Monday, December 28, 2009

Dear Ones, just wanted you to know that I'm not feeling the way I'd like to. Went into ER on Christmas morning with severe nausea & vertigo. Was taken to the hospital later that day and stayed there until yesterday. The main concern my doctors have right now is that my platelet count has dropped drastically. I contacted my hemotologist to learn he's out of town, but thankfully he contacted his associate at the hospital downtown & I'm waiting on a call from her. I may need to go today for bloodwork & a check-up.

If you don't hear from me in a while please know I'm thinking of all of you. I must regain my strength once again. Along with a few other things. Being bed-ridden for 3 days sure takes a toll on you. I was told years ago that if you strapped an athlete to a bed for 24 hours he would be as weak as a kitten when he got up .. not sure how true that is, but it makes me feel better to know I'm at least standing.

Blessings to each of you. Take care.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Another prayer need...

A close friend of my Mom, Pauline Osborne, is caring for her husband Brian, who has Alzheimers and is deteroriating quickly. Please pray for Pauline and Brian as they deal with this life-threatening illness.

Thank you.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Merry Christmas from Louis

& Rocky

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Prayer updates....


Carson has been allowed to come home and his parents heard his first cry on Tuesday of this week.

Timmie has been diagnosed with a type of juvenile arthritis and is home, but fevers keep returning.

Geraldine Perkins has had a stroke and in in the hospital.

Thank you for praying for these folks.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Please pray for JoAnn D ... she's been diagnosed with breast cancer and goes Friday, Dec. 11 to have a port put in for chemotherapy.

Thank you!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009


Isn't this one of the cutest puppy faces you've seen in a while? This is Rocky, our Grandpup # 4. He lives just down the street and comes to stay with us during the day while his 'parents' work and his 'sisters' are at school. On some days, it is only his cuteness that makes us want to take care of him. After all, he IS a puppy ... which means 'a big dog in training'. At least that's how I see it.

Over all he's a joy to have around ... he sleeps a lot and will follow us around just to lie at our feet. Otherwise he prefers being next to us on the couch. His accidents are few and I'm grateful for that. But he's learning the joys of running around the back yard and refuses to come to us when he's called. We'll keep working on that.

I was grateful he was here today. My husband was out so it was just Rocky & me. I received an upsetting phone call and found myself wondering "what next? what now?" I came upstairs for just a bit and left Rocky downstairs. When I went back down he was sitting in our front room with the strangest expression on his face ... he looked kind of lost, if that's possible. When he saw me, he came and stood right in front of me as I sat on the bottom stair. I realized he might have thought I was gone and I began to pet him and told him "I'm here, I won't leave you. I love you". Somehow I firmly believe our pets know what we're saying and can pick up on our emotions.

As I continued telling him that, and then hugging him as he nestled closer to me, I sensed the Lord saying that very thing to me "I'm here, I won't leave you. I love you". And then tears came and my concern about the phone call lessened just a bit.

I walked into the kitchen a few minutes later and sure enough, Rocky followed and laid at my feet on the rug where I was standing. I then thought "he's perfectly content just being at my feet" ... and then I realized that was a perfect place for me to be today .... at the feet of Jesus, resting in the knowledge He knew about the upsetting phone call and He will see me through this.

He has seen me through so much and He will see me through whatever today or tomorrow or the next day will hold. All I must do is rest in Him. Tell Him what He already knows and rest in His providence and care.

I am thankful for Rocky and the lessons I'm learning through this little pup. Thankful that God teaches us in ways we can fully understand. Thankful that He loves me in spite of me and that He will never leave me nor forsake me. When I am afraid, I will trust in Thee....
A prayer request:

Friends of mine will be meeting on Monday, Dec. 14 with attorneys to hopefully conclude business transactions that involve one of their family members. She is asking that we pray for successful outcomes for all parties involved.

Thank you!

Monday, December 7, 2009

This is a rather long post ... it came in an email today from Col. John Haumersen, Clyde's commanding officer while he was in the Army. He's a very educated man who cares deeply for our country. Please take the time to read this:

"News you might need.
For those of you who need or want it here is a pretty simple run down on some of the lies being told. about fossil fuels and other climate change material. Sel is a long time friend, West Point Graduate, Certified Oil drilling engineer and attorney for the oil industry. He is smart as any one I know and was raised at WP on the idea "I will not lie nor cheat nor steal nor tolerate those who do."
...John"



Kiwanis Club talk on Cap & Trade
December 7, 2009
by
Seldon B. Graham, Jr.
World War II veteran

Today is the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. I am giving you the Private George E. Elliott, Jr. Memorial Commemorative message.

Private Elliott was the Army radar operator on Opana Mountain near Kahuku Point, the northern point of the island of Oahu on the morning of December 7, 1941. Private Elliott saw on radar a large group of aircraft rapidly approaching Oahu from the north 137 miles away at 7:02 a.m., 53 minutes before the first bomb fell on Pearl Harbor. He reported these facts to his headquarters at Fort Shafter.

His superior officers ignored Private Elliott’s facts. The reply from Fort Shafter was, “Don’t worry about it.” Had the military acted upon Private Elliott’s facts, there would have been plenty of time to have fighter aircraft in the air and all guns manned before the Japanese planes reached Pearl Harbor.

Disasters are caused by ignoring facts. Witness the recent massacre at Fort Hood. This morning, I am going to give you facts on energy. Please do not ignore facts which endanger our Country.

The word “Country” is one of the words in the three-word motto engraved on my ring which I have worn every day for nearly six decades. These three words are Duty, Honor, Country. Honor is for an honor code which requires me not to lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do. Duty requires me to defend my Country from lies. I do not tolerate those who lie. Nothing makes me angrier than those who lie to me, particularly those lies which hurt my Country.

I would like to offer 5 quotations which are particularly relevant to energy. Sophocles, over 2400 years ago, said, “What people believe prevails over the truth.” Mark Twain said, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble; it’s the things you know for sure that just ain’t so.” Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s Propaganda Minister, said, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” Bernard Baruch said, “Every man has a right to be wrong in his opinions; but, no man has a right to be wrong in his facts.” To paraphrase Marilyn vos Savant: “Don’t argue; just provide facts to those having a different opinion from yours.” I do not intend to give an argument. I intend to provide facts.

The following are seven lies about energy. I don’t use the word “lies” lightly. A lie is a false statement made with the intent to deceive. If there is no intent to deceive, there is no lie. There are many more lies about energy than the ones I list, but these are seven critical lies causing billions of dollars in wasted federal taxpayer funds.

Lie No. 1. Carbon dioxide is a hazard to the health and welfare of Americans.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared this on April 17, 2009. It is a lie. The sad part is that it is an official government lie which is so obviously a lie. The truth is that carbon dioxide is absolutely essential to the health and welfare of Americans. Without carbon dioxide, sunlight and chlorophyll, there would be no photosynthesis to bring us the trees, plants and carbohydrates we need to live.

Ocean warming and solar activity make up about 97% of the carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere and are clearly the big producers of carbon dioxide. The other 3% of the carbon dioxide in the air is from human and animal breath, carbonated beverages, yeast, dry ice, and burning fuel in fireplaces, barbecue grills, campfires, California wildfires, power plants and vehicles. Carbon dioxide from fossil fuel is only a tiny fraction in this 3% percent. According to the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center which only tracks this tiny fraction of this 3%, only 19% of that is from within the United States. That is an extremely small amount of fossil fuel emissions to cost two trillion dollars in the cap and trade scheme.

The sole purpose of this blatant lie about carbon dioxide by our government is to make the carbon dioxide emissions of “fossil fuel” and only “fossil fuel” a hazard to the health and welfare of Americans.

Lie No. 2. Fossil fuel is not radioactive, so that’s how we can tell fossil fuel is the cause of climate change.
John Holdren, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (“Science Czar”) said this, paraphrased for clarity, at “The American Response to Climate Change,” Tupper Lake, New York, on June 25, 2008. It is a lie.

Carbon 14 is the rare radioactive isotope of carbon found in trace amounts in almost everything. Carbon 14 is one part per trillion of the carbon in the atmosphere. Cosmic particles, mainly protons, striking the upper atmosphere convert nitrogen into carbon 14 which quickly combines with oxygen to form radioactive carbon dioxide. It is this carbon 14 in radioactive carbon dioxide which is being measured in carbon dating.
The truth is that petroleum is a Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM). The Railroad Commission of Texas has a website, <http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/environmental/publications/norm.php>, which gives notice to the public that petroleum is a a NORM. Petroleum is a Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material and is not the cause of climate change.

All that you have to do to prove conclusively that the Science Czar is wrong is to check your natural gas meter with a Geiger counter.

Lie No. 3. The USA can "clean" the air by reducing carbon dioxide.

This is a lie for many reasons, the main one being that carbon dioxide is neither unclean nor unhealthy nor hazardous.

Lie No. 4. Alternative renewable biofuel is “clean” and therefore emits no carbon dioxide.
This is the position of the millions of so-called environmentalists who will financially benefit from alternative renewable biofuel. It is a lie.

The truth is that alternative renewable ethanol emits about a pound more of carbon dioxide into the air than a gallon of gasoline.

No matter what ethanol is made of, it only contains 76,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy which is only 61% of the energy in a gallon of gasoline. Therefore, alternative renewable ethanol gets such poor mileage that it takes 1.64 gallons of ethanol to do the same amount of work as a gallon of gasoline. This amount of alternative renewable ethanol emits about a pound more of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than a gallon of gasoline. Using alternative renewable biofuels emits more, not less, carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Alternative renewable biofuels are not “clean” where “clean” infers no carbon dioxide.
This is the insanity of carbon credits (which have already made Al Gore 700 million dollars). The public should get carbon credits for using gasoline insteady of high-carbon biofuel.

Lie No. 5. Alternative renewable fuels can replace oil.

This is said by millions of politicians and so-called environmentalists who want to eliminate oil. It is a lie.
The truth is that corn ethanol will require 12 more years of increased production in order to be able to produce only 15% of our current oil demand. Clearly, corn ethanol cannot replace oil.

The US simply does not have the crop land to produce enough alternative renewable fuel to replace oil. The corn crop land in the US is about the size of New Mexico, our 5th largest state. Using the size of New Mexico as a measurement, poplar tree chips would require an annual poplar forest twice the size of New Mexico to replace our current oil demand. Switchgrass would require 2.6 times, sugar cane would require 3.8 times, and palm oil 4.6 times the size of New Mexico. We do not have that much land for biofuel crops.
Algae would require a controlled chemical tank 1.5 times the size of New Mexico.

Lie No. 6. Compressed Natural Gas vehicles are safe.

This is said by those who benefit from the sale of CNG vehicles. It is a lie.

The truth is that natural gas is a highly explosive “fossil fuel” at about 3,000 pounds per square inch in CNG vehicles. CNG vehicles are Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) waiting for a terrorist to ignite the explosion.

Lie No. 7. Hydrogen vehicles are the answer to the energy problem.

This is said by those who benefit from the sale of hydrogen vehicles. It is a lie.
The truth is that hydrogen energy is always less than the energy required to manufacture hydrogen. Therefore, hydrogen vehicles waste energy.

In summary, remember the Private Elliott Memorial Commemorative warning message. Carbon dioxide is essential to your health and welfare. It is not a poisonous gas as the federal government would have you believe. Fossil fuel is not the cause of climate change. However, Mother Nature is a suspect and a “person of interest.” There is nothing dirty, unhealthy or hazardous about carbon dioxide. Air is not “cleaned” by reducing carbon dioxide. Alternative renewable biofuel emits more carbon dioxide into the air than gasoline and should not be called “clean.” The words “clean” and “green” should not be used together. Alternative renewable biofuel cannot replace oil. There is not enough crop land in the United States for biofuel to replace oil. CNG cars are IEDs. Hydrogen cars waste energy.

I have discussed only some of the lies which special interests spread to the great detriment of our Country and its citizens. It is ironic that the Copenhagen Climate Conference — to spread these energy lies globally — starts today, the same day as Pearl Harbor Day. Don’t forget Private Elliott’s warning. Disasters can be caused by ignoring facts.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Please pray for MaryAnn Moore ... many of you know her. Her husband called my Mom this evening and asked us to pray. It seems she's developed some heart problems due to medication that she's taking for another health issue.

Thank you!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Updates on the little ones:

Carson is much improved!

Timmie is still quite ill, please continue praying.

Also, let's pray for Trish's Mom ... Trish wrote:
"Please pray for my Mama she is having surgery today. She broke her foot 4 months ago and they thought it had healed. But, she was still having pain and swelling so they did a CAT Scan...the bone isn't fused. It was just fibrous tissues that had formed around the bone. So, they are putting a steel plate to keep it in place. Thank you.love,trish"

Blessings to you all!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Updates on baby Carson & Timmy:

Carson will have a spinal tap ... it's baffling that the flu has caused infection in the bones in his feet and now this

Timmy: Is now running a fever and has pneumonia; dr's think it's from the flu

Also, please pray for Geraldine Perkins & her family. She has health needs and her family is concerned for her.

Thanks & blessings.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Nov. 30, 2009 ... we're almost at the end of another year. Not sure where time goes, perhaps we'll find out when we reach heaven.

I've not been writing much on the blog, but I do check on everyone. I've gone through another 'spell' of being very fatigued, no energy and not much desire to do much of anything other than what I have to and that is lacking.

I find myself wondering why I go these times and I also wonder if I've been a contributor to the extent of them. I think the Lord has shown me that the answer is 'yes'. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. My thoughts haven't been where they should be and my body pays the price. It's so easy to get caught up in what someone is doing and forgetting that I'm not supposed to meddle in affairs that don't concern me.

My hands need to be clean, so do my thoughts. I need to think on good things, Godly things and let the cares of this world go. That's easier said than done, but I have no reason not to work on it.

Well, enough for now. I need to get back to cleaning this office. And I have a picture to hang. My Fred painted our bathroom well over a month ago and I've yet to put anything on the walls. Simply no desire to do so till now.

Bye for now Ladies. Blessings to you all.
Please pray for these little ones:

Carson, born an 8-month preemie, has been hospitalized with a collasped lung. He's the son of my nephew's friend.

Timmy, 3 yrs old. Recently had the flu and seemed to be improving. He's developed an infection in the bones of his feet and must be treated for that. He's the son of my niece's friend.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009


Pumpkin Cheese Cake & Chocolate Pie are all ready for tomorrow. My Fred has the turkey baked already, so there's less work for tomorrow. I'll do candied sweet potatoes and he will do angel eggs, stuffing & corn tomorrow. Remember he's the cook ... I do the baking and it works out well.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed in every sense of the word...love to you all.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009


Be mindful ... those words came to me during quiet time with the Lord this morning. But what do they mean?
After sitting quietly and looking up verses in the Bible what I got from this was that...


#1. I'm to be mindful (remember) all that God has done for us

#2. Be mindful (remember) all that He has promised to do

#3. Be mindful (remember) that He keeps His word and He is completely trustworthy

#4. Be mindful (remember) that He does all for our good and in accordance with His Father's will


It takes some work on my part to do this. It takes an act of my will to remember all that God has done; all He has promised to do; that He keeps His word and is completely trustworthy and finally, that He does all for our good and in accordance with His Father's will.


I must do this! I must be mindful and remember! Pressures from the world creep in and would leave us battered and low were it not for remembering Who redeemed us ...Who cares for us ... Who guides our steps and directs our paths according to His Word ... Who cradles us in the palm of His hand ... Who cares for us in ways we cannot fathom ... Who loves us with a love that we cannot duplicate in this world ...


Yes, I must do this and I must be mindful this day. I must also pray without ceasing...those words came to me yesterday morning and I cling to them as I cling to Him, the One to Whom I direct my prayers. I recently read that when it comes to prayer, 'children ask, adults talk' .... I want to be a child in this respect. I want to ask and trust and know that my Father hears and cares and will answer in such a way that all glory will be His.


May each one reading this be mindful this day .... may you also pray without ceasing and may you come into a deeper relationship with the One Who purchased your salvation.

Blessings.


Monday, November 9, 2009

Prayer need...

Another prayer request. Please pray for our son David. We thought he was improving after having bronchitis but learned this evening that he has pneumonia. He won't be able to work and that's going to be difficult for them financially. He's on a new job and is still on a probationary period. If you would ask God to give him favor with his employers I would deeply appreciate it.

Shawn & his daughters are getting better, thank the Lord.

Also, let's pray for Kelly and her family. All three of her children are sick.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Prayer need....

First, this praise report from Trish tonight:

"Praise report on my sister Pam. She finished Radiation a few months ago just had another Mammogram and the Dr. says there is NO cancer. Her prognosis is excellent!
Praise the Lord for his faithfulness."



Second, please pray for my Mom's friend Amon. He & his wife were in a car accident earlier today and his wife has died. Amon is a precious friend who would do just about anything to help anyone.


Thank you.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Please pray for these needs:


Bob Balint - He's just learned he has a cancerous tumor in his stomach. Surgery will most likely involve the removal of about half his stomach.


Barb Byrd - Having dibilitating migraine headaches due to fibromyalgia


Danita - A lady who was admitted to the hospital Wed., Nov. 4 with suspected cancer

Friday, November 6, 2009


I've been reading in the book of Matthew again this week, especially our Lord's Sermon on the Mount. It has repeatedly spoken to my heart about how I'm to be living as a follower of the One who has known me from before the world existed.


Think about that ... He has known us from before time, as we know it, began. He chose us to be His, long before we could say yes to His call. And He put within us the desire to say 'yes'. All glory is His.


How blessed we are if we know Christ as Savior and Lord. How do we properly thank Him? For me the answer is to walk as closely as I can to Him each day. To keep clean hands and a pure heart. To remember what He's teaching me in His Word by re-reading it; writing it down and reminding myself of it often through-out the day.


I'm not to meddle in things that don't concern me ... they sap my strength and dim the light He has put within me. I'm to keep my mind stayed on Him because when I do, He will keep me in perfect peace, because I trust in Him. I'm to present my body a living sacrifice which is my reasonable act of worship. I'm to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. I'm to cast down vain imaginations and every thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. I'm not to be conformed to this world.



Too often I get too busy and yet I must make time to remember and remind myself of all these things and more of what is in God's precious Word. He is the keeper of my soul and I need to remember that truth when things get difficult.

May the Lord bless each of you who read this. May needs be met and desires of the heart granted. May we learn together that He is our greatest need and that with Him we can face all our tomorrow's.

Blessings to each of you.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

If Jesus Came to Your House

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two
If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do

Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored Guest
And all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best,

And you'd keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there-
That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare

But when you saw Him coming would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?

Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in
Or hide some magazines and put the Bibles where they'd been?

Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard
And wish you hadn't uttered that last, loud, hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly music And put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder - if the Saviour spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you keep right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

Would your family conversation keep up it's usual pace,
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?

Would you sing the words you sing and read the books you read
And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed?

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go?
Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends,
Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on,
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you.

Author Unknown

Monday, November 2, 2009

Here is Love
by William Rees (1802-1883)

Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Loving kindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.


On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Time is slipping quickly through our fingers. We are closer than ever to the return of Jesus Christ. Why does this truth not fill me with anticipation and joy? As His child it should, don't you think?

The truth is I don't know that I'm ready for His return. I've failed in so many areas and would like just a little more time to correct some things.

In my journal this morning I wrote this:
I am burdened that I've not shared Christ with my neighbors. I am concerned that I need to be more about my Father's business, not mine, in whatever time we have left to do so. The return of Jesus is closer than ever before and I need to be aware of that in all that I do.

Help me Lord to rightly understand Your Word. Help me to be a doer of that Word at all costs. Help me to closely follow You each minute of my life.

Let me not be caught up in things that will not last for eternity and help me to lay up treasures in heaven. I need to guard my heart and my mind and I so need to redeem the time You've given me.

I need to be praying as never before. Help me to throw off the cloak of comfort that my flesh has grown accustomed to, then to pick up my cross and follow You.

"Keep clean hands" ... those words came to me this morning. What do they mean for me? Clean hands represent righteous actions. What I sense You saying is "don't meddle in issues that don't concern me and what God has for my life".

Job 17:9 "Yet the righteous will hold to his way, and he who has clean hands will be stronger and stronger". This is what You're saying to me Lord - thank You!

Application: Getting involved in too many things weakens me, uses precious energy that is best used in doing what I am supposed to be doing for the glory of God. It also dims the light that I am in Christ. I can't physically do as I did 40 years ago, it's foolish to think I can. So I must evaluate each day's needs and with clean hands, do what I do for the glory of God, using the strength He gives for that day. I must lay aside the temporary in exchange for the eternal.

Dear Ones, let us be about our Father's business. Let us lay aside every weight that isn't necessary for us to bear and run with patience the race that He has set before us. Let us not grow weary in doing good. Let us pray for one another and love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us be Salt and Light to our next door neighbors and our families.

Blessings to you all this Sabbath.
Louise

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I'm posting Sara's comments about infection control...


"as for health tips (i'm the infection control nurse for our hospital so i'm chalk full of useless information!); hand wash, cover your cough and if you're already compromised do simple and smart things like spacing out your shopping. the flu virus can survive 36-48 hours on hard surfaces. and although we're hearing lots of information, H1N1 is less prevelant than the "regular" flu and it acts like all flu viruses. i'm interested in that ginger business though. what kind of ginger do you use?"

Thanks for the information Sara ... I use regular ground ginger that's found in any grocery store for the ginger baths or foot soaks. Something else I'm doing is keeping a kettle of water on the stove that has whole cloves in it. Cloves are supposed to have an antiseptic property to them and that is supposed to help clean the air. At least in the kitchen, and the plus is, your house smells really, really cookie-good.

I was also reminded today that once you're over an infection, GET A NEW TOOTHBRUSH.

Our granddaughter Stephanie was home today with her sister Erica, she too is running a fever & coughing.
David is improving, so is my sister Pat. She's well enough that her surgery is rescheduled for next Wednesday.

Myndi & Megan are hanging in there and their Mom is doing better after giving herself some down time.

May you all stay well!!!
Blessings

Monday, October 26, 2009

This is Rocky ... laying against our son's feet...

Erica holding her new puppy

Stephanie cried when she saw who her folks had brought home...


In all his newness ... Rocky Moore...8 weeks old
Rescued by our son & his wife

Rocky came to our house this morning while Jane took Erica to the Dr.
He's a snuggler, very calm and mellow. I thoroughly enjoyed having him here.
He's small enough that I cradled him in my sweat shirt & carried him around.


More prayer requests ...

Our son David has Bronchitis, sounds miserable and can't take off work.

My sister Pat was scheduled to have surgery today but she's ill and had to cancel it. She is in danger of losing her job and needs to have this done before that happens and she loses her insurance. Pray for a quick recovery and for the surgery to be successful.

Our granddaughter Erica was taken to the doctor this morning. She's had a fever and a cough. Doctors don't think it's the flu, and I'm praying it doesn't go into that.

My nieces Myndi & Megan both have H1N1. Myndi has been sick for 8 days and Megan for 3. Myndi lives alone but Megan lives at home. My sister Kay has been taking things to Myndi, caring for Megan and she wasn't feeling too well herself late this afternoon.

We need to be praying for one another and using every precaution we can during these next few months. I'm seriously considering wearing disposable gloves when I go grocery shopping, in addition to other preventative measures. My Fred & I have also decided to do our grocery shopping every two weeks, rather than once a week, just to stay out of stores.

If anyone has any tips on staying well, let's post them. One I recommended to my nieces was to take Ginger baths...they help you feel better. Myndi's fever has been running 102-104 and after she did a Ginger bath last night, it dropped to 100. I read about this home remedy years ago. You put about 3 tablespoons of Ginger in warm bath water and soak for awhile, then shower off and go to bed. If you can't do baths, then soak your feet in Ginger water. I know it may sound crazy, but if it works, it's worth a try.

Blessings to you all and good night.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

More photos from our home...
This small lamp & bear sit in the corner of our Grand-girls' room
The lamp cost $10.00 years ago & Ms. Bear is a thrift-store find with plastic pearls
I think I have Bears in most every room of our house

This chair is in the corner of the Girls' room ... I bought it for twenty-five cents at a yard sale a few years ago. It's solid oak and had been painted black. The older gentleman who owned it said it had been used in one of the elementary schools. It took me a while, but I finally sanded most of the black off, painted it a cream color and then stenciled roses on it. My Fred thought I was out of my mind when he first saw it, but once it was done, he approved of the purchase. I dearly enjoy bargains!

This bed is over a 100 years old now. My Mother-in-law gave it to us over 25 years ago. It is one of the old iron bedsteads used in the south long ago; now they are treasures if you can find them. It was a rusted color and had belonged to my husband's grandmother. We sanded it and my Fred painted it and I just enjoy looking at it, knowing it's been in his family for all these years.

See the quilt hanging on the rack behind the bed? I'd like to say that was homemade, but it wasn't. It came as part of the comforter/shams/bed skirt deal I found at JC Penney's. My Fred did make the quilt ladder. Once he painted it, I stenciled tiny roses up the sides of it.

Lying on the foot of the bed is a white, hand-crocheted tablecloth. It took me two years to make it, way back in early 1980. A friend (Jean Vallis) was a woman who loved to crochet and I took on this task after seeing her work. I was making it for a specific table we had back then, but by the time it was finished, we no longer had the table! I use it as a throw, as seen here, and sometimes put it on an old, antique fold up table that we have in the dining area. It's made out of white crochet thread, not yarn, and has butterflies on four sides.

The small table under the window was given to me by my Mom...the lamp is a thrift store find and there's a small jewelry box underneath the tiny picture. The box too came from the thrift store. I refinished it, added stenciling & now my girls keep their special things in it when they spend the nite.



This old dresser also came from my Mother-in-law. My Fred thought I was looney to want to bring it all the way from Kentucky to MI long, long ago. It was painted a not-inviting blue color, with many layers of paint underneath it. Fred said "And just what are you going to do with this thing?" And I said "One day I'll have enough money to have someone strip this paint off and you'll see what's underneath." It took quite a long time before we had it re-done. Our boys used it as it was for years, they didn't mind ugly blue. A friend took it to his home and spent quite a while uncovering the beauty of oak wood that had been covered with paint all those years.

He called one day to tell me he had taken the back off the mirror and had found newspaper articles, faded and falling apart, behind the backing. He brought them to us when he finished the dresser and we caught glimpses through torn paper of what the world thought of Teddy Roosevelt way back then.

The old lamp that sits on this dresser was bought from a friend about 30 years ago. She loved antiques and sold it to me for a reasonable price. At one time it had been a gas-fired lamp, but someone had converted it to electric. It still works! See another bear sitting up there? I love them. The angel hanging on the side of the mirror came from my Mom. Our youngest son Shawn has made me promise that this dresser will be his one day. And it shall be.

Hope you've enjoyed another look at where I live and what is in our home. I so enjoy the older pieces that hold family history and I'm thankful our son wants to carry part of that on in his own home one day. It's good to take stock and remember where we've come from and what it's taken to get us to where we are. It's also good to invest in things that will last longer than we will, even if they are already old. By today's standards we've not spent much money at all on furniture. When it's well built and comfortable, why get rid of it just to keep with what the world tries to convince us we need? As I've heard for years "If it's not broke, don't fix it" and "Make do with what you have and be thankful you have it".

I find myself wanting to make some quilts and have been pulling out fabric that I've had stashed. Lo & behold I found a quilt top I made ....when? How long ago? I don't remember! But it's there. A simple, patch-work quilt top that I can now finish. I've also put together some fabric that I can piece together to make more tops. I was going to go to JoAnn & buy more fabric, but those words "Make do with what you have and be thankful you have it" stopped me from doing that. I want to use up what I have before buying any more. They won't be fancy, but they'll be made by me and I'll put my name & the date on the back and perhaps share them with my sisters, nieces and grandgirls. Heaven knows I have enough girls in this family to keep me busy a good long while.

I shall go for tonight & get ready for bed. We're going to church in the morning, Lord willing.

May your Sunday be blessed and may all be kept safe through-out this season of colds & flu.

Blessings!


Friday, October 23, 2009

Some glimpses into our home...
This is the small table in our bedroom ... some of my books & of course, Teddy Bears
sit where I can see them. A chair is on the right of this table for reading

Our living room a couple of years ago... I took down the hanging greenery .. too much to dust


My computer room ... scrapbooking room ...

The Fall Wreath on the front door ... I made this years ago & thought of re-doing it, but then said "No, it's fine, leave it alone" so it's up for another season

I'll post more photos later so you can see where I live...

Thursday, October 22, 2009

My Mom called earlier this evening and asked that we pray for Norma Ramey. She's been taken to emergency with a suspected heart attack. Will update you when I hear from Mom.
Come Before Winter
by Clarence Macartney1879–1957

“Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me….
Do thy diligence to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:9, 21)

Napoleon Bonaparte and the Apostle Paul are the most renowned prisoners of history. One was in prison because the peace of the world demanded it; the other because he sought to give to men that peace which the world cannot give and which the world cannot take away. One had the recollection of cities and homes which he had wasted and devastated; the other had the recollection of homes and cities and nations which had been blessed by his presence and cheered by his message. One had shed rivers of blood upon which to float his ambitions. The only blood the other had shed was that which had flowed from his own wounds for Christ’s sake. One could trace his path to glory by ghastly trails of the dead which stretched from the Pyrenees to Moscow and from the Pyramids to Mount Tabor. The other could trace his path to prison, death, and immortal glory by the hearts that he had loved and the souls that he had gathered into the Kingdom of God.
 
Napoleon once said,
“I love nobody, not even my own brothers.” It is not strange, therefore, that at the end of his life, on his rock prison in the South Atlantic, he said, “I wonder if there is anyone in the world who really loves me.”
 
But Paul loved all men. His heart was the heart of the world, and from his lonely prison at Rome he sent out messages which glow with love unquenchable and throb with fadeless hope.
 
When a man enters the straits of life, he is fortunate if he has a few friends upon whom he can count to the uttermost. Paul had three such friends. The first of these three, whose name needs no mention, was that One who would be the friend of every man, the friend who laid down his life for us all. The second was that man whose face is almost the first, and almost the last, we see in life — the physician. This friend Paul handed down to immortality with that imperishable encomium, “Luke, the beloved physician,” and again, “Only Luke is with me.” The third of these friends was the Lycaonian youth Timothy, half Hebrew and half Greek, whom Paul affectionately called “My son in the faith.” When Paul had been stoned by the mob at Lystra in the highlands of Asia Minor and was dragged out of the city gates and left for dead, perhaps it was Timothy who, when the night had come down, and the passions of the mob had subsided, went out of the city gates to search amid stones and rubbish until he found the wounded, bleeding body of Paul and, putting his arm about the Apostle’s neck, wiped the blood stains from his face, poured the cordial down his lips and then took him home to the house of his godly grandmother Lois and his pious mother Eunice. If you form a friendship in a shipwreck, you never forget the friend. The hammer of adversity welds human hearts into an indissoluble amalgamation. Paul and Timothy each had in the other a friend who was born for adversity.
 
Paul’s last letter is to this dearest of his friends, Timothy, whom he has left in charge of the church at far-off Ephesus. He tells Timothy that he wants him to come and be with him at Rome. He is to stop at Troas on the way and pick up his books, for Paul is a scholar even to the end. Make friends with good books. They will never leave you nor forsake you. He is to bring the cloak, too, which Paul had left at the house of Carpus in Troas. What a robe the Church would weave for Paul today if it had that opportunity! But this is the only robe that Paul possesses. It has been wet with the brine of the Mediterranean, white with the snows of Galatia, yellow with the dust of the Egnatian Way and crimson with the blood of his wounds for the sake of Christ. It is getting cold at Rome, for the summer is waning, and Paul wants his robe to keep him warm. But most of all Paul wants Timothy to bring himself. “Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me,” he writes; and then, just before the close of the letter, he says, “Do thy diligence to come before winter.”
 
Why “before winter”? Because when winter set in the season for navigation closed in the Mediterranean and it was dangerous for ships to venture out to sea. How dangerous it was, the story of Paul’s last shipwreck tells us. If Timothy waits until winter, he will have to wait until spring; and Paul has a premonition that he will not last out the winter, for he says, “The time of my departure is at hand.” We like to think that Timothy did not wait a single day after that letter from Paul reached him at Ephesus, but started at once to Troas, where he picked up the books and the old cloak in the house of Carpus, then sailed past Samothrace to Neapolis, and thence traveled by the Egnatian Way across the plains of Philippi and through Macedonia to the Adriatic, where he took ship to Brundisium, and then went up the Appian Way to Rome, where he found Paul in his prison, read to him from the Old Testament, wrote his last letters, walked with him to the place of execution near the Pyramid of Cestius, and saw him receive the crown of glory.
 
Before winter or never! There are some things which will never be done unless they are done “before winter.” The winter will come and the winter will pass, and the flowers of the springtime will deck the breast of the earth, and the graves of some of our opportunities, perhaps the grave of our dearest friend. There are golden gates wide open on this autumn day, but next October they will be forever shut. There are tides of opportunity running now at the flood. Next October they will be at the ebb. There are voices speaking today which a year from today will be silent. Before winter or never!
 
I like all seasons. I like winter with its clear, cold nights and the stars like silver-headed nails driven into the vault of heaven. I like spring with its green growth, its flowing streams, its revirescent hope. I like summer with the litany of gentle winds in the tops of the trees, its long evenings and the songs of its birds. But best of all I like autumn. I like its mist and haze, its cool morning air, its field strewn with the blue aster and the goldenrod; the radiant livery of the forests — “yellow, and black, and pale, and hectic red.” But how quickly the autumn passes! It is the perfect parable of all that fades. Yesterday I saw the forests in all their splendor, and Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
But tomorrow the rain will fall, the winds will blow, and the trees will be stripped and barren. Therefore, every returning autumn brings home to me the sense of the preciousness of life’s opportunities — their beauty, but also their brevity. It fills me with the desire to say not merely something about the way that leads to life eternal but, with the help of God, something which shall move men to take the way of life now, today. Taking our suggestion, then, from this message of Paul in the prison at Rome to Timothy in far-off Ephesus — “Come before winter” — let us listen to some of those voices which now are speaking so earnestly to us, and which a year from today may be forever silent.


I. The Voice Which Calls for Reformation

Your character can be amended and improved, but not at just any time. There are favorable seasons. In the town of my boyhood I delighted to watch on a winter’s night the streams of molten metal writhing and twisting like lost spirits as they poured from the furnaces of the wire mill. Before the furnace doors stood men in leathern aprons, with iron tongs in their hands, ready to seize the fiery coils and direct them to the molds. But if the iron was permitted to cool below a certain temperature, it refused the mold. There are times when life’s metal is, as it were, molten, and can be worked into any design that is desired. But if it is permitted to cool, it tends toward a state of fixation, in which it is possible neither to do nor even to plan a good work. When the angel came down to trouble the pool at Jerusalem, then was the time for the sick to step in and be healed. There are moments when the pool of life is troubled by the angel of opportunity. Then a man, if he will, can go down and be made whole; but if he waits until the waters are still, it is too late.
 
A man who had been under the bondage of an evil habit relates how one night, sitting in his room in a hotel, he was assailed by his old enemy, his besetting sin, and was about to yield to it. He was reaching out his hand to ring the bell for a waiter, when suddenly, as if an angel stood before him, a voice seemed to say, “This is your hour. If you yield to this temptation now, it will destroy you. If you conquer it now, you are its master forever.” He obeyed the angel’s voice, refused the tempter and came off victorious over his enemy.
 
That man was not unique in his experience, for to many a man there comes the hour when destiny knocks at his door and the angel waits to see whether he will obey him or reject him. These are precious and critical moments in the history of the soul. In your life there may be that which you know to be wrong and sinful. In his mercy God has awakened conscience, or has flooded your heart with a sudden wave of contrition and sorrow. This is the hour of opportunity, for now chains of evil habit can be broken, which, if not broken, will bind us forever. Now golden goals can be chosen and decisions made which shall affect our destiny forever.
 
We like to quote those fine lines from the pen of the late Senator John J. Ingalls:
Master of human destinies am I!Fame, love, and fortune on my footsteps wait.Cities and fields I walk; I penetrateDeserts and fields remote, and, passing byHovel and mart and palace, soon or late,I knock unbidden once at every gate!If sleeping, wake; if feasting, rise beforeI turn away. It is the hour of fate,And they who follow me reach every stateMortals desire, and conquer every foeSave death; but those who doubt or hesitate,Condemned to failure, penury or woe,Seek me in vain and uselessly implore —I answer not, and I return no more.

We all recognize the truth of this in the things of this world, but in a far more solemn way it is true of the opportunities of our spiritual life. You can build a bonfire any time you please; but the fine fire of the Spirit, that is a different thing. God has his Moment!

We cannot kindle when we willThe fire that in the heart resides.The Spirit bloweth and is still;In mystery the soul abides.
 
II. The Voice of Friendship and Affection

Suppose that Timothy, when he received that letter from Paul asking him to come before winter, had said to himself: “Yes, I shall start for Rome; but first of all I must clear up some matters here at Ephesus, and then go down to Miletus to ordain elders there, and thence over to Colossae to celebrate the Communion there.” When he has attended to these matters, he starts for Troas, and there inquires when he can get a ship which will carry him across to Macedonia, and thence to Italy, or one that is sailing around Greece into the Mediterranean. He is told that the season for navigation is over and that no vessels will sail till springtime. “No ships for Italy till April!”
 
All through that anxious winter we can imagine Timothy reproaching himself that he did not go at once when he received Paul’s letter, and wondering how it fares with the Apostle. When the first vessel sails in the springtime, Timothy is a passenger on it. I can see him landing at Neapolis, or Brundisium, and hurrying up to Rome. There he seeks out Paul’s prison, only to be cursed and repulsed by the guard. Then he goes to the house of Claudia, or Pudens, or Narcissus, or Mary, or Ampliatus, and asks where he can find Paul. I can hear them say: “And are you Timothy? Don’t you know that Paul was beheaded last December? Every time the jailer put the key in the door of his cell, Paul thought you were coming. His last message was for you, ‘Give my love to Timothy, my beloved son in the faith, when he comes.’” How Timothy then must have wished that he had come before winter!
 
Before winter or never! “The poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always,” said Jesus when the disciples complained that Mary’s costly and beautiful gift of ointment might have been expended in behalf of the poor. “Me ye have not always.” That is true of all the friends we love. We cannot name them now, but next winter we shall know their names. With them, as far as our ministry is concerned, it is before winter or never.
 
In the Old Abbey Kirk at Haddington one can read over the grave of Jane Welsh the first of many pathetic and regretful tributes paid by Thomas Carlyle to his neglected wife: “For forty years she was a true and loving helpmate of her husband, and by act and word worthily forwarded him as none else could in all worthy he did or attempted. She died at London the 21st of April, 1866, suddenly snatched from him, and the light of his life as if gone out.” It has been said that the saddest sentence in English literature is that sentence written by Carlyle in his diary, “Oh, that I had you yet for five minutes by my side, that I might tell you all.” Hear, then, careless soul, who art dealing with loved ones as if thou wouldst have them always with thee, these solemn words of warning from Carlyle: “Cherish what is dearest while you have it near you, and wait not till it is far away. Blind and deaf that we are, O think, if thou yet love anybody living, wait not till death sweep down the paltry little dust clouds and dissonances of the moment, and all be made at last so mournfully clear and beautiful, when it is too late.”
 
On one of the early occasions when I preached on this text in Philadelphia, there was present at the service a student in the Jefferson Medical College (Dr. Arnot Walker, New Galilee, Pennsylvania). When the service was over he went back to his room on Arch Street, where the text kept repeating itself in his mind, “Come before winter.” “Perhaps,” he thought to himself, “I had better write a letter to my mother.” He sat down and wrote a letter such as a mother delights to receive from her son. He took the letter down the street, dropped it in a mailbox, and returned to his room. The next day in the midst of his studies a telegram was placed in his hand. Tearing it open, he read these words: “Come home at once. Your mother is dying.” He took the train that night for Pittsburgh, and then another train to the town near the farm where his home was. Arriving at the town, he was driven to the farm and, hurrying up the stairs, found his mother still living, with a smile of recognition and satisfaction on her face — the smile which, if a man has once seen, he can never forget.
 
Under her pillow was the letter he had written her after the Sunday night service, her viaticum and heartease as she went down into the River. The next time he met me in Philadelphia he said, “I am glad you preached that sermon, ‘Come Before Winter.’” Not a few have been glad because this sermon was preached. Let us pray that the preaching of it tonight shall move others to do that which shall make their hearts glad in the years to come.
 
Twice coming to the sleeping disciples whom he had asked to watch with him in the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ awakened them and said with sad surprise, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” When he came the third time and found them sleeping, he looked sadly down upon them and said, “Sleep on now, and take your rest.” One of those three, James, was the first of the twelve apostles to die for Christ and seal his faith with his heart’s blood. Another, John, was to suffer imprisonment for the sake of Christ on the isle that is called Patmos. And Peter was to be crucified for his sake. But never again could those three sleeping disciples ever watch with Jesus in his hour of agony. That opportunity was gone forever! You say, when you hear that a friend has gone, “Why, it cannot be possible! I saw him only yesterday on the corner of Smithfield and Sixth Avenue!” Yes, you saw him there yesterday, but you will never see him there again. You say you intended to do this thing, to speak this word of appreciation or amendment, or show this act of kindness; but now the vacant chair, the unlifted book, the empty place will speak to you with a reproach which your heart can hardly endure, “Sleep on now, and take your rest! Sleep! Sleep! Sleep forever!”III. The Voice of ChristMore eager, more wistful, more tender than any other voice is the voice of Christ which now I hear calling men to come to him, and to come before winter. I wish I had been there when Christ called his disciples, Andrew and Peter, and James and John, by the Sea of Galilee, or Matthew as he was sitting at the receipt of custom. There must have been a note not only of love and authority but of immediacy and urgency in his voice, for we read that they “left all and followed him.”
 
The greatest subject which can engage the mind and attention of man is eternal life. Hence the Holy Spirit, when he invites men to come to Christ, never says “Tomorrow” but always “Today.” If you can find me one place in the Bible where the Holy Spirit says, “Believe in Christ tomorrow,” or “Repent and be saved tomorrow,” I will come down out of the pulpit and stay out of it — for I would have no Gospel to preach. But the Spirit always says, “Today,” never “Tomorrow.” “Now is the accepted time.” “Now is the day of salvation.” “Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” “While it is called Today.”
 
The reason for this urgency is twofold. First, the uncertainty of human life. A long time ago, David, in his last interview with Jonathan, said, “As thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.” That is true of every one of us. But a step! What shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue!
An old rabbi used to say to his people, “Repent the day before you die.”
“But,” they said to him, “Rabbi, we know not the day of our death.”
“Then,” he answered, “repent today.”
 
Come before winter!
The second reason why Christ, when he calls a man, always says "Today, and never Tomorrow", is that tomorrow the disposition of a man’s heart may have changed. There is a time to plant, and a time to reap. The heart, like the soil, has its favorable seasons. “Speak to my brother now! His heart is tender now!” a man once said to me concerning his brother, who was not a believer. Today a man may hear this sermon and be interested, impressed, almost persuaded, ready to take his stand for Christ and enter into eternal life. But he postpones his decision and says, “Not tonight, but tomorrow.” A week hence, a month hence, a year hence, he may come back and hear the same call to repentance and to faith. But it has absolutely no effect upon him, for his heart is as cold as marble and the preacher might as well preach to a stone or scatter seed on the marble pavement below this pulpit. Oh, if the story of this one church could be told, if the stone should cry out of the wall and the beam out of the timber should answer, what a story they could tell of those who once were almost persuaded but who now are far from the Kingdom of God. Christ said, Today! They answered, Tomorrow!
 
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,And all our yesterdays have lighted foolsThe way to dusty death.

Once again, then, I repeat these words of the Apostle, “Come before winter”; and as I pronounce them, common sense, experience, conscience, Scripture, the Holy Spirit, the souls of just men made perfect, and the Lord Jesus Christ all repeat with me, “Come before winter!” Come before the haze of Indian summer has faded from the fields! Come before the November wind strips the leaves from the trees and sends them whirling over the fields! Come before the snow lies on the uplands and the meadow brook is turned to ice! Come before the heart is cold! Come before desire has failed! Come before life is over and your probation ended, and you stand before God to give an account of the use you have made of the opportunities which in his grace he has granted to you! Come before winter!

Come to thy God in time,
Youth, manhood, old age past;
Come to thy God at last.
Thanks for visiting Mrs. Mac and a big thank you for praying for me. I deeply appreciate it. And Trish, thanks for loving my Mom...she dearly loves you!

I had to go for additional blood work today ... talked with my hemotologist and my other dr. had ordered all the bloodwork except what he needs to know about. I'll talk with him tomorrow & we'll decide what I do next ... go in to see him or go to a vascular specialist or rheumatologist.

The Prednisone is helping my lungs but affects my ability to sleep. So, last night I did a Pat thing...prayed for all of you thru the night.

I'm going to post a rather long sermon and I ask you to please take the time to read it.

I love you all,
Blessings!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Eight Question MEME
Got this one from Trish.... who got it from Pat...

Six names you go by:
1. Louise
2. Mom
3. Gram & Grandma
4. Sis
5. ellouise
6. Weezey

Three things you are wearing right now:
1. Off white sweat shirt
2. Dark grey stretchy-baggy, comfy pants
3. White socks...I look lovely too Trish

Three things you want very badly at the moment:
1. The sick to be well
2. Salvation for family members
3. Obama to get radically saved and put his faith in Jesus Christ

Three things you did last night/yesterday:
1. Went to the doctor
2. Finished chicken-dumpling soup that Fred had made
3. Slept for almost 10 hours

Two things you ate today:
1. Plain yogurt with walnuts, raisins & apples - it's good!
2. Gingerbread ... made by Fred's Mom

Two people you last talked to on the phone:
1. Shawn
2. Sandy

Two things you are going to do today/tomorrow:
1. Grocery shop with Fred
2. Sew

Your three favorite beverages:
1. Water
2. Root beer, but not very often
3. Milk

Here's what you're supposed to do. Copy and paste the questions into your blog. Then delete my answers and type in your answers.You don't have to if you don't want to, but when you can't think of anything else to blog...this works!
An update on me...

Went to dr. yesterday for yearly physical and to tell her about some issues I'm dealing with. She wouldn't give me the flu shot because my lungs are wheezing & I'm too close to the infection of last week. I had a chest exray done and went back this morning for fasting blood work ... lots of it.

Seems there's a problem with my feet that, as she put it, "has her stumped". I'm to go see my hemotologist asap and am waiting for them to fit me in downtown. If that can't happen soon, my reg. dr. will get me in with another specialist. My feet turn a purplish/blue color when I sit or stand or walk. They are relatively normal when I'm in bed or have them propped up. (There's the answer ... stay in bed!) The pulse in said feet is good s and the oxygen levels in said feet are within normal range. They look bad ... really bad and at times they hurt quite a bit. She also put me on a prescription of Prednisone to hopefully stop the lung inflammation and wheezing. No wonder Trish calls me Weeze ... I do. I've been called that for years by those who love me.

I wanted to take my grandgirls to church tonight but decided it's best I stay home and stay away from the other little children who are there. Also best for the girls too I guess. I heard today that a suspected case of the swine flu is in one of the Southgate elementary schools.

Do any of you deal with thinking you have a lack of faith in certain areas? I do. I found myself thinking just today that if I had enough faith, I'd go to church regardless of what's going on in my body. I'd trust God to keep me safe and keep the girls safe too. Then what I call common sense seeps in and says "Use the brain God gave you Louise ... you're still dealing with asthma ... you're wheezing .. you're on Prednisone (while it works for the lungs it also makes me susceptible for secondary infections and makes me tired & hyper at the same time)...you're still doing breathing treatments 3-4 times a day, etc., etc., etc."

So today common sense has won. I am staying in and the girls are too. I can use this time to rest, read and pray for others. I can be grateful to God for insurance that pays for all this medication & dr's visits. I can be grateful too for my Fred who cooks for me and cares for me. I can realize that I cannot do it all. Not ever. And most importantly, I can face the truth that God knows about all this ... He loves me and directs my steps ... and He loves my grandgirls far more than I do. I can trust Him to care for them and for me all the time, forever and ever and ever.

Thanks for reading. I love you all very much.
Blessings!!!
Dear Friends,

Please pray for these ladies....

Vickie .... having to move to another state & dealing with panic attacks


Barb .... has severe fibromyalgia, migraine headaches & depression
(She's been under a doctor's care for these issues for a few years)


Joanie ... a lady in her 50's who's been hospitalized with swine flu...quite ill

Thank you!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Hi all. Thank you for any and all prayers. I am feeling better, thank the good Lord. On my 'good' days I tend to forget how quickly illness can hit this body of mine. I also forget how painful and frightening it is not to breathe normally. Both good things I suppose. If we lived with those issues hanging over us we wouldn't get much done. At least I wouldn't.

My Fred is in Ohio this evening. He left this morning with his Mom & his niece to go to his brother's wedding. Nothing special, a simple ceremony in a judge's chambers in city hall. But a very special something for his brother's lady friend and his Mom. JR has been with this lady for years, she's good for him and for that I'm grateful. I simply wasn't up to travelling so I stayed home for some quiet time. Just the Lord and me. I'm thinking we need to do this sort of thing more often ... all of us. Find some time, carve out some space, and get away from TV and newspapers and all that beckons and just be quiet for awhile. It's been nice.

Nothing much more to say, so I'll go for now and check on all of you before closing the blog for the night.

Blessings to you all.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Ladies if you would say a prayer for my health I would much appreciate it. I barely slept Sunday night because of pain and a fibromyalgia flare up, then I started having chills Monday evening ... I was exhausted. Then lung congestion started & I began doing breathing treatments every 4 hours and began a 10-day course of antibiotics.

This may sound weird but I don't want to go the dr. unless it's absolutely necessary because of the flu. I think maybe that's where I picked something up. I've been going weekly for blood and was there twice last week because I had to take my mother-in-law for her physical & mammogram one day, and had my blood work done the next. I should have everything in one day, huh? I simply wasn't thinking clearly. She wants me with her in the exam room otherwise my Fred could have taken her.

I think I'll call my lung dr. tomorrow to see if she can prescribe a short dose of prednisone, that's usually what it takes to end the tightness in my lungs. If I have to, I'll go in, but wear a mask.

Thank you all, you're blessings in my life.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

I haven't fallen off the earth ... at least I don't think I have. Our computer sort of died last Saturday, Sept. 26. We took it in for repair on Monday & got it back this past Friday evening. The tech was able to copy & restore most of what I had on here, and I had done a full back up the week prior to its death, but I'm still adjusting to some changes on this thing.
For those who know me well and send me emails ... please send one when you can. One thing that was lost & not retrievable was all my email addresses.
Honestly, the week w/o/c (without computer) wasn't all that bad. I missed checking on all my blog / facebook friends and I missed updating our church blog, but it was a good experience. I didn't panic when I learned it was dead but could be semi-revived. And I didn't panic when I was told the cost to bring it back. Cheaper than buying new, and it is basically new anyway. Motherboards & CPU's don't last forever, but then, what does? US if we know Christ!
Just thought I'd check in ... like Kelly said in one of her posts, facebooking can replace blogging if we let it. I check in there once in a while but for me, blogging is better.
Will go & get me ready for bed. Morning comes early.
Love you all.

Sunday, September 20, 2009


What is Truth?


"Godly living centers not on what we avoid, but on whom we embrace. Anytime we talk more about dos and don'ts than about Jesus, something's wrong. The Christian life is far more than sin management. Behavior modification that's not empowered by God's heart-changing grace is self-righteous, as repugnant to God as the worst sins people gossip about. Children who grow up with graceless truth are repelled by self-righteousness and attracted to the world's slickly marketed grace-substitutes. The world's low standards, its disregard for truth, are not grace. The illusory freedom, however, feels like grace to someone who's been pounded by graceless truth - beaten over the head with a piece of guardrail...


But properly understood, biblical truths are guardrails that protect us from plunging off the cliff. A smart traveler doesn't curse the guardrails ...


He looks over the cliff, sees demolished autos below, and is grateful for guardrails. The guardrails of truth are there not to punish, but to protect us. Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17). Truth is more than mere facts. It's not just something we act upon. It acts upon us. We cannot change the truth, but the truth can change us. It sanctifies (sets us apart) from the falsehoods woven into our sin nature and championed by the world.


God has written His truth on human hearts (Romans 2:15). Shame and twinges of conscience come from recognizing that truth has been violated. When people hear truth spoken graciously, many are drawn to it because of the moral vacuum they feel. Hearts long for truth - even hearts that reject it. We are to walk in the truth (3 John 1:2), love the truth, and believe the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10,12).


All truth has a center of gravity: Jesus Christ, who declared, "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). He didn't say He would show the truth or teach the truth or model the truth. He is the truth. Truth personified. He's the source of truth, and the reference point for evaluating all truth-claims...


All of us have a theology. The only question is whether it's true or false. Much teaching today is popularity-driven, not truth-driven. "The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their ears want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:3).


Some pastors and television preachers are well paid to play fast and loose with truth. But Charles Spurgeon said, "Christ's people must have bold, unflinching lion-like hearts, loving Christ first, and His truth next, and Christ and His truth beyond all the world."


We should take our cues from the Berean Christians, who "received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day" to determine whether what they were being taught was true (Acts 17:11)."


Taken from The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn

Friday, September 18, 2009

Monsters Of Cruelty!

"Now that I am a father, and know the affection of a parent--would I not defend from every danger--would I not bestow every truly good thing--would I not implore every blessing--on my tender children? Would I not nourish their infant state--correct and educate their childhood--inspect, reprove, and admonish them in youth? Would I allow the dear little creatures--to play with sharp pointed knives--to frolic on the brink of a rapid torrent--or dance around a pit's mouth? Would I permit them to eat deadly berries--or to put a cup of poison to their tender lips? However indulgent, would I allow them to disobey my commands? And if they labored under any disease which threatened their precious life, what pains or expenses would I spare to procure them relief? If assured that a physician lived somewhere, who could heal them without fail--would I not send to the uttermost corner of the land? would I not travel to the ends of earth?

But, hear me, O parents! If our concern for our children ends only with their bodies--we are monsters of cruelty! Would we pluck them from fire and water--and yet permit them to plunge into the fire of hell, and lie under the billows of Jehovah's wrath? Will we snatch from them sword, pistol or knife--and allow them to wound themselves to the very soul, with sin? Will we chastise their disobedience to us--and wink at their spitting in the very face of God, by open acts of sin? Are we fond to have them educated and well-bred--and yet let them live in the neglect of prayer, which is the highest disrespect that can be put on the Author of our being?

In a word, is this the sum of our kindness, is this the height of our concern for our dear children--to see them happy in time, flourishing in the affairs of this life--though they end up being miserable beyond description through eternity itself? Will their bodily pain excite our sympathy, and will we do all in our power to have their diseases healed--and yet have no concern that their souls pine under sin, and they suffer all the pangs of hell? Will we not bring them in our prayers, to the Physician of souls, to the Savior of sinners?

I have but one request for all of my children, and that is--that they may fear and serve God here--and enjoy him forever! No matter though they sweat for their daily bread--only let them feed on the hidden manna! Let them toil and spin for their apparel--but let them be covered in Christ's righteousness! How would I count my house renowned, and my family ennobled, if there sprang from it--not wealthy princes or kings, (let potsherds of the earth strive for such earthly vanities)--but pillars for the temple of God in glory--who shall dwell in the presence of the King of kings--when time is no more!"
- "Solitude Sweetened" by James Meikle, 1730-1799

Sunday, September 13, 2009


What is Grace?


The cost of redemption cannot be overemphasized. Christ took the hell He didn't deserve so we could have the heaven we don't deserve.


If you're not stunned by the thought of grace, then you aren't grasping what grace offers you, or what it cost Jesus...


Before I spoke at a conference, a soloist sang one of my favorite songs, "Amazing Grace."It was beautiful. Until she got to the tenth word. "Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a soul like me!"My heart sank. The word wretch had been edited out!


I thought about John Newton, the songwriter. This former slave trader, guilty of the vilest sins, knew he was a wretch. And that's what made God's grace so 'amazing.' Mind-boggling. Knock-down awesome.


If we're nothing more than morally neutral "souls," do you see what this does? It guts grace. The better we are, the less we need it. The less amazing it becomes...


The Bible makes an astounding proclamation: "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).


When you cut wretch out of the song, you shrink grace. You reduce it to something more sensible, less surprising. If we weren't so bad without Christ, why did He have to endure the cross? Paul said if men were good enough then "Christ died for nothing" (Galatians 2:21).


Grace never ignores the awful truth of our depravity. In fact, it emphasizes it. The worse we realize we are, the greater we realize God's grace is. Grace isn't about God lowering His standards. It's about God fulfilling those standards through the substitutionary suffering of the standard-setter.


Christ went to the cross because He would not ignore the truths of His holiness and our sin. Grace never ignores or violates truth. Grace gave what truth demanded: the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. For some, human depravity may be an insulting doctrine, but grasping it is liberating. Why? Because when I realize that the best I can do without Him is like "filthy rags" in His sight (Isaiah 64:6), it finally sinks in that I have nothing to offer. Salvation therefore hinges on His work, not mine...


What relief to realize that my salvation cannot be earned by good works - and therefore can't be lost by bad ones.If we see God as He really is, and ourselves as we really are, there's only one appropriate response: to worship Him.


Taken from The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn

Saturday, September 5, 2009


I've mopped the kitchen floors and while waiting for them to dry decided to post something that's been on my heart lately.

You've all heard the phrase "I have too much on my plate" haven't you? A close family member made that statement just yesterday, then added "There's so much to do and so much going on I don't know what to do!"

I pondered on that for awhile and then asked myself "If our plates are full, who put the stuff on them? Did we hand our plates over to others and let them pile on whatever they wanted to? Or did we throw caution to the wind and take on their issues, thinking we were helping them by doing so? And finally, did we ask our Father before adding anything to the plate we have?"

Most folks I know are well-meaning people. They possess a desire to be helpers in whatever way needed and that's not a bad thing. We are to help bear one anothers burdens, but do we take on more than we're supposed to? I do, and it's worn me down, physically, mentally and spiritually.

During our time in Georgia at Fred's Army Reunion, the "Colonel" made a statement about the value of the men who served under him. He said that without those men doing their part he and others in leadership could not have effectively done theirs.

One of the men who served under him then said "And this man taught us that we were there to do OUR jobs, not someone else's! He taught us that we all had responsibilities and duties and we were expected to fill them to the best of our ability. There was no room for slackers and they could not be tolerated because it could cost someone their life".

The Colonel then said "Had I tolerated a man who took on more than his job, what would I have been teaching the one who allowed that to happen? That he could get away with less than he was supposed to do? Yes, that and more. I would have taught him that his job wasn't really all that important after all and I could not and would not condone that in my men! They ALL had duties and they ALL were needed to meet them if our company was to serve to its highest purposes in Korea!"

His words have echoed in my heart since the evening of August 21. I hope I don't forget them because I think they have application to us as Christians. Indeed there are times when our brothers and sisters in Christ need our help and support ... but we must learn when to back away and allow the Lord of Life to teach them that they too have responsibilities in the Kingdom. They are here to glorify God just as much as any other Christian and those who are older and more mature can teach this when opportunity arises.

Part of my problem has been that I've sought to receive glory not give it. I've been a busy-bee for much of my life and sadly, a slacker in areas that are most needful to the Christian walk. May God give me the ability and grace to change.

Today I look at my 'plate' .... and the first item that must be put there is God's will for me today ... then I need to be careful what I allow to take up space next. I need to seek the Lord and ask for His direction in all I do this day. After all, it's not mine to waste, it's His, to be redeemed for His glory alone.

I leave you with a thought that came to me last Sunday in church ....


Do all that you do with no other motive than to glorify God and enjoy Him forever

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Hi All,

Mom's hearing tests showed she needs two hearing aids. Lord willing I'll take her back next week to get them.

My Fred left yesterday for Ohio, he plans on coming home late Saturday evening. I've been taking care of the girls ... had 4 of them today. They get along so well and played all afternoon together.

Stef is excited about her classes and her friends in school. They went to meet the teachers last night and she learned Maddy is in her class so she's happy. Amazing that Stef's Grandma and Maddy's Grandma are long-time friends; that I knew Maddy's Mom when she was about Stef's age! God works in such wondrous ways, doesn't He?

I'd like to go visit Henry Ford Museum on Monday, Labor Day ... it's free admission from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Not sure yet if the foot could handle all the walking. We'll see.

FINALLY got caught up on all the laundry & ironing from vacation! Ended up donating a few things back to the thrift stores from whence they came, others I will put in my Mom's upcoming yard sale.

Please pray for two of my sisters: Pat will have a hysterectomy later this month and Linda will be having back surgery either the end of this month or the beginning of October.

Also please pray for Jeremy & Kerri ... an unspoken request.

I'm takin' me to bed ... it's been a long, wonderful day and I'm rightfully tired.

Blessings & g'nite.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009


Would you believe I'm still dreaming about being in the cabin in TN? Every night since we've been home I wake (sort of) to go to the bathroom and have to tell myself "I'm home..the bathroom is this way, not that way." It's amazing how the mind works.

Haven't been on the blog much, have been busy with other things since we got home. Time seems to be flying and if I don't make a list on busy days, well, it's best that I do. The grandgirls and I did errands this afternoon; then I did grocery shopping before dinner. My Fred usually goes with me but he was busy here ... he plans on leaving tomorrow for a few days in Ohio visiting his brother. I'll have the girls and Louis the grandpup all to myself for much of the day but evenings (Lord willing) will be mine. I so enjoy quiet, alone time every now and then.

I had to go downtown to Henry Ford Hospital last Friday to have an IV of Vitamin K. Seems my clotting factors were high and after bloodwork & discussing things with my hematologist he deemed it best to have an IV done ASAP. I've been bruising badly and the blood work showed why. The dr. thinks it's due to the other med's I take ... so he reduced one (for platelets) and I have to eat more dark green vegetables. I went yesterday for additional blood work & will find out tomorrow what's what. I look at this body and all that goes on and think "How do I describe all this to anyone who doesn't know me very well?" Many people just can't understand, especially if they've never had health issues.

Oh, I wanted to let you know that all that worrying I did about the Army Reunion was needless. Worry usually is, isn't it?

The first evening's meal went quite well and the people were very nice. There were only ten of us; not everyone came. It was more relaxed than I thought it would be and I had the privilege of sitting with the Colonel (that my Fred served under in Korea) and his wife Elsie. They are both 80 yrs old and have lived fascinating lives. They call three of the first astronauts 'friends of the family' .... Gen. Abrams was a personal friend ... the Colonel is a man of wisdom, knowledge and integrity and graciously honored the men who served under him. There's so much I could say about them; perhaps another time. I could listen to him & his wife for hours and not be bored.

I didn't make it to the cook-out on the second day. My left foot & leg had begun to swell while we were in TN and by Saturday morning in GA they looked quite bad. I spent the afternoon in the motel room with my feet propped up while Fred went to the cook-out for awhile. He then decided that rather than do the brunch on Sunday we'd leave for home instead so I could get to a Dr. on Monday. The dr. wasn't sure why the swelling happened ... it's gone down now but there's still some pain in my foot & ankle.

All in all, it was a good trip. I learned that I am too prideful and too concerned about what others think of me. I learned I should relax and just BE who I am. I learned that there are some neat people out there if we'll just give them a chance. I learned that conversations flow best when you allow others to talk about themselves ... and they gladly will if given the chance. And I learned that when God orchestrates our steps there's no need to worry or fret.

I shall go for now ... morning comes early tomorrow. I'll take my Mom for a hearing test, then get home to the girls so Fred can leave for Ohio. Hopefully I can make it to Bible study tomorrow night at church.

Blessings to you all! G'nite.