Faith, Family and Friends: October 2010

Whattha'

Are there those of you with blogs that get crazy, and I mean crazy, remarks?! Just this morning I rejected not one, but TWO, telling me I needed more visual effects with my blogs as scientists have shown these make reading easier. What are they smoking?! This is a blog and whether you choose to read it or not because of the lack of or too much of the visuals is not something I shall concern myself with.

Wanna know something else that was funny/fishy about the comments? The first was from "Mike, mobile phones" and the other was from a foreign named female advertising "visual sites? Come see me" Yeah, you can bet I'll be going there! NOT

For you newbies to the blogging world, do NOT click on suspicious looking names or comments. It's a great way of getting a virus at the worst, and at the least, leaving your information on their hard drive. Be safe, only allow comments that you know and trust.

Okay, that's my gripe session for the day. Have a brunch coming up shortly, just talked to one of our daughters and heard a grandson in the background, the day looks gorgeous and I found this on my laptop! Ah, God is so good. Cue the angels singing.

Halloween Oreo Pumpkin Cheesecakes

You can hop right over to Ree Drummonds Kitchen and get the how-to's for this! I have plans to hit Publix in the morning after brunch with a girlfriend and come home and have these waiting for The Hood. Not for me, as I am working right along on losing weight, a bite at a time. I would love for it to just melt it's way off my body, but that seems to be fantasyland. And I just happen to live in Reality. Shoot.

He is My King

He is my Lord, my Saviour, my King. He will always hear me,

and He will always answer. When I feel most alone,

He is the closest. My tears refresh my soul,

His words comfort my heart. I am His. Forever. And ever.

Amen.

He's Always There

A couple of weeks ago, John left, going to work his night shift, and I so wanted to beg him to stay. To stay and just be with me, not that I was afraid of the dark, I was afraid of the thoughts. The thoughts that kept trying to tell me this was all a dream and I was really strapped down in a bed in an ICU room. I literally cried out several times, "God, make them stop! It isn't real, I'm NOT in that bed! I'm NOT in that ICU room. Make it stop, Father, please, please make them stop." And I cried. Each and every time I cried, I became more and more at peace. By focusing on my tears, my thoughts were stilled enough for Him to lay His infinite peace and understanding upon my soul.

When my body ached and hurt, and I kept getting sicker and sicker, and there seemed to be no answer, only allergic reactions and adverse reactions to medications, I tried to stay one step ahead of the abyss I felt was pulling at me. Two ER trips brought new and precious friends into our lives with "Now, don't you worry, sweetheart, it's just a med your body doesn't like and I promise you we're going to get you fixed right up." And I clung to her promise as tight as I was holding on to John's shirt and my Father's cloak.

The body's a strange object, but the mind is a powerful tool. And when we are physically sick, as I was with bronchitis, urinary tract infection, and a horrid episode triggered by a nightmarish memory, my mind kicked in with all sorts of doubts and fears. As low as I got, as scared as I became, as alone as I felt, I always knew He was crying with me. Holding me when my head hurt so bad I didn't want to move or cooling my brow as I hugged the toilet. (Yeah, too much information there, but you've been there, too.)

It began with falling down the stairs the last of August and between concussions and infections my body took quite a hit, along with various medicines causing more problems. I remember Leslie telling me one night "I promise that this time next week you'll feel so much better." I didn't believe her then, but she was right. Now, I'm two weeks past that point and feel even better. But I remember the scary times. Through all of this,

God was, and is, always there. Always. I praise Him for the blessings and the many times of thanksgivings but I do know I seek him hardest when I'm scared, I'm hurting, and I'm feeling most alone. As a mother, I miss that with Jenny. When she was hurt or scared or feeling lonely, I felt like the bestest and bravest and strongest person in the world when I could wrap her up in a quilt, grab Baby Fields, and snuggle and hold her until it 'was all better'. If we do this for the ones we love, just imagine how much more so our heavenly Father feels. Cry with me? I believe He does. Hurt for me? Of course, all the while trying to reassure me that there is nothing stronger or tougher than Him.

Recently, I tried to substitute at a local school and it triggered the memory of my second grade class. It was the first time I had been in charge of a classroom since I walked out of mine that day in April, 2006. I remember bits and parts but I'm told I kept asking, "Is this real or is this a dream?" I thought I was beyond that {sad font} but have spoken with my doctor who has recommended a professional and it will require daily visits and possibly a hospital stay, but that doesn't scare me anymore. I won't be alone. I never am.

To be surrounded by loving, praying, compassionate Christian souls is another gift He provides. This physical illness that has affected my emotional state is not bigger than me, and certainly not bigger than Him. I am a child of the King. Not just any king. THE King.

Have you ever felt so alone, so sick, so frightened and no one would notice but you? Ever wish someone paid your husband to stay home so he never had to leave you when you felt bad, or scared, or sick, or just needed someone there? What's been your worst time? I'd love to hear from you. I know we've all been there at some point in time. I can listen to you, sympathize with you, and pray for you. You're never alone. He's always there.

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. ~ Psalm 91:10,11

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. ~ Proverbs 3:24

You Are Holy

The Grey Haired Brigade

They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, and geezers. Some of us are "baby boomers" getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were. We have worked hard, raised our children, worshipped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being "over the hill" and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.

In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone partylines, 25 cent gasoline, milk and ice being delivered to our homes. For those of you who don't know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators. A few even remember when cars were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days.

We are probably considered old fashioned and out-dated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II and fought in Korea and Viet Nam. We can quote the pledge of allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the battlefield. We didn't fight for the Socialist States of America, we fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." We wore different uniforms but we carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangle Banner, America, and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read about in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America.

Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and, now, we are going to save it. It is our country and no one is going to take it away from us. We took oaths to defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent.

It was the young people of this nation who elected Obama and the Democratic congress. You fell for the "Hope and change" which in reality was nothing but "Hype and lies." You have tasted socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don't like it after all. You make a lot of noise but most are all too interested in their careers or "Climbing the social ladder" to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting.

Many of those who fell for the "great lie" in 2008 are now having buyer's remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn't have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the kool-aid. Now you're paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you got. We entrusted you with the Torch of Liberty and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house.

Well, don't worry youngsters, the Grey Haired Brigade is here, and in two months we are going to take back our nation. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and in November we're going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the man in the White House or to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to "We the People", and "We the People" plan to reclaim our land and our freedom. We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren.

So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, stand up! Put your hand over your heart. Honor our country. And thank God for the older ones in America, the "Grey-Haired Brigade." Let's work together this time.

REMEMBER TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 2ND!!

Still tryin'

Oh sweet friends, I am still recovering from a horrid urinary tract infection that has had me sicker than I think I've been in over four years. Along with allergic reactions to not one, but TWO of the prescribed medicines has left me fighting nightmares and hallucinations. Everything scary was ultra so, everything I feared tried to make its way into my mind and take up residence. We have visited the ER twice this week :( and are praying that I am now on the way to mending and healing. Thank you for your prayers but for now, and until I feel like me again, I will be on hiatus trying with all I have to get well. I, truly, have not felt so sick, nor so soul sick, since waking up in ICU and learning of the devastation from that accident.

May all of you enjoy good health, beautiful fall days, laughter and giggles, and love to wrap you warmly ~

Tasty Tuesday!

I've been sick. Something that should have cleared itself up with medicine didn't. It went into hiding and became silent but deadly. My doctor said when a urinary tract infection goes into the bloodstream, it can kill. Mine got into my bloodstream. The meds took care of the UTI, but now I'm left dealing with a reaction the to the antibiotic and the sickness from an infection still raging in my blood. I'm telling you this to explain why I haven't been on lately. I've been getting to know my bed in a very intimate way. One of those, "Oh no, John, you are NOT sleeping here tonight. I need the whole bed." Who was it that said, "I vant to be alone". Well, I said that several nights. And days. I've been crabby and irritable. My poor family. I have not been as I should have been But I feel almost like myself today! Thank you, God!

These cookies look too good and when I saw the ingredients I quickly envisioned me, with a piled high plate of monster cookies, a pitcher of iced tea, and great action/thriller movie. Check this recipe out! (When I'm watching a good movie from Netflix, I like foods you can eat easily with a fork, or those where you USE your fingers! You will find these and more at Tasty Kitchen, Ree Drummond's Recipe site. One could spend hours coming up with all kinds of menus! I don't have her cookbook. I used to collect them, then realized how little I used them. I can get one quicker online! Her recipe is easy to read, but then, this is a really easy recipe. Dump, mix, bake, inhale.

This recipe is one being featured. Next to Olive Garden's salad, or the Strawberry/Roasted Pecans salad made, and eaten with a blissful face,at the Grand Resort in Point Clear, Alabama. Love the surroundings, love the resort itself and the food is out of this world. It's that good. Shrimp and cucumbers! You can find this recipe here. Again, easy to make, scrumptious to the tastebuds! I might use crab or lobster meat.

I was browsing though years of family photos a few weeks ago and began to notice a theme. There was always food in them! Around a table, outside on a deck, picnics in the Smokies, sand and surf, holidays-wow, all that food at holidays! There's something satisfying and happy when people who love to be with you get together and visit over good food. My girlfriends and family are awesome at doing just this. Would you make the above recipes? I would love for you to leave a comment and tell me what your favorite cookie is and what salad do you crave?! Happy Fall!

Ugh!

UPDATE: A doctor visit. Several tests. Lots of time spent napping on their examing room table. Three 'scripts and a warning that something was trying to work its way into my bloodstream and this could be 'not so good'. Ugh. And all this time I thought I was dying and noone knew it yet. Simple enough, but has to be gotten rid of quickly, sooooo some awesome pain meds, great nausea med, and a XXX strength antibiotic. Whether or not I get well at this point really doesn't matter {loopy font} as the other prescriptions have put me on a floating carpet and my head feels so good it's forgotten anything else didn't! 10.07.10

Just before worship ended Sunday, I became faint. Which was odd, as I got up feeling good. By the time I got home, it was all I could do to strip the clothing on the way to the bed. Called my sweet man to warn him, and did not wake up until he came in around 7 pm. For the last two and a half days I've literally lived in the bed, getting out only to take Dramamine, refill the water glass, and take meds for a horrendous headache. Earlier this morning I was literally sore from being in the bed so much! But Hallelujah, today appears to be a much better day. Taking it slow, the appetite is still gone, but I am not in bed zonked out!

posted on 6 October 2010

As the Deer

Yummy!!!

I've talked of the Brown Eyed Baker before but she's really caught my eye with this post! How about "50 Fall Recipes" ?! One of my bestest girlfriends, Deborah, loves to cook and I can see her taking this as a challenge and cooking up all 50 recipes. Not at one time, silly. Maybe one or two a day until she's tried them all. We are the lucky ones that get invited to try out what she's put together. Here's hoping she reads this post while she's traveling in Virginia this month and calls me up for dinner a time or two. Or five, maybe ten. The recipes are broken up into groups, such as 'Tailgating' and 'Wakey Wakey'. Ever heard of Monkey Bread? I used to make it when our daughters were home and they loved it. Now though, if I make it, I tend to sit down with it and a huge glass of tea and eat until it's gone. And that's not a good thing. So go check out the recipes, click on her Home page to see what's new, and next time you're here, leave me a comment and let me know which one you tried! Have an awesome week filled with giggles!

Help? Anyone?

You may have noted that this site now has a Menu Bar under the Header! I have been wanting to clean out my sidebars and make it easier to navigate. So I spent pretty much all my free time at home today working on it. However, even though I've inserted {center}at the beginning and {/center} at the end of the code, it is still NOT CENTERED! (I used the proper mark but cannot here and have Blogger center the sentence for me. Duh. I wish it would work on what I WANT to be centered. And it's driving me crazy. Is there anyone out there with a suggestion? I have all intentions of having our sweet Brandon look at it for me and see what he suggests. Hope all of you have had a great day! The Tide rolled over the Florida Gators tonight and did a great job doing so. There was alot of clapping, high fivin', and laughing tonight!

Tablescape For Halloween

Head over to HWTMostess for this adorable idea for a Halloween tablescape! I hope to get with our daughter and do this at her house as our table isn't large enough. Won't the boys love it?!

I've seen paper items at Target that I like better than these, but this gives me a good idea of sizes and patterns. The colors that paper and plastic come in today blows me away! Loving the spiders!

Stickers! How easy and simple for a Solo cup!

And if you go to HWTMostess, you can find links to all you see here. EXCEPT, for these white chocolate skeletons {frowny font} they no longer are available from Red Envelope BUT you can go here and purchase candy interlocking skeletons that will being a smile to a young ones face. And isn't that what it's all about anyway? I'd love chocolate but haven't found any I liked as well as what's pictured above.