Quilt of Holes

Quilt of Holes:

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth.

The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again.

I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be thread bare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

Gift Giving Idea #2

I received this once as a gift from one my most cherished friends.

I LOVE the idea so much that I thought I'd share with all of you as my gift giving idea #2.

You simply make a donation in the name of the person your are "buying" a gift for to a ministry called Love without Boundaries (http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/).

This ministry feeds orphans in China.

The ministry will send the recipient a card with a picture of a beautiful orphan getting her tummy filled with yummy food.

It's a brilliant gift idea!! And I hope your will consider filling an orphans tummy for all those hard to buy for folks on your Christmas list.

Merry Christmas

Gift Giving Idea #1

Consider giving the gift of reading this Christmas to the children on your Christmas list.

A Beka Book is pleased to offer several series of classic novel and biography sets. Readers of all ages will enjoy these interesting and timeless favorites. For a limited time these sets are being offered at a 10% discount and FREE Shipping. Order Online at https://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/SpecialOffer.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 today!

See below for examples.

Elementary—Classic Historical Fiction including Martha of California and Stephen of Philadelphia. (4 books) Ages 8–12

Heroes of the Faith—This series of fascinating biographies features a special class of heroes—men and women who answered the call of God on their lives. These life stories show ordinary people in an extraordinary way when their hearts are surrendered to Him. (4 books) Ages 12–Adult

Sons of Liberty Series—Character is the theme of these inspiringbiographies. Every young patriot should read the life stories of these American Heroes. (5 books) Ages 12–Adult

The Abbott Series—History comes to life in these thrilling biographiesof great men and women who left their mark upon the pages of world history. (5 books) Ages 12–Adult

Adventures in History–Classic Historical Fiction including The Black Arrow and Remember the Alamo. (6 books) Ages 12–Adult

Santa's Breakfast Cake

Santa's Breakfast Cake

From the kitchen of Sarah Williamson

1/2 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs 2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together margarine, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs and beat well. Combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda before sifting into the creamed mixture. Stir until moistened. Add the vanilla yogurt and mix well. Topping: Combine chopped walnuts, sugar and cinnamon. Grease and flour 1 large loaf pan or 3 mini loaf pans. Half fill the pan(s) with batter. Sprinkle topping over batter. Fill pan(s) with remaining batter and then top with remaining topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick.

"Night Before Christmas" Coffee Cake

"Night Before Christmas" Coffee Cake

From the kitchen of Kay Smittle

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cup warm milk
1 pkg yeast (2 teaspoons bulk yeast) dissolved in 3 tablespoons warm water
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1/2 cup nuts or maraschino cherries, candied red or green cherries

Cream together sugar and butter. Then add eggs, milk, 1 package of yeast (2 tablespoons bulk yeast) dissolved in 3 tablespoons of warm water, flour, salt and vanilla. Beat all of these ingredients together. Then set dough aside and let it rise, until double in size. When your coffee cake dough has risen to double the size (this may take about 2 hours) put it in a 9x13" greased pan and spread with topping; Combine sugar, cinnamon, melted butter and nuts (you can use maraschino cherries or candied red and green cherries if you don't like nuts) Now place in a cold oven and leave it in there overnight to rise. The next morning turn oven to 350 degrees and bake for 1/2 hour. Take out and serve warm. This makes a large coffee cake or you can put the dough in two round pans instead.

SIMPLE WHITE ENVELOPE

SIMPLE WHITE ENVELOPE

It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription.

It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas --oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended.

Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.

Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, 'I wish just one of them could have won,' he said. 'They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them. ' Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.

That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition --one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.

As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there.

You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope.

Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always.

Jesus Is Better Than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Christmas Cards

Merry Christmas,

Sending Christmas cards or actually Christmas letters is something I truly enjoy doing. I love the time of reflection and counting the years blessings. It's a time for me to reconnect with those I may have lost touch with through out the year. It brings me great joy to send and receive Christmas cards.

As I spent time this week addressing my many cards my mind wondered to the soldiers fighting for our freedoms and for our rights.

I began to wonder just how many Christmas cards they might receive this year. So I decided I would add a few to my list. I actually decided to send mine to the soldiers that were wounded in the war and recovering here State side. It was a great opportunity for our family to thank the men and women whom we have never met who sacrificed so much for us!

And now it is my hope that you would do the same.

When addressing your Christmas cards this year please consider sending one or more to this address.

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001

Merry Christmas.

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then thesure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's lightThen he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.""It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,The red, white, and blue... an American flag.I can live through the cold and the being alone,Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another,Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..Who stand at the front against any and all,To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.""But isn't there something I can do, at the least,"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,"Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,To stand your own watch, no matter how long.For when we come home, either standing or dead,To know you remember we fought and we bled.Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Getting To Know Your Friends....At CHRISTmas

Here's a little fun facts about me to kick of the Christmas Season:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I use both and like them both
2.. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? The Day After Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? The Day After Christmas (I actually start Christmas night after everyone has gone to bed) Is that wrong??
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, in small doses though
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My atari 2600 :-)
7. Hardest person to buy for? My HUSBAND and My Parents
8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes -
9. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail - on December 1
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of one - but I'm sure there's been a few...
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? The classics, Frosty, Charlie Brown, Rudolf :-)
12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year - EXCEPT Black Friday
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes -Sad but true
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Snack foods
15. Lights on the tree? White only - you know I am anti color :-)
16. Favorite Christmas song? I LOVE them ALL
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? HOME!!! With a house full
18. Can you name all 9 of Santa's reindeer's? Donnor, Dixon, Comet, Dasher, Dancer...I guess not
19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star on one Angel on the other
20. Open the presents Christmas eve or Christmas day? Christmas DAY - except at my parents. We always spend Christmas Eve with them.
21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? NOTHING!!!! This is my FAVORITE time of year
22. Favorite ornament theme or color? My ornaments all have a story, memory or meaning. None are just ornaments.
23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Prime rib roast -our family tradition
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? All pictures hung - its been 5 years!!
25. Who is most likely to respond to this? YOU - please leave a comment or link to your blog with your Christmas Fun Facts.

Facts about the 1500s:

The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be.

Here are some facts about the 1500s:

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water.

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for small animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying It's raining cats and dogs.

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house either. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, Dirt Poor.

The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start blowing outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway. Hence the saying a thresh hold. (Getting quite an education, aren't you?)

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old..

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, bring home the bacon. They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.

Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous . Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust. Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock a person out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake.

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could either be, saved by the bell or was considered a ...dead ringer..

And that's the truth. Now, whoever said History was boring ! ! !

Life Lessons

Life Lessons...By Regina Brett The Plain Dealer

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five> years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift

Girlie Wisdom

Women over 50 don't have babies because they would put them down
and forget where they left them.

A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... she has 14 kids but doesn't really care.

One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.

My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.

Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.

I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my knicker's. Amazing!

You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes! Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!' .....Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys, but I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!

The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him.

I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!

Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom,

I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.Pooped on.

Chewed on.Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom,

I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom,

I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom,

I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache, the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

The One Flaw In Women

The One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman,

He was into his sixth day of working overtime.

An angel appeared and said,

'Why are you spending so much time on this one?'

And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet onher?

She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,

have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable

and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,

have a lap that can hold four children at one time,

have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee

to a broken heart-

and she will do everything with only two hands.'

The angel was astounded at the requirements.

'Only two hands!? No way!

And that's just on the standard model?

That's too much work for one day.

Wait until tomorrow to finish.'

'But I won't, ' the Lord protested.

'I am so close to finishing this creation

that is so close to myown heart.

She already heals herself when she is sick

AND can work 18 hour days.'

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.

'But you have made her so soft, Lord.' '

She is soft,' the Lord agreed, '

but I have also made her tough.

You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.'

'Will she be able to think?', asked the angel.

The Lord replied, 'Not only will she be able to think,

she will be able to reason and negotiate.'

The angel then noticed something,

and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.

'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.

I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.'

'That's not a leak,' the Lord corrected,

'that's a tear!'

'What's the tear for?' the angel asked.

The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy,

her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,

her loneliness, her grief and her pride.'

The angel was impressed.

'You are a genius, Lord.

You thought of everything!

Woman is truly amazing.'

And she is!

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take 'no' for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideals.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

3 Things

Three ThingsThree things in life that, once gone, never come back:
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person:
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose:
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable:
1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness

Three things in life that are never certain:
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Three things that make a person:
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

Three things that are truly constant:
Father - Son - Holy Spirit

Border Control

Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately: illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida ... Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation.

Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.
Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.
Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.

Any other problems you would like for me to solve today ? Yes!

Think about this one:
1. Cows
2.The Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments

C O W S Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.

T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq .... Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.

T H E 1 0 C O M M A N D M E N T S The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this: You cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal,' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians...It creates a hostile work environment.

Am I A Fireman Yet?

Am I A Fireman Yet???

In Phoenix , Arizona , a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6 year old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia.

Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up & fulfill all his dreams.

Now that was no longer possible. The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true.

She took her son' s hand and asked, 'Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?'

Mommy, 'I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.' Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can make your wish come true.'

Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met fireman Bob , who had a heart as big as Phoenix .

She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine.

Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary Fireman for the whole day.

He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy -- one with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it! , a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots. ''They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix , so we can get them fast.'

Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck.

Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven.

There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the Paramedic's' van, and even the fire chief's car. He was also videotaped for the local news program.

Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible..

One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept - that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital.

Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition.

The chief replied, 'We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire?' 'It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time.

And will you open the window to his room?'About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window -------- 16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room.

With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, 'Chief, am I really a fireman now?' 'Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,' the chief said With those words, Billy smiled and said, 'I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and The angels have been singing..'

He closed his eyes one last time.

Mothers

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail, her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school, eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees, a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet.
Children were squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats.
One by one the teacher called, a student from the class, to introduce their daddy.
As seconds slowly passed, at last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching,
for a man who wasn't there. "Where's her daddy at?"
she heard a boy call out. "She probably doesn't have one,"
another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say, "Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day. "The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom. And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on. And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique.
"My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so. He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him,
I'm not standing here alone. "Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart.
I know because he told me, he'll forever be in my heart. " With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years. For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd, she finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud. "I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far!
You see he was a fireman and died just this past year
when airplanes hit the towers and taught Americans to fear.
"But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day. And to her mother's amazement,
she witnessed with surprise, a room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes. Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side. "I know you're with me Daddy,"
to the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining bright star.
And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far.

Light The Night

A few years ago my friend Debra lost her brother Jim to cancer. For the last 4 years my friend has held a Light The Night walk in his memory.

The walk raises funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and over the last 4 years they have raised over $15,000!

This year Brian and I along with the kids are honored to participate. And we are hoping that you will support us in this endeavor. We are looking for sponsorship from friends and family.

The really cool part is that an anonymous donor has a agreed to MATCH EVERY DONATION DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR! So even if you can only donate $1.00, $5.00 or $10.00 it will be valued twice as much.

If you are able to support please reply to this post and I will send you the details.

It is my hope that you prayerfully consider partnering with Brian and I in this year's LIGHT THE NIGHT walk in memory of Jim.

Many Thanks in advance.

Shoe Drive

Brian and I were invited to participate in a shoe drive for an orphanage in Ethiopia.

Most of the children are 6 and up but there are a few younger and they are in desperate need of shoes. If you have any boys or girls shoes that are new or gently used (preferably sneakers) we would love to send them over. Just let me know and I will make arrangements to get them from you.

Also, if you know anyone else that might want to participate feel free to send this on.

Many thanks in advance for your consideration.

P.S. Payless is running their buy one get one half off thru this weekend. So if you need any shoes... maybe you would consider picking up an extra pair. I'm going to take my kids to pick out a pair for the children. I love these tangible ways to help my kids understand how fortunate they are. : )

Win WIn Situation

Ok Friends:

So you know I (it's suppossed to be the kids but let's face it, its REALLY me) collect box box tops as a school project.

I don't know why but it brings me a strange joy to paste those little guys on cute papers and submit them on behalf of my children...

Well now my girls are selling raffle tickets for their baton class.

Stay with me here...I have a point and I'm not going to ask you for money.

If you haven't learned by now I'm VERY competitive. I like (no, I LOVE to win) and now I (I mean my kids) have a chance to win twice.. BUT what's better is YOU have a chance to win too. And not some little win but a big $300 win...

See here's the plan:All you folks out there that throw away the box tops that come on your Kleenex, betty crocker, pampers, hefty, ziplock, chex mix, and oh SO many more products now just need to give them to me and in return I will purchase 1 baton raffle ticket in your name and you will then be entered into a drawing worth $300 and many runner up prizes like gift baskets filled with stuff you can't live without.

Of course this IS a win win situation so I have to share what's in it for us. Should the girls sell the most raffle tickets they could win a baton bag, team uniform and a team jacket. And if their class happens collects the most box tops they could win an ice cream party. The stakes here friends are pretty high.

So please consider teaming up with me (I mean the Growing Garcia's) and let's claim victory in these competitions.

Life Explained

On the first day, God created the dog and said:

'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'

The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said: 'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.'

The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you bac k ten like the Dog did?'

And God agreed..

On the third day, God created the cow and said:

'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'

The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'

And God agreed again. On the fourth day, God created man and said:

'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'

But man said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'

Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family.. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren.. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone..

Life has now been explained to you. There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I'm doing it as a public service.

A video from an American Soldier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

The Buzzard, Bat, and Bumblebee

THE BUZZARD:If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

THE BAT: The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE: A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

PEOPLE: In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up!

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, But faith looks up!

20/20 Adoption Distruption Show - RESCHEDULED

I received this email below from the Ranch for kids. I will post when show is rescheduled!

************
Dear Parents and Friends;
As much as we hate to cancel one more time, we must! ABC 20/20 has moved us forward due to the hurricanes and the Republican National Convention with its unprecedented news stories. As soon as we get a new date we will let everyone know. Many of you were looking forward to watching the program and I am sure that they will schedule us soon. They know how important this subject matter is and do not want it overshadowed by the before mentioned events. We are content to wait for the "perfect timing."
Thanks for your patience and we will let you know as soon as were are re-scheduled.
Our best wishes
Joyce Sterkel and William "Bill" Sutley
with The Ranch For Kids Staff

Set your TIVO

Dear Friends and Parents;

ABC 20/20 will air a program about adoption disruption on Sept. 5th 2008. This program was filmed in part at The Ranch For Kids. This Ranch welcomes children who for one reason or another are being placed back up for adoption.

They rescheduled this segment from the original date in July to avoid the Olympics and political conventions. There will be a follow-up segment on Nightline with Joyce's son Sasha who was adopted from a disruption at age 14. (Joyce runs the Ranch).

Please give The Ranch For Kids and ABC any feed back after you see the program.

It is my prayer that this program will draw awareness to the growing problems for families with international adoptees and that forever homes are found for these children.

The Pickle Jar

The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom. When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.

As a small boy I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar . They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled.

I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar and admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window. When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.

Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.

Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully. 'Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back.'

Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly 'These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me.'

We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm. 'When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again.' He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar.

As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other. 'You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters,' he said. 'But you'll get there; I'll see to that.'
No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar.

To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me. 'When you finish college, Son,' he told me, his eyes glistening, 'You'll never have to eat beans again - unless you want to.'

The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed.

A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words, and never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith.

The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.

The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms. 'She probably needs to be changed,' she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes.

She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room. 'Look,' she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins.

With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak.

*Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse.*

Help Bring Benjamin Home

Benjamin is waiting in China, his parents are waiting in Florida. Chick-Fil-A and VW are giving away a car to help unite this family.

The winning raffle ticket win be drawn THIS Monday! Don't miss your chance to win any of the following prizes:

Grand Prize

2 year lease on a NEW 2008 Volkswagen Beetle $6,997.03

1st Prize

Gazebo & Patio set $2,499.98

2nd Prize

Stainless Steel Grill $899.99

3rd Prize

52 Free Combo Meals $290.68

To purchase raffle tickets and help unite little Benjamin with his parents PLEASE click on the following link: http://www.childwatch.org/articles1.html.

Remember the drawing will be held THIS Monday - so purchase your tickets today!!

Legacy of An Adopted Child

Legacy of An Adopted Child

Author Unknown

Once there were two women,

Who barely knew each other.

One is in your heart forever,

The other you’ll call mother.

Two different lives,

Shaped to make yours one.

One became your guiding star,

The other became your sun.

The first gave you life,

And the second taught you how to live it.

The first gave you a need for love,

And the second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality,

The other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent,

The other gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions,

The other calmed your fears.

One saw your first sweet smile,

The other dried your tears.

One gave you a family,

It was what God intended for her to do.

The other prayed for a child,

And God led her straight to you.

And now you ask me Through your tears,

The age old question through the years.

Heredity or environment…

Which are you a product of?

Neither, my darling… neither,

Just two different kinds of love.

If Dogs Were Teachers

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout .. Run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Great Advice from a Dogs Life!

BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN

BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN

1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.

Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don't bother because you remember that last time, breathing didn't do a thing. 3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month.

The Layette:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?

Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress--a whimper, a frown--you pick up the baby
2nd ba by: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.

Pacifier:
1st baby: I f the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby's bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

Diaper ing:
1st baby: You change your baby's diapers every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their diaper every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to complai n about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.

Activities
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, Baby Zoo, Baby Movies and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaners.

Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.

At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children

Swallowing Coins (a favorite):
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital and demand x-rays 2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass.
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his allowance!

A Brilliant Gift Idea

I recently had a birthday and one of my most cherished friends gave me an AMAZING gift! I LOVE the idea so much I'm not just going to borrow it I want to spread the word to all I know!

She made a donation in my name to a ministry called Love without Boundaries (www.lovewithoutboundaries.com). This ministry feeds orphans in China. The ministry sent me a card with a picture of a beautiful orphan getting her tummy filled with yummy food.

What a brilliant gift idea!!

Please consider filling an orphans tummy the next time you are stumped and need a gift idea.

Available Children's Clothes

Hello my friends,

As you know my friend Jill from Boomerang Consignment blesses the Treasure Coast with all of the stores unsold items.

My friend Nicole and I began a ministry called Clothe His Children. This ministry has taken off and MANY adoptive, foster and bio families have been blessed by Jill's generosity. We are looking to expand this ministry to others in our community and we need your help!

As of today we have the following items available:

1 small bag infant girls 0-12 months
1 medium bag girls size 18 months - 2T
1 small bag girls size 3T
1 small bag girls size 4T
1 small bag girls size 5T
1 small bag girls size 6x
1 medium bag girls size 7/8
1 small bag girls size 10/12
1 small bag girls size 14/16
1 small bag boys 0-24 months
3 booster seats

Please let me know if you or anyone you know would like be a part of Clothe His Children Ministry either as a donor or as a beneficiary.

Also please consider clicking on and joining the Clothe His Children Yahoo Group in the margin of this blog. This group was created to minister to and bless local families who are in the process of adopting and/or fostering or for moms who just need an outlet and support.

I look forward to sharing your parenting journey with you!

WD-40....Who knew

WD-40....Who knew?

The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40 . The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you! And get this - it does ALL of this:
1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.
6) Restores and clean s chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots .
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removedquickly;Use WD-40!
20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove.
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37) Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.
38) The favorite use in the state of New York WD-40 protects the Statue of Libert y from the elements.
39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states
40) U se it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41) WD-40 is great for removing cr ayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42) If you've discovered that you washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstickspots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!
43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
44) It is good for oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring.
45) WD-40 is the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass.It's a miracle!
46)Then try it on your stovetop... It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed!

P.S. The basic ingredient in WD-40 is FISH OIL.

Always Remember

Always remember to forget thee things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember the things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue.
But don't forget to remember those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget the troubles that have passed away.
But never forget to remember the blessings that come each day.

Author Unknown

Things We Collect

Just in case you haven't heard yet...we collect Box Tops, Campbell Soup Labels, Soda Tabs and USED Cell Phones, Mp3 Players, Hand Held System Consoles, Digital Cameras, and Ink Cartridges.

I've noted below why we collect these items and where you can find them. Would you consider saving any of these items for us?If you are local the kids and I will swing by as needed to pick them up from you and if you are far away we'll gladly reimburse you for your postage.

Box Tops are the only sort of "fund raising" our school does. There will be no candy or wrapping paper sales from us. Just a simple request for something you would probably throw away.These items can be found on hundreds of products like Zip lock, Pull Ups, Betty Crocker mixes, Chex Mex, Kleenex and many many more. For a complete list please visit the Box Top website www.boxtops4education.com.

Campbell Soup Labels is a resource our school uses for miscellaneous school supplies. Simply cut the cute little Campbell guy off the back of your soup can or your empty goldfish package. He is worth lots of $$$ in school supplies. For more details please visit www.labelsforeducation.com

Soda Tabs are collected and donated to the Ronald McDonald House. The RMH allows families to stay free of charge while their children are being cared for in a near by hospital. These little tabs "pay the tab" for the families so they can concentrate their concerns on their children rather than their finances. What a beautiful ministry!!

USED Cell Phones, Mp3 Players, Hand Held System Consoles, Digital Cameras, and Ink Cartridges - for a family who is adopting a little girl from Russia. Read more about their journey at http://www.azlittlepatchofheaven.blogspot.com/.

Thank you for reading this post and supporting our kids in their community projects. If you or your kids are also involved in a project that we may be able to help you with PLEASE let us know.

Many Thanks,
Jen

clothe His children

My friend Jill owns Boomerang consignment store (http://www.boomerangconsignments.com/) here in PSL. Jill knows my heart for orphans and my desire to minister to adoptive families so with my vision and her generosity we created a ministry to clothe His children. Each week Jill DONATES any and all of the stores unsold items. These items range from strollers, pack & plays and walkers to boppy's, and toys, books and games, not to mention clothes galore. You name it this store has donated it! Jill's generosity has blessed families and orphans not just here in PSL and throughout the United States but also as far as Guatemala, Haiti and Russia. Should you or anyone you know be in need of this ministry or if you are traveling to meet your child and would like to bring a clothing donation to the caretakers please reply to this post. For those of you that are local and have not been to Boomerang Consignment yet I highly recommend that you check it out. Jill is an amazing women with a heart the size of Texas and runs one CLEAN & ORGANIZED consignment store.

Jill, I would just like to personally and publicly thank you for who you are and for partnering with me and believing in my vision. I adore you!!

Dibs Ice Cream Commercial

Ok, so my friends Les and Erin have made another video. This one however is not a SciFi clip. It is an actual commerical for Dibs Ice Cream. Please click on this link http://dibsfilmfest.com/default.aspx?openURL=clip.aspx?key=D90EF681344EABE1 watch their commercial AND vote for them to win!! No registration is required this time so it is SUPER simple.

Many Thanks!!

Jen

PS - if you could help spread the word for them that would be AWESOME!!! Their email and details about their commerical is below.

Thanks again!!!

***************************
We're at it again! Les and I have made a commercial to hopefully earn $10,000 in a grand prize win! I may have mentioned this before but we are on a mission to pay off debt. This would help immensely! (Thanks to everyone, we have already won $500, and a trip to the Traverse City Film Festival in Michigan.)The voting for this is different from Rootclip. The best part is you don't have to register to vote! Just simply click on the link below, it will take you straight to our video. It is based on a rating system. You will see 5 stars. Rate the commercial 1-5. (maybe you could vote 5 even if you don't like it that much) After Aug 8th, the top 10 video's with the best ratings will move on to a round of judges who will vote as well. Whoever has the highest rating from both rounds wins.Here is the link to the commercial. Enjoy!P.S. It may surprise you at first. It is a Dibs commercial, and their motto is "Do Dibs Instead". If you want to improve your marriage you should probably do both. : ) Watch and you'll see what I'm talking about!http://dibsfilmfest.com/default.aspx?openURL=clip.aspx?key=D90EF681344EABE1A special thanks to our good friend Angel, who came up with the concept (which we think is hilarious, we hope you agree), and for making me look beautiful (hair & makeup), and to both Travers & Angel who let us borrow their home for the shoot. Thanks in advance for Rating our commercial. It means so much to us! We love you all!God Bless, Les & Erin

PhoneRaiser

You may have noticed the PhoneRaiser link in the margin on this blog.

That link is to a beautiful family in AZ that is in the process of adopting a little girl from Russia.

To help off set some of the expenses they are collecing USED Cell Phones, Mp3 Players, Hand Held System Consoles, Digital Cameras, and Ink Cartridges.

I will be sending a box to her this Friday. If you have any of these above items that you are no longer using would you PLEASE consider donating them to this family? If you are local, I would be happy to pick them up from you. If you aren't local but you would still like to be a blessing to this family please email me. I will help make the mailing arrangements for you.

To read more about their adoption journey please check out their blog http://www.azlittlepatchofheaven.blogspot.com/.

MANY Thanks in advance!

Church Bulletins

Maybe you've seen some of these before but there were some new ones for me and they were quite funny!

These sentences (with all the bloopers) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals
-----------
The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water."
The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."
-----------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house! Bring your husbands.
-----------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community.
Smile at someone who is hard to love.
Say "Hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you.
-----------
Don't let worry kill you off -- let the church help.
-----------
Miss Charlene Mason sang "I Will Not Pass This Way Again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
-----------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
-----------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
-----------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
-----------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
-----------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.
------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
------------
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled, Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want to remember.
------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
------------
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00P -- prayer and medication to follow.
------------
The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
-----------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
-----------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
-----------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in the church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
-----------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
-----------
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge -- Up Yours."

A Child Waits - Encouragement

Friends,

I have received a TON of comments regarding A Child Waits post I made a few days ago.

It seems that many who read the post were “moved” or cried and felt sad for what they saw. Many confessed that “one day, they too hope to grow their family through adoption but right now financially it is just impossible!”

Before I address that comment I would first like to say I believe ALL children are a gift. Whether brought to our families biologically or through the adoption. I do not believe that one way is better or more noble. I do not feel that those who adopt are “great or selfless people” I also do not believe that adoption is for everyone. No one should ever pursue an adoption just because they feel sorry or sad for a child. Adoption is NOT a rescue mission!! Adoption is simply uniting your child with his family.

With all that being said….These last paragraphs are ONLY INTENDED for anyone who “one day hopes to grow their family through adoption but right now feels that it is financially impossible”

If you and your spouse have a united heart towards adoption but you are holding back due solely to finances PLEASE DON’T. I know first hand that when we step out in faith and trust in what we know is right rather than what “makes sense” we are blown away by what is possible. I also know first hand the initial fear. I know how hard it is to take that first step, but once you do, once you leap, you see things you never dreamed possible actually happening to you, in your life, and for the good of your family!

I have seen a couple loose their job in the middle of an adoption and not only stay the course but bring home 2 children instead of one. God did not forsake them. I’ve seen other couples loose their home and job and STILL complete their adoption. Another couple had no finance options available to them for a little girl whom their heart broke for so 3 times they “found” her a forever family. All 3 times it fell through and finally they “got it”. They proceeded with NO finances and their daughter is now home! Our personal adoption expenses doubled what we thought they were going to be when we completed our first adoption and since we were not planning to adopt again we had NO adoption fund for our last adoption yet all of our children are home safe and sound. We have plenty to eat, hot water, clothes on our backs and a roof over our head!

My plea to any of you holding off because of finances is this: PLEASE DO NOT LET FINANCES KEEP YOUR CHILD OUT OF YOUR HOME! I will personally partner with you, join forces and encourage you every step of the way. I have seen miracle after miracle in family after family. I would be honored if you allowed me that privilege on your journey!

For those of you who have testimonies like those above PLEASE share your stories. Be an encouragement to those who may be in a financial stronghold. You never know whose child may come home as a result of your trials and testimony!

To Him Be The Glory!

2008 Edition Of Getting To Know Your Friends

Welcome to the 2008 edition of getting to know your friends. What you aresupposed to do is hit forward and change your answers. Change all the answersso they apply to you, and then send this to your friends including the personwho sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little thingsabout your friends that you might not have known.
*********************************************

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8am – and the kids are STILL sleeping!
2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds
3. What 2 things do you always have with you? My kids and someone elses kids – it’s summer! 4. What is your favorite TV show? Grey's Anatomy, Big Brother, Survivor5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Honey Bunches of Oats
6. What is your favorite book? The Power of a Praying Wife and The Power of a Praying Parent. 7. What is your middle name? Lee
8. What food do you dislike? Mushrooms
9. What is your favorite CD? I prefer pure quiet of music.
10. What type of car do you drive? Honda Odyssey
11. Favorite sandwich? Rare Roastbeef12. What characteristic do you despise? Arrogance13. Favorite item of clothing? My Jammies!14. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? I REALLY like home!!! But I would like to start summer trips to various orphanages beginning in Central/South America. 15. What color is your bathroom? Yellow
16. Favorite brand of clothing? Gap, Old Navy and Ralph – and I like it better when it’s on sale 17. Where would you like retire to? Right here in my home in warm sunny FL!!
18. What was your most recent memorable birthday? My 30th – It’s was when I became a mom!!
19. Furthest place you are sending this? It’s going on my blog so who knows!
21. Who do you least expect to send this back to you? Good question22. Person you expect to send it back first? Good question23. Favorite saying? “Represent” It’s something our family says a lot and it means a lot.
24. When is your birthday? August 14th25. Are you a morning person or a night person? I’m stuck between the two. It's weird because I am not officially either.
26. What is your shoe size? 6 1/227. Pets? 1dog - Molly 28. What did you want to be when you were little? Fire Fighter29. How are you today? great30. What is your favorite candy? Chocolate, of course!31. what is your favorite flower? Gardenia – my husband recently bought me my own gardenia tree and hedge – LOVE THEM!
32. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? The kids “Gotcha” days.33 What is the last thing you ate? Krista’s FABULOUS ice cream, caramel, whipped cream dream come true. (last night)34. What are you listening to right now? The dishwasher – doing my job.
35. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Brown – like everything else I own.
36. How is the weather right now? It’s a Bright sun shinning day
37. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My sister
38. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Love (and miss) her
39. Favorite soft drink? Diet Coke40.Favorite restaurant? The Tides 41. Hair colour? Brown with highlights43. Favorite day of the year? My kids birthday’s44. What was your favorite toy as a child? Easy Bake Oven – funny thing is I can’t cook!!!!
45. Summer or winter? Summer for sure46. Hugs or kisses? Hugs47. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate48. Do you want your friends to email you back? yes49. When was the last time you cried? I cry at commercials – this is an unfair question!50. What is under your bed? Who knows!51. Who is the friend you have had the longest? My Sister!52. Favorite smell? Cookies Baking
53. What are you afraid of? CHANGE!!!!!!!!!
54. Plain, butter or salted popcorn? BUTTER & SALT
55. How many keys on your key ring? 5
56. How many years at your current job. 4 years stay at home mom57.Favorite day of the week? Saturday58. How many towns have you lived in? 2 – as an adult 59. Do you make friends easily? I think so60. How many people will you be sending this to? A Lot! it’s on the WWW