One of God's Blessings

God often uses people to deliver his blessings. Jennifer Vinson, the activity director over at Golden Years Nursing home is one of those people. She's not one of those that just do their jobs. She sincerely cares about the residents of the home. I often see her bring smiles to some of the folks there by just walking into the room. You can tell that she is a Christian, and loves the Lord. Because Christ spirit shines so brightly in her. I admire her greatly.

Jennifer, God bless you for all the blessings that you bring to others each and every day.

Love,Hugs,Kisses

No, we did not have a fish dinner!

But we did have a good time.

You know even on the pier fishing, as I looked out over the ocean. Thinking of all the creatures that were unseen to my eyes, in the depths of the ever moving waters. And as I looked as the moon peaked in and out of clouds. I watched the assorted birds skim across the sky, so effortlessly catching lift from the ocean breeze. And I thought, How could anyone not believe in God? How could anyone think that this happened by chance?

God is seen in everything that He created. Oh what a marvelous and wonderful God we have. And what a merciful God He is. He gave His only begotten Son, that we may have eternal life with Him in Glory, How could anyone not believe that?

God Bless. Love,Hugs,Kisses

Complain time

I had a perfectly good Lexmark printer , that I put in the closet in storage because I had heard that the Kodak printers ink only cost $9.99 for the black ink and &12.99 for the color ink. Well I thought to myself, "the $99.99 that I would spend for the Kodak printer would be payed back, with the money that I would save on ink. WRONG!!!

The first black ink cartage that came with the printer worked like a charm. But any and all ink cartages that I put in after that first one would print maybe two or three papers and then, although still full of ink would not print. I could however take the cartage out and reinsert it and it would print one time. Okay, so you think, well this was just a bad printer and since I may have messed it up when the paper got jammed " which it often did" . So guess what did? I went out and got another Kodak printer, and since Wal-mart clearly states that they will not be responsible for these printers and that any complaints should be taken to the Kodak company, I just payed for the second one. Another $99.99 and still the same thing. Paper jams unless you hold each and every sheet as it goes in for printing. And again the first black ink cartage worked wonderful. but any and all others that I purchased did the same exact same thing. Would not print unless I took the black cartage out, reinserted it. then it would only print one sheet.

Well guess what? I went on the site for Kodak printers, I told them of the problems that I was having with the printer. The answer that was e-mailed back to me was. ( If I would pay by credit card a sum of money"" Which I forgot the exact amount, but it seemed to me to be about $40.00"" that they would help me with correcting any problems that i may have with my Kodak printer.

Now I ask you a question, I know I'm a fool for buying the second Kodak printer, But do I sound like a big enough fool to pay them the money?

God Bless, Love,Hugs,Kisses

The wooden bowl , From Frances

Frances Koonce, my brother Gray's wife sent me this by e-mail.

Thanks Frances, It is truely something that makes you consider how you treat others.

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson.
The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.
When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
'We must do something about father,' said the son.'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.
Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.
He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded,
'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. ' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless.
Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.
Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.
For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,
neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens,
how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:
a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled lights. I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents,
you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..' I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.
You need to be able to throw something back
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you
But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others,
your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about .I just did.

Thanks again Frances, God Bless. love , hugs , kisses. and give Gary a big hug for me and tell him I love him.

Prayer request

I know that all of you have something in your life that you need help with, if nothing but someone to pray for you. I've had many times in my life that I firmly believe, the prayers of others helped me through.
Please place your prayer request in the comments or by e-mail to me your request.
And with that I have a person that I would appreciate if each one of you will really, really pray for.
His name is David Young.
He has been fighting that awful disease cancer for a couple of years now. from what I hear, he is in such awful pain. Please!, I ask you now, say a pray for him, and his family, who is going through it all right alone with him. They need our prayers so badly.

Jeremy Through the fire

Courageous people go through the fire and come out better on the other side. I was going to write a story about Jeremy Heltsley. He is Weldon and Kay Glover's son in law. He married their beautiful daughter, Dawn. I have always admired Jeremy for the way he responded to all the trails in his life,There have been several and he has stool strong in every one of them.

The lost of eye sight, would make most people give up. But not Jeremy, it made him even more determined to be everything he could be, for family and for the Lord.

No one could tell it better that Dawn herself, Because she went through every day with him.

Jeremy, I just want to say that you make us all proud, And we are all blessed just to know a person such as yourself.

Here's the story from Dawn.

Okay Aunt Joan....here is the story! Jeremy was an Officer in the Army. Back in July 2003, Jeremy was injured at work with a chemical burn to his right eye. In the process of his eye healing, Jeremy had volunteered to go to Iraq because out of his squadron someone had to go. He figured that he would go ahead and get it over with since he knew that he would eventually have to go. The Colonel told him that he had to get it approved by his eye doctor before he would send him. However, in the process of his right eye healing up and infection set in and wiped out both eyes. The infection had burnt the rods and cones in his eyes and there was no correcting that. Once they're gone they're. How devastating that would be on one person.........but not Jeremy!!!! Jeremy knew that his career in the Army was over but he still stood tall. Even though the Army decided to medically retire him in October 2003 they still promoted him in rank to 1st Lieutenant. What an exciting day and what an outstanding Colonel to work for. Jeremy has since then taken everyday in stride living it to it's fullest. He does not let anything stop him. Now don't get me wrong......he still has a little peripheral vision in his left eye and that is what he focuses off of. He surfs, skateboards, rides his bike....all kinds of things. Nothing stops him!!!! He often says that maybe the Lord had this happen to him so that he would get his focus off of the things that didn't really matter and turn his focus to God. Once you take away the distractions then you are able to see what the Lord is wanting to do in you life. Jeremy has since then finished his Master degree in Theology and this Fall is starting on his Doctorate in Christian Counseling. It is truly amazing to see the journey that Jeremy has taken and I am so proud of him!!!!!
Love,
Dawn

Thank you so much Dawn for letting us be a part of your and Jeremy's journey through the trails in your life. It is a blessing to see such spiritual strenght in a family, such as yours. Everyone needs to see, if one has the Lord in their life, One can come out victorious no mater what this world may throw at us.

With much love. God bless Love,hugs,kisses

What I think about gays

My sister Jean called me yesterday wanting to know where the scripture in the Bible was about men laying with men in a sexual way. It seems her granddaughter is being told in school and elsewhere that being gay is a perfectly normal thing. OH! it breaks my heart that this world is becoming so evil. Sodom and Gomorrah was one of the stories in the Bible that surely indicates that God is against the unnatural acts of men being with men. When the two men came into town the men of the city wanted to get to know them, and it was not in a friendly way, my friends.

Genesis 19:4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: 5And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 6And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, 7And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

Lot, was not a just man, meaning he was not completely sinless, But even he knew that the men conspired to do evil things to the two men. God did not rain down fire from Heaven because the city was doing natural things, NO! it was because they were doing things that were an abomination to the Lord. Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Abomination is and means a loathsomeness, Something that is hated. God said Himself abomination, Not me!. Can you imagine doing something that God hates, and never repenting for it, But rather feel that it's OK. Living your whole life in sin, unrepentant, and unforgiven.

We are only forgiven for our sins if we, "repent" that means to turn away from that sin and live a life that is Holy unto God. Any one that is living in that or any other kind of sin, and does not repent, and turn away from the sin has no place in Jesus Christ, or His Heavenly Father.

And if I offend some one, I'll say this, I'm very sorry that you are offended. very sorry indeed, But I am not sorry for speacking God's word in truth.

Here's a little song that ask a powerful question. Give a listen to the words.

Until next time, God Bless, and love,hugs,kisses

Touched to the heart's core

Willard and I missed Friday the 12th at the nursing home because we both were sick and did not want to make anyone else sick. I called and told the staff that we would not be there well in advance, so that they could plan something else, which they did. They had a person come in to work on the diabetic patience's feet.
Frances a good friend of mind told me that some of the people were waiting on the porch, watching for our arrival. She said after a while they went back in when we didn't show up. She said that Mr. Jack made a statement that if we were coming we'd already be there. So they all went back to their rooms.
When she told me this it broke my heart. But what really made the ache in our hearts, heart wrenching, was when David "one of the residents" said to us yesterday. He said, ((Please don't ever leave us. I love you so much)). I guess by us not showing up last week, He may have thought we had quit.
What Willard and I both try to bring is a friendship and ear to listen, and a heart to love. So while I may not be the greatest singer or Willard be the best lesson giver, To them it's great.
Everyone has something that they can give to someone else, God has given it. It's each ones choice in how they use it. And the reward is knowing that someone like David loves you.
until next time love,hugs,kisses

Canning, makes you feel good.

So guess what I've been up to today. Yep, Canning potatoes and string beans. It's work, but it makes you feel good inside, knowing that you have accomplished something. Joyce my sister in law gave me the string beans and some of the potatoes. Weldon, my brother in law gave me most of the potatoes. THANK YOU! all of it was most welcomed and appreciated especially since Willard's boss told him that they will be working only three weeks a month, until otherwise told different. But I refuse to worry, God will take care of us, this I know for sure. And it could be a lot worse, There are many families out there with no job at all. No job, no home. Yes I'm counting my blessings. Thank you Lord, for all that You have done for our family. And thank You for people like Joyce and Weldon.

until next time love,hugs,kisses.

tip of the day

You know those ice cream buckets that you hate to throw out but don't have a specific use for?

Well here is what I use mine for. Sugar, flour, shaker for breading chicken, fish, liver, onion rings etc. I also keep some put up, making sure that they are very clean and with tops on them, just in case I need them for water some day. You never know when the city or even your own pipes may spring a leak.

And here's another tip. have you ever had problems when breading vegetables. it seems like the breading mix will not stay on the vegetables very well. try coating vegetable oil on the vegetables first. then put in you flour """in your bucket""" put the top on and shake. I let mine stay in the frig awhile and then shake again before I fry them. In fact my sister in law Joyce brought me some wonderful looking squash yesterday. What I didn't blanch and freeze, are right now in my bucket in my frig. This after noon I'll shake them again and fry for supper. yum,yum.

love,hugs,kisses

New member of the family

Pictured is my brother Jerry and his new grandson Raymond.

There has been an addition to the family. My niece Katy Moore delivered a baby boy into the world yesterday afternoon. His name is Raymond Charles Lawrence, he weighed 6lb and 12 oz. My brother Jerry Moore, is overjoyed. He and his wife Laurel went through many years of their marriage trying to have a child. Then as God often does, when they had given up hope, Here comes God and answers their prayer. In His time, not theirs. Katy was born in 1988 to a very deserving couple. And now as my brother sees his small family grow just a little, I know that his joy is overwhelming. Congratulations to my brother and his wife Laurel on the birth of you grandson. And also to my niece Katy and her boy friend on the birth of their son. May the Lord bless and keep Little Raymond and may the Lord face shine upon him and be gracious upon him.

from Yvonne

I would love to announce Jesus Christ as my Savior on yourblog........Jesus has been in my life forever. I never remember a momentthat Jesus was not in my life. I was baptized as a child in the EpiscopalChurch and have always known Jesus. As a small child, my mom cleaned thechurch every Saturday. My brother and I would play in and around thechurch as she cleaned. It was my job to polish the hand carved Angels onthe alter. The beautiful old church was built in 1890 and an artist fromEngland carved the delicate work on and over the alter. It was sobeautiful. We lived in an old house behind the church that was used as aschool during the 1800's. I use to go into the church and just sit as achild and pray. I could image Jesus sitting in the large chair that sitjust to the right of the alter. When visiting preachers would come topreach and sit in this chair, I would get upset because they were sittingin Jesus's chair. My mom would explain that Jesus didn't mind sharing hischair.

From Angela

This is a response from my very lovely niece Angela. Concerning the post that I made about say so Christians and satan

Hi Aunt Joan!
I read your blog for today and it is so very surreal. I had a meeting with the pastor yesterday and he spoke of the very same thing. How Satan tells us we are a bad person not worthy of God's love. So he pushes us to sin. He also quoted the bible when telling us how to fight Satan. I could be wrong because I don't have my bible in front of me at moment, but Mark Chapter 5 verse 8??? How when Christ was asleep on the boat and a giant storm came, he was awoken by others on the boat asking him to save them. When Christ said "ye of little faith" and he made the sea calm. He used that verse to say that if we keep the faith in our head ****AND**** our hearts that our sins will be forgiven. So those of little faith need to remember that Christ died on the cross for all of our sins. That when we are tempted to tell Satan that I revoke you and crush your head in the name of Christ.

Just thought I'd share how God is working in everyone's life sending the same message to us all if we'd only listen and take God into our hearts.

Love you,
Angela