Cross to Bear . . . . or Blessing Dipped in Chocolate!!!!!

Those of you who are a little newer to my blog have not had the privilege (or nightmare!) of meeting . . . . Buster!



I think if I had known last June what I was in for with this guy, I would have NEVER in my right mind have gathered that bundle of joy in my arms and actually PAY to take it home.

But I did!

You can go back in my posts and read about my awful training experiences, flunking out of "bad boy school" etc., etc., etc. Here's one post, shortly after flunking training school and I was wondering if Buster was really right for me:

http://hiddenrichessecretplaces.blogspot.com/2007/12/never-give-up.html

I don't know that things are much better now that he is over 100 pounds, as strong as a Clydesdale, smart as a fox. . . . but as loveable as an overgrown teddybear! Maybe I've changed. I know I sigh a lot, yell a lot, mumble a lot, and threaten him with animal control, the pound, life in the street, etc., etc. He stands there and looks at me with a question mark wrinkled on his forehead as if to say, "Are you over it yet, lady????"

I've mellowed over the past year. He's jumped through my front window, almost pounded down my back door, can jump about 5 feet straight up in the air, thinks that the word "no" was meant only for the cat and NOT him, and I just turn away and sigh and wonder how long it takes for one of these chocolate dipped, electrically charged labs to reach old age when the most THEY want to do is sigh and turn over!!!!

But what can I say? I love the guy. He's got me all tied up in love knots, all washed up in slobber kisses, and just thinks I'm the best thing that ever happened in his life. Doesn't care that I'm old, fat, flabby, and can't move fast. Doesn't even care if my clothes are junkie, or if my hair is combed! He thinks that even on my worst of days in the kitchen that I'm the best cook ever, and that I live and breathe and exist just for him.

Now how many of YOU have a guy like that????

I sleep in my bed, hanging on to one side so that this chocolate kiss of a dog can sleep all stretched out on his back, head on the pillow with me, snoring away, dreaming of tomorrow's ways to drive me up the wall. I think his name should have been Riley. Or. . . . better yet. . . . for those of you who watch NCIS. . .
I think Dinozo would have matched him perfectly!

But right now, I think having him to love on is just the greatest thing. I grabbed him today, hugged him, and smooched on his chest, and just thanked God for this piece of work. After all, now I know that at I have at least TWO who love me just the way I am --- God and Buster! What more could a gal ask for in life?????

God's Faithfulness!

"And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."

God's Word is so full of promises of His faithfulness to us and that He will never leave us alone and will walk with us through whatever it is He leads us into. We memorize the promises, we quote them to everyone else who is having a problem, and somewhere, deep within our hearts we know that we believe them.

Everytime I hear the hymn that is playing, Great is Thy Faithfulness, my soul wells up in the utmost belief in those words that He never changes, no matter what. So why is it my stomach turned into a million knots when I got THE phone call yesterday?????

In my heart of hearts, I knew it wouldn't be good news. I just didn't want it confirmed, I guess. Yet, even as I listened to this sweet, caring lady tell me about the radiologist's report and the next step in this journey, I knew that the Lord was there with me with the promised strength and fortitude I needed to carry on the conversation and get the information I needed written down.

When I hung up the phone, a strange calm came over me, and I knew that even through the worst of storms, God would be walking with me. At that moment, I could hear the worst thunder, the lightening was cracking around us, it was raining sooooooo hard, it was dark outside and the lights were dimming on and off. But I was dry and safe and protected in my home. And so I also knew that as long as I kept my eyes on Him, there would be no storm that could come over me and defeat me until it was time for Him to call me home. His Faithfulness would carry me through.

Naomi from Naomi's Notions posted this picture in our Ebay group a few days ago, and I've gone back and looked at it so many times during the past few days. Somehow, to me it is a picture and constant reminder that God DOES keep His promises and will always be faithful to us!



The report???? "Highly suggestive of malignancy. Large mass with pattern of spidering throughout breast tissue, causing deep dimpling and open lesion. Significant changes in armpit."

So this is all I know right now. Tuesday, July 1st, I have a consultation appointment with a surgeon to go over all this and set up a scheduling for biopsy, etc., for the final definitive diagnosis.

Thank you so much for your prayers -- all of you! Your comments, emails, etc., have meant all the world to me, have strengthened me, and made me more aware than ever that God sends His people to strengthen us and lift us up when we are in need.

I never thought I would have a blog. I never thought I'd have anything to say. I never thought I would have breast cancer. And I surely never thought there were so many Godly bloggers out there that would rush to my side and walk with me through this valley in my life. All I can say is, THANK YOU!!!!!



For these things, I thank you, Lord:
50. My sister, who constantly holds me up and encourages me!
51. Tree frogs, whipporwills and other creatures who have learned to sing in the darkness of the night!
52. Fresh tomatoes from my sister's garden.
53. God faithfulness through all these years.
54. Friends who pray!
55. Long awaited, refreshing rains!--------

Plum Jam -- or Carrot Jam -- or Whatever!!!!

Any of you who have been following my blog for a while must already know that my kitchen can be like a full fledged war zone at times. In my defense, I DO come up with some pretty good dishes, am known for a few REALLY good things. But. . . . be sure to suit up and come protected when I decide to venture out of my comfort zone and try new things. . . . . like Jam!!

Lea over at Farmhouse Blessings is showing some plums she got to pick, and said that she might be making some jam.



It made me think back to my escapades with making carrot jam a few years back. Let's just leave it with this picture in your mind: Jam on ceiling, Jam on windows, Jam all over stove, Jam on cupboards, Jam in my hair, Jam in any drawers that were open, Jam . . . . . everywhere!!!!!!

So.. . . today I leave you with this recipe. I wish I had had this when I was trying to may my carrot jam!!!! This was just a riot to read, and I felt better that I wasn't the only one who has nightmares about making jam!!!! Take the time to read it through right now before you decide to go out and buy all the jars, caps, seals, labels, pans, racks, thermometers, bubble removers, jar lifters, sugar, and all the other stuff. I have a whole new appreciation for Smuckers, let me tell ya!

( IF you don't believe me as to all the stuff you need to make a jar of jam, go here:
http://www.pickyourown.org/jam.htm )

My Never Fail Recipe for Perfect Plum Jam


The Bottom Line -- This is an easy recipe. Trust me.

It's that time of year again. Summer fruit is ripe for jam making, and my plum tree just produced a bumper crop of fruit. It isn't the sweet kind of fruit just made for eating warm from the sun. Nope. Mine are the tart-sweet red plums that make the best jam.

Oh, I've tried giving the fruit away to relatives. I've tried. Present them with a big box of plums and say: "It's simple. Wash 'em, take out the pits, and boil 'em up with three-fourths cup of sugar to every cup of fruit. Just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot. When they reach a full boil with foam on top, dip them into jam jars. Let cool. That's it. And, " I add casually "if you think the jam might not be thick enough, add a little pectin to the mix."

And they come back and say: "Well I followed your directions. I did! But my jam just didn't turn out like yours. Are you sure you follow the same recipe?" After careful thought, I grudgingly admit: "Well, not exactly. But mine is ..um..complicated." And I get "That Look."

So, well, here it is. My Never Fail Recipe for Perfect Plum Jam:

1. Collect plums from tree into a container that only holds 80 percent of the plums. After trying to stack the plums in a pyramid on the top of the bucket with limited success, go look for another bucket. Ignore the wasps. They are just mad about losing "their" fruit. Come back with second bucket and transfer the excess plums from bucket one to bucket two. Pick up the half-bucket of plums that ended up on the ground in the process. Finish picking plums from the tree.

2. Take the plums into the house and set the buckets in the sink while looking for the tube of stuff that treats wasp stings. Dump the first bucket of plums into a colander and start water running, then add the fruit from the second bucket until the colander is filled. Try adding the remaining two cups of fruit by stacking them into a pyramid. Pick up all of the spilled fruit and put it in another container. Clean up the floor where fruit was stepped on, and dump stepped-on fruit into the compost bucket.

3. Pit the washed fruit by cutting one side with a knife and lifting out the pit. When this gets tiresome, try pitting the plums with a cherry pitter. Clean the plum juice off of the sink, walls, and ceiling fan, then put the "cherry-pitted" fruit in the compost bucket.

4. Finish pitting the fruit with a knife and dump contents into a stockpot. Add a half cup of water, turn on the heat, then realize that the pitted plums were never measured to determine the number of cups. Estimate the number of cups in the stockpot, then add the appropriate amount of sugar. Add another cup of sugar just to be safe.

5. Realize that the jam will eventually need jam jars. Go to the storage room to look for the jam jars and search the five boxes on the top shelf for jars, without success. Stop and think "Now why am I smelling something with the scent of burned fruit?"

6. Turn off the stove and move the stockpot of plums to a trivet while cleaning up the two cups of sticky liquid that boiled over on the stove. Suddenly remember why you wanted a stove with a solid ceramic surface. Try cleaning the outside of the stockpot without removing the contents. Pause to look for the tube of stuff that treats burns.

7. Move the remaining plums to a clean pot, then worry that there's not enough liquid. Add another half cup of water, and turn the burner on low. Write a note to self that says "Don't leave the kitchen when the fruit is coming to a boil. It boils over FAST!" Decide the best place for the note is on the inside of the jelly cupboard door. Open the jelly cupboard door, and add the note to the five other ones from previous years. Discover the jam jars in the jelly cupboard, and take them to the sink. Realize that the jars need to be sterilized, but one stock pot is in use for the jam and the other one is in the sink covered inside and out with sticky jam-like stuff. Clean up the sticky pot and fill with water and jam jars. Put on burner to boil.

8. Check the plums and worry that they have too much liquid. Go look for the pectin. Read the label and remember that the pectin needs to be dissolved in a half cup of water before being added to the fruit. Prepare the pectin and add it to the boiling plums. Add another cup of sugar just on general principals. It can't hurt.

9. Check the jam jars. Turn up the heat on the plums to get the excess liquid out. Check the lids for the jam jar. When the plums boil over, quickly turn down the heat. Try cleaning the stove without taking the pot of plums off the burner. Go look for some more stuff to treat burns.

10. Turn off the heat under the boiling jam jars. Gently lift the jars out of the water with a jar-lifter thingamajig. Carefully clean up the floor where one of the jam jars broke. Pause to find bandages to treat cuts, and more of that burn salve.

11. Turn off the heat under the boiling plums, then carefully transfer the hot jam to the jars. Add lids and transfer the filled jars to the cupboard to cool. Clean up the floor, sink, stove, and (unaccountably) the overhead fan where the jam spilled. Make a note to buy more burn salve.

Please note: I did not write this recipe, but I could have!!!!! Pass it on to ANYONE who you hear say, "I think I'll make some Plum Jam today!"

The Titmice Story

I was going to enter this as my picture on my daybook post, but decided to do it separately! I have watched this three times now, and every time, I just get a big lump in my throat as I cheer these little guys on right to the end. I NEVER get used to the miracle of it all! Just a while ago, I watched this process in my old birdhouse and was so excited when I heard those peeps! You've just GOT to take the time to watch this right to the very end!!!!!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
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For these things, I thank you, Lord:
44. The sweet, sweet song of a Titmouse!
45. The smell of honeysuckle on my fence!
46. Loving cards of encouragement in my mailbox!
47. For teaching me patience.
48. An understanding sister!
49. A great chicken dinner!--------

Daybook Entry for June 23, 2008

FOR TODAY (June 23, 2008)...

Outside My Window Two titmice are scratching in the dirt for some leftover seeds, the leaves on my Sycamore tree are swaying in the breeze, the sun is shining, and everying looks so clean after a day of rain yesterday!

I am thinking... Trying NOT to think, actually! So many unknowns that seem fill my mind with "what ifs," "when," and "how it will turn out." Part of me just wants to quit on this whole thing and just let nature take its course without all the hoopla of operations, etc.! Part of me is full of questions! And then there's part of me that has lots of faith! Strange that all three can abide together in one heart! Even though in my heart I know that God knows the answers to all of these questions and unknowns, somehow the unrest creeps in. I just wish that phone would ring with some kind of direction!

I am thankful for... The way the Lord has sent someone my way who has bought so much from me on Ebay! A time of year when sales are usually so slow and I'm having my best month ever! Thank you, Lord!

From the kitchen... Oven fried chicken, oven roasted carrots, onions and potatoes, buttered baby limas.
I am wearing... Sandels, print tee shirt, blue pants! Changed a little since last week!

I am creating... Lots of lists of things that need to be done!

I am going... To the bank, to the Post Office, to the mailbox, to the bird feeder, out with the dog, to my sister's.

I am reading... Everything I can about breast cancer.

I am hoping... I have the courage and strength to go through the next few months!

I am hearing... The hum of a cool air conditioner, Buster breathing heavily under my feet, birds singing outside my window. Crows!!!!! Where did all these crows come from????


Around the house... Loads of laundry today!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week. . . Waiting by the phone . . . . then, who knows? In the meantime, I'm trying to get ahead on cutting and making items to list on Ebay.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


I'm so glad to be able to participate with the others in this Notebook entry. You can visit The Simple Woman's blog

HERE!

Tonight's Supper!

It's been one of those days!!!! Buster was on his WORST EVER behavior, I couldn't get my ebay stuff straightened out, I forgot about my wash in the washing machine and it stunk and had to be rewashed -- twice -- and it's HOT!!!!!

So. . . . I thought to myself, I'd like a nice, simple dinner that's tasty and will last through tomorrow . . . . or even all next week, for all I care!

I open the freezer and I see cooked chicken ready to go, some bacon and I say, "YES! the makings for a tetrazzini! I just love that dish!

So out comes the onion, the cream of mushroom soup, the noodles, the milk. I start by cutting up the bacon and frying that, added the onions, and when done, drained that off. I added the chicken pieces just to get it heated up. (While doing all this, I cooked my noodles til just done!)

(You have to know that Buster is between my legs the whole time, hoping I'll drop the bacon or chicken or something! And I'm HOT!!!!!)

I then added the soup to my bacon mixture and some milk, and pepper. I go to the fridge for my parmesian cheese -- NONE! So. . . . . it won't be tetrazzini, but I'll add some other white cheese I had on hand.

Mind you, I'm not crabby. . . . . yet!!!!

I drain the noodles. . . . steam in my face, Buster STILL between my legs . . . . now I'm really HOT!!!!! But still not crabby! I like this dish, remember!

I carefully mix my bacon mixture in with the noodles, add some of that shredded cheese and mix till it's all melted nice and yell. . . . .

SUPPER'S READY!!!!!

Nice big glass of ice tea. . . . some corn on the side. . . .

And it tasted. . . . . . TERRIBLE!!!!! Just AWFUL!!!

I'm sorry, guys. This just didn't cut it at all. I could hardly eat it. I know I don't like a lot of salt, and I didn't add even a pinch, but this was like eating out of the salt shaker.

All I could think of as I ate it was that I wasted a box of noodles, a big can of soup, a box of bacon, a package of chicken, a lot of cheese . . . . . for THIS??????
Any of these things I love separately and would have loved my precious bacon for breakfast tomorrow, but there it was. . . . ruined in my noodles!

Buster is sitting here with a big smile on his face saying, YES!!!! here's my dish, Ma! Fill er up!

So. . . . . how was YOUR dinner tonight?????

I just LOVE my mailbox!

Especially when there is a box in there with these!

Cathy over at Home Sweet Home, Noble had a giveaway a while back, and I couldn't believe I WON!!!!!

I've admired these pincushions for so long, but never in my wildest dreams did I think they would be so nicely done like this. Her work is outstanding, and just beautiful!

I feel so privileged to have these three pincushions. Thank you, Cathy!!!!!! I will treasure them forever and ever!!!!!

Thank you for your Prayers!

I just can't thank each and every one of you enough for all your prayers, emails, and loving posts here. Believe me, today was one of those days when I just KNEW that people were there holding me up!

It's strange, but I dreaded this mammogram today MORE than any of the other horrible things that might be coming down the line. As one lady said in the waiting room today, "That machine was invented by a very angry, masochistic man!" But wouldn't you know, God gave me a very loving, gentle lady and I have to say, it did not hurt one bit! So I wasted LOTS of time worrying, fretting, and getting nervous over today's visit!

But I have nothing to report. That's the worst part ----- waiting! All they say is that they will be calling my Dr. with the results and I should be hearing from him probably tomorrow.

So. . . . . . .

I will be sure to post where I'm headed after this. At least this is the very first step in the right direction for me.

I would so appreciate your continued prayers. I do know that God is in control of everything and will be walking with me through all of this!

And PLEASE!!!!!! Don't be stupid like me. . . . . PLEASE go get that mammogram!!!!!

Daybook Entry - June 16, 2008

FOR TODAY (June 16, 2008)...

Outside My Window Everything is wet and clean, leaves dripping, after a nice, cooling shower!

I am thinking... What an emotional day it was yesterday thinking of memories of my Dad, and reading everyone else's feelings.

I am thankful for... God supplying ALL my needs in the most creative and unusual ways!

From the kitchen... Absolutely no idea yet. Had a big salad for lunch with nice fresh veggies.

I am wearing... oversized tee shirt, NO SHOES this week, baggy pants! (am I in a rut or what????) Still in the SAME rut! What can I say? feels great!

I am creating... Piles of cut outs to be sewn together!

I am going... Nowhere today. Maybe out to the storage shed to dig for some supplies I need.

I am reading... Old flip calanders from the early 90's! Remember those??? They have such great 1 liners for each day!


I am hoping... I have the courage and strength to go through the next few months!

I am hearing... A little Towhee scratching in the leaves outside my window for seed.


Around the house... Cleaning bathrooms!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week. . . Mammogram Wednesday -- then who knows????.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... "But my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in Glory. . .." . . . .I wonder why I would ever doubt that?

I'm so glad to be able to participate with the others in this Notebook entry. You can visit The Simple Woman's blog HERE!

Left Overs ------ Again?????

Usually if there isn't enough for two left over in the bowl, I either give it to Buster, or I throw it away.

But lately, I just can't afford to do that, taking into consideration the high prices on veggies and other foods!

Last week, I did a cookie sheet full of roasted vegetables. It's probably my all time favorite way to eat veggies. I cut up potatoes into chunks (left the skin on!),
cut carrots into sticks, and cut up onions into chunks. I toss these together with olive oil and seasonings, spread out on a cookie sheet, and roast until nice and brown and tender.

I had a small bowl left over, and decided to save them.

The next night, I wondered what to do with these, as I was having meatloaf and needed some veggies to go with it.

Here's what I came up with . . . . .

I quickly whipped up some instant mashed potatoes (I like mine not so runny!).

I then took my left over oven roasted veggies, cut them up a little big, and mixed them in my mashed potato mixture.

I put this all into a buttered baking dish.

I had two strips of bacon left over from breakfast, so I crumbled that on top, and added some shredded chedder cheese, too.

I baked this all until the cheese was bubbly at about 375 degrees.

This had to be one of those all time favorite dishes I've ever made. I really didn't need the meatloaf . . . . This was good all by itself!

Isn't life great?????

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For these things, I thank you, Lord:
39. Fresh tomatoes from the garden!
40. A lovely mid-day shower!
41. A sister who understands!
41. Great blogging prayer warriors.
42. Blubbery memories of my Dad!
43. A great cup of coffee and cookies that my sister made!--------

Happy Father's Day!!!

Isn't it strange how, the older I get, the more I miss my parents??? My Dad went to Glory over 20 years ago now, but during the past few years, I've really missed him a lot. Maybe it's because I see life from a different perspective than I did before, that suddenly, it's true that he was more wise and understanding than I had thought. Maybe it's because so many things were left unsaid, unasked, unthanked. . . .

Dad, this is for you!

Thanks, Dad!

How strange it seems how many times I think back to my past.
It's all the little, tiny things that seem to hold me fast.
I'm older now, and all grown up, but now I have to say
All I never said before on every Father's Day.

I know you think I soon forgot the nights you came home late.
Mom had tucked me in my bed, but I would always wait.
I knew you'd come and say good night and say a prayer with me.
Thank you, Dad, for being all the Daddy you could be.

I won't forget our camping trips or swimming at the shore.
I can't remember even once that you had been a bore.
Somehow you always turned a joke into a melody.
Thank you, Dad, for being all the Daddy you could be.

I know that I was quiet; "Sneaky Pete" became my name.
You sought me out and helped me with my puzzles just the same.
You bought me many books - you understood that need in me.
Thank you, Dad, for being all the Daddy you could be.

We sang around the old piano -- weren't those days fun?
Even now those melodies will through my memories run!
I still can hear the hymns in Dutch you used to sing for me.
Thank you, Dad, for being all the Daddy you could be!

Rabbits, gardens, swings and dogs, bikes with broken chains --
After work, you listened to my problems and my pains.
You always fixed my bike and found my rabbit then for me.
Thank you, Dad, for being all the Daddy you could be.

You prayed with me, and sang with me, and taught me of God's love.
And at an early age I knew of Heaven's home above.
You told me I should never doubt the Father's love for me.
Thank you, Dad, for being all the Daddy you could be.

I strayed away, I knew it hurt, but you were always there,
And when we met you promised you would left me up in prayer.
I know you always had the faith that God was keeping me.
Thank you, Dad, for being all the Daddy you could be.

I wish that we could share just one more special Father's Day!
I know there are a million little things that I could say.
But just a hug and you would know my eyes would misty be!
Thank you, Dad, for being all the Daddy you could be!
--Cora

I did it again!

By now, you would think I had learned my lesson. If you have been a follower of my blog, you will know that I have NOT YET LEARNED to follow the directions as they are given in all of your posts.

I messed up the laundry soap big time!

And here I am again, but I'm really laughing hard at myself.

Lea of Farmhouse Blessings posted a wonderful recipe for a cleaning scrub. I had heard about this before, so decided to make some.



But NOOOOOOOOOO! I did NOT print out the proportions first, so I just got my big old bowl out and put about 3/4 of a bottle of dish detergent in there, and then started to add the baking soda. I added one whole box. Mixed that up really well, but it was like soup! Went back to Lea's post and it said it's supposed to be like icing. So. . . . . . I added another box. And another. . . . . .

Needless to say, I have enough scrub stuff to last through eternity.

And believe me, it works! My stove is shining, my counters look great, and I even scrubbed down those awful cookie sheets that I sprayed with nonstick ---- you know how burnt and brown they get????? I just couldn't throw them away, so I scrubbed with this scrub, and it IS coming off!!!!

I'm on a mission here. Bathroom is next!

Thank you, Lea! I just love your concoctions!!!!!!

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For these things, I thank you, Lord:
33. Lots of new "softscrub" to clean with!
34. Fresh, clean sheets for my bed!
35. Baby cardinals being fed outside my window!
31. Fresh tomatoes from the garden.
32. God's never failing love!
33. Deena's good news about her cancer treatments! Thank you Lord for her courage and faith!--------

Where I am From!

I am from books, from old sappy novels like Elsie Dinsmore that make you cry, and from soft, heart-searching music.

I am from the old style home with big, wide staircases, wrap around porches, railings and slate sidewalks.

I am from the forsythias, the pussy willows and lilacs.

I am from Sintra Klas and oli bollens, and singing hymns around the piano, from Anthonie and Aleida, and Sterenborgs and Eelmans.

I am from the weather watchers, the campers, the nurses, and the typists, the oil burner repairmen, the bakers and the cooks. I am from sea captains and fine keepers of the home.

I am from being afraid of what was hiding in dark closets. I am from staying away from old men in the park, not accepting candy from "bums" and not accepting rides from strangers.

I am from jumpropes and double-dutch, hopscotch and handmade beanbags, swings and seesaws, sandboxes and tricycles.

I am from knowing God loves me, died for me, and that I will be with Him, my Mom and Dad someday. I am from being forgiven, loved. I am from a God of second chances.

I'm from New Jersey, Holland - Texel and Amsterdam, boterkoek and chocolate chip cookies.

I am from the Dad who turned over outhouses as a child, pushed the peddles on the old Dutch pipe organ for his blind uncle as he played. I am from the dad who delivered coal, fixed oil burners, and fixed my bike. I am from the Mother who could knit, crochet, tat and sew anything without a pattern or a chart, and the stepmom who gave every ounce of her being to make my father happy.

I am old stuff, like linens and handmade quilts. I am old kitchen utensils, buttermolds, and rolling pins. I am old hymbooks, old recipes, old lace, and old pictures.

I am from my heart, my soul, my feelings, my prayers. I am from words that need to be written, hugs that need to be given, prayers that need to be prayed and tears that need to be shed.

I am from the Poet's Heart and I love to write and His Songs!

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When I read Deb's version of "Where I am From" on another Blog, Manitoba Gardens, I just knew I had to join Deb and write my own. There is an invite there for all of you to do the same. Click Here To Visit Deb's Blog and get the details about doing your own Where I Am From

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For these things, I thank you, Lord:
28. A warm, loving hug from a neighbor and friend. It didn't need words to tell me her heart!
29. The smell of beans cooking on the stove!
30. A surprise gift in the mail that smelled of lavender -- so wonderful!!!!!
31. A beautiful card with promises of prayer and love.
32. The treat of bacon for breakfast!--------

The Sweetest Prayers!

I can't begin to thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to comment and have promised to pray for me. I feel so humbled by the outpouring of friendship here in blogland. But I also feel so strengthened by it all! Please know that I appreciate you so so much and thank the Lord every day for you, believe me.

But you know what? The most touching and humbling experiences I've had during the past week or so have been when a few of you have told me of the prayers and love and concern of your children, and the sweet way they have gone to the Throne of Grace as only a child can do have have prayed for ME -- in faith, believing that God will answer their prayers.

It made me look back down the long corridors of my life, and I wondered where and how I lost that simple, childlike faith? Especially since God has never failed me. Sure, there have been hard times, dark times, disappointing times in my life. But He never promised me a life with no storms, rain, and darkness. He did promise me that He would walk with me THROUGH these times, and He has never nce failed on that promise.

And so, today on my Thank You list are two very special little people who have great big hearts:



For these things, I thank you, Lord:
26. Colton, who prayed for me when he found out I needed prayer.
27. Randi, just the sweetest little girl who offered everything she had to help make me better!--------

My Flowers!

One of my favorite little books has been the Language of Flowers -- a list of all the flowers and their meanings. It used to be a very important thing to send just the right flower to a person, as the flower of choice spoke your heart more than your written word!

My Flowers

I walked with Him at sunset through His garden, sweet and fair.
I stopped along the way to see a special flower there.
It seems so small, so fragile; yet, so perfect it had grown!
I asked the Master Gardener, "Can I have it for my own?"

He answered by explaining just how hard they were to grow,
But if He found me willing, it would take a year or so.
I told Him I would do the things He found required of me.
He smiled, took my hands, and said, "Then it shall be!"

He led me to the wilderness! I did not understand.
The Desert Place! Oh surely, this was not the way He planned!
And yet, He reassured me, if I let Him have His way,
The flowers I had asked for would be surely mine someday!

At first, it seemed so wrong that He would leave me there alone!
I doubted all His leading, but so little I had known.
And as I walked the pathless ways of deserts hot and drear,
Somehow, though disappointed, I was sure that He was near.

Slowly, oh so slowly, I was changing, this I knew!
And yet, to find a song just seemed impossible to do!
I felt ashamed of all my doubts, of all my questions, "Why?"
I saw my own shortcomings, and I thought I'd rather die!

I asked Him all my questions, asked for help with all my cares.
He gave me reassurance, His encouragement was there.
I learned that I could tell Him then how weak I was inside,
And as I saw my weaknesses, my pride was set aside.

Somehow, I did not realize all the changes He had made,
But then He came one evening as the sun began to fade.
He said that I was ready for those flowers -- could it be?
I asked Him what He called them -- and He said,
"Humility!"

--Cora Eelman

What is that flower in your garden saying to you today????? Click Here To Find the Meanings of Your Flowers!

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For these things, I thank you, Lord:
20. A wonderful, long awaited reunion with my older sister!
21. Delicious tomatoes from the garden -- just when there are none in the stores!
22. Great sales of my items on Ebay!
23. A wren getting buggies off my window!
24. Fresh, clean sheets on my bed!
25. Another day of Air Conditioning!--------

Another Great Giveaway!

Cathy of Home Sweet Home, Noble is having a "Happy Birthday" giveaway and this apron is the prize!!!!! I almost hate to tell anyone, becuase I WANT IT!!!!! But. . . . nice person that I am, (to say nothing of the second prize she is giving away) I'm passing on this information like a good girl!
So hurry on over there, sign up, and sing Happy Birthday while you're there!

Daybook Entry for June 9, 2008

FOR TODAY (June 9, 2008)...

Outside My Window The leaves on my sycamore tree are gently blowing in the breeze, all clean and refreshed from a shower yesterday!

I am thinking... How refreshed I feel myself after reading all these comments with promises of love and prayers! .

I am thankful for... God's never failing love, people who show it every day, and those who can express it in such beautiful music!

From the kitchen... Pot roast, carrots, onions, potatoes.

I am wearing... oversized tee shirt, NO SHOES this week, baggy pants! (am I in a rut or what????) Still in the SAME rut! What can I say? feels great!

I am creating... Lots of lists of things that need to be done, just in case!

I am going... To fill out paper work for a mammogram and find out what will be coming down the line. Also, Post Office and to get an ink cartrige filled.
I am reading... Taking a break. Nothing!

I am hoping... That this is NOT cancer! Am I dreaming or delusional, or just normal?

I am hearing... Buster snoring! Nothing bothers him!

Around the house... Cleaning up and rethinking strategies in case surgery is very soon. Thinking of advance planning for preparing dishes ahead of time and freezing for easy cooking later.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week. . . Laundry, getting ebay orders out, waiting until after today to see what all I will need to be doing.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... "But they that wait upon the Lord sall renew their strength, they shall rise up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

. . . . Waiting can be so hard, can't it?

I'm so glad to be able to participate with the others in this Notebook entry. You can visit The Simple Woman's blog HERE!




For these things, I thank you, Lord:
14. Rain that renews and cleanses everything around me!.
15. A good night's sleep with Buster close beside me!
16. The wonderful smell of potroast cooking and so thankful for God's provisions!
17. A special, unexpected call from a friend, saying she is praying for me today!
18. Ice cold Ice Tea!
19. Air Conditioning!

It's Moments Like These. . .

It's Moments Like These. . .
They don't come very often, you know,
But when they do,
I wish I could share them with you!

It's moments like these. . .
When I hear God say,
"I care. . .
I'm there. . .
I hear your prayer."
It's then that I know
That He is bigger than I am,
Bigger than my problem,
Bigger than all I can imagine
Could ever be wrong.

And He makes it all right. . .
And He holds me so tight. . .

It's moments like these. . .
They don't come very often, you know,
But the could. . .
And they should. . .
And they would. . .
If only we trust,
And pray,
And listen more often.
For He's always there,
And always cares,
And always answers our prayers.

It's moments like these
He longs to share
With me. . .
And with you!
--Cora

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During the past day or two, I've had so many wonderful moments when I have read all of your precious comments and promises of prayer, and encouraging words. How can I ever thank you all????? It IS moments like these that are written forever on my heart and I will always be eternally grateful to you and to the Lord for the friends He has sent my way!



For these things, I thank you, Lord:
8. Friends who care and pray.
9. Good bargains at the grocery store and strength to carry them in!
10. Great carrot zuchinni bread with coffee!
11. A cardinal vine that grew and bloomed and graced my fence despite my neglect!
12. A rabbit sitting on my porch!
13. A Whippoorwill who sings through the night, knowing the morning always comes!

New Pathways!

It's amazing how a one-hour doctor's visit can change the course of your life forever! Even though we know something is wrong and that we should do something about it, we try to act normal, do normal things, and cause our days and weeks (and even years!) to go on as we think "normal" should be.

In the back of my mind, I always knew that "what is -- IS!" And I don't know how many times I have begged, pleaded, pushed, yelled at, and taken someone to have something checked out. Some things just don't go away. And when you see these things getting worse, you just know. . . .

And so, finally, I went. The pain was getting worse, the lump was getting worse, the sore was open and not healing. . . . . ya think I need a Dr????

The news was not good, as I expected. I could have told the Dr. that. He did the breast exam, asked a lot of questions, then told me that he was 99% sure it was advanced breast cancer. There is something about knowing this in your heart beforehand. . . . . but to hear it outloud is a whole 'nuther ballgame, believe me. And you all of a sudden begin to visualize that I have reached the turn off on the highway of life onto the short road that leads to heaven's gates!!!! At least, that's how it felt sitting on that table with my little scrap of a paper drape across my front!

News travels so fast, and I thank each and every one of you who have been praying for me during the past few days. I DO NOT have a firm diagnosis yet -- only a Dr. looking, squishing, prodding, poking, squeezing, etc. Things are being lined up for next week to start the process of testing, etc.

I wasn't sure I wanted to blog about this new detour in my life. I don't like to cause sadness, worry, anxiousness, etc., in other peoples' lives. On the other hand, not to be honest and open and ask for prayer when needed would only cause this blog to be fake, surface, and definitely NOT me!

I have always trusted the Lord before, and have always trusted Him for the needs of those that I love. I have watched Him gently lead my sister and my roommate down this road in the past few years, so why would I not trust Him for myself? I firmly believe that He knows the plans that He has for me, has carefully mapped it all out, and that when all is said and done, I will be singing, "Jesus Led Me All the Way!"

I don't know what is between point A and point B. I'm not even sure I've reached point A yet. But I sure would appreciate all your prayers as I begin the decision making process of it all. I've come to know and love so many of you through our blogs, and I definitely believe now that part of the purpose of all this is for reasons like this -- so that we can all pray for one another and bear each others' burdens.

Please join me as I begin my journey of thanks to God for all He has given me. I plan on ending all my posts with my "thankful" list -- perhaps you would like to do the same!



For these things, I thank you, Lord:
1. Birds that sing, knowing that God will provide.
2. Music that soothes my soul.
3. Coffee that opens my eyes.
4. Buster's slobbery morning kisses.
5. Over-the-fence visits with my sister.
6. My blogging and internet friends.
7. God's never-failing love.

Daybook Entry for June 3, 2008

FOR TODAY (June 3, 2008)...

Outside My Window . . .I'm so anxious, because a mother cat is trying to get 3 kittens across the street. The cars are coming so fast. . .. I'm just praying she makes it. I just can't watch!!!!!

I am thinking... Why is life so hard for these stray animals? I want to feed her, but last time I did that, I ended up with 38 cats.

I am thankful for... Music!

From the kitchen... Beans with smoked sausage, cornbread.

I am wearing... oversized tee shirt, NO SHOES this week, baggy pants! (am I in a rut or what????) Still in the SAME rut! What can I say? feels great!

I am creating... Believe it or not, I'm writing again. I haven't written any poetry or stuff for a while, but feel that tug at my heart again!

I am going... Nowhere, I hope! Just too hot!

I am reading... Taking a break. Nothing!

I am hoping... A Dr. visit goes well on Thursday. I'm finally going!

I am hearing... The Cathedrals on my stereo. My nephew set it up for me while he was visiting last week. I missed all my CD's going constantly!


Around the house... Do we need to discuss that??? It's such a mess! Almost beyond fixing anymore!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week. . . Help Patsy get around. She fell a few days ago and is very stiff and in a lot of pain. Do lots of wash. Have lots of decisions I have to make. Get ahead on making things to sell.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Mommie, please don't make us cross the street!!!!!

I'm so glad to be able to participate with the others in this Notebook entry. You can visit The Simple Woman's blog HERE!

Simple Songs!

Sometimes. . .it's just the simple things that touch our lives in the deepest places!

Oh yes, we love great sermons that teach us doctrine, about end times, and the deeper theological themes of the Bible.

We love great orchestras, symphonies, anthems. . . large choirs, great musicals, and voices that seem almost angelic in their perfection and range.

We love our Bible Studies, our books, our notebooks and different color markers, and we are avid note takers and listen carefully to our teachers.

But when it's all said and done, in the moments of our deepest needs and darkest hours, what is it that we need???? We need to know where to run and know beyond the shadow of a doubt that HE will be there to grab us, hold us, protect us, comfort us. . . . no matter what.

And it is all of the above things that bring us full circle to the greatest truth of all. . . that no matter what, we can come to Jesus.

The song playing as you read this post is perhaps one of my all time favorite songs. I remember the first time I heard it --- I was in the car driving, and I was so moved I pulled over onto the side of the road and wept. . . and in that moment, I grabbed all my troubles of the day, and I ran to Jesus! And He was there!

In His Word, He says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Whatever it is that is causing you the heaviness in your heart at this moment.... won't you run to Jesus??? He's waiting for you. . . I know! But I had to find it out for myself!