one day, after surgery & trying to get OVER the mess..... hubby and I had been sitting leisurely out in our back yard beneath our favorite shade tree, drinking nice cool soda's in the refreshing summer breeze...it was sooo wonderful!

Well, we eventually go back into the house for a few minutes....only to RETURN a few minutes later to our shady spot and relaxing lawn chairs ...beneath our backyard shade tree...ONLY to find the following:

Yes....this is, none other....than a SNAKE SKIN. NOT one....BUT...TWO of them, about 4 to 5 feet long...hanging ABOVE....exactly where we were just sitting under the tree!

Now we have not even SEEN a snake of ANY KIND on our hillside in probably 15 years...and only about 3 prior to that in all of 42 years----and NOW two of them...side by side...IN a tree...over our heads while we sip sodas! YIKES! My family knows that I am not a lover of snakes...although I wisely know that God created them to HELP w/rodents. but yuk...

Anyway...this HAD to be a BIG OMEN....and it SHOULD have been my CLUE # 2....that Summer 2009 was BOUND to be trying! AND IT WAS....and some still is!!!

=======But life goes on.......OR ....IT GOES OFF.....=====

WELL---BY CHOICE....I choose to honor good and....so, THESE are some of the GOOD things that took place this summer that I loved...and things that I plan to TRY to remember in the years ahead as I look back upon 2009. ha ha...now I said 'try' . :-D

==================================

Below: My beloved 'high school Sweetheart" actually turned 70 years old on July 4th! I can barely believe it...if for the fact that I am not but one year behind him!!! My awesome Jock of great high school physical bod-squad....now 70 yrs. old! Where did time go? I'm still a cheerleader (ha) and he still is the guy with the 'hottest car' in centex! Oh, No, is it not true...can it be...that we are BOTH using BLUE HANDICAPPED STICKERS, canes & walkers? Our hair has turned grey or loose and what used to 'shake' now cracks, moans & groans! All the body parts that used to be...upright and sharp to military standards....now hang down to welcome the grave. Yikes. oh....aaarrrrgggg!

(of course, I could barely stand or walk....so the usual 'Family July 4th Celebration' for his birthday was never meant to be for his... Big 7-0 .... but with blessings...it became just that---a neat blessing, as our daughter went all out and prepared/decorated their home in his honor.

Yummy, yummy chocolate cake w/o calories...ha ha....(Wilton's Crisco butter frosting...yeah right!!!) Just what chubbetts need. ha ha Yummmy good tho....wish I had some now...

Hubby's favorite Barbecue with all the trimmings....and darling July 4th decorations to the max!

Thank God for daughters and sons!

----------------then, after birthday... we get a surprise------

Our neighbor's SURPRISE PACKAGE!

Shortly after Jim's birthday...one Saturday afternoon, I heard a ruckus coming from our usually quiet neighbors. Excited voices and squeals came flowing across the back pastures and yards. I just figured that they were having a 'cook out' with friends, etc. A couple of hours later we go out

our back driveway....and THIS was what our excitement was all about!

THEY had no clue that their donkey....only 3 feet tall....HAD MARRIED...their Jenny mule...which is about 5 & half feet tall---- AND THEY HAD A BABY DONKEY! (isn't he darling?)

(these two animals have been together for about 5 years and He TRIED to be Poppa constantly but it was always IMPOSSIBLE----(well, so we ALL thought...ha ha and even made jokes about it) HOWEVER...That was not the case. We now have the CUTEST EVER.... little black donkey---who NOW runs and bucks all over the pasture chasing Poppa...like 2 little kids----around the lake....over the dam...after the geese and ducks. run, run, run... They are so darn cute. But WHATASURPRISE. WE ALL LOVE watching them play !

====then another great blessing of this summer that I have to mention=======

Everybody Needs a close Sibling...

This is mine! My Sister...Sookey (nickname for Alvena). She's not just my sister but my confidant===but even with some of the horrors of this summer 09, ---I still could not bring myself to confide all the pains. She called constantly to check on me, bought by foods, treats, gifts & surprises and has always said that because she was 11 years old when I was born that God sent me to her and that I was REALLY her little baby when she needed it most with a ton of brothers always around.

(her husband, Nick, a World Olympics Aero-acrobatic pilot winner, and career as a College Technology Professor now sadly has Parkinson disease and is barely able to stand and walk.) My sister and I are TOTALLY different but get along well. I'm extrovert & I love working with other people & know that's my calling if God has one for me. Yet she, an introvert/private person has dedicated her life to taking 'good care of herself' always exercises, doing any/all things to keep up her body---and thus, I have to shout hooray for her...would you ever, ever guess that she is about to turn 80 years old in 3 months!!! She looks awesome for 80!!! (PS....he is 3 years younger than she is....would you have guessed it?)

***************then....finallllly********************************************

Happy Birthday TO ME!!!

(now....ha ha....I often FEEL that I am ....80 years old....HA HA)

BUT...God is so good! After all....HE created puppies and kittens!......and 'little black donkeys"...haha

Yes, this is 'Smokey' our new little orphan kitten and this is a ton of his paper wads that he loves to play with. Yes...this is MY GIFT to ME....from me ha ha----two little wafe kittens that are so doggone cute! (however at times now....I sometimes want to GIVE away my gifts. ha ha Not really)

This is Smokey & Flossy, who NEVER stop playing, running or romping all over the house.

Their Mommy was accidentally killed and they nearly starved to death before humans found them. They now are getting fat & sassy here at Helleson's hillside, and naturally spoiled rotten! Pests is a better word!

But seriously, they have made us ROAR in laughter every day and night since they arrived. They love to show OFF....as well as show their appreciation for our saving their lives by purring constantly and crawling upon our laps....and near our face to cuddle while we watch TV. Yes, our God is good to give us 'little JOYS' during troubles, trials, pains and problems. All realms of Mother Nature whispers out His healing grace, His encouragement, His love. These 2 fuzzy friends fill the bill for us---well almost...ha ha. (how about those innocent little eyes?) And yes, our big tomcat....BC....has comes to endure 'the children'. ha ha But HE always RULES 1st.ha

**************** then THE FROSTING on my Birthday CAKE of LIFE****************

The wonderful song..."Happy Birthday to You", Happy birthday to You, Happy Birthday DEAR GRANDMA....Happy Birthday to you!!! Sung and performed by ALL of your Grandchildren! Can it get any better that than! Nope!!!

It was so neat to have them all telephone and SING their version of the birthday song TO ME! (Thank you parents!) :-D

Then just a few days after my birthday.....it was SCHOOL TIME!
ALL the grandkids are officially 'in school' this year! Wow. How great is that!

Also ....much to the dismay of one set of parents....their 3 kiddoes....all GOT UP AT 3 O'CLOCK in the morning....got dressed...went to parents bedroom...to ROLL them out of bed about 4 hours early....'because THEY wanted to get to school early". ha hahaha. (bet that will not happen again...by THEIR own choice...or their parents. So funny!

The other grandchild....1st grader...drove parents crazy the day/night before in excitement....then at school the next morning....IN PACKED HALLWAYS of parents and kids all trying to find new rooms/classes---as weeeee little voice squeaks up to Mommy, as she is GRASPING her hand in fright, "Mommy, I don't think I wanna be in first grade anymore".....

It is scary (I can even REMEMBER my own first day---first grade---no longer QUEEN of my house-scared to death of all those freaky kids that I'd never seen before!) However...once THIS little Princess got in the classroom....saw one or two of her friends....then: "you can go away now Mommy and don't take any of those pictures of me!" ha hahaha (how typical...how funny...now she's a BIG girl!) We absolutely loved both stories on our grandkids first day of school!
==================================
Well, that about 1/2 covers the Summer of 2009....the rest is too deep. There are some things that just need to be held close and talk to our REAL Daddy, who SEES and KNOWS all.

And through that venue.... one thing is for sure HE has MADE a miracle of me....my life..events etc......numerous times...numerous ways....for numerous reasons----and He will continue...as He promised...for me and all who in faith believe and follows as best possible. Through Him all Grace is given....and All THINGS are possible!

Sometimes, tho, I, like most, find myself in the pains of life, and as people, we can't hear or see the great things that Nature has all around us that help us handle all the junk--like little fluffy kittens, little black donkeys and even gigantic long-horn cows (hummm) ha ha--but maybe sometimes if we could just be still & listen with our heart----( instead of our worn out ears or our tired brain cells) ---we really might be able to hear that soft voice ECHO back to us, of His whispering our name: the voice of our Shepherd....because I certainly FEEL like a lost sheep at times in the mire messes of life.

(Lord, help me turn off the world's noise button and hear only YOU)

After all the holidays are just around the corner, exciting, hope is sneaking in the crevices, here and there----and....Thanksgiving is a daily things...even when we turkeys gobble constantly about our fears/troubles---of which I'm probably president of the club and I really don't even want to be a member. ha ha :-D I just don't have any other answers ...but HIM!

As the saying goes....Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery--- and today is God's gift to us! We are still blessed as a the greatest of Nations...as well as individuals. Truly....More Good Stuff is on the way!

Yes, I can now treasure the goodness of the Summer of 2009.
I know... this too shall pass and Change IS coming. I am excited.
Be safe... Be blest!

Left: Kori, Josh
& Matthew

Right: Zoe Noel

First Day of School Excitement!

Hooray for children,
their parents,
our Nation & most of all our Lord!!!

Happy Birthday, Jana

2009-09-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, my child,
From infancy to motherhood, a million joys along the way...
A constant reminder of God our Creator, His awesome love,
His gifts & blessings---makes this a Happy Birth-day!

Your Name, JANA, was originally Hebrew....
it was taken from the Biblical name of Hannah.
Centuries later the name was adopted by the European Slavic's to Janna, then English to Jana!

It's original meaning:

"God is Gracious"

She finds the courage when it counts most...
Her style is unique and stunning,
She has a keen memory for important things,
She treats her family tenderly,
Jana believes in being fair and impartial,
She's admired for her carefree adventure,
She has an unusual ability to persuade.

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

Autumn 1975, age 5 and Mom 35, headed for the

"Heart of Texas Fair" where Mom was on the

Executive Board of Directors for 11 years. We had such fun times throughout the years...but the "My Fair Ladies" were very special. Jana modeled on stage numerous times at the age of 3 through age six when she started to school. Her cutest was as an Egyptian dancer in bright red little girl pajamas---she got a standing ovation from the crowd.

(the attire was for the Bicentennial celebration of our Nation)

We often dressed alike as Mom & daughter, as was popular during that period of time....and lots of fun!

Have a Happy Birthday, everyday, Jana!

Past Miracles and Present Inspirations

2009-08-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

I am recovering....slowly. I am happy. I am blessed....yet, like everyone, I get 'down'...then get mad at myself for 'going there'. ha ha I just had my 69th birthday which was one of the best! Many surprises and unexpected JOYS/BLESSINGS...coming from many unexpected directions. Frankly, after all the medical messes of recent years....I am just surprised to still be alive. ha ha

But this morning after our daughter, hubby & granddaughter left after spending the night and taking us to an awesome dinner....the house now seems so quiet and empty. I tried reading--enjoyable. I tried updating calendars and events--pleasant. Tried to use pets by hugs and cuddly talks...they were all SLEEPY. ha ha

It's too early to 'call someone to cheer up'.....that would likely make most of my friends....to chose NOT to be my friends. ha ha I reviewed old yearbooks...then an album and buried in all that until my eyes were blurry and my back/neck/arms ached. (have you ever done this?)

THEN while reading from some of my old collections---most of which I had totally forgotten about or even remembered writing----I came across something that INSPIRED and encourage my heart to hit my blog---in hopes that the following little story of truth might possible 'give HOPE' to some one who is hopeless or feeling down.

I guess everyone has read the often printed lists....about Thomas Edison having 1000's of FAILURES....even tho he was one of the greatest of Inventors Ever. Then were the lists about PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN 'S gigantic list of failures to political offices and businesses---yet he became one of GREATEST presidents of the greatest nation on earth!

Well, in my collection---that I had forgotten---is the neatest Abe Lincoln archived story. I love it and it has once again....blessed me with inspirational smiles & joy.

As a young man, Abe Lincoln went into business with a friend. They opened up a little store. IT FAILED!

Very sadly they were forced to close their doors. Deeply disappointed with life, Abe told his dear friend, "you know, IF I could have a WISH today.... I would like to study LAW and I wish I had a copy of the "Lawyers Black Book of Laws" but guess it's not meant to be....because I don't have the money...all I have is 50 cents to my name."

The two men continued working in the store; cleaning, stacking, storing items and a few hours later an older couple came down the street in their wagon which was loaded with their kids, all looking very sad, worried. very tattered and forlorn.

They pulled their wagon up to the front of the store. The man timidly told Abe and his friend that they had no food and that the kids were starving and 'all he had to sell for money to buy food was an old wooden barrel' that was sitting on the back of the wagon.

The man asked Abe and his friend if they could possibly buy the barrel so his children could have food to eat. The two men then looked at the barrel. It was very old, weather worn, ragged and the rusty rings nearly gone---couldn't be of much use because it couldn't hold grain or water. But Abe was suddenly filled with pity and compassion for this starving family ....even tho he only had 50 cents in his pocket.

As he later told....this was his total worth at that moment was 50 cents but his heart couldn't let this family suffer any longer. So, actually sort of embarrassed, he asked the man if he would sell the barrel for 50 cents? Joyfully, the man jumped down from his wagon ....ran over and shook Abe's hand, saying, 'Oh, yes, sir, yes, sir...that would be wonderful, anything...just so my children can eat. Thank you, kind sir!"

Quickly Abe paid the man his last 50 cents for the old rusty barrel.

Very carefully, Abe slid the old rickety barrel off of the back of the old wagon....and then rolled it over to the side of their little store. He stood it 'up right' and heard a noise from deep inside the barrel of something sliding back and forth. He quickly looked inside. Deep within the walls of the rickety old barrel, Abe Lincoln found a copy of "Lawyers Black Book of Laws". (the lawyers training book of the 1800's)...a special blessing from God.

This little book eventually led Abraham Lincoln to become one of our greatest Statesmen and the President of the United States!

Moral: always 'go with your heart--- in helping and consoling others...regardless your own circumstances....many are worse off than you ---and you will never be able to 'out give God's gifts and miracles or figure out his mysteries."

And regardless whether our Wagon is loaded or empty, it all depends upon our perspective. His ways are not ours...and yet He is always there for us...our job is to 'Hang on for the long haul'. Be happy. May your wagon always be blessed!

2009-07-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

How do you say, Humbled & Grateful....

2009-07-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

With tons of hugs.... & praises to our Lord, to family and friends...to doctors, nurses, techs, science, medicine, hospitals, labs, scientists & inventors----all who had a part in my recovery.

Yes, I am thriving well. (didn't say without pain...ha ha....but doing very well...considering all that has been going on in my life to this point.) Six weeks and I have walked steps alone very guardedly through the house/patio, driven a very short distance...but with great wisdom and guidance still use walker or cane until each of these new knees CHOOSE to stop 'going opposite directions' occasionally. That's a FREAKY feeling, believe me! I practice all therapy constantly trying to 'do my best' and make this all worth while. I ALREADY have more energy/strength than I did before---and that is a miracle--one that I certainly never expected and a MOST WELCOMED surprised!

I have always loved my home, retirement years...but never so much....as after two weeks in the hospital with awful pain/wonderful people....

Between a wonderful husband--- and our daughter/granddaughter who came and stayed a week to help me RE-learn to stand...walk/motivate...I am humbled to the MAX.

(just in in case ANY independent, self-reliant woman has never been totally HELPLESS---believe me---there is nothing on earth so devastating to your mind. I am very sure that IT IS GOOD FOR US to be so humbled...but again...there is NO experience like it in life. Yet I have to say "I now am glad that I had the experience because beforehand...I FELT that I sort of knew the impact and compassion for...and of....other people who were helpless/down---but I learned that ---I really wasn't even close!!!

ONLY God and tears cling close constantly....and then inside our human brain --well, that won't shut up!!! pained thinking as well as body!

I learned WHY ....little people in the nursing home 'bob' their heads so much...instead of speaking. They CAN'T. They hurt too much, too deep!!! Their brains are still churning tho....

But HOOOray, and again I say hooray. Home Sweet Home....I am SO GLAD TO BE HOME! I was so welcomed by...my BIG FAT TOMCAT (named BC---because as a kitten he was such a little pest that we couldn't decide if he was a 'blessing or a curse'....ha ha, so for short, we named him BC----

well, he was STILL laying on my computer---when I returned home....where he loves to stay with me. As an aging tomcat tho---as most of you know... he loves to 'just FLOP' and snooze. He has barely left my side now that I am home. ha ha ....nice feeling of dedication---a soft, fuzzy, fluffy sweetie now.

The wild redbirds were still eating bird food outside on my window sill. this is something I have always loved. Mr & Mrs. Redbird couples will 'bill n coo'....kiss and feed each other, so beautifully. It's amazing to watch God's nature. Then we have the cotton tail rabbits who were still eating feed and grass in the early morning sunrise...just outside my bedroom window with all the other jillion song birds singing to greet me back home. Wow...Again, its so wonderful to be HOME...to be Alive....to have Hope...to be... healing.

I Shall Walk again....all praise to Thee Giver of good & perfect gifts!!! Our Lord!

I THANK YOU ALL from the very bottom of my heart. May you be blessed a 100 fold as well. His child, Gloria

Feeling small & insignificant.....

2009-05-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Facing double surgery tomorrow morning---yes, this is how I feel.

Yet, His Holy Spirit inside of me, rebounds and rebels...and 'all that I am' speaks in whispers to my heart.... to my brain.

I am HIS child....HE will not forsake me...He never has. We converse constantly---so why do I feel so much like a little grain of sand being crushed by the gigantic ocean waves of the tremendous raging seas before me?

Well finally (humm), my Father, whispers to me..."that's normal''...."that's why I am here!"
"I Do test your faith in Me----and just as it is written in Isaiah 41:10, thousands of years ago---I still ask that you......'Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed for I am thy God' I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."

****My moment of truth has come---surgery time. In child like faith...with a deep feeling of humility, intimidation and insignificance---Because He lives----I can/will CHOOSE to cling to His promises to get me through this horror. I do not take lightly that He chose awesome people to build careers around medical restoration and research that brings HOPE to hurting people everywhere. ......"to ME! Tomorrow---I test their skills.

Today, I lean on Him---- He is thee Creator & Giver of all good and perfect gifts.

The following verses WASH over THIS 'grain of sand' (me) and sends courage.... to handle the deep waters of a thousand emotions, through the darkness of this night, this hour and moment in time. And forever--- for each of us who believe. Some people have Favorite verses...which is super...but I have found that there are SO many that FILL the voids and situations in my life...that it's really hard to choose a constant favorite. Today's need...brings to mind a certain Scriptures---tomorrows needs bring forth another. these are my RIGHT NOW verses. ha ha---Help, Lord!!!!

Hebrews 13:6 The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm---I will not fear, or dread or be terrified!

Luke 12:32 Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, my child, for it is God's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Also....FEAR is the beginning of WISDOM. (yes, Lord, I am trying to learn fast!)

Psalms 23 (my first memorized verses as a child in Vacation Bible School) constantly rings in my ears...my heart and my soul. For He IS my Savior...Salutation.

The Lord is my Shepherd.......I shall not want....

May we all, as His aimless sheep, constantly seek His voice in our Wilderness walk through Life. If it be His will...I will return to this blog in about 3 weeks. May You continue to be blessed.

"Fear Not!"..... or.....Fear a Lot??? ha ha

2009-04-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Our Bible tells us all, very plainly.... in the Old and the New Testament....365 times (one for each day of the year)----to .....FEAR NOT!

And the words apply very well for me...about death that is....I don't fear it....I just fear the PROCESS of GETTING THERE! (can you identify...hummm?) :-D
I just don't want any part of----Pain, suffering and mind boggling FEAR!
Please, Lord, forgive me for being Mortal!

Fear not........nope......I FEAR A LOT!!!

When a person is hurting severely....you CAN have comfort in KNOWING that our God is there with you---but it doesn't always remove the pain. It does not remove death. We all die. We all will go through some suffering, some more than others.

Today---I fear not death----I fear life!

Today---I prepare my mindset for MORE new surgery! Very, Very Painful surgery that I have already WITNESSED to the very fullest of pain and suffering to a very HEALTHY person, my hubby. Four years ago he had BOTH of his knees replaced at the same time! A medical improbability for his size and age. A medical miracle because of God's science, medicines and His awesome COVERING via awesome prayer partners.

Yet...in this process...I witnessed FULLY...as a giant man shook in RIGORS with pain and suffering as he awoke from surgery---six days unable to STAND. This giant of man, muscles taunt, shriveled up like a little mouse in pain, shaking from head to foot---with pain. Later that second evening, I watched with a frozen heart, petrifide in fear as both of this mans legs SPRAYED his hospital room BLOOD RED. Yes, spraying like a lawn sprayer. All STAT floor call went out for our room---the head on-call doctor ran in our door....sees the scene----TURNS GREEN---runs down the hall.

Thinking back---its somewhat funny---at the time, HORRIFIC! That handsome young doctor was one scared/shocked young man! But we had an AWESOME set of very experienced nursing staff that immediately TOOK charge as best possible.

Equally important to say....just outside the door of our room was some of dearest friends from our church that had stopped by 'just to check on us"...she step to the door...saw what was happening...because the room was chaos and RED---I motioned for her to use her cell phone & start a SPECIAL EMERGENCY PRAYER CHAIN for Jim . We do this constantly---just never thought it would be ME asking for the prayer chain! Within seconds....our church, the Waco Baptist Association of Churches and my Baylor Sr. Choir prayer chains were praying. Thank God....Praise God for the 'Power of Prayer!!!".

And...As the Doctors later stated----'we don 't know WHY the bleeding STARTED....but we have to admit we DO KNOW WHY it stopped....and it wasn't a medical miracle...there was a GREATER Source for this one!

Now when doctors say things like that----it's mighty neat & emphatically true!

Prayers were answered, the bleeding finally stopped----transfusions were then begun, horrible hallucinations began and hubby became mentally confused/fighting tubes/equipment---scared and hurting. I HAD to stand holding his arms---holding his transfusion tubes from 7:30 pm until 4 AM because he was delirious. At midnight, the sweet nurse kept checking and worrying about me standing constantly with the tubes---but if I didn't hold them---he would JERK them out and stop his own new blood replacement that was so greatly needed. Anyway, around midnight the nurse decided to TRY to speed up his transfusion. It worked ok until about 1:30 when he went into cardiac arrest due to the blood coming in too fast for the heart to manage. Then...another All Stat call went out for our room. Again, God was there. His people were there.

Yes, praise God for His miracles/touch/medicines and awesome servants, my hubby finally stood 6 days later and walked 30 steps of VICTORY... after completing 2 different rehabs...he/we received a NEW LIFE.... NEW HEALTH. We have been soooo blessed! Our God and His people are so good!

BUUUUUT-----where does that leave me today----as now I AM FACING THAT SAME SURGERY ON MAY 20TH. Scared silly. He was in greatest health. I am still battling cancer. trials..(twice over) and last one was stage 5 (death sentence)---but God gave me LIFE...via prayer warriors. Today, I have tons of left over health problems, heavy drugs, broken immune system from hospital staff infection that nearly took my life...diabetes, occasional dizziness/damage from having a chemical filled balloon placed inside my body for 8 days followed by having 6 months of radiation treatments done in 5 days ,,,of 2 & 3 treatments per day--12 MRI's of more lengthy radiation--prior to each treatment--to see how my heart and the rest of my body was reacting to the experimental treatments. Not to mention a total of 8 cutting surgeries for the two cancers. (one cutting Before the Novocain had taken effect. arrrg!) Add on a minor ...ha ha.... Sleep Apnea that requires a breathing c-pap machine when the heart stops beating from no oxygen. etc,etc. etc. yatta yatta---- :-D

So, am I really all that sinful....if I honestly say----'YES, I FEAR! .....

I FEAR A LOT''

Again---death is not a problem-----IF my Lord has a 'Heavenly CRUISE ready to sail across that ocean of blue-----believe me----my bags are already packed. I worry for my beloved hubby.

But for the pain ahead of me----I just need YOU.....my prayer partners, friends and family to PRAY for my PAIN and fears, recovery, success and strength. (my hubby ONLY had the fear of the unknown---I have that fear PLUS the fear of WHAT I HAVE ALREADY SEEN/I KNOW from watching him go through it (ha ha... ) ...can ya see I'm TRYING to have a good sense of humor here??? ha

So, again, if you have PRAYER CHAINS....please, would you be so kind and add my name to that listing. I thank you most humbly for all of your past prayers ....(that remains to be the very reason that I AM still ALIVE TODAY). I am humbled and I am grateful, I thank you!So...Lord....Here we go again---"I need THEE every hour....every hour I need Thee".

To all people who have Hurting Feet!

2009-04-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

A single guy decides life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, he finally bought a talking centipede, (100-legged bug), which came in a little white box to use for his house.

He took the box back home, found a good location for the box, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to church with him.. So he asked the centipede in the box, "Would you like to go to church with me today? We will have a good time." But there was no answer from his new pet.

This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked him again, "How about going to church with me and receive blessings?

But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. He decided to ask him one more time; this time putting his face up against the centipede's house and shouting, "Hey, in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about The Lord!?"

A little voice came out of the box:

"I heard you the first time! I'm just putting on my shoes"

~~~~~~~~~~~**

Have a happy day!

Easter and the Grandest Photos of Grandkids....

2009-04-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

These are NOT grandchildren...ha ha ---just a warm & fuzzy photo for Easter... of Love, warmth, tenderness and understanding...reflecting that God is Love...our savior and creator of all good and perfect gifts. Salvation! Easter every day & forever!EASTER is my FAVORITE time of the whole year! And what can be neater than KIDS....flowers, baby animals, EASTER egg painting AND praising Jesus for the GRACE & gift of Calvary....our salvation. Normally....I would say..."Nothing can be greater than this...but this year I found that God just gets better.... and He ADDS even more blessings than the above ...when your GRANDCHILD....accepts Christ as her Savior and is BAPTIZED at Easter. Whoa and Wow! NOW....THAT'S truly the 'frosting of your Easter Bunny CAKE...of LIFE AND ETERNITY!!!!
The following are our GRANDKIDS Easter pictures and treasures. We are proud of these kids!

Wow.... TEXAS BLUEBONNETS....Easter Time in Texas....AND
our precious little Chinese Granddaughter Zoe Noel. She is just as cute as her pictures. Like all of her cousins....they all LOVE to POSE for their Mommy's camera.....(er er...wellll... most of the time...ha ha) aaand...Kids R just kids sometimes. haha

Girls love cameras! Our are no different!

Hooray...for our FIRST grandchild...Kori Faith...who is very creative and LOVES painting...especially EASTER EGGS!!!

Her smile matches her personality! She and Zoe (cousins) both love doing all kinds of art, and cooking in the kitchen....their way. ha ha Very entertaining young ladies!

Kori has two zesty 'little brothers'.

Our FIRST GRANDSON, Josh (ua) Dayne---handsome, who is very serious and loving personality. Then, last but not least--- our youngest grandchild, Matthew, is the little man of laughter, pranks and giggles....below. His parents enjoy watching him take naps. ha ha

What can be cuter than a kids perfect smile.....Oriental fries/style..ha ha ..and tons of Bluebonnets? Just a cute shot that needed to be posted.

The 'frosting on the cake' for this Easter...is below--Zoe's baptism.... (our daughter took this shot from the side of the church baptistry...tops for anyone that knows Christ as Lord and Savior.

THIS is the only thing more beautiful than kids being kids & bluebonnets---a Daddy getting the proud honor of BAPTISING his own beautiful little adopted daughter in his pastoral church---after she has told them simply one Saturday night..."Mommy, Daddy, I need to talk----I want to be 'baba..tised cause I want to take Jesus into my harrt"

(how sweet is that?)
Yes, she took classes to learn more about 'Her choice" of believing and following Jesus .Christ...which I think is so wonderful (not totally necessary....but so helpful for her facing the world and life). I have always loved this educational idea and concept.

And---what about this darling.... cute and most charming Zoe smile during baptism?

....it was very perfect for a child...whose FEET kept floating to the top in the water.... (ha ha)

and a Daddy who had a microphone attached to white robe....and is whispering to his precious beloved..... "Zoe, put your feet down...Zoe, put your feet down"...all his whispering....going OUT on the LOUD Speaker to the whole congregation ....who is by now dying laughing/snickering with humor and understanding.

So cute! poor Daddy (but he loved it and ended up ...more or less... 'having to just DUNK her little BOUNCING body beneath the baptismal waters. ha ha Beautiful event...treasured memories and 'FOREVER saved'---suffer not the little children!

Our other grandchildren also attend church regularly and as they reach this stage... there will always be Joy, celebration and treasured blessings to see each follow... as God leads in each of their lives.

(I must say tho----that Zoe's baptism was much better than my own memories of being baptised in the Brazos River...with huge long SNAKES swimming around us kids and the pastor...and teenagers throwing rocks to chase the snakes across the river to the watermelon patch. The snakes made this little prairie dog almost forget totally what baptism was all about at that moment!) Thank God for indoor baptistries!!!

I hope you enjoyed the above. We treasure it. May God continue to bless your life.

Palm Sunday and Holy Week...

2009-04-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Is there really ANYTHING greater than our salvation through Jesus Christ?
No, not really

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for your Entry into the city on a carpet of green palm leaves on Palm Sunday...but thank you most of all for YOUR SACRIFICE and suffering (for me & the whole world) where you laid down a RED carpet of YOUR Blood on a hillside called Golgotha--for us---for ONLY through you.... we are truly 'saved by your blood'---our sins erased. How can words really express this? Works can't do it! Humble and Grateful are we!!!

Yes, it's so wonderful how God blesses us daily with zillions of awesome gifts and blessings....but it still all boils down to our Alph and our Omega....our beginning and our end. He creates us in our beginning and takes us home in our earthly ending---as followers/believers... forever. Wow, how great is THAT?

HE IS the Alpha and the Omega...and He made us in His image...wow! PLUS, sometimes it's mind boggling just to know that ---God is Love...that Love comes in a jillion forms and ways. We ARE so blessed. It's 'All about Him'....and not about us---yet WE are the ones that are always....so blessed.

I LOVE this time of year...all Glory to God! Yesterday was Palm Sunday and our awesome church had the greatest EVER....'Living Lord's Supper". So annointed and touching. I was 'doubly blest" because when I went in... I was physically hurting and sitting was not helping the matter and equally....I was sort of sad beforehand.... because at the same time as we were absorbed in our Worship in our home church....our little Chinese granddaughter was ALSO being baptised in her parents church in another city---and we were unable to attend. Life is what it is and we have to accept what we cannot change in life...but that doesn't erase emotions. But the most touching Living Lords Supper itself meant twice as much yesterday... as it would have originally---- and those that know me...know that to me .....Easter is the greatest celebration of All...my/our Lord's 'Living sacrifice" is the TOP of everything!!! Period.... He didn't have to....He Chose to. He gave HIS all for me ...for you. Eternal life is ours...as HIS free gift....simply called by that beautiful word "Grace". (such a small word....to COVER soooooo much!)

Millions of people have drawn... painted....and actors portrayed the above picture but the truth is...it's all a 'guessing game'...as to how the disciples sat, what they said---- but,,,on the other hand... there IS NO question about it---- when YOU FEEL HIM in your heart, mind and soul. Ya know whatcha know! Bless His Holy Name!

"Not my will...but Thine, Oh Lord"...the gasping prayer of Jesus in the garden on his last night. How tortured He must have been! Sweat drops as blood...yet He said 'not my will but yours'...Father----------
This has been a repeated phrase that I have spoken over my life many, many times, especially when things were totally chaos. One very special time was back when my dear Mom was 94 years old, in a nursing home, on her death bed and we were told that she would not live through the night.

That night I quickly penned a poem that I named this title. Much to my surprise and joy the poem later won 5th in the nation of 100's of thousands of entrants and that 20 line poem is 'suppose' to be in Washington DC Library of Congress. The neatest part is that my poem that was written straight from the heart as a prayer---- that it was truly answered miraculously by God...because the next morning....

My little Mom was 'sitting up in bed EATING breakfast with a big smile, awaiting my arrival!!! (she had NOT eaten in over a week!) She almost lived to see her hundredth birthday. As she taught..."Not my will...but Thine oh, Lord!" Thank you, Jesus, for everything!

Is there anyone who has NOT been betrayed by friends? Not likely...but JESUS? The Savior, the healer of the blind, the deaf, crippled and raising those from the dead...Why? Jealousy...the green eyed monster of earth! Fear...the blackened snake of darkness. Both HISS of evil even today. They THINK they killed Jesus---but Jesus CHOSE to die ....for our sins. He chose to suffer in our place.
Yes, Praise God----Jesus knows first handedly what we all go through in life---he's been there. All praise and honor to His Holy name for still being there today to help US go through trials and problems.

THE STONE WAS ROLLED AWAY! The TOMB is empty. He LIVES. I can face tomorrow 'BECAUSE HE LIVES'. I can do all things through Him and His name.

This Easter...May each of you enjoy all the man made celebrations of New life....bunnies, baby chicks, fresh flowers, birds, butterflies & even bumblebees...Easter Eggs and maybe even FAKE GRASS/eggs in your Easter basket. ha ha May you laugh at the crazy things little kids do. (or adults) ha ha May all the COLORS of the CROSS help us all to remember the great LOVE that Jesus had to have in order to ENDure the pain...in payment for OUR sins.

May THIS Easter celebration bring you the GREATEST JOY.... greatest reflection and Rememberance of His life, his death....and most of all His Resurrection!

Thank You, Lord Jesus Christ!

Little Boys...PROVE God's Great "Sense of Humor"!

2009-04-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Yikes, Frogs are often.... little boys Best Friends.....

They often...Never, ever consider.....the ending results of choices...

God loved and created 'Little Boys'...and they love HIS WATERMELON....

(isn't this precious?)

Horrors! 'TESTING" is born into the nature of every Little Boy---beware all Mom's

CAN ANYBODY HELP ME OUT HERE?

Wonder what's under there?

"I told you...I was hungry!"

"It's toooo far to the bathroom, Mommy!"

Below: "I am soooo funny, Mommy"

I hope you enjoyed seeing what God gets to see every day with His little Creations! They are so funny. Call or comment IF any of these ...or similar things have happened in your life. HA HA Have a great day. Be safe...keeping laughing......

Freedom is NOT Free....God help America

2009-03-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

If you love our wonderful country, your freedom and God's Blessings, would
you be so kind...take a moment and do a favor to SUPPORT our awesome
Soldiers and their families for the sacrifice that THEY give daily for OUR
awesome nation and freedom.

Our Nations economics are also very, very hard for the families of our Service Men and Women---their CHILDREN and families need us and this is something very simple that we CAN do.

CUT out COUPONS from your daily newspapers and especially your SUNDAY newspaper, magazines and whatever....where ever... and MAIL them in an envelope to:

Betty Carey-coupons

Ft. Hood Commissary #1

50,001 Clearcreek, Ft. Hood, Texas 76544

This lady realized the great need for this ministry for the children of our soldiers. These coupons are seldom used and yet so vastly needed AND APPRECIATED by the families back home.

I was absolutely astounded to find 62 coupons in only 2 portions of our local Sunday newspaper last week. All it takes is about 20 minutes and the price of a stamp. Please do what you can to show your appreciation and support..and bless the lives of those who serve our nation daily. Share this information with others and encourage them to do the same.

Be safe. Be blessed. Be Grateful for our freedom and nation. We are still the best...thanks to many thousands who gave their all...for the last 233 years----have died (or were/are crippled... physically or mentally)...for you and me.

SNICKERS' gone...thanks for funny comments

2009-03-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

Ha ha...thank each of you that commented...some complimented and some identified...hahaha & Blessings to all. Snicker not......haha

Special Gifts....a blessing or a curse???

2009-03-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

How do you eat a Snicker.....

Oh my, let me Count Thee ways!!!

Yesterday evening I was taken back to my childhood days of when I was about 8 or 9 years old, about 1948 or 9. Wow, so long ago and I remember SO well. My older brother David was in high school and was utterly 'thrilled to pieces' that he was lucky enough to 'get a job' as a Bell Hop (or usher) after school each day....at the Ritziest Movie Theatre in our fair city.

This was REALLY awesome luck for that period of time since World War II was just over and all the soldiers were all coming back home to the USA and everybody needed jobs....and as OUR NATIONS HEROS...they got most of the jobs that were available---not a kid in high school. So, David, KNEW how blessed that he was to have been chosen for his job and to get to wear a maroon 'monkey suit'...trimmed in beautiful gold braid ropes and gold brass buttons across the front of the suit....the frosting on the cake....was his little round PILL BOX maroon and gold hat...with a gold braid chin strap!! ha ha He was

very tall and handsome and picture perfect for the period time---celebration of life!

His purpose for the job: simple---to buy a car to drive from our ranch in the country to the city and school. With his very first pay check he bought a 'weathered looking little old Chevy Coupe' from an elderly couple. Thrilled beyond words...he came home...drove it into our FRONT yard...which I had never seen anyone do that before. Beneath the giant live oak trees, with greatest pains he 'wrapped the windows of his little car in old newspaper and began PAINTING!.......... 'WATERMELON' green....not dark...but bright, rich GREEN! To him, green meant prosperity! It took a day or so for the car to dry...but it was truly beautiful....that is AFTER all the old newspaper and tape was removed! That was the joy for me as a little sister to see 'the success and pleasure' of my brother with a really good job and still in high school. Wow!

Now, the second part of my admiration of his new job. CANDY!! Awesome Chocolate candy. We were not allowed those treats very often on the ranch. But like MAGIC...David who dearly LOVED our Mother...began buying and bringing home...those awesome, yummy, magical....SNICKERS, MILKY WAYS, BABY RUTH AND HERSHEY CANDY BARS!!! They were for her....and her ALONE! It was His gift....and that was His orders. Rightly so. He certainly DID NOT want any of us other kids to have EVEN a smell....of his gifts...certainly no bites!

I was usually a very good kid...or so my Mother told me often as an adult...but geepers, I have to admit that THOSE chocolate candy bars were such a horrible, horrible temptation to my dry mouth after school each day. No, I NEVER opened one of them---but I rolled them, smelled them...once I carried it in my pocket...to the barn...with the intention to sneak it and EAT it...but my guilty conscience got me and I took it back and put RIGHT BACK on the top shelf of the refrigerator where he had placed it. (why can't I have that power today...ha ha)

There were many, many times AFTER that incident that I would come in ....look in the fridge and see that Mom had opened her candy bar and take a bite or two--or, I would quietly and quickly break me off a bite or nibble....and I'd hold that awesome delicious stolen chocolate and peanuts in my mouth for 10 or 15 minutes....savoring the yummy flavors that were never meant for me. Oh, Oh Oh....how sweet it was...how wonderful to have the fobidden...

Momma was renown for CUTTING candy into slices...tiny slices...off of the Snickers or Milkyways and eating to make it last longer. Well, my thought....if I do the same thing....she will just think that SHE ate it herself. I did that for a few times...until one day when she walked in on me slowly cutting my sliver away---and instead of scolding me....she simply took the knife from my hand and sat down at the table and we sliced out the whole giant Snicker bar...and we both laughed and slurped up that yummy chocolate and peanuts in the greatest of Mother and daughter consumption and joy ever known to man.

This became a Special time for us, during those years and for the rest of life of her nearly 100 years. Candy was to be eaten, enjoyed SLOOOOWLY, chilled in the fridge...cut in thin slices, so that it would last longer. It was fun...it was good.

Now, like my mother, today, I, too, am a diabetic in my Senior years and do NOT buy candy, unless it is sugar free....excluding making Christmas fudge of coarse.haha Then yesterday evening my dearly beloved hubby.....has watched me go through some really bad pains for the last week or so and he wanted to do something SPECIAL for me...he loves to surprise me with his little treats. and as you may have already guessed....he came home and put something in the refrigerator and turned to tell me that the EASTER BUNNY had a surprise for me in the fridge.

He KNOWS how hard I try to keep my diabetic blood gluclose readings down and in line...and I am good at staying in line...in fact I have to carry the gluclose tablets with me constantly to stop from going too Low... blood count from dropping to hypoglycemia (which I have had about 4 really bad black out spells and know the dangers of that world.) and I often have mild 'gluclose drops' (lows) every few days or so.... when we don't get to eat on time and I have to take a tablet to stop the weakness and black outs.

Anyway, with his encouragement to OPEN the fridge door to see his surprise...I Did...and THERE in all it's SHINING GLORY AND GRACE....lay an innocent little brown and white SNICKER BAR...with my name on it.

Hallllla lu ia...what joy is greater...unless its an Almond JOY? Wow... Is this a blessing or is this a curse....for the diabetic...over weight, crippled, pained. (ha ha....do we really have to ask)

I am not a little girl in Kansas. I don't have a dog named Toto....but so help me, all I want to do is exactly WHAT I wanted to do when I was a little girl and stole the candy bar and went to the barn then brought it back to the fridge, I WANTED TO GOBBLE IT UP...INSTANTLY VANISHED!!! SNORF, SNORF, SNORF----GONE. HAHAHAHA

Then my mind went quickly back to Momma and me...cutting the tiny slices of the cool refridgerated chocolate peanuts and carmel...eating it really slow and now tonight....sharing it with my hubby in joy of two old idiots making a game out of a simple little candy bar. and.... no, that didn't happen either.

Well---it is now past Midnight....and the first day of SPRING...so what will happen with this meer little SNICKER CANDY BAR. It IS still in the fridge....still fully wrappped.

How long will it take for me to 'stay in control'. I am headed to bed....with visions of sleep...but will I have nightmares of some burly crummy robber coming in the house in the middle of the night with a hatchet or a chainsaw....and attack my little Snicker. Or maybe I will just PRETEND that I have a problem ....and walk in my sleep....straight for the fridge.....grab that brown candy bar and BEGIN GROWLING like a hungry bear and slurp it down in one gulp...never know what the real flavor was.

Or I could leave this computer right now....put the iron skillet on the stove and DEEP FRY it in peanuts and coconuts, sprinkle powdered sugar on for a tad of good looks. Hummm, maybe even a Snicker Salad....Oh lord, I am too tired and my Ambien is kicking in , so I am going to bed and forget that stupid Snicker---Jims sweet gift....a blessing or a curse. Tomorrow is a new day. Momma....Heeelp. (tune in later...maybe...to find the truth---is this neat, well intentioned gift a blessing or a curse)?

Spring Rain and Rainbows of Joys...

2009-03-17T07:38:00.001-07:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY.... all ye ole Irishmons, lassies...and lads-----aaah vot a vonderful vay to staart de day!

Wow, isn't God good! Central Texas has not had rain in FOR...EV...ER.... or at least that is the way it has seemed! Now we have had a week of rain....about five inches that brought LIFE and green hillsides, prairies and fields...once again! Greeen, Greeeen, Green---and wow, for the beauty of our wonderful TEXAS Bluebonnets! So perfect. So refreshing!

The birds outside of my window sill are singing at the top of their lungs...eating at a feeder nearby....as my cat lays on my computer table....watching with pleasure and licking his chops...twitching his tail with vigor. (he KNOWS darn well, he's too fat and too slow---so the least that he can do is have 'wishful thoughts'. ha ha

Today, I am humbly grateful ....for a million things...but most emphatically...that I am NOT where I was last week at this time....FLAT of my back in bed with horrific PAIN! Yes, I have been telling everyone that my health has been getting better...that the latest injections and treatment since November have seemingly been working....THEN...zap...bang...bonk...and I have pain so awful that I cannot get out of the bed=== for all of last week. It was BACK to the old grab for ANYTHING to hold on to. just to go to the bathroom. Pain from head to foot...& there were very few of my other 'body parts' that didn't participate in this game of roulette....all of it followed by deepest depression of 'giving up/throwing in the towel ...on the word....hope'....

People, in case you have NOT LIVED long enough to know it....believe me....when you hurt bad enough, long enough.... your hope is gone---there is no FINDING that word. (Yes, God is there to carry you thru...but that by far...does not always take away...or erase the PAIN OR depression from pains (regardless the various types). Physical...is mine--- and I thank God daily that I don't have the added ones of spiritual, mental, relational, financial---altho I guess anybody could use a bit more 'green backs' here and there. lol ha ha

However, sometimes I find that...good and well meaning friends...think they are helping you through the situations of life...but everything they say sometimes just makes it hurt worse. I have a few of these darlings..ha ha........BUT thank God....I also have those that KNOW where I am...and where I am coming from. ha ha (clue: I already know my Bible verses/meaning and I am on the first hand basis, (one to one) with my Father, my creator/savior... but that does not stop my body from screaming with pain. Heaven IS FULL of dead Christians WHO loved, honored, followed and fellowshipped with God prior to their death of pain---the tombstones/cemeteries are good reminders of this fact. Plez--- (so may---be, my suffering is allowed...so that others also can be reminded that compassion/understanding is ALSO part of God's plan for mankind.

So, with that said--(quite bluntly...as the Irish are often known to do---ha ha), I truly am so happy today--- because I am feeling better...and again HOPEFUL... AND then it's also dear old St. Patrick's Day, the awesome Christian Saint that my Irish/English/Scott... Mom adored (& was Baptist ha ha). This day always makes me remember my awesome Memories of joy and blessings of all my wonderful years and life with her! I'm just GLAD my memory is still there. ha ha (parts of that are 'fleeting fast' hahahahaha

But most importantly... I have to say in listing todays GRATITUDES...that....I am soooo very grateful to our daughter and son n law for sharing an awesome weekend in their home.

(I did not FEEL like making a trip to their house originally this weekend...I truly hurt too badly...but I went because of my beloved---he needed the break as well. But naturally..altho going to someone else's house was nice but.. this didn't let my pain go away. Howev er ---I was so beautifully blest to have had an absolutely wonderful time with them--they were tops in the 'hosting' dept. ha ha... and their adopted little daughter from China, is so amusing, entertaining and amazing to just sit and watch....listen to her praddle talk to her babies....toys/dolls. She is awesome in being able to entertain herself...in pure child like innocence. Pure joy to watch God's hand roll and curl around the heart of a little child at play.

It was truly 'frosting on the cake' for us to enjoy going to church with our kids. Their church is so beautiful...both outside....as well as inside.... with the 'heart of the people'...very friendly. And as stated so many times in my blog....I LOVE MUSIC....it is God's touch to my soul....and Sonday's music was all... some of my very FAVORITES... And YA can't beat that! The sermon, like most, hit home....very touching and real! I love that in pastors.

Our daughter was on an 'arts & crafty' (ha) binge...into to re-decorating with thrift store goodies and like our daughter n law....they are SOOOO GOOOD....at finding the cutest darn stuff...for almost nothing. (they, natch....gotta add a few more costly additives here and there...hahaha)

Son n law is so creative and willing to 'do what it takes'....to 'get er done' (ha meant in a good manner here)....and he is turning their garage into an 'organized storage and exercise playroom...with great success. As with all things---and everybody---it all takes time and $$$---but it is always good to see your grown kids succeeding. (it's even BETTER than when your kids are small....and YOU HAVE TO BE part of their succeeding process....yet now in old age...you can just sit back and say....'hooray...that's so neat!!!!) hahahaha lol

I had weekend photos to post but for some reason beyond my knowledge ...after repeatedly trying for over 2 hours....I cannot get them transferred over to the blog like all the other jillion that I have done ...including getting graphics in a mego second. It didn't work today. (the faster that I go...the hinder I get) if you know what I mean. Just not meant to be I guess for this blog.

Well, vith the heart of the Irish jig---- and the kiss of zee ole Blarney Stone, may I bid you each a very Happy dey----- and may all ye troubles be tourned into glorious nuggets of gold and treasures.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

SURVIVOR....Texas Style....

2009-03-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

I didn't come up with this...but since millions seem to enjoy SURVIVOR each week...including us...I thought this was cute...as long as no one takes it seriously. Laugh and the world laughs with you...cry and we cry alone----so keep laughing....

Due to the popularity of the "Survivor" shows, Texas is planning to do one called,

"Survivor, Texas-Style."

The contestants will all start in Dallas , then drive to Waco , Austin , San Antonio, over to Houston and down to Brownsville .

They will then proceed up to Del Rio, El Paso, Midland, Odessa, Lubbock and Amarillo . From there they will go on to Abilene, Fort Worth and finally.....back to Dallas .

The Survivor Challenge:

Each contestant will be driving a pink Volvo with bumper stickers that read:

"I'm Gay,"

"I Love the Dixie Chicks,"

"Boycott Beef,"

"I Voted for Obama,"

"George Strait Sucks,"

"Hillary in 2012"

and "I'm here to confiscate your Guns."

The first one to make it back to Dallas alive, WINS!!!!

(God Bless Texas!)

(NO DUMPING allowed in Texas)

We Texans love you and bid you a peaceful journey, Pardner...Survival comes to the fittest!

Like a Frog...Spring comes bouncing in....

2009-02-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

I am getting excited about SPRINGTIME...I need the refreshing change. I have loved the last few days of UNseasonably beautiful sunshine....can you believe...almost 100 degrees yesterday and this is still February in Central Texas?

We had the joy of traveling a couple of weekends ago (on Valentines Day) to see our son & daughter-in-law and 3 little energy boxes, often referred to as kiddoes. ha ha Oh, how my BODY in it's old age and medicated world... wanted to borrow some of their energy & power.

We had a blast. They were the very GREATEST of host & hostesses...each and all. Wonderful awesome 'steaks by son' and over all yummy foods and decorations!!!

We had the greatest pleasure of going for an awesome mornings drive...perfect day...clear skies/sunshine...to see the great Indian territory of Buffalo Gap--where BOTH the Indians and our early pioneering Texans drove herds of buffalo BETWEEN two mountains in order to slaughter. Sadly...the Indians did so for FOOD...and the early cowboys did it 'just for the MONEY that the buffalo hides would bring.

Then we traveled on--up and down valleys---at an awesome speed of 90 mph---no other traffic ANYWHERE folks....(this Grama had a blast teaching her grandkids...how to FLY and sing as we raced DOWN each empty valley...and then to 'groan' as we climbed UP the next mountain. The Kids adored it...as my OWN used to do when they were little). Then the JOY of seeing the beauty of the awesome flat top mountain and eventually to see the massive WIND FARMS of gigantic wind turbines/mills...as tall as buildings---covering every mountain, for as far as you could see---which seemed like FOREVER. So neat.... Remarkable site...remarkable science.

Above is family on top of a mountain viewing the wind turbines...awesome sight and hard to visualize the vastness of it all.

Additionally another fun venture we did with the kids....was VISIT ....Prairie Dog Town!!! This is something that I have always loved since our own kids were little. We often visited the one south of San Marcos. These little animals are so cute and so entertaining! It was all such fun that it was hard to come back home...to the every day things of life. And yes, I AM very, very grateful for LIFE...but isn't fun to just 'break away' and do something different once in a while. We had such fun.

There is only one drawback from having a wonderful time....the OLDER you are..the MORE you get JET LAG....even when you weren't on a jet. hahaha Well, just like clockwork...after the nice venture....my body WENT into Jet Lag mode....just like this frog!!! Pain was my reward for being up and enjoying life....and pain likes to bring along it's buddy...negative thinking and depression...grrr...regardless how you try. And like a FROG...these are waters that I swim in almost daily ---ha ha So, you can see why I sort of enjoy the little frogs world. ha ha

After our wonderful adventure...I simply went 'Kaputttt'. So, I was grateful that my daughter in law chose to write a wonderful blog about our great weekend. Her pictures helped me 'get through' the jet lag and swim in the "froggie" water of medications & hurting physically. ha ha

I have written poetry since Jr high about animals/bugs and loved to watch people reaction as they read. Sometimes poetry....like songs/music.... are funny...sometimes wise...and sometimes sad or lonely. The last two ....come much too often for people who have pain---

(and isn't it so doggone hard to 'fake it' and when somebody ask you, 'how are you doing'... and you know darn well they really don't want to hear the truth...so you don't tell the truth and simply say "oh fine" Sic joke.. hahahaha We humans are so 'off-the-wall' in some things. But at least its fun to be able to laugh at ourselves.

Amuzingly...I read once that a Cynic is a person who smells 'flowers' and quickly looks around the room for the 'casket'. ha ha

Mercy...that's the last thing I want to be...but sometimes---I AM...I have to admit...I see more caskets than I smell the awesome flowers of life. ha ha Esp. when I hurt. And from talking to a jillion people from all walks of life....who trust me and tell me their problems ....& ask for my advise or prayers....often both---I know...for sure--- that I'm not alone. ha ha

A couple of months ago the doctors tv show said 'that it takes us 70 HOURS to physically overcome just one NEGATIVE thought. Whew...that's tough. I have some friends who could 'certainly... use a TIME OUT. HA HA....(they are the type of people that make ME count my blessings really quick...ha ha) And I can honestly say that I am thankful that most of my real friends are not like that---it helps me Not to be, as well.

They also went on to say that it takes us at least 21 days to stop an old bad habit and to start a new one. (why can't these two things be a little more BALANCED. HA HA) ---I'm sure that I stretch those numbers to the max---- it takes me years...not days...since I still....know my bad habits...I just can't seem to get to the... 21 days. ha ha)

So this morning, when I found the following poem about two little FROGs and I loved it's wisdom that it so cutely reflects.....and I couldn't help but think...'thanks Lord...I need this one today!

I love cute graphics and little animals...and poetry. (maybe this will brighten your day as well...with a cute closing: ....burr-ribbet, burribet....)

Once upon a time....

Two little frogs fell into a can of cream,
Or...at least...so it was told.
The sides of the can were shiny and steep,
The cream was deep and very, very cold.

"Oh, what's the Use?" said frog number one,
"Tis Fate...there's certainly no help around.
Good-bye, my friend! Good-bye sad world!''
And while weeping loudly....the little frog drowned.

Frog number two...of sterner stuff...
Began to 'dog paddle'...with vigor and surprise,
Then wiped away his Creamy face...
and he tried to dry his Creamy eyes...

He thought "At least I will swim for a while"
Or so the story went and so it was said...
"After all it really wouldn't help the world much...
If one more FROG was dead!" ***

For hours the frog kicked and swam,
And not once did he stop to mutter....
But he kicked and swam...and kicked and swam...
Then quickly he HOPPED right OUT....via the BUTTER!

(We gotta keep kicking, gotta keep swimming ---be safe, be happy & be blest

Happy Valentines Day.....

2009-02-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day....Wow...the joy of Love, the joy of laughter, a sense of humor, the joy of Falling in Love,.... Being in Love,.... Being married and happy...or simply.... the love life....as Jesus provided as the creator and First love OF LIFE. As our first Valentine....may He bless your Day and you realize the Blessings! May the silly humor of the jokes belows bring you laughter,...a chuckle... or help you overcome some of the situations of life. Although I may not totally agree with all of the following...I do find great humor in creative writing and brain twisting silliness of every day events. So..I hope you will be blest and have a wonderful Valentines day loving and laughing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Ponderings of Every day life.....

The honeymoon is over when the husband calls home to say he'll be late for dinner and the answering machine says it is in the microwave.

Men who have pierced ears are better prepared for marriage.They've experienced pain and bought jewelry.

How do most men define marriage? A very expensive way to get your laundry done.

A little boy asked his father, "Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?" And the father replied, "I don't know, son, I'm still paying for it."

A couple was having a discussion about family finances. Finally the husband exploded, "If it weren't for my money, the house wouldn't be here!" The wife replied, "My dear, if it weren't for your money, I wouldn't be here."

A man said his credit card was stolen but he decided not to report it because the thief was spending less than his wife did.

Love is blind but marriage is an eye-opener.

The most effective way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once.

Cosmetics: A woman's way of keeping a man from reading between the lines.

Words to live by: Do not argue with a spouse who is packing your parachute or carrying a gun.

Boring husband: Honey, why are you wearing your wedding ring on the wrong finger?
Bored wife: Because I married the wrong man!

First Guy (proudly): "My wife's an angel!"
Second Guy: "You're lucky, mine's still alive.

Marriage is grand -- and divorce is at least 100 grand.

Married life is very frustrating. In the first year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman listens. In the second year, the woman speaks and the man listens. In the third year, they both speak and the neighbors listen.

When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing: either the car is new or the wife.

(not so for everyone tho)

Before marriage, a man will lie awake all night thinking about something you say. After marriage, he will fall asleep before you finish.

A ladies husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months yet she stayed by his bedside every single day. When he came to, he motioned for her to come nearer. As she sat by him, he said, "You know what? You have been with me all through the bad times. When I got fired, you were there to support me. When my business fell, you were there. When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you gave me support. When my health started failing, you were still by my side.

When I think about it now. ....I think you bring me bad luck!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~and life goes on....ha ha ha

Happy Valentines Day.....lots of hearts, flowers and Chocolate hugs & kisses

Cruising the Caribbean...what a way to go?

2009-02-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

We be cruisin.........1st day at sea....oh, how sweet it is!!!
THEN WE are HIGH JACKED at Sea...... during evening dinner ......and yes, that is a real pirate with a gun in my face.....and his beard in my eyes.... :-)

These hilarious working girls were meer tourist ...not entertainers...just 3 chubby women who decided it would be fun to come on the ship dressed as '3 FAIRY PIGS'---AND THEY WERE!!!. ugly, funny, yet so darn entertaining. THEY HAD A BLAST and everybody loved them---- (we had a picture taken with them...but I am certainly NOT going to put it on the internet....HAHAHAHAHA

They have a 'talent night' on the ship where anyone can get on stage and 'show their talent'. It was hilarious....and some very, very talented people. One group of ladies dressed up as CLOWNS and put on a show---they do this as hospital volunteers back home. One of our own 93 year old lady from OUR bus group from Waco....played the harmonica....playing the 'Yellow Rose of Texas and The Eyes of Texas are Upon You....awesome/hilariously cute/bounced like rubber ball as she played....and she was the only TALENT that got a STANDING OVATION from the whole audience!!! And her name.... "HarveyLee" ??? never heard that before on a woman. (oh yes, we also went to the Karaoke bar...which is really an awesome theatre---saw the good, bad, pitiful and not so good talents there as well...but fun and posh to say the least)

Picture of our ship... This is a shot of our SISTER CARNIVAL SHIP, Fantasy, in Cozumel, Mexico. We docked side by side, unloaded at the same time. Awesome sight. Our ship the Ecstasy is voted by tourist as the #l, top ship of Carnival's 22 ships---No 1 in service to tourist, best food, best Entertainment and Entertainment Director. Our nightly shows were top rate, tons of color, music and glitz and glitter...talent....and head dresses and costumes from all eras and cultures. (but we couldn't take photos/videos)

INSIDE EVERY MAN....is a little boy.... ha ha

My hubby Just HAD to get a tattoo!!! temporary that is... and 'she was sooo cute''''hahaha He surprised me with his idea of the 'Best Present Ever" for our 50th wedding anniversary~~~~ his tattoo: Gloria & Jim 50 years in blue and a huge red heart outlined in blackwith an arrow! touching..tsk tsk (it really was cute and all our friends LOVED his silliness and reasonings.....jus jim :-)

Then the other arm....naturally....as a real Texan who is not fond of horses or cows....he HAD to have BARBED WIRE tattooed in blue and black. Again...and SHE was sooo cute...ha haha (yall got tha picture. ha ha...I loved it ...soon to be 70 years old and he still likes A touch of the WILD SIDE. HAHAHAHAHA) That's my guy of 52 yrs. :-)

Below: Jim and I are on the top deck of our ship....looking over the side (and yes, we held tightly and securely to the railing)....watching the TWO CARNIVAL SHIPS unload tourist at Coszumel, Mexico where Mayan dances and witch doctors danced and made photos to the entering tourist.

This is just a photo of the two ships Ecstasy and Fantasy both unloading at the same time. Most of the people had already gone through when I took the picture. It had been a massive mess of people...so funny to watch from above...like a fly on the wall.

This is the center Atrium of the ship. Absolutely beautiful and yet hard for the true colors of bluish purple to come through in photo. This was 7 or 8 stories high and the purple lights trimmed the whole Atrium. The gold staircase, trimmed in the awesome lighting was also note worthy; lots of creative art work. They had 12 or 14 elevators but naturally WE took these glass ones as many times as possible....even tho with my rolling walker....it gave me the WILLIES to stand on the outer edge of thing. Like floating in air....or 'falling 7 or 8 stories down' ha hahaha

This was just one portion of the port at Progresso, Yacatan. Huge immigration port complete with very large Mariache (sp) band greeters and gift shops every where....but ....this has been built rather recently.....waaaaay out in the sea....a long, long road built from the island OUT into the sea to a MAN MADE ISLAND in order to meet the huge tourist ships (at the depth...they have to have)
This is now popular because it is the closest port to the majority of Maya numerous pyramids and historical sites of the nation. I went to see the awesome most popular Chicken niza in 1996 and it was one of the most impressive events and sites of my whole life. The scientific technology is beyond and unknown to our scientist today....yet they were destroyed.

Below:

This is OUR LAST NIGHT at dinner in the fanciest of fancy dining areas. Tons of lights ...not behind us but above. But truthfully....hubby was 'begging' to have his FEET ON DIRT by this time. We both...sadly caught AWFUL.... BAD bad COLDS the 2nd day out and felt horrible physically from the coughing...no meds or cough drops anywhere...lots of liquor but it doesn't mix with all my tons of meds and he wouldn't drink if I didn't--dummy...ha ha

but I luv im....ADD all that to the misery/pain galore.... of me having to be on a rolling walker on rolling waters ....pushing through rolling lines and crowds of 1000's of people in sometimes tiny places...like elevators. Yes, we had a blast and loved it all dearly.....but also....THIS PICTURES reflects that we DRY LANDERS were very tired, very sick of hurting and ready to feel grass and dirt beneath our feet.

I am a THREE DAY vacation person anyway....so I knew this would be a long stretch for me...but I didn't think my hubby would be RESTLESS by the 3rd day. ha ha But he was. Below, it was sort of a sad time~~~last evening away....we were pulling out of dock from Cozumel, Mexico...it was about 5 PM and most every one was enjoying the awesome warm top deck swimming pool contests, game, entertainment of Raggai music....sipping from cute Carnival cups of creations...tea and sodas and I looked back to shore.....and saw our sister ships STILL SITTING IN THE THE DOCK....and we were leaving....never to return...again. Yes, the sight of the two ships were truly awesomely beautiful but it did make my heart twist, knowing we had had the greatest of joys and now it was all coming to an end and we would never be able to do this again. So I relish this sight in my mind....us sailing away for home....the awesome sunshine glistening along all the jungled seashore, beaches and city----and yet above us and north of us was this huge BLACK ROLLING STORM CLOUDS rolling for us and us into them! INSTANTLY the winds CHANGED. Very strong, very dark and rain drops.....and COLD COLD COLD...and we could still see the land... that had been so warm, cozy and hot. Needless to say that deck emptied almost immediately and everyone showed up early for the 'last night of our most elegant dining and yummy, yummy foods---with names no one could pronounce properly and yes we all tried and had a blast 'trying to BE what we weren't"!

Yes, our last night to have the most awesome elegant meals....with super neat new friends of 10 table mates and 54 Bus mates (this was the greatest way to travel ever for older people)...and our last but fantastic stage show ever ....with our friends and even with them feeding us cough drops (theirs) treating us like kings and queens when they didn't have to--because we were so sick-we all had the most hilarious good time---all from different walks of life and us at the bottom of the ladder. ha ha but it didn't make any difference---people love your heart and character & everybody loves humor!

So, this is the end of the 50th Anniversary celebration---and my kids are probably glad---but now we have to anchor out and head for new waters, goals and events. The top of our agenda is on Feb 21st we get to see our favorite Christian Comedian and musician....Mark Lowery is coming to our church on tour (Bill Gaithers quartet)...and we also will have the No 1 Christian Ballet coming to my father in laws church as well. So, these are 2 neat events that certainly sound exciting, plus we are having/preparing for a city wide revival with Anne Graham Lotz (Rev. Billy Grahams daughter) leading. All our churches are adopting the motto: "Just Give Me Jesus' to build for the revival.

Thanks for stopping by my blog, hope you enjoyed it and will leave a comment before you leave or give me a call and I pray God's richest of blessings back to you.

Sail on sweet Spirit, sail on...........................

Ships Ahoy...or Bon Voyage

2009-01-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I are excited as we and about 50 friends are about to leave together by bus and go to 'what's left of Galveston"...transfer onto a neat Carnival ship for a Caribbean cruise. As our travel agency met with all of us the other day for snacks, snickers and signings---I came across the following cute and almost scary thing below and thought you'd enjoy reading the humor.... to start off your new year. Everybody can use a laugh or two.

For our upcoming cruise, we have a hilarious Hostess (who is ironically, one of my Childhood friends ....all the way back to 4-H competitions in elementary school---isn't that coincidental)---- She BEGAN with greatest sincerity &.... WARNED us all---right off the bat...that."as IN-LANDERS....please, people.... STAY AWAY from the side railings of the ship!!! " I'm taking 53 people and want to return with 53. ha ha And also since the news is filled with the story of the "lady that 'went OVER BOARD"..(unknown presently if by her desire or someone else's design).....but from...ME and Carnival Cruise Line, please know that this is not a requirement of the cruise line or the travel agencies involved. "

(ha you can bet on that part)

This problem. however is not a worry to us...there are tons of things to do/see----(tho this really was a very, very sad/horrible situation). We love to vacation by cruise ships and look forward to this one as well. As most of you know this is part of our 50th wedding anniversary celebration. We were also planning to use up hubby's extra vacation week later on in the Spring ....and FLY on a neat excursion vacation... (that my beloved niece who is an American Airlines Flight Attendant and always gives us offers for 'special deals'). Buuuut...after I picked up this following cutie below... about the top 10 AIRLINE announcements---I am now a wee bit apprehensive. ha ha read on....and YOU might see why.... haha

Top 10 Announcements made on AIRLINES.....

1. "Welcome aboard Southwest Airlines. In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, and place it over your face!"

2. "Please use caution when opening the overhead bin. After a horrible landing like this, you can be certain your luggage has shifted."

3. "Thanks for choosing TWA. We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."

4. "Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business, as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride!"

5. "Thank you for flying the friendly skies of United. Last one off the plane cleans it!"

6. "Please remember your cushion can be used for flotation. In the event of an emergency water landing, please take the cushion----compliments of Reno Airways.

7. ...after a high-speed landing in Phoenix, Arizona---"Whoa, Big Fella, Whoa!"

8. "This is a NONsmoking flight. If you MUST smoke, please step out on the wing and watch our in-flight movie, "Gone with the Wind".

9. "As you exit, please remember----there are 50 ways to leave your lover---but only 4 ways out of this airplane!"

10. "At American Airlines, we are pleased to have some of the very best fight attendants in the industry...Unfortunately, none are on this flight!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Would this NOT make a person think twice. ha ha Have a happy day and may your next flight be the greatest and safest ever! We'll be 'cruising' for a while and let ya know later on if we had any interesting encounters of the unknown! Be blessed. Areeeba, Areeeba!

(ariva)

Looking Backwards to 2008..& Forward to 2009...

2009-01-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, may all of God's Richest of Blessings be yours for good health, success and happiness in all your endeavors.

This is an exciting time of the year...a time to reflect...maybe regret... but also one to celebrate the good, the joy and even with bad things happening to everyone at some point or another. We are still so blessed...because it could have certainly been so much worse. ---America look to the war fronts and poverty all over this earth!

Today, as I personally look backwards, I know this was one of my greatest years of blessings....but through the experience, I also have to quickly say that it has also been one of the MOST PHYSICALLY PAINFUL years of my life. Awful, and a large amount of that time feeling alone and very insignificant. Pain does that to people very quickly, especially if hope depletes. Daily I try to joke and use humor, just for the fun of making other people laugh...but also for the selfish feeling of having fun inspite of the pain. Thus, people like me, create their own 'circle of woe' because when you laugh---other people disregard your hurts, your suffering when you really need them the most. Isn't that a crazy cycle and yet I am not alone in doing this coverup, ha ha.

As seen on my previous blogs...I've had an awesome year of celebrating our wonderful 50th wedding anniversary, a marvelous Thanksgiving and absolutely wonderful Christmas with family and friends. It simply could NOT have been ANY BETTER ...except for the physical pain. However the pain DOES make a person LOVE the JOY far, far more than they would have...if it had not been there! Good memories help to bring hope to the hopeless.

Yesterday, January 1st, 2009, hubby and I went to see the movie "Marley & Me" and tears upon tears....as parts of this cute movie brought back memories of our childhood and years of raising our kids and all our tons of precious beloved pets along the way. After the movie we were talking about the difference in the world back in our childhood & today. We agreed that Pets...are the bestest (haha) and neatest little 'side-effect' gift that God gives to mankind. they can be wonderful and they CAN BE AWFUL sometimes---but for the most part they are one of the BEAUTIFUL part of life and make great memories. My hubby laughed when I said it was sort of like my analysis of last year, America 2008 --(top dogs down to dirty dogs)-as I shared that ...like Marley & me movie was funny, touching and sad all at the same time...and like our Country---- it is totally AMAZING to me that...

We really ARE such A GREAT, GREAT NATION....but...

Today..."Gay" people fight in the courts to "GET MARRIED" (not God's choice)"

Straight'' people NO LONGER believe in marriage... (prefer sin & it's OK)

Girls (teenagers esp.) have numerous illegitimate babies, records breaking ABORTIONS & unwanted births, thus eventual records of numerous ABUSED little children, turned on to drugs, historically filling every prison systems in our nation... with children (as young as 8 years old) and adult parents (who SHOULD be working and providing for their children)----

Meanwhile---even sadder to say--- thousands of heartbroken, CHILDLESS, educated, WORKING COUPLES......BEG to ADOPT... but CANNOT ....due to ridiculous COST, FEES, RACKETEERING AND GOVERNMENTAL LAWS AND STUPIDITY THEREOF!

Equally as crazy is that everyday, in our wonderful country---home of the FREE---protesters continue to block roadways, work places; wasting millions of dollars and MAN hours SCREAMING discontent and lies---ignoring the fact that constantly--(while they protests---) morally corrupt TERRORISTIC plots are being stopped and defused BY wonderful leaders (known and unknown CIA/soldiers---working all over this earth--- American who LAY DOWN THEIR LIVES for Our freedom, for us....FOR THEM--- (totally UNKNOWN to John & Mary PUBLIC--who sit down to a warm table of food, pretty homes of safety...that are protected, with latest of modern technology, science, medicines...appliances, vehicles, fuel, and clothes on our backs---) PROTESTERS INCLUDED.

These BRAVE, DEDICATED people lay down their lives daily so that "dung for brains protesters" can have the freedom to SPEAK and WRITE...lies or criticism AGAINST our leaders, our Generals, soldiers). No America is not perfect but it IS the GREATEST and most charitable NATION on Earth....and yes, it GIVES away to other nations triple all other nations...and that EXcludes our mission charity groups gifts to feed, clothe, water, medicine... other starving nations by 10 fold. Not to overlook all the world earth/weather DISASTERS.

So....Do these critics ever stop to think....that IF it were not for these leaders....that

AMERICA could/would BE the WAR front of blood shed, pain, suffering, death and destruction and FEAR beyond human belief!

So, for 2009.... THANK YOU, DEAR GOD...for every leader, soldier, construction worker, missionary and liberator ...(at home or abroad)...who TRIES!!! And Lord, forgive the Fruitcakes that are filled with more nuts than a pecan tree...for truly....'they know not what they do'....and Lord if they do, ---please help/convict/convert hearts that refuse to see YOUR HAND . (We still love 'em anyway...warts & all. : ) ~~

However, I cannot say the above without also saying that as most of my co-hearts express, 'let us all pray this new year for our new president and new staff, our nation, little children, the hungry, hurting, helpless and homeless---where ever they are on this earth. This is my resolution for the New Year 2009. This I CAN do.

I have been blessed....and if by praying...I would like to BE a blessing.

And if I can actively DO something to help another....I pray that God will give the strength, physical & mental ability to carry it out.

I would hope that in 2009 that....

I can be THANKFUL for Everything...

I can be fearful of NOTHING....

I can be PRAYFUL about All Things....

and through Jesus Christ....I CAN DO (all) ANYTHING!!!

Happy New Year ....2009

All is Gonna Be FINE!!!

Smile and be blessed!

Have a Merry, Merry Christmas...2008

2008-12-18T08:19:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Version of

1 Corinthians 13

(thanks Jana for the pic... :D

If I decorate my house perfectly with big, red Christmas bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, lots of tinsels and glitter....but do not show love to my family and other people,

I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, candies and pies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, ....but do not show love to my family and other people, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity,..... but do not show love to my family and others, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails....but people do. God's Love is Perfect!

Video games will break,

pearl necklaces will be lost,

golf clubs will rust,

but giving the gift of love and kindness....will endure and is the reflection of Christ.

Help the world remember that....Forever, Jesus is the reason...
for this beautiful season.

Because of His grace...

we always have 'someone to turn to' when trouble hits.

Because HE LIVES...
we can live forever.

May you Celebrate, laugh & enjoy every fiber of His goodness. gifts and graces....of this wonderful holiday season of remembering the Birth of our Lord and Savior.... and may we all Bless others along the way!

with hugs....Merry Christmas!!!

Ring those Golden Bells...loud & clear!

2008-12-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

Golden Wedding Bells that is....

Yes, this is OUR FAMILY PHOTO as we celebrated this past weekend our wonderful Golden Wedding Anniversary--what fun! What a treasure.

Front row: Matthew, Zoe, Josh

Second row: Kori, Papa & Grama GG (me)

Back row: Wayne & Jana; Kelleye & Dewayne, Eston

via~~~~ Jana's new awesome Cannon digital action camera

As most of you know, Music & Laughter is the very soul of my being and my life. Thus both come from wonderful PEOPLE!!! Times like this in life are sort of like... our Lord is up there in the Heavens and He sprinkles down billions of sparkling little stars of laughter, giggles, smiles and tiny little moonbeams that have sounds of musical notes.... floating freely about the skies above us all, then it suddenly gravitates ...to giant earth shaking, vibrating musical bells, like the ones in church bell towers...as if they are shouting out to everyone to listen: join the laughter, join in the song, sing with every fiber of your being. God is closer than ever!!! It's Christmas time! Celebrate Christ. Celebrate life. Celebrate Jesus!

Yes, this WAS the neat feeling of this weekend of celebration. Not just a 'moment to remember' but a lifetime of treasures...all shared with any and all. I am so thankful and humbly grateful to everyone that touched my life...our lives....not just the last 50 years for our lifetime.

However, now it is time for CHANGE. Change is not always easy to do. For most of us...it is somehow a lot easier to stay in our own little comfort zone. I have totally spent the past year preparing for this last weekend. I did this out of need to overcome....the physically & mental destruction caused by cancer and it's required treatments---each & all is very painful, very hard and often days get 'darker' than the night. No one knows until they wear the shoes...and every pair of shoes fit differently for each person.

So, to start off my CHANGE...today, I decided to WRITE. (or maybe it was God's choice???) I would hope that my honesty in self writing would be to bring some one HOPE,,,encouragement and/or possibly....identity of like situations to others.

Naturally, the freshest thing on my mind is 'Memories'. What is better than that? The GOOD stuff, makes us feel good....and then that bad/not so good stuff....well, that was usually horrible but THAT IS our most 'learning time' of life.,,and sad to say.... you're darn sure NOT going to Forget it all that easy! ha ha

So, in looking back at the last 50 years...I have fully determined that it has actually been like a "County Fair"...a carnival...3 ring circus...all combined. ha ha

First let me say, "I love the Fair". I served as an executive board officer for eleven years for the huge Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo and loved being referred to... officially as a "My Fair Lady". The position had plenty of ups and downs and it wasn't always on the "Midway".ha ha Now today, I see my life actually BEING sort of like those awesome years---at the County Fair. ha ha

As a little girl, we always went to the County Fair. All my teen years I was fascinated by the 'barkers' out front of the entrance gates. They used to yell out ''Come, Come to the Fair. Everybody listen up! Laaaadies & Geeeentlemen Come see the Greatest events of the World, Come see the 2 headed pig! Come see the Lady with the 5 ft. beard. Come see the man cut in half by a sword and walks again. Don't miss the world Fattest man! Come see the lady that was cut out of the belly of a Boa Constrictor and lived...True stories, yes, yes ...True events....THINGS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE and will never see again, Come to the Fair! Get your tickets right here. Popcorn, Peanuts...feed the giant elephant. Come see our beautiful Grand Champion livestock. Come TASTE the world's greatest pies. Come, come, come to the County Fair, Don't miss it."

Yes, all my young life, I heard THE CALL to 'go through the gates'...enter the awesome 'County Fair", see and live the 'greatest SHOW ON EARTH....(you know: love & marriage, go together like a horse & carriage....and 9 months later the baby carriage stuff)...come one, come all, join in, don't miss out!!!

So, as a 16 year old teenage girl and my love, a 17 year old, we wandered around OUTSIDE the gates of the county fair for two years. With starry eyes, sparkling smiles, laughter & giggles and tons of sweet, sweet kisses and few chocolate malts and burgers... in our 'hottest little rod car' in town...we WATCHED...from OUTSIDE the gates of the fair grounds. Two YEARS in fact.

Then on my 18th birthday and after graduating High School, my beloved gave me a tiny but beautiful little engagement ring! Oh, how I adored it. After alll...we NOW had TICKETS to go to the COUNTY FAIR....tickets to see the shows...tickets to get to DO and BE a part of this awesome exciting event that EVERYBODY had talked about alllllll of our lives. (MARRIAGE) Wow, It Can't Be any better that having a 'ticket to the County Fair". Wow, how blessed we were---or at least in our youth...this is what we thought!

Well, we stood in line for our tickets...it seemed to be sooo long....took so long....but FINALLY on December 6, 1958 at 8 PM, in our largest community church...all our family came together and we all had such fun as we 'entered the huge golden gates" of the beautiful COUNTY FAIR...(marriage) church bells rang, music everywhere, friends cheered, we quickly grabbed a bite of a beautiful wedding cake at the entrance and took a sip of their strawberry/pineapple Baptist punch and then we RAN as fast as we could....... to SEE it all....everything that the County Fair had to offer----to experience every part...to try our LUCK...to ride every ride on the Midway, to see the awesome animals...and even the freaky SIDE SHOWS....WE RAN as fast as we could ...yes, TO DO IT ALL. (in the distance all our family and friends bid us farewell, blessings and friendly waves for success in our venture.)

Off we went. First, at the County Fair, we jumped from the beautiful sunlight of day, into the deep, lush, warm darkness of the 'Tunnel of Love'. The air had the scent of sweet sweet flowers and ferns. The darkness closed around us...sealing us away from the world...tiny little sparkling lights glittered here and there along the way & in the reflections of the smooth waters surrounding our Boat of Love" We clung together. And together we tasted the sweetest gift that God gives... as we traveled very slowly through that long, long tunnel of love.....magic and secret voices of two ....as one.

With joking humor...The World said we stayed in the tunnel much too long...but we...disagreed with the world and felt it was far too short a visit. Finally...yes, we are required to exit that precious warm tunnel and suddenly STEP OUT in the blinding brightness of sun rays...of change...of new events....new things to see and new things to experience ...all as part of the County Fair! We would jerk our heads to the left...to the right...we saw all sorts of wonderful...inviting things at the smorgasbord of events served at the COUNTY FAIR! It alllll looked so exciting and enticing. We wanted IT ALL!!! We stopped to taste the awesome pies, cakes, peaches and preserves at the baking contest...wow, everything tasted so good and boy did we love to eat--- at each and every display. The County Fair was such fun! And wow---We LOVED the music! The jazz, the Hobbyhorses Calliope, the noise...the excitement--bells, drums, horns & zingers-- on every corner and in every crevice. We loved it all. We tried to do almost everything.

THEN we saw the animals... We ran to them. ----Oh, how sweet, especially all the 'little baby animals'. How could anything BE any cuter? We watched and laughed at them all. They were so cute. We were especially drawn to the beautiful little red and white Texas Hereford bull calves. Blue ribbons around their necks. Champions! Their little white faces and turned up pink noses---truly tugged at our hearts. So precious...innocent...lovable and adorable!

Then suddenly the MASTER of ceremonies of the whole COUNTY FAIR...saw us watching the cute calves and He kindly walked over and said, "May you both be blessed, for I am here to bestow a very special gift to you. I have been watching you....as you watch all these little cute animals----I am here to 'present you a Free little calf of your choice to raise for the next 18 years because I know you will do your very best to take good care of this beautiful little thing.'

Quickly as we could, we chose the cutest one, took his little rope and led him away as "our own little precious Gift from the Master!

Sometimes our cute little calf loved to jump around dancing, always laughing, putting on a show....always the 'center of attention' everywhere we went. He loved to perform. He loved the cheering. Together my love and I laughed, hugged and kissed our precious gift as we watched every dance he made and treasured everything he did.

It seems like about 8 minutes passed and then in the other end of the barn of the County Fair we all three came across a pen of beautiful little tiny fluffy SNOW WHITE baby LAMBS that had tiny pink noses---just like the little calf----and I ran back to the MASTER and begged him to allow us to have just one of the little darlings. Much to my surprise...and my love....the Master said "oh sure...I KNOW you will give your best to take care of her and give her a good home"

Oh my, could life be any better? Two little gifts, both so cute...both so good...both the greatest of gifts from Thee MASTER of the County Fair. We were sooo blest!

Oh life was beautiful. The County Fair simply Could Not BE ANY BETTER! Then we saw the FERRIS WHEEL. The gigantic wheel twirled gracefully...up into the sky...into the floating white clouds. Could anything 'look' more beautiful. Absolutely not! The awesome music played the beautiful Vienna Waltz. Dreamy thoughts crowd the human mind as you look up to see the gentle swinging baskets of laughing riders....soft clouds float leisurely nearby as birds dip down to see the excitement below.

Oh WE MUST RIDE, too!

We safely tied our two little GIFTS, they were our treasures & special gifts from the Master ...so...after they are secured in safety, taken cared of---we joyfully climbed aboard the huge Ferris wheel at the County Fair!!! At first, our basket rocked a little in a fun sort of way. We quickly locked our steel bar for protection. The attendant stepped over and double checked our bar for safety.

The music starts, we begin to rise. Our hearts are racing. We look at each other. We laugh. We hold hands gently. I lean closer as we rise higher into the air. Somehow my chest seems to be about to burst in anticipation of the unknown---only fun and laughter can lie ahead. We have watched all the others before us. Around and around we gently flow. The soft gentle winds whisk past our faces, it feels so neat. Oh, this ride is so delightful...much BETTER than I even believed it was going to be! Wow, what fun. I lay my head over on his shoulders...he nussels his head back down upon my mine--we are lost in this sweet dreamland of fantasy. So sweet, so blessed.

BONK! We HEAR a loud clonk. We feel ourselves thrust forward! We hit the brace bar of protection and fly back against the now VERY HARD seat...that once seemed soft. The music has stopped. People are screaming! We are AT THE VERY TIP TOP OF THE FERRIS WHEEL...rocking precariously back and forth! We look down at the attendant. He looks up at us and yells...."everything is Okay, don't be afraid...we have a little malfunction...but all is okay, I'll have you going in just one moment."

Wow, that was good to hear. Our hearts were pounding...but once again we began to laugh because we trusted the man below to know that all was okay. We liked trusting people. Life was a blast. There we sat at the top of Ferris Wheel...sitting quietly....WATCHING the whole world below us.... we then looked to the east.... and saw the glorious horizon of beautiful trees, a distant city, the sun made the world glisten. How beautiful it is up here!!!

To the north we turned & saw the beauty of the awesome open prairies, crisp neatness of fields of grain....beauty that only God could create.

To the west were awesome gigantic purple mountains...we saw the beautiful snow caps...great ski lifts and rustic winter cabins, evergreens beyond belief...places where we had skied as a family, we saw amusement parks, forest, flowers, gardens, oil derricks, windmills, thousands of cattle, horses and to the south we saw beautiful oceans and seas where many ships and giant sails, majestic resorts, motor coaches, traveling friends and where we had walked the beautiful beaches, vacationed on massive cruise ships on the open waters of grace with its beautiful dancing porpoise and fish of every color, kind and shape.

Above us...from our view of the world on this Ferris wheel at the County Fair...were birds of every kind and sort, all gliding silently through the air, seagulls to cardinals, eagles to buzzards and falcons. There were also the giant recreational aircrafts (of family members and close friends)... floating liesurely through the clouds. It was awesome to view the world from the top of a broken Ferris wheel....on a 50 cent ticket.

Watching the County Fair from the top of the Ferris wheel was an absolutely unexpected thrill...even sometimes when things got to be very, very scary when we thought we would fall to our death----but true to his earlier words---as the attendant called out "here we go, folks, got it fixed, enjoy the ride!" The music started up again and we gently rocked and rolled, around and around; it was so wonderful then slowly we then found our way back down to the bottom...to the ground ...to safety...thrilled to have had the awesome VIEW of the world...even tho it was rather scary at times.

Quickly we grabbed up our two little GIFTS...so thrilled that all was safe and secure, laughing and chatting...we made our way around the rest of the awesome Fair grounds. Lots of sights to see. Lots of things to Do. We saw the crazy man who 'ate the fiery swords'. We viewed the two headed pig...the pig that could count coins, the chicken that sang and counted. We saw the Fat man sitting behind the wind blown curtain. We bypassed the Beer Garden , the Strip booths and Girlie peep shows. Our Gifts didn't need that! (smile)

We saw the man cut in half; a lady get her head cut off and put back on, we listened to every type of music that was presented all around the Fair. We rode every ride that seemed safe. We tried every thing that seemed wise. We laughed, we cried, we fell down lots of time, we always got up and tried again. We travelled to every booth that we could. We played most of the games along the way. We played the games of luck---we lost some--we won a lot. We were encouraged. We were disappointed.

Then we came upon the 'Tilt-a-Whirl" ride. In my youth---I loved the speed of this machine, so when we heard it's music in the distance...we ran. We quickly bought our ticket. It cost a little more but we thought it would certainly BE WORTH IT...it will bring us the 'best time ever'. A friend walked by and called to us, 'you two please be careful...you don't want to get hurt.'' We yelled back, "okay' thanks, it's going to be fun."

Together, eagerly, we looked each other in the eyes and jumped right in, jerked down that protection bar...banged it shut...to make sure it was latched properly. The attendant did the same. Laughing our heads off---the motor reves up---just like a real live 500 lap race---we are tide in and READY TO GO!!!

We are laughing our heads off....knowing we are about to be beaten from side to side...but in reality that we wouldn't be hurt! The motor roars louder.....and louder! We spin and we spin....faster & faster...faster....suddenly wham---the machines slides us to one side...then the other...back and forth--twirling--- as we RISE HIGHER UP INTO THE SKY. We are twirling....we are sliding. We are laughing....screaming...holding on for dear life. We grip the safety bar with every muscle of our bodies. Swirling, laughing.....

SUDDENLY the safety bar Pops..... It flies out.... away from us. I grip it with all my strength. I cannot see my love anywhere. I am spinning through the air. I know death is below. I know that pain is coming. Instantly I Hit. then zero, blank, silence, alone, the unknown.

Finally I begin to awaken and feel nothing but pain. Pain from the top of my head to the tip of my toes....my heart hurts worst of all. I can't see my love anywhere--- but I can hear his voice, his moaning, his cry for help,. I open my eyes. My vision is so blurry...I can't make out anything at first. Finally I am able to see that he is right beside me. He is rolling in pain, groaning and calling my name. All I could do is whisper to him "I'm here".

We lay there ....together...in the dirt...people walked around us....over us...ON us.....no one stopped...no one cared... I could hear the laughter of others. I could hear the music but it wasn't playing for me anymore. I could feel the earth shake around me...as the people rushed by me and my love---- as we tried to dodge their huge feet ...their cutting shoes....each one that stepped on...crushing our broken bodies.

We saw old friends come and go,.... many actually stepped right on us and never looked back.... or even seemed to realize that they had actually stepped on a dying human being. Yet, there we were...someone no different from them--and no one would stop or reach down; they did not see.

We lay there together alone....hurting...as we had never, ever hurt before, undeserved pain but yet ours to bear, alone. We kept staring into each others pain filled eyes, knowing each others pain filled bodies... and yet helplessness to change our situation---as the world passed us by. We each dug our fingers deep into the earth around us..grabbing for anything....trying to get up...trying to raise our heads up---to find hope.

Without strength, we often fell back down into the dirt, feeling unwanted trash drifting near us and deeper we sank into the hardened ground around us. Dirt built up upon us as the people above quickly walked past throwing dirt into our painfilled faces. The dust filled our teeth...our noses...our mouths. We could not understand. We began to grip each others hand. Tighter & tighter we clung to each other. Slowly....very slowly....Strength began to imerge. We were soon able to gather both of our hands together until we could sit up in the dust of that dirty County Fair grounds that had once been our greatest JOY.

We now held both hands...we drew ourselves up to our knees in that filth and trash left behind by people who didn't stop or care. We prayed. All we could hear was Carnival Noise in return. All we could smell was burnt stuff, stale beer and bad breath of other people walking past us.

We still did not have enough strength to rise. We stayed on our knees, holding hands together---we continued to pray. We whispered prayers...we cried together, we cried our prayers even and held each other close but we still didn't have the strength to 'get up' and walk with the crowd.

We closed our eyes; praying on.... in each others arms.... and gradually from the unknown,..... the Master of the County Fair appeared. Gently He reached down ...and like two feathers...He lifted us to our feet. He quietly brushed away the dust that had gathered upon our clothes & broken bodies and with the sweetest, warmest voice.... whispered to us that "No, dear ones, I am here...I saw what happened and I am sorry.... because... I know... that you did not deserve what happened to you ...but I allowed it to happened so that YOU will help other people.... who might also be innocent and yet trampled beneath the feet of others. Innocent people get trampled everyday and no one knows what it is like until they too suffer. You see, I, too, was done this way and just like you I loved them, I trusted them and yet they turned on me too. Like you, I gave my all and I was spit upon and called names...but You now will find knowledge, compassion, understanding and wisdom from all of this.... and you will eagerly FORGIVE THEM...just I did a long time ago. Then, you will know the real meaning of JOY, Happiness and eternal peace---for you ARE MY creation and I love you".

As Jim and I celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary.... with lots of bumps and bruises.... we most dearly treasure all the good that has happened to us as we trodded year by years around this little 'County Fair'.... with 1000's of experiences, both good and not so good but mostly we KNOW we are blest and that we were CHOSEN.... and equally...that we have also earned many Degrees of Knowledge & wisdom (from the Master) from the hurts and pains of life.....that most people cannot know or have...until they are 'down in the dirt', helpless , hurting and hopeless.

It can be physical illnesses, financially brokenness, mentally depleted or spiritually wounded---a million forms of pain...never created by the Master of the County Fair---but He watches silently and steps in and brings back the sonshine, the smiles, the laughter, the joy of life...humbly,

forever and forever....to both the worthy AND the unworthy. God is Still God...Thee Master is Forever Thee Master!

I can easily say, "I LOVE the COUNTY FAIR; it is never dull, there is always something new happening and each new change will be a rewarding challenge to conquer. I do not plan to return to the SAME old Fair Grounds. My future goals are for newer adventures, greater experiences achieved by a weaker aging body but a heart that is determined to be all that I can be....see all that I can see, learn all I can and laugh and sing through every event....even my failures.

May you have a very Merry Christ'mas...as we all face changes for New things in our New Year to come....this being our #51.... hugs & blessings.

Thanks for an awesome 50th Golden Wedding Celebration...the unbelievable beautiful Professionally Perfect Golden Wedding Book of Memories and photos from & of all of the kids...Thanks a million. for all the compliments, gifts, phone calls, cards---we love you all----

& as Santa says "and to all a Good Night"....ha ha Be blest!!!

(this is me and our 4 grandkids decorating our Christmas tree at Thanksgiving....so dedicated!!!