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** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER INTO MY THOUGHTS ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** All I really care to be in life is 'contributing'. A special THANK YOU! to all who have contributed to mine here at WDC. ![Merit Badge in Funny
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Thanks so much for all of your contributions to the interactive. You are one funny lady, and it would not be the same without your participation!](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Funny-200.gif) Blessings! ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** C.L. Hanna ~ Lottie  REMINDER: Everyday that you can wake up free, it's going to be a great day! Find Me Here Also:http://www.clhanna.com ~ Visit My Website http://www.en.articlesgratuits.com/login/articles.php |
| Do we really understand and recognize what we have as Americans? Do we appreciate and really value all that is ours because of the bravery of those men and women who have so selflessly served, fought and even died as soldiers in the various branches of our military? Do we honor the choice these fine citizens have made to preserve and protect their fellow citizens? Do we care that so many mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, have lost one or more precious members of their family? When we gripe and complain that we don't make enough money, do we really know the cost of freedom? When we feel that we have been over-looked or unappreciated, do we have any concept of what it is like to be missing in action? When we go to sleep at night, tucked within the safety of the walls of our homes, do we give one thought to what it must be like to sleep in a fox hole with the possibility of incoming mortar shells? I would venture to say that we do not. Each day, across this nation, 1500 veterans of WWII die. Do we even notice? They are, to most of us, simply elderly members of our society. Residents of nursing homes. No one famous and important. Yet, they are the reason you and I can choose what we read, view, say and do. If not for these, the unsung and forgotten heroes, we would not be living in the free society we enjoy. We may not know the joys of being able to choose where we live, or how we dress, or even who we want to govern us. We could be without the right to worship. We could be without the right to go where ever we want across this nation. We could be without SO MUCH...but for those who gave up everything! Many wars have been fought by those who would rather not have had to be involved. Many wars have brought us to this place in history and this place in the world. Some have been more necessary than others, perhaps, and for various reasons - but, unfortunately, war is how mankind protects and preserves that which they deem worthy. Men have always fought for what they really wanted, whether it be peace, land or even love. It would be nice if there was never a need for war or cause for war. War is not an invitation to a party. War is harsh. War is never pretty, never easy, never welcomed. The word war, spelled backward, is RAW. War is raw. It is not for the weak or the faint of heart. Whether or not we agree with war is beside the point. History will tell whether or not this latest conflict was necessary. But, what is often left out of the history books, what is often not part of the classroom studies involving the lessons to be learned from history, are the identities of those who were doing the all-important job of serving and protecting. Those who faced the enemy, eyeball to eyeball. Sure, we may learn the names of those Generals who plotted on paper behind a desk in Washington, visiting the battlefield a couple of times, even. We will know the name of the sitting President. But, chances are, we won't hear the stories that only those who were involved can tell. The first-hand experiences of the brave, yet scared to death, lonely soldier. The personal accounts of the nurses and medics out in the field. If we heard from these, instead of all the "Talking Heads", we would - I would hope - be less quick to protest and a little quicker to promote support for those who have given up their comfort zones to enter the war zones. We have the right to our opinion of the war...because of their willingness to go to war. The reward for their efforts, unfortunately, is that most of us will never know their names...or even understand what it is they have actually done for us. |
| You guys are GREAT! Thank you to everyone who has so graciously taken the time to view my websites and comment. Your suggestions have been so wonderfully helpful. People need other people. The human element I have heard it called. I realize that this is the INTERNET...but I feel the human connection with so many of you through this internet connection. Thanks again and Happy Weekend to all! |
I may have something really awesome to say later on today...but, then again, maybe not.  What I would like anyone who reads my entry today to do...if they would...is give me ' A Little Help". It won't take long...but, in my quest to be "business savvy" (I guess) I have been working on a couple of sites. Would you please click onto these addresses and let me know YOUR HONEST thoughts? You could even try the links out for me...let me know if they seem to be working - especially the email links...I'm doing this ALL by myself and I'm not a computer whiz (if you know what I mean) - just trying to save a few bucks until I see how business goes. Also...if you are a business-minded person with any GOOD advice for me after viewing my sites...I'm open to hearing from you! I would appreciate it, very much. Thanks..in advance! http://mysite.verizon.net/jelottie http://mysite.verizon.net/jelottie/happybride |
| It is becoming dark by 7:30PM in my neck of the woods these days. And just as we begin to accept the loss of daylight immediately following our evening meal...we will have to turn our clocks back an hour...which will cause many of us to fight insomnia - but even more of us will have to fight being able to awake before we hit the showers! It's just not right, what they do to our minds and bodies by playing with the time. Bodies just don't adjust well to the changes forced upon us in ONE twenty-four hour moment. What used to look like 6AM will now look like the middle of the night. While I presently have a really good excuse to hit the recliner after supper...there will soon be enough daylight left to clean up the kitchen or do a load of laundry! It's been so rainy and chilly today, that Hubby lost his way from the kitchen to the T.V. room and ended up clear upstairs and in bed by 8:30PM this evening! Which just makes my case for how WRONG this whole Daylight Savings Plan...thing...really is. I mean, it's hard on the poor working stiff...hard on the insomniac...AND - on top of all that - it's hard on a marriage! I'm left to sit at the computer and try to fill up the remainder of the Nine O'Clock hour by blogging, because going to bed before 10PM will ensure me being awake FAR TOO EARLY! If there had been no SPRINGING AHEAD almost six months ago...then this would actually only be 8:40PM - so, I'm glad for the fact that we DID spring ahead. But, to FALL BACK again is just not going to help...because it WILL ONLY BE 8:40PM in just over a week from today. There's not enough sunshine as it is in my North Eastern state where our little town is surrounded by mountains and all too often drenched in rain. This is just one more way that they can toy with us, you know. See? It causes your mind to get all crazy with even the thought of the dreaded Time Change coming. And then...on top of all THAT...they torture us with Halloween right after they change the time on us! AHA! They don't think we notice...but, we DO! At least the next Full Moon isn't until November 5th. Whew! Brahaaahaaahaahaahaa!  |
| Last night was the first night our little grandson spent the night at "Mia and Pappy's" house. He was so excited...running through the front door in his green footed P.J.s and grinning from ear to ear. It's such a wonderful feeling to know that the little guy LOVES to be here. He played (or should I say - we played) until he was 'played-out'. His mommy and daddy usually put him to bed earlier than 'Mia' did...but he slept so well...and slept until almost 9am. I had my concerns about whether or not it would be an easy night...he doesn't sleep all night for his parents most nights. I think that I have discovered one reason why. He is very restless...all over the place when he sleeps. He is still in a crib at home and I think that he is just way too long and gets 'stuck' when rolling around the bed. Last night, he was on the floor - beside my bed - in a bed I made up of the seat cushion from a love seat...surrounded by big fluffy bed pillows. I covered the cushion and pillows with a large fleece blanket...topped with a soft cotton sheet. It looked so plump and comfy that I wanted to sleep on it! I tucked him in under another fluffy, fleecy blanket. Our bedroom is cool and his bedroom at home is a little warm and stuffy. His mother says that he has a lot of post-nasal drip problems during the night and gags sometimes, which seems to wake him up and scare him. Last night...his breathing seemed to be free of any troubles and he snored deeply. He awoke all smiles...and eagerly ate a breakfast of oatmeal and half a banana. He is absolutely no problem and lots of joy while he is here. Unfortunately, he does not always behave this way for Mommy and Daddy. It will be interesting to see how he acts when our daughter comes to retrieve him later this afternoon. Quite often, he becomes a different little boy. I have my theories about this situation. While we show him our undivided attention when he is here...we also expect him to obey and we do not permit certain behavior. In other words, when Pappy says "NO", he means it. When Mia catches him doing something wrong...she corrects it, emphatically. We don't give in - we give the guidelines or the permission. Our daughter and her husband are good parents...but, they are busy and they are often willing to compromise. It may seem easier at times...until the "stuff hits the fan" in the middle of lunch-time or at bed-time, when the little guy decides to throw one of his all out tantrums. He has what they call "melt-downs" - and they have their hands full! I don't experience that with my grandson. He just does NOT do that when he is with Pappy and Mia. I can't tell my kids how to raise their kids. And I know that it frustrates them, sometimes, to hear about how "wonderful" their son was while here...then have him act totally uncontrollably as soon as they take him home. Mommy and Daddy believe in "Time-Outs" - the problem is ... so does their son. He has begun to give himself "Time-Out" whenever he knows that he has disobeyed. It's not that easy at Mia and Pappy's house. When he does decide to disobey here...there are consequences. I believe that he has had his bottom (thickly padded with a diaper bottom, I might add) smacked about three times by Pappy or Mia due to acts of serious disobedience. Only his feelings were hurt - but enough to realize that disobeying was not as easy as jumping up onto the chair for a few minutes. It's GREAT being Grandma and Grandpa! I think the little guy is enjoying being our grandson, too! |
| Did you ever notice that there seem to be those among us who blame everyone else - and never (or rarely) themselves - for all that does not go well in their lives? While most of us would acknowledge that we may have contributed to a problem which results from our choices or irresponsibility or forgetfulness, etc...there are those who have quite the knack for pointing to someone or something else as the cause of their woes. These types are usually intelligent and capable. But, they are always in denial. When confronted with an issue that is not pleasant or that is not easily solved, "The Blamer" wants somebody else to fix it. They could make some changes in their behavior or make some sacrifices, but they don't even seem to think of that. Instead, they readily produce ideas for how someone ELSE can make changes or sacrifices - from which they might then benefit. It is no problem for "The Blamer" to see others faults and short-comings, they just can not admit to any of their own. When they approach someone else to come to their rescue and are denied - it is as though war has been declared against them. Self-centered, they feel that the absolute worst has now befallen them and the entire world is against them. It's as though their ability to reason shuts down and many of this type will throw in the towel. They may be ready to fight the people they perceive as "uncaring" or "non-supportive" but, they have no fight in them when it comes to dealing with whatever they are facing. Again, they hope someone will fight for them. If not, they are ready to get drunk, high or even take their own lives, rather than pull themselves up by their boot-straps and begin working on a solution. Maybe it's just the time we live in. Maybe, for many of us born after WWII, things have been too easy. Maybe, for those born after the Vietnam War, things have been more than easy. Maybe, those who are to blame are those who have said, "Yes", too often. Maybe those to blame are those who didn't care enough to say, "No." We are all to blame for one thing...we have all allowed ourselves to be victims of "The Blamer" at one time or another. It's not easy to force "The Blamer" to face themselves. "The Blamer" is so good at turning the mirror in our direction and convincing us that it is a reflection on us if we fail to provide them an easy out or immediate fix. However, when we are strong enough to offer words of support and encouragement - and not a hand-out or escape route - we are actually doing "The Blamer" much more good than they are able to see. Unfortunately, success is often long in coming. For when dealing with anyone who is deep in denial of personal responsibility and accountability, it is like talking to an infant. You may still love them and want the best for them - but they have not yet come to the place in life where they are able to get it for themselves. They will wait for you or someone else to bring it to them and chances are, they won't even thank you for your efforts. Like an infant, they will lay in their own mess until someone is willing to come along and change their diaper. |
| There is nothing on my mind, today. Well, that's not exactly true, I guess...there are things that I am thinking about, but they are just not all that interesting. I suppose it is bound to happen from time to time...but, I am reminded of something one of our fellow bloggers stated not long ago...she felt that she had more reads with comments on entries she considered not all that meaningful, or at least entries which had not required as much effort on her part. There does seem to be something to that. But, maybe it's just that when a blog entry seems a bit more pitiful it extracts more comments because people tend to feel your need for encouragement and support. Who knows?....this is my brain...this is my brain on WDC... _______________________________empty. |
| This morning on the news channel I listened to the author of a book entitled "When God Winks At You" (I think that is the title) explain what God winks are. It was quite interesting...there was a story about Emmett Kelly, the clown who made the sad clown face his trademark and NEVER allowed himself to be photographed wearing a smile. Just after his daughter learned of his death, she opened the newspaper to see his photo accompanying the headline announcing his passing. In the photo...he wore a smile. On her way to her father's funeral...she met the man who had snapped the ONLY existing photo of Emmett Kelly smiling. He told her that he had taken that photo as Emmett had received the phone call telling him of her birth. The book is full of personal stories such as this, which most would call 'coincidences', but that the author feels is God letting us know that He is thinking of us. The author of the book, Squire Rushnell, says that the English dictionary has no word for "answered prayers"... so the idea of "God Winks" fits well - because no one can explain the coincidence of a coincidence occurring, either. The whole idea was presented as the same type of thing as when you are a child and your grandpa or maybe your aunt, catches your eye for an instant and gives you a little wink...just to let you know that they are thinking of you. I guess that's a warm, fuzzy way of looking at it. Maybe it is difficult for humans to consider that they are on God's mind...especially if they have a difficulty of believing in God or relating to Him, period. The terminology - God Winks - is apparently easier to comprehend than God Speaks. It seems that most people have a hard time accepting that God speaks to them...but they can accept that a coincidence is actually God winking at them - and in a sense, speaking to them through the unfolding of events. Maybe because I view God as my Dad - my heavenly Father - I don't have a problem believing that He would want to talk to me. As a parent, I know how I enjoy talking with my children...hearing from them and them asking my opinion on things. As a parent, I also know how concerned I feel if the lines of communication are threatened or just not being used. I want to be in touch routinely with my children. I expect to hear from my children...and vice-versa. I expect to hear from God...maybe that is why I easily say that I do. I am confident that I hear from my Heavenly Father. That is not a boast...it's just a fact...one that has been proven to me, over and over again. I just consider it natural and, in fact, I have been concerned when I feel that I haven't heard from God - usually when I am allowing some attitude to continue in me that is 'haughty or selfish or rude'. It's not that He's mute - it's that I am not listening. He could be winking...but, my eyes are not on Him - so, I miss it. I can just see God and man-kind standing in the middle of a thick fog, somewhere, and He says, "Here's winkin' at you, Kid."  |
| Well...I CAN!!! Today, I was hired (as a Personal Chef ) to provide A Romantic Dinner For Two. I was even PAID!!! (Does that make me a true professional now?} Okay...Okay...I'm a little excited....*breathing deeply three times* The really cool part is that, since this is a gift...it is being given to the recipient at Christmas...and will not actually be scheduled until well after the first of the new year...so, I feel NO pressure - YET. You were all so great...your support was such an encouragement. I actually came off as organized and prepared. BUT - the really neat part that I want to share with all of you is what the woman said to me as we discussed the details of the service. She said that from the brochure I had sent her and from speaking directly with me today...she could tell that I am a person who can take a situation and bring peace to it. That I seem to be capable and able to put people at ease. Wow! I was touched by that. After the woman left...my daughter arrived and took me out for lunch! I don't deserve all of the blessings bestowed upon me today...but I am SURE ENJOYING them! Right now...Sonny Boy is cooking the evening meal - the house is clean - we have the new furnace to keep us warm - GOD IS GOOD! |
| Some who have been reading this blog may recall that about a year ago I was working at establishing a "Personal Chef" business. I was unable to find a sufficient and satisfactory form of advertising - in other words - I found it too expensive with little or no benefit to advertise in the local newspaper...and putting up posters around town didn't work, either. With the exception of ONE contact. I had been contacted by a woman who was excited about the concept and couldn't believe that someone was actually offering such services in this area. (We aren't known for being too "hip" or even "cultured" around here - especially by those who aren't originally from "around here" )Even though this person showed enthusiasm, once I had printed and mailed her all of my information, I never heard another thing from her. UNTIL YESTERDAY. Her husband phoned, said that they were interested in the Personal Chef Services as a gift to a friend of theirs and could they come by and talk and did I take credit cards? They wanted to come today - but I have a date with the girls. It's just too difficult for the four of us to get together on a regular basis...and today is the day, finally, after almost two months. Anyway - I'm a nervous wreck! I had given up on the whole Personal Chef idea...toyed around with Wedding Consultant or Coordinator, and actually thought it would be a better dream to chase. Now...I am not in the P.C. mode (if you know what I mean) - I haven't been thinking, sleeping, eating, the Personal Chef experience as I had been for almost two years prior. I haven't even been cooking all that much, lately! Everyone is too busy to come for supper...it's just Hubby and me...so, we go out or if I do 'cook' - there is nothing complicated that I am doing. Nothing that takes much thought or time for just the two of us. I'M RUSTY! Well, they are coming Friday, tomorrow, between 11:30AM and Noon. Normally, the cosultation would have taken place in the client's home, not mine...but since they are giving the service as a gift, they will be coming here. I don't even know how to TALK about the Persona Chef services after all this time of not thinking like one!  Man, I can get myself into 'things'! |
| I am not an extremely intelligent or even a well-educated person. I do have a reasonable amount of common-sense, though. My common-sense alone tells me that although there is much rhetoric going on concerning efforts to make our schools safe, it is a nearly impossible feat to secure schools and protect children. Nearly impossible...unless we turn our schools into prison-like structures governed by the type of strict security measures that are practiced among facilities where criminals are housed. Schools are already viewed with disdain by many students. They have no idea how good they have it when compared with actual penitentiaries...but, they may soon be forced to find out. There will never be a way to remove all threats against our schools or our children. At best, we may be able to lessen the effects of threats...but we will never eliminate them. That being said, our children can not be placed in cocoons nor our schools sanitized to the point of being sanitariums which prevent the "plagues" of society from reaching them. The educational process is multi-faceted. Children learn, not just from books with the coaching of teachers, but from their interaction among peers and the extra-curricular activities of sports, music and theater. The extra-curricular activities, the arts and sciences, the sports...these are nothing without the interaction and support of the public. Audiences of family and friends are necessary to the experience of children submitting their first piece of art or writing for display, their first vocal or instrumental solo, their game-winning basket, touchdown or goal. What would any of these be without an audience. What would the community be without the freedom to attend and enjoy such events. So many youth draw from the experience of the elders of a community. So many of the older members of a society draw their strength, live out their own dreams, through the youth. Schools under lock-down. Students under lock-down. These are not credible solutions to the problems of school violence or attacks on children. It may be a remedy for the criminally insane, but it would never encourage the learning ability of a child. Locking our children behind steel doors and isolating them from the rest of the surrounding population will not increase their enthusiasm for achievement on any level. When mothers and fathers can not easily access their children, fear will increase. Parents will not feel reassured if during a crisis situation they are not able to get to their children. Children will be encouraged to trust no one...not even Mom and Dad...if there is an over-exposure to a climate of suspicion and segregation, which could potentially result from the imposition of severe restrictions in order to control safety. It will not be only the safety which is controlled in such circumstances. Our children will be under the control of others to an even greater extent - and the control of parents will be even more diminished. I am all for safety. I am all for the protection and well-being of children. Children are our future and they are a gift. Society needs the children and the children need to belong to a healthy society. The problem is that our society is not healthy. It is very ill. We can't protect our children from the chickenpox or the flu. We can try to keep them from catching colds. We can provide some measure of protection from all of the viruses and bacterial infections - but we can not completely prevent our children from ever becoming the victims of physical illness. It just can't be done. There is no way to completely prevent the exposure to that which may cause harm. Until we erase the ills of society, we will always entertain the possibilities of the harmful effects. The sick will always be with us. The solution to making our schools safe should not be at the further expense of our children. Teaching the children that they can be the answer - that they are the hope for the future of society - that they can make the difference that will end the violence, is a start. Locking them away behind walls of fear and suspicion - like prisoners or secluded residents of a newly created subculture - may just be the end. |
| Yesterday, we laid a loved one to rest. We celebrated her life through stories and song. There was both laughter and tears. But, the one common thread which was visible to all those attending was the fact that Hubby's aunt was one who believed in salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ and one who shared His love with others. It is never as difficult to say "good-bye" to those you are confident you will one day see again. We left the church and headed to meet friends with whom we share the bond of eternal life AND the gift of music. We were on our way to a concert, featuring Paul Baloche. We love worship music. Among us, there are three singers and song writers, two guitarists, and all worshipers. We have been through some amazing times, some trying times and some dry places. Through it all, we have been blessed! Last night's concert was an evening of much needed refreshment. The band was great...vocals were dynamic...but it was the atmosphere, charged with praise - that was like a long, satisfying drink of cold, mountain stream water. It hydrated my soul. It revived my thirsty heart. It was life to my spirit. I lifted my voice in a way that I had not been able to do for many months, now. I let my voice soar to the heavens in grateful thanks to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I made my voice an offering to the God who created me and put the gift of song in me. I let the notes soar and I sang so loudly that I thought I would not be able to speak today. But, my voice is strong today. There is no evidence that I attempted (and came close to succeeding) to out sing the heavy-duty PA system being used by the artists on the stage!  I was singing to the One who deserves the praise - and I was doing it with everything I had! It was exhilarating!Maybe you are reading this and understanding - maybe you are wondering what I'm talking about. But, there is something within a singer, that will not be satisfied until it is unleashed through the unbridled passion of a song which comes from the deepest part of their being. It is such a strong need that I feel 'dead' when I have not had the opportunity to use this gift. My gift involves a little more than just singing a song from a page of a book or sheet music. My gift is also one which demands the freedom to sing a song as it comes to me. I sing 'spontaneously', as well as rehearsed. Songs come to me ... in the middle of concerts or services. Songs for the particular moment...for the particular group gathered...for the immediate situation. Not everyone understands 'spontaneous songs'. I didn't understand when it first began to happen to me. I have come to understand that it is a wonderful aspect of worship which has been overlooked by the church for a long time. It is why some worship times lack a particular passion. When a song - any song - is just 'words' put to a tune, without personal meaning to the one singing, there can be a lack of passion or even simple emotion. But when a song is from the depths of one's soul...it is actually from a place that is so intimately connected to God that the passion naturally saturates it. This is the place I must get to in my own worship time. This is the place, without which I am unsatisfied and left still thirsting. Without this kind of worship, the church will remain in a drought-like condition. A dry and thirsty land where there is no water; eventually, a land of dry bones. Not everyone will catch hold of this concept. Not all church congregations - or pastors of churches - will ever feel the need for the type of "heart cry" - passionate praise - or unhindered adoration, I have been attempting to describe here. But, for some of us...there is no substitute for the sounds of heaven coming from us to the God of heaven, Who then, gives us more songs...like an unending circle - a sound, an interaction, which even the angels can not match! If we only knew...If we could only see and understand...If we could catch just a glimpse of the glory of God and his unchanging love toward us... ******************************************************************** My heart melts... My voice rises from the ashes of The pain I've felt... Knowing that You love me, Knowing that You understand. My soul cries... My love for You is restored And it comes alive... Knowing that You wait for me, Knowing that You hold my hand. There is nothing that can Keep You from me and - There is nothing that can Keep my song from reaching You. There is nothing that can Hide my gratitude and - Praising You is all that I am Able, Lord, to do. My heart sings... My voice rises toward Heaven, To the King of Kings. Knowing that He loves me, Knowing that He understands. My soul shouts... My heart is full with all He's done, I've no more doubts. I am sure He loves me, Loves me, like no one else can. My heart melts... {c.l.hanna 10/10/2006} |
| I know this is an excuse...and I do apologize that I have not been able to 'visit around Blogville' like a good neighbor should. The past few days have been hectic. Our little town hosts a festival this time of year and it appeared as though the influx of people was the highest it has been since it all first began about 9 (?) years ago. Literally, a sea of bodies in the downtown parks and every inch of parking - whether on the street or in business lots - was used up for three days. If it even looked like a parking space...it was parked. Traffic was bumper to bumper. What would normally take about 5 minutes to get out of town was, instead, almost 15 to 20...and that was using some (locally known) short-cuts. I would not have ventured out, except that yesterday was the Bridal Luncheon/Shower for the fifth (and last) wedding of this year. It was a beautiful day for the affair, held in a beautiful setting overlooking the river. Hubby's aunt died on Thursday. Tomorrow, is her funeral...as well as a trip with friends to a previously planned concert. Between daily life, baby-sitting, festival-going, shower and funeral attendance and concert-going...I have and will be away from my computer. I promise to be a better blogger after tomorrow...*sigh*...or at least a better Blogville neighbor! |
| I have noticed (as I was reviewing my blog archives) that many of my blog entries have comments...but 0 views. Does anyone know what that means? One of my blog entries shows 32 views...but only a few comments. So...how does it happen that people have visited but not been counted? One of my friends tells me that she reads my entries quite often, Hubby says that she told him she reads every day...I think it more likely several times per week at the most. So...how is it that soooo many of my entries show NO viewers? The answer is probably in 'view' - somewhere in all of the information offered on WDC - but, I am hoping that one of you Dear Ones will be willing to save me hours of searching and just tell me ! Thanks in advance! |
| Another predator of children...gets away with it! I am sure that there were many who thought John Karr a kook...some who thought that he was able to escape a Thailand prison stint at the expense of the Denver Colorado taxpayers. I'm not sure what the people of California must be thinking as a result of the past couple of weeks culminating in all charges of possession of child pornography being dropped...apparently due to the prosecution somehow losing the evidence! Whatever this very strange little man had going on in his life and mind...he is by all appearances and at the very least a potential threat to our children. But he is once again free to pursue his weird, fantasy laden lifestyle...or worse. Some say, send him back to Thailand...that he should never have received that First Class flight back to the U.S. in the first place. Others say that there was a responsibility to check out his story concerning his confessed alleged involvement in Jon Benet Ramsey's murder. Yet others maintain that the DNA testing could have been performed on Thai soil to help determine if there really was anything to his confession. He is here, now. He is here and free. John "Scott~Free" Karr. The past few weeks have not been good for the children in this country. |
| Last night was the night to put all of our garbage out to the curb for pick up in the wee hours of this morning. Not very exciting to report, I know. But, the reason for mentioning this otherwise mundane event, is that between 5:30AM and 6:30AM - six - count'em 6 - Garbage Trucks circled our block...engines roaring...brakes squealing! I don't know why there would have been six Garbage trucks in this entire town! I have never seen more than a couple on any given garbage pick up day. Why do Garbage trucks have such a particular nasty sound? The engines are louder. The air brakes are louder. And the mechanism for compacting the trash is louder than both of those. For some reason, we seem to be the usual trash compacting stop. And sometimes...there is even very loud music playing to accompany all of the other activity. Thankfully, Hubby is usually getting up at the same time that garbage pick up is taking place...if they are late, like this morning. If they are early...say, three or four in the morning...well, it really stinks! I am grateful for those who collect my garbage. I think it a very necessary and yet un-appreciated job. It can also be a very dangerous vocation, as a friend of ours found out. While collecting the trash at a medical facility, he was stabbed through one of the bags by an unprotected needle. He became infected with Hepatitis, and unknowingly infected his wife. It was a very traumatic experience and has affected every aspect of their lives. I appreciate the Garbage Men and Women. I just don't appreciate those noisy trucks. Next time they decide to hold the Garbage 500...I hope that they choose a different street! Yawn... |
| So...this new "look" must be why we all were unable to access our blogs and ports the other day? ****************************************************** I thank all of you who commented on "My Front Garden" entry of yesterday. I thought that I would give you a little history behind our home. Our house was a wedding gift from a Doctor to his daughter. It is over 100 years old. Oh...if these walls could talk! When we first saw this house (30 years ago next July) - I didn't even want to go in! We were young, first time home buyers...and from the street, the house looked scarier than this new WDC format! It was seriously haunted looking. Hubby talked me in to at least taking a look on that day in 1977, and from the moment I entered the place I can honestly say that something about it charmed me. It spoke to me that day. A little old lady was the owner. Her husband had operated an antique clock shop from the front room of the house. He sold, restored and repaired the old clocks - but, he was no handyman when it came to a house. He had died several years before she put the house up for sale, and she lived primarily on the first floor, keeping the one inch aluminum blinds tightly closed. Nothing much had been done to the house in the way of remodeling but, her husband had managed to rig up a few unsightly contraptions. One, which was the first thing you noticed upon entering the house, was a monster of a pipe covered with some white substance (which almost reminded me of plaster of paris) that was erected to transport heat from the furnace to the upstairs. It was about 2 feet in circumfrence...9 feet tall and had two wicked looking 'arms' that went in the form of a Y to two floor vents in the second story. What a site! The house still sported gas light fixtures on some of the walls...and a number of other fixtures which, unfortunately, we youngsters thought then to be no more than old trash. How I wish I'd never thrown away the original gas lamps and other items - such as the huge porcelain claw foot tub that I could fill to my ears and soak in...and which was in perfect condition. But - we were products of the 60's and 70's and we didn't think these things modern and hip! So...we missed their true worth and actual value. SHUCKS!!! When we began the major thrust of remodeling the house we had to remove about five layers of wallpaper. The floors were covered in wool carpeting, oriental design, wall to wall with 18" hand-sewn seams and a pad of horse hair...which was taken up and replaced with a plush by Sears. I am told that the walls of our home are horse-hair plaster. Years ago, we had thought the house sold by article of agreement. Though we have owned the house for almost 30 years, we have not always lived here. The buyers - without any word to us - declared bankruptcy and mailed us the house keys in 1990...after doing some very hideous things to the place. Included in their attempts at remodeling were cutting off the curved banister which led upstairs, replacing it with 2 x 4 studs from floor to ceiling.  Mutilating the tongue and groove wood ceiling in the kitchen . And several other really stupid and unattractive things which depreciated the value of the house. But...we are back in this, our first home, and trying to give it the face lift and TLC that it deserves. This house was a gift from a father to his daughter...and you can somehow feel the love in this house. People always comment on the 'feeling' this place gives off. It is a welcoming sort of place. It has a warmth about it. Today, an appraiser came to judge this house. I hope that she could see it's true worth and will be generous with her evaluation. I hope that the house spoke to her and I hope that she listened. |
| I have been trying to share this with you - it has taken me far too long to download this pic ... But, finally - success! ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Hope you enjoy it! Of course, it was more colorful a couple of months ago...maybe I will try again in the Spring to show it to you in full bloom. This is my front garden. It was a lot of hard work...but it gives me, as well as many who pass by, a lot of pleasure. This was how it all looked BEFORE - just about one year ago. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| Mark Foley (R - FL) has resigned after being found to have sent sexually explicit instant messages to a young male congressional page. Schools in Colorado, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania have been the victims of deadly shootings. Nevada was forced to lock down several of it's schools as authorities searched for a gunman posing a threat. All of these tragic situations involved children. All of these incidents occurred within the past week. Many more instances of child abuse and other trauma involving children most probably took place this week, as well. In fact, for some time now, there have been far too many news reports involving harm to children. It would appear that our children are under attack. If you can eliminate the youth of a society, you eliminate that people's future. You ensure that group's death. You wipe out that society. I believe that there is an enemy that can not be fought by weapons such as firearms, tanks and missiles. This enemy will not be defeated by military forces or even law-enforcement officers. The enemy of which I speak can not be caught by human efforts or trapped by clever sting operations. There is a very real and very desperate enemy of the soul. An evil, hateful, lusting, deceiver, who wants nothing more than to take down mankind. Why? Because he is angry with God, the creator of man and the lover of man, His creation. God didn't mess around when Lucifer wanted to dethrone Him...instead, God swiftly kicked Lucifer out of Heaven, sending the creep to eternal damnation. That made the creep mad! Lucifer, or satan as he is often referred to, is already totally defeated...and he knows it. This has caused him such frustration that, in light of the fact that he has nothing to lose, he chooses to wreak havoc. He can't stand God...he can't stand us, those created in the image of God, and the truth is - he can't even stand himself, probably. He is a defeated, miserable, eternally damned creep. But, he is busy...and he is most dangerous when he is considered to be non-existent. Whether you believe in spiritual warfare, or not...you can not deny that there is a daily battle going on. There is no other reasonable explanation for the way mankind is behaving. There is no other reasonable explanation for the explosive pain and suffering going on in our world. There is no other reasonable explanation for the chaos which effects us on every level. Families, schools, businesses, government, churches - nothing and no one is safe. I believe that if he can hurt our children, he hurts us, the adults. If he can hurt God's children, whatever the age, he hurts God. If he can KILL us off - by turning us against one another...turning us on to drugs and alcohol...turning us off through depression and suicidal thoughts...whatever tools will work, whenever they will work then, in his sick mind, he somehow succeeds. The thing is...satan can keep on hurting, but he can NOT win. He has already lost...he just won't admit his defeat. He will keep on being the creep - until God chooses to end his career. When will God put an end to satan's activities? I do not know. I can not say. I have no idea what God's time line may be. What I am sure of is this - satan has bullied and taunted, deceived and influenced, even to the point of bringing about the death of the most innocent and defenseless. This week has been a stark example of just how low...and to what degree, the enemy of mankind will go. He will go to the pits of Hell...from whence he also cometh. God, please bless the children. God, please bless us all...and wake us up to who the real enemy is, so that we may run to the shelter and protection of your love. May we choose the blood that was shed by your Son, Jesus Christ, and may the blood of our children be spared. Hear our cry, tonight, and protect the children of this land. Amen. |
| I have been given a lot of grace in my lifetime. People have forgiven me for things which I have said and done. God has allowed me many 'second chances'. Grace has been shown me - even when I have been sure that I did not deserve it. "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required..." (Luke 12:48a) I am aware of this scripture and that it is usually taught from the aspect of material things, or even giftings and talents...but, just this morning I caught a new revelation. I heard this scripture in my mind and was at once struck by the concept that the much could represent much - that the adjective had no noun to limit it in this case...it is left wide open, leaving the possibilities endless. However, in this particular moment of my 'pondering', it was GRACE (for me) which needed to be inserted as the noun. I needed to think about my part in the 'much' as it applies to grace and mercy. I notice of myself that I am able to forgive, usually, with little effort. There have been two - possibly three - instances which have taken me more time to get over and even as I write this, I am weighing whether or not I have truly forgiven the other party(ies). Sometimes, I feel that I am too often expected to be gracious and merciful. I look around and think to myself, "So and so is constantly doing (whatever) and I am constantly having to overlook their actions or behavior. It's NOT fair!" But, the second part of this same scripture says..."; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." Committed: entrusted; to place in charge or in custody. To consign for future use or reference or for preservation... So...MUCH has been given and MUCH is required and MUCH has been entrusted for future use - of which I will be asked even the more! I, therefore, can not complain that I have given too much or done too much...because the MUCH which has been given me to preserve for future use is undefined...without measure or limits - it's simply MUCH; with no qualifiers attached. I am the beneficiary of MUCH and I am responsible to be the benefactor of MUCH, also. While many would consider this a burden or hardship or, at the very least, unreasonable...it should be quite empowering. Imagine - according to this scripture, MUCH is given ... MUCH is required ... yet, MUCH is always being given therefore, MUCH is always available from which to draw. How hard can it be then, to GET MUCH...turn around and GIVE MUCH...out of an abundance of MUCH? It is - or at least can be (if we choose to participate) a perpetual, limitless, ongoing activity. A circle without end. A continual cycle. It is easy to RECEIVE much. But, if we are willing to GIVE much...we will never LACK much. It is enjoyable to receive MUCH - fulfilling to give MUCH - and impossible to use up MUCH. The more you get - the more you have to give - the more you give - the more there is to give - and the more will be asked of you...but it won't matter, because you will get more. If this has been too MUCH for you...don't worry - there is MORE where this came from! |
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