Debbie

My friend Carol called this afternoon and we had a good visit, but I could feel the sadness and sense the weariness she didn't try to put into words. For some time now, Carol has been doing what Carol does best, loving the hurting ones. And she is tired. She would never say that not let it deter her, but I know it. We have been like that all along, sensing one another's hearts and moods, even needs.

I met Carol at a Pastors' Wives conference a long time ago and knew within five minutes that our bond would be life long and close. I lived in Colorado then and she in Alabama, but that made no difference. Later, God sent us to live in Dothan, Alabama near Carol, and our friendship grew ever closer.

One day, 7 years ago, Carol brought a friend over and in my big, old fashioned kitchen Debbie told me how God had healed her of cancer. God healed Debbie of cancer more than once! Different cancers, completely unique one from another. Satan struck her again and again, each time letting her go a while cancer free. He could not beat her down, however nor destroy her faith.

Carol had to leave our telephone conversation early with a promise to call back. When she did, she had just gotten news that Debbie had died.

Carol had been spending a lot of time with Debbie who had been diagnosed with yet another type of cancer and had waged that battle valiantly for several years now. I don't know all the details of her illness, but I know the impact her faith had on others... so many, many others.

Debbie's husband, Johnny, is not a saved man (Carol asked him) but he came to church with her and their son. He was always so tender with her and the depth of his love was evident. Pray for him and the family.

And pray for Carol who has been the comforter and companion of too many as they walk that final valley. Carol gives until you cannot imagine she has more to give, then gives even more. She is one of the most loving and tender people I've ever met. I cannot think of Carol without thinking of Jesus.

Well, I entitled this, "Debbie," but it is as much about Carol and God as it is my sweet red-headed friend Debbie. I still love so many folks from Dothan... and now, just three years after we left, three of them are gone home to the Lord. Praise God they were believers!! Even so, my heart aches and tears are flowing free.

Blackout

A lovely day with a cool, gentle breeze is coming to an end with a dreadful headache which will blackout any further blog writing tonight. I thank God for the pain-free times.

Homecoming

I always love coming home. No matter how wonderful the trip, and it was indeed wonderful, I feel a special warmth and joy at returning home... even when Richard has traveled with me, so it is not merely that I miss him, which of course, I always do when I travel alone.

It was an honor to be at Miriah's graduation. It was delightful to celebrate birthdays with several grandchildren. It was a thrill to see so many of our children and grandchildren. We had a great time, and it was over too quickly. How very blessed we are to have such a family as we do. They all made us feel proud, loved, welcome and wonderful.

Even so, it is good to be home. Such trips tire me cognitively more than physically. Airports, with their barniness, high reverberating ceilings, crowds and endless mazes, reduce my brain to jelly, so I'm fairly frazzled by the time I begin my visits. Once there, it is often hard for me to keep up with all the conversations and activities of our large family, especially when we try to cram too much into too short a time, which I tend to do every visit. Then, it's back to the airport for more fishbrain frying, so the quiet and familiarity of home is doubly appealing.

We got home several days ago, but I am just now getting it all back together. Tomorrow, I will actually listen to my voice mail and try to use my planner.

Bye

Well, before the day gets away, I'd better jot a quick note here. We will leave early in the morning, so need to have everything ready tonight. This afternoon, the dog goes to the vet ( a new vet) for more shots (she's only had a rabies shot since she is never around any other dogs) and to get a nice bath and her toenails clipped. We are not going to try clipping her nails again since we've made her bleed the last two times.

Then, we take her to Athena and Brian's house where she will soak up a lotta love and play with their dog. She'll have a great time, and they will graciously make her feel right at home.

I hope to be posting again next Monday. Bye.

Gym Praise

The day went sailing by and I was left behind. I did get in 2 hours at the gym and went swimming this evening. I recall both activities and my morning time of Bible study and prayer... but the rest of the day is nowhere to be found. I guess it wasn't too exciting.

I listen to praise music while I walk on the treadmill an hour a day. It is a wonderful time to worship and pray and just bask in the glory of the Lord. I am hoping to get an iPod for my birthday, but for now I use a rather bulky cassette player-radio and a pair of huge, very old black headphones. The vinyl (or whatever) that covers the pads is disintegrating and so I end up with pieces of black stuff stuck in my sweat all around my ears and sides of my face.

I was getting some pretty strange looks until Richard showed me what was happening. Now I am careful to go wash my face and ears after my treadmill time. Sure, I could go get some other headphones but these are still sounding good and I hate to buy new ones that may not work with an iPod. (Yeah, I'm a bit over confident about the iPod).

As for the cassette player, it is quite sturdy. The other day, I managed to drop it and the treadmill, which I have set pretty fast, threw it half way across the room. I tried to grab it and forgot to shut the machine down, so the machine shut me down. It gave the attendant quite a stir, but I was unhurt and not even smart enough to be embarrassed.

I will be away for several days as we go to Denver for our granddaughter's graduation. I'm not taking the computer, so I will miss you all.

Who's Your Hero?

I had a great Sunday. Church is always a blessing, and I am enjoying New Community for many reasons. It is so good to be finally able to sing and not cough my guts out. Pardon the graphic terminology, but that's exactly what it felt like.

Richard was home from work early in the afternoon and it was good to just hang out and do nothing together. I am not especially good at doing nothing, so it wasn't long before we were trying to clip Baby Snooks' toe nails. Being a bulldog, she's a bit stubborn about getting her nails clipped and she jerked around enough that we ended up getting two of the nails cut too short, so she bled. Off course, she is a master of sending us on guilt trips. We may take her to a groomer next time.

After the nail cutting and blood letting, I decided Richard's idea of doing nothing was a pretty good one. That lasted all of 30 minutes because doing nothing really is a drag. After all, God gave us time and it's a precious commodity. So we decided to do our Bible study. We finished the last four chapters of Revelations. Yay! We've been going through the Bible together, and now we'll go back and start over. Last time, we began with John, then Romans, then the other Gospels, etc. skipping here and there until we read it all. Next time, we'll start with Genesis and go in order.

Wonder of wonder, Richard has moved into a MySpace place. If you know him personally, you know just how unlikely that is. But he was drawn in by the fact that some of our kids and grandkids are on MySpace. I was tickled he did that and now hope he'll blog, which of course he won't.

I was especially thrilled when I read his profile and saw he had listed me as one of his heroes. Yep, there I was, right there between Jesus and Mickey Mouse! I asked if he was joking and he said no. Well, I guess you could do worse than having Mickey as a hero. I was deeply honored he listed me, although I've never felt particularly heroic. It really blessed my day!

Now I'll Leave you with something wonderful... Every American should see this and I hope you take the time to watch all of it (it's not long, but it IS good!) http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

Recall Notice

I don't usually post anything I didn't write, but this one is worth it:

***RECALL NOTICE!***
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units, code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect.

The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: Jeremiah 33:3 (Call unto Me and I will answer you...)

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.

For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

Thank you for your attention!

-GOD

Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by "Kneemail."

DANGER: The human units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace.

Work Out

I was back in the gym today for quite a long while... Longer than usual. A hard work out sure felt good. I was afraid I would be totally out of shape. I probably was and was just too happy to notice. I'm sure I'll feel it in the morning.

It's amazing how relaxing and stress relieving physical activity is. Lots more so than sitting like a zombie in front of the TV or curled up with a book. Until you try it, you just really don't get it. Of course, a good book and some TV shows are great ways to spend some time too, but they just don't give that feeling of well-being that a work out does. People who have known me for a long time can't believe I'm writing this, I'm sure.

We are still having rain. How nice. Maybe the rain will drive away the lovebugs. These are insects who seem to spend all their adult lives mating. They stay joined, walking, flying, everything, still connected in pairs. They are everywhere! They are clingy. They get on you, cozying up and sticking to you. They are trying to mate with my car and you can hardly wash them off. I hate the little pests.

There, that's my rant of the day.

Lost Time

I haven't had "lost time" for a long time, so today when I left home at noon with a short shopping list (6 items) I expected to be home well before one since the store is less than five minutes from our house. I actually got home close to four!

Indeed, I added a stop at the gas station and then I don't recall where I went, but the next thing I knew I was down town! I didn't think to check the time, but I was frustrated because I wasn't sure if I had an errand to run in town or what. I was hungry and headed to the grocery store near our house.

I wasn't thinking well in the store and had trouble finding the things on my list. I struggled against impulse buying and finally made it out of the store with 14 items. My mind kept puzzling over the long lapse of time when I couldn't recall anything. I talked it over with the Lord and He calmed my spirit with the realization that no matter where I was or what I did, I was still me so I know I wouldn't have done something too terrible. My car had no damage, so I wasn't in an accident. I hope I had a nice time whatever I did. It's good to know the Lord always has me under His care and protection and my future is already assured.

On another note, I want to join with my friend Tiffy in being thankful for friends and for MySpace. She used me as an example of keeping in touch long distance with friends and family and she blessed me with sweet words as she wrote. Tiffy is much younger than I. My very special (also young) friend Eva from Galt (now living in Michigan) brought Tiffy to a women's retreat. Tiffy is not a believer but has an open heart and mind. She's getting acquainted with God and I am learning some new things about Him through her.

I publish my blog in several different venues but my MySpace is by far the most interactive and fun. Some of my family is on there, but few of them blog. I hope they'll get into doing that. I love them so much and am interested in everything about them and what they do and think.

Out & About

I think my cold is finally gone! I am still coughing up old congestion, but my nose is drying up and my "cement head" sinus pain is gone. Hooray!

I enjoyed an outing with the Red Hat Society today. We indulged at the Olive Garden cafe and it was good to be there with friends. We were the hit of the afternoon, and as usual folks took pictures of us. I wore my red fishing hat with all the shiny baubles. I've had it for years and treasure it... My brother gave it to me. He has a unique sense of humor and gives wonderful gifts! A splendorous nine-foot long hand carved teakwood fish stands upright in our living room thanks to Donnie.

We had a glorious rain this afternoon. All the local lawns and gardens got a good soaking and God washed everything clean in the downpour. I loved it, nut baby Snooks (our bulldog) hated every minute and hid in the bathroom the whole time.

The rain ended just in time for me to leave for Bible study. God is so thoughtful. I had not pulled under the car port so would have gotten soaked running from the house to the car (where my umbrella is) had the rain kept coming down.

Bible study went well except right in the middle of what I think was an important thought, I went fishbrain (for no reason I can think of) and couldn't finish... That is so irritating. Oh well. I am no longer embarrassed about it like I used to be. They'll have to just take me as I am. When I can think, I usually make a good contribution.

It was good to be out and about again.

Back On Line

My laptop has been in the shop, a most frustrating experience for me. When my Mac is ill, I can usually fix it, but not so the Toshiba, and to top it all off, the software needed to run detailed diagnostics is not available to Joe Blow consumer... But before I go off on that rabbit trail, I'll just praise God that I have my computer once again and am back on line.

I had a great Mother's Day. We went to Athena and Brian's for a delicioius dinner and a fun game of Alhambra. I got to talk with all my children in a two day period. I learned the fantastic news that we are going to have another grandbaby! We have wonderful children and grandchildren... and we're going to get to see some of them in less than two weeks!

The talented and lovely Miriah, one of our delightful grandkids, is graduating from high school May 24th, and we're flying to Denver for the event. Our flight will take one day each way, so we'll be gone four days. While there, we'll see four of our children and their families, so we're going to be busy! And very happy!!!

Today, Richard and I drove to Daytona Beach to check up on our time share sales agent. We think we may have been scammed and our visit seems to confirm that. These people charge up front and I see little or no effort on their part to actually sell our time share. We have week 13 (Spring break) in Panama City Beach, so it is quite popular and in demand. It should sell fast since we are not asking much, but they have not even put it up on their web site (an oversight, they say).

But we had a nice time anyway and spent hours driving along the coast and walking on the beach. I love the ocean; it speaks to me of God's awesomeness.

Almost Pennyless

I kept my appointment with neuropsychologist Dr. Larry Schutz today in spite of the fact that I coughed and sniffed and blew my nose throughout the entire two hours. He was warm and wonderful and seemingly even comfortable during his exposure to my viral onslaught.

As usual, I came away with great ideas and a plan I can actually implement. Since I had had some problems managing to leave the house with everything I should have taken ( I often have to return more than once for forgotten items when going someplace and usually still end up missing stuff I need), Dr. Schutz suggested placing in a prominent place a bag or box in which to stow all the things I will be needing on the next outing. Then I will add items to it whenever I think of them rather than frantically trying to gather everything at the last minute when I am usually frustrated and probably already late. Great idea!

For example, today I was all dressed and ready to go half an hour early. I went into the bathroom and noted the toilet paper was low and decided to replenish the supply in both bathrooms. Then I saw some clutter on a shelf and cleaned that, then I wandered into the office for something (who knows what?) and decided to check my email... finally, 45 minutes later, it dawned on me that I needed to leave! As always, when this happens, I was frustrated and irritated with myself. Of course, in my rushing around, I forgot items I needed to take.

After my appointment, I was headed to Wal-Mart to refill some prescriptions and pick up a few items. Stuck In traffic, I discovered I was starving. I had forgotten to eat. I pulled off into a McDonald's drive-thru and ordered a grilled chicken sandwich only to discover at the window I had no wallet or checkbook. They are always in my purse, but not today! The girl just smiled when I told her I couldn't pay. I parked and checked my coin purse... $1.26 in coins, then went inside to order a small cheeseburger. I had one dime left over.

No wallet, money, no checkbook means no Wal-Mart visit, so I went on home where folks don't care if I'm pennyless. We played cards after dinner and I read another 10 chapters of my new NAS Bible. A very pleasant end to an interesting albeit sometimes challenging day.

Back in Church

I almost didn't go to church this morning. My nose was stuffy-runny and my cough as bad as ever, but I was SO hungry for worship with my church family. I prayed that I would infect no one, jammed a wad of Kleenex in my Bible cover pouch and headed for Sunday School and church.

I have been in much prayer about whether New Community is to be "our" church. Meeting times are late in the morning and Richard rarely gets to attend, but then, he rarely gets off at all on Sunday mornings. Easter was an exception in that he didn't have to go in until noon. Finally, I was led to the understanding that God can and will work out the job-church time situation and I should focus on where He is leading us to become part of a church family. I believe that to be New Community.

The church meets in a middle school but have bought a building they are remodeling and will be moved in before winter. Also, they have decided to redesign how they "do" church, and I am excited about that. "The Simple Church" by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger is an idea source book for the "church makeover." As I read this book, I am reminded of Harvest Church in Dothan which would very easily fall into the "Simple Church" category. Yes, I am excited! Still sniffling, but excited nonetheless.

After dinner, I got a call from out grandson Wyatt. He'll start kindergarten next year and was quite excited that we lived near Mickey Mouse. I often have trouble hearing and understanding female voices or children on the phone, but Wyatt spoke distinctly and I could hear him pretty well. I also had a sweet visit with Julia. She's very precious to me.

Later on, Richard, Donnie and I played cards. Donnie will soon be leaving to return to work and we'll miss him. It's been wonderful to have him here with us. His memory is astounding. He recalls addresses we had growing up and even telephone numbers from sixty years ago. He has blessed me in so many ways. I am thankful we have been able to share this time.

Still Cold

Saturday, and almost three weeks since I came down with this cold. I've been better for a few hours to almost a day only to relapse every time. It's getting old!

I dusted and tidied the house today but have not really cleaned since I got sick. Richard and I went to the hot tub this evening hoping it might help break up my congestion. It felt good to soak in the steamy, bubbling water, but I came out of it as stuffed up as I was going in.

I am praying to be well enough to go to church tomorrow. I miss worshipping with others who love the Lord, but I don't want to infect anyone either.

I have spent more time in the Word lately and have been blessed by it, as always.

Long Cold

I missed church Sunday... the two-week anniversary of my present "cold," which followed close on the heels of my previous bout of sniffling, sneezing and wheezing. I am still hacking and there is a Kleenex in my hand at all times. I get better for a few hours, then worse for more.

I felt better this morning so kept a breakfast date with friends only to relapse as we ate, coughing and blowing my nose the whole time. The sweet ladies said nothing but I'm sure they wondered why I would come and spread my germs or virus infections all over them and everyone else at Cracker Barrel. For their sakes, I was really sorry I went. I pray none of them gets sick. I'm not going out with people again until I have been well at least 3 days!

I'm fairly sure my bug is viral because I have no fever, so antibiotics would be no help. It seems I've fought this for months, so I may go back to my doctor and see if he has any other ideas. Perhaps some allergy is making me susceptible. I had allergy problems in California, but I don't think that's true here.

There is an opinion pole going around our community asking if we want a big fence and tall gates requiring a code etc. Seems like some folks don't feel secure. We are not among them and really don't want gates closed in the daytime. I've always believed the best security system (in addition to the Lord) is an interested neighbor or two.