The Flood of 2004

Sometimes I like to go back to things I've written in the past. Today I am going to revisit something that I wrote a few years ago.... if for no other reason other than for my loyal followers to have something to read:o)

The Lord, in Isaiah 55:8, clearly states that His ways and thoughts are not like ours. That was very much evident in my life last week. Our city was hit by a flash flood. Now, we have heard the warnings before, but never saw evidence of them. Therefore, when we heard the warning on August 30, 2004, not too many people paid heed. When hurricane Gaston came and lingered homes and property were destroyed and tragically, lives were lost.

That particular morning I was very ill. Out of nowhere came a dizzy spell and that clammy, sick feeling of my inner ear being out of whack. I stumbled my way back to bed and collapsed. I just did not understand why I was sick. I know what usually triggers these attacks and had been careful to prevent any episodes. My daughter’s car was in the shop. We work together but don’t typically ride in together. Since her car was out of commission, we had been doing the car pool thing. The car I usually drive to work is a stick shift 4 speed. My daughter cannot shift gears. With me being flat on my back, she had no choice but to drive our only other vehicle to work that morning. Finally, about 11:00 am, I asked my husband to drive me into work. I was feeling somewhat better and just felt I should go in.

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During the course of the day, we got the warnings. Flash flooding was feared. I don’t think our city really knew what that meant. When we left to go home the wind was fierce and the rain was pouring in sheets. My daughter was a little leery of driving, so I took the wheel. We decided that due to the strength of the storm, and the time of day (rush hour), we would take an alternate route. This would help keep us from just sitting on the interstate. By the time we got to one of the main roads, I was amazed. The water was standing several inches thick. I had honestly never seen such. We progressed onward and as I drove, I was getting more and more astonished. A few times the water was so deep that I honestly felt like my car was going to drift off the road. We prayed all the way home for God to protect and shield us from danger. As came upon the road that leads to our subdivision, it was closed due to high water. We figured we would take the alternate route to home. The sides of the roads were amazing with water spouting out of the ditches like fountains.

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Finally, we made it to the other entrance to our neighborhood. To our amazement, it too was closed. There was a truck in front of us that proceeded thru the barrier. I followed suit. I could feel the car trying to slide and suddenly we were even more passionate about our prayers of protection. We made it only by the grace of God. Had that truck not gone ahead of me, it would not have parted the waters thus making it possible for me to pass through. Now, honestly, what was I thinking by even going past the barricade? That was pure lack of wisdom on my part. All I was thinking was that I could see the road that led to my house and I wanted to go home. I thank God for that truck that was ahead of me. Had it not been there, I would not have made it otherwise.

As I reflected on the course of the day. It all made sense. Thankfully, my daughter’s car was in the shop. It would never have made the trip home. She would have panicked and had a melt down. Had I not been sick that morning, we would have ridden in together in my car. That car is lightweight and would surely have floated away. She could not drive my car because she cannot shift gears. That left the only other available car. The car that we rode safely home in.

Moral of the story? Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3: 5-6) He knows!

The Pot and the Kettle....

My friend and I have no problem calling each other out for things we are guilty of doing as well.... Thus the nicknames "Pot" and "Kettle". Sometimes I'm the pot, sometimes I'm the kettle. It's always makes me smile, if not burst out laughing!

Based on her most recent text message, today, it appears that I am the kettle! I want to thank her for that! I hope when she reads this that she will smile because I am dedicating today's post to her... My good friend, Jenn, aka (at least today) "The Pot".

This has been a really bad week at work. Frustration level has been at an all time high! But my friend (and co-worker) has a way to make me laugh when I want to scream! I'd like to think I do the same for her. Of course, I know when to push that button and when not to... so does she! We understand each other's sense of humor, moods, and quirks. Sometimes people at work don't get our humor and that becomes another source of humor between us!

I've had the privilege of going on a trip to NYC with her at Christmas time and had a blast! I was ill one night so I missed a really good time, but the time I did have was great! I love to look back at some of the pictures we took and just laugh. The wax musuem was so much fun as she would imitate the poses of each of the stars there. We got lost more than once and looked at it as an adventure. Taking a trip with her is an experience that you want to do again and again.

She is full of fun. The humorous way she looks at life is uncanny. Her sense of humor is priceless. I wish I could think off the cuff as quick as she does. Life has dealt her some tough blows (some life threatening) but she has stood strong and not allowed the circumstances to keep her down! I really admire that about her.

She is a good friend to have you your court, for sure! She will have your back. I have hers as well.

<--- See how she treats me!?

By the way, Jenn.... where is my quiche??? You need to get on your mom about that!! What's a girl gotta do to get one??

A Blessing!

Meet our new baby! His name is Mickey and he joined us yesterday. For some reason I keep wanting to call him Sampson, because he is so NOT a Sampson! LOL. Mickey is around two years old and probably tips the scale at around two pounds. He is a my hearts desire!

I have always wanted a teacup yorkie, but knew I would probably never get one. For one thing, I would have a hard time coming up with the fees involved to purchase one. He was a VERY pleasant surprise! My hubby had a friend that had this precious little bundle. He told her if she EVER decided to let him go, please let us know. She has had health issues and while I am so very sorry for her problems, I am so exited that he has come to live with us. We picked him up last night and he has fit right in with our family very quickly. It's as if he has been here all along. He was spoiled in his prior home and we will continue to spoil him!!

As I sit here and type, it reminds me that God knows the desires of our hearts. He knew how much I wanted one of these adorable little lap dogs. He knew my husband really wanted to be able to give me one of these babies. It's as if God has answered both of our prayers. My husband was beaming with joy to see the joy on my face when Mickey was placed in my arms. I thank God for this blessing and I pray that Belinda will be blessed as well.

Psalm 37:4 (New International Version)
4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Rainbows...

I love a rainbow. They are a beautiful display of color that take my breath away. Usually when I see one, it reminds me of Noah and the ark and the promise from God. Often when I see them, it is at a time where I am deeply troubled by something. And, typically, when I do see a rainbow, I take it as a sign from Him. I feel He is telling me that everything is going to be fine.

This afternoon, there was a storm outside that was followed by sunshine. I ran to each of the windows to see if I could see a rainbow. I wanted to show one to our Sweet Pea. Alas, there was no rainbow to show her.

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It did, however, remind me that Buddy and I had taken a picture of one last year. We saw this rainbow while driving down the interstate last July and there was no explaination as to why it was there. I can explain rainbows where there has been rain, but there was no rain when we saw this. But there it was, all stretched out across the sky, in all it's beauty. (Trust me, this picture does not do it justice!) The interesting part is that I didn't realize until a whole year later that this appeared at a crucial time in our lives.

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As I reflect on the past year, I realize now that God was telling us that He is in control. He gave me a sign before I even knew I needed one. He did not need the rain to make that rainbow appear. There was a storm about to enter in our lives but the storm was going to produce a beautiful rainbow. As of this writing, I have not seen one since that day.

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As I look down at my beautiful grandbaby as she is playing in the floor, I know in my heart that she is meant to be here with us. She came to live with us full time a month after we saw that rainbow. We have been entrusted with her life, both physical and spiritual.

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Some have said that she is blessed to be with us. I say we are the blessed ones.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (New International Version)
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

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Proverbs 22:6 (New International Version)
6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Storms and distractions

I've been following a blog lately by Roz Savage (check her out at http://rozsavage.blogspot.com/ )
This amazing lady is rowing her boat from Hawaii to Austrailia. All alone.... Just her... in a boat.... that she has to self propel! It facinates me that anyone would tackle such a task. I'm in awe of her, to be honest. I don't know that I would ever have the courage to attempt a row from a pier to the shore, much less across an ocean!

Yup, I'm a scaredy cat! As I mentioned before, if I can't touch the bottom, I don't like it! I need that comforting solid ground to stand on. It is hard for me to fathom doing something like this. The forces she has to come up against are amazing. Wind, currents, rain, and the occasional birds Currently she is battling the ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone ) and that force is causing her rowing to be counter productive. Can you imagine waking up to find out you are 15 miles further away than you were when you went to bed?

Sometimes I feel like I am, at the very least, on the edge of the ITCZ. I come against forces where I feel often that I take one step forward and three back. Along with the wind that blows there are storms that come. Situations that cause me to be distracted and loose focus. I wish there was a doplar radar that would show me when a force is on the way so that I could be prepared for it. In reality, however, like the ITCZ, there will always be storms. There will always be winds that blow me off course. It can be exhausting. It can be frustrating. But, it can also be a time for rest. I just need to learn to hang on and enjoy the ride.


Isaiah 40:31 (New International Version) 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Photo by NASA

Lost....

Posted on the street corner... Reward $500 for safe return of a family dog. A few months ago someone was posting a $1,000 reward for the return of their cat. Our pets are more than just four legged animals that we take care of. They are our surrogate children. We love them. They love us unconditionally. They look to us to provide their every need. They are close by when we don't feel well. They can tell when we are sad. They are family.

Usually, whenever I do see a missing pet sign, it reminds me of when our dog was missing. We were devasted. We posted signs. We called all the animal shelters. We were desperate to find her. We looked everywhere. Finally, someone happened to see our sign. They had our dog. It was a joyous reunion, to say the least!
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This time, as I was driving past that reward sign, a thought flashed through my mind. Yup, I got thumped again. I thought about how a shepherd knows when one of his sheep are missing and he goes to look for them. I thought about how relieved they were to find the missing sheep. I thought about how I've been lost for a few years and how happy my Shepherd is that I am on my way back home. Sigh...I think I can see Him smiling on me now :o)

Isaiah 40:11 (New International Version)11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Family Reunion...

No thumps on the head this time... :o)
(at least as far as I know right now!)

A group of my cousins are on Facebook. We have gotten together and chatted about the fun times of the past, and goings on of the present. Through these chats back and forth, an impromptu gathering was set. We met together this past weekend.

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There was plenty of good food, laughs, and songs. It was really great to see family that I had not seen in well over 15 years. It was great to see the next generation and their kids as well. Sadly, not all could attend due to the short notice. And sadly, not all got the word in time, otherwise they would have been able to attend. We missed you guys that didn't get to come, but rest assured, another more organized reunion is in the works!

As I was looking over at my cousins, it occured to me... hey, we are now playing the roles of our aunts and uncles and our kids and grandkids are running around like we use to do. It made me feel like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof... Oy Vey... Sunrise, sunset... Sigh... where has the time gone? When did I grow older?

It really made me smile to think about all the gatherings of the past. I can just picture it in my mind... those green and white webbed aluminum lawn chairs, the aunts and uncles sitting round laughing and talking about their old times... us kids running around and having a great time.... only to go home that night and get our lysol baths! LOL, yup, you heard me... Lysol baths! I guess we got pretty filthy!

Now here we were in our canvas chairs, sitting around eating and laughing, remembering OUR good times together. Yup, good times... our moms would pack us a big brown grocery bag for lunch, complete with a 1/2 gallon glass juice jar full of mixed flavored koolaid and shoo us out the door with the threat to not come back until dinner! We'd cross the river, climb the mountain, and play on the railroad tracks. I can remember one time I took my peanut butter and marshmallow cream sandwich and pulled it apart to lay across the rails. My young mind actually thought that my sticky marshmallow cream and peanut butter would possibly make the train get stuck. Imagine my horror to find out the next morning that the train was stopped up in front of Grandma & Daddy Pete's home. I just knew I had derailed that train and I was terrified I would be found out!! Sigh... good times! There were many tales to tell. The only difference is I'm betting not one of us took our younguns' home and tossed them in a tub of Lysol!!

Yup, we're the new generation of elders here now and we are picking up the torch the current generation is holding out to us. Hopefully our kids will pick up the torch from us and allow it to carry on...

Oh Rain, Where Are You?

My husband and I run a small business out of our home. We are one of those people who creep at night and put flamingos (or any other "critter" requested) all in your yard so that when you wake up, you are greeted with an unexpected surprise. We have streamlined our birds to be able to quickly get in and out. When the ground is soft, we have no problem quickly "planting" our little friends and moving on to the next assignment. Lately, however, we have not had rain. Therefore, our ground has not been soft. As a result of that, my hands are blistered, cut, and down right sore! The ground has been so hard that as I pushed on some of my birds trying to get them securely in the ground, I could feel the rod trying to come out the back of them. A peculiar thing I did notice was where some of the ground was hard as concrete, a few inches to the left or right would yield a spot where my bird could be planted securely.

As I was reflecting on my sore hands this morning, a thought came into my mind. (Besides the fact that I should have worn gloves!) The ground was hard because of no rain. My heart had become hardened because I stopped allowing His word to rain on me. When I would see an pastor on our television, I had no problem changing the channel. Did not want to hear about the things of God. My heart was hard. His Word would not penetrate it, only run off barely touching the surface.

He knew I needed him. God, however is a gentleman. He will not force Himself on me. He called for those to intercede and pray for me. In faith, they were able to crack the surface so that a word, or a thought could penetrate and stay secure. Now what I need is a soft, gentle rain that can saturate and penetrate my heart so that it can become softer. I'm not ready yet to go back to church. I have, however, started praying again, and talking to Him with my random thoughts.

Who'da thunk He'd use a pink flamingo to show me I needed a Dove (the Holy Spirit)!

Romans 15:13 (New International Version)

¹³May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Best Laid Plans....

Many times I have attempted to write a story. One time I was actually planning on writing a devotional for struggling Christians to read to help their walk. Then I became one of those struggling Christians. I grew weary of well doing and had had enough. I could feel myself getting more and more away from the things of Christ. I didn't even recognize myself anymore. Not that I was a "bad" person. Far from it. I just basically stopped talking to God. Stopped reading my bible. Stopped going to church.

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There were times when I could feel His tug on my heart, but my heart had grown hardened. We had been through so much with our youngest daughter. We had been through so much on top of that with my husband's accident. It just seemed like we were, for lack of better words, the modern day Job. The difference between Job and me.... I did turn my back on Him. I felt like He had let me (us) down when we trusted Him the most. I admit it. I was mad at God.

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I never thought it would have happened to me. But it did. People would offhandedly ask me to pray for them about a situation and I'd say I would, but thought, don't count on it getting past the ceiling. Oh, I'd say my pitiful prayer, but I really didn't think it would go far. I would then pass their request on to people that I knew their prayers would would reach the throne of God.

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Where am I going with this, you might be asking? I don't know! I was starting this as a thought process of starting to write a new book... ended up on a post about God and praying... who'da thunk? So much for my plans!

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I do need to thank those who have interceeded on my behalf. I know you all are out there! I got a letter in the mail from a friend I had not seen in a decade. She was not even sure I still lived in my house, but God had laid me on her heart and she wanted me to know that she was praying for me. Thank you, Betty! I am thankful that God has not turned His back on me even when I turned mine on Him. Thank you mom, Carla, Tina, Judy, Pam, and Dianna, who have been beacons of light in my dark cave. I know there are others, but right now, my mind won't recall... but thank you! Prayer is a powerful thing. Think I'll try it more often :o)

Job 16:21 (King James Version)

²¹O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!

My Sweet Pea

Every time I look at my precious Malia, I smile. She has brought so much joy into our lives. She calls me Gigi. I taught her that because I wanted her to be able to say my name at a young age.... I know that is selfish of me, but it worked! :o)

Having her in our home has been wonderful medicine for us. As indicated in earlier posts, we have been going through some trials and disappointments. But she makes us laugh and smile, and our hearts just burst with joy. Having those arms wrap around my neck is the best jewelry I could own! To have her come up with her arms open wide and say "Love... Love" or for her to show the sign for "I love you" is heart melting. She has already figured out at an early age how to use that to her advantage. But that's ok. She's my sweet pea! I love her with all my heart and I know she loves me, too.

As I was writing this, what kept flashing through my mind was the fact that each of us are a child of God and that He finds as much delight in us as we do our little ones. I wonder how many times He has longed for us to looked up towards Him to say I love you? Have you done that today? Did you feel him smile back down on you? Food for thought...

Spiritual Coma

As my journey progresses, I go back and read things I've written in the past. I can really relate to Eileen.....

Eileen Onhim (fictitious name) knows that she has seen the hand of God at work in her life and in the life of others. She knows that He works in mysterious ways that we cannot understand. Why then did she seemed to forget what He has done in the past? Why is it that she can so easily dismiss the wonders that she has witnessed first hand? How was it that she slipped into a spiritual coma? Her vital signs are fine, but she is in a state of unconsciousness. Going through the motions, but not even aware of them.

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In the natural, a coma often comes from an injury (often a head trauma). In the spirit, Eileen has been injured. She became battle weary and her shield was down. Her heart has been exposed and thus injured. She has slipped into a coma. Alive, but unable to move or respond to her environment. She had a constant visitor every day. Someone gently rubbing her arm, holding her hand. He was trying to bring her back out of that coma. She could feel it deep down but could not respond. But He was patient. Waiting for her to come around, never giving up.
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Thankfully, God never gives up on us. His life support (the Holy Spirit) speaks to our injured spirit and breathes life back into us. Praise God for the intensive care nurses (the intercessors) that stood in the gap and took care of us when we were unable to take care of ourselves. He loves us and only wants what is best for us. He wants us to be strong in Him. His desire is that our mind would be sound (2 Timothy 1:7) and that our heart would be protected One way to help the recovery period is physical therapy. Give Him the glory and praise that he deserves. He desires your worship. Praise Him for what he has done and what He is going to do. He promised He would never leave or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6). Delve into His word and His promises. He is there with you in the midst of your problems and trials. He wants you to lean into Him and find rest and comfort.

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In your quiet time, journal your thoughts and record the miracles you have seen. When you feel yourself slipping, go back to those pages and read them. Remember the moments of victory in your life. Remember the miracles; both large and small. They are all around you. Use them to help you grow stronger in your walk of faith.

Walk of faith....

As I indicated on my very first post, this was going to be used as a vehicle to journal my thumps on the head, my "V-8" moments, if you will. This may be a long journey, so bear with me!

The past few years have been years of one blow after another. My faith walk had wavered. I use to talk a good talk, but in reality, I was growing weaker and weaker. Finally, I was floundering around in a sea all alone.

I compare it to the time we went snorkeling in Grand Cayman. I am afraid of the water. I don’t like to not be able to stand and touch the bottom. I can swim, but not well because I have not practiced in decades. I hear that snorkeling is a beautiful experience. I tried to be brave and face my fear. I put on the tiny blow up life vest. Next I put on the mask and put the mouth piece in. Others around me were jumping in the water. Not me. I eased myself in. I was careful not to allow the water to go over my head. Ok, I was in. I’m not sinking. This is not too bad. I look around and I see are people are having fun and diving down to see the beauty that is below. I’m going to do it. I am going to put my face in the water. As I look down, I see the coral reef and the pretty fish. Then my head kicks in and I remember that I cannot touch the bottom. I can see it, but I can’t touch it. I’ve had enough. It’s time to put my feet on something solid. As luck would have it, about the time that I decide to doggie paddle my way back the 10 feet (or less) to the boat, someone jumps in and the splash causes water to cover my head. Hey, this thing is supposed to keep me up above the water. What happened? Panic sets in. I’m trying to be cool and not let anyone see that I am afraid, but it is all over my face. I had to have help getting back in the boat.

Let’s look at this in the spirit realm. I know how to swim (pray), but don’t practice it, therefore I am weak. I have to put on a life vest (my faith) that I self inflate. Instead of trusting God, I take things into my own hands. I try to come up with plan B and C just in case God’s plan does not work. I have to have help getting back into the boat. Just like when I have to have help when my faith wavers. My brothers and sisters in the Lord interceded on my behalf.

God wants me to trust him with my very life. Not with just the little things. He wants me to trust him to be my absolute provider. My prayer the first eight months was to please heal my husband so he can go back to work at UPS. I am very comfortable with his wages and the benefits. Therefore, I am not allowing God to show me that He is my provider, not UPS.

When I realized that healing was not in the works, I was then counting on the insurance settlement. I mean, that accident was not my husbands fault and it has kept him from working at UPS. Well... that was a disappointment. That doctor had a better attorney than we did and our attorney ended up with more than us. Again, we were trusing in another source to provide.

So, our next step was to file for Social Security Disabilty Insurance. What a joke. With SS, if you can breathe, you can work. He was denied the customary two times and we were in line for a hearing to plead his case. A big hiccup... since, in the interium of being denied and waiting for the hearing, we were awarded custody of our granddaughter. The attorney we hired indicated that SS would feel if my husband can take care of her during the day while I am at work, he can work. Yet, another plan to provide income to our home had been squashed. So we withdrew our case. Our grandbaby is worth so much more than money.

Bottom line, I have not been allowing God to move us to the next level. I know He is saying... Cindy, have I not taken care of you thus far? Have I not provided all your needs? Look back and see what I have done for you.

He knows the plans that He has for us, thoughts of peace and not of evil to give us an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) I realize that I have to release that chapter in my life and allow another chapter to unfold. To do that means that I have to change. First off, I have to trust Him. To trust Him, I have to know Him. To know Him, I have to commune with Him. That requires that I take the time to pray and talk with Him. To study His word and see how it relates to my life at this time. I have to pray that His will be done. Not mine. He sees the big picture. He knows what is in store for me and for us as a family. Sometimes life will splash over my head, but I have to trust that He will protect me.

(picture from the Campbell Soup Company)

chance to win 16gig iPod

ok... I seriously hope I am the winner, but if someone else wins from my blog, that's cool too!
xtraxtra is giving away a 16 gig iPod touch. For rules visit
http://www.dealseekingmom.com/ipod-touch-giveaway-xtraxtra-check-it-out/
The contest will be open from Tuesday, June 9, 2009 through 10 pm CST on Tues, July 6, 2009.

Sigh... lost my Touch iPod

Not really sure how... but definitely did lose my beloved iTouch iPod... Sigh.. I hope whoever finds it will enjoy it since where I think I lost it did not have it in the lost and found. Now, I realize that God has been trying to get my attention lately. I realize that what you listen to gets into your spirit. Some of what I have been listening to has not been uplifting. I like all types of music. I have downloaded music with....uhm... bad language.

I attended a function a few weeks ago where out of the blue they spoke about secular music.... Yup, I think it was meant for me. The funny thing is, I went with my sister in law, thinking she was going to a ladies fellowship from her church.... I kinda thought it was going to be a gathering with food or snacks, casual mingling, etc. Nope... It was a womans church service. I got thumped...You got me, God. I heard the message and felt conviction with the music I listen to.

So, that being said, if I decide to get another one, I will be more careful about the music that I put on it. If, for some reason, mine does decide to materialize, I will be more careful about the music that I put back on it. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all secular music is bad for you. But, I will be more aware of what I start putting into my spirit.

Luminess Airbrush Tanning System

I have been a self tanner on and off for years.... Sometimes I get a little stupid and decide to do the tanning bed thing because , lets face it... it's easier than the maintenance of self tanning. Last year I decided to do the tanning bed thing and only went for a couple of weeks before I broke my foot and could not comfortably tan. The broken foot was actually a blessing in disguise. You see, after only a few week, my face had to bear the brunt of the sun damage. I still have not fully bounced back. I am very thankful that I saw the light before it was way too late. (or rather the wrinkles).
So, back to self tanning I go. I'm 52, but I dang sure don't want to look like it! As I have been checking the reviews on the latest and the greatest new products, I was intrigued by an at home air brush system. I decided I have to have it. Problem... how am I going to pay for it? I do still have some money from my birthday that could pay for it, however, I have a hard time spending that much when I have other things that need to be taken care of. So, I wait and make sure this is a good decision. The reviews that I've read sound good ... But I have so many other things I need to pay... BUT I GOTTA HAVE IT!! I am trying to win one so that I can tan flawlessly, guilt-free. Wish me luck!! I find out today if I won!!
Check it out... Here is the link to the website: https://www.luminesstan.com/HomePage.aspx

Weird Shoes...

I love shoes as much as the next person.... One year I cleaned out my closet and donated over 40 pair of shoes to a local charity. I was browsing the net and come across this link. Check it out!!

http://www.q94radio.com/cc-common/gallery/display.html?album_id=149431

There are some weird shoes out there!! Some of them.... I could... nah... I can't!

A New Baby On The Way

Today was a special day for me... Today is the day that my 27 year old baby went to her first OB appointment! She was gracious enough to let me go with her to see her first sonogram. Little Russell Lee's heart was beating beautifully. It was a wonderful moment! They figure, based on her last cycle, she is 9 weeks along. Estimated due date... February 5, 2010. We realize it is a little early to be shouting from the mountain tops, but dang it, we are just so excited! I'll keep you updated on how things are going! I can hardly wait!!