And It Looks LIke it Will Be One More

Jann called this morning to say her heart went into arethmeia last night. The explanation is that her heart reacted to receiving two units of blood and the taking off of four pounds of fluid. They told her this happens and it is nothing to get concerned about. Sure, right. Now she has to be monitored for 24 hours while they fill her with saline one more time. We are grateful she wasn't home when this occured and will wait patiently for God to bring her to a place where taking her home will be less stressful for her.

She called back a few minutes ago and asked if Trish would bring her the first of the month bills so she could instruct Trish on what needed to be taken care of. (Thank you Ken, soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much that you take care of all that for me and I don't have a concern over bills. You truly are sooooo good to me. My eyes fill with tears as I think of all you have been for me that hasn't really occured to me over the years like it has lately)

We told Jann we would not come this morning so she has time to sleep some hours she missed last night. We are just hanging around here at the house and relaxing a bit ourselves.

So much for the update.

One More Day at the Hospital

It was a beautiful day yesterday as opposed to Sunday when it rained all day. It rained again last night but it can rain all it wants to rain when it is night time.

Jann was more tired yesterday than she was on Sunday. She had a lot of company on Sunday.....plus her blood is a bit low so they gave her some blood yesterday. We were told as soon as we got there that she would get blood but it took the whole bloody day for her to get that blood. No pun intended. They finally got to giving her the blood about three thirty and then it would take three hours to get it in her. We left before she was finished with that. Some friends from her former work place were coming to see her around dinner time so that would break up her evening. I think she will sleep early today. We are hoping that tomorrow we can take her home. That would mean I could spend two nights with her in her home before I go home. Jay called today and said he has a flight out to Charlotte at the same time as my flight to Indy so he will come up north to get me early Thursday morning and then go back south again so we both can catch a plane. What would I do without my kids?

I feel like I'm hardly here and am already getting prepped to go back home. If we didn't have the Recker reunion this Saturday, I probably would have stayed longer.
I will be thankful for the time I could be here and be part of what is a big thing in my sister's life. Considering she is a full time care giver for a husband that needs that care.....this is a big interruption.

When Jann got tired, we suggested we leave for awhile so she could nap. She didn't argue. As we left the hospital, Tricia asked what I'd like to do. She suggested we go to the ocean....I didn't argue. The ocean was beautiful and calming. Both of us wished we had our suits on so that we could take a dip. The water was so warm. The waves were coming in pretty strong. We took our shoes off and put our feet in the break of the wave as it flowed up the beach. All the shells were underneath where the waves were breaking. We decided we wanted to scoop up some of those shells and rake through them for some specimens. Tricia held my camera, I hiked up my jeans as far as I could get them.........no success on shells or keeping dry. We laughed and laughed as both of us got wet beyond comfort. We saw two boys about twelve years old come out of the water and sit on the beach. I walked up to them and asked if they would dive for hands full of shells for us. They were so cute and so polite. They excitedly went diving in the waves scooping up the shells and dropping them at our feet. We found a few that will look good in a dish in the bathroom at home.

After our ocean extravaganza, we were hungry. Trish asked where I wanted to eat. I told her anywhere thinking that fast food would be the usual fare. She asked if I wanted to do lunch at Benhana's. The Japanese restaurant has been in the same spot on Hutchinson Island for as long as my parents have come to Florida. I have always had a desire to go there so this was my first experience. We got there at three minutes before two and they were just ready to close but they did seat and serve us. It was delightful. I was impressed and felt somewhat guilty for enjoying such a delicious meal while my sis was in the hospital. Tricia assured me it was okay for us to have a nice break too. That it was and Jann was delighted to hear that we did what we did.

Other Florida things I got today were a couple of air plants that I scavenged from a tree in the hospital parking lot. It was fun as it reminded me that every time I come to Florida, I take home an air plant.....cheap souvenir.

My Baby Sister

Successful and Healing

The good news is that my sister is doing very well. She inherited my father's spunk and determination. She looked good when I saw her yesterday and looked even better by evening. She sighs when she thinks of what she has been through. Who would have thunk it? The hole in her heart was an inch and a half big. We saw some very vivid pictures of the before and after. They put a "bovine patch" over the hole and one could see tiny little stiches all the way around the patch. Amazing what can be done. I was pondering that fifty years ago she would have had to live a different life because these modern medical procedures were not so developed. I praise God for His care and healing for her.

I am staying with my niece, Tricia. It is good to get to know her as an adult. We have been talking non stop since I got here last evening. She has had a horrible week with all that has gone on with her mother and then the death of one of her precious dogs on Saturday. Poor thing.

Our son, Jay and his wife, Tasha and two children met me at the airport on Saturday evening. It was so good to see them. I spent the night in their home and enjoyed interacting with those grandchildren. They were delightful. I have lots of pics and will download them when I return home on Thursday.

Jann is to be released today or tomorrow. She is hoping it will be today. Can't imagine having your whole chest cavity ripped open on Friday and come home on Monday. We aren't counting our chickens yet though. She had a bit of anemia they want to explore first. If that proves okay, we will take her home today. It will be a delight.

I'm seeing the Florida sun for the first time this morning. Yesterday was a very overcast day and rainy. I'm on the patio at Tricia's at the moment and the humidity is very high. Tropical to the max. In payment for that is the wonderful foliage and flowers. I'm enjoying it all.

Sometimes Florida is a Long Trip

The news of my sister is good….the surgery went well and she is already bouncing back….PTL.
Now my effort to get to her…..Lauri got a good deal on a ticket from Travelocity. I was pleased. She commented to me that she felt a little uneasy about it but we had a confirmation, etc. Friends, Jerry and Joyce were going near Joshua’s house in Noblesville so I hitched a ride with them, a plan in place for Ken to meet me on my return on Thursday. We got to Josh and Susan’s and spent some time visiting. Joshua and I left around one o’clock for the airport. I got to the airport in Indianapolis with confidence. When I tried to check in outside the gentleman told me I wasn’t on the flight. Oh great. I went in to the counter and was given the news that I had an hour and a half to work things out with Travelocity. I was instructed to call to see what I could get straightened out. The man on the other end answered politely but very business like. He told me that my American Express Card had been denied and that the ticket had not been issued. Supposedly they had sent me an e mail to that effect. Not as of the time I left did I receive an email with that info. The fact that I used my American Express Card several times yesterday told me something was awry. He virtually told me that because it was my card that was not accepted, he couldn’t do anything for me. He suggested I go to the counter and buy a ticket. My thought was, ‘oh yes, for five hundred dollars’. I called Ken and told him the situation. He said it was totally ridiculous. I said I thought he should come the two and a half hours to get me. I was all ready to give up. He told me to check what a walk up ticket would cost. I walked up to the counter and took a guy aside and told him my plight. He was very understanding and said that sometimes their walk up tickets are quite good and other times they aren’t very good. I told him to go ahead and check but that if it wasn’t around two hundred dollars I would not be purchasing one.

He told me he could get me out and back for 200.00 even. He was as surprised as I and I told him I thought the Lord had something to do with that and he smiled and said, “I think so, too”.

A big hurdle jumped. Oh , BTW, the same American Express Card purchased that ticket without any question.. Lauri and Ken were working on trying to unravel the mystery and found that Travelocity DID charge the 227 dollars to our account. Good thing it is on AE.

Grrrrr. Then I had to go through security. Oh my goodness……..As this little gal was checking all but my insides, I said to her, “And this is the thanks I get for having a defibrillator, uh?” She apologized as she continued the search with “now, I will check a sensitive area” over and over. I think it is a crock that one with a pacemaker or a defibrillator has to stand out in the middle of the tons of passengers and have someone give them a shake down. It is downright humiliating.

I’m sitting waiting to board. I feel like I’ve been pulled through a knot hole. I hope I can sleep just a little bit on the plane. My busy day yesterday is catching up with me.

Later……………..I slept about ten minutes on the first leg of my flight which was from Indy to Atlanta. It was just what I needed for my emotions to catch up with my body. I needed some equilibrium, after that experience I was a bit rattled.

The flights were great and I was most pleased with Airtrans. As we took off in Indy I was struck with the force it takes to lift a big plane off the ground. The pull of gravity is very powerful. It came to me that God has given man the knowledge to break through that gravitational pull. It is a pretty awesome thought.

When I got in West Palm, Jay and Tasha, Austin and Jessica were waiting for me. It was a very warm and delightful welcome and I got a second wind as we had dinner together at Fridays.

Time for bed…..will get to see my sister tomorrow.

My Sis

Yesterday was going along as usual. I had some errands to run......while I was out, Ken called that my sister, Jann, had been taken to the hospital the night before by ambulance with chest pains. My sister is fifty eight years old and too young for such things. When I called her daughter I learned that an angiogram had been done and they found a hole in the right side of her heart which was affecting the function of her lungs. Later in the day, I got to speak with Jann who informed me that she would be having open heart surgery this morning (Friday). That was quite a shocker and probably she was most shocked of all.

My sister's husband requires twenty four hour care and she is his care giver. It so happens that husband Jack was in the hospital for routine tests. He will be released today to a rehab center. I know that her responsibility to her husband is more on her mind than her own physical condition. She is just that way. My sister always acts so brave on the outside but she is marshmallow on the inside. My heart wrenched at the thought that aside from her daughter and some close friends she had no one living close enough to be of comfort. As the big sister, I feel a great need to be with my baby sister. Even though many miles separate us, the bond of siblings is very close.

Ken and I talked about my going there and Lauri got on the computer and found me a reasonable trip. I will be leaving tomorrow to spend a few days with her to help her come back from what will be a jog in her road.

Today is our long awaited day trip for our women's retreat team. We are going to Long Grove, Illinois which supposedly will offer us many fun things to look at and enjoy. It was to be a highlight for all of us but my heart will be in Florida most of the day. I hope I will hear good news soon and can enjoy the rest of my day knowing I will be at her side soon.

Grandma Mary's Birthday

Oh my goodness, I just looked at the date. If I'm not mistaken it is my step mother's birthday today. I must get an act together some how. It is already three o'clock so there isn't much time left for me to shop...........hmmmmmmm. What does one get for someone who has everything she desires and really doesn't want another "thing" to find a storage spot for. Think, Gayle, think.

This morning was our second meeting of Women in the Word. It was our week for discussion. We discussed the homework we did the past week which related to the video we saw last Wednesday. It was so exciting. So many gals shared the new insights that God has shown them through this study of the tabernacle. Young Christians and seasoned Christians alike are blown away by God's goodness and faithfulness. It was a delightful morning. There seems to be no sweeter place for good fellowship and loving relationship than in a Bible study for women. It helps that our facilitator is so transparent. Thanks for your honesty, Kathy....you rock. God gave us such a blessing when He gifted us with you.

One of our good friends went into the hospital on Monday night to prepare for an angioplasty yesterday. He had chest pain last week and kept it from his wife to protect her from worry. She wasn't pleased. He is doing quite well at present. Those unexpected interruptions in life are stressful at best. Jim is a dear man that likes to please all those around him so he never says "no". I think he will be learning that word. Several years ago while Ken and several others were working on the construction of Jim's house, Ken began to feel his heart pounding wildly. He told Jim about it (Jim is in the medical field so that was his first attempt for some help) Jim told him to sit down and have a cup of coffee. So, Monday night, while Ken and I took him and his wife to the hospital, Ken suggested we go to Starbucks and get that cup of coffee because surely now Jim needed it. :) We did go to Starbucks and shared some together time before we took Jim into the lion's den.

Gotta go to get a birthday card and some special thing that says "I appreciate you" to give to my step mother. She takes care of my father with tender care....the reverse is also true.

Pushed Over the Edge by Conscience

This is going to be very long but it is important. Ever since Palin joined Mc Cain, I have felt a calling not just to support their ticket but to promote their ticket. Something tells me that it isn't enough to sit back in my recliner and pray they will be elected for the benefit and future of our nation so in need of strong leadership. (Though I do that, too, and know that is powerful) One day after the Republican convention, I received an email from the campaign asking me to volunteer my time. Like other times in political matters, I quickly purged the message......but....not without a twinge of guilt. This has weighed on me...in fact, I shared my struggle with my younger brother. He encouraged me to be proactive. Today I found another plea for help......so with FEAR and TREPIDATION, I sent back the request with several boxes checked to volunteer. I'm not without discomfort over this...I am not sure what I will be expected to do...I just know in the depth of my soul that we Christians MUST get involved if we want a free nation for our grand and great grandchildren.

Today, I received an e message from a friend who is also pro Mc Cain/Palin. It was moving and brought my level of appreciation for John Mc Cain up several bar levels. I hope that you will take the time to be informed...read with concern....

By KARL ROVE
April 30, 2008

It came to me while I was having dinner with Doris Day. No, not that Doris Day. The Doris Day
who is married to Col. Bud Day, Medal of Honor recipient, fighter pilot, Vietnam POW and
roommate of John McCain at the Hanoi Hilton.


As we ate near the Days' home in Florida recently, I heard things about Sen. McCain that were
deeply moving and politically troubling. Moving because they told me things about him the
American people need to know.

And troubling because it is clear that Mr. McCain is one of the most private individuals to run
for president in history.


When it comes to choosing a president, the American people want to know more about a candidate
than policy positions. They want to know about character, the values ingrained in his heart. For
Mr. McCain, that means they will want to know more about him personally than he has been
willing to reveal.


Mr. Day relayed to me one of the stories Americans should hear.

It involves what happened to him after escaping from a North Vietnamese prison during the war.
When he was recaptured, a Vietnamese captor broke his arm and said, 'I told you I would make
you a cripple.'

The break was designed to shatter Mr. Day's will. He had survived in prison on the hope that one
day he would return to the United States and be able to fly again.

To kill that hope, the Vietnamese left part of a bone sticking out of his arm, and put him in a
misshapen cast. This was done so that the arm would heal at 'a goofy angle,' as Mr. Day
explained. Had it done so, he never would have flown again.

But it didn't heal that way because of John McCain. Risking severe punishment, Messrs.
McCain and Day collected pieces of bamboo in the prison courtyard to use as a splint.
Mr. McCain put Mr. Day on the floor of their cell and, using his foot, jerked the broken
bone into place. Then, using strips from the bandage on his own wounded leg and the bamboo,
he put Mr. Day's splint in place.

Years later, Air Force surgeons examined Mr. Day and complimented the treatment he'd
gotten from his captors. Mr. Day corrected them. It was Mr. McCain who deserved the credit.
Mr. Day went on to fly again.

Another story I heard over dinner with the Days involved Mr. McCain serving as one of the
three chaplains for his fellow prisoners. At one point, after being shuttled among different
prisons, Mr. Day had found himself as the most senior officer at the Hanoi Hilton. So he
tapped Mr. McCain to help administer religious services to the other prisoners.

Today, Mr. Day, a very active 83, still vividly recalls Mr. McCain's sermons. 'He remembered
the Episcopal liturgy,' Mr. Day says, 'and sounded like a bona fide preacher.' One of Mr. McCain's
first sermons took as its text Luke 20:25 and Matthew 22:21, 'render unto Caesar what is Caesar's
and unto God what is God's.' Mr. McCain said he and his fellow prisoners shouldn't ask God to
free them, but to help them become the best people they could be while serving as POWs.
It was Caesar who put them in prison and Caesar who would get them out. Their task was to
act with honor.

Another McCain story, somewhat better known, is about the Vietnamese practice of torturing him
by tying his head between his ankles with his arms behind him, and then leaving him for hours.
The torture so badly busted up his shoulders that to this day Mr. McCain can't raise his arms over
his head. One night, a Vietnamese guard loosened his bonds, returning at the end of his watch to
tighten them again so no one would notice.

Shortly after, on Christmas Day, the same guard stood beside Mr. McCain in the prison yard and
drew a cross in the sand before erasing it. Mr. McCain later said that when he returned to Vietnam
for the first time after the war, the only person he really wanted to meet was that guard.

Mr. Day recalls with pride Mr. McCain stubbornly refusing to accept special treatment or curry
favor to be released early, even when gravely ill. Mr. McCain knew the Vietnamese wanted the
propaganda victory of the son and grandson of Navy admirals accepting special treatment. 'He wasn't
corruptible then, Mr. Day says, 'and he's not corruptible today.'

The stories told to me by the Days involve more than wartime valor.

For example, in 1991 Cindy McCain was visiting Mother Teresa's orphanage in Bangladesh when a
dying infant was thrust into her hands. The orphanage could not provide the medical care needed to save
her life, so Mrs. McCain brought the child home to America with her. She was met at the airport by her
husband, who asked what all this was about.

Mrs. McCain replied that the child desperately needed surgery and years of rehabilitation. 'I hope she
can stay with us,' she told her husband. Mr. McCain agreed. Today that child is their teenage daughter
Bridget.

I was aware of this story. What I did not know, and what I learned from Doris, is that there was a second
infant Mrs. McCain brought back. She ended up being adopted by a young McCain aide and his wife.

'We were called at midnight by Cindy,' Wes Gullett remembers, and 'five days later we met our new
daughter Nicki at the L.A. airport wearing the only clothing Cindy could find on the trip back, a
7-Up T-shirt she bought in the Bangkok airport.' Today, Nicki is a high school sophomore. Mr. Gullett
told me, 'I never saw a hospital bill' for her care.

A few, but not many, of the stories told to me by the Days have been written about, such as in Robert Timberg's
1996 book 'A Nightingale's Song. But Mr. McCain rarely refers to them on the campaign trail. There is
something admirable in his reticence, but he needs to overcome it.

Private people like Mr. McCain are rare in politics for a reason. Candidates who are uncomfortable sharing their
interior lives limit their appeal. But if Mr. McCain is to win the election this fall, he has to open up.

Americans need to know about his vision for the nation's future, especially his policy positions and domestic
reforms. They also need to learn about the moments in his life that shaped him. Mr. McCain cannot make this
a biography-only campaign - but he can't afford to make it a biography-free campaign either. Unless he opens up
more, many voters will never know the experiences of his life that show his character, integrity and essential decency.

These qualities mattered in America's first president and will matter as Americans decide on their 44th president.

Mr. Rove is the former senior adviser and deputy chief of staff to President George W. Bush.

Footnote:
If you agree with me that this needs to be sent to everyone you know, so they can make better decisions as to whom will
be their next President, please send it to all your friends, and to those who won't get this in their local Press!

This link is the article in Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120951606847454685.html?mod=hpp_us_

What a Ride

What a wild ride the last week has been. The phone rang looking for a sub this morning and I squealed, "Do not answer that!". I had to get my house back in order and get the laundry caught up. If they call tomorrow, I will comply but I needed today for ME. My dear husband just vacuumed the upstairs for me.....it helped so much. I've been working trying to straighten this and that this morning in between folding tons of laundry. I don't know how I kept this together when I worked full time. Perhaps that is why I was often stressed. Thank God for retirement....it is when I really learned to live.

Saturday afternoon was the wedding of my good friend, Bernice's granddaughter. It was a beautiful and elegant affair. I put my pics on my blog site so that those that are interested can take a look. Saturday morning I accompanied Bernice and one of her daughers in law along with the father of the bride to the reception hall to do some decorating. We had a great time. The mother of the bride said she would have freaked to do that stuff and I just laughed because what is so easy for one is often difficult for another. It often takes many to get the jobs done for such a big affair as a wedding. I know that I was so appreciative of the different things people have done for me/us when our girls got married (Debbie included). All our girls have had their weddings. A couple are single again but my responsibility is complete. The next time they are on their own. Of course I will help, but I wouldn't take on another big wedding. NO, no no no no. One stands to the side and watches dollar bills fly out windows and doors. I have such a time with that kind of expenditure. Perhaps if money came easier it would be different for me but we have worked too hard for those dollars.

So to Deb and Steve, whose job of rearing their daughter, Mary, is now complete....congratulations. Good job! Adoptive parents understand better than those that are not. There are complexities that are not understood by most...there are challenges, trials and pain that only they understand...in addition there is a pride and joy that only an adoptive parent can understand as well. God sends us on quite a faith ride with Him but when we look back we can say that He has been faithful. My prayer is that Mary and her husband Steve will be happy and complete as they live their life together under the blessing of God. To God be the glory.

 
My soulmate and a very tired me.

Music.....Touches the Soul (not always the same music)

Twas a very busy day. First took someone to a counseling appointment. On our way home, I was dropped off at church for a funeral. I had a salad to bring and had a responsibility to serve at the luncheon.

During the funeral, a soloist we enjoy sang, Mansion Over the Hilltop. Ken chuckled and when I looked at him, he was smiling like a cat that swallowed a canary. What? was my question. He said, "That is my song". I will never understand why he laughs when something touches him. I cry and he laughs. Seems strange to me but after forty six years, I am finally figuring him out. As I listened to Pat sing the song, I had to chuckle myself. I think it is so ironic that that song and many like it that are horizontally driven are not my favorites at all. My husband and I do not have the same taste in all music. He is a little too much on the country side for my tastes. But I decided that if I am around for his funeral, we will sing or have someone sing that very song. Another of his favorites is, "I'm a Child of the King". Being adopted and not knowing for the first fifty five years of his life to whom he really belonged, he grabbed onto that song for his identity. I guess it is a pretty good one. I suppose it was during the funeral today that I really conceded to his taste in music. If that is what touches him, who am I to argue? I tend to like songs that sing to God instead of to one another. I can think of many of them. Holy, Holy, Holy.......Great is Thy Faithfulness......God and God Alone.....The Hallelujuh Chorus.....I could go on and on. All I have to do is look through my praise team folder and I could name dozens of them. There are three types of music in my understanding...God's Word to Us....Our love to God and our words to each other. I prefer the first two types. Sometimes I think the third group is a bit sappy, bordering on fantasy. Forgive me....just my opinion. BUT, after today, I will honor my husband's taste and respect the songs that touch his heart.

Over the River and Through the Water

Today, they called and I responded. I was asked to sub for the elementary school. It was a piece of cake and I enjoyed it immensely. After school, I had plenty of energy to go to Merrillville. Because of the ten inches of rain last weekend, most of the thoroughfares to Merrillville have been closed for five days. I have felt rather isolated. I-65 was still closed when I left today. I took some back roads and got to my destination without problems.

While I was shopping, Lynette called me and said she had taken the river road home because it was now open though it had a "little water" on the road. I decided I'd take that way home. When I was ready to start for home, I saw road crews opening the north bound lanes on the interstate. They had been closed since Monday. I took 65 to route 2 and then got off to fill the Durango with fuel. (ouch) Then I drove the short distance to the river road and confidently turned onto it. All was well until I got to the river crossing. A barricade was in my lane of the road and said, "high water". Duh! Lynette said there was only a little water on the road so I barged passed the sign with vigor. It was getting dark which made seeing where the road was very difficult. About forty feet into the thing, I got chicken. There was way more water than I expected and I was suspicious the water was in the process of cresting and that the two hours difference in the time of Lynette's passing and mine were making a huge difference. I stopped short and saw the lights of two trucks stopped prior to the barricade waiting for me to make up my mind. I decided to look out my window and follow the yellow line which I could see through the waves in the road to get me back to dry ground. When I backed around the barricade I talked to the driver of the first truck. He had a big one and thought he could make it. I gave him my best wishes. At that point, I turned in a drive way to turn around. The second truck, a pick up, came around me and stopped in the middle of the road. A guy got out and began to come toward my car. As he got close to me I could see that I recognized him as a guy I've known all my life. A true De Mottian. He was about three years ahead of my in high school and is a life long farmer. A true risk taker. :) I've never been so happy to see Norm and I told him so. He chuckled and we talked about the condition of the water. He said it had been rising all evening. I told him I thought I should go all the way back to route 2 and go a different way home. No, he didn't think so. He told me to follow closely behind him and that we would go very slowly. I trusted Norm. I turned off my lights so not to blind him and followed as close as a scared pup. With Norm at the helm I had great courage. When he got beyond the troubled area, he accelerated and the two of us were out of there.

Those who know me for a lifetime know that I love adventure and sometimes get thrilled with a little risk taking. Tonight was no different. In the end, it was kind of fun, but if Norm hadn't come around, I would have opted for a safer plan even if I would have had to drive ten miles out of my way. I notice that I'm not quite as brave as I once was and I don't like that about the aging process. I have watched the same happen with my dad. I always loved his courageous character...he bordered on risky sometimes. At 88 he doesn't take risks too much anymore. However, my brother came there a couple of weeks ago to find both he and his wife on the roof cleaning their gutters. My brother's only comment was, "I don't suppose you could find anyone who would help you with that!"

Spoiled....Both of Us

Today saw the beginning of our Women in the Word group at church. It was good to see some of the gals that I haven't seen all summer long. It felt good to be back at it. This season we are studying the Tabernacle and God's pursuit of us. I look forward to learning more about putting together the story from Genesis to Revelations.

Yesterday, I had my first day at school. I got a call early in the morning requesting a sub for the art teacher at the intermediate school. There are fourth, fifth and sixth graders at that school. I was a big surprise for three kids from my church. They were so cute when they walked into the room. The first reaction was a gasp, big smile and then a hug. Pretty sweet.

I couldn't believe how exhausted I was at the end of the day. I wanted to do nothing but lay in my recliner. I'm not quite sure what all the fatigue was about. (Still some issues with that nasty shingles virus I'm thinking) I enjoyed the day but having 25 kids every forty minutes throughout the entire day except for a half an hour was a bit of a stretch. I am used to older kids so perhaps that was the difference. I am glad I didn't have to teach today and rather hope no one calls tomorrow either. I am sorry to have to confess that I'm very much used to having my days all to myself. So spoiled I am. I think I like retirement.

Ken had a busy day today....first he worked hard at golf and then he had to hurry to get to Portage to catch the train on which John and some guys from his church were on as they headed to Wrigley Field. We have to weave our way through the country right now to get around all the closed roads due to flooding. I don't know if there were issues with that or if he was just late but he missed the train. He hurried to Gary but missed the train the guys were on there too so he took a later train and caught up with them at the park. I'm watching the game as I'm writing this and I know my husband isn't happy at the moment. The Cubs are losing at present. Hopefully, they will pull this one out and win it.

Levels of Happiness

When I retired last evening, I had the joy of listening to a lady talk about happiness and that happiness can be defined in four levels. That thought intrigued me so I listened on even though I thought I should be sleeping. Her premise is that our first level of happiness is found in the satisfaction of our five senses, what we smell, what we eat, what we see, what we hear and what we touch. There is nothing wrong with that since God made us as creatures that have and are to enjoy all of those wonderful senses. But if we rely on finding our happiness in that level alone, we are merely nothing more than any other animal. Level two is finding our happiness in the things we can accomplish. It is the "I" in us..it is something we have been created with....God even commands us to love others as we love ourselves. However, if we get all our happiness from those two levels we live only to please ourselves or at the expense of others advance ourselves. At level three we begin to turn our attention outside ourselves to others, freely giving ourselves for the betterment of those around us. If we stop at this level, we get disenchanted with those around us. We can't please them and they can't please us. We look to each other for something only God can provide. In level four, we turn everything we are into surrender to God. Our senses, our ego, others in our lives and our very beings are given to God for fulfillment. It is in this level we find our value as a human being created by a perfect all powerful God and reach the balance and true happiness we desire in this vale of tears. It is the place where we put our faith in trust in His love for us and for others.

I was impressed. I could see my own pursuit of happiness struggling through these levels without identifying them in such a compartmentalized manner. It makes so much sense to me and I think it will help me check myself as I journey through the hours of my day. I sense the culture around us hovers around levels 1 and 2. Perhaps they need to hear this truth. God bless the message.

Just got a call to sub at the intermediate school. I accepted so hopefully all will go well.

The World's Problems are Solved

What a crazy day! My day started with a session at Curves....after Curves I stopped at my friend, Bernice's house. Both she and her husband were home so we solved the world's problems for awhile....like about two hours. Bernice suggested we visit a widow from our church (that is my friend, Bernice, always thinking of those that are lonely). Before we got out of her subdivision, we sighted two women in a garage getting ready for a garage sale for the middle of the week. Bernice said we should stop and see if they would let us look. We looked........wouldn't you know they would have a beautiful set of china.....ugh......why can't I say no to such things. I made a commitment to get rid of some of my other stuff. When we got to Dollie's house, she was in her chair yelling "come on in" before we got to the door. We visited together until we asked the time. It was one o'clock. One o'clock? Oh my goodness, we visited right through lunch. We talked about some people in our church going through difficult times. Before we left the three of us (where two or three are gathered) bowed our head to the Father and asked for blessing on those that need His touch in such a desperate way. It was a sweet time.

Homeward bound....now two o'clock, I couldn't drive in my driveway because a pickup truck was in my space. I realized it was my baby brother. He is still my baby even though he is fifty four years old. I was twelve when he was born and to this day I feel like his second mother and since our mother died thirty years ago, I guess I feel like his sister/mother. He and Ken were jawing when I arrived and two hours later, after we again had solved the world's problems, he went home. He is precious to me and he and I often comment when we visit that nurture has more to do with who we are than nature. Twelve years between us but our philosophies are so similar. We apples don't fall far from our tree. Actually, there are four siblings in all and all the apples seem to be the same variety. Interesting how that happens, uh?

We got the brunt of Hurricane Ike over the weekend. Ten inches of rain over the course of two days and two nights. We are so thankful we didn't get water in our lower level. That would be thanks to our new septic system which keeps the surface water far from the house. God does know what He is doing.

BTW......Lauri commented that the hobo dinner also needs a half cup of water poured over it before sealing the foil. Sorry I forgot that last detail and hopefully no one has attempted the recipe yet.

Patio Lights and Hobo Dinner

Yesterday, we did the usual mundane things one does on Saturdays.....in the mix of things Ken had a couple of appointments for his insurance work so I cleaned and then just vegged in my house and thought of how I have come to love those times when I can stay at home. It hasn't always been that way for me...I wasn't content unless I was "going". But the calm and security of the place I call home has drawn my heart closer.

In mid-afternoon, our son-in-law helped Ken put back together the benches Ken rebuilt for Peggy Sue. They started out here but soon they moved the project to Elton's house. Lauri was making hobo dinner and asked if we would stay. A meal where I don't have to cook? Of course. Thank you very much. Before dinner was ready, the guys were finished with their project and the newly made old benches were packed into the back of the Durango and ready to find their places in Peggy Sue. Of course, it is one step of progress at a time and now we wait for the table top and counter to be complete so that we know just where those benches are supposed to go. That should be by the end of this week. Sometimes progress is so slow, especially when waiting on someone else.

Are you sick of hearing about Peggy Sue yet? Yesterday afternoon, while the project was here, Lauri and Mackenna and I went to a garage sale one door west of us which is about a half a city block but with a woods in between. It was the first time I had met the lady since she had moved in two years ago. Shame on me. Not one of my better suits. Anyway, LAURI introduced me as the neighbor. (I had not done my hair nor had I any makeup on). That over, we began to shop. I heard a little gasp and an "Oh, Mom" as Lauri leaned over a table and caressed two boxes of patio lights. They were very old but had never been used. The bulbs were still in their own separate little box. "Mom, these are the lights Grandma Angie (my mother who died in '76) had on their Airstream". Now I remember my mother always having lights on their trailer but I couldn't tell you that she had THESE lights on her trailer. Lauri was a little girl back then and she must have been impressed with the beauty of those lights. Obviously, I had to make that purchase. They are pastel lanterns and carry on our fifties theme well. When we returned home, Mackenna and I put one string together and they truly are pretty and will adorn Peggy Sue in fine fashion.

If anyone is interested in what a hobo dinner is...I shall explain. Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil. Wash and cut up two to three pounds of red potatoes. Spread potatoes on foil leaving edge room for folding and sealing foil. Sprinkle fresh green beans over the potatoes. Cut up some kind of sausage into half inch pieces. Polish, Smoked sausage...sausage of your choice. Spread the sausage over the potatoes and green beans. Add onions or onion flakes. Salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 cup water over the top. Fold up sides of foil and seal. Put on grill for fifteen minutes on each side. Careful when you turn it...we lost some into the grill yesterday. Yum....try it...you will like it.

Have a good Sunday and remember to worship at the church of your choice.

Blessed with High Humdity

Our air went out last night just in time for this humidity. I have a very hard time with humidity. When we went to bed last night, Ken wanted the window open. It soon felt like a sauna in that room. Yuk. Then the man I have shared a bed with for forty six years decided he was so hot he needed the overhead fan on. Well, I waited for the man to fall asleep and then I sneaked out of the room with afghan and pillow in hand and spread myself over the guest bed. I shut the door to keep out as much humidity as possible. I slept like a baby and didn't wake until seven this morning which is a very late sleep for me. Ken said he slept like a log so I guess he didn't miss me after all. The air conditioning man was called last evening and is supposed to arrive on the scene this morning. It will be so good to have dry air again. We are so spoiled.

I should complain, right? There are thousands of people in Texas without electricity and with water everywhere. That is not to mention the destruction to property by the strong winds. Ike has been brutal. Forgive me, Lord for even thinking at all about a little humidity in my bedroom.

I heard on TV an interview of a young man who did not evacuate and was concerned that the roof of the building he and his wife and two small children (three years and two months)were in was beginning to cave in. He said they were totally inundated by water. When the journalist asked why he didn't move his family to a safer place he responded that he had no place to go. One wonders if there couldn't be a plan in place that people like you and me could house a family during crucial times like this. I would be honored to help a family. I suppose screening families would be a huge undertaking but I felt horrible to hear this young father say he had put his family in harm's way because he had no other place to go. I realize young families like his may not have the money to even drive his family out of harm's way. I don't know....I'm just thinking that God's people could certainly be of some help in immediate relief to those that have no other place to turn.

I hear gas is up to 4.39 a gallon in our town. Crazy. Let's hope and pray those refineries are not damaged.

 

 

Sydney wouldn't stand still long enough for a good clear picture. This is as good as it got last night. Isaiah is throwing in a ball that went out of bounds.

 

 

Coming to a stop at a T crossing last evening on my way home from the soccer field, I didn't know if what I saw was real when a deer was standing in the corner calmly looking at me. While I missed his stare, I did catch him as he decided I was no threat and began to graze from the brush there.

While I was riding with my daughter and her daughter to the orthodontist yesterday, Sydney asked her mom why Grandma was with. Lauri said she just thought it would be nice if Grandma rode along. Syd persisted, but why? No real reason Syd, just that I wanted some support.......like a good bra, ya know? Grandma is just like a good bra, she holds us up in all the right places. Syd added, "Yea, and she is also close to our heart". So you see, I have a new claim to fame...I am like a good bra. As it turned out we enjoyed being together for that short time while Syd got on four new brackets on her braces.

After the ortho, I went for my haircut and got finished just in time to get Isaiah from school to bring him to his soccer game at the park. When he got into the car I explained that I was going to Syd's volley ball game since his mom was going to his game so he had at least one fan. He told me he didn't need a fan and I told him that he did. We argued a bit about that and I ended it with telling him that we love him and want to be his fans. He and his mom had had a falling out the night before so he told me that maybe we loved him but his mother didn't. I assured him that his mother loved him. No she doesn't. Yes she does. No, she doesn't. Yes, she does. Then he ended things with a bit of sputtin. I don't know how many people know what that means but in Dutch that means to make light of something that is sacred. We might never do that when we were kids but I didn't take Isaiah's sputtin very seriously. This was his reply......".No Grandma, she doesn't love me because if she loved me she would keep my commandments John 14:25". It struck me so funny that I had a good belly laugh. I said, "You just wish your mother obeyed your commandments". We both laughed and hopefully put the ugliness of the night before behind us.

I got to see Syd's game and had enough time to get over to Isaiah's game before it started so both kids had their grandma fan in attendance. Both Syd's and Isaiah's teams won so happy kids went home from town.

From My Chair in the Living Room

Having a bit of a meltdown right now. Was searching for my Word documents on this machine and couldn't find them. I asked our in house expert, Lynette. Nope Mom, there aren't any there. WHAT??????? You know we had Jay work on our computer last week and got the bugs out of it......did the documents some how get lost too? I have a call in to him and will wait to see if he can tell me if he hid them somewhere. The only thing I absolutely can't bear to think is that all the genealogy information for my grandfather's book is gone. I think I would pull out my hair. Getting that info was a long and tedious operation and one I will not do again. If it is gone....it is gone. I'll publish the book without it. UGH.

Today, I made both beds upstairs. That is an improvement over the last week. I have had a tough time putting one foot in front of the other. I feel a bit more energy today so hopefully that is a good sign. My chest still hurts at the site of my lesion but the lesion is going away. I'm thankful they weren't worse. Having had these buggers before I know that it will hurt from time to time for a long time.

I have a big afternoon planned. Whoopie. I will go with Lauri to take granddaughter Syd to the orthodontist. Then a three o'clock hair cut and then Syd's volleyball game. Isaiah has a soccer game, too. Normally, I whip through busier days than this with ease but now it is an effort. One doesn't know the blessing of good health until one is sick. That is when one realizes God's tremendous blessing of health and strength. I praise Him for it and ask for its swift return.

Hopefully, I will be inspired with greater things in the future. For right now, I realize that it is rather humdrum. Sorry to bore you. The good and the not so good in life.

It is Almost Passed

It is very quiet here presently. One adult is downstairs doing homework and all the rest are out of the house. One would think I'm getting a lot accomplished but .....nada. Not yet anyway. My only claim to accomplishment is that the sheets to our bed been have washed. Hopefully, all the shingles germs are out of them now. My lesion is still there but it is dried and looks much better. I have a bit of itching but most is gone. There are better days ahead.

When I get sick, I can never figure out that I am sick. I wonder why I'm exhausted and why I feel like doing nothing. Then when I begin to feel better, it hits me. Now I know why I felt so punk. Same scenario this time. I'm feeling better now so I can see that I didn't feel at all good last week. Thank God for the return of better health and a prayer for full strength to return.

I spoke with a friend this morning and when I told her I had been afflicted with shingles, she said, "You and everyone else". That was an unexpected response and then she told me one of her good friends had them, a sister-in-law had them and her father had them. What, is there an epidemic? Wouldn't we love to know all the reasons to these things?

One of the things I always remind myself of when in a situation I don't like or is uncomfortable is this phrase, "This, too, shall pass!" It is so true, isn't it? Everything passes......in time. In the mean time, God's grace is sufficient.

One Step at a Time

 

 

 

 

This is an example of love.....did I ever think I would be underneath an Avion trailer? NO But here I am, next to my man, with our heads under the tail where Ken was doing some sheet metal work. The trailer was lifted up by backing it up onto blocks. Backing the Durango was my job while he gave instructions. What a hoot! I spent many minutes and hours today watching and listening for the metal block to begin to cave in. I was given strict instructions to run into the Durango and pull the thing off at the slightest hint of breakage. While I was underneath, my job was to hold the sheet metal in place while the man put in the rivets. I must say it was a bit exciting. Restoring this old trailer is a bit of a lesson in self preservation. Would I like to live in these 19 feet for 24/7. I doubt it, but it certainly would provide shelter and privacy if I needed it. I love my little bit of yesterday. So does my man or he wouldn't be putting so much work into it.
BTW, the pic that looks like cement is really the underside of the trailer. It was what I saw as I lay there holding my arms up as Aaron did for Moses. I feel good about the stability of that old piece of steel now that I saw it from the underside.

BTW.....we ordered the counter tops and table top yesterday. The top I chose six months ago is no longer made so I had to choose a new one. It is similar so I am happy. Should be complete within two weeks. I'm pumped. The seamstress says she will set Oct first as a goal to reach as well so we should be able to be on the road soon. So cool.

Random Thoughts

I got to thinking about cultural ways to look at things and then thought about how God calls us to look at things from his perspective. The two collide miserably. As I look back over my life I am ashamed of the many times I chose to take the word of a human over the word of God. I don't recall how old I was by the time I could see such distinction. I really think I was pretty old before I could see the clear line of demarcation. Actually, I now see the line and it is pretty bold but I still move over into the side that is red and I see Jesus standing on that line waving a flag of warning for all He is worth(which is everything) . Most often I move over into the red zone as I will call it when it comes to relationships that are difficult and that causes disruption in my love network. It isn't that I do terrible things, but I sure can think terrible things. There is a battle that goes on in me. Is there one in you?

Never so clearly as in a presidential campaign do we see that there are two extremely different world life views in our nation. It appears to me that the lines have been clearly drawn. There are those that don't see things from God's perspective and try to shove all that stuff down the throats of us and many that are vulnerable. It seems some politicians have all the answers and leave no room for the hand of God. If I had my way, I would make political decisions that lined up with God's word and then trust HIM to work out all the details. I guess that is a little too immature for the majority. In our individual lives, can we predict the future or have answers for things we don't yet know exist? Is our knowledge of the future of our nation any different?

God's word tells us that He is in charge of the nations....that kings and rulers bend their knee to Him. The only problem is that most kings and rulers don't recognize that truth.

God have mercy on us.

Youth Group Campouts

As this is read on Sunday morning, we will be either on our way or already arrived at our son's home in Saint Joe, Michigan. We haven't seen the kids and Kim for awhile and haven't seen John for even longer so it will be a joy to visit with them. Whenever we go there on a Sunday there is also the added bonus of listening to John preach at St Joe Christian Reformed Church where he is employed.

Three of our grandchildren on are camp outs this weekend with either junior high or high school groups from their churches. Isaiah is now in seventh grade and has joined the youth group for that age level. He is always hesitant about doing stuff with groups unless he knows "who is going". This weekend was no different. He told me more than once that he wasn't going. After one of the leaders called to talk with him and read him "the list" of attendees, he changed his mind and decided he would go. So after gathering a list a mile long of things he needed for his twenty seven hours of junior high bliss at Turkey Run, I brought him to church yesterday morning for debarkation. I noticed there were eight girls and two boys. I'd say Isaiah and his friend Dustin have a pretty good ratio going there. The years right around the year of his birth were very short on boys. Even his class at school has only four boys. For some things it is a good thing and for things like class basketball teams it is a real bummer.

I would love to have been a bug on the wall in that camp last night. Bless those leaders who so willingly give of their time to this group. Junior high kids are challenging to say the least. Give me high schoolers any day of the week. I've worked with both age groups and find the older one much more controllable.

Camp outs with kids have several goals, I suppose. One would be to tighten the tie between the kids and give them an appropriate support group within the safe (hopefully) haven of their church. It would also be to strengthen their faith in Christ and learn of His ways for growing through the teenage years into a productive adult citizen of the kingdom of God. I pray these trips will serve that purpose not only for my grandchildren but for all the kids that enjoyed that experience this weekend.

A Yawn or a Gasp

I finished reading a Lori Wick fiction book yesterday. I used to scoff at fiction thinking it was only make believe and therefore had no real lasting information or value. What's in a story? Give me a good biography...something with meat in it so I can learn something. I guess I never gave a thought to the fact that the way Jesus got his point across was with an earthly story. That is the way I used to believe. Somewhere along the line of my life, I accidentally read a Christian fiction book. I began to understand that much can be learned from the spiritual depth of an author. Jan Karon taught me so much meaty stuff in the Mitford series. I've read several other authors whom my daughter and granddaughter introduce to me. When I say I have nothing to read...they pull a couple of books out of their hat and I read them.

While reading "Cassidy", I was introduce to the pastor in the little village of Token Creek. He was young and single but deeply spiritual for a man in his early twenties. In one of the sermons related in the story, he brought up the difference between a yawn and a gasp. In physical terms they are fairly similar....especially if one covers one's mouth as it happens. His question to the congregation was this, "When you read God's word or think on Him, do you yawn or gasp?" I thought on that for awhile. I will say that I have often gasped with awe at God as He revealed Himself to me....but I must confess that often when I hear the word read or read scripture, my attitude is one of a yawn.

It all has to do with whether or not we grasp the greatness of the God we serve. Revelations 15:4 says, "Who will not fear you O Lord and glorify your name. For you are holy, all nations will come and worship before you because you are HOLY". What we need to grasp is how big our God really is. The pastor in the fiction book says, "Are you grasping it yet? Are you getting it? A gasp or a yawn? We choose. There is nothing to yawn at here. He is too big for us to be wasting our time yawning. We serve a great and awesome God and that is what we need to grasp. We can't be wasting our time yawning."

I think of that in relationship to the presidential campaign. Let's gasp at His power and trust that He will put into office the person that fits in with His will. I can get very distressed with thoughts of what direction our nation would be headed if one of the two candidates gets in. God doesn't want me distressed....He wants me to stress His power and His greatness, yes, even over the culture and direction of this great nation.

Lord, my hand goes over my mouth and I gasp as I remember that you have all the nations and those that govern them in your control. Lord forgive the sins of your people and restore to this land a respect for You and your ways.

Computer Viruses and Old Ladies

Ken's laptop, which I use most often because it sets next to my recliner in the living room, was totally filled with viruses. It got so bad we couldn't even get on Microsoft word let alone the Internet. Our son is Mr Computer so I called him. When I explained the symptoms he said, "Sounds like your embedded with them." He was busy at the time but would call that evening.......we didn't get together on it until last night for various reasons. I am amazed at the fact that he can hack my computer and take control. I spent about three hours watching the cursor which was governed by Jay move this way and that way clicking this and that icon. He finally called and said he had good news and bad news......the good news was that he had most of it out but could not identify some of them. We had to buy a program to search for the hidden enemy. We were only to glad to know how to beat the thing. When we ran the scan it found over a thousand infected sites. Amazing. It was thrilling to see the cursor click over the "remove" button and all of them disappear. I felt pretty guilty to have my adult son give up three hours on an evening he should be spending with his family. Then I came to some realistic thoughts.....I suppose I have given him at least that much time. I certainly appreciated his help, otherwise this thing would be in a shop right now.

A little old lady came into Curves this morning and asked to be weighed and measured. While weighing her the owner asked her age. She said she was eighty two. The announcement was made....she had lost two pounds. Everyone there broke out in applause and "good jobs" were coming from all over the room. One could tell it had made her day. I watched her on the machines and thought, " I want to be like that when I'm eighty ". Good for her.

I think one of the reasons I like Curves is that I see women of all ages there. There are skinny young things and one wonders why they are there and then there are ladies like I saw this morning.....eighty two and not skinny but working at it and keeping herself strong. While I am not losing weight by going to Curves I sure am getting stronger. I still hate exercising but I do see results and it spurs me on. One day a tall, very skinny girl came in to work out. After she left, I asked the owner why she was coming to Curves. She said that the girl feels very weak and wants to increase her strength and endurance. How one looks doesn't tell the whole story.

Hurrah for Palin

In my world, Sarah Palin hit a home run last night with her speech at the NRC. She proved herself worthy of her new position as candidate for VP of the USA. She also challenged her(their) opponents in this race in clever, intelligent, humorous and wise ways. There were a few formidable zingers.

The most tender part of the broadcast on CNN was when the photographer panned over to Piper, youngest daughter of Palin who was holding baby Trig. Piper stroked Trig's hair several times and when it didn't go the way she wanted it to, she licked her hand and then smoothed it down with some homemade moisture. It was priceless and soooo human. I doubt there was any one of the millions watching that weren't brought to a smile or made to respond "awe....." That nearly brought tears to my eyes as this little girl who hasn't a clue she is being watched by the world, cradles and caresses her new little Downs Syndrome brother.

When I think of the dynamics of that family's recent experiences, I must say that if it were I who four months ago had a disabled child and my precious seventeen year old daughter revealed her untimely pregnancy.......I would still be reeling in defeat and licking my wounds. This woman called Sarah Palin, has not shrunk back from either of those painful hits and has taken on the world. On top of that, she has exposed her pain for all to see that she is no different than any other woman in the nation....she has her ups and her downs and she handles them with grace and courage. She is made of thicker skin than I. God bless her and her efforts on behalf of this nation. This nation that teeters between cultural philosophies that seem to be miles apart can learn much from this woman who knows how the average person lives and thinks.

Sarah Pilan

Sarah Palin

It's Sarah Palin's Night...Shut Up and Listen

Tonight Sarah Palin will reveal herself to the nation. I can't imagine the apprehension in her heart today. Every talk show on the sound waves has been sharing opinions about her experience or lack there of, her mothering abilities or lack thereof. The black mark on her mothering is her seventeen year old daughter's untimely pregnancy. This morning I watched the view. Whoppi Goldberg, Joy, Elizabeth and Barbara Walters. Poor Elizabeth is a lone conservative voice on the show. It seems the producers could find someone to make the philosophies more balanced. It was interesting to me that the three who are asking the most questions as to how Sarah Palin will pull off the tremendous responsibility of her possible office along side the family responsibilities are the three that each have one child, each have had more than one marriage and each has been a working woman all their lives. Each of them is a "women's libber" if you will. Suddenly, their hearts have been turned to the family and they are wondering about the wisdom of Sarah Palin leaving five children in the care of their father while she goes off to serve her country. The three women in question are all older than Sarah Palin and their children are now mature adults. Perhaps there is some regret leaking out....I don't know....just thought the whole conversation was extremely interesting.

I think Elizabeth made a good point when she brought out that other presidents and candidates were parents of children that made unwise choices. Somehow, the Kennedy's have survived enumerable run ins with the law and other fax pauxs by their offspring.....yet they continue to be revered by many in our country as being an upstanding family.

I agree that Sarah Palin's family responsibilities are huge. Five children is not an hour a day job. I also know that the people that need to be making the judgments here are Sarah and her husband. I, too, wonder how that family will function without the presence of their mother. But, I believe that the family has made the adjustments necessary already in terms of the fact that she has been a governor for two years and has had a pregnancy in the middle of it. Quite a feat.....

With what we know about Sarah Palin now, she is an incredible woman. I still say, I like her belief system......I see her as wholesome.....not perfect.....but striving. I look forward to knowing more about her. Hopefully, we will know more about her tonight. My advice to The View and others that know little more than I do about this person, "Shut up and listen".

May God be in control over her speech tonight, grant her the words to say and protect her from the monsters that would want to undo her on many counts.

Does a Virus Mean I'm Sick??

Late....but not forgotten....I had a busy morning. First of all, I had an interview with the assistant superintendent of schools for substitute teaching. That went well and I just hope I'm not busier than I want to be. As we said our goodbyes, the A S said, "hang on to your hat, Debbie will try to keep you busy." Ugh....not really what I wanted to hear. Two or three days a week is plenty. We will see.

Then I had a doctor's appointment. On Saturday night, I felt unsettled....extreme fatigue. Sleeping in the car during a trip is one of my favorite things to do and one of the most restful times of my life. On our trip home from Lafayette, I couldn't find rest. When I woke at three in the morning, I still felt horrible and wondered what was going on. I dragged to church and took care of my responsibility there. When we got home, I crawled into bed and stayed there the entire day. That night I slept fairly well. I don't recall exactly when I noticed it but a lesion appeared on my chest. Then I began to ache in the general vicinity. I knew what that was...I'd had them before. The dreaded shingles. I made it through yesterday in fine style but had trouble sleeping again last night. I decided to bite the bullet and go see my cute young Irish physician. He and his wife had their first girl, third child twelve days ago so he is now very busy (they are in a partnered practice together). I was told I couldn't get an appointment until next week. I told the receptionist my plight and she acquiesced. She could squeeze me in at 11:30.

My self diagnosis was correct. I also showed him a spot on my nose that has been an on again off again problem for some time. He froze that spot and hopes that will take care of it. So I killed two birds with one stone and am glad for it. The anti viral drug for the shingles is supposed to prevent further outbreak so I will hope it does its job. I'm to call him with any further problem. He is the sweetest young man and always makes me feel good when I go there.

Gustav?????

Gustav......threatening big time. It seems to me that there are so many more natural disasters lately. If it isn't a hurricane, a cyclone, tornado, fire, flood, earthquake.......it is something else. One hears talk about the warnings these are that the end times are near. When I add the lawlessness we see in our culture and the other cultures in the world....I must say I'm quite convinced we are in the end times.....but then....Jesus and Paul also spoke as if the end time was near when they were alive. We do know from the Word that all of creation groans for Christ to return and redeem it......we, too, groan for the Son of Man to come upon the clouds of heaven and take us away from all the pain and destruction we see all around us. One interesting blog I read regarding the end time question was worthy of note;


"There are connections between the judgment of God and natural disasters, but we may not know for sure how God might be working through any given event with our limited knowledge, and there's no reason to think that a particular concentration of natural disasters is anything special even if it were true that there is a greater concentration of natural disasters rather than just an overworked media network that now simply reports on these things far more than it did. Given the cyclic nature of hurricanes, with low cycles and high cycles, we have no reason to conclude anything special is going on at all."

Matthew 24 and Luke 21 report what Jesus had to say about all these things. As I read those passages this morning, it jumped out at me again that Jesus tells us that NO ONE knows the time or the hour....not even the Son Himself...only the Father knows. The important thing is to be alert and ready....to warn those that are not interested.

Is it not true that the media hypes all these things up....of course they are crucial and emergency situations. It makes one very unsettled to think the same people that endured Katrina and the devastation of that terrible storm could be standing as sitting ducks for yet another strong hurricane. But, really, CNN.....what can be the purpose of reporting all night long when the evacuation is as complete as it is going to be and the storm is still a long way off?

My prayer is that God will protect lives and yes, even properties for the sake of the people in the region. If there is something we need to learn from another big storm.....God gives us the eyes to see it. Our comfort is in the following verse from Luke 21....

27-28"And then—then!—they'll see the Son of Man welcomed in grand style—a glorious welcome! When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!"