He Loves Me!

I love Him because He first loved me! I cannot comprehend His Love but I am so glad He Loves Me! Jeremiah 31:3 "I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." This scripture means so much to me. Several years ago I was going through a trial and had no idea what to do. It seemed that I was weighed down and this trial was consuming me. I prayed and prayed and could get no peace. I read the Word but just could not latch on to anything. One morning in my devotion I was all alone. I took my Bible and went before the Lord. I remember praying outloud and saying "Lord, this is your Word and I know there is an answer for every situation found here. Please help me~give me an answer~I can't bare this without your help."

You know those dark days that come in a Christians life? We are all alone not knowing which way to go or what to do! Not wanting to do the wrong thing~we do nothing but carry on. That particular morning after praying for awhile I opened the Bible and was reading in Jeremiah. I guess that's where I was in my Bible Reading. I read down to about the 15th verse when suddenly I felt impressed to stop and go back. I realized that I did not know a word I read. I started Chapter 31 over and verse3 stood out like it was outlined. "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with tender mercies have I drawn thee." He loves me and there's more! His love is everlasting. I started dwelling on His Love and before I knew it I was weeping and thanking and praising Him for His love. I don't know how long I was in His presense~I just know His Sweet Presense was there. Suddenly I realized I had forgotten all about the heavy load~I was just bathing in His Presense. Did I get an answer to my problem? No~ but He loves me~Did I know what to do? No~but He loves me! I knew that He was all I needed. The load that I was carrying suddenly became lighter and I knew I could trust His Love. His Everlasting Love! Just to think that He loves even me. Nothing, nobody~I was reminded of this scripture Sunday Night in church as a couple was singing a song. "Nothing but a speck of dust, but He loves me." I had never heard that song before but it touched me.

I want to begin the New Year remembering some things. His Love, His Tender Mercies that are new every day, His way of answering prayer. I am amazed at how the Lord answers prayer. Sometimes we come to Him with a problem and go our way just knowing how He will have to work to solve this particular problem! May I say, He never works like I thought He would. He works in His time and in His way and I am always amazed. I want to remember that I can't even walk without Him holding my Hand.

I have no idea what 2009 may bring. It may bring heart ache, it may bring sorrow, it may bring sickness ~ But it may be this very year the Lord will come. Until then we must carry on and not give up the battle. Just remember He Loves you and me with an Everlasting Love, a Love that will not let go. Go in His Love and be a blessing to someone.

Have a blessed and Happy New Year! I will talk to you next year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to all of you out there in blog land. It was indeed my privilege to get to know some of you. Your blogs have made me laugh and some have made me cry. You have help share some of my burdens and I have prayed for many of you.

As we enjoy the day with love ones and friends ~ let's don't forget the true meaning of Christmas. Share the message if opportunity affords.

I came across this poem: It is not original~ but the author is unknown.

THAT NIGHT

That night when in the Judean skies

The mystic star dispensed it's light

A blind man moved in his sleep ~

And dreamed that he had sight.

That night when shepherds heard the song

Of hosts angelic choiring near,

A deaf man stirred in slumber's spell ~

And dreamed that he could hear.

That night when o'er the newborn Babe,

The tender Mary rose to lean,

A loathsome leper smiled in sleep ~

And dreamed that he was clean.

That night when in the cattle stall

Slept Child and mother cheek by jowl,

A cripple turned his twisted limbs ~

And dreamed that he was whole.

That night when to the mother's breast

The little King was held secure,

A harlot slept a happy sleep~

And dreamed that she was pure!

That night when in the manger lay

The Sanctified who came to save,

A man moved in the sleep of death ~

And dreamed there was no grave.

We don't really know all that went on in that Bethlehem's manger that night ~ but I am so glad that I know Jesus. King of King and Lord of Lords! I ask myself what I could give Him this Christmas. A gift that would make a difference. What can you give One Who touched blinded eyes and made them see, touched the deaf ears and made them hear, touched lepers and made them clean, touch cripple limbs and made them whole, touched the heart of a harlot and made her pure, touched the dead and they were alive again. Such a Great God!

My prayer has been: "Lord let me touch one soul and lead them to Bethlehems manger where the Christ Child was, and lead them on to Calvary where that same Jesus shed His Blood that we might be saved."

That Blood was Precious Blood! I'm so thankful that it has been applied to my heart. I just feel like breaking out into song:

Oh, come let us adore Him

Oh, come let us adore Him,

Oh come let us adore Him,

Christ, the Lord!

HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYOUS CHRISTMAS

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS!

MY DAD

It has been 20 years ago today that the Lord saw fit to call Dad home. The day started out like any other for him. Or so we thought! Dad always got up around 2:30 am. As far back as I can remember. He made coffee and would sit and read his Bible. Then he would go to the car wash that was owned by my brother. He had retired but had to do something. His job was to check the car wash and make sure everything was in order for the day.

We lived across town. About 3 am we received a call from my brother telling me to get to Mother. Dad had been shot. We rushed and got dressed and could be there in 10 minutes but for some reason we were held up by a train. We got there and my brother was already there. I knew then that Dad was gone. My heart felt like a heavy weight. We made phone calls to the other members of the family. Seems like I was in a dream or I suppose more like a nightmare and I would soon awake and find it was not true. But in reality it was true. As we were with Mother we noticed that he had not made coffee that morning. No coffee? He always made coffee. Mother did not get up that early and she did not hear him leave.

Some how I feel that Dad might have had a preminition that it was his time to go. We got all the plans made on the 24th and on Christmas Day 1988 we said our goodbyes at the cemetery. I still could not cry. Of course this made headlines, front page. We got through that because we were in shock. The suspect was picked up after a chase down the interstate. He took Dad's car and left after he dragged Dad back into the canes by a little creek. The trial would come up and was put off. This went on for almost seven years. Finally in 1995

the man was sentenced.

We don't know the reason why and may never know while we are on this earth but some day in the near future we may ask the reason why or we may not. I can't imagine what heaven is going to be like. I just know that we will see our love ones again.

It took me a long time to be able to give vent to any feeling. I could not cry for weeks. I was hurting inside. Every time I went to town I would not look at the car wash. Finally about six months afterwards~with the Lord's help I went to the canes and walked down by the little creek where Dad was found. While there the Lord gave me peace that I needed and I started healing. It was a slow process because of the circumstances. But one day I realized that when I thought about Dad it was a pleasant memory.

We all deal with grief in different ways and I had to find the way that was best for me. With the Lord's help ~ we got through.

I have a lot of good memories that had been stored in my mind.

Why am I writing this at this particular time? I don't really know except I just felt something tugging inside. Maybe some will be grieving this Christmas. If so, I just want to tell you God's grace is sufficient. I have been ask how I handle Christmas? Well, Dad may not be here physically but he is in our hearts. I have written several things about Dad so I won't go into more right now. But I will tell you that I don't grieve for him. But my heart does grieve for those that have no hope. My heart aches for my children that are not minding God, my heart aches for those that don't know the Savior who was born on this particular day to fulfill His mission on earth and make it possible for us to be forgiven and go to heaven. Someday we will know all the answers~ but until then the memories linger and are precious.

CHRISTMAS SALAD

I thought I would give you this recipe that Mom made for years at Christmas. It was a tradition that was passed down.

I really wish I had a bowl to show you but I won't make it until Christmas Eve.

You use a clear bowl so the red, white and green will show through.

Three Layer Jello Salad

1st Layer (Green)

1 box Lime Jello ~Mix with 1 cup hot water.

Drain #2 can crushed pineapple (Save Juice)

Mix pineapple and 1 cup pineapple juice into Jello.

Let sit in Fridge until jelled

Middle layer is White

1 pk. Lemon Jello mixed with 1 cup hot water

Soften 8oz. cream cheese and put in hot jello mixture

Add 2 cups Cool Whip , add to jello and mix.

Pour on top of 1st layer and put in Fridge until jelled

Top layer is RED

2 Boxes Cherry jello

Follow directions on box

Pour on top of 2nd layer and let it jell

Put 1/2 finally chopped nuts on top

It is really festive and pretty and good. Don't just serve from top. Get all three layers in one serving.

LIGHT HOUSE

Okay, you ask for more! That lighthouse is sitting on land and the ship is on water. So you figure it out. It looks like a Barber Sign to me, but never the lessI told you painting was not my thing. That little bow at the end of the sail boat is rope. Must have had a wreck! This is for your imagination! What ever you see is what it is. Let me know what you come up with. At least the birds are cute. Didn't see them? Look up! Happy Figuring Out!

Bistro Shop

Now, isn't that a beautiful piece of art? I know - you are thinking -What child did that? Don't you dare laugh! It's 2 am and I could not sleep. That, my friend, is my bistro shop! The chairs may be wobbly and the table crooked - but it is mine! The table is in need of repair but that's okay. If I want to eat on a table, even though it might fall, well, it's my table! At least I tried! Painting is not my thing but it looks as good as some of the modern art. Have you ever just look at a picture in a doctor's ofice or somewhere else and wondered what in the world it was? I looked at one the other day. It looked like a fish just outlined way down in the bottom corner.. Maybe! There were blue splashes and yellow splashes! Somewhere in there bound to have been something that would catch your eye. But I never did find it. I came home and said I can splash paint and dab little white specks in it and maybe put a little black silholette in it and make a fortune. But I just haven't had the time to make my fortune. I really would like to know, though, what the artist was painting. I look at my little bistro shop and thought - if it was all straight and perfect it would not be me. Definitely not! Try figuring out some of this modern art and when you have it figured out please let me know! What is it and what does it mean? Maybe I just don't have appreciation for all the modern stuff! If I wasn't so tired You would not have seen my little bistro shop. I don't usually show anything that I painted. In case you are wondering - the picture is sitting in a rocking chair! It does not hang in my living room. Right now I could not tell you where it is. But the more I look at my little bistro shop - the cuter it is. Maybe it is because of the imperfections. Now that I think of it - maybe that painting in the doctor's shop was called Imperfection. That way you can do any thing on canvas and sell it for a fortune. Wanna try it? You might get rich!

Snow Day

I know I am late with a post, but we really had a busy week. We also had snow on the ground for three days. It was called Sneaux Day! (Snow Day). It was really beautiful for us to see, but oh, the aftermath. We have never seem so much snow. You that have a lot of snow will probably think we southerners are nuts, but snow is a very rare occassion in south Louisiana. Me thinks me would rather have rain. It drains off and is gone in a day, but snow lingers. We drove the second day after the big sneax. It was all over. The roadways were opened, but we were without electricity for a day. Some areas are still out. Good thing we had a fireplace to keep us warm. There is always something to be thankful for even when storms come. Whether hurricane or snow. We thought it was nice for the kids and my big kid (hubby) got out in it but I stayed in. Just looked out the door and took pictures from the back porch.

Well, life goes on now that we had our our lifetime snow! It is back in the 70's today. I see the pictures of some of the blizzards up north and all they have to face. For them we need to pray. I don't really have a lot of time, need to get ready for church. I'll get going again on my post just in case you passed by.

We had our two grandaughters over yesterday and they were in a candy making mood. Two grandaughters, three kids and two men. Flour, powered sugar, recipes, chocolate chips, kids licking spoons. Quite an affair! A messy kitchen and we were all a sight. I need to downlaod those pictures. This is the first time we had ever gotten to do this together. I enjoyed it - but this Grandma was plenty tired when they left. I took a break ever so often and tried to read to the kids. Wasn't really in the mood for reading, but there is more than one way to skin a cat. whatever that is suppose to mean! I think it meant I was tired and needed a rest - so it was convienent to read to the kids.

GOODS NEWS

Since I had ask you to pray for me I thought I had better at least thank you for your prayers. I wentback to the Rhemotologist Thursday. Went at 12:30 since my appointment was a 1 P.M. I usually have to wait an hour or so. This was only my second time to go to him and my last. I was 4 P.M. getting to the back with one patient ahead of me. At least that is what the nurse told me! so we waited and waited. I was so frustrated that I told my husband if the doctor was not in that room by 5 P.M. I was leaving. He was almost fit to be tied himself. Well, the doctor came in at exactly 5 P.M. He went over the reports with us. Now, remember he had already made a diagnoses of Sjogrens Sydrome. But with all the test and symptoms - well, I'll just go like he did. "You know, rheumotology is one of the hardest fields to be in. Some times things point in one direction and then the test points to something else. The good news is -you don't have anything serious. Your muscles have a little inflamation in them and your lungs have a little inflamation. Other than that and the dry mouth and lips I don't see anything. Your lung function test if good." He wanted to put me on steroids. I also had a lot of congestion and he thought I needed a shot and anti-biotic. Guess he thought he needed to do something. I have decided if nothing is too serious - that Iwill not take the steroids. I feel my changes with the Lord helping me is far better than what he offered. He still wants to call it sjogrens in the making. I got to thinking - he had to diagnose something because the insurance won't pay with out a diagnosis. Anyway, should I have to go to another rheumotologist - it will be closer to home. But the good Lord willing, I have no plans of going. I will just deal with my primary care who is also an internist. Right now, I just feel I'm in slow motion - but hopefully next week I can put all this behind me and go christmas shopping. I love to go but not when I feel bad. I know the Lord has been so good. I look around and see so much sorrow and heartaches that I almost feel guilty of mentioning all this. But it did make me feel better to know you were praying for me. thanks so much. Be sure and drop by KJVblogs.blogspot.com You might miss something if you don't. This is a branch off deborah's blog lyricdevotions.com. You will find different writers and some good stuff at both sights. Take time to listen to Deborah's songs. They will bless your heart.

OUR REFUGE

Just a little note of praise this morning! I know some of you have been praying for Mom. She had a mini stroke and several minor things - but she is home from the hospital. My sister is with her this week. How the Lord is going to work this out - we don't know yet. She cannot stay by herself anymore -I feel sure she will need someone around the clock. Keep praying for her.

I have to go back Thursday to see the Rheumotologist. Need to find out what was in the 12 viels of blood they drew! Also the MRI report and the lung function test. I am feeling better except for my dry lips. Just praying that all of this is something that will pass. But for this moment I am fine.

I found this poem by Annie Johnson Flint.

THIS MOMENT

He's helping me now -- this moment,

Though I may not see it or hear,

Perhaps by a friend far distant,

Perhaps by a stranger near,

Perhaps by a spoken message,

Perhaps by the printed Word;

In ways that I know and know not,

I have the help of the Lord.

He's keeping me now -- this moment,

However I need it most,

Perhaps by a single angel,

Perhaps by a mighty host.

Perhaps by the chain that frets me,

Or the walls that shut me in;

In ways that I know and know not,

He keeps me from harm and sin.

He's guiding me now -- this moment,

In pathways easy or hard,

Perhaps by a door wide open,

Perhaps by a door fast barred.

Perhaps by a joy with holden,

Perhaps by a gladness given,

In ways that I know and know not,

He's leading me up to Heaven.

He's using me now -- this moment,

And whether I go or stand,

Perhaps by a plan accomplished,

Perhaps when He stays my hnad,

Perhaps by a word in season,

Perhaps by a silent prayer,

In ways that I know and know not,

His labor of love I share.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

My niece has just had a birthday. I won't tell you how old she is - but she and my daughter are only a few weeks apart. Hope you had a good Birthday, Karla.

If I can find and scan the picture of you and Stephanie in the old fashion buggy that I just saw at you Moms - I will send it to you.

Wow! It seemed like my birthday! I was on my blog working and suddenly I saw my counter. I showed it to Uncle Silas, got back on there and low and behold - my beautiful background was back. Thank you so much! I know you are very busy and I really appreciate it. Love you, Aunt Lene & Uncle Silas

A BLESSED AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS, MAY YOU HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND A BLESSED DAY FILLED WITH THANKFULNESS TO THE ONE WHO GIVES US ALL THINGS. THE LORD HAS BEEN RICH IN HIS BLESSINGS TO US THIS YEAR.

THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Just wanted to let all of you that were praying for me that I did get through the MRI and Lung Function Test . When I was taking the MRI I felt your prayers and thanked God for each of you. I won't get the results until December 4th but I am trusting the Lord that they will be okay. Since I have been off the medicine I am feeling much better. Now I have another prayer request! I have just found out that my Mom was taken to the hospital sometime today. We won't know anything until tomorrow. She couldn't move her legs and I suspect she has had a mild stroke. I noticed when I was there last Thursday that she did not seem the same. I remarked about it to my husband. She will be 89 years old on Dec 6th. She has suffered a lot of pain the past years and I know she is ready to meet the Lord - so if it's His time I know His grace will be sufficient. But she has been a very independent little lady and always wanted to wait on everyone else. Who knows - she may be home before long. But I'm sure not by herself any longer. So there will be decisions to make. Just please keep her in your prayers. I love you girls and it made me feel good to know that a few of you were praying for me. Until I hear more I will get to bed and try and get some needed rest.

PRAYER REQUEST

After three days on the medicine for Sjorgren's - I find that I cannot take it. I have been so weak in my muscles, heart rate up to 130 even when I am resting, head ache and achy all over. I am sensitive to so many meds. My Family Dr. says she has not seen anyone being so sensitive to so much. I will call the Rheumotologist tomorrow and see what he wants me to do. I also have to have an MRI Tuesday - so please pray for me this week that all will go well. I am not anxious to take the MRI. I can't stand closed in places. But I really need a touch and I know Jesus is the Great Physician. I know you will pray. I will let you know how all comes out. In Christian Love, Aliene

Sassafras Leaves and Roots

Since I mentioned Gumbo in the other post for today I want to tell you about what we use in gumbo after it is cooked. It is called File' We all have heard the song: Jambalaya ,Crawfish Pie File' Gumbo That's about all I know of the song. The File' is what I want to tell you about. You pronounce file' -like fee-lay. Grandpa John, who was my husband's grandfather, use tomake file'. It comes from sassafras trees. He use to go out into the swamps and gather leaves from the sassafras trees, bring them home and spread outside on a sheet made of feedsacks sewn together. Grand mother had a bamboo rack she would stir them with every day. They did this until the leaves were dry. They then would take all stems out. Grand Father had a home made box that was tapered, about 8 inches square at the top and four 4 inches a the bottom. He would fill the box with leaves and then pound it with a homemade tool until the leaves were powder. He then put the power file'into empty medicine bottles that all the neighbors saved for him. He sold them for 5 cents a bottle. That was back in the 1940's. Now you can buy File' in the grocery store. You may be wondering what file' does. It is a thickener for gumbo. If you used too much it will be slimy. But it sure does give flavor. Now, down to later years. This goes way back!~The boys would go into the woods and get roots from the sassafras trees and bring them home and boil them. The liquid was then made into a drink that taste like root beer. I'm sure there is a medicinal purpose for the drink but I not old enough to know what. Maybe some of you will know! Now go back one more post and you will see the Turkey.

THANKSGIVING TURKEY

I just read Nina's blog about cooking a turkey last year. Go over and check her out Portualbound.blogspot.com. Since my husband was in the kitchen cooking up the seasoning to shoot up a turkey - I thought I would tell you how I cook a turkey. I DON'T! Here in Louisiana we get about a 12-14 pound turkey. About three days before you cook it you shoot it up. Here is what we shoot it up with. First you have to get the marinate syringe from the grocery store. In a good size pot put: 4 and a half cups of water 4 TB Chef Paul,Poultry Seasoning 4 TB Tony Chacherie Seasoning 1 tb Cayenne Pepper 1TB garlic powder 1 Stick Oleo orButter Boil for 5 minutes. Let cool and inject all the mixture into the turkey with your marinating needle. Place in a long pan and cover with foil. Let it marinate for a couple days in Fridge. When you are ready to fry: Set up your propane cooker, put enough peanut oil into cooker to cover turkey. Deep fry OUTSIDE @ 300 DEGREES 4 minutes per pound of turkey.

Put it on a big platter or long pan with paper towels or brown bag to absorb grease.

(The next step is my favorite: Pinch off the crisp edge and sample.Then do it again until you are caught.) It taste like cracklins. When time to serve - slice like you ordinarily do. Most of the seasoning is native to Louisiana but I'm sure you could improvise. After Thanksgiving there is most always some left. You then take the left over bones and meat and boil. Take bones out and make a good gumbo. Don't know how? Let some of us Louisianians know and we will get you a recipe posted. Now: Head over to KJVBLOGS.BLOGSPOT.COM. This is a fairly new blog set up by Deborah @ lyricdevotions.com You will find a variety of subjects and different writers each day. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

My wonderings are almost to an end!

Yesterday I went to the Rheumotologist. Seems I've been going around in circles for months trying to find what was wrong with me. You know the saying "blessed are those who go in circles, for they shall be called a big wheel?" Well, frankly, I'm dizzy from going in circles. I don't want to be called a little wheel, much less a big wheel! I just want to feel better. At any rate, I have gone to six different doctors and still have another appointment today. They finally figured out I have Sjogrens (show-grins) Disease. Never heard of it? Well, don't feel bad - neither have I and most people will ask, what in the world is that? It's just another way of saying that your own body will attack your own immune system. It can attack the lungs, the pancreas, whatever! So I was put on medication. But I can't get it filled until I go to my eye surgeon. Now that is the pits! Sometimes I think the doctors are going in circles. I just went and had my eyes checked a couple weeks ago. Got new glasses! Now I have to go back to see if I can take another doctor's prescription! Sometimes you wonder if they really know what they are doing. I really think they know what they are doing, but sometimes it gets to be too much. I had to give them 12 tubes of blood. Can you imagine! Why won't one big tube do? Guess I will find out. I just ask that each of you will pray that the medicine will work! I am so sensitive to medications and have so many side affects until I am almost afraid to start it. But I know God is in control and I have so much to be thankful for. They could have said cancer or something far worse. I guess I have vented enough! I'm tempted not to even publish this - but I do need prayer and who else to ask but my sisters in the Lord? Thank you!

50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Fifty years is half a century

For most good things to last.

But we're still together and still in love,

And share a wonderful past.

Memories sweet, old and new

Are in our hearts to stay.

We give our Lord the credit

For this wonderful day.

Down memories lane- as we go back

We know that God ordained

Marriage as a Sacred Trust,

Come trials, heartaches or pain.

Today we celebrate fifty years

And remember as we became one,

It has always been Each for the Other

And both for the Lord.

We hope you as our friends in the Lord will celebrate with us. All of you have grown to mean a lot to us on our blogging journey.

Veterans Day Poem

I found this poem in the old scrape book and thought it was appropriate!

It came out in the Indianapolis News - way back when.

The Service Flag

Dear little flag in the window there;

Hung with a tear and a woman's prayer;

Child of Old Glory born with a star-

Oh, what a wonderful flag you are.

Blue is your star in it's fields of white,

Dipped in the red that was born of fight;

Born to the blood that our forbears shed.

To raise your mother, The Flag, o'er head.

And now you've come, in this frenzied day;

To speak from a window - to speak and say,

"I am the voice of a soilder son,

Gone to be gone till the victory's won.

I am the flag of the Service, son;

The flag of his mother, I speak for her

Who stands by my window and waits and fears,

But hides from the other her unwept tears.

I am the Flag of the wives who wait,

For the safe return of a martial mate,

A mate gone forth where the war gods thrives

To save from sacrifice other men's wives.

I am the Flag of the sweethearts true;

The often unthought of - the sisters, too.

I am the flag of a mother's son

And won't come down 'till the victory's won.

Dear little flag in the window there,

Hung with a tear and a woman's prayer;

Child of Old Glory, born with a star

Oh, what a wonderful flag you are.

Upn'Atom

Good Morning! It is a beautiful day to get something done besides sitting at this "gizmo". I am feeling much better - although we still have no idea what the problem is with the swollen glands. I thank the Lord that with a bioposy, cat scan, blood work and x-rays they have ruled out Sjogren's Disease. That is an auto immune disease that attacks your bodies immune system. I am to go to a rheunotologist next week. Whatever for, I don't know except maybe he might see something that the others missed.

I had the biopsy inside the bottom lip. Nothing to it or so they said.

But the stitches got infected and I had to start on a round of anti-biotic. I hate to take that stuff but being a diabetic I thought I had better take it. I have had this problem of dry month and lips and swollen glands off and on for a almost a year. I am taking several natural supplements for it. The chiropractor I went to said that I had mercury poisoning. He is a naturopath, also. The supplements I need to take for 3 months. This is my 6th week. So we will see.

If anyone out there has heard of sjogrens or mercury poisoning let me know. In the mean time I am upm'atom. That means get off this gizmo and do somthing in this house. I don't remember who wrote of "Dust Bunnies" in their bl0g, but I think they jinked me. I see some hanging. Strange I never noticed them before.

Great Give-a-Way

I thought I had better post something or you might forget me. I have been posting on KJVblogs.blospot.com. This is a new blog that Deborah has set up.

Hop on over there and see what you can find. There is something new every day. Different subjects and writers. Hop 0ver there and check it out.

Deborah is having a great give a way for Christmas. Go to http://www.lyricdevotions.com and read her Songs From my Journey.

Go to Christmas Give a Way and see what she has and leave a comment. She will be glad to hear from you.

Went and voted this morning. It's in God's Hand now. As a citizen you need and ought to vote. Need to play catch up. I am kinda like a teacher that was at our 50th class reunion from school. The teachers all had a little something to say;

She said"We've been traveling a lot. From one doctor to another." That's about the way I feel.

THE TWO MISSIONIONARIES (AN ALLEGORY)

Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together and running over. _____________________________________________ My mind has been on our Missionaries. I know for a fact- when a church does not give to missons, the church suffers. I am thankful that we go to a Mission Minded Church. God blesses us with His Presense. We were not raised with "Faith Promise Mission Conference." The average that most people gave was $100. a year. But when we heard of giving by faith and depending on the Lord to supply, we decided to try it. Can I say that God did indeed bless us! Every year we have endeavored to raise the amount. Not just missions, but other needs! I remember last year our Pastor, whom we love dearly, ask that we pray about giving a weeks salary for a certain need. (I hope you realize that I am not trying to lift up self, but only to lift up our Savior) A weeks salary! Who can afford to do that? But as we prayed we felt the Lord prompting us to do it. God had been so good to us that we can't afford not to give. About a week or so after we did this my husband got a check in the mail from his former Employer that they still owed him a weeks salary. Just the amount we had given! I have often wondered if that check would have come if we had not given? I'm not saying you have to give a weeks salary- but the more you give - the more God blesses. Especially to Missions! ________________________________________________ I came across this allegory that I thought was appropiate. make for not giving to missions. ____________________________________________ THE TWO MISSIONARIES There came a day when two angels, busy on errands for the King, met at two graves in a tropical land. "I wonder who is buried here?" inquired the first angel. "I can tell you," said the second, "if you have time to tarry for a few minutes." "Say on," said the first angel, folding his wings and his hands, and preparing to listen. So the second angel let down his wings, and looking away as though at a distant scene, began; "Once there were two missionaries, a man and his wife. They left home and kindred and friends, and went to the far off fields where the harvest was plentous but the laborers were few, to labor there for their Savior and Lord, and to gather in souls." After some months the man said to his wife, "Good wife, this is a very strange thing. Our support, which was faithfully promised, has dropped off, and this month is but half enough to meet our needs.. Perhaps we should not go to market for food today." "It cannot be that the Lord has failed us,"said his good wife cheerily. "Though we gather but little, we shall have no lack; and the Father who feeds the little birds shall feed us, and nestle us under His wings." "True," said the man heartily, and they sat down and ate their meal of rice and sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving. They did not go to market that day. On a later day, the wife said to her husband, "This is indeed a very strange thing, as you said- this month our needs are not half met. What do you suppose the trouble can be?" "Take heart, my good wife," said the man cheerily. "Our Lord knew not only hunger, but thirst, as He went about His Father's business. He had not even where to lay His head. We must cheerily sacrifice for the spread of the Gospel. In due season we shall reap if we faint not." "True," said his wife and they sat down to their meal of rice, and gave thanks. Neither did they go to market that day. "Back in the vineyard at home, in a town called Promising, there were very few who gave much thought to the missionaries. Occasionally one or the other prayed kindly, "Oh, God, bless these servants of Thine, and give them souls, and supply their needs- for the laborer is indeed worthy of his hire." Once on a day, Mrs. Can't-Afford-to Christian said, "I really should keep my promise and send some money to those missionaries, but food prices are so high that it takes all our money to feed the family comfortably, and there is nothing to spare -- Come father, come children -- dinner is ready!" And they sat down to their simple fare of tomato aspic appetizers, roast sirloin of beef with Yorkshire Pudding, cauliflower,hot rolls, pickled beets, butterscotch layer cake, milk, andcoffee. "Miss Forgetful-Christian said, "Oh dear, that missionary and his lovely wife have slipped my mind, and for some months I have neglected to send them what I promised. I must remember them with my gift soon." Yet somehow nothing was ever done about it; for when she did remember to do so - was not convenient at the moment, for her checkbook was not a hand. Miss-I-Need-it more Christian took out her credit card and said "I know I really promised to support them missionaries, but I simply must have this newfur coat. It would be ashamed to miss such a bargain -only $400.00, marked down from $600.00. Of course, I cannot get much wear out of it this year - the winter is practically over, but I can save it till next winter." Mr Mean-To-Christian said on a later day, "I have beem very lax in sending the support I promised to the missionary and his wife. I surely must do it soon." Yet as the days went by, with the best of intentions, always meaning to, he never did. However, Mr Faithful -Tither Christian and Mrs. Widows-Mite-Christian continued to send off their gifts regularly, together with their prayers. Then the missionary and his wife were taken sick with fever. "Doubtless It is just because we have been so tired lately, dear wife, " said the man. "Had we all our energy, perhaps we should not have succombed." "True," said his wife. "We will be better soon" he said. "Quite better," she answered. Then they lay silently and neither of them said what other was thinking - that had they eaten sufficient food of the nourishing nature they might not be lying on their backs but would still be laboring for the Savior. A Christian native came in and ministered unto them in their illness Some days later they were both dead. All the native, whom they had led to Christ, came and buried bodies. They stood at the grave and wept! "Who will teach us of God and tell us of Jesus, now that they are gone?" they asked. Now when the news reached home, many dear Christians were much distressed at their going, and wondered why, including Miss-Forget-Christian, Miss I- Need it More-Christian, Mrs. Can't-Afford-to Christian, and Mr. Mean-To-Christian. "What a pity!" said Miss-I-Need It More-Christian, wiping away a tear-"but I am so glad I did not send my contribution. It would have been only wasted, for they were going to die anyway, weren't they?" With this, it seemed the second angel's story was ended. For a long time neither angel spoke. then the first angel stirred his wings, "And they buried them?" he asked softly. "How very sad." The first angel's thoughts were still on the Christians in Promising Land. "So much for self- little for souls," he said, as though he did not hear him. "But their reward in heaven will be great, will it not?" asked the first angel. "It's too bad," he remarked, as he unfolded his wings "that no one else knows about it." And having said this, he flew off on his errand.

THE MONKEYS DISAGREE

Guess I'm in a silly mood today. Just thought I would put down somthing I read. I love to read through old poetry books and scrapbooks.

THE MONKEYS DISAGREE

Three monkeys sat in a coconut tree

Discussing things that are said to be.

Said one to the other, Now listen you two

There's a certain rumor that can't be true.

That man descended from our noble race,

The very idea is a disgrace.

No monkey ever deserted his wife,

Starved her babies and ruin her life.

And you've never known a mother monk

To leave her babies with others to bunk.

Or pass them on to one another

"Til they scarely know who is their mother.

And another thing you'll never see

Is build a fence around a coconut tree,

And let their coconuts go to waste.

Forbidding all the other monks to taste.

Why if I put a fence around a tree

Starvation would force you to steal from me.

Here's another thing a monk won't do

Is go out at night and get in a stew.

Or use a gun or club or knife

To take some other monkey's life.

Yes, man descended the orney cuss

But brother he didn't come from us!

Guess that lets us know we didn't evolve from monkeys.

OLE HARDHIDE

I just had to let you know about Ole Hardhide. This is the way it came about. I had forgotten him for awhile until some one joggled my little finite mind. I sent Deb, my friend from Canada an e-mail. I signed off with "Catch you later alligator" "Just though that I would send her some southern Louisiana lingo.)To my amazement she replied and was laughing at me She signed off with "After Awhile, crocodile." Now that makes me wonder if they actually have alligators way up in Canada!

Ole Hardhide Alligator Jazz Funeral _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ I just know before I write this that, unless you live in Louisiana, you are not going to believe this. Nevertheless it is true! I was raised in a small town called Ponchatoula. The name is an Indian name meaning Hanging Hair! I suppose from all the moss that hangs from trees around the area! Ponchatoula is the Strawberry Capital of the world. I am not quite sure when Ole Hardhide came into existence

He was not there when I was a kid. But he was there when our children were small. Let me explain: Ole Hardhide is an Alligator. Not just any old alligator, but a special one. One that had a home right smack dab in the middle of town. His home was right next to the rail road tracks. If you drive through the town you will see his home with a tall cylclone fence around his home. I mean, after all, we surely didn't want Ole Hardhide to get hurt, now did we? No siree! Well, for years Ole Hardhide was the pet of the town. I don't know how long Ole Hardhide lived but his death drew National attention. The Ponchatoula Times January 24, 1985 Special Issue OLE Hardhide's Death Draws National Notice Ole Hardhide, the alligator went out as he lived, with style. His death was discovered late, but mourned widely, with news of it vying for prominence with the inauguration of the President of the United States , and the Super Bowl on national wire services and television news shows. The gator's death and subsequent jazz funeral was broadcast for the nation through every news medium on hour by hour basis for over four days.

Reporters from Chicago, Detroit, New York, Memphis, Atlanta, and points in between contacted The Ponchatoula Times for information on the nation's only journalist reptile. Six separate T.V. stations were represented with film crews and reporters at the funeral. (Now I know you can't believe this! Ole Hardhide got more attention than some people that were really in need. That's my prospective.) Cable television networks, CBS, NBC and at least one network morning show gave attention to Ponchatoula's loss. Over 2,000 attended the reptiles organized by the mayor . Harry McKneely handled the bizzare funeral with all the care and consideration of his profession. Steve Pugh donated the lavish floral wreaths and the Pugh family provided a private burial on their land near the southern swamps. An Attorney and a Doctor bore traditional jazz funeral sashes and unbrellas. ( How rediculous can people get? I wonder if that attorney would offer help to someone in need or if that doctor would offer free services to someone. I doubt it but that is just my perspective!) A surrey bearing the state senator and the city's first lady led the procession, followed by the mayor, state represenative and city counsilman. Behind them came the jazz band in tuxedoes donated by Royale Oake . (Something is wrong! A dead alligator, making national news, going town the streets of Ponchatouala. The news media, the state senator, the mayor, the first lady of the town, the counsilmen, a jazz band all in Tuxs. I wouldn't believe it either but I happen to know these people.) Well it seems Ole Hardhide had a son, or was it great grandson, who wrote the obituary. Opps! Hardhide don't like that. He is headed toward my yard! R.I.P. Ole Hardhide SR. _________________________ MY PONCHATOULA By OLE HARDHIDE, JR. THE Alligator

Words can't express what I've gone through these past few days but in the spite of my Dad I'm going to try anyway. First of all we had better clear up the little detail that I am able to do this in the first place. I assure you one and all that I do not come to this news career untutored or unprepared. The Ole man himself saw to that. He was only too aware of the pressures that went into the greatest green alligator in this whole big swampy earth. Maybe that's what got him in the end, or the cold, or missing my mother, Ole Swampbreath all these years (with the exception of an odd night out on the town) we'll just never know! One thing I do know is that early on he had his replacement in mind - ME-! I knew that more than our commom pink strawberry birthmark under the left front armpit linked our destinies. While other young gators were practicing swallowing short swimmers without gagging on their face mask, snorkels and swimming fins, I was kept busy practicing my typing. While my buddy gators joined fisherman eating clubs and anti-shoe and belt industries lobby groups, I was kept busy sneaking into secret meetings with bulky tape recorders. Most of my journalism lessons in later years, after Dad gave himself up to the public service in this same gator cage where I write this column, were held late at night so that my existence could be kept a secret until the day Ponchatoula needed me. That's when he told me things.

At first it was technical stuff from his elaborate filing system, though it was the kind of information that would send many a strong breeze rattling through the skeltoned closets of local politicos. After I began to master this he lightened up a bit, offering his sub-sidewalk opinions on the well turned calves of what has become MY Ponchatoula! That's right, I'm going to keep the column name the same as in the days of my dad. And since there is no longer Hardhide Sr. anywhere in the wide and luxurious swamplands of America, after this column, I'll be dropping the Jr. after my name. I am Ole Hardhide, the greatest green gator anywhere on earth, the reptile reporter with sources in place where other reporters don't even have places, the nipper of scalawags and n'erdo-well, praiser of pretty ladies and and outrageous gentlemen, feared by gator hunters and hide sellers, loved by lovers everywhere, and subject to control whatsoever by fat (and his wife says balding)editors named Pinchpenny. Dad told me about Pinchpenny and the measly wildly flapping chicken per week he was paid for writing the most widely read column in America. I told Pinchpenny right from the start that this gator was a Newspaper guild gator who would not settle for a feather less than the union scale of two wildly-flapping chickens per week per week (given the circumstances . Pinchpenny was quick to give in. So here I float, in dad's own small cage, with his flies so much more extensive than even Jack Anderson's safe in the pond basement, knowing all that he could teach me as well as all I could learn on my own on the outside. And I am ready to write to you, ready to chronicle your loves and affections. __________________________________________________________________ True story! I did not make this up, or did I?

TURN BACK MY CHILD

My thoughts today have been about some good children who go astray! Seems the devil works overtime on children who have been raised in church. The devil gives them a picture of the world that seems to glitter and beckon them. I came across this song that is so fitting. TURN BACK, MY CHILD I strolled along the road one day, But it was not the narrow way, I met a stranger, He spoke to me. He said "My child, where goest there?" I said"I seek the road to worldly pleasures along the way." I said" There is so much to see, I cannot turn back, I must be free New fields to conquer as on I go." I never shall forget that day, How sad He looked as He turned away! He bowed His head and He dropped a tear. And as I journey'd on my way, I stooped to pick a lovely spray, But it was sorrow that looked so gay. And then a dark cloud rolled my way, "Twas then I heard my Savior say, "Turn back, my child, come home with with me." And then He gently took my hand, He lifted me from sinking sand, He said, "My child, believe in me." And then such beauty I beheld, I'm sure that I could never tell, "Turn back, my child, come home with me. Chorus: "Turn back, my child - for the way is very steep The things you find out there, you cannot keep. The way is filled with thorns and the things you find are cheap, Turn back, my child, come home with me." There are parents out there who are weeping over a wayward child. Remembering the days when your children were lifting their voice in praise to the Lord. Somewhere along the way they start thinking and before you know it they are grown and with a family but without God as their Leader. I'm glad we have a compassionate God! One who knows exactly how to show them the way they took is nothing but sorrow. The One who will gently lead them back to Him. A parents heart aches and bleeds for them. I wonder if they ever think that, like the prodigal son, I can do better back where I belong. And like the Father looking down the road when he suddenly spots someone coming up the road. His son! So: Don't lose heart, God is on His throne, He has promised never to leave us alone. Sometimes it seems our heart will break But we'll go on for His Namesake. Just place them in the Father's Hand He'll lift them up from seeking sand. Just my thoughts at this moment. Nothing deep, but sometimes we have to encourage ourselves and in doing so may the Lord help us to encourage somone else.

Crystal Pitcher

Another - you guess! The bottom is about 6 inches around , has the grove on it to set the pitcher in. The handles are more in a square.

The pitcher has etched flower and leaf around and you can see the lines that run up and down. I kn0w it is made for something to pour beause of the pouring spout. It has patent on the bottom , where the pitcher sits.

It has 6-20-16 and an H inside a diamond shape. I wondered if that was the date it was made and what the H stood for. Any ideas, anyone?

If you do let me know, It just sits side the pie safe. But I would really like to know its story.

"A MERRY HEART DOETH GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE." Proverbs 17:22 Don't you like to be around someone that is cheerful and laughs? A laugh is really contagious. I remember a couple Christmas's back. We were all sitting on the floor playing with the babies. I don't remember what I got tickled about, but my daughter looked at me and she started laughing. Then my two grandaughters started laughing. Finally when we all calmed down - none of us knew what we were laughing at. The laughs just spread. God's Love produces a laugh in our soul. A Merry Heart! Then if we look at the next two words,"Doeth Good". That brings me to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 Goodness is listed as part of the fruit. The greek word is "agathosune" Pronounced ag-ath-soo-nay. It is character that is energized to display active goodness. This is good that "does good" toward others and in relationship to others. Goodness is love in action, love with its hand to the plow, love with the burden on its back, love following His Footsteps Who went about continually doing good. (James Hamilton) As Christians we have no alternative but to march to the drumbeat of the Holy Spirit, following the measured steps of goodness which pleases God. We can do good deeds, and by practising principles of goodness can witness to those around that we have something "different" in our lives - perhaps something they themselves would like to possess. We may even be able to show others how to practice the principle of goodness in their own lives. But the Bible says "Your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away." Hosea6:4 True goodness is a "fruit of the Spirit." and our efforts to acheive in our own strength alone can never succeed. We should be careful that any goodness the world my see in us is the genuine fruit of the Spirit and not a counterfeit substitute, lest we unwittingly lead someone astray. -Billy Graham Do you really want to do good and feel good about doing good? I'll tell you one way! A few years back- the church where we were going then -was cooking turkeys for some families. We felt led for them to do a turkey for us, since the pot was hot anyway. (This was whole fried turkey that is known in South Louisiana.) When the turkey was finished we ask someone to drop the turkey off at a certain person's house. (This was a member of the church.) But we had one request. Don't tell them who sent it! We did not understand then, but a couple services later this little lady stood and said "Thanksgiving day came and we did not have a Thanksgiving dinner. Nothing to cook. Then a knock came on our door and said they were sent to deliver a turkey from someone who did not want to be known and it was such a blessing." We knew then that the Lord will lead you if you let Him. She got the blessing of the turkey but we got the blessing of sitting there - not caring who got the credit. We have found since then that if you feel you need to do something good, do it! So do good and feel good about doing good. Watch how the Lord will bless you in your soul!

Thinking! Oh well, here I go again with my thinking! Guess it's okay as long as it is the right thoughts, huh? I have been thinking about what I have to offer the Lord. Am I rendering unto Him the Sacifice of Praise? He is so worthy to be praised! Am I giving Him my best? My best may not measure up to someone else's best but we don't need to compare ourselves among ourselves. We are all precious in the Lord's eyes and He gave us each a uniqued talent. I read : Give What You Are What is your unique talent? How are you communicating that special gift to the rest of the world? What are some ways you like to give back? Whatever you do with your life, you want to be able to have your passions shed light on others. You want to help others to understand their own journey better, and at the same time, you want to feel the continuity that long after you are dead the consequences of your acts will be remembered. If you are an enlightened teacher or a dedicated artist, if you are a writer, editor, publisher, a musician, think of the lives you affect. If you are a designer, a decorator , a mother, gourmet cook, or a collector of letters and manuscripts, think of the lives you affect. If you are a politican, a photographer, a doctor, scientist. philosopher, or historian, think of the lives you affect. You are doing a part, in your own style, and when you are joined by others, collectively, you can make a powerful impact. (By Alexandra Stoddard) So here is what I will give today. A poem I wrote no telling how many years ago. NO TALENT? No talent have I , so many say The Master passed me by. I cannot play or sing or preach, And they give in with a sigh! But say! Do you think the Master is partial, That He loves others so much, That He would not give you a morsel And a very special touch? What do you think a talent is, I would surely like to know? If you think it's a special thing, Then it just isn't so. If you can speak at all my friend And seek with all your heart, You'll find talent isn't a special thing, It is just to do your part! Sure some can sing, and some can preach Thank God for those who can. Some can play and others teach, And others play in the band. But, you my friend, will find your place If you will truly pray. In prayer you'll find the greatest talent of all That can be used every day. Behind great men and women of works, Are men and women who pray. And prayer is really the key, No talent did you say? By: Aliene Sanchez