The Lord is always there

You may have to look really closely. But there is a fish on that there rug. 

Don't ask me how it got there cause I will tell you the Lord put it there.  You see I was making the bed today and then I opened the bedroom curtains and went on with my day. Then tonight I came home and went into the bedroom to put my earrings in my jewelry box. Then went over to close the curtains and when I turned around I looked on the floor beside the bed and found this perfect picture of a ""fish"" on the throw rug beside the bed. All I could say was "I love you too." Because to me it was the Lord telling me he loved me. Because things like this are to me his ways of telling me HI-- I am thinking of you and I love you. 

At least it's my story and I'm sticking to it.

My Valentine to You...

Enjoy this Valentine I picked just for you:

http://promotions.bigfishgames.com/valentines/card1.html

Super Bowl National Anthem

So, with all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the next pop star who is asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting event: save the vocal gymnastics and the physical gyrations for your concerts. Just sing this song the way you were taught to sing it in kindergarten — straight up, no styling. Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world. Don’t make them cringe with your self-centered ego gratification. Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 86-year-old WWII vets wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver Stars and flag pins on their cardigans and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country they love — not because you want them to think you are a superstar musician.
They could see that from the costumes, the makeup and the entourages.  Sing “The Star Spangled Banner” with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you.

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

 

Why did God make mothers?

1.  She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2..  Mostly to clean the house.

3.  To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1.  He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2.  Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring..

3.  God made my mom just the same like he made me.  He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1.  God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2.  They had to get their start from men's bones.  Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1.  We're related.

2.  God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?

1.  My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2.  I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3.  They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1.  His last name.

2.  She had to know his background.  Like is he a crook?  Does he get drunk on beer?

3.  Does he make at least $800 a year?  Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1.  My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world.  And my mom eats a lot.

2..  She got too old to do anything else with him.

3.  My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1.  Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball..

2.  Mom..  You can tell by room inspection.  She sees the stuff under the bed.

3.  I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?

1.  Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.

2.  Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3.  Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you go to to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.

4.  Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1.  Mothers don't do spare time.

2.  To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long...

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1.  On the inside she's already perfect.  Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2.  Diet.  You know, her hair.  I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1.  She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean.  I'd get rid of that.

2.  I'd make my mom smarter.  Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.

3.  I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
  WHEN YOU STOP LAUGHING  --  SEND IT ON TO OTHER MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AND AUNTS....and anyone else who has anything to do with kids or just needs a good laugh!!!

Jessica Smith 6 Week Summer Makeover

Yes, I know I have been putting exercise videos on as of late. But these are not only for me-- which I am wanting to lose some weight. But for others I know of that are wanting to also but don't want to spend the money out for the videos that will only end up on a shelf. As they can be expensive. So I have been finding them on the internet and posting them on here. I hope they have been helpful. I know I have found a few that are my favorites and I will work into the harder ones, like Billy Blanks and his Tae Bo videos. I like them but they are a little to fast for me right now. I know with having the videos on this blog I have no more excuses for not exercising. SO neither do YOU now. And if you want something different just make your way over to      Youtube  
and put in any type of exercise you want in the search box and it will show you many to choose from. That is where I have found many of mine. 
Happy Exercising......

10 10 10 Fat Burning Beginner Weight loss Video

Length: 21:08

Trainer: Jessica Smith

Cardio interval training is one of the best tools for weight loss on the road to total body fitness. Jessica Smith has created a fat burning formula for beginners to help you increase your metabolism so you're still burning calories long after you exercise. By doing just twenty minutes of fat burning exercises you get those fat burning enzymes working. 

10 10 10 Fat Burning Beginner

Standing Abs Workout & others with Jennifer Galardi

This one can't be embeded but you can still make it full screen and watch it without downloading.
Dance your way to a sleek, sexy stomach without doing crunches! Jennifer Galardi’s fun and energetic dance cardio moves shape the obliques while you torch calories to help you get lean and defined in no time.
 Calorie Burn: Dancers Abs-Workout length 19:50min.

This one can't be embeded either.
A high intensity, fun cardio dance workout that will boost your energy and your metabolism. You'll engage your whole body by swiveling your hips and shaking your booty throughout Jennifer's playful 30 minute routine. This workout combines a variety of dance styles and aerobic movements that will improve your groove and burn your entire body.
Cardio Groove n' Burn- Workout length 31:54min

RECALL NOTICE

RECALL NOTICE

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units 
manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a 
serious defect in the primary and central component 
of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype 
units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the 
reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent 
units. This defect has been technically termed 
"Subsequential Internal Non-Morality," or more 
commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed.

Some other symptoms include:

1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault 
for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair 
and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. 
The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously 
offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering 
cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee 
required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is 
P-R-A-Y-E-R. 
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN 
through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair 
Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No 
matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will 
replace it with:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. 
(Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), for 
further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being 
unit without correction voids any manufacturer 
warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and 
problems too numerous to list and will result in the 
human unit being permanently impounded.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to 
this recall action will need to be scrapped in the 
furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter 
Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Thank you for your attention!

Sincerely,

God

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others 
of this important recall notice, and you may contact 
the Father any time by "knee-mail."

MOM'S EMPTY CHAIR

A woman's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her mother.
When the minister arrived,he found the woman lying in bed with her head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside her bed. The minister assumed that the woman had been informed of his visit. I guess you were expecting me he said. 'No who are you?' said the mother. The minister told her his name and then remarked I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up. Oh yeah the chair said the bedridden woman. Would you mind closing the door? Puzzled the minister shut the door. I have never told anyone this not even my daughter said the woman. But all of my life I have never known how to pray.
At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer,but it went right over my head. I abandoned any attempt at prayer the old woman continued until one day four yrs ago my best friend said to me Prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest. Sit down in a chair place an empty chair in front of you and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised I will be with you always. Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now. So I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hrs every day. I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.
The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with her anointed her with oil and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her mama had died that afternoon.
Did she die in peace? he asked. Yes when I left the house about two o'clock she called me over to her bedside told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hr later I
found her. But there was something strange about her death. Apparently just before Mom died she leaned over and rested her head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that? 

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said I wish we could all go like that.

Tae Bo Cardio Billy Blanks --5 videos

Zumba Fitness Videos-- the latest fitness craze

What is Zumba

Beginner's Zumba

Zumba Fitness Basic Steps Demo

Dance Dance (Warm Up) 

Want a copy of your FBI files??

If you ever wondered what the FBI had on you now you can find out. Just fill out this form-- print it and send it to:
U.S. Department of Justice
Washington, DC 20530

Then set back and wait for your paperwork. 
Then when you get it go here and it will help you figure everything out line by line.

National Sex Offender Registry

Put In Your Zip Code & State
You will see a map of your area with green and red square dots, click on the dots and you will see a photo and address of this sex offender.
**PLEASE CHECK THIS OUT TO SEE WHO IS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD* *

 http://www.familywatchdog.us/

BUTTERMILK PIE aka "Preacher's Pie"

Cowboy Biscuits

A new **SCAM** that seems to be going around

This came from a group I belong to but thought I would pass it on.

This person got a phone call from a person claiming to be from Internet Security. They went on to tell her they had been getting phone calls saying people were having problems with their computers and they were finding out they had virus' on their computers. So they were wanting her okay and information so they could log onto her computer.
She would not give them any info and said *NO* she didn't need them to get onto her computer.  He said ok and it was just a courtesy call. She has NORTON for her security on her computer and had never gotten a call from them so she wasn't sure if this was a legit call or not. Luckily she hung up on this caller and has passed this info on so others can BEWARE.
So please beware if you get a call like this............

2 Videos on how to join Granny Squares

 When you join your squares in this manor they look like they were joined so effortlessly. No more bulky lines in between the squares. 

Although I have to say I do like the lines as I make them in a different contrasting color to set off my afghans. 

But I just wanted to share these videos with you.

Slim and Tone with the Kettlebell

Kettlebell exercises. Easy way to burn 300 calories in 15 minutes.
I don't have one of these but I am thinking about making one of these out of a milk jug and putting rice or sand inside of it. Then I can add the amounts until I get it to where I can handle more and more weight as I get stronger.
Or possibly one of the BIG drink cups you get in the summer. I have several I have picked up at garage sales that we never seemed to ever use. 

SAND AND STONE

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT. DURING SOME
POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND
SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING
ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND,

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE .

THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY
DECIDED TO TAKE A  BATH

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND
STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING,
HE WROTE ON A STONE:

'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE'

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED
HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU
WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'

THE FRIEND REPLIED 'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE
IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.

BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST
ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT'

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR
BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON,

AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM,

A DAY TO LOVE THEM,

BUT THEN ,

AN ENTIRE LIFE TO FORGET THEM.
 

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

My Chunky Necklace

I come across this necklace and just loved it so I went about my stash looking for something I could make this with.

Well I didn't have what it took to make *THAT* particular necklace so I made my own version. I have to say I like it much better. Not as *fancy* looking. I have to say it did take some time to make as it took me awhile to figure out what I was going to do to get the outcome of what I wanted. The one end has an *O* ring I made onto the end so the flower would slip through. You can't tell but the back of the necklace that goes around your neck is braided. Which makes it extra soft and stretchable. Since the beads do tend to make it a bit heavy. It ended up being about 18 in. long. The Yarn is Dark Thyme, TLC Amore' by Red Heart. Boy is it a soft yarn.
Can't wait to try it out-- maybe this weekend.
Hint- hint--Mr. Somebody......

Here I have added this pic of me wearing the necklace-- YES we finally did go out to eat.....

Easy Peasy Cheap Envelopes

I have been meaning to post this for some time now but have been forgetting. Until today when I needed an envelope to mail a letter to my nephew.
So I figured this was as good a time as any to get busy and post the way I make my cheap homemade envelopes. Before you ask--**YES**-- these do go through the postal system just fine.
I have many magazines laying around as I get plenty. Most have very nice/interesting pictures on the pages with very little words.
So, me being the frugal person I am was out of envelopes one day and had to get this one particular letter sent out many years ago. Well I had one of my magazines laying on the coffee table and it was open to a page that had a nice picture. I decided to tear out the page and fold it twice just so-- as it would hold the letter and put tape on the sides and the back to secure it. You'll have to trim off the one side. I called the person I was mailing the letter to after I mailed the letter to let them know what I had done and asked that they let me know when they received the letter.
To my happiness it was received in the same amount of time as a letter sent in a regular envelope. Plus it wasn't torn or anything.
I had placed the stamp in the same place as normal -- all I did was put a piece of white paper with the address on it for the person it was being sent to and my address label where it belonged.
A major AHHH moment.
I have tons of magazines- I can save on envelopes and just make my own- well I have for the past 5 or more years now. I get tape at my Dollar Store in these 6 packs and I just transfer it onto the holder when it runs out.
PLUS you know those envelopes they send you in your JUNK mail-- the ones with the little windows???
I save those and use them also. BUT make sure they don't have a prepaid label or stamp on them. Just the blank envelopes. Those are simple to use. You can either cover the window with a address label, or I have sometimes made a label and put inside. Or you can simply turn the envelope around and use the back as the front. Making sure to cover the window so no one sees what is inside.

Girl falls into fountain while texting at the Berkshire Mall

Tunisian Crochet - Knit Stitch - The Crochet Side-Video

Tunisian Crochet - Purl Stitch - The Crochet Side-Video

My Multi-Colored Sweater

Well this started out as something else as do many of my projects. But the farther I got with it- it just didn't seem to look right so I turned it into this very colorful sweater. NO*** I do not or did NOT have a pattern. As most of my projects are just done from doing. That's what makes them so fun. I never know what they will end up looking like. I have a picture in my head of what I may want them to look like but to see if they end up that way is another story.

I can say it kept me *VERY* warm. I got many compliments on it. I ended up at the discount store where I buy most of my yarn and the first thing --Christine-- {one of the ladies that works there} said was " I know that yarn". 
The only thing I would do differently next time is make the arm holes bigger. Or put a few more stitches along the sides. But I have to say for the 1st sweater I have ever made and with no pattern I think it turned out pretty well.
The premise was from *Jacob's coat of many colors*. I always liked that story.

Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe

I put this on yesterday early afternoon so we could have it for a late supper. As we were going out for lunch to a great Buffet in town.
Well-- sorry to say I have no pic to post with this as it was gone before I could remember to get one. As Larry put it-"he had to eat it * ALL * as it was so bad he didn't want anyone else to suffer with having to eat it."

Believe me he did eat 3/4 of it too. This recipe made 3/4 of a pot full and I have a BIG crock pot. But it did taste very good. I had the little red potatoes on hand so I used them instead of regular potatoes. Now I couldn't add onions per say- as Larry doesn't like them so I added onion flakes. Another thing I didn't have on hand was chicken broth but I did have chicken broth cubes. So I used 3 of them. And I didn't have any bacon in the house but did have real bacon bits so I added a bag of them. And of course I added some flavors/seasonings of my own. I think all of us cooks do. We can't resist! This was easy to make and gone in no time. I will definitely be making this again.

* 8 cups diced potatoes
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth
* 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
* 1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled

In the crock pot, combine your first 5 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until potatoes are tender. Add cubed cream cheese; stir until blended. Garnish with bacon.

Yield 12 servings (3 quarts)

Video's on learning to **Crochet** for the beginner

Learning the Crochet Loop Stitch

I have always seen things made with this stitch but never knew how it was done. So when I came across this on YouTube, I wanted to pass it on.

Fingerless gloves for my grandson

Yes that is my hand doing the modeling. The gloves are tight for me as he has smaller hands than mine. He seen the ones I made for his sister and asked if I would make him a pair. So he picked out these 2 colors. I think they turned out fairly well if I say so myself.
Since I have a tendency to crochet loosely and I wanted these to stay snug on him, when I added the colors- instead of tying them off. I just kept crocheting it with the other color held in the back and it would give you a hint of the other color every once in awhile but not that often. Then when it was time to change colors just change and hold the other one in the back.
If you understand all of that.

Underwater Bowling

Underwater Bowling

A fun game for the whole family to play....

Chase's 2nd hat from Nanna

For my grandson who loves everything camo this is for you.

Finished my grandaughter's hat

I wish I had her here to model it but I don't and Larry said "NO WAY" was he going to model it for me. I laid it on a plastic bag so you could see it better as it would clash with my couch. The colors are pink, red and maroon.  I got her 2 different colors of ribbon to put in it the pink one I have on it now and a red one so she can interchange them.
I hope she will like it. She is in that preppy stage so it's hard to please her.  But she loves her Nanna and she seems to love anything I make for her.

I have to give credit for the pattern to this hat to CroCreations as this is Tracie's pattern. I recently came across her blog and started following her and found this pattern and thought I'd try it and it was really easy to follow. I say easy because I  CAN NOT read crochet directions. But I was able to figure her's out. She had pics to follow which really helped me out also.

Mr Logan, I hope you like your new hat...

I made crocheted hats for my grandkids and thought I'd make them some more. So here's the 2nd one for my youngest grandson.
I hope he likes it. He seems to love his first one. I hear he hasn't taken it off. He recently got a hair cut, so it gives him more of a reason to wear his hat now all of the time. So it's only fitting he has a change of hats.
Now I have to get busy on the hats for the other 2 youngsters. Will post pics when I have gotten them done.

Lawsuit

Monday on Fox news they learned that the staffers of Congress family members are exempt from having to pay back student loans. This will get national attention if other news networks will broadcast it. When you add this to the below, just where will all of it stop? 

35 States file lawsuit against the Federal Government 

Governors of 35 states have filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them. It only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention. 

This will take less than thirty seconds to read. If you agree, please pass it on.

This is an idea that we should address.

For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform... in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop.

If each person that receives this will forward it on to 20 people, in three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one proposal that really should be passed around.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States ."

Should I celebrate **Christmas**

My family and I don't. We have no tree, no lights, not even a gift one is wrapped and given in our house.

We celebrate the Lord every day and feel we should not set aside JUST one day a year for him. As God did not put it in the Bible for us to do so. If he had wanted it to be done he would have made sure to have included it in his word. 

But I think you will find this following link informative reading. 

http://www.padfield.com/1993/christms.html

Ohio Lighthouse Covered in Ice

Been making Hats for Grandkids

This one is for my youngest grandson, Logan. 

First snow- and look at the 5 car pile up at the end of our road

Double Ended Crochet Hook Set $4.99

For anyone who crochets this would be great to have.




http://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/Double_Ended_Crochet_Hook_Set__D80598.html

For You......

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=2007134554829&source=jl999


Make sure your speakers are on.....

Come to the Father

Because of Love

    
       A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and had been named  Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farm. Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.         

The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in  the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.

Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks "Why do you not at least dispose  of 'The Old One'. She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for yourselves.  How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"  
  The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I  could use a pair of new boots".

  His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just love."

  Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness  stole through the valley.   

The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not  understand the peace of the love that filled their hearts?

  So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".

  In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other,  they wept at their loss.
  By the time the fire department arrived, only  smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his  wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen  as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his  shoulders as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears  with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have  lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of  Christmas. Let us gather strength and climb the hill to the  old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken from us.

  And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered hand.

  The journey up the hill was hard  for their old  bodies in the steep snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to their knees in  amazement at the incredible beauty before them.

  Seemingly, every glorious,  brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering,  snow-frosted  branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most  bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had  a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.

  Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy. Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in the night light.

  Bedded down about the "Old one" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe.

  At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals were  frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new  years crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she  moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his wife.

  Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift--      
  Because of love. Only Because of love.

  Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise  and joy... And again the peace of love filled their hearts.   

This is a true story.

 Willy Eagle

  This is an Inspirational message sent to a small  group of people. My hope is that it will make your day just  a little bit better.   
___________________________________
             A small  request !

Cancer is a strange cell. Going along  for years in remission and then one day it pops it's head up again. Pray for the day there will be a permanent  cure.

A small request....Please say this prayer. 

 
Dear God, 

I  pray for the cure of cancer and peace for the families ravaged by it. 

 
In Jesus name, Amen

Why not keep this going in memory of anyone you know who has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it.   
I for one know what it does to a family- I had it take my mom and a brother from me. When I was a child I lost an Uncle to it.  It is a long, drawn out painful event. Nothing I would wish for anyone.

Parent Job Description

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way, I don't believe any of us would have applied!!!
Position:
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop  

Job Description:
Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment.

Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.

Some overnight travel required including trips to the hospital, emergency room, walk in clinics, primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!

PTA meetings, school report card days, open house things of that nature.
Travel expenses not reimbursed.

Extensive courier duties also required. 

Responsibilities:

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets, baking, constant cleaning and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.

Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.

Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
Possibility for Advancement & Promotion:

  None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.  

Previous Experience:
None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.  
Wages and Compensation:  
Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.  

Benefits:
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do... or forward with love to anyone thinking of applying for the job.  
** AND A FOOTNOTE**  
THERE IS NO RETIREMENT - EVER!!!

May The Good Lord Bless And Keep You

Read

May The Good Lord Bless And Keep You Lyrics

here.

This was one of my dad's favorite songs. I loved to listen to it as a child and when I hear it now it brings back such memories.

The Map

 A little girl wanted to know what the United States looked like. Her Father tore a map of the United States out of his magazine and cut it into small pieces.
  He gave them to her and said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today..'

 After some minutes, she returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly.
  'Oh,' she said, 'on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus .
  When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.'

Sooo........ when we get Jesus back where 
                   He Belongs--
         our country will come together.

Why is it so hard to say it

Gone are the days of families with happy homes and everyone wanting to talk about their relatives. Now almost every home has been broken up or some has committed suicide, or someone is in prison, or someone isn't talking to someone over something stupid. Why don't people realize life is too short to hold grudges and children grow up way to fast and those moments are gone, never to be had again. Mothers, fathers, even grandparents are taken from us way to soon and if you don't tell them you love them you are left with that aching feeling of wondering ** did they really know how much I loved them***??
SO tell them NOW when you can. Why don't people just do that. Why is it so hard to tell someone *I love you*, instead of just thinking they know it. Those words could make a persons day. Those words could stop a person from doing something very harmful to themselves because they thought no one cared.

God showed you he loved you by sending you JESUS-------------- so why is it so hard for you to tell someone you *LOVE* them???????

And it doesn't just have to be family that you say *I love you * to. What about that stranger at the store that looks like they need a pick me up, or the waitress that looks frazzled. I'm sure that would really make their day to know someone cares. 

                                    I care 

                                     and      

                       I LOVE YOU  !!!!!

Praying Pup

An Army vet teaches his rescued dog to pray with him.

Djaingo says grace