Lonnie's Miracle

Today is the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad it in. It doesn't say be glad if only good presents itself today, it says to be glad in this day. We are to thank and praise God for the bad along with the good for He alone can change things. Only He knows what we will wake up to.

My sister-in-law Llona has a brother that was diagnosed with cancer this last month. He had surgery and was told they could only remove a portion of the cancer as it was in a location that was difficult to get to so they sewed him back up leaving the cancer in his abdomen behind. After that he either had surgery again or some type of test and when the results were in - all the cancer was gone. What a testimony for the doctors. They knew they did not get it all and now it's gone! Many church's were praying and because of prayer, God removed the rest of the cancer. The image of the little girl represents prayer and praise. How can anyone not believe there is a God that hears prayers.

Puppies

Saw this picture on the web and it took me back to my childhood when we had a beagle named Precious. She had litters and litters of puppies. We always had fun playing with them. The thing I remember the most were their full bellies when they started eating dog food because it wouldn't be long before they would be down for a nap just like the two pictured here. Oh, I wish I had one to love on today. It is so relaxing having a pupply asleep on your lap.

Loneliness

Sometimes I think TV and various forms of media are such strong instruments in destroying lives. The Christmas season is upon us and many people are so lonely thinking they are the only ones without the huge family gathering, the perfect turkey along with the perfect tree. The kids are dressed in their best with not a hair out of place. Oh just to be a part of the Walton family! Life would be perfect then. Not much is said about what Christmas is really about and the open arms of God.

We spend the winter months in a retirement community in Texas and see several elderly people that have lost their spouses either by death or divorce. I see the loneliness in their eyes.

This picture tears at my heart. Can you feel his hurt? I realize the picture may be staged, but it still represents the lonely. Don't you just want to put your arms around him and tell him it will be alright. This world is becoming a very evil place - parents on drugs, alcohol or just not there. We need to pray for the children. God is there for them - many just don't know it. They are looking for love anywhere thy can find it. Many search in the wrong areas and get hurt even more.

I know this is a "down" post but I guess today my heart is hurting for the children, just like the young man in this picture. God help us all...

A Cute Quote

My friend Teena Blash posted this on Facebook. I thought it was so funny.

"If you haven’t seen your wife smile at a traffic cop, you haven’t seen her smile her prettiest." Anonymous

Bike Ride

The weather has turned warm again so today we traveled to the local Dollar Store by bike and foot. We rode our bike to the front gate and walked the rest of the way. All the windows are open and the curtains are flying. It is still hard getting used to Christmas decorations when it's not cold.

I'll try my best to adjust *smiling*.

Toothpick Holder

I like unique things and try to think outside the box. I reached deep into the cabinets and found this little glass basket. Looked like the perfect place for toothpicks. It doesn't take much to add a little glitter or comfort to your home.

Take the challenge - find a toothpick holder in your home that no one else has. I would be interested in hearing how your display yours.

Lots of Rain

Bob and I used to say "it never rains in Southern Texas". We won't say that anymore. See that little puddle - that means a lot of rain here. Normally it's so dry that any moisture is immediately soaked up by the ground. It's still raining so we are inside with the heater on sipping on hot chocolate.

I'm not complaining - it's still warmer than it is at home.

Before & After Kitchen Pictures

Finally finished painting the kitchen, walls and cabinets. As you can see in the before pictures, the cabinets had veneer which we removed. After peeling and peeling we noticed the cabinets had a few flaws, but that's OK. I'm very happy with my new kitchen and all it took was a little paint and new hardware. It's such a cleaner and brighter kitchen now. I'm not one for putting a lot of stuff on the counters. Next, I'll purchase some curtains to bring color into the space.

My next project - painting the spare bedroom with the leftover light sage color.

Our Streets

A few have asked what our park looks like so this is our view when I walk outside. There are various types of homes - Park Models, Motor Homes and Mobile Homes. It's so nice to see green grass in November. I am blessed beyond meausre. There are approximately 100,000 people from northern states that winter in lower Texas.

Watch out for the shopping carts.

See the shopping cart behind the black truck? It's just the way it's done by some here in the Valley. (Not saying it's right). We always check behind our vehicle before pulling away from any parking spot, especially at discount stores. When we see a cart like this, we try our best to grab it and take it to it's proper place.

Grandma is 103 Today

Today grandma is having her 103rd birthday party! This picture was taken when she turned 100. She's just as pretty at 103. There's a big celebration at her home today with many relatives and friends. She'll be dressed up with a beautiful outfit and a hug for everyone.

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

Iron Skillet

I normally use a teflon skillet when I cook bacon. This morning I spied an iron skillet that was way back in the cabinet. Decided to use it again, and I'm glad I did. The iron heats up so fast and the bacon was done in no time. Can you remember when your grandmother cooked gravy in one, served with homemade biscuits? It is one of my favorite childhood memories. Every once in a while I smell something that is simular and it takes me back to grandmas.

Allergies, April & Flowers

This week Bob went through allergy testing again. Bob said they had a device that would poke him with 6 needles at the same time and they did that about 8 times. He'll get the results in a few weeks but we do know now that he's allergic to pecan trees. We don't have pecan trees at home so that's probably why he has such a hard time when we travel to TX. My theory has always been that if you have to endure a doctor's appointment (for anything) you deserve a treat. We were headed to Dairy Queen when we passed a Diala's Tamale's. It was a wonderful treat.
This is April. She a little gal that has taken to me at church. She only knows Spanish so our communication has just been pointing and smiling. Taylor Bug and Wyatt always enjoyed coloring so I stopped on the way to church this morning and purchased some. I think it was her first experience in coloring as she didn't know how to hold a crayon. Her older siblings colored more than she did.

We stopped at Home Depot today and purchased some flowers to plant outside. Also picked up some new hardware for the kitchen cabinets. Still working on that project. We should be done with that tomorrow and then I'll start painting the kitchen walls.

Still working on the kitchen

Today we removed more of the kitchen cabinet doors and peeled off the "old" veneer and then applied the primer. I am so thankful that Bob had the tools to make the job easier. Tomorrow I'll start applying the color. There are 26 doors and 4 drawers so it will probably take me a few days to finish this phase of the project. I'll be glad when it's completed. We have worked two days on this project and tonight we are very tired. We are both in our recliners and will probably be here for the rest of the evening.

After I paint the walls, the kitchen should be very calm and relaxing. I'll post a picture when the room is completed. Next year we'll replace the stove as we think due to it's age, it's using more electricity than the new models would. But that's next year.

Monday Morning

Bob has already left to enjoy a game of golf this morning. They've started the Monday/Friday league and he's excited about that. Me, I'll be removing the cabinet doors to get them ready for new paint. Bob's having trouble with his sinuses so it may be next week before I'll get to start. Strong smells are really bothering him at the moment. He's going for allergy testing this Thursday as he'll be going back on shots instead of taking pills. With his asthma he thinks it may work better for him.

Looking out the window I see the wind blowing the chimes and couples walking. I need to try that!

Since we've changed our bed to a king size like we have at home, we are both sleeping good.

Pretty Bush

Southern Texas had 50 consecutive days with a temperature of 105 this summer. I can't imagine it. We had heard it was a hot summer but 105 for that long! No wonder our orange tree didn't make it. Many of the bushes around the city were in bad condition but since the temps are lower now (in the 80's) the color seems to be coming alive again.

Sorry, I don't know the name of this bush.

Fruit/Veggie Stand

It's always fun to visit one of the fruit/vegetable markets. Today we purchased a fresh pineapple. Oh, they are so good.
When the Winter Texans start migrating South this place is packed. Today it was bare. In less than a month, it should be busy. Everything is always so fresh. Can't wait to dive into the oranges and veggies. The oranges we get in Texas are 100% better than anything I have tasted up North.

Bob's favorite hamburger

Today was a rest day so Bob decided to visit his favorite hamburger place. Three sisters own and run the place, along with raising their own beef for the burgers. Only hamburgers and french fry/onion rings are on the menu. It's a very small place which is always packed. The hamburgers are cooked on a hot grill along with the buns, which makes them even better. Today I noticed the cook taking the french fry basket and drip some of the grease on the buns. Maybe that's why they taste so good?
Here's the finished product. I have to cut it in 4 pieces in order to pick it up. It's only $3.00 and worth every penny. Needless to say, we didn't require much for supper.

Arrived in Texas

The complex we reside in for the winter months has installed a new security fence. Here's Bob punching in the code so we can enter. We now have a clicker so we don't have to leave the car.

Texas is nice, hot and sunny. Before we lift up the awnings, Bob wanted to give them a fresh coat of paint. He has worked very hard and has completed that project. It was so hot that he had to put a towel under his hat so the sun didn't burn his ears.

When we arrived I started the washing machine and forgot to put the hose back into the drain - guess what kind of mess that was.

Next week I'll be painting the kitchen walls and cabinets.

I'm exhausted from the trip and moving furniture. I moved the queen size bed we had in our bedroom into the spare bedroom. We then set up for a king size. NICE....

I don't have internet yet at our place so that's why I haven't visited your blogs. I will soon.

Rainy Days

We are having our share of the rainy days. Good for some, bad for some. I truly cannot remember the last day we had sunshine. Tomorrow it's suppose to rain in the morning and then drop the temperature into the 40's.

It would be nice to be in Texas where the temp is supposed to be in the high 80's tomorrow...

Product Review - Beef Philly Steak

Tonight we had Philly Steak Sandwiches along with homemade vegetable soup. As you know I like to recommend products that work for us. We have been buying the Great Value brand for this item for years. There are more expensive brands but we find no fault with the Wal-Mart brand. I forgot to take a picture of the actual sandwiches before they were consumed so I had to find one on the web. Add a little spicy mustard, grilled onions and green peppers and you'll be saying "seconds please". Don't forget to add some spices to the steak such as garlic powder, onion powder and hot seasonings if that's your style. Tonight we topped with Pepper Jack cheese.

Same Old Thoughts

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Discipline

A disciplined lifestyle gives you more control: The more disciplined you become, the more you can take control over your life (which, by the way, is far better than letting your life take control over you).

1 Corinthians 9:27 (King James Version)
27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

2 Peter 1:5-6 (King James Version)
5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

Proverbs 10:17 (King James Version)
17He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

Peach Crumb

Felt like a little peach crumb this evening so off to the pantry I went to get some canned peaches. The crumb topping is so much easier and faster than a homemade crust. I'm sure it will be satisfactory to my other half as he likes anything with sugar. I could make an excuse and say we need to use up our butter and other supplies before we leave this weekend, but I won't. When you have a craving for warm fruit topped with a little ice cream, you've just got to give in, if you are able to. Can you smell the cinnamon?

Love Letters

I'm all for technology. This generation can conquer most computers and similar devises by the time they are 4 or 5. It makes our life fast and easier.

But on the other hand, I have noticed how we have let a small part of happiness and excitement slip away. Remember looking for the mailman because maybe, just maybe, you would have a love letter from someone who has traveled to a distant place. Or just a card stating "I'm thinking of You". The joy of looking into the box and reading love notes in a persons own handwriting would make your heart flutter. Now, the box only holds bills and advertisement. Some elderly which know nothing about computers, emails or Face book are lost because we have pushed the pen aside for a keyboard.

I would like to try harder to send my grandma love letters so when she sees the mailman she has hope for a small note to bring a smile.

Blueberries

Hall Bathroom Before & After

Since I lean more towards earth tones, I'm not much for chrome. When we purchased our home it already had the fixtures installed and we just haven't changed them. Our hall bath is designed in black and white, so I decided to paint the light fixture today. Just those little touches that makes a house a home.

Sisters, Mom & Marie

Yesterday I met with my sisters, mom and a good friend for lunch. From left to right - Mom, KK, Me, Shirley and Marie. Of course it was a buffet so everyone could enjoy their favorite foods. It was such a pleasant time and I hated to leave especially realizing I won't be able to see them for another 5 months. (Glad there's Facebook, Blogs and e-mail). I'll be able to see mom in February- she's flying to Texas for her 75 birthday. Maybe we'll spend it on the beach or at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Who knows, it will be a week of spoiling her.

The Over 50 Get-together

Saturday, Tom & Delores Blackwell had the annual get together for the over 50 group. It was fun but it was also so cold. It only lasted a few hours because you could sit right next to the fire and still be freezing. I wanted to take more pictures but my camera batteries went dead and I didn't take back-ups. The older I get, the more I enjoy comfort.

Finger Food Suggestions

I will be attending a get-together Friday night with some of the ladies I used to work with. We are supposed to take a finger foods. I'm tired of the usual so I'm reaching out to my blogger friends to see if anyone has any suggestions. It will take me around 45 minutes from leaving my home to reach the destination so something hot may not work too good.

I have searched the web, but nothing has jumped out at me.

If you have any suggestions, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks

VIP's for the Night

We were so blessed to have Teena & Theresa spend the night with us. We are family tied together through God and they are our God children along with their siblings. They have one more sister and two brothers. They wanted to have a big country breakfast this morning so I was happy to cook for them. They are two of the sweetest gals. This family is so dear to our hearts and we have agreed that annual mini-vacations to our home need to be scheduled.

The Blash family felt a call to start a church in St. Louis approximately 10 years ago. Their missionary hearts are reaching the lost. Since we live two hours from them, we are not able to get together often, but our friendship has grown so deep that we can always pick up where our last conversation ended. Our families are also prayer partners.

Reviews

I like to share products with my blogger friends that really work. You can watch those info-commercials and think everything works... which isn't true. I have used the above item three times and have received the following comments - Twice I heard "Your car has that new car smell". That's a good compliment since our car is three years old. I guess it eliminates all odors so the original car smell is present. Last night Taylor Bug said "your car smells so good". So I guess I would rate this product a 10! I'm not much for flowering smells that are so obvious.
I recently checked out these two movies at our local library. It's refreshing to watch a good movie without vulgarity. I would recommend these too. Good for the whole family.

A Day with Taylor Bug

Today I was able to watch Taylor for the day. She was such a joy. Tonight we decided to make some chocolate chip cookies. She was a big help from the beginning to the end. Of course we sent many cookies home with her.
It was cool today so our golf cart ride was short. Bob did a good job in taking her up and down some hills - she related it to a roller coaster ride. It's fun to spoil her. Tonight we ate many dishes (imaginary dishes) such as bean soup, chicken noodles soup, cookies, and jello.

Now that she's gone home, I feel old again.

Friends

I am truly blessed with good friends. They are the people in my life that I can pick up where we left off and not miss a beat. You are the friends that love me in spite of separations. To each of my friends - I am grateful for you. You give me comfort and peace to be myself.

Shannon's Athletic Award Banquet 2009

Shannon received the top award for the Best Bowler in the Western Division. Check out this video to see how excited she was to win.

The announcer is saying:

"This athlete started bowling with us on Saturdays just this past year. She not only gives 100% each time, but (unintelligible) is her average. Her cheerful attitude is to be admired. She is always encouraging the other athletes and is helpful in whatever area is needed.

Please help us honor this year's winner of the Outstanding Achievement in Bowling in the Western Division.....Shannon Drew!"

(There are a few more pictures of the banquet a few posts down)

General Conference 2009

Our church rented a tour bus and many from the church headed to the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis for the 2009 General Conference Holy Ghost Revival. It was so much fun to all be together. We had lots of games and singing during the trip.

Here's a group picture. We called ahead to the McDonald's on the way home and they were ready for around 57 hungry souls. We were able to climb into our bed around midnight. Everyone was tired, but happy.

Window Film

For privacy we can close our blinds and pull the shades, but if you have the half moon on your front door like we do, you still don't have complete privacy. It has bothered me ever since we moved into our home. Today I purchased window film at Lowes. I will get the daylight but if someone looks through the window they will only be able to see blurry images. This gives me added security when Bob is away. This type is called "Rain Drops". I should have posted pictures when the sun was out but sometimes the energy hits me at night

Another project completed.

Hutch

My sister Shirley recently purchased a hutch on Craigslist and it hit a spark in me to get one too. She always has great idea's so I had her keep her eye out for me. Go see her hutch transformation at:
http://gotmoretimethanmoney.blogspot.com/

She found this and I instantly said "Sold". It's a steal for $80 as it's solid wood. Dennis brought it to me this morning. I love it! I'll be painting it this week so I'll be able to show the before and after pictures soon. I'm trying to decide what color - butter cream, sage green, black. Shirley painted hers a light cream to look French Country. As soon as I make up my mind - I'm off to the paint store. Do you have any suggestions on the color?

Who couldn't use more storage.

Shannon's Banquet

Tonight family members gathered together to celebrate the annual Sports Banquet. Here's a picture of Shannon with her Bowling Award. She does love to bowl. She gets excited for others along with herself when the pins make a loud noise when they "GO DOWN". Here's a group picture of all the winners. Even though everyone didn't get an award THEY ARE ALL WINNERS!

I have also included pictures of family members and friend Marie who were able to attend. The meal was fantastic along with a slide show of all the athlete's. It was an awesome time.

The Cardinals "Fred Bird" was also there to make everyone laugh. He was giving out lots of hugs and kisses. Here he is playing with Shannon.

The bottom picture (from left to right ) Shirley, Shannon, Mom, Me.

Cupcakes for a Cancer Survivor

Shirley (my sister - a cancer survivor) & I talked about what I could bake for her once she started her recovery from surgery. She wanted white cupcakes with pink cream cheese frosting. These are all packed and ready to take to her on Wednesday.

So Shirley - you fought hard to find the cancer and won. These are for you! Love ya sis.

For the Over 50 Group

Click to get the full cartoon

Vichy Community Singing

Tonight was the Annual Vichy Community Singing. All the churchs in the area meet at the voluntary fire station for food and singing. The Vichy Community Church, First Baptist Church, Macedonia Church and the First Pentectostal Church attended. It was a wonderful time. Above is my friend Brenda playing some type of tiny guitar with an Evangelist that attended. I wanted to upload the video but I guess my computer is just too slow tonight. It's wonderful that our community has come together with respect to each others beliefs. There shouldn't be any barriers in this area. We are all doing our best to make it. It was decided tonight that all the pastors of the church's will sing a song together next year. That should be awesome. What unity!

Behavior

Life is a series of decisions and choices. Each day, we make countless decisions that can bring us closer to God...or not. When we live according to God's commandments, we earn for ourselves the abundance and peace that He intends for our lives. But, when we turn our backs upon God by disobeying Him, we bring needless suffering upon ourselves and our families.

Do you seek God's peace and His blessings. Then obey Him. When you're faced with a difficult choice or a powerful temptation, seek God's counsel and trust the counsel He gives. Let God into your heart and live according to His commandments. When you do, you will be blessed today, and tomorrow, and forever.

Galatians 6:7-8 (King James Version)
7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Faith Builders for Teens

Clothing Protectors

Look at these cool "clothing protectors". My niece Connie is creating them so we never have to worry about stains on our clothing anymore. If you are like Bob and I, there are times when we don't want to change out of our clothes and need just a lightweight protector. Here's Bob enjoying his chips worry free. The collar uses Velcro to close. No more "Shout" every time we eat.

If you would like to purchase:

Adults: $8.00 for 1, $7:00 for 2 or more.

Children: $5.00 for 1, $4.00 for 2 or more. You will be responsible for the mailing charges to your area.

If you would be interested, please email Connie at: girlfriday_service@yahoo.com She can answer any question you may have. Tell her TJ sent ya...

I have ordered several for my family. I am planning on ordering extras for company when having those BBQ outings and maybe as Christmas presents. What a great conversation piece.

If you know of others that would be interested, please send this post to them. Connie is using the funds to help with her children's music lessons. Her children are young and that's the best time for them to soak up all the knowledge they can. They are using their talents for the Lord and we are praying for a blessing in this area. Thank you.

Deep Calleth Unto Deep

Here is Part 1 of the message we heard last Sunday from our pastor. If you would like to watch the entire message there are 4 parts. We are Apostolic Pentecostals. I always say "Apostolic" because there are many different Pentecostal belief's out there. Apostolic just means that we obey what the Apostle's taught. Bro Tim is fired up and produced a fire in all of us. If you like quiet sermons, this is not for you. (It's OK if you are quiet - I'm just not.) I'm not sure he has any quiet ones...But that's just fine with me. From what I read, Heaven won't be a quiet place. The bible says "make a joyful NOISE unto the Lord". Clap, play upon the loud cymbals, lift your hands and shout for joy. I could have church in my own home right now. I am so thankful to be filled with the Holy Ghost and the excitement that comes with it. When the spirit of the Lord falls upon my heart, I will dance like David danced, etc. My opinion is that everyone will shout for the victory once they reach the other side. We won't care what people think...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pje0QrXmDdk

Crickets

There must be a million crickets outside our windows tonight and they are loud. I guess they are better than whippoorwill's.

We live in a country setting and one of our grandsons said he couldn't sleep because of the noises from the critters. Just another difference of a country setting versus the city.

Have you noticed all the spiders outside also. I'm glad we don't have them in the house. Had to kill two big ones around the mailbox and my hummingbird feeder today.

Catch A Falling Star

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket and save it for a rainy day. It's been raining all day and this little tune came into my mind. Is it even taught any more?

I like rainy days... It seems to give the bodies rest.

Door Mat

When I go shopping and have extra time, I enjoy looking at door mats. Many times it reflects the personality of the home and the individuals living inside. Some are funny, some are soothing to the soul and some are just there.

This is one I bought this morning.

Early Morning

Yep, this was me this morning. I've been awake since 4:00. Got up around 5:20, prayed, read the word and did a little decorating.

It's not often I see the sunrise - but it's such a peaceful feeling when it happens. I'm just not a morning person, never have been, never will be.

Does the day hold a nap for me - we'll see.

The D Word

If you follow my blog - you knew it had to happen again soon - The "D" word. At the beginning of this year we were doing good and then fell off the wagon. As you probably have noticed, this summer was all about baking. Well, someone had to eat all of those goodies.

So with that, Bob and I have started a diet today. The cookies and cobblers will have to be a treat just every once in a while. I'm tired of sugar and things that rob me of a good life.

There may be "Fat Fridays" but hopefully not soon.