A Prairie View

Jesus Loves Me

Many years ago, while watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a Church in Atlanta honoring one of it’s senior pastors who had been retired many years…

He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak….

“When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow
paralyzed me…the only thing that would comfort was this verse……….

“Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong,
we are weak but he is strong…..

CHORUS

Yes, Jesus loves me…
The Bible tells me so.”

When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his footsteps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don’t believe I will ever forget it.

A pastor once stated, “I always noticed that its was the adults who chose the children’s hymn ‘Jesus Loves Me’ (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.”

Senior version of Jesus Loves Me

Here is a new version just for us who have white hair, or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of “Jesus Loves Me.” It is good, so read, sing and enjoy:”

JESUS LOVES ME — (Senior Version)

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow.
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.

(CHORUS)

YES, JESUS LOVES ME…

YES, JESUS LOVES ME…
YES, JESUS LOVES ME

FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I’ll go
On through life, let come what may,
He’ll be there to lead the way.

(CHORUS)

Though I am no longer young,
I have much which He’s begun.
Let me serve Christ with a smile,
Go with others the extra mile.

(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
“Have no fear, for I am near. ”

(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life’s victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I’ll understand His love.

(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.

Personality

So now we have our basic temperaments figured out how do we apply them to our faith?
How does your specific personality affect how you relate to those around you?
How does it affect how you relate to other Christians?
Non-Christians?
How does it affect your ministry?
Did you recognize anyone else’s personality when looking over the types?
How might this affect how you relate to them?
How does you personality affect your relationship to the Lord?

The test

MY personality type is INFP.
Introverted (I) 93% Extraverted (E) 7%
Intuitive (N) 64% Sensing (S) 36%
Feeling (F) 90% Thinking (T) 10%
Perceiving (P) 59% Judging (J) 41%

I am mostly introverted, and that doesn’t surprise me. I am known as being really quiet, and not real opinionate. In many ways, these is a major flaw in how I relate to other Christians. I find it hard to speak out, esp. in group settings. And this isn’t just with being a Christian. Its in all settings. I am more of a “behind the scenes” kind of person, and the less said, the better …. although, I do enjoy a good “brain storming” session, when we are trying to organize an event coming up. Even though I’m not outspoken, and find it difficult to share my faith, it doesn’t affect my ministry that much. I just turn the talents and gifts God me in the direction that works best. Organization. Not everyone can be a leader. And not everyone can take an event, and plan it, detail for detail, and make the event appear to go off without a hitch (we all know that behind the scenes, though, there is usually pure chaos). I wish I could be more outward and forward with my faith and beliefs, but … thats not who I am. So, I focus on how God made me and be the best that I can be.

When I’m An Old Lady

When I’m an old lady, I’ll live with each kid,
And bring so much happiness…just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they’ve provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they’ll be so excited!
(When I’m an old lady and live with my kids)

I’ll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues,
And I’ll bounce on the furniture…wearing my shoes.
I’ll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I’ll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they’ll shout!
(When I’m an old lady and live with my kids)

When they’re on the phone and just out of reach,
I’ll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they’ll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
(When I’m an old lady and live with my kids)

When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I’ll not eat my green beans or salad or meat,
I’ll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry…I’ll run…if I’m able!
(When I’m an old lady and live with my kids)

I’ll sit close to the TV, through the channels I’ll click,
I’ll cross both eyes just to see if they stick.
I’ll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud ’til the end of the day!
(When I’m an old lady and live with my kids)

And later in bed, I’ll lay back and sigh,
I’ll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan, “She’s so sweet when she’s sleeping!”

Monday Memories: Halloween

Thank goodness for pictures. As I get older, the memories of my childhood grow dimmer and dimmer. I remember Halloween from the inside out. Meaning, I remember the houses I went to, the people I talked to, my mom and I doing it together, the school parades, the kids coming to our house when we weren’t out Trick or Treating. But, I don’t remember what I was. I know I went out most every year… I do remember that, and the smell of the wet leaves. And the warm car when Mom would drive me around And as I got older, I would walk the neighbors. This was many years ago, small town. We were “safe”. I know I was Cinderalla one year because of this picture.

d

Ethan says I look like the Burger King “king” — which is creepy looking. What can I say? This was 40 years ago.

Now, some 40 years later, Halloween takes on a whole different aspect. For one, I don’t have children young enough to take out trick or treating. When Ethan was younger, we would make a list of people we knew, and those were the houses we went to. We didn’t go to a house just because the lights were on, even though that is still “acceptable” here in Smalltown, USA. Now that he is a teenager, I won’t let him go out “with friends” or on his own. He IS going out tomorrow night, but it is school sponsered, and he’ll be with adults. They will be “trick or treat(ing) so kids can eat” — collecting cans of food (much like the Boy Scout food drive) instead of candy. I will buy a little bit of candy for my grandson, and find out if he’ll be with his 2 cousins. The temps are supposed to be pretty chilly, so they may not get out. I’ll touch base with you, Bubble, and we’ll figure something out. Ethan has play practice, Trick or Treating, and then a drama club Halloween Party. Busy Busy Busy.

Special Music

Ethan is working up this particular song for Special Music at church in the near future. Have you heard it before?

Well it was battered and scared,
And the auctioneer felt it was hardly worth his while,
To waste much time on the old violin but he held it up with a smile,
Well it sure ain’t much but its all we got left I guess we aught to sell it to,
Oh, now who’ll start the bid on this old violin?
Just one more and we’ll be through.

And then he cried one give me one dollar,
Who’ll make it two only two dollars who’ll make it three,
Three dollars twice now that’s a good price,
Now who’s gonna bid for me?
Raise up your hand now don’t wait any longer the auctions about to end,
Who’s got four Just one dollar more to bid on this old violin?

Well the air was hot and the people stood around as the sun was setting low,
From the back of the crowd a gray haired man,
Came forward and picked up the bow,
He wiped the dust from the old violin then he tightened up the strings,
Then he played out a melody pure and sweet, sweeter than the Angels sing,
And then the music stopped and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low he said now what am I bid,
For this old violin and he held it up with a bow.

And then he cried out one give me one thousand,
Who’ll make it two only two thousand who’ll make it three,
Three thousand twice you know that’s a good price,
Common who’s gonna to bid for me?
And the people cried out what made the change we don’t understand,
Then the auctioneer stopped and he said with a smile,
It was the touch of the Master’s hand.

You know threes many a man with his life out of tune,
Battered and scared with sin and he’s auctioned cheap,
To a thankless world much like that old violin,
Oh, but then the Master comes,
And that old foolish crowd they never understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is rought,
Just by one touch of the Masters hand.

And then he cried out one give me one thousand,
Who’ll make it two only two thousand who’ll make it three,
Three thousand twice you know that’s a good price,
Common who’s gonna bid for me?
And the people cried out what made the change we don’t understand,
Then the auctioneer stopped and he said with a smile,
It was the touch, that’s all it was; it was the touch of the Master’s hand,
It was the touch of the Master’s hand; oh, it was the touch of the Master’s hand.

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Weekend Reflections

Has it been one of those days? Are you about ready to toss in the towel — the one you’ve been picking up all day because no one else seems to bother? Have you ever wanted to quit, but there just doesn’t seem to be the time!

Take a deep breath, find a quiet moment, have a cold beverage, and take some time to simply rest.

Thankfully, the Lord is always there to meet with you, waiting to fill your cup with encouragement and affirmation, wanting mercifully to restore your soul. He does it through the words of Scripture and through the soft whisper of His Holy Spirit.

Ironically, He also encourages and affirms us through the very people who never pick up their clothes, who leave the dirty dishes in the sink, and who never put the cap on the toothpaste! These are also the ones who love you, accept you, and support you.

Job 22:23 says, “if you return to the Almighty, you will be restored.” How we need that restoration today.

Simple Pleasures
– Start a list of interests you would like to pursue and keep adding to it.
– Cherish moments of leisure when you have the right to do whatever you want.
– Make a travel list. Think of beautiful places on God’s earth you’d still like to see.

(Keep it Simple for Busy Women — by Emilie Barnes)

Tomorrow will be hectic, but Mondays always are. I have the billing to do at the truck company, and David and I need to finish up the quarterly report … before the end of this month. Its pretty much done, but if tomorrow is a typical Monday, it won’t get done tomorrow.

David has a new toy. He upgraded his work phone, and the old work phone became his personal phone. He bought a “Bluetooth” thing. And he’s have a lot of fun learning how to use it. I personally wouldn’t want one. But this is the man who carries 2 phones at all times. So I can see where this might be beneficial. He’s had fun messing with it today; but tomorrow will be the real proof of the pudding — actually at the office, and making things all come together … hands free.

Besides work, and keeping Ethan’s schedule straight and knowing where he is or should be, when and where, Payperpost has kept me hopping as well. Things will settle down, I promise. I hope the green block (known as a “stickie” in the WordPress world) that will stay at the top, and lists all my entries for the week will help keep things organized and not quite so overwhelming when you come in to read. It overwhelms me sometimes, and its my blog! But, I think I have it set up where it flows pretty nice, I’m able to use a few graphics, but doesn’t make it cluttered. I like the nice neat compact way Becky is doing her’s…but, that just doesn’t seem to work for me. I like this layout …. the green and burgandy will work well with Christmas coming up. So, I can still change “the look”, but not the actual layout, if that makes any sense. I’ll be glad when Halloween is over, and we can focus on Thanksgiving. I have decided I am going to do a “Blessing a Day for the month of November. Expound on the many blessings God has given me, and do it every day. Anyone want to join in? I’m going to list mine on the side bar with links as I go along.

Just in case it got buried and you didn’t get a chance to read this entry — go HERE — for this week’s weigh in.

Ethan sang for Special Music today at church. He always always always makes me a nervous wreck. I thought I knew which song he was going to sing, and have even heard him practice on it. But last night, he tells me he’s NOT singing it, and is doing this other one, without the help of a CD or cassette. I listened to him last night practice and knew he could probably do it. And he did. I tell you what. I think God works overtime sometimes with me and that child. He pulled it off, he sounded wonderful, and recieved lots of compliments. Course, most of these people have watched him grow up — have know him since before he was born. Now he need to crack down, and finish learning his lines. The play is only 2 weeks away. He has most of them, but… still needs some work. And then after that, sometime he is going to sing “The Touch of the Master’s Hand” at church …. Gordon says he even has a “prop” for him when he does sing it. We have the cassette …. this is David’s favorite song, and he bought a background cassette many many years ago. We just bought the CD last week, wanting it to be a surprise for David. But we got “found out” … and as it turns out, its probably for the best. The CD goes a whole lot slower than the cassette version, and David likes his cassette version. So, that is what Ethan will go with. I want him to practice enough that he knows it by heart. Sometimes he uses words when he gets up and sings at church, and sometimes he doesn’t. I like it alot better when he doesn’t…but I’m not going to say anything. I wouldn’t get up there — for. anything. And I like to sing and I think I have a decent voice. But you won’t catch me doing what he does. I’ll just continue to add my voice as a congregation, lifting our voices up to praise God.

Have lots on my plate for this week … my weigh in isn’t until Thursday…. Hmmm… THATS what is missing from my sidebar. I had that in there, and then did some changing earlier, and didn’t get that added back. I’ll get that fixed tomorrow. Have a great week, everyone!

Happy Annivesary

To us. We’ve been married 23 years. Seems like a lifetime. It has been a lifetime. We got married when our children were young — all under the age of 5 (to refresh memories here, I have two boys from a previous marriage, Jason and Matt; and David has 2 girls, Sarah and Becky. And then WE and Ethan. What WERE we thinking. hehe.) Lots of bumps along the way, even a few mountains to climb. But we survived them, and share a pretty comfortable life together now.

We were going to celebrate today, obviously, since this is the actual day. But, plan wise, things just worked better yesterday for us to go to Emporia, have a nice meal out, hit Wally world. He bought me throw rug things for my Explorer, which I was happy about. Its fine when the weather is nice. But when my shoes are wet, my feet would slip on the plastic stuff they have on the floor board … its all a matter of getting in folks. Don’t ask. I bought supper — and then I’m making him a German Chocolate cake today that he doesn’t know about. We are also working on getting me a bracelet. I didn’t like what Walmart had to offer. What I am wanting, so he’s going to get on the internet and see what he can find …. I want a weight loss bracelet. My first thought was do a charm bracelet, and just add a charm for every 10 lbs. lost. But when I didn’t like Walmart’s selection, and when I got on the internet last night … I think I’m going to go with an Italian bracelet — where the charms all link together. That way, as my wrist gets smaller, we can adjust it. PLUS, one of the charm-links I found, it had “I lost XXX lbs”. I thought that would be perfect! And we could order one once a month, with the total that I am at at that point. And, wearing it would be a constant reminder of how far I’ve come, and that David is supporting me all the way with it. So, with my birthday just a month away … he’s going to see if we can put something like that together. He’s afraid to do it himself — so we’ll put somethign together, and then he can order it. Works for me.

NaBloPoMo

First, it was MOH-LOM-WAH…the weight loss team that I’m on over at W@H. (MOH-LOH-WAH is More Of Him, Less of Me W@H … W@H is Women @ Home… a great Christian ladies group that I”m in.)

Now its NaBloPoMo.

What is NaBloPoMo, you ask? It is an alternative to November’s NaBloPoMo, National Novel Writing Month, the program wherein you crank out a novel in thirty days. I’ve always looked, watched this particular event come and go each year in Blogland. But I know my limitations. I’m not a “writer” per se. I just like to write. But, trying to write a novel on top of everything else I try to do…well, I just knew it wouldn’t be a good idea, so I’ve never even attempted to try and do it.

But there is an alternative now. And THIS I can do. Post at my blog ….Ev.Ery. Day. Piece of cake. Esp. with the Payperpost thing going on. Not a problem. And… NaBloPoMo goes just beyond the satisfaction of doing a post every day. There are prizes!!

Grand Prize
From Jessica at www.kerflop.com (formerly Very Mom):

* Six months free hosting with purchase of a full 12-month Economy Hosting plan - or, if the winner does not wish to change hosts, a Flickr Pro Account for one year

* One custom banner/masthead for your blog

If the winner is currently blogging on a hosted publishing platform (Blogger/blogspot, Livejournal, Typepad) and would like to take advantage of the six months free hosting, Jessica will install Wordpress and load a valid XHTML and valid CSS theme along with the custom banner/masthead.

Participant Prize Drawing

Five lucky people with blog posting disorder will also be chosen by random drawing to receive either a hat or a mug (your choice) from the NaBloPoMo Shop at Cafe Press.

You must post every day to be entered into the prize drawings.

Everyday Things: Furnace

Everyday Things is a weekly feature @ Everyday Mommy. It is designed to encourage all of us to embrace contentment and to appreciate the everyday things which we often take for granted. What is a favorite everyday thing of yours? Write about it, and then go let Jules know you did so others can be encouraged as well.

With the onset of cold weather, I find the warmth of my home or where I work to be something I really appreciate. With just the touch of my finger, I can make the room as warm or cool as I need (or want) it to be. Just a few decades ago, to become warm, stay warm, it took alot of work. There was wood to chop, to bring in. The fire to watch, and then I would venture that in some rooms, you would be extremely warm, and others, further from the fire, it would be cooler or even cold. Just simple things like duct work, to take our central air and spread it throughout the house — we don’t consciously think about it, but its one of those “everyday things” that we enjoy, because we are nice and toasty warm on those cold winter days.

Friday Feast

Appetizer
Create a new candle scent.
Movie Buttered Popcorn scent …. when the candle burns, you’d swear you were in a movie theater.

Soup
Name one way you show affection to others.
Hugs. Gifts.

Salad
What is your favorite writing instrument?
the computer, of course:)

Main Course
If you were given $25 to spend anywhere online, from which site would you buy?
Probably one of my favorite graphic artists sights. Amazon would be a strong 2nd. Depending on the day, it very well could be my 1st choice.

Dessert
Are you dressing up for Halloween? If so, what are you going to be?
No. I’m not dressing up. I’m scary enough looking without any Halloween help!

Bear With Me

OK - I know this blog has really taken a left turn here, with all these entries about different sites and products. But, you see, I’m earning MONEY by doing so. And Christmas is just around the corner. I earned $27 just today, for the 3 entries I did. Take that time 7 days a week…. can you see why I might be just a little hooked here? But, I also know it makes for weeding through alot of entries you might not be interested in. So…. I will work on that this weekend and come up with a solution. I have several ideas, and we’ll just see which one works the best. I could install a plug-in, where it leaves a particular entry up at the top for a period of time. I could try and do a main entry each day, talking about my life and such, like I used to — and always make sure its up at the top. I would encourage you to scroll on down and just take a glance at some of the product/new site entries I’m doing…you never know what I might blog about next.

I could also maybe start doing a “Weekend Reflection” — once a week recap of everything, and you could just check in on me on the Weekend. I don’t know. I am going to find a balance to this thing — where I can do my own blogging, do the paid blogging, AND also get aroundt to visit all my special friends. I just haven’t found that balance yet. Working 40 hours a week isn’t helping the situation either. BUT. I can. make. this. work. Somehow.

Just bear with me. OK? :) Thanks:)

Another Song

I don’t know if its because Ethan has Special Music at church this week, or if there is a message here that someone is trying to bring to my attention. But, I heard THIS song coming out to work today, and stayed in my Explorer to hear it all the way through. Its by Patty Loveless, and again, I really it. I knew…I just KNEW…that the last verse would be how would she be able to say goodbye to her mother. I think that’s why the song hit home so much for me. I don’t know, but it would make sense. Think I’ll have Ethan see if he can find the background music for it…and we can add this to his “collection” of songs he sings. (I am working on getting a CD full of just songs HE sings:) The last one he did was “3 Wooden Cross” by Randy Travis. He did an amazing job on it. He is singing “Famous One” this week; and we got the background music to “The Touch of the Master’s Hand” — that’s David’s favorite song, and we thought it would be nice to do for David. I’m usually not “song oriented”, but for some reason, this week I am.

****************************************
How Can I Help You Say Goodbye?

Through the back window of a ‘59 wagon
I watched my best friend Jamie slippin’ further away
I kept on waving ’till I couldn’t see her
And through my tears, I asked again why we couldn’t stay
Mama whispered softly, Time will ease your pain
Life’s about changing, nothing ever stays the same

And she said, How can I help you to say goodbye?
It’s OK to hurt, and it’s OK to cry
Come, let me hold you and I will try
How can I help you to say goodbye?

I sat on our bed, he packed his suitcase
I held a picture of our wedding day
His hands were trembling, we both were crying
He kissed me gently and then he quickly walked away
I called up Mama, she said, Time will ease your pain
Life’s about changing, nothing ever stays the same

And she said, How can I help you to say goodbye?
It’s OK to hurt, and it’s OK to cry
Come, let me hold you and I will try
How can I help you to say goodbye?

Sitting with Mama alone in her bedroom
She opened her eyes, and then squeezed my hand
She said, I have to go now, my time here is over
And with her final word, she tried to help me understand
Mama whispered softly, Time will ease your pain
Life’s about changing, nothing ever stays the same

And she said, How can I help you to say goodbye?
It’s OK to hurt, and it’s OK to cry
Come, let me hold you and I will try
How can I help you to say goodbye?

How can I help you to say goodbye?

Keeping Christ In Christmas

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And, suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:8-14

Beginning Wednesday, November 1st Everyday Mommy is going to share some ideas to help us all Keep Christ in Christmas. I hope you’ll consider sharing some ideas of your own and feel free to grab the banner or button at her site for your blog.

New Song

As I was driving out to the office this afternoon, this song played on the radio. I had never heard it, and I instantly loved it. I went right to the computer to see if I could find the lyrics, and then shared them David. I just love this:) It’s by Rodney Atkins.

****************************************
Driving through town just my boy and me
With a happy meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn’t have the toy
Till his nuggets were gone
Green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my breaks and mumbled under my breath
As fries went a flying and his orange drink covered his lap
Well then my four year old said a four letter word
That started with “s” and I was concerned
So I said son now where did you learn to talk like that

[Chorus one]

He said I’ve been watching you dad, ain’t that cool
I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah we’re just alike, hey ain’t we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I’ve been watching you

We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said lord please help me help my stupid self
Then this side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son’s scooby doo nightlight
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
And spoke to god like he was talking to a friend
And I said son where’d you learn to pray like that

[Chorus two]

He said I’ve been watching you dad, ain’t that cool
I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama’s hand
Yeah we’re just alike, hey ain’t we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I’ve been watching you

With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug
Said my little bear is growing up
He said but when I’m big I’ll still know what to do

[Chorus three]

Cause I’ve been watching you dad, ain’t that cool
I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
Then I’ll be as strong as you and superman
We’ll be just alike, hey won’t we dad
When I can do everything you do
Cause I’ve been watching you

Give Me An “H”

Give me an “A”. a “P”. another “P”. a “Y”. Give me a “D”. and “A”. and “N”. “C”. “E”. What does that spell????

Happy Dance!

Since I’ve already entitled 2 other entries with “happy dance”, I decided I couldn’t do that again, even though thats what I’m doing. I’m down another 3 1/2 lbs. Whoo hoo! I need to get their recorded list of what they have wrote down each week. My numbers aren’t adding up, so I’m a bit confused. But, what she told me tonight was that I have lost a total of 33 1/2 lbs. She said I lost 3 1/2 lbs. this week; but that doesn’t follow through with the math right. So, I will get the numbers next week — but the bottom line is that 33 1/2 number. How I did it, and in what increments doesn’t really matter….

Well…except, I am on a “team” at W@H — and reporting in with our weekly weights is part of it. So…. I may give them a call tomorrow and see if they can pull my file and give me the numbers over the phone so I get it right when I “report in” with the W@H weigh in.

I did good…good…good. And my next weigh in isn’t until next THURSDAY. So, that gives me an extra couple of days for maybe an even better weigh in. Thats the plan:)

I did add to my sidebar just what days my appointments are, since they aren’t all on the same day every week. They jump around like that because I really tried to work it around to get those 6:10 pm appointments. They work a whole lot better with my work schedule than those 3:00 appointments…which, the one next week is. I found out that I really need to schedule my appointments at least a month, if not 2 months in advance to get the times that I want. So, if it means not being on the same day every week, thats OK. Missing work right now isnt’ a good thing. At some point, I can go to every 2 week weigh-ins…but I’m not ready (mentally) to take that plunge yet. But, I will.

Weekend Reflections

THE DISCIPLINE OF TIME

Time is a precious commodity, no doubt about it! We never feel we have enough of it, and most of us struggle all our lives with how to use it wisely. It’s a worthy goal, therefore, to understand how time works best for you, and then to work hard at implementing that understanding.

Discover the time of day when you feel at your best and schedule important activities to fall into that time period. Start your daily tasks with what matters; then do the quick, easy, and enjoyable jobs to build up momentum.

One of best way I have found to maximize my time adn stay true to my priorities is to learn to say no. It’s a hard word to say at times, but so valuable. We live in a society that prides itself on being busy, but as someone once said, ‘the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Try it.

Lastly, don’t fill more than 75 percent of your day. Save some time for the unexpected — for one of God’s surprises! Save time for a moment of quiet between you and the Lord.

(Keep it Simple for Busy Women — by Emilie Barnes)

THE WEEKEND

After the overwhelming-ness of the past week, this was a weekend to enjoy. Yes, I did work around the house, and didn’t “play” all day; but there was satisfaction in the work as well. There wasn’t a deadline or pressure to do it. I just did it … because. And made some headway in some areas that have sorely needed some attention. Its getting there. I am gradually getting more energy, both physically, and mentally. Things don’t overwhelm me as easily. Yes, I was overwhelmed this week, but with everything I had going on, it truly was an overwhelming week, and not just my perception of being overwhelmed. There is a difference. This week is going to be a piece of cake.

Saturday was a cold and drizzly day, the kind of day that a good book (or list of blogs) and a warm blankie is soooo inviting. But, I didn’t give in. I started the day by sleeping in. I needed the extra rest, believe me! We were kinda slow getting around; and then early afternoon, Ethan and I headed to the grocery store for weekly shopping. He was helping with the lights at a play production Saturday evening, so I got supper going pretty early. Shortly after Ethan left, David came home. We looked at the TV line up and realized there was nothing on. So, he went back out and rented a couple of movies. “Over the Hedge” was one of them — very funny, and very cute. I don’t know what the other one was… a drag racing kind of movie. That was my cue to come play on the computer:) Ethan had made it home by then, so the two of them watched it, and I got to listen to all their little comments (like David informing Ethan his truck WOULDN’T do what they were doing on TV…and it better not ever….or he is soooo busted).

Sunday was church in the morning. Ethan went to KC with a youth group from another church to play Lazer Tag, hit the mall, and then go to Judgement House. He had been before, but in a different town, so he was excited at the chance to go again.

I was thinking I would have a nice quiet afternoon all to myself….but it was even better. Malachi (my 4 year old grandson) and his mom came for a visit. I’ll never turn down a visit from them. He is so cute. And he got this bright idea to tickle grandma’s belly. What a funny kid. And smart too. Not that I’m biased or anything where he is concerned:) …..

And again… shortly after they left, David came home. He rented another movie, and then he had a Service Team meeting at 7:30. Ethan didnt’ get home until around 10:00, so I did have a few hours to myself. It just made for a really nice, relaxing weekend. The weather was a lot nicer yesterday than it was Saturday. I’m really not looking forward to winter. I do. not. like the cold and ice. Give me Spring or Fall. I love both.

I’m thinking I’m going to make this — Weekend Reflections — a weekly thing. There are several ladies who do something similiar. I dont’ want to out and out copy what they are doing; but I would like to take bits and pieces from all of them, and incorporate them into my own little weekly feature. I made up a couple little banners that say “Weekend Reflections” — and I reallly really like how they turned out.

And maybe this will give you, the reader, a break from the PayPerPost entries I’ve been doing. I hope they turn any one off from reading my blog — because I am really serious about doing them. So far, I’ve been credited $5.00 to Paypay … from the 2 entries I did early on, just to make sure it was legit. I know have $40.50 coming, and I have a long list of “opportunities” with them that I still want to do. We are limited to doing 3 a day, and they can’t be consecutive. So, that means a 6 entry day. I don’t see me doing that consistently every single day, but I can see doing that on weekends, and maybe getting a few in during the week. There is some serious money to be made here, and its actually something I can do. Not to mention, I really have found some interesting sites that I woudln’t have found other wise, and I’m hoping as I do the entries, you, the reader, will look at it that way as well …. I can’t turn down money doing something I enjoy doing! and I won’t ever do one of their “opportunities” that I wouldn’t buy or do myself. So, I hope, as we go along, you’ll learn to enjoy them, and go check out whatever sight I have decided to blog about. With alot of my working money going towards my weight loss plan, this is a great way for me to still be able to buy graphics and stuff, and not have to sacrifice one for the other. If you have any questions about PayPerPost, or think you might be interested in doing it as well, just let me know. I’ll answer your questions as much as I can and know about them.

SIMPLE PLEASURES

- Breathe in the smell of burning wood in the crisp autumn air.
- Smile at boxes and boxes of apples — red, yellow, green
- Enjoy some cripsy cold, fresh-pressed cider.

Blessings to all.

My Testimony

What is your testimony? Your testimony is Your personal story of how God got your attention and drew you into a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Some have no exact point in time that they can pinpoint, others do. Either way there is a story waiting to be told. Pray about it. Ask Him to reveal what parts He wants you to share then write it down. You don’t have to share the whole thing on your blog but I would encourage you to have the whole story written somewhere so you will remember it and can share it as the Lord leads.

God has always been a part of my life. Well, let me rephrase that. Church has always been a part of my life. I have memories of attending our small little church as a child. But I don’t remember having a relationship with God during this time. We didn’t pray at meal times, we didn’t talk about our faith or anything else associated with “God” per se. But, we did the church thing.

As I got older, I had an opportunity to go to church camp, and I attended several years. It was during one of those weeks, I asked Christ into my heart, to be my Savior, and to be a part of my life. My church was Presbyterian, so I was “baptized” when I returned home. Little did I realize how that would lead to confusion later on in life. I grabbed ahold of my faith and put my trust in God and held on for dear life. It was like I knew I had a bumpy road ahead of me.

And I did. Including a marriage where I wasn’t allowed to have a relationship with God, wasn’t allowed to go to church. Why did I marry him? It was part of the bumpy road, and I was at the end of my rope. I felt like God wasn’t answering my prayers, so I found my own answer to my problems, with my own solutions.

Big. Mistake.

Fast forward several years later. We had divorced, I had moved back to my homestate, and lived near my parents. I started a new life, newly employed, and new to the “dating” scene. At some point, the boss’s son where I worked asked me out. I kept turning him down because I was sure I would be fired if I said yes. But he kept asking. And I finally gave in. We went out. I didn’t get fired. And a year later, we were married. That was almost 23 years … and 5 kids ago. A blended family. My 2 sons. His 2 daughters. And a son that we had together.

We didn’t attend church, but that desire to be a part of a church family again was there. My husband’s mom invited us to a concert that was being held at the church she was a member of. We attended, and enjoyed the music and the message. And I distinctly remember David telling the minister at the time that we enjoyed it, and we “MIGHT” be there Sunday, but because of our work schedule and other things, not to count on us many Sundays. That was in 1989. Threre are very few Sundays we have missed since then.

David had never been baptized, and because I was “sprinkled”, not immersed, I rededicated my life to the Lord, and we were immersed April 12, 1989.

God has seen us some through some amazing times. Rough and rocky times. Celebration times. But through it all, even though there are times I feel like I “don’t measure up” as a Christian, I know where my heart is, and that God is a part of my life, for now and for always. More importantly, that he has always been there — waiting patiently, for his child to come back to Him. What an amazing Father he is, to love someone like me. But, he has a purpose for me. He’s not done with me yet, and I watch and with wait with anticipatation for when he reveals to me over and over what he has planned for me.

Life’s Simple Pleasures

a meme from wahministry.com

I Survived

I knew it was going to be A week, and it was, but I survived. 42 hours. This upcoming week should be a breeze. I do have one major project that I’m working on, but I have until the 31st on it, and I just have have my part of it done. Granted, now that I am working more hours out at the truck office, the 2nd half of this report that David usually does, I will probably be learning how to do it, so will have that to do this week as well. But, I’m hoping to get totally caught up, to the current week, and then, with the schedule I have there, I should be able to keep up with it.
Thats the plan.

The great part of this past week is — well, yes, the extra money will be nice; but just knowing I was able to do it, and I’m not feeling any worse for the wear today. Matter of fact, we are getting things accomplished around the house that we’ve been meaning to do all summer. So, that is a plus as well. If I am feeling this much better now, I can’t imagine what I’m going to feel like when I meet goal, and beyond. Pretty exciting, if you ask me. I am so glad things are falling into place and working. There was a time, not too long ago, that I didn’t think there was anything that could turn things around. I knew, and prayed, that God would help me. But. You know, he’s not going to transform this tired, fat body without some effort on my part. He’ll help me through the though times, and those moments of weakness if I just ask. I know he is a God of miracles, but, that is not what He is saying when he promises us to just ask, and we will recieve. Yes, he will give me the perfect body someday — it his time and his way. And it won’t be in this temporary life. So, in the meantime, I need to work at what he intended for me to be, and that is healthy and happy, so I can enjoy my life and my grandkids, and everything he has blessed me with!

Happy Dance

Can ya tell? I did GOOD this past week. And I was rewarded for my “stick-to-it” effort. 7 1/2 lbs. gone. 31 total. I’m feeling Good. Good. Good.

Ok. Well, maybe not THAT good. But, it does make me want to dig my heels in and continue on, and I think the thing that excites me most is that as I’m going along … I know some of what I’m doing is not a lifestyle change. That is is just part of this exteme plan that I am on now, and at some point, I AM going to reach my goal, and then will start a maintenance program. But, part of this plan does involve things I’m learning along the way that are being incorporated into lifestyle changes. Portion size. Choices. Reading labels. Being informed and aware of what I am putting into my mouth. And THAT excites me — because when I was on the plan the first time, yes, I did well. I lost 75 lbs. But it was on nothing but their supplements. I lost the weight, but I didnt really learn anything along the way. I was so focused on losing the weight, and that was it. I didn’t look beyond that. I knew at some point, I would reach goal, and then I would learn how to maintain what I had acheived. But, I never go that far. I let life and life circumstances trip me up, and I was so “starved” (if not physically, then emotionally), for “real” food, that once I started to eat real food again, the plan eventually went by the wayside.

Thats what makes this time around so different, and why I feel so much hope in what I can achieve here. I’m getting the best of both world. I sticking to the plan, and achieving the desire weight loss. BUT. I am also being allowed real food in this plan, with guidance and direction to what I can and can’t eat. But the key here is, moderation. No matter what it is, and how good it is for me, there is still that balance and moderation. Something I’ve never tried to do before. I would eat anything and everything I wanted to, and it didnt matter if I was hungry or not. I’ve learned NOT to turn to food for comfort. And Believe Me. If there ever was a “comfort good” week — last week was it. But, I didn’t cave, and the short term cravings left. And the lasting satisfaction in that definately outweighs the temporary comfort the food would have given me.

Can I say it again? I. Did. Good.

Feeling Good

I know — at the pace I’m going, I am probably going to crash and burn at some point. But. I couldn’t help but think just how differently I feel now than I did a month ago. And the proof of the pudding is in these last couple of days. I realized the bottom of my feet don’t burn (I thought it was my shoes … but, same shoes. My feet just feel different). I am able to work all day, and then some, and still have a smidgen of energy left at the end of the day. Today, I had to run a couple of errands. A month ago, my perception of running these errands would have been like climbing a mountain. It would have taken everything I had and then some. I would have found some way to put it off, done it differently, where someone could have helped me do it. But, it wasn’t that way this morning. It was like — OK, I need to do this, lets go get it done. It was my day to take snacks out to the workers of our new church building. I came to work, and then when I knew the post office would be open, I left to take the snacks out, and then I went to the post office, and got the mailing that I did yesterday in the mail. I have seen more of the inside of the post office in the last week than I have all summer. There are probably 10 steps leading up to the post office, and again — that “mountain to climb” feeling has been there for a long time. I still struggle with going down stairs…. still have to take them one at a time. But, I can go up them in the normal fashion, and its not to much of a problem.

Today is “weigh in day”. I’m feeling good about it. I really do anticipate a good weigh in. I could be wrong…. but I don’t think so. I will post again here tonight, win or lose:)

I don’t know how to describe it — other than — I feeling good:) but I know there is so much more “feeling good” that I can obtain, and I am going after it.

Blessings to all.

Long Day

And I mean… a L - O- N - G day. I went to work at 8:00, and didn’t get home until 6:30. Tomorrow shouldn’t be as long, but will be equally busy. But. I have a game plan, so it should work. I need to get 225 4-page booklets assembled, stapled, and labeled, to be mailed tomorrow. Actually, they wanted them mailed today, but it just didn’t happen. And it wasn’t all me. For starters, they were still working on this booklet Saturday morning — which is why I had to go in Saturday afternoon to assemble them and get them ready for Sunday. We did that; and now we are doing a mailing.

However, several mistakes were found after we distributed them (I only did the assemble, not the content. Whew! it wasn’t me. ) So, we waited around to get ahold of the guy who is doing this project, and then we had to wait for him to make the changes and email it back to us. So, at 10:00, (and I leave at noon), it was pretty obvious I wasn’t going to get them in the mail today.

But, I did get them all run. We went over the Servant Keeper list (the database that has the list of the congregation/member, both active and non active), and I spent a good part of the morning making those corrections.

So, the game plan for tomorrow? I talked to David and he doesn’t have a problem with this. As long as I’m working one place or the other. I am going to work at the church ALL day, instead of 1/2 a day there, and 1/2 a day at the trucking office. The only thing that will change this is if Gordon lined up some volunteers to help me, which was “a thought” this morning, but I don’t know if he followed through. If he didn’t, it’ll still be fine. It took me an 1 1/2 hours to do 75, and that was with a couple of interuptions, of people coming in, and stopping to talk to them. So…. theorically, I should be able to put 225 together in 4 hours. That would use up my morning. In the afternoon then, I can label, tape the sides (the post office requires this), and get them to the post office before 4:00. And if I complete them before 4:00, after I get them to the post office, I’ll go back and start in on the newsletter that should have been ready to go last week.

Alot to do, but by breaking it down into segments, and planning it out how I need to do it, it makes it a bit less stressful and overwhelming. Actually, all in all, its been a good day. I got the billing done and out in the mail. I came home, got supper in the oven, relaxed a bit, finished up supper, and then did dishes and a few other projects. I even did a PayPerPost entry. I would like to get 3 a day done, but they can’t be consective, so that means doing 6 entries a day here, and I just dont’ see that happening. So, if I can shoot for one a day, that will make the little nest egg still grow, and it will be exciting once I hit the 30 days, and start receiving money in my Pay Pal account every day. Just takes a little bit of work on this end first. There’s lots of money to be made, and I love being a part of it.

I have to say, part of how good all of this is working for me right now, is the “little’ bit of weight loss I have achieved. I am feeling so much better already. More stamina, more energy. More ability to get done what needs to be done. I am anxious to see how I did this week (stay tuned…. Wednesday evening). I lost 2 1/2 lbs last week. I dont’ think I ever mentioned that anywhere. It wasn’t great, especially after the week before’s diaster. But, bit by bit, I will ge there, and as long as it is a stready decrease in weight, I don’t care what the numbers are. Its all about making choices, and I’m learning how to make “good” choices this time around. It doesn’t have to be all about beef and hamburger. Meat and potatoes. There’s a whole world of other meats and things to go with them. Who knew? :) I know, I know. The rest of the world did. I’m a little slow, but I am finally “getting it”.

Its late, and if I’m going to tackle tomorrow, I’d best head off to bed.

Blessings to all.

Weekend Wrap-up

Can we say Ov. Er. Whelmed? I supposed it is to be expected. And I just need to dig in, makes lists so things won’t be forgotten, perhaps prioritize what needs to be done, and just do it. But, just thinking about all of it … makes my head spin.

This Week
I want to thank everyone for the prayers and thoughts that were left concerning the passing of my Aunt Jo. Needless to say, its been a highly stressful, highly emotional week. I’ll be honest with you. We knew this day would be coming. It wasn’t a surprise. And yet, emotionally, it still always catches you off guard. I thought about the day she would die, and I thought what I would feel was “relief” — that it was over. That she wasn’t suffering anymore. That I wasn’t giving her grief anymore. That her quality of life wasn’t in my hands anymore. But that particularly emotion hasn’t surfaced yet. Granted, there are still many things to do that I am responsible for, and that is where part of the feeling overwhelmed comes in. The main emotion that seems to be there is emptiness, sadness. I miss her. Period. There are so many reminders of her. I don’t that have jagged streak of pain that I had with mom, where I cried in the shower for hours, where my life was surrounded by this fog. Where, when I would think of mom, and then remember she was gone — it was like being punched in the chest, over and over. I haven’t experienced that kind of grief. But, there is alot of sadness and “blues” that I don’t seem to have control over. But thats OK. I know its natural, and I know that she is free now, from all the health problems, and everything she struggled with these past few years. She’s partying with my mom, and she finally has her wish. So many times, esp. when she was struggling with her breathing, or her blood sugar was really low and it was taking all she had to just function — she would often say “I just want to go be with my sister”. She wanted to die. She wanted it to be over.

And yet. Even though she knew she was in her final days, she was still cheerful, most of the time, and giving of herself. The nursing home staff has been in tears. She was a great lady, and all of our lives have been enriched and blessed with her presence. But her presence has been requested elsewhere. She is in a much better place now.

For me though, life goes on. I didn’t work Monday, but I did Tuesday and Wednesday. The funeral was Thursday, so needless to say, I didn’t work that day. And then I worked Friday — and part of yesterday. This funeral was different for me, in the respect that there were so many more details to take care. Things to coordinate. Information to pass on. I realize now just how much help my aunt was. I don’t remember dealing with any of these details when mom died. And I probably didn’t. My aunt coordinated everything, and all I had to do was just get through it. So, at times, I have felt overwhelmed. Decisions to be made. And there still are things that need to be done and decided. I’m sure Aunt Jo thought she had most of it all taken care of — and for the most part she did, and that has been a load off me. But, there are things we didn’t anticipate, or think of. There are things that aren’t going like we thought they would, and so I’m having to do things differently. There is one huge decision I need to make, but it doesn’t need to be made right now. I want to talk to a few neutral people before I proceed. There are several ways what needs to be done can be done, and I’m just not sure which way to go about it. So, I’m not going to rush in. I’m going to give this alot of thought, and hopefully, whatever I decide is the right thing.

Ahead
I have a busy work week ahead. Amazing how much of a difference missing 2 days makes. Actually, part of what I need to do doesn’t have anything to do with missing work. Its just one of those projects that was needing to be done, but the other people involved didn’t get THEIR part done until Saturday morning …hence, the reason I had to work part of yesterday. What was done was needed to be ready to pass out at the close of the morning worship. They also want to mail out what they distributed today — 200 copies of a 4 page “gift book” of items we are still needing for the new church that aren’t budgeted in.

I also have a newsletter to do and mail out.

AND - on of the guys on the worship team wanted to know if I had gotten letters to sent out to the men in the church about serving next year. Ah. No. But, I did notice he wanted their responses back in by November 12 — and its not going to take the guys a month to deside if and where they want to serve. So, I thought I had a little bit of time with it. Not to mention, I actually have the list ready, and the letter ready — its in Gordon’s hands to proof and make changes. So, its not really my slowness that is holding it up. Although, in all fairness, even if it was on my desk to be done, it wouldn’t have gotten done last week. Thats just the way it was.

And of course, then, there is the normal stuff of getting the bulletin and meditation/outline ready for next week. Update the website with this week’s information ….

The list goes on.

And THAT is just at my “morning” job. I’m still working on the IFTA report (inputting all the trip sheet info on all the drivers for the quarter). And tomorrow is billing day,which is always a fun and crammed packed day of getting things done.

*Sigh.

But, I’ll do what I can do, try to prioritize the best I can, and what gets done - gets done. Just need to start my day with prayer and devotion time, and the rest of the day will fall into place.

At least I’ve had a half way calm and quiet day today. Some work, some play. We had to move some furniture and do some rearranging to accomadate some of Aunt Jo’s furniture. Not much, but enough that it took a bit of changing to make it work in our living room. But, we got it done. Now, to finish going through all of the rest of things we bagged up — and decide what happens to them.

Did I mention that I was feeling just a tad bit ….. overwhelmed?? :)

Blessings to all.

Memories

As Gordon (our minister) was pulling together information for his funeral message for Aunt Jo, I realized just how limited my memories of her were. It would be unfair to base a summary of her life on these past few years. She was so much more than that. So, I called upon family to email me with their thoughts and memories of her. Along with mine, these are those memories.

Mine
Unlike most of the family, I really don’t have a lot of “old” memories of Aunt Jo. But I do have many many new memories of her. Growing up, she was a picture on the wall. The aunt in the army suit. The aunt who sent home Japanese pajamas to all of us. She had many memories of me growing up, and I enjoyed hearing about them, sometimes shshing her, when it was embarrassing, and I didn’t want Ethan to tease me about it. But, she shared with me lots of things I had forgotten, and a lot of things that I don’t remember.

I believe with all my heart that Aunt Jo was brought into my life for a purpose. When Mom died as suddenly as she did, I was devasted. It never occurred to me that I would lose my mother in just the blink of an eye. Left to my own devices, I probably would have shut off the world, because my mother was such a intricate part of my life.

But God had other plans for me. He knew my way of dealing with things, and He wasn’t going to let that happen. Mom and Aunt Jo were two peas in a pod. They took care of each other, they enjoyed those few months they had together to the fullest, even though it seemed like if one wasn’t in the hospital, the other was. They were sisters, through and through, and stood by each other, despite the many health problems.

The moment my mother died, my Aunt Jo stepped in. Yes, in many ways, I was her caregiver. But. If you really examine the situation, she was my caregiver. She kept me going. She pushed. She prodded. She made me do things that I didn’t really want to do. But, in the end, she gave me a reason to keep giving life all I could give it.

Yes, there were times we got on each others nerves, and I know there were plenty of times I didn’t do things just like she would have had them done, but there were many good times as well. She knew she could call on me when her body let her down. We laughed. We’ve cried. She shared with me many memories of the past. She seemed to be the center of this family – keeping everyone posted of how everyone was doing. She loved to talk on the phone, and she loved her computer. Keeping in touch with everyone was important to her.

I cherish all the memories I have of her these past few years. She was a very loving and giving person. Strong and independent. Getting to know her these past few years, despite the health problems, has been a gift to me. She taught me the meaning of “never give up”. And she will be deeply missed.

Aunt Ida Mae (her sister)
I do have some fond memories of when I came up to visit her
We were doing some of her “circle puzzle books, and she went
and got one from the bedroom and told me to take it home!
So now I am addicted to them.

Also, after she was in Life Care Center, I spent most of
one week, staying in her apartment at night, & visiting her
in the daytime,, and we would go down and play dominoes
with her friends, watching the birds, and working on the
jigsaw
puzzles—eating noon meals there. I got to set in
on some of her therapy sessions, and if they didn’t have
her busy elsewhere, we talked. They certainly kept her
busy!
I know she loved to travel. And she did quite a bit of that
“in the service”. She sent back Japanese kimonoes for our
children from Japan (which we still have)
She loved to tell jokes, & laughing a lot when she felt
good!
She loved Mexican food, and grabbed every chance to get
out and go there—-also her cookies and brownies.

I remember she loved to talk on the phone, and we talked
quite frequently, which I will cherish those chats a lot.

I remember when Betty Jo, Faye and Carolyn & Pete and other
family members got together and made a wonderful “Memory”
book for our 50th ANNIVERSARY, WHICH i WILL CHERISH
always! And that she and Faye and all the siblings came
to our celebration.
One time when my daughter, Becky and I were down to see her
and we had gone to eat Mexican
food, then to DQ for a “Dilly Bar”, and then we took her
out riding, she was telling us the story of when they were
stealing watermelons with some friends (we’ve all done that
in our younger years) and the man that owned the patch came
out with a shotgun & probably shot in the air and they thought
they were goners. In the meantime, while they were running
try-
ing to get away, she lost her shoes in the mud, and she
got in trouble for losing her shoes when she got home.
She loved music, and had quite a collection.

I know that she loved & appreciated Carolyn, Ethan, & Dave
for all their help, and being her caretaker in her final days
and from her family we say THANK YOU !!
I think she was a (ornery) giving and caring
sister,aunt,friend,
and that she was courageous person in her illness!

Aunt June(her sister)
Betty Jo was a special sister to me as she was 15 months older than me. We played together good most of the time, but there was times that she got mad at me, because I was the baby and I got my way most of the time. We sat out in the porch swing and played with our dolls or paper dolls, dressing them and changing their cloths . We went to our cousin Gladys’s place a lot of times. We played in the bar ditch close to our house when it rained. It was like a swimming pool to us, dirty, but we loved it. I am so thankful that she got to come to our school reunion. She came the furthest as she had to come all the was from Florida. We had such a good visit with her and Babe. When she moved to Burlington to be near Thelma Faye, she really enjoyed that, After Faye passed away she was so thankful that she had Carolyn and Ethan to keep her company. I will never forget the good times that we had while she was here.

Uncle Pete (her brother)
I was in the fourth grade and had not heard of the birds and bees at age ten. We suddenly moved into Holcomb from our home eleven miles out in the country. We also had a hired girl. None of this raised a flag for me.
I remember walking home from school on March the second in 1936. To my great surprise, Mom was in bed and I had a baby sister! I was used to puppies and they told me I blurted out “She even has her eyes open”.

Donna (a niece)
A few months ago I took a lady friend of mine with me to see Aunt Jo at the Care Center. When I walked in the door the first thing out of her mouth was “where is Paul”? It wasn’t hello Donna or Hi, nice to see you…it was all about Paul. I guess she figured that he was part of the family after 30 years but I was a bit taken back. Needless to say I told Paul the story and he and I were able to go visit her a few weeks later. She was delighted to see him. He pushed her up and down the hall in her wheelchair and her hair was flying in the breeze. She did tell him he needed driving lessons after he ran her chair into a curio cabinet but we sure had fun. We had lunch with her, watched the birds and took some pictures. It was a memorable day for us all. We certainly will miss her.

Gladys Marie & Dave (a cousin)
Betty Jo,leaves a lot of memories, especially for “Gladys Marie” when they were kids. It was always “Mama, Can I go over to “Jo and Junes” or ” Aunt Florence can Jo and June come and spend the night with me? ” We lived in Holcomb and cherish the times. We
would Skate, with those with steel wheels and straps, as they had sidewalks!
Jo and June would come to our house, and we’d play in the Sugar Cane, try jumping Oldweiler’s ditches full of water, and climb up the Silo, all which were forbidden
to do. Got grounded for it too! We loved to go down to the River and look around.
They’d have to dodge the “Bees” on the road, when they came to our house.
At her house we’d steal cherries off their cherry tree! Get into Uncle Ed’s candy.
She helped a lot with the huge gardens they had between them and Mrs.
Barkosky. She helped dress this lady with rheumatism many years.
We went next door to the Dearth’s and climbed in their dirty old barn!
Opps… that is where Gladys got a 10 inch scar on her leg. Crime did pay!
Mae, Faye, Eldon, Jo and June would come to our house and we’d play “Work-up” baseball. Even Gladys’s mom played. They loved our Cats. Worked Puzzles too!
Many, were the Easter eggs hunts we had. Betty Jo was a hard worker, she hardly ever complained. At school she could send that volley ball over the net with ease. She was the manager of the girls Basket ball team, she played in the Band. It was fun going to the band trip to Emporia, she always shared money ,songs, and our silly jokes with us.
Betty Jo came to our church, the Fellowship Baptist, in Garden City and
was saved. It was on January 17,1957 she followed the Lord in Baptism.
She worked for our Pastor, W.T. Froggatte as church secretary.
In March 1957 she was one of the Bridesmaid’s in our Wedding.
Soon after she joined the Service. Later she moved to Florida.
In 1999 she came all the way back to the Holcomb Reunion.
We enjoyed the fellowship with the whole family.
June and Ida Mae live here in town and we get to visit quite a bit.
Pete and Le Juan have been so good to keep us informed with family history. We love getting email from Bud and Kathy, as well as the others. Eldon’s wife, Lois and I reminised the other day about Betty Jo. So glad she knew Jesus as her Lord and Saviour.
We stopped by to see Betty Jo in May of this year, and she was
dressed for the 50″s, eating a “Hot Dog” listening to the music as
the program that day was planned.. In her room she showed
us her Musical Dolls, Pictures, and we reminisced about the good ole days.
We will never forget her, she was one special “cousin” and “Friend.”

l Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for YOU”