In Memory of Mr. Moe

Our Mr. Moe died on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2007.  We made our donation to the Parma Animal Shelter in his memory a couple days ago and my husband wore the tie with his picture on it that I made for him..  Moe was our first cat and very special to us both.  We adopted him when he was 8 years old.  He survived Fatty Liver Disease and lived with us for seven years.  Spunky Doodle worked very hard to win him over when she moved in with us, but eventually did.  I remember staying up with Moe that last night of his life, finally going to bed at midnight.  He was still breathing when I left him lying on the couch, but he died before dawn.  We got Manny Boy five months after Moe died.   

How do you honor your pets who have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge?

On another note, I am ending this year with a heavy heart because the husband of a long-time friend of mine went home to be with the Lord last week.  I can only imagine the grief she must be dealing with and I feel bad that I didn't make it to the funeral home yesterday to see her.  I know of two other ladies at our church who have fathers struggling in the hospital at this time.   

Related posts to Moe:
 Our Precious Miracle Cat
 Sweet Dreams
 Our Happy Reunion
We Still Miss You, Moe

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Aww Mondays: Keeping Warm

Spunky got to the heater first, but Manny tried to get some heat too. Spunky Doodle hogged most of it though.

 Spunky Doodle notices the camera first.

 Then Manny Boy notices too.

Joining in with the Aww Monday blog hop.

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Christmas Friday Fragments

Friday Fragments is hosted by Half Past Kissin' Time for bloggers to post a list of short things on their minds that aren't really enough for a whole post. I have a few this week:

Christmas

One of my new toys.

•  We attended a beautiful Christmas Eve service at Parma Heights Baptist Church with traditional carols, candle lighting and only an hour long.  I really enjoy the traditional Christmas carols and it seems we hear them less and less.  I was surprised to find out some of the fifth grade boys never heard of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear."
• We had a very good Christmas with both of us getting lots of nice things from the other. We both love to shop for each other (even though I am hard to buy for) so opened gifts throughout the day. 
• I was very pleased with myself that I was actually able to assemble the reading lamp I bought for Gerard!  If I had known I would have to assemble it, I probably would not have bought it.
•  Christmas morning, after opening a few presents, we went to the West Creek park with Abby.  Even though it was pretty cold, we dressed warm and enjoyed walking in the peace and quiet, with a thin covering of snow all around--good thing I wore my boots.  It looks very different in the winter!
• Along with some very attractive and comfortable clothes, we also got some cool "toys" and gadgets which I will share about in separate upcoming posts.
• Our cats had a disappointing Christmas this year--no tree, no special food (because Spunky has a very sensitive stomach) and no cat nip.  We did get them the Meow cat toy that is battery operated with the little thing that spins around under a plastic crinkly cover for $20, but neither of them thought much of it so I returned it.  Our cats just like the simple pleasures of bags, boxes, string, ping pong balls and other household items.  
• Abby got special treats though so she was quite happy!



After about 2 min, I'm done

• We watched a couple cute Christmas movies, finished up our ongoing checker game which ended in a draw, and enjoyed a relaxing day with our pets getting some reading in.
• The day before we got our new garage door opener and now have keys to disengage it in case of a power failure--I can actually open it by hand very easily now!

Trying to get my treats out of the tiny bag.

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3 Good Things

As of yesterday, I am staring a new habit of listing three good things that happened during the day.  According to "The Amazing Five-Minute Trick That Improves Your Mood and Builds Your Bones" doing this will help me feel better and help my bones.  I don't know about that, but what have I got to lose?  It suggests that at the end of every day, you evaluate your day and list three good things that happened.  It's so easy to let the bad things that happen get our attention and steel our joy wiping out the good things.  Like yesterday, for example, lots of good things happened:

1. Got a free bus ride to work because the ticket gadget wasn't working.
2. Got Christmas presents from all four of my bosses!
3. Even one of my former bosses visited and brought me some candy!
4. The garage guy called to say he could fix our garage door tomorrow morning.
5. Had an easy work day.
6. Hubby got paid today.
7. I gave away four more of our extra 2014 calendars today.

What about you?  What good things happened to you yesterday or today?

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One Distracting Lady Bug

image source:  FreePik

In church yesterday, about just the time the Pastor started his message on Jesus being our Counselor, I became distracted by a cute little lady bug crawling across the back of the pew right in front of me.  I picked it up and put it on my notes and tried to keep it on the paper.  Lady bugs are fast!  I had to watch it very closely and when it got close to the edge of the paper, I gently used the pen to turn it around and get it going back in another direction.  I'm sure the Pastor was wondering what I was doing.  It went pretty good until I had to use the pen to write something in my notes.  It got on my thumb a few times and fell on my lap once but I got it back.

I had no intention of squishing this little bug, but rather was planning how I would get it back outside.  At the end I used two papers (the bulletin and my interactive note guide) to keep the little ladybug on a paper.  When it got to the edge, I just put the other paper next to it and let it crawl on that one.  It was pretty warm yesterday so I didn't have any problem opening a door and letting it out into the courtyard.

I was still able to listen to the message during my lady bug encounter in case you are wondering as some of my Facebook friends were.  Playing with the ladybug reminded me of how wonderful it is when God redirects our lives to accomplish the good plans He has for us. 

So, what would you have done in this situation? 

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Friday Fragments (Pictures, help, banking, frozen, books)

Friday Fragments is hosted by Half Past Kissin' Time for bloggers to post a list of short things on their minds that aren't really enough for a whole post. I have a few this week:

Hi dad!

Abby With Santa

Abby visits her vet (the one that saved her life after being attacked) almost every day on her walk and they all enjoy petting her, giving her treats, teaching her new tricks and even photographing her. This week, one of the receptionists took her picture by their CHRISTMAS tree and emailed them to us.

Please give me the treat now.

This is the one I am using as my screen saver at work.  She is very still here because she is waiting for the treat she is expecting to get soon.  They are so nice to us there and they all love Abby! 

Banking

I went to the bank this week to deposit my bonus check. I fill out the deposit slips, a small portion into my checking, with the rest cast back which I put into my savings. I look at my checking balance which said I had a negative $1.46 available in checking (due to the hold placed on the check).  Good thing I noticed! This is so crazy, to make a deposit and not have anything available in checking because it was a big check? Good thing I went at lunch instead of on my break because the teller went to lunch and I had to get that hold switched to my savings instead.

Frozen

It got so cold that our garbage can lid was frozen closed! There was a layer of ice all around the lid so I finally went out and used the handle of one of our small summer clippers to chip it off.

Help!

Work got crazy this week with the pressure of sending out company "holiday" cards. (I hate that term, but that's what they were--no mention of Christmas anywhere!) Fortunately, when I put out a call for help because I could see there was not way I could get them out on time, five other secretaries came to help me out. What a relief I felt when I saw how fast it was going with their assistance. Look around, is there anyone you could help with something?

Books

Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins (a Christian fiction suspense novelist) was one we both liked about mothers and daughters who accidentally come across a flash drive that makes them a target for terrorists. See our review.

And, for the "holidays" I read a thought provoking book about the war for Christmas by Sarah Palin called Good Tidings and Great Joy--Protecting the Heart of Christmas that I can't get out of my head.



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A Special Email from Santa

At PNP Portable North Pole you can create a personalized video from Santa Clause for someone. It's very cute!  I created one for my husband (since we don't have kids).  I'm sure though kids would love it too.  It is easy to do and doesn't take very long.  The hardest part I think is choosing what pictures you want to use.  You can email it to whoever you want. 

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Wordless Wednesday: Wish He Didn't Have to Go

Quiet time with my daddy before he has to leave for work.

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Monday Mischief: Up on the Stable Spunky Goes

I had to go after that ribbon!

Be sure to check out our Christmas Quiz that we posted yesterday!

Joining Aww Mondays and Monday Mischief blog hops. 

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A Christmas Quiz--See How You Do

So, you think you know the first Christmas story?  See how you do with this quiz I am using in my Sunday School Class today:

1)  This month's special holiday is ________.

2)  Who is the Messiah?

3)  What are the four names given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6?

4)  According to Isaiah, why was God going to send the Savior?

5)  Who would be the Savior's most famous earthly ancestor?

6)  According to the prophet Micah, in what town would the Savior be born?

7)  Shortly before the Savior was born, people wondered WHEN He would be born.  God revealed this secret to someone.  Who was the first person God told? 

8)  True or false?  Jesus was born in a manger.

9)  On the night Jesus was born, some people were outside in the dark.  Who were they and what were they doing? 

10)  When Jesus was 40 days old, Mary and Joseph took him to the Temple to dedicate him.  They also took an offering.  What was their offering? 

11)  Two people saw Jesus in the Temple:  an elderly man and an elderly woman.  What were their names? 

12)  How many wise men came to see Jesus in the stable? 

Click "read more" below for answers:

Read more »

No Wind!

Just yesterday when it was so cold outside I said at least we didn't have snow. In fact, we made it all the way to Dec. 11 without having to shovel here in Parma, Ohio. Then this morning, we woke up to this:

Although the temperature is only 11 degrees, I am thankful there is no wind today because I cleaned off the car and shoveled without getting cold. I dressed very warm. Got in some great exercise this way too to start the day!

Joining the The Little Things Thursday blog hop for the first time today!

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Aww Mondays: Browns Lose Again!

Browns lose again

The Browns played a great game against the Patriots yesterday but the last minute, Tom Brady led his Patriots with the help of a bad call by the refs to win the game by one point! Final score was 27-26. Browns were in it right to the end with a field goal that was about a foot and a half short. Too bad. I watched upstairs rooting for the Browns and had to listen to the end on the radio because I had puppet practice, and Gerard watched in the basement rooting for the Patriots. I had more fun than he did most of the game, but in the end, he was the happy one.
 

Anything is possible with Brady on the field!

Join Aww Monday blog hop.

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Sunday Sharing: How Great God Is!

image source:  allfreeclipart.com

Last Sunday the boys in my Sunday School class were bringing up some good points and actually asking some good questions related to the lesson which was about the problem of sin, the origin of sin, which led to Satan, consequences and God's greatness, power and love.  (Yes, we cover a lot in one lesson.)   The thing is as I was doing some digging during the week to follow up on some points that were brought up, one was this verse:

He counts the stars and names each one. -- Psalm 147:4

This led me to read all of Psalm 147, then Psalm 148, then Psalm 149 and Psalm 150--all chapters about God's power, greatness and plain amazing awesomeness.  It was a special time of private worship.  I couldn't help but break into singing "To God Be The Glory."  Let every thing that has breath praise the Lord!


This is another good one too that I thought of later:


I encourage you to read these Psalms and be reminded of how truly wonderful God is! What scripture highlight did you come across last week? 





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This Gives Me Hope

When my husband shared this video with me of the backup quarterback of the Browns, I must say I am encouraged. Even if you aren't a football fan, I think you can appreciate his phenominal ability to throw a football accurately.  This is truly entertaining and I hope you take the time to watch, especially if you are a Browns fan. 

The Browns (my team) play the Patriots (my hubby's team and one of the best) this Sunday.  The Patriots are favored to win by 11 points, but we beat them before when no one thought they could so we'll see what happens.  That's what makes football so exciting to watch, things change quickly.  I hope Alex Tanney gets to play because I really think he would be fun to watch. 

At least Browns fans get a variety with different quarterbacks in there.  I hope they are able to pull a rabbit out of the hat with this guy. 

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Enjoyed Seeing Ender's Game

Yesterday we went to see "Ender's Game" and loved it!  We both had already read the book, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card and were thrilled that the movie followed it very closely.  As far as we could tell, it just cut out some of the video game stuff and some of the battles at battle school.  We thought it was well cast and liked the same characters in the movie as were in the book.  For the most part, the actors were cast like I had pictured them from the book except for Ender.  I had pictured him as being younger, but we both enjoyed it very much.  It's science fiction and futuristic. 

Here's the trailer:

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Monday Mischief: Bookmarks Are So Tempting!

My husband brought in this and asked what it was:

It's the top of a cat bookmark I broke off to play with.

I left the working part of the bookmark for mom--just took off the top.

I like putting the bitey on the cardboard but batting it is fun too but I need someone to hold it for me.

Joining in the Monday Mischief hop.

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Sunday Sharing: Gold and Apes

I was reading about Solomon in I Kings 10 this past week and was surprised at how much he liked gold.  Not only did he cover practically everything in the temple he built with it, but he also had shields of gold (v. 16), a throne of gold and ivory with lions on it and on the steps going up to it (v. 18), and gold cups and dishes (v. 21)!  I can't even imagine what it would be like to live in such a fancy place!

But, this verse made me laugh:

 . . . Every three years the ships returned [trading ships and Hiram's].  They brought back gold, silver, ivory, apes and baboons. -I Kings 10:22

Gorilla at Cleveland Zoo (Are apes and gorillas the same thing?)

He must have liked the apes and baboons too to have them brought in every three years.  I like finding new and funny things as I read God's Word, don't you?  Please share a scripture highlight you came across this week or feel free to comment on this post. 

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What Are 5th Grade Boys Thankful For?

I teach a Sunday School class of 5th grade boys so last week we played a little game like Scattegories. I asked them to write down things they really are thankful for in three minutes and for every item on your list that no one else had, they got a point. (The one with the most points got a piece of candy.) Here are some of the things they are thankful for:

No. 1 answer: God/Jesus, family, food
No. 2 answer: house/home
No. 3 answer: animals/pets, water, school/teachers
No. 4 answer: friends/clothes

Then came the original things:

Bible, life, air, plants, electricity, technology, iPods, cars, trucks, holidays, forgiveness, laughter, art, girls, love, paper, nature, colors, Steve Jobs, Guy who created skateboards, guns, good health, heaven, oxygen, photosynthesis, the President, government, light, snow, church, milk, warmth/heat, and toys.

I thought they did a very good job on their lists!

Things I am thankful for that haven't already been mentioned are:

answered prayer, my husband, a good job, steady employment, indoor plumbing, blue skies, cooks, restaurants, stores, sports, buses, and that I live in the USA.

When  I see pictures and hear about the poor living conditions many people around the world deal with every day, it breaks my heart.  That is why I love going through the World Vision, Samaritan's Purse and The Jesus Film Catalogs that list many needy projects and choosing ones I want to donate to.  Instead of ordering another wool shirt that cost $105 for my husband who already has lots of shirts and several others I am buying for him, I donated that $100 to World Vision where my donation is multiplied by 8 for Christmas gifts which include: 

• Nutritious food
• Warm clothes
• Sturdy boots
• Books, toys, and games
• Vital medicines
• And more

Now that was money well spent!  I hope you will join me in this.

Joining up with Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop:  Something you are thankful for. 


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Praise The Lord!

God is my Healer!

This is a follow-up post to A Prayer of Faith Heals the Sick that I did about calling on the deacons to pray that my bones would get stronger so I would not have to get the Prolia shots twice a year.  I had a bone density test done last Thursday and when I was walking our dog yesterday, I got a call from the doctor's office on my cell at the park.

I am thrilled to report that it was good news!  There has been some improvement since my last one done a year ago and they just said to continue taking my vitamin D and Calcium supplements.  There was no more mention of that nasty shot which can have very bad side effects.

I will continue with my supplements, but even more will continue to put my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ to continue reversing the Osteoporosis and make my bones strong again.  Thanks for all my friends who prayed for this request!  Prayer is powerful. 

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Sunday Sharing: Be Happy

Good people, rejoice and be happy in the Lord.  All you whose hearts are right, sing!--Psalm 32:11

This morning when I read this verse, the song that came to mind that I sang was "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow."  Growing up, we used to sing this one at the beginning of every service, every Sunday at the Brooklyn Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.


As we count our many blessings this week and give thanks on Thanksgiving, let's remember the one who gives us all  these blessings.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

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Community Dinner--My First Experience

Yesterday I posted that I was looking forward to helping with the community dinner our church did so thought I would report on how it went.  We set up 50 tables with 8 chairs at each in half an hour and all were used except for about four tables.  Not all were filled, but there were a LOT of people.  Most of them arrived before 6 p.m. when it started.  It really was wild.

I wish I had pictures of the kitchen crew busily preparing the plates of food for the servers to take in, all the guests who came and the grocery distribution as the people left but I was too busy!  I could have gotten one while I was waiting the server line to get food for my tables but I didn't think of it then.

In theory, each table was supposed to have one church member at it to sort of be the "host" but I think we were a few short.  Each server was supposed to serve the tables that matched the border color on our name tags, but in reality, that didn't happen.  I'm not sure why--maybe because we had more servers than sections? 

This was my first time doing it so was a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect and trying to remember everything I was supposed to do:  keep their cups full, bring them all their food, clear the junk when they were done, bring them pie, watch for new arrivals and wait on them, greet and smile!  It was fun to serve the people, but I guess I was overly concerned about how long it was taking.  Hopefully, the guests weren't in a hurry--it didn't seem like they were.

Most of the people started clearing out between 7:00 and 7:15.  Some stayed and chatted and some still arrived as late as 7:20 p.m.   Out of curiosity, I checked the grocery giveaway area to see how much was left and there was quite bit.  There were lots of pumpkin pies left too, but the apple were all gone.  I don't know what they'll do with all the leftover food but my guess is it will most likely be donated to a local food bank.  I know I only got one slice of pumpkin pie at the end of the night.

I'm glad I volunteered to help, I sure felt useful and needed and it was great seeing so many new people come in to our church.  I hope they enjoyed the experience and will come back again!

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I'm Excited About Tonight--Our Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Church!

I am so happy to be a member at a church that actually puts faith into action and helps and encourages its members to do the same by providing lots of opportunities.  I grew up in a very small church and had some reservations about joining a large church such as Parma Heights Baptist (800-900 Sunday morning attenders is large to me).  I was concerned that there would not be a need for my service.  I wanted a church where I could serve the Lord and be actively involved in ministry.  I did not need to be concerned because there are lots of opportunities to serve others at Parma Heights Baptist.

Tonight we as a church are inviting the community to attend a free Thanksgiving meal.  We did this last year and had about 250 attend but I was not involved.  This year, they said they needed more help because we are expecting around 500!  I am taking the day off so I can help with this and am so excited to see how we are going to feed that many people a good hot meal!  Don't worry, I am not one that will be in the kitchen cooking.  I will be waiting on tables so I hope I don't drop anything.  This morning, I will help set up.

This is a picture I took early Sunday morning of just one of the areas where we have sorted the food brought in by our members to give away to each family attending the dinner.  By the time I left, there was another area of tables set up right across from this that was full too.  Then last night, I saw another bunch of tables filled with groceries for the giveaway.

As of yesterday at noon, here is a list of what was brought in for tonight's community Thanksgiving dinner:

• 2,825 items have been donated just for the food drive alone!
• 214 people are currently signed up to help out in some way tomorrow night.
• 117 pounds of potatoes will be peeled and mashed.
• 60 pumpkin and apple pies will be consumed.
• 14 twenty-three pound turkeys have given their lives. :-) Thanksgiving isn't fun and games for everyone!

Parma Heights Baptist Church's mission statement is "To help people find and follow Jesus Christ."  If you are seeking God or a place to worship and serve him in the Cleveland area, I invite you to come and join us.  Sunday services are at 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a..m.  Growth groups for all ages are at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

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Good Morning--Greeted with a Beautiful Sunrise

November 14, 2013, Parma, Ohio

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. --Lamentations 3:22

I cannot help but praise my God on my way to work in the morning when I see this!  I never really noticed all the different colors and patterns in the sky until I painted scenery.  That's when I began to really look at the sky with a new appreciation for how magnificent and creative God is.

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Sunday Sharing: Everyone Wants Our Money!

Boxes for Operation Christmas Child at church

These last few months it seems every day we get solicitations for donations to charities in the mail (American Bible Society, the City Mission, Lakota School, Operation Christmas Child, animal rescues), the church has lots of projects going on that need money (Pastor appreciation month, food baskets, pantry, pavilion building project, groceries for the community dinner, support for the missions team to Haiti and items for them to take, running behind budget) and then there are the disasters (the Philippines) that occur in the world that I just can't help but feeling compelled to include a donation for the relief effort.

I was getting to the place where I was becoming overwhelmed and blew up a couple Sundays ago when the Pastor wondered why the general offerings have been low and we are running behind budget.  I am a giving person but even I was feeling pressure and said enough already!  But then God through his word spoke to my heart and reminded of of a few things:

1)  My Sunday School lessons this month are on laying up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19--24), sharing what we have with others (Luke 12:13-21), and making loving and obeying God my top priority (Matthew 6:33).

2)  Last Sunday, I read I Chronicles 29 about King David asking the people to contribute materials for the temple his son Solomon would build and how he even gave out of his personal things to set the example.  They got lots of materials and David celebrated praising the Lord before the people saying:

 Lord, you are great and powerful.  You have glory, victory and honor.  Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you.  The kingdom belongs to you, Lord.  You are the ruler over everything.  Riches and honor come from you.  You rule everything.  You have the power and strength to make anyone great and strong.  Now, our God, we thank you.  And we praise your glorious name.  These things did not really come from me and my people.  Everything comes from you.  We have given you back what you gave us.  . . . Lord our God, we have gathered all this to build your Temple.  We will build it for worship to you.  But everything has come from you.  Everything belongs to you.  I know, my God, that you test people's hearts.  You are happy when people do what is right.  I was happy to give all these things.  I gave with an honest heart.  Your people gathered here are happy to give to you.  I am happy to see their giving.  Lord, you are the God of our ancestors.  You are the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Please help your people to want to serve you always.  And help them to want to obey you always.  Give my son a strong desire to serve you.  Help him always obey your commands, laws and rules.  Help him build the Temple for which I have prepared. - I Chronicles 29:11-14, 16-19 (ICB) [ emphasis added]

This reminder that all I have is from the Lord and it's all his was just what I needed to get my heart back on track and be the cheerful giver God loves.  I am now looking forward to the community dinner, cheerfully bringing my groceries to share and volunteered to help at it as well. 

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:  for God loveth a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:  (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor:  his righteousness remaineth for ever.--II Corinthians 9:6-9 (KJV)

3)  Other scripture came to mind as well.  This is why it is so important to read God's Word every day and memorize it so that when we get off track with the Lord, His powerful word can speak to our hearts and bring us back.

And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. --Galatians 6:9-10 (KJV)  

4)  Then, last week the Pastor's sermon was on James 2:17 which says:

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

I love when God speaks to my heart because it shows proves He is a personal God who loves me.  I think it is so cool how He knows just what I need and gives it to me.  How about you?  Has God spoke to you this week about anything in particular?  I encourage you to read the Bible every day.  It will change your life if you have an open heart that is seeking to know God better and obey Him.

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17th Anniversary of the Day We Met

ordered from 1800Flowers.com

My husband and I first met at a Pizza Hut on November 16, 1996 and hit it off right away.   Since that day we always have fond memories of it.  Monday, Gerard sent me flowers and candy at work which was a fun surprise.  Look at the cute doggie arrangement!  It has colored flowers behind the dogs too in a cute little basket.

He's learned from many years of experience that it's best to send me stuff on Monday so I can enjoy the flowers at work all week long and not have to carry them home on the bus for the weekend.  It's so sweet of him.  I know it's not practical, but romance is nice too sometimes.  He is definitely the romantic one in our relationship and I love him for that!  Receiving this at work made my day and was a pleasant surprise. 

The card he included was nice to, saying "The day I met you, my life changed for the better. You're the all time sweet, always remember how special you are." --Your loving husband, Gerard

His surprise gifts was one of the things I loved about him before we were married and I am very glad he still surprises me now and then even after 16 years of marriage.  I am so glad God brought us together!

What about you? Have you surprised your mate lately?

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7 Friday Fragments (funny, educational, life, products)

Friday Fragments is hosted by Half Past Kissin' Time for bloggers to post a list of short things on their minds that aren't really enough for a whole post to give Mrs. 4444 a break for the summer. Here we go:

Screeching Stopped

After about a month of screeching, we took our KIA into the repair shop. Whenever we started it up it would screech but then stop once we got going. It would screech when we turned the steering wheel sometimes too. In half an hour, it was fixed--just something going on with a belt. The best part was meeting a huge German Shepherd named Tank.

Nice Watch

We got a free watch with our Blair order. It's really nice with easy-to-read actual numbers. Too bad is doesn't work but what do you expect for free, right? It was disappointing though because that was really the only reason we placed an order. Although the velour shirts are very nice.

Stop the Stink

This is the funniest commercial I've seen in a long time. It was at the beginning of a Just For Laughs video but when I went to embed it, there was a different commercial so I looked it up on YouTube and here it is for your laugh of the day.

Happiest Story of The Week

Lady and her cat got reunited after 5 years thanks to a microchip in the cat. We have one in Abby but not in our cats since they stay indoors.

Joint Juice

I just found a Glucosamine-Chondroitin supplement drink with vitamin D3 that I like. Find out more at jointjuice.com. Unfortunately, Giant Eagle is discontinuing it.

Picasa

Anyone know how to delete pics from a picasa album. It seems every picture I ever uploaded to my blogs is automatically in there. I just recently discovered that I can reuse pics from there so I have many duplicates.

Community Dinner

I'm looking forward to helping with our church's community dinner this coming Thursday. I'm taking the whole day off since it's the same day as my bone density test. This way I can help set up in the morning and help wait on tables or distribute the groceries. We are planning to give a nice bag of groceries to every family who comes that they can take home. The stockpile of donated groceries is coming along nicely.

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A Prayer of Faith Heals the Sick

Since my lumpectomy, I have been taking Femara which is supposed to prevent the cancer from returning (so far so good).  However, it seems like this can bring on Osteoporosis which is weak bones.  My Oncologist has been scheduling me for bone density tests which show my bones are weaker than they should be.  She tells me they are more prone to fractures--even without falling.  I feel fine.  I can walk and run without pain (except when I was taking bone strengthening pills which I stopped).

I have another bone density test coming up next week on Thursday.  For those who may not know what a bone density test is, this is like the easiest test ever!  All I do is lay down for about 10-20 minutes.  There is no pain, no needles, no fasting or special drink required.  I am praying that God will reverse this and strengthen my bones so that I do not need to take two shots a year of Prolia which is now what my doctor is recommending.

The Fosomax and the other pill I tried resulted in excruciating pain in my legs and hips.  I could hardly walk and could not even do a jumping jack or bend over to feed the dog without pain.  I couldn't even sleep through the night because I'd wake up from pain in my legs and hips.  I felt like I was 90 years old.  These were pills I took once a week.  My doctor says none of her patients experienced the Prolia side effects and that it has helped them; however, the side effects are even worse than the ones from those pills.  With a shot, if I experience bad side effects, I can't just undo the shot which is good for six months! 

My God can easily heal and I am putting my faith in Him.  Last night I asked that the church elders anoint me with oil and pray for my healing according to the instructions in James 5:14-15 which says:

If one of you is sick, he should call the church's elders.  The elders should pour oil on him in the name of the Lord and pray for him.  And the prayer that is said with faith will make the sick person well.  The Lord will heal him.  And if he has sinned, God will forgive him.

I love that God has given us such a clear course of action to take.  Seven elders (deacons) prayed for me last night.  Recently, I came across these verses in Proverbs 3:7-8 that I am encouraged by which say:

Don't depend on your own wisdom.  Respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong.  Then your body will be healthy.  And your bones will be strong.  (ICB)

I believe in God and in the power of prayer.  When I was diagnosed with breast cancer July of 2009, I called for the elders of the church to pray for me then too as well as many others, including some of my blogging buddies.  So, once again, I would appreciate all the prayer I can get if you believe in the power of God like I do.

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How is Your Blood Pressure?

Image source:  Vaughn's Summaries

Blood pressure is always a mystery to me.  I don't understand really what affects it nor why it fluctuates so much.  All I know is that I mine has been improving and last week when I had it checked it's lower than it's been in a very long time.  When a did a "good search" I found this nice little chart giving meaning to the numbers.  For a long time I was just at the borderline of high normal and hpertension, but now I am solidly in the normal range at 122/70!  Yippee!  I was careful not too eat anything during the 2 1/2 hours before my appointment, and have cut out my salty nut snack, changing over to unsalted peanuts to munch for a snack.  I don't know if these little changes made a difference or not, but the only things I did any differently than before. At least I felt good about this, not so good about the doctor telling me I should get two shots a year of Prolia.

How is your blood pressure?

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Thank You Vets!

Thank you to all the vets and current military personnel for your sacrificial service to our country!

(I grabbed this image from Mike Golch's Facebook page--don't know who the originator is.)

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Sunday Sharing: Song of Victory

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.  He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.--Psalm 18:1-2 (NIV)

Notice how often the words "I" and "My" are used? David had a personal relationship with God and so do I. In the study this week, it was helpful to look back to see how the Lord has been my shield, deliver and refuge. Here are the questions and answers that I came up with:

1. The Lord is MY Shield:

I remember two times when driving through snowstorms in white out conditions. One was when I was when I drove five or six teens home from a Bible quiz and the other was when Gerard and I went to a winter couples retreat at Beulah Beach. The car spun around out of control in traffic on Route 2.  I really thought we were both going to die that night and just called out to God to take the wheel. It was a miracle nothing hit us, we didn't hit anyone and were able to keep going. I was so shook up but also very thankful when we got there. That is the last retreat we are going to in the winter. It wasn't snowing at all when we left and it was only 45 minutes away, in good weather.

When has God shielded you from what appeared to be imminent harm?

2. The Lord is MY deliverer:

A long time ago, when I was a teen, I had a death wish because of a broken friendship. This friend was mad about something but wouldn't tell me what. She refused to talk to me. I remember walking down the street heading home in a thunder storm hoping to be struck by lightening. Then, as the storm continued, I realized I really didn't want to die after all. I realized God had work for me to do yet and I needed to stop letting this person get to me and move on with my life.

When has God been your deliverer?

3. The Lord is My refuge and stronghold:

When my parents died, God was there for me. I felt so alone and overwhelmed and poured my heart out to him, especially when my dad died because he was the last parent I had. When mom died, I missed her terribly (and still do) but I still had dad at least. God really helped me a lot by sending people in my life to help me do the big job of getting his house cleaned out and sold.

When has God been a refuge when you felt like everyone needed more from you than you could give?

When doing the Beth Moore Bible study, David--Seeking a Heart Like His, I saw that Psalm 18 and II Samuel 22 are practically identical. It is a song of victory that David wrote.

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5 Friday Fragments (time, health, aging, life)

Friday Fragments is hosted by Half Past Kissin' Time for bloggers to post a list of short things on their minds that aren't really enough for a whole post to give Mrs. 4444 a break for the summer. Here we go:

Daylight Savings Time

When I googled "When do we set our clocks back in 2013?" I discovered that Arizona and Hawaii do not change their clocks for daylight savings time. I thought that was strange.

No Ballot

Gerard and I both requested ballots to vote by mail. I got mine but he never got his;wonder what's up with that. Fortunately everything he was going to vote for passed.

Department of Aging

I got my Golden Buckeye card this week even though I don't turn 60 until next month. (It's a discount card for 60+ people in Ohio).  My hubby wants to get me something special for my birthday, but I can't think of anything I want other than just a fun day with him.  I do not need more clothes, or an iphone or anything else.  You know you are old when you are hard to buy for. 

Yellow Flags

When we got home from work yesterday, there were little yellow flags in our yard and some of our neighbors yards apparently showing where the gas lines were. Don't know why they are there though.

Prayer Request

I don't usually ask others to pray for me, but I am struggling with a health issue, actually a treatment option for my osteoporosis. I'd like prayer that God would reverse the weakness in my bones and completely restore my health and strong bones before my next bone density test on Nov. 21. Getting two shots a year of Prolia is what my doctor recommends. Going that route seems to be relying on my own wisdom and not on God, plus it has some bad side affects. I experienced bad side affects of other bone strengthening medication before and do not want to go through that again.

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Go Browns! Great Game Against the Ravens

I am so happy for the Cleveland Browns who played great last Sunday against the Ravens, a good team.  The mistakes they made against Kansas City (dropped passes) were corrected and Jason Campbell, the quarterback was excellent.  Even when he hurt his ribs, he came back in the game and still played well!  I am glad to hear he didn't break any.  Whenever he took off running, I thought, "don't get hurt!" 

As I watched the game, it was exciting to see both Greg Little and Bess make great catches and holding on to the ball.  I loved that the coaches let them go for it on 4 and 1 and they made it . . . twice!  It's been a long, long time since I have been hopeful that the Browns could actually make the playoffs and it feels so good.  The CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER had big full-page write-ups and pictures about the game and my husband said "They act like they won the Super Bowl."  I said, we celebrate every win in a big way because we get so few!

What even made it better was that the Browns were they only ones to win last week in their division, woo hoo!  I also loved that the Steelers were demolished by the Patriots--that was icing on the cake!

There were only a few things that weren't so good: 

(1) Greg Little hurt his collarbone and although he had a great game which he hasn't had in a long time, he needs to stop the taunting and keep his emotions under control.  Maybe if he plays well more regularly, he'll get used to actually making plays and it will become the norm so he won't be so excited and taunt the opposing team.

(2)  They need to still be careful to have the right number of players on the field.  I think this is a matter of better communication which I would think could be easily corrected.

I am praying for a speedy recovery for both Travis Benjamin and Brian Hoyer who have torn ACLs and will most likely be out the rest of the season. 

I know most of our readers are not football fans, certainly not Browns fans, but I just had to share my excitement about my team since I shared my discouragement and disappointment earlier in the season before they turned things around.  Now, onward to the playoffs.  I am looking forward to the second half and hope the team enjoys their week off. 

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AWW Monday: Game Over

Phooey!  Mom spoiled my fun game of pulling tissues out of the bathroom wastebasket.   Instead of this:

We now have this, which is too high for me to stick my face into:

Aw mom, why'd you ruin my fun time?

Joining in Aww Mondays, Monday Mischief.

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