1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

1000 Blessing's Friday

241. The happy girl on the far left is my niece, Sarah. Their softball team won the sectional championship! Sarah is graduating tomorrow. *sniff* Sarah reminds me of well, me. Not as far as athletics go mind you, but her sense of humor. She's a big dork just like her Aunt Amy! She and I can see the humor in situations when others cannot. And yes, she also laughs at inappropriate times like dear old muah!

Sarah is also very creative and artistic. Not me. Give her a few weird items and she can make a masterpiece. She even made her prom dress out of duct tape last year and it was gor-ja-mous! Very talented indeed.

242. I just love the live giraffe cam! I can be having a rotten day and I go see what my giraffes are doing and it turns my frown upside down. Corny, I agree. But ever so true. And look at that one with it's chin on the fence! He reminds me of my bulldog when she is begging for food! How can you resist those precious eyes?

243. Another blessing I've received in a round about way is my oldest daughter has decided to take some more college classes. She's learning that in order to get a good paying job you need to have a degree of some kind! I'm thankful that on her own she is seeing what it's like to be an adult, learning from it and doing something about it! She's a good girl though and I am always blessed to have her for my daughter!!

244. Free food! That's always a blessing. Because we have our own business several stores like AutoZone and CarQuest have been having customer appreciation days. And because we spend a lot of money with each one we get free eats for lunch. And the food has been delicious. All homemade too!

245. Another blessing for me this week is health. I am hurting pretty good today, but I think it's due to the fact that every other day I've been going, going, going! And that's a good thing. No, a GREAT thing! Call me Miss Independence. Please!

Please tell me one of your blessings this week!

Prayer Request

Some of you may remember him. This is Luke Menard and he made it to the top 16 on American Idol this year. He is also from my hometown - Crawfordsville, Indiana. He is a christian and a super nice guy. He has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

It has been confirmed that Luke has stage II Hodgkin lymphoma. I have read that this is a treatable cancer with high success rates. But it is still cancer.

Would you please remember this dear family in your prayers?

Thank you.

A Whisper of Freedom

Marina asked me to do this meme and since I think she is such a beautiful lady how could I say no! If you've never met her stop by and take the time to get to know her. Not only is she gorgeous, but her heart is even more beautiful. She's a woman after God's own heart.

Welcome to the blog tour and meme for A Whisper of Freedom!

Tricia Goyer is the author of twelve books and the recipient of the Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. She also writes nonfiction articles for magazines and is a regular speaker at conferences. Read more about her at her website.


During the tour, you can enter to win one of FIVE signed copies of A Whisper of Freedom by signing up for Tricia's newsletter here!


Three players will be selected at random to win their own lost gold (gourmet chocolate coins and all three books in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series). To enter, all you have to do is answer the meme on your blog and then leave a comment on Tricia’s blog tour post.

I tag each and every one that stops by! Please leave me a comment telling me that you played, answer the questions on your blog, and leave a comment at Tricia's post about your meme post.

Easy enough! On with the questions.....

1. List three things you would do with a chest full of gold (assuming you got to keep it!)

I don’t want to count my tithe in my three things because we all know the Lord gets the first of our fruits.

So the first thing I would be able to do is afford surgery for my bulldog, Wensleydale. She tore the ligament in her knee on Mother’s Day. The surgery will be at least $1800. Yowzers!

Secondly, I’ve had several surgeries this past year so I’ve acquired some large bills. I would pay off my hip replacements, my hospital bill for the E-coli and kidney stone removal and my latest adventure with some ovarian cysts.

Whew! Now that those are out of the way I want to take the rest of the treasure and give it to my family because they are the ones that deserve it! My husband, three kids and mom spent over a year bathing me, dressing me, feeding me, rubbing my back, lifting me and helping me go to the bathroom, whatever I needed or wanted. The list goes on and on. Never once was there a complaint from any of them.

I know each of them has material things they desire, but they also have a heart and a burden for missions and for people in general. I know that they would donate to their causes and if there was any money leftover they might be able to pick out a couple things they want. :o)


2. List three charities/missions/organizations you support (and why).

Even though Jerry Lewis makes me do one of my favorite things (LAUGH) I don’t support the Muscular Dystrophy Association because of him. My grandfather had MD and I have three cousins (from the same family) that have also been stricken with MD. My cousins, Glenn, Gary & Karen have also been an encouragement to me to keep pressing on no matter how tough it gets!

Something else near and dear to my heart are my friends Robert and Jody Frye. Not only did I grow up with Jody, but I have been witness to seeing God do mighty things through everyday, normal people like you and I! Robert was sitting in his comfy chair watching the telly when a commercial came on for feeding the poor children. I don't know exactly which commercial though. Anyway, the Lord laid this burden on his heart for the youth in Romania and he told his wife about it. At first she was hesitant and just said slowly, "OoKkaayy." But within a week her heart was burdened as well and so began their journey! It didn't take long for them to raise support and off they went to Romania to spread the Gospel of Christ and teach the young people carpentry and homemaking skills so that they might have a decent future. Talk about trusting in the Lord!

One more organization I support is our local animal shelter. As a child I was always bringing home stray cats or injured birds and maybe even a raccoon. Mom wasn't thrilled with the last one though! It breaks my heart to see animals roaming the roads with no place to call home. I know what a comfort my bulldog is to me and how much she loves being loved! I've adopted two older cats from the shelter and have convinced several of my friends that they needed some more pets too! I also send away for as many free samples and free coupons for any kind of animal food, treats, litter and toys that I can find. It doesn't take long to gather a large box of goodies either! This was something I was able to do easily while I was bedridden. I also support them with monetary donations and other things such as cleaning supplies and blankets, etc. But in all honesty I love getting the free coupons and going to the store and seeing what all I can get for free!

3. List three ways you have volunteered your time/services.

I’ve recently been on the receiving end of people’s time and services with meals being brought in and numerous cards sent to me to keep my chin up.

During this time I learned how important even the little things are. I was never a card sender until I received so many and realized what an encouragement they were to me. And I just don’t sign my name to them. No! I like to take the time to write the person. If they are home bound I let them know what’s going on with my family and any news from church. As long as it isn’t gossip! When you are home bound you long for any news from the outside world. I understand that part.

If they are recuperating from an illness or surgery I can write something funny and uplifting because they will get better. It’s not the same as being home bound.

Another way I volunteer is offering these same people my time by making trips to the grocery store or Wal-mart. Again, I understand what a chore this can be and it can save the person a lot of energy and potential pain if I do this for them now that I can with my new bionic hips!

And the third way I volunteer is at my church in the Awana program. I am the director of Chums, which is 3rd and 4th grade girls. Awana is sort of like a Christian Boys & Girl’s Scouts. I have four other leaders and together we make a great team! We have the privilege of teaching 15-20 girls each Wednesday night about God’s truths and salvation. Most of our girls come from unchurched families and they want and need someone to listen to them and more importantly to show them God’s love.

I know I go each week in hopes of being a blessing or an encouragement to the girls, but I'm the one that leaves with the blessing from watching these girls grow in Christ!

4. List three things you keep "hidden" when company comes over.

I have to be completely honest and tell you that what you see is what you get! When I was younger I would panic if someone was stopping by and I had laundry out on the couch or dirty dishes in the sink.

The older I get the more I have learned that when someone comes for a surprise visit it isn't the house they are interested in. It's me and my family! In fact one of my friends came when I was folding about three loads of laundry. Underwear included! She sat down next to me and started helping me fold it and we laughed and talked the entire time. :o) Nope, no need to hide things when true friends are around.


5. List the last three things you've lost.


Patience. Not with family or friends. But with the Lord. I had one of my worst weeks ever last week with one catastrophe after another. Well, they seemed like catastrophes to me. But God is bigger than all my problems! I was asking why me when I should have been rejoicing in all the many blessings He provides on a daily basis. After watching the news and seeing the devastation in China I quickly got my act together and asked forgiveness for being so selfish.

My eyesight. Well, not completely PTL, but I cannot see anything close up anymore. I have to stretch my arm out as far as it will go and then tilt my head and scrunch up my nose before I can read the label on my candy bar to see how many calories I will soon be enjoying! Last night at Target I bought a pair of those cheap (only $1) glasses that sit on the end of your nose and make you look really silly. And they are bright blue! If you don't know me you must know that anything blue makes me smile. So here I sit with my arm stretched out, head tilted, nose scrunched up, looking silly with an even goofier smile on my face because I see BLUE! TeeHee!

Money. I made a big mistake in the checkbook. I should have used a calculator instead of relying on my 1st grade math skills. Therefore, I bounced a check and lost another $35 because of my ways. I think I will bring out my trusty abacus next time!


6. List the last three things you've found.

Peace. I know my trials come for a greater purpose that I may not fully understand. Who am I to question the Lord? He died for me! For that sacrifice I should be able to handle some frustrations. Plus, He gives me the resources I need to tackle these challenges! Some days are easier than others I must admit, but even through my tears I can still rejoice and be thankful for my circumstances. I know through these times He is holding me in the palm of His hand! I can rest assured and do my very best and He will lead me if I just let Him.

Coolness factor. After 43 long years of no comprehension of fashion I guess I have stumbled upon hipness. And I'm not talking replacements either! My girls and I went shopping and I found not one, but two pair of jeans. And they fit perfect! Plus they were on clearance for $13. Sa-weet! My daughters say they are in style and I look really cool in them too. Bonus!

And lastly, I just found at Bed, Bath & Beyond a table that will hold my laptop if I am not feeling well and have to stay in bed. It's the right height and even tilts! There's a place for my mouse and even a little storage compartment. Probably for pens and paper, but more than likely I will hide a treat in there. LOL! Having this will be nice for me because I can still work from home with a little more ease and even work in a little blogging! Oh yeah, plus I got it on sale and also had a $5 off coupon. Score, baby, score!


I guess that's it for me! Please play along too and let me know!

Daddy's Girl

I have smelly feet. Just like my dad. I like being just like him. Even if it does mean I stink. A daddy's girl. That's me.

My father always wore shiny, black dress shoes. It didn't matter if he was wearing his suit or his Bermuda shorts. His feet were adorned by his shiny, black dress shoes. And black dress socks. How could I forget those?

I loved sitting with my dad on Saturday night as he polished his shoes. We both loved to smell the cedar box he kept his supplies in. I would hand him what was needed as he kept me entertained with corny jokes or memories from his childhood. When he was done he would try them on for my approval. "Perfect daddy!", I said. This time was precious to me. And to him.

My father worked for Kroger. Mom took my brother and me to visit him often. I fondly remember dad in his pink shirt (yes, before real men wore pink!), his Kroger name tag and those shiny, black dress shoes. I can still hear his footsteps as he raced down the aisle to greet us!

These same shiny, black dress shoes would serve many purposes over the next decade. They were worn as he carried me up a hill when I broke my leg. Or when he kicked a football to my brother out in the backyard. Or as he held my mother's hand as they walked through the park. Or as he ran down the hospital hall just in time to hear his grandchild's first cry.

My father's shiny, black dress shoes started showing signs of wear. One day when I was taking my kids to Kroger to visit their grandpa I saw him in the parking lot. He didn't walk as fast as he used to. In fact, he dragged his feet with each step. I brushed it off as a sign of aging.

Before long dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's with autonomic failure. This was the cause for the scuffs on his shiny, black dress shoes. Within a year my father's journey would take a drastic turn.

His shiny, black dress shoes would be put away on his closet shelf for the time being. He could no longer walk and spent the rest of his days in bed.

My father also lost his ability to speak. I would sit by his side holding his hand and entertained him with the corny jokes he used to tell or memories from my childhood. His eyes would light up when I reminisced about him carrying me on his shoulders at the parade or when he walked me down the aisle on my wedding day! This time was precious to me. And to him. I was daddy's girl.

I received the call at 12:18 am on January 11, 2007. My father's earthly journey had come to an end. My husband and I left for the nursing home. We were the first ones there. As I walked to the end of his bed I touched his foot. I didn't let go until the warmth left his body.

Two days later as I gathered his suit for the funeral I saw his black shoes on the closet shelf. Next to it was his shoe shine kit. I brought the cedar box down for one more smell. Mmmm. Then I grabbed his scuffed, black dress shoes. I tried to shine them. Tears filled my eyes until I couldn't see what I was doing.

I will always be daddy's girl. No one else will ever fill my father's shiny, black dress shoes.


This is my entry for Scribbit's Write-Away contest.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

What is the nearest big city to your home?

Lafayette, Indiana….home of Purdue University. Go Boilermakers! Also not far away is Indianapolis, Indiana….home of the Indy 500 baby!

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?

An eleven! I am a very good secret keeper. I only tell one person at a time. LOL!

Salad

Describe your hair (color, texture, length).

Funny you should ask! The beautician just chopped it off to my chin. Yikes! My hair color is a warm shade of brown with more and more gray trying to sneak in. It used to be as straight as could be, but now it wants to curl a little bit. Sigh!

Main Course

What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?

I want to be a good example for my children so I am very patient. I try to be courteous and obey the law. Not even a rolling stop. I know my kids are watching. And the law is too!

Dessert

When was the last time you had a really bad week?

Wow, where do I begin? It all started last Saturday with my shoulder giving me fits. So I spent Mother’s Day weekend sitting perfectly still on my bed until my shoulder fixed itself. Also, my precious dog tore the ligament in her knee and needs surgery. On Monday the window in my van decided to break for no good reason! The van must want attention because it also started asking for a new battery by dying every time we opened a door for more than 30 seconds. My husband’s truck had a major meltdown as well and needs some repair before he can drive it again. My son started our mower and it blew up. Still not sure why. I forgot to pay the gas bill and it got turned off. My fault, I realize. My daughter has decided it’s more fun to lie than tell the truth. She’s nineteen and knows better. So we are dealing with that. And to top off the week I bounced a check! Even though I had deposited funds in my account three days prior to writing the check, those funds had not cleared yet. It makes no sense to me. I hate to say that’s not fair, but does this sound okay to you? I would think with today’s technology they could verify if my customer has enough in his account to cover the check. I dunno. Aggravating though.

Yes, it was a bad week, but I also had some good news….

I’ve had a rather large ovarian cyst that might involve another surgery. When I went to discuss it the cyst had absorbed back into my body. Sure it might come back, but for now it’s gone! And I am truly thankful for this!!

Happy Mother's Day - A Day Late!

I spent my Mother's Day weekend in bed. No, my family wasn't pampering me, unfortunately. My shoulder was giving me fits and when it does that I have to sit perfectly still until it goes away. It's hard to get this girl to sit still for that long! But hey, it's over and done with now and I can enjoy my week.



I did want to share this in honor of all you mean moms out there! After all, MOM stands for mean old mother. Or did you know that already?

"The Meanest Mother"

I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids atecandy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs or toast. When others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you can guess, my supper was different than the other kids' also. But at least, I wasn't alone in my sufferings. My sister and two brothers had the same mean mother as I did.

My mother insisted upon knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were on a chain gang. She had to know who our friends were and where we were going. She insisted if we said we'd be gone an hour, that we be gone one hour or less--not one hour and one minute.

I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually spanked us. Not once, but each time we had a mind of our own and did as we pleased. That poor belt was used more on our seats than it was to hold up Daddy's pants. Can you imagine someone actualy hitting a child just because he disobeyed? Now you can begin to see how mean she really was.

We had to wear clean clothes and take a bath. The other kids always wore their clothes for days. We reached the height of insults because she made our clothes herself, just to save money. Why, oh why, did we have to have a mother who made us feel different from our friends? The worst is yet to come.

We had to be in bed by nine each night and up at eight the next morning. We couldn't sleep till noon like our friends. So while they slept-my mother actually had the nerve to break the child-labor law. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make beds, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things. I believe she laid awake at night thinking up mean things to do to us.

She always insisted upon us telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, even if it killed us- and it nearly did. By the time we were teen-agers, she was much wiser, and our life became even more unbearable. None of this tooting the horn of a car for us to come running. She embarrassed us to no end by making our dates and friends come to the door to get us. If I spent the night with a girlfriend, can you imagine she checked on me to see if I were really there. I never had the chance to elope to Mexico. That is if I'd had a boyfriend to elope with. I forgot to mention, while my friends were dating at the mature age of 12 and 13, my old fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15 and 16. Fifteen, that is, if you dated only to go to a school function. And that was maybe twice a year.

Through the years, things didn't improve a bit. We could not lie in bed, "sick" like our friends did, and miss school. If our friends had a toe ache, a hang nail or serious ailment, they could stay home from school. Our marks in school had to be up to par. Our friends'report cards had beautiful colors on them, black for passing, red for failing. My mother being as different as she was, would settle for nothing less than ugly black marks. As the years rolled by, first one and then the other of us was put to shame. We were graduated from high school.

With our mother behind us, talking, hitting and demanding respect, none of us was allowed the pleasure of being a drop-out. My mother was a complete failure as a mother. Out of four children, a couple of us attained some higher education. None of us have ever been arrested, divorced or beaten his mate. Each of my brothers served his time in the service of this country. And whom do we have to blame for the terrible way we turned out? You're right, our mean mother. Look at the things we missed. We never got to march in a protest parade, nor to take part in a riot, burn draft cards, and a million and one other things that our friends did. She forced us to grow up into God-fearing, educated, honest adults.

Using this as a background, I am trying to raise my three children. I stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my children call me mean. Because, you see, I thank God, He gave me the meanest mother in the whole world.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?

Oh yes! Usually I am the one walking around with a goofy smile on my face and then I wonder why people are smiling at me! Haha! I'm a dork for sure! But a happy one.

Soup

Describe the flooring in your home. Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix?

It's mostly carpeted with vinyl in the bathrooms and the foyer. Nothing too fancy or exciting!

Salad

Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name.

Arthritis aches are always annoying! Hey, that's pretty good, don'tcha think?

Main Course

Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption?

You betcha! Me, for one. I have three kids. Two daughters and a son. And yes, they were siblings before we adopted them. My husband also has a brother and a sister that's adopted. And I have two nieces and a nephew that are adopted. But I don't remember which one's are adopted because they're all family, right? Right!

Dessert

Name 2 blue things.

First off, these are some great questions this week!

Okay, well blue is like the most awesomest color ever in the whole widest of worlds! Raise your hands if you agree. Yay for you!

My two blue things are:

I have been told my eyes are a beautiful shade of blue. And no, I don't stare in the mirror looking at them!

And one other thing that I enjoy that is blue is NOS! It is my favorite drink and I so enjoy looking at the pretty blue can as I drink it!

I won't be around much today because my daughter is getting four wisdom teeth pulled. If you think about it would you please say a prayer for her today? Thank you!

A Little More About Me

May is Arthritis Awareness Month so I thought I might post a few facts so you can learn more about me! Also, how cool is it that the awareness ribbon is blue? If you know me at all you know that anything blue makes me have a goofy smile. Even my arthritis ribbon!

Okay....on with the teaching!

Here are a few common misconceptions about arthritis:

1. The most common misconception is that arthritis is an old person's disease.

Arthritis is not age or gender specific. There are over 100 different types of arthritis and related rheumatic conditions.

I have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and was diagnosed at ten years old. It started out with my one of my wrists hurting and then it went from one joint to the next until everything, but my back was affected. I am so thankful for this!

2. Arthritis is induced by a cold, wet climate.

The truth is that climate is neither the cause, nor the cure.

People have theorized that arthritis is caused by a cold, wet climate. Moving to a warm, dry climate has been regarded by some as the cure. So my question is - Does anyone in California have arthritis? Yes, they do. I have relatives out there that have it. And bone rubbing on bone after cartilage has worn away causes pain in any climate! Ouchers!!

3. Arthritis is caused by a poor diet.

There is no scientific evidence though that specific foods prevent or cause arthritis. Good diet does not prevent arthritis. Unless a person is found to have a particular food allergy which causes their arthritis to flare, there is no proven direct link between a particular food source and arthritis.

This of course does not mean that I can eat whatever I want such as Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake and endless bottles of NOS! I know that when I am eating healthier and have some of this weight off me it certainly makes things easier! But then again, we're all like that, aren't we?

4. Arthritis can be cured.

As of today, there is no known cure for the disease. Much has been discovered in terms of better treatment options and slowing down the disease progression, but nothing yet has been found to successfully halt the disease. Since there are so many different types of arthritis, the prognosis varies.

I would love to see a cure for arthritis, especially for our future children! But I would love to see a cure first for Parkinson's, cancer, Aids and so many other life threatening diseases.

5. Arthritis consists of only minor aches and pains.

Honestly, it drives me crazy to see those commercials where the person can't play tennis or ride their horse until they've taken their pill! Reality for many of us is we can't walk to the bathroom or put on a shirt or even scratch an itch until we've taken our pills. No, no. We are not looking for sympathy or pity. Just an understanding that a pill can't make us run and jump, etc. That would be nice, but it ain't gonna happen!

6. "You felt fine yesterday....why so tired today?"

Since arthritis is a disease characterized by periods of flares and remissions, it is difficult for family and friends to comprehend why they feel so much better or so much worse on any particular day.

The inconsistency of arthritis can even lead some people to believe the disease is "all in your head".

For me something as simple as lifting a pitcher of Kool Aid (strawberry is my favorite!) can make my shoulder go berserk and hurt for days. The thing is I just don't always know what's going to make it better or worse. Sometimes I have to just do and pay the price later. I'd rather have fun and enjoy life and be laid up for a few days then constantly afraid of doing anything. A little pain never hurt anybody! LOL.

7. "You have arthritis.....you can't....."

"The limitations which arthritis imposes on an individual can cause people closest to them to become overprotective. Sometimes people do too much to try and help the person with arthritis. The disease does interfere with some physical ability, but certainly the arthritic person should not be viewed as totally dependent and invalid.

A certain amount of help and dependence is likely to be required. It must be remembered though that it is best to maintain as much independence as possible for both physical and emotional reasons."

We arthritics can be quite stubborn and proud too! I like to try, even if it's going to hurt. And then if I cry or pout you can scold me. ;o)

For me personally....I know God doesn't give me anything more than I can handle. Some days are rougher than others, but He provides the resources. It's up to me to seek them out.

Hugs to one and all this fine day!

Another Fun Filled Friday!

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

236. Blessed by the warm and breezy weather we've been having. Not too hot and not too cold. Just right! Haha...as I am typing this it has started to rain big time!! But that's okay because it will just make everything that much greener!

237. I love my meetings with my pastor and his wife. I enjoy the one on one counseling. I am learning so much and it's nice to be held accountable too. I have homework each week that keeps me digging in the Word of God and learning more about my Lord!

238. I went out last night with my husband, daughter and our two employees (who are like sons) and saw Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr! I thought it was fantatsic. It was nice to be out with everyone and I couldn't help but be happy for Robert Downey Jr and am thankful he is clean and sober now. I pray that he continues to do so. It can't be easy. It also reminds me that even though I take many precribed medicines I have never been addicted to dependent on any of them.

239. I am blessed this week with getting a lot accomplished. I have been so far behind in my work for our company and while I have lots still to do I was pleased with being able to steadily work for several days in a row!

240. I was blessed this week with a chance to sit down with a dear friend and just open my heart for about thirty minutes. She's a wonderful listener and a great support. Sometimes we just need a shoulder to cry on, huh?

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?

Hands down it was Hoshi Moto. Has anyone else ever heard of it? My husband thinks I'm crazy and there was no such cartoon. It was about a little Japanese mouse and his family.

Soup

Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?

I think about this all the time. My husband would love it if we could somehow have a giraffe that stood about three feet tall. Wouldn't that be cute? I could take him in the car with me like I do my bulldog. I would name my new pet Girrafael for a boy and Girrafella for a girl! ;o)

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?

Only because of my arthritis I will say a 5. The only shoes I can wear are tenny bops and I have so many scars all over my body that sometimes I am self concious of them. But that doesn't mean I don't love to go to the symphany or someplace formal. Then I wear my classy black tennis shoes! LOL!!

Main Course

What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?


I love ALL kinds of music. It depends on what kind of mood I am in. If I just want to have fun with the kids then we put in their music and bop along. If I need lifted up I listen to christian music, preferrably 4Him. And if I am reliving my teenage years, well folks, you know who it is...Donny Osmond!! And sometimes when I fel like a rebel I put on Queen or Bon Jovi and really rock the house. Nothing like seeing a 43 year old broad rocking out in her mini van!

Dessert


When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?

I just bought my mother a new clock for Christmas. She needed the very basic alarm clock. Too many of them are now way too fancy for her to figure out how to work them. ;o)

Thursday Thirteen

Today is the National Day of Prayer.

13 Things I Am Praying For

1. The upcoming election. No matter what my political views are I pray that the right person is elected for our country.

2. My children's future spouses. I started praying for my future son-in-laws and daughter-in-law when we first adopted our kids. It's never to early to pray for this!

3. My friends in Blogville. I love the fact that we can share our requests and it's a privilege to pray for one another.

4. The success of our business. We love what we do, but only if it's the Lord's will.

5. Our pastors and leaders of the church. I know there is a whole lot more to running the church than I will ever know. They need our support and our prayers daily!

6. Our service men and women. So many of them are young and many of them have families that they've left to serve our country. I get choked up thinking about them.

7. My family. All families have problems of some sort. I have lots and lots of people in my family if I count both sides. The older we get the more problems we inherit!

8. My church family. I love each and every one of them. They have been so supportive and encouraging to me over the years. I know they lift me up in prayer daily and that's what keeps me going!

9. This may seem silly to some, but I pray for the little things like a close parking space, a good Kroger ad when I have the money to stock up, and when I'm in the car I pray for just the right song to touch my heart or be just what I need for that moment.

10. I pray for wisdom and words. I don't always know how to handle a situation I am not familiar with. I want to keep glorifying God even when I've been thrown a curve ball.

11. And when I mess up in my life because I haven't been prepared I pray for forgiveness from my Heavenly Father. He always forgives and let's me start fresh!

12. I pray for those that do not know Christ as their own personal Saviour. I know what He's done in my life and I want to be able to share with others if they want to hear!

13. And many times my prayers are just full of praise for the many blessings I am given daily!