There are so many in need and that will be in more need in a few weeks. Please take the time to click on the link to the site of Tally Wilgis and read about possible ways to help. Many homes will need repair and rebuilding. It may be something you've been trying to figure out how to help with and it may be possible for you to do so.

Here is an excerpt from Tally's post:

Homes After the Storm

As we look at the images of the horrible tragedy that is left in the wake of "Katrina", I cannot stop thinking "How can we help?"

Many who read this blog are Pastors of local churches (some larger, some smaller). I wonder if we cannot begin to coordinate efforts for 'After the Storm'. Through the power of our blogs we can begin networking with the intention being to meet in a month or two in LA or Mississippi to begin helping in the rebuilding process.

PICTURE THIS!

Imagine being out at sea and not catching any fish for several days on end. Picture yourself, your dad and your brother in a boat being tossed and buckled and still not bringing any fish in your nets. The sea is tossing your boat back and forth, up and down and you are not sure you will be able to keep it afloat.
Imagine coming to shore empty handed. Nothing to show for the efforts you’ve made. How sad and empty the feeling running in the pit of your stomach.
Then, someone is telling you to take the boat back out and try again. Would you go? Would you be willing to take the risk? Would you be able to accept on faith that he was asking you to trust him?
Jesus asked Peter and his brother Andrew and their father to do just that.
Though they were skeptical at first, they obeyed. They were unable to support the amount of fish they were bringing up in their nets. They had to call for backup. John, James, and theirfather Zebedee.
Matthew 4 :18-22 The Calling of the First Disciples
18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left their nets and followed him. 21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Their nets were so full of fish that the nets were beginning to split and tear. Jesus went out to them and said,
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers
of men.".Matthew 4:19

Our lesson in church today was about taking risks. There were
a few things that I wrote down that meant a lot to me.
1. Be willing to take risks.
As long as the risk is for Gods works.
2. Be able to decide if the risk is real.
Don’t take a risk just to say, “I did it”.
3. Be aware that when you are taking the risk that Jesus is
with you always.
4. Chasing a dream is a risk, and it will come with a price to pay. It will be worth it!
5. Don’t look for risks to take on your own…Look for the risk God is asking you to take.
(As our pastor said, “ Don’t go out and try to walk on Oyster Creek…”

Will you take a risk today? Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Would you like somene to pray for you or with you? If you are able to understand this; Say this prayer; Jesus, I would like to invite you into my heart, I know that you are the only Son of God. You were sent to earth to teach us the way to Heaven. You were beaten and hung on a cross, sacrificing yourself for my sins. I choose to live for you. Amen

THE TRI CITY COUGARS HAVE WON THEIR FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON!

CONGRATULATIONS!

WAY TO GO COUGARS.........WAY TO GO!

WAY TO GO COACHES...........WAY TO GO!

WAY TO GO BALL FANS.........WAY TO GO!

It was an incredible experience. They weren't doing so hot in the first quarter but the second quarter, down by 12, they came back and ran about a 55 yard TD. Way to go Cougars. Then they were onto another great run and scored another long distance TD. It was getting toooo exciting. Most of us are borderline hoarse now and Paul was having some chest pains from yelling so hard. We had a few injuries but all were minor, heat and a few winders, and even an injury to an already injured hand. Well, that is until a crazed Cougar fan tried to jump fences to run out onto the field to demonstrate her superior support of the team and it's head coach! Well, not really, she was trying to get our boys some water and may have torn her ACL. Mrs. L, I'll say a prayer for ya! We eventually scored another TD to bring it to 18-12 and then they boys completed a 2 pt conversion but for some reason that I do not understand, we only received 1 point. I would have assumed that a 2 pt conversion meant you got 2 pts?!?!
We ended the game with a score of 19-12!!!
Ok, so I don't know that much about football, but I sure did enjoy the game. I am glad (for myself only) that the next game is not for 2 weeks. I'm exhausted. I spent most of the game, chasing Kaylee, taking action shots and individual shots of the boys, and trying not to be a lightning rod! Yousa! With my metal, could be dangerous!

Here's a shout out to one of my beautiful neices living in New York!
I love you Jamie!

Today has been a rather hectic day. Many things are going on, and as I am just now really beginning to get back into the swing of things, it is not as easy as I would have hoped. I am slower, it is hard still to do some things that I'd like to do, and I still have trouble doing some of the things that I need to do. I will make it though, I have hope, faith and a wonderful husband.

We will be going to Pauls football game tomorrow (GO COUGARS!!) and are really excited to see how the boys do in their first game. Kaylee is not really sure what is going on, but mom (me) has already make a hair pom pom, pom poms for her shoes and bought a pattern and fabric to make a cheerleading costume. (well, my neighbor will be making it, I am just the person with the scizzors! haha)
I am trying hard to get back into the swing of running the house, paying the bills and just managing the laundry and dishes as well as dinner, so trying to figure out how to do all of them and think far enough ahead to plan for what I will need for Kaylee and Paul and I tomorrow, may just be a bit too much! haha
I have been reading other blogs and I came to the realization that I had sorta lost my way for my original intent for my blog. I want it to be a fun place to visit but I don't want to let it become a place for me to just vent all the time. I will be doing alot of that but, hopefully not as often! lol
I made this blog to be a prayer warrior and to try to keep my quiet time with God very eye opening. I had originally intended for this to be my journey along the path with Him. I plan on getting back on schedule but I want to keep some of my current things like jokes, emails, and Something to think about! I hope to publish a pray a day to learn how to openly express myself through prayer so that others, who might drop in?!, would see that prayer is not necessarily something to do when alone, or in order. To me, prayer is the time I spend talking with God each day. We have conversations. The problem is that I have not learned to HEAR Him. I talk and I know He listens. I don't wait for replies though, I keep on going, praying and waiting for Him to show me what it is He wants me to do, to be, or to say.

Although I may not show it 100% of the time, I try to walk the path with sincerety, hoping that others will see Christ in me, that they will recognise that I am a child of God and that when I get to heaven, God will hold me tight and say, "Matthew 25:21
'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
Matthew 25:20-22

My prayer for today will follow this post. Please scroll down a bit and pray with me and for me.
God bless.

Father God, I am alive because you live. I thank you for all the blessings you've given me today; the rain, the air that I breath, the sun that shines, my family. Lord, I am so thankful for my family. Father, I thank you for the good and the bad today. I thank you for the roach in my kitchen. I guess even he needed a home. I thank you for Bengal spray.
Father I want to talk to you about a few things tonight.
I wanted to talk to you about some family and friends that will be traveling and intercede on their behalves.
Father, in mere days, my neice will be traveling to the other side of the earth you created. There is much strife and fighting in that country. Father, I would like for you to put a hedge of protection around her and the family that she will be staying with. Father, let her see more of what you have created and learn and share it with the world. Keep her safe until she returns to her home and family.
Father, my sister and her children will soon be starting a new chapter in their lives. I would like for you to give my sister comfort that only you can give. I would ask you to touch the hearts of her children and keep them in your arms Father. I would ask you to watch over my brother in law, that he would come to see what is right in front of him; You Lord, and a wife and children that love him and just want him to be safe, healthy and happy. Lord, I ask that you show him the way back to You and Your love.
Father, I ask for your protection over America. Lead our government through these times with wisdom. Use our president for the greater good of our country. Father, may he seek you in his deeds on our behalf. Father, protect us from self righteousness. Do not allow us to sit meekly aside, while others take away our rights to love and follow You.
Father, pleast protect our children. They are the future. They are gifts. Help us to teach them to grow in wisdom, faith in You, Deuteronomy 5:29
Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
Deuteronomy 5:28-30 (in Context) Deuteronomy 5
and the ability to choose to do and to be good, not bad. Help us to teach them that no matter what, they have a choice. Always! And that You have plans for them. You did not create them for evil, but to extend Your kingdom. Help us to teach them that You are "The Way"
John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:5-7
Father, protect my family and friends. Keep them safe from harm, keep them under Your ever watchful eye! Father I would like to ask you to keep Paul and Kendra, Kaylee, John, and Kordell safe and covered with your protection.
Father be with those who will be traveling to and from the games tonight and tomorrow. Lord, watch over all the players in the games and protect them and let us know when things are getting bad and help us to handle any situations that might arise. Father I ask that you keep the games tomorrow free from any heat incidents. Lord keep our children safe that they may come to know and love you and serve you.

Father, please let it be safe to say a prayer at the football field tomorrow.

Father, I ask all of these things in your precious son's name, Amen

Fisherman's Prayer


- Unknown

God is Watching

Children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, "Take only one, God is watching."

At the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. Moving through the line a boy wrote another note to leave by the cookies,
"Take all you want, God is watching the apples."

Well, today has been fairly busy, but, I managed to actually cook! Yep....I said, "cook"! Unfortunately, I forgot to add one major ingredient........Beano. Thanks to the pintos for allowing my family to share sooooooo much with me! I might rethink the cooking next time! LOL

I wanted to share my results with you from yesterdays doctor appt. I had to digest some of it first.
1. definitely need some surgery to "sand" down a boney spinal process that protrudes out of my back from the shifting that occured after the last surgery. ( I can deal with this one, it is only one day and a small incision.

2. I will be having a steroid injection into the hip to try and aleviate some of the pain I'm having in my S.I. joint.

3. I will try once more to have insurance approve a radical surgery that I am in desperate need of to reduce the weight and "drag" that certain body parts are causing which produces alot of pain and bending that I can't do anymore! (you can guess)

Please pray that all will go well, pain will be relieved, insurance will cover, and recovery will be quick. I have missed enough of my life to miss anymore and Kaylee starts MDO again in 1 week. I want to be able to take her to school for the first time.

Have a great day and know that whoever reads this; you've been prayed for today!
God Bless!

How can it be that we, the people of the world, are all related? We act like relatives, we fight like relatives and we make choices like relative. What do I mean? Well, like most relatives, there will always be differences but being related, keeps us united. How am I applying this thought? Ok, it isn't a perfect thought or anything, just my opinion; In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. Gen.1:1
I don't care that my theology is not perfect but that pretty much sums it up. God created all of us. He started with Adam and Eve. They began the population explosion that we have today. Of course, they died long before the great flood and Noah and his family continued the theme by re-populating the earth. No matter what you think, we all came from Noah and he came down the line from Adam and Eve.
Why can't we get along?
My heart breaks over the war in Iraq, the trouble in Afghanistan, the problems in Africa, and so on and so on. Now, my relatives are fighting in Gaza. I am not a politician, a soldier, or for that matter, I'm really not even qualified to be writing this post because I don't know all the facts, but I know this one.
God is in control. He is already the victor. The battles going on all over the world will not end but in "the end", God will be the prevailer, the Victor. We do know this. I believe this. No one will ever be truly content, happy or safe until Christ returns for us. All of the chosen, the ones who believe; "For God so loved the world, He gave his one and only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
I believe this too.
I am not that knowledgable about all of the scripture, and I can't always remember where they are but these two verses are probably the most well known verses or "sentences" known to man.
I know that when the time comes, all men/women will be judged. We are not to pass judgement! (link) (link) It is for God to judge, not man. That goes for me, you, and everyone else, dead or alive. Those who have chosen to believe in Christ dying on the cross for our salvation, will be the ones that ascend into heaven when Christ returns.
Somedays, I pray it will be soon, just to end the unending bad news on the tv. The sons and daughters dying in the battlefields, the families losing their children, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, to put an end to terrorism, to abolish the evil, and to meet my Saviour face to face and to see my son. Other days, I pray that I will be here for a very long time. I love life. I may struggle everyday, but I love my family, my friends, my church, my community and the blessings that God gives me everyday that I wake up with breath.
Our relatives are struggling! Struggling to keep their families intact, to keep their homes, to be safe and to be free, to practice religion openly, to be left alone, etc.
Do we just pray for the ones we "support"?
NO!
We pray for all of them, the good, the bad, and the ugly. The blessed and the poor, the winner and the loser, the right and the wrong. Some of the ones fighting, may not have had the opportunity to meet with God. To know Him. We should be intercessors on their behalf.
How can we as christians, not do anything? We say things, we mean them, but no one really acts on them.
BE A VOICE! Stand up for your beliefs, stand up for your ideals, stand up for Jesus!
Wake up America, we are losing a battle that should never have begun.
Bring back prayer in school, bring back prayer on the playing field, support your school bible studies before or after school, support your local school on "See You At The Pole" day. Be what God intended you (and I) to be.
BE A VOICE!
For ALL of your relatives.

May God Bless each and every one of you!

WOW!!! What a terrific idea! How come I did'nt think of that! This is a cool site and I may have to go back and do this when I have time! Check it out!!

A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city
because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment.
Forgive us our trespasses."

When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along
with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job.
Lead us not into temptation."

Thank you "The inimitable Mrs. T" for the beautiful words you wrote in your blog! It's always nice to know that simple words can touch someone! Thanks again.

We spent this past Sunday afternoon at the lake. I think it was Lake Hollbrook. I'm not sure of the spelling, but it is just outside Mineola. (close to Lyndale, which is close to Tyler). Joe and Mary bought a new boat and took us all out for the day. It was a special time and all the family had a great day with each other. All of the kids, Paul, Tracy, and Sheryl and all respective children were there. We really missed Kendra and John and Kordell, but we did'nt know what was planned until after we arrived. When we arrived at the lake, the guys couldn't get the boat started and actually had to read the instructions (photo included)!!! While they were playing mechanics, Oma took all the kids and let them play in the water. Someone, no names, left Kaylee's pull-up on and it filled quickly. We laughed until we hurt. Even looking at the photo makes me giggle. Enjoy.
Kendra (John & Lil Coop) we really did wish you were there.

I just used a spyware to remove harmful little nosy bodies from my computer. Somehow in the process it removed something else.

MY BANNER!!! It's gone, just plain gone! I can't believe that a spy took my banner! That makes no sense! lol

I guess it was because it was running from somewhere else and it allowed access to my computer that way! Not sure, but I am hoping my friend Tally, can help me. He's a new daddy and I know he's busy, so don't expect it to be done immediately. I am in no hurry. I do miss the kids faces each time I open it up, which is quite often, though. Oh well, I just wanted anyone that might read this to be careful when running spyware, as it could remove something from the blog codes and utilities that may make changes in your blog.

Just a thought.

“ [ For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. ] God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ”- Psalm 46:1

This is the verse of the day with Biblegateway. I looked at it and thought to myself, this sounds sooooooo familiar. Then it hit me, we sing this in church.

The difference is ....."an ever present help in time of need" I wish I could keep up with who sings what and the names of songs but I tend to listen to the words and forget the rest. If you know which song this is please let me know and I'll put a link to it. Thanks.

I don't even know if it's the same song, but I just thought of another one...."God is my refuge, in Him alone, I find my strength, here in the darkness of my ...."

"SHELTER ME" (JUST THOUGHT OF IT A WEEK LATER!!)

So, is a songwriter and a Psalmist the same thing. I think yes. I do believe
that a psalmist as of the ones in the Bible, are writing specifically about biblical times whereas there were also psalmist that wrote what would have been in there time the "secular" music. I just dont know that they called themselves "songwriters". But then, what do I know? What's your opinion on the matter. Let me know!

I've no idea what kind of snake this is but my husband didn't care. He chopped at it and then came to get Kaylee and I so we could see it. Paul absolutely hates snakes. I think they are kinda cool. After making sure that it was (almost) dead, I picked it up to see just how long it was. Paul's hand is a little over 8 inches and it was at more than twice as long as his hand so I'm gonna guess about 22-24 inches long. If you have any idea what kind of snake this is, let me know. Thanks.

Did I mention that Paul found him while mowing our yard. Right next to my kitchen window? Argh!!!

Tonight, Paul & I went to Fogo De Chau in Houston for our anniversary dinner. It was an incredible experience. We ate sooooo much food and the atmosphere was awesome. It did get alittle loud but I think it was because so many people were eating. The food was out of this world and we ate things Paul had never tried and even some that I had not eaten before. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone with the note that it is expensive. Plan on spending about $50-$60 dollars per person. For a once a year place or for special occasions, it is the place to go. I would highly recommend it.

The restaurant had our desserts delivered to our table on plates that read "Happy" and "Anniversary"! Too cool!
P.S. Edie you and Jamie were sooooo right! Paul loved it!

18 Years! Wow. Who'd have thunk it! Paul and I celebrate 18 years of marriage today. There were some days, long ago, when I thought I'd never find the right man. "THE ONE"! God had plans for me and I got alittle tired of waiting so I tried to find him on my own! Not a great plan but I tried. I failed. I did, however, learn some very valuable lessons that I know He meant for me to learn before placing His chosen one for me where I would find him. Praise God I found him. My life would be so empty without him and I would not have loved and learned and shared what I have and do with Paul if God had not created him just for me. After 18 years you finally start to find the "groove" and we are finally getting there.
There were many times I didn't think we'd make it.
In the beginning, I had trouble sharing Kendra with him. I would'nt let him discipline her or anything like that. God finally showed me that I needed his help in this area and I finally began to see that Paul really meant to stay and be a real daddy to her.
Sometime later, I began to doubt myself, my faith, my beliefs, my whole reason for existance. Paul showed me that not only did God create him for me, He created me for him. That's like a slap in the kisser for someone trying to find a way out!
Later, Kendra started presenting challenges that we had to get through together. I would not have made it without Paul and my family.
Then, Ian died. If anything would work against us this would have been it. I now believe that God has bigger plans for us and we will be together until God calls one or both of us home.
I also know that I love Paul like no other and will continue to try to honor him for all he is and does, for putting up with me, for dealing with all my surgeries and all the things that went with them and for still supporting me no matter what, unconditionally.

Paul, I love you with all my heart, soul, mind and body. I love you for who you are, what you are and where you are. I love you for every day we have together and will continue to love you when we are seperated. I love you for sharing my faith in God and for sharing my family and yours. I will love you forever and ever, till death shall us part and when that happens, if I should go first, I will wait for you at the gates of Heaven. You are my hero, my warrior, my love and my life. I will continue to pray for you every day that I draw breath. I will pass on to our children to love as we love and to trust as we trust and to believe as we believe. Thank you for each and every year, month, week, day, hour, minute, second, millisecond.......that you have given and shared with me. I pray for many more years to grow old together, to get wrinkled together and I'd say to grow grey together but since you already have that one down pat, I'll have to think awhile on another.


PAUL, I LOVE YOU MY HUSBAND!

Why is it, do you think, that you blog? For relief, release, fun and to just let your hair down once in a while? Just those reasons alone would be enough, but for me it is to come out of the mask I've chosen for myself. I wear a different mask for different occassions. I wear one daily to avoid having to explain about my pain levels. I smile and keep on truckin'. I write so that people will get to know the real me! THE REAL ME!
I guess I expected more from this blogging world though, because I expected to be put on the blog lists of people that know me and, guess what, they all did, except family. I know that I have family that read this but they never leave comments. Why is that I wonder? Is it because they are ashamed of me, afraid of me, do they think I'm dumb, my posts are not interesting. Well, I really don't care because I am not wearing my mask. They are, in a way, I suppose, hiding behind one of their own. I cannot judge, I do not want to care about it but I do and since this is my blog and I can pretty much write what I want to, I will.

It bothers me that I am not included. It bothers me that I feel like the last one to know anything. It bothers me that I feel like I'm stupid around some of the family. It bothers me that they make me feel that way. It bothers me that there are judgements on me when I feel that all I really care about IS my family. I am always sharing my family with others and I am proud to have the family that I have.
Yes, sometimes, I get overly excited about things but I think that God loves me most when I am "overly" excited because at least I'm being honest. I am not hiding, avoiding, mistrusting, and many more adjectives that come to mind.
I am having trouble with the fact that some people say something in their blog but in reality they don't do what they either say they do or are trying to do.
Is that two faced? Isn't that a mask?
Mind you this post is not just about my family. It's just how I feel. That's it!
I am not trying to make anyone mad. I do that enough on my own in my daily life. I am not trying to point fingers, I am not trying to justify, I am just trying to write the way I feel and if you are touched in anyway by this post, then, you just have to tell me or deal with it yourself. I have decided that I am strong, I will perservere, I can make it, I can deal with the pain, I can answer questions about my life honestly, without reserve, I can accept that I will never really fit in, etc.
I can honestly say that for the most part......I am happy.
I have hopes, I have dreams, I have desires, and someday they will all be fulfilled. Whether here on earth or in heaven, I am not to know, but they will all become reality someday.
I have a heart, a soul, a mind, one or the other may not work like others do but they are there all the same.
I have the need to be included. I need to be loved, I need to be appreciated. I am. Just not always by the ones I expect it from at the time.
I desire to be sucessful, but I do not care if that happens or not. I am already a success. God made me, God loves me, and God blesses me every day.
I dream of my son, that does not change the fact that he is gone. I am allowed to dream of him, because memories are all I have. God will bring me home one day and I will see my son again.
I dream of my living children having a desire to serve Christ. I wait for that to happen. I have dreams of walking without pain. That to will probably not be an earthly happening but when I walk through the gates of heaven, friends and family preceding me, beware!!!! There's gonna be some floor shakin', mountain rockin', gold brick crackin' jumpin' up and down, praisin' goin' on!!!
Now, I guess since I am posting in the wee hours of the morning because when you can't sleep from pain, why lay down? I suppose I should be doing dishes or something like that.
Just for some of you who don't understand why I blog......I talk to God almost all the time I'm writing because I am relaxed and I am alone with my thoughts and just because I blog, I do not feel it takes away from my worship time or my time alone or quiet time. It makes it even better.
I know what I have to say to Him and I know what I need help with and need to work on and so on.....

Have a great day today and don't read too much into this post as it was done in the middle of the night.

A blogger friend of mine, along with his wife, have started a Chistian Movie Database. They review old and new movies for content and try to weed out the ones that are not really appropriate. Please go to their site using the link provided and check it out!

“ Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. ”- 2 Corinthians 7:1

1Así que, amados, ya que tenemos tales promesas, limpiémonos de toda impureza de cuerpo y de Espíritu, perfeccionando la santidad en el temor de Dios. (espanol)

Ora, amados, visto que temos tais promessas, purifiquemo-nos de toda a imundícia da carne e do espírito, aperfeiçoando a santidade no temor de Deus. (portugues)

Please leave any messages you'd like here.
I will not be posting for a couple of days due to going to the hospital to see my father in law. He is doing ok but still not sure what the obstruction is. Please pray that it is not cancerous. Visit often and feel free to read some of the past genius. Some are actually pretty amuzing if I say so myself. Auf Wiedersehen.

Today, I received a phone call from my sister in law in Tyler. She told me that my father in law, Joe Mack, was in the hospital. He went in last night and they will be admitting him this morning for 72 hours to run some tests and try to drain something out of his colon. It is obstructed. She said he is receiving a shot a day to prevent blood clots and has a drainage tube from his nose to his stomach to try and relieve some of the blockage. If after 72 hours of a medication they are giving him, the blockage does not go away, they will operate on him. Please pray that the medicine will relieve/remove the blockage and he will be able to come home without having any surgery. Joe Mack and Mary are on a work trip in Lyndale. He is at the ETMC (East Texas Medical Center in Tyler). Please also pray for him getting well quickly because he also has the complication of being a diabetic.

Thank you in advance for your prayers.

Ok, we are home again. FIL is doing fine. He even bought a boat and took the family out for a day trip on the lake. We had a blast.
Short version of FIL problem. All clear! His obstruction was natural and was cleared up, just took some time and some medicine. He is feeling great. Thanks for all the prayers.

Can't wait till tonight when I can catch up with all my blog friends and read what has happened since I left.

Have a great day!

Yesterday and today, my friend Chrissie and I took a dear friend to the doctor in Houston for some eye surgery and for his post-op follow up. Yesterday, we went to eat at Olive Garden because it was close and we could be back to pick him up quickly if needed. After a rather LARGE (and I might add, extremely smelly) accident, (in Kaylee's breeches) and a roll of paper towels, 3 wet wipes and a half naked child afterwards, we had to make a flying trip into Fiesta to purchase something for her to wear. (The one time, I did not have a spare set for her)!! John, treated us to lunch and we really enjoyed it. Today, when we returned him to the doctor for the follow-up, his appt. was at 11:00 and we were out of there (the office at least) by 11:05! Couldn't believe it! FIVE MINUTES!!!!! Well, when we got back down to the parking lot, I pulled my keys out of my purse and I wish you could have seen the look on my face when I went to find the right key and whilst standing there, I saw my door key laying half hazzardly on the front seat. I looked at it for a minute and then back at my keychain, (which I'd checked twice to make sure I had my keys before closing the door) which was in my hand. The TOP HALF!!!! I had recently put a dutamahiky on there so that I could seperate my keys if I needed to run into the house or something so I could leave the car running. It broke and I guess, when I removed my keys from the ignition and threw them into my purse, the bottom half must have flung off and landed while I was getting out. WHO KNOWS!!! Ok, short version is as follows;
1. tried all other keys on my ring, Chrissies key ring, John's key ring and even a few passers by who were driving Ford vehicles.
2. called Paul, no answer
3. called 911 out of desperation.....told, "I don't have time to look up a locksmith in the phonebooth if that's what you're asking..... ( was not smiling, I'm sure!!)
4. called police station from a phone book we found in kitchen of building......"Thank you for calling the Houston Police Department, all our agents are currently busy assisting other customers, please stay on the line and wait for the next available agent or you may wish to try again momentarily!!" NO KIDDING!!!!
5. tried again.......same thing......
6. looked around and thought to myself, "self" I said, "here I am in the middle of Houston, where probably on every block there is at least 10 people who know how to break into a car (illegally, I'm sure) and I am not seeing one of them!
7. went back into building to find a coathanger! Sucess!!! (short lived) (I'm really getting mad about now!
8. I tried the coathanger to no avail. (the guy we took to the doctor works for the state of Texas in one of the penitentiarys. I told him not to ever look for me there, because it was obvious that I'd never make it as a car theif.
9. called Paul again, told him he could drive up and bring me some keys or I could pay for the locksmith. He chose the locksmith!
10. I had already called a locksmith (many of them, as there are over 3000 in the phone book) and while we were waiting, it got hotter and hotter. My drink was in the van, John's meds were in the van and fortunately, this time, the diaper bag was NOT in the van! Thank goodness.
11. locksmith arrived and before we could get from the door to the van, he had already slim jimmed the door open and for this service you'll never guess what the fee was! Well you might! 45.00$ OUCH! One of them wanted 85$ and I told them, I'd rather break out my window and file on insurance and pay the 50$ deductible that pay them 85$ to come "jim" my door. She said, "We are professionals and we do not use the slim jim, we use keys!" I told her that I didn't care how it got opened, I just wanted in my van!
12. We got in the van, turned on the car (with the door key that is not supposed to work in the ignition (I just had to pay to get replaced, because the ignition cylinder or some such thingy was broken), and the AC, and sat there and laughed for about 30 seconds and then we were off!

Well, after this 12 step program, we were finally reunited with the inside of my van!

As a consolation, John took us to Luthers BBQ for lunch where we stayed till the "turd floating" rain storm passed. (sorry for the word turd, mom, could'nt think of another fitting word)

When we were finally headed home, Kaylee promptly fell asleep, knocked over her sprite and it busted and spilled all over the seat and all over John and his jeans. Man, what an adventure we had today!

Anyone need a lift to Houston, I'm ready! haha

Roscoe Speaks Out

Love In Any Language

“ Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ”- Luke 12:6-7

If you'd like to read this verse in spanish, click on the title for the link or go to Nueva Criatura This is a great site and lots of pics of Puerto Rico. Go and meet my friend Iranai. She has a great blog and I enjoy it because it is also helping me with my spanish.

Roscoe has just updated his site and it's really quite funny! Go check it out!

I am in desperate need of a job! I am still going to have to be at home for quite awhile yet but I'd really be happy if any of you need anything done as far as typing, stationary, letterhead, business cards, basically anything that takes a computer, a printer, paper, photos, graphic design.......PERFECT!!!!

I am at the computer at least 1/3 of the day each day, designing my book graphics, working on my blogs, reading others and just searching things on the net. I love the design aspect of computer work and would love to learn how to design websites. I am learning alot from friends and family as far as code goes but am learning more each day. (Thank you friends and family)

If you have any suggestions, needs, (computer ones) please let me know.

I am also doing Christmas card envelopes for people. I will address and stamp them for you and return them directly to you for a certain charge per number of envelopes. It may sound a little strange, but think of the time you'd save (that I already have) just by letting me handle the addressing and stamping of your cards. You'd have them back and ready to mail in just a few days or less. If this interests you, please leave me a comment or email me from my profile and I will give you more details.

I am also available to do photo t-shirts, one of my favorites. Parties, reuniuns, openings, sports, cheerleading and many more. Great gifts for the family for birthdays and for Christmas or grandparents days and such.

Please let me know if there is anyway I can be of service.

God bless,
Colleen

I would like to say hello. In every language I can get. Please send a link to this post to all your friends that speak different languages and let's see just how many ways we can come up with to say ....


Hello, good day!

Ready,
Set,
Go.......

Write it down properly and then in parenthesis, write the pronunciation so that we can figure out how to say it! also be sure to include the language itself so we will know what you are speaking.


Alo, bom dia (a-low bon gia) Portuguese
Ola, buenos dias ( o-la bwenos deeas) Spanish
Hallo, guten tag ( ha-low, gooten tac) German?
Hei, god dag Norwegian
Halo, selamat siang (ha-low, se-la-mutt see-young)--> Bahasa (Indonesian)
Bonjour, ? French?
Ciao, il giorno buono! (chee-ow, ill ge-or-no boo-o-no) (italian)
Czesc (chesht) is hello in Polish

There are many different scripture verses in the bible that talk about prayer. There are not so many that actually tell us how God would like us to talk to Him. I have found a few but they are not the one I was looking for. I need a Naves. Anyway, it may not be perfect but it suits the way I say my prayers. It is how I begin a conversation with my Father.
This is how I remember it and teach it to my kids.
A - adoration - praise Him for all He does
C - confession - repent for all sin and ask for forgiveness
T - thanksgiving - thank Him for all the wonderful things He's done for you, your blessings and even for the things you don't really like.
S - supplication - now is when you make your requests for others and for yourself. (this is where I find myself most of the time) Interceding on my family and friends' behalves.

You must pray with faith. You must know that God has His own schedule and ours is not important in the scheme of things. He already knows what decisions you'll make and how you will make them. He knows what you will say when you come to Him in prayer. He already knows what you will ask for before you tell Him. He Knows.
Man, I am really liking that phrase....."He Knows" I really am going to have to keep saying it to myself. HE KNOWS!!!!

⁹"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11: 9-10

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

The service will close with "Little Drops of Water." One of the ladies will start quietly and the rest of the congregation will join in.

Next Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and do so.

The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth Into Joy."

During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.

Howdy, I started a new blog, we'll see how it goes. If you have time and want to have a little fun at my expense, check it out! I am going to re-learn Portuguese and Spanish. Wanna few laughs, leave me a comment on the new one in one of these 2 languages and I will try to translate it and respond back without using a translator. You can then correct me on my errors.

Should be fun?!
I think?!

Ok, I have been putting some pretty silly stuff on my blog until I could get caught up with the post vacation undoing. I have been taught the scriptures below for a long time by my mom. (thanks mom) Even in my difficult times, I relied on her strength, knowing that someday, I would once again get back on track with my walk with Christ. It seems that no matter how often or how far I stray, I can see my mom in my mind and she is always telling me that God is waiting. I will never be the perfect "P31" woman. I will never be the perfect person, wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, etc. I know this and I proclaim it. I can try to be the very best person that God created me to be but I know that I am human and will fail and falter many times. I have already and I will many more times, I'm afraid. There are so many things in the P31 woman that I see in myself that are just laying there beneath the surface trying to get out. There are some things that I believe I have already reached and there are those that I personally know that I will never be able to achieve. I will try but will never be able to quite reach what is out of reach for me. I do know that if God has it in store for me, it will be attainable. I do know that with His help, and His love for me to be what is beautiful and glorious to Him, I can be more like Him. I have been on the right track with Christ but I'm not anywhere near where I'd like to be. I have daily conversations with Him, and am regularly letting Him in on my day but I am not the best at asking Him for direction in the little things. I will be working on this aspect of my life. It will not be easy, it's like addiction, you have to go so many days without, to break the habit. I will have to go so many days WITH, to break the old habit of doing things my way. I also believe that God knows every thought I have and every emotion or feeling that is in my heart. I believe He alone knows the sorrow I still feel over my son, Ian's death, He knows the loneliness I feel here at home, He knows the joy I feel when I see Kaylee smile, Kendra laugh, and just to hold my bobbleheaded grandboy, the fear I deal with when I think about the disease that tried to take over my dads body. (GOD IS VICTORIOUS) the cancer did not succeed, He knows the worry I feel when I think about my neices being so far away, my sister being so far away, He knows how I long to be more of a part of my neice and nephews lives, He knows how I long to accomplish the things He has told me to do and I'm afraid! HE KNOWS!!!!

(talk about not being the perfect P31 woman: I just blew up 3 eggs I was boiling in the kitchen. I only remembered them upon the loud noise they made as they exploded and the very foul odor coming from a kitchen that used to smell like vanilla)

My prayer is this; "Father God, thank you so much for all you've given me. For my family, my friends, my home, my life. Thank you for all the blessings that I forget to count. I pray that you will know the story of my heart each and every time I talk to you. I ask you to grant me the peace of knowing that I cannot achieve anything without you! I cannot be what is not in your will. Help me to learn to make it a priority to ask you how to go about my days and my ways before making the decisions on my own. Father, be with all the people who are in my heart, that make it beat with joy, and make it cry out with sorrow for their pains. God, I pray that you will bless each and every person that might stumble on this sight and that you would touch them with your hands of love.

^{10 [c]} A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in herand lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flaxand works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;she provides food for her familyand portions for her servant girls.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaffand grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poorand extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her householdand does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ "Many women do noble things,but you surpass them all."
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. ³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

EN ESPANOL Para ser un "P31" mujer
(para mi amiga no Puerto Rico)

10Mujer fuerte, ¿quién la hallará? Porque su estima sobrepuja largamente á la de piedras preciosas.

11El corazón de su marido está en ella confiado, Y no tendrá necesidad de despojo.

12Darále ella bien y no mal, Todos los días de su vida.

13Buscó lana y lino, Y con voluntad labró de sus manos.

14Fué como navío de mercader: Trae su pan de lejos.

15Levantóse aun de noche, Y dió comida á su familia, Y ración á sus criadas.

16Consideró la heredad, y compróla; Y plantó viña del fruto de sus manos.

17Ciñó sus lomos de fortaleza, Y esforzó sus brazos.

18Gustó que era buena su granjería: Su candela no se apagó de noche.

19Aplicó sus manos al huso, Y sus manos tomaron la rueca.

20Alargó su mano al pobre, Y extendió sus manos al menesteroso.

21No tendrá temor de la nieve por su familia, Porque toda su familia está vestida de ropas dobles.

22Ella se hizo tapices; De lino fino y púrpura es su vestido.

23Conocido es su marido en las puertas, Cuando se sienta con los ancianos de la tierra.

24Hizo telas, y vendió; Y dió cintas al mercader.

25Fortaleza y honor son su vestidura; Y en el día postrero reirá.

26Abrió su boca con sabiduría: Y la ley de clemencia está en su lengua.

27Considera los caminos de su casa, Y no come el pan de balde.

28Levantáronse sus hijos, y llamáronla bienaventurada; Y su marido también la alabó.

29Muchas mujeres hicieron el bien; Mas tú las sobrepujaste á todas.

30Engañosa es la gracia, y vana la hermosura: La mujer que teme á Jehová, ésa será alabada.

31Dadle el fruto de sus manos, Y alábenla en las puertas sus hechos.

The radio just played a song that I'd not heard in a long time. It is a really nice song, but when you've lost someone special, like for me, my son Ian, grandparents,friends, etc. Some songs set of a button that pulls out memories out of the wound. As this one just did. There are many songs that get me but this one in particular because of a special person whom I heard sing it once. (Thanks again Charlie).
Holes In The Floor Of Heaven, written by Billy Kirsch and Steve Wariner, performed by Steve Wariner.

If you get a chance, listen to the words of this song and think about this.

If the holes in heavens floor can let the tears of the ones who've left us, just image the tears of God