Dizzle's Drizzle

And my day was like this...

• 21:48 The Dizzle was dazzling. Thanks Danny. Was so good to see special folks we love so much. #
• 21:55 The Dizzle? Live band, super long water slide, picnic food, friends, fun, a super party! #
• 17:42 I feel so lost without a church family. Sure hope God plants us somewhere soon. Have been to some great churches these past few weeks. #

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Another Church

This morning I attended Covenant Baptist Church. The people were warm and friendly, the worship was lively but orderly. I loved the enthusiastic expressions of joy!The sermon was well presented in the styp of Bishop Jakes.

I visited with the pastor and a deacon after the service and they told me that although most of the members are black, they don’t consider themselves a “Black Church,” and that has never been their aim. I certainly felt quite comfortable there. Race has never been a “thing” with me except that bigotry really makes my temper flare. I am intolerant of intolerance!

I continue to pray and wait upon the Lord in His leading me to a church home, a place where I can grow and serve. I seek place where I will fit in (is there such a place?) but God often places me where I will be the odd one, the one against the grain, as it were. Perhaps that’s goofd for me. Perhaps that’s good for the church. Probably a bit of both.

Later, I went to Danny’s great party. Danny, aka The Dizzle put on a Drizzle! Live music, great food, 100 foot water slide and lots of wonderful folks! There were babies and old ladies... well, one old lady, me! What a great time. Thanks Danny!!!

And my day was like this...

• 10:06 Attending another church this morning. Praying for God's clear leading... just waiting on the Lord. I DO need lessons on that. #
• 16:27 Had a great time of worship at Covenant Community Church, now I'm off to the DIZZLE!!!! #

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A Time to Pray

Unlike last week, my Prayer Partner experience at HLE today was free-flowing as the Holy Spirit led each intercessory prayer I sent heavenward. Last week, there was such a struggle, but today, I was given the knowledge of how to pray for each one God led to me. Today, I knew things were happening in the heavenlies, God’s tailor-made answers to each need were set in motion and I could feel that! And it was glorious!

Then, as my time there was drawing to a close, I had a visit and precious time of prayer with a special friend who works there. It was a blessing for both of us as the Lord revealed His truth and love, opening our eyes and ears to see and hear what He had for us.

Richard had a McDonald’s coupon so we went there and got fast food and ate it in the newly redone city park near downtown Haines City. The evening was beautiful with a balmy breeze and breathtaking display of clouds, so we strolled around town after dining on a park bench and watching ants attack Richard’s discarded mushrooms.

I love my life and thank God every day for such blessings as these.

Lot Sleeping

We held the Friday Morning Bible Class in the children’s section of the Kissimmee Library this morning, and it worked much better than I expected. Most certainly, we had a great study and the folks at the library were quite accommodating. I am thinking this is a viable solution to our need to change venues problem.

We extended our time together because we love being with one another and we have missed so much, so it was afternoon when I finished my errands, and I was totally wiped.

By the time I got to the grocery store, I had not the strength to make it into the bldg... so I rolled down the windows and succumbed to slumber, sleeping several hours right there in the parking lot. My shopping, after I finally woke up and went in, was also in trouble and I forgot many needed items.

I’ve been sleepy all evening as well, so ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

Great!!

I finally posted some of my missing journals to my blog. Maybe it’s a good thing I hadn’t posted them before because as I read over them, I saw much rewriting was needed. I managed to spend most of the morning doing that and didn’t finish anything else even though I started several things... typical Iona day. But the blogs are really good now... check out the past week.

I forgot totally that we eat a meal in the evening... so no dinner was ready, or even planned, when Richard came through the door, tired and hungry. He suggested Cici’s and was all for it. You get pizza, salad, pasta, dessert... all you want and we can both eat for under $15.

Next, we went to Staples because I had a $30 coupon from printer ink cartridges I brought in to recycle... but my coupon expired 6/30/09. I took it in anyway and they honored it, praise God. I used it toward an on sale computer purse for my MacBook.

Now watching great old movie about the robot Number Five... Love the line, “Number Five is alive!”

Great day! Great food! Great bargain! Great old movie! Great, Great God!!

The Ravenous Pig-out

And my day was like this...

• 06:29 It's morning and I haven't been to bed yet. Time goes so much faster than I do.
• 13:42 Working together, Richard and I finished the yard work. Well, finished is a relative term, of course.
• 13:51 Here is a salute to Ted Kennedy. As my friend Doug said: "The lion of the senate has gone on to join his family pride." From Max Lucado

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We found the Ravenous Pig Gastropub a few years back when we were planning to take Brian out to dinner. Brian is a Foodie and quite an excellent home chef, so I wanted to find truly tasty fair over which to celebrate his nativity.

In my search, I came across a free international online dining reservation service called Open Table (I immediately joined) and one of their featured new dining experiences was the Ravenous Pig Gastropub. Normally, I shun bars and pubs. There is way too much noise and the food is not normally the main draw, hence the culinary experience is less than noteworthy.

Well, I was impressed with their web site and had to move our celebration back a day (the place is always booked solid), so we took a chance. Since then, we rarely go anywhere else to celebrate together, and it’s almost always where we take out-of-town guests.

So, since we have all had somewhat recent birthdays - ranging from June to last Monday - we found ourselves once more at the Ravenous Pig, the pride and joy of Chef/Owners James and Julie Petrakis. Except for a few “old standbys,” the menu is constantly changing and just when you thought you had a favorite, something even better is before you. It’s amazingly fun... and delicious!

Thanks to Athena who treated us all even though she was a birthday girl, too.

Business to Bonkiness

As it often is, my morning was here and gone without leaving much of a mark in the annals of my memory. Hopefully, I made no promises to anyone that won’t be kept because they are lost in a labyrinth of broken synapses and meandering, side-tracked thoughts.

I do recall that the afternoon was busy with business chores for the Central Florida Brain Injury Support Group. There was an informal meeting at the Pineyro Law firm with Johhny, Amy, Marie-Terese and me so certain papers could be signed and our corporate bank account finalized. The business portion of our meeting took less than five minutes, but our visiting and getting to know one another better took an hour. An hour well spent, I must add.

Next, using my trusty Garmin GPS, I led Marie-Terese to the Kissimmee branch of our new business bank. I have been getting messages from the Garmin that my maps are out of date and I need to download updates... you know where this is going, don’t you? We got lost. The bank is in a new mall type place, on a new road. The Garmin was close but far enough off that we had to call for directions. I am adding “Get new Garmin maps” to my planner right now!

I was already cognitively wiped when I got to Wal-Mart to “get a few things.” My long time readers know that I would have been better to go without. Two hours later, with cart piled high, I am in a long line with a raging headache and my hip is talking to me, frantically calling out my name.

Confused and unable to make sense of it, I look about asking no one in particular if they hear the voice. Of course they hear it, I keep my phone set on speaker as loud as it will go. Folks must have thought me insane! At last, I realize the frantic voice demanding to know if I am all right is from my iPhone. It was Marie Terese. My phone (or I) had called her and left a long message of store noises. Who knows how her return call was answered? I suspect I answered the phone and forgot I was supposed to talk so just replaced it in its holder. It’s the only explanation I can think of.

Richard brought in the groceries which, except for frozen or refrigerated foods, are still on the counter. I don’t know what we ate, but something because I feel full. I thank God for this kooky and kind of exciting life I live... and for the understanding people who love and care for me even when my brain checks out.

$12 Hamburgers

Richard and I went to Epcot this morning. I had gotten shirts with my free birthday money from Disney but needed to exchange them for a bigger size... hey, it’s easier than dieting, LOL. Disney clothes are smaller than the size would indicate, and , as expensive as they are, the knit T-shirt styles shrink like crazy.

After having fun all around Epcot, we wandered over to the ESPN club on the Boardwalk. Disney extended the 40% Cast Members lunch discount for a while longer (certain restrictions apply). We ordered the $12 sirloinburger. It was quite tasty, but we have been ruined by the $12 burger at The Ravenous Pig Gastropub which is truly gourmet and comes with their fabulous and exclusive “truffle fries.”

Finally, Richard had to go to work, even though it is his day off. Disney has a strange deal about voluntary overtime... Actually, we like it because we need the extra money. So, he went off to work and I headed over to Marie-Terese’s house to gather up paperwork I ned to sign for the new corporate bank account.

When I called, I discovered she thought Sasha and I were coming to go out to lunch. I declined that because I had just eaten and noisy cafes fry my brain. I wanted to be hitting on all cylinders while doing banking business. I agreed to meet them after their lunch.

While I waited, I found some old building demolition sites and wandered through them before sitting down to read a while. It was obvious that the homeless also used this ares and enjoyed the shade of a huge live oak tree that has outlived man’s construction and reigns over the block like a giant monarch subject only to its creator.

I stationed myself near some abandoned tennis shoes and wondered if any homeless folks would show up, but none came.

Finally, I had a wonderful visit with two dear friends who know me in a way few others can. Like me, they are brain injured. They know how it feels to lose memories of what just happened, or to go off in ten directions at once and never make it to any of them. According to Marie-Terese, we were to have had our planned get together today... I thought is was tomorrow. No one was offended. I think I will save up and take them out to $12 hamburgers at the Ravenous Pig Gastropub.

Timeless

After the problems of last night, I slept poorly and could not find relief for the pressure headache that persisted until this morning.

We missed our planned visit to the Saturday evening service at Cornerstone but I looked forward to visiting the new church at the building where we vote. I know not whet happened to the church that used to be there.

Their service was to start at 11:00. In my mind, somehow, I thought that was pretty late and I had no need to watch the clock. I was wrong. I checked the time when I was about ready to leave. 11:40. Bummer!

I spent the day in the Word and in setting up the new Mac Book Pro.

New Mac

And my day was like this...

• 10:14 Leaving for The Holy Land Experience. Also will get a new Mac keyboard. The old one drowned in a glass of iced tea.
• 
  

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I was late getting to The Holy Land Experience. I need to adhere to my strategies. I seem to never learn that in a permanent way.

Sometimes, the Lord sends many people to pray with and for, other days, there seems to be a barrier and even in praying over the facility and staff, I find it is true spiritual warfare and is quite exhausting. I sensed the enemy’s resistance and feel him trying to block the impact of my prayers.

In these situations, I usually end up praying against who or whatever opened a door for demonic entrance into a place or situation which is normally spiritually clean. I feel in my spirit that those prayers were heard and acted upon. I visited with another Prayer Partner just as I was leaving and she was experiencing the same resistance but also had faith that God was working to right the matter.

Richard met me after getting off work and we went over to the Apple Store to get a keyboard and pray over getting a new Mac. We left the store with a mouse, keyboard and MacBook Pro.

I knew my Mac was sick, but not until I hooked up the new one did I realize how close to dead the old one is. Wow! Thank you, Lord!

In My 70's

I am now 70 years old. How cool is that!?

For some reason, I was a bit troubled yesterday about turning seventy. There is so much more I want to do and I felt I had let time slip away from me. So many of my loved ones aren’t saved. I have not finished any of the three books I began. I have tons of unfinished artwork, projects, etc.

But now that the big day has arrived... Now that I am actually at the 70’s milestone, I am not upset at all. I may never finish all my projects this side of Glory, but so what? God promised to work all things together for good for me because I love Him and am called according to His purpose.

I have shared the gospel with everyone I know and many I do not know... their salvation is something I cannot do for them. I am not the “author and finisher” of their faith, god is if they will but have Him. If my life on earth were extended 100 years, it would not necessarily bring my loved ones to the cross.

So, I am happy to have been sustained of God all these 70 years and am trusting Him for as much more as He has planned for me. Then, I am ready to go Home to Him. What a day that will be!!!!

I had a nice long phone visit with Dr. White this morning. My brain seemed to be running smoothly until toward the end of the conversation when I realized, with Dr. White’s help, that he is from 4 Corners Baptist, NOT First Baptist Church of Davenport as I had thought!

Part of my birthday celebration was edging the yard with garden shears this morning. I hate the so-called edger we own. It uses fishing line or something similar which only chews at the edge grass, so I trimmed all the edges by hand and the yard looks great!

I had many happy surprises today, calls from my children and grandchildren, some of them singing to me in the best Grandma Snider fashion. I must admit to laughter through my tears. I still miss my Mama. Also, David came through town on his truck so we had dinner with him tonight.

Birthdays Eve

What a great day! I attended Cornerstone Baptist this morning. This is the third Baptist church I’ve recently visited, and they have each blessed me. Jesus said people would know we were His by the way we loved one another, and I usually find that to be a defining factor whenever I visit a church, and that was certainly the case with all these wonderful Baptists... warm, loving, open and welcoming.

But, of course, in seeking a new church home, the primary issue is the preaching and teaching. What comes from the pulpit is the core factor of consideration. Jesus’ thrice repeated calling to Peter was, “feed My sheep.” Paul stressed the need for teaching and preaching the “meat” of the Word that the Body of Christ might mature and be edified. I am seeking strong Biblical teaching rather than entertainment. I don’t want a pep talk, I need to dig into the richness of God’s Word and be challenged.

I am trusting the Holy Spirit to lead us to where He would have us grow and serve. I pray He will help me keep myself and any personal preferences out of it and listen only to Him.

Richard and I celebrated my birthday this evening. We ate at Red Lobster where I ordered the Crab-Lobster bake. Even after eating more than I should have, there was enough to bring home for another whole meal.

God is so good!

Deeper Waters

Things are getting busier for me as I am working with the bigger boys and girls on moving out into deeper waters. God sent people and resources our way, beyond anything I could have dreamed of, enabling our small brain injury support group to incorporate and move to the next level.

With the professional help of attorney Johnny Pineyro, Treasurer, and his wife Amy, Secretary of the new corporation, Orlando Brain Injury Support Group has metamorphed into Central Florida Brain Injury Support Group, Inc.

Marie-Terese Henderson is the Executive Director and Colm Roe the Director. Both have been associated and worked with the brain injured and their families foe many years. Marie-Terese as Chairperson for the Orlando Brain Injury Support Group, and Colm as supporter/contributor of that group in addition to his professional life as Clinical Evaluator for Mentor ABI.

I am now President of the newly formed non-profit corporation and will also retain my position as webmaster. I am a bit doubtful about the continued use of that designation because the web presence will be forthcoming with the aid of Andre Forde who is far out of my league that one could rationally argue that I am in no league at all, not even in the game, as it were. Read this man’s bio!

So, wheels are turning quickly and I pray that I can keep up. The five person Board of Directors includes two of us who are long time brain injury survivors. We are each very bright and have much to offer, but we both have severe limitations and must allow extra time and careful thought to minimize mistakes and mis-statements. We are both well versed with the use of compensational strategies, but at times, each of us have gotten ahead of ourselves. I pray that our Board and Andre will find working with us enlightening, rewarding and joyful.

I have no doubt of God’s hand in all this and am humbled and honored to be a part of it.

Boeuf Bourguignon

In honor of Julie & Julia, I made Boeuf Bourguignon today, but I modified it and cooked it in a slow cooker. Richard doesn’t care for mushrooms, so I left them out, and I changed the ratios of the bouquet herbs and increased the garlic just a bit. What a lovely dish this is... It is fantastic!

Now some wit and Wisdome my brother found and sent me... Assisted Living/Nursing Home Alternative:

No nursing home for us. We are checking into the Holiday Inn!
With the average cost for a nursing home care costing $188.00 per day, there is a better way when we get old & feeble. We have already checked on reservations at the Holiday Inn. For a combined long term stay discount and senior discount, it's $49.23 per night.

That leaves $138.77 a day for: Breakfast, lunch and dinner in any restaurant we want, or room service, laundry, gratuities and special TV movies. Plus, they provide a swimming pool, a workout room, a lounge and washer-dryer, etc. Most have free toothpaste and razors, and all have free shampoo and soap.

$5 worth of tips a day will have the entire staff scrambling to help you. They treat you like a customer, not a patient. There is a city bus stop out front, and seniors ride free. The handicap bus will also pick you up (if you fake a decent limp). To meet other nice people, call a church bus on Sundays.

For a change of scenery, take the airport shuttle bus and eat at one of the nice restaurants there. While you're at the airport, fly somewhere. Otherwise, the cash keeps building up.

It takes months to get into decent nursing homes. Holiday Inn will take your reservation today. And you are not stuck in one place forever, you can move from Inn to Inn, or even from city to city. Want to see Hawaii ? They have a Holiday Inn there too. TV broken? Light bulbs need changing? Need a mattress replaced? No problem. They fix everything, and apologize for the inconvenience.

The Inn has a night security person and daily room service. The maid checks to see if you are ok. If not, they will call the undertaker or an ambulance. If you fall and break a hip, Medicare will pay for the hip, and Holiday Inn will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life.

And no worries about visits from family. They will always be glad to find you, and probably check in for a few days mini-vacation. The grand kids can use the pool. What more can you ask for?

So, when we reach that golden age,
We'll face it with a grin.
Just forward all our email to:

The Holiday Inn!

Free Alarm System

Before I talk about my day, I want to let you in on something that may even save your life. Even if you have a home alarm system, ask your neighbors to call police if they ever hear your car horn honking repeatedly. Then keep your car keys with you at home, even putting them on your bed side stand at night. If anyone ever breaks in or you are very ill or injured and need help, just hit the panic or horn button on your car keys and the horn will alert the neighborhood that you need help and possibly drive off an intruder.

Now on to my blessed day... Along with two altruistic friends, I spent several hours working with a caring attorney and his very gifted wife as we worked out a plan to help brain injured people. I have prayed for a qualified person to become involved, but this is beyond anything I had hoped for.

Richard ran some errands and then waited patiently for me. We ate at Golden Corral then drove around looking at homes we had been looking at. Just dreaming, no serious thoughts of buying. After all, we owe more on this house than it is now worth.

Next, we went to clean the church. Even though I have withdrawn my membership, I still love everyone there and they still want me to clean until further notice.

Somehow, the day had slipped away and sweetly transformed itself into a beautiful evening.

On The Fly

I’ve written but not posted my journal in public for a while. So much has happened and I will be putting all that up today in “back posts” beginning 7/31/09, so you should jump back there to understand what’s going on now... or you may be used to me and find it perfectly normal when stuff doesn’t make sense. I will begin posting my prayed-over and edited entries this afternoon.

While you wait, you may want to kill some time... or perhaps some files... no, not FILES, FLIES:

http://majman.net/fly_loader.html Your files will be perfectly safe, LOL. It’s a perfectly safe internet based game and you download nothing. A really fun thing to do? Leave the game running but put on your screen saver. Co-workers or family will be convinced there are flies in your work area, but they can’t find them.

Now, on to better things. Richard and I have a date tonight. He offered dinner and a movie, my picks... but I wanted to cook here then go steppin’ out to see a cooking movie. So, we’re going to see Julie & Julia after dinner tonight. I’ve been a fan of Julia Child since I can remember, and I love to cook, so I was thrilled to learn this film was coming out.

Meanwhile, I will catch up on blog posting, finish cleaning the house, plan and prepare a nice, romantic dinner, and get all gussied up for my hot date!

Healing

Today was a time of healing. I received several precious letters from people I love dearly. I cleaned house but stopped frequently to don my tallit and pray and listen for the Lord. A tallit is often referred to as a prayer shawl. The above link will give you enough information to understand its origin and use.

I use my tallit for various personal reasons but don’t feel a need to suggest others use one. As to permissibility for Christian or feminine use, I believe WELS has done a fine job of addressing it:

The use of such items for religious or non-religious purposes is neither commanded nor forbidden by God. It is a matter of adiaphora and is therefore governed by important questions other than "Is it permissible?" The thoughtful child of God will ask if the use or non-use of such a thing in Christian freedom is loving and wise. We will also ask if it might be a cause for confusion or spiritual stumbling (a matter of spiritual offense). On the basis of such issues and questions an appropriate decision should be made by a specific believer in a specific situation. The issue of the object's "beauty" is relatively unimportant and frivolous compared with the weightier considerations.

I believe the above can be aptly applied to almost any question of behavior and/or practice not specifically addressed in the Word. Should Christian parents have their male children circumcised? Apply the above, it comes right out of Paul’s reasoning in Scripture.

The Perfect Church

I went to the early service and Sunday School of The First Baptist Church in Davenport, then went to the later service at Four Corners Baptist Church. I will visit with the pastors of these two churches as we continue to seek where God would have us go.

Some folks have assumed we are looking for the “Perfect Church.” There is none, not on this earth! We want only to be where God would place us.

We don’t care if the music is modern or traditional.

We don’t care if the pastor is not a great orator or entertainer.

We don’t care if the building is big and fancy, or if they have a building at all.

We don’t care if there are slick visuals, bulletins newsletters, etc.

We care that the Bible is taught as the inerrant Word of God.

We care that the a legitimate, scholarly and accurate translation of Bible is used.

We care that each member of the Trinity be represented as the Bible does.

We care that prayer and evangelism and serious Bible study be core programs.

I could go on, but basically, we seek an imperfect church home where imperfect people join together to seek, experience and grow in Christ Jesus...

Imperfectly said, but heartfelt, nonetheless.

Homeless

I wrote Pastor Mike and withdrew my church membership late last night. My big concerns and issues of prayer are that my leaving will not harm The Vine in any way and that those I love so much will not read anything personal into my decision.

How much of my reason for withdrawing should be made known? I don’t really know how to handle that. I don’t think anyone else should leave and pray no one does!

Now that I have “officially” left, I have no church home even though I, of course, remain part of the family of God. Richard and I researched on the internet and drove around prayerfully looking for churches... a low tech search method he prefers.

Who knows where I’ll be tomorrow morning, but God willing, I’ll be in some church or another.

Final Stretch

Our Friday Morning Bible Class met this morning. I was late, BOO! What a blessing to see my sweet friends! Mike and Arcena came walking through, having taken care of their church business. I love all these folks so much!

Nancy knows me so well. She knew my heart last Sunday even though she knew nothing of the details. She and Sally seem to read my thoughts, but in a sweet and caring way.

When I got home, I knew I had to make some tough choices but also knew already where I had to stand on the language of the Body of Christ and how the Lord is presented.

Time for extended and fervent prayer. Should I fast?

Never Again!!

On August 7, 2009, at 12hr 34 minutes and 56 seconds, the time and date will be

12:34:56 07Day/08Mo/09

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

This will never happen in your life again !!

Bright Spot

We met Sarah and Anthony for a great evening at La Nouba. Because they were on a belated honeymoon "trip,” I did not share with them all that was on my heart.

Actually, although still saddened, I am no longer burdened. I have left it all with God and trust His leading as well as His timing.

Laying It Down

I have written five trusted believers about my concerns and laid the issue down before the Lord. I am exhausted.

In Prayer

Spent most of the day in prayer. It is so important that I follow the Lord’s will and NOT mine.

Troubled

I have been troubled over the changing lexicon (a sort of vocabulary) of Christianity and have been in much prayer about this issue over the past months. For example, some pastors and Christian leaders refer to Jesus as our Leader and Forgiver, stating modern (especially unchurched) folks can't get their minds around "Lord and Savior."

I am deeply troubled by that. I also do not believe that...

Oh, there is no doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ is LORD and SAVIOR and that He is also a Leader and Forgiver. I am troubled by the fact that the exclusivity of the former term is lost in the latter... and isn't that, after it is all said and done, what Jesus is all about? He is the One and Only Lord and Savior!

Prayers of Children

I spent the day at the Holy Land Experience, as I usually do on Saturdays. They have had rain almost every day this week right about time for one of the most evangelical presentations, the “Behold the Lamb” performance depicting Christ’s betrayal, torture, crucifixion and resurrection. Then soon after the show gets cancelled, the weather begins to clear up. We’ve been praying about that and today, the weather stayed fine throughout both performances, praise God!

One of the day’s best blessings was the number of children who came to ask for prayer. Normally, when children come for prayer as I sit in one of the Prayer garden;s shady nooks, it is with a parent, but today they came independently and two had already written out their need on one of our blue Prayer Request forms!

My evening was quiet and sweet. Richard and I played hearts online with two computer robots. I usually win because I am starkly conservative. He, on the other hand, tries to “shoot the moon” way too often ;-)