Grandma’s Poor Preacher

 Elderly Couple
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These days we have so many search options to learn about people and ministries, but this story happened many long years ago when there was no such thing as the internet.

My grandparents were honest hard workers, and you might say “Old School.”  They were faithful to their church in giving and in attendance. 

Now, my Grandmother had a favorite daily radio program that she enjoyed listening to.  He was a fiery preacher who she said preached excellent sermons. 

Almost weeping, he would share how he had pressing needs and was short of money and requested all listeners to send a regular offering to help him out.

With a tender heart my Grandmother did as he asked and faithfully sent him a bit from their meager earnings.  

One day, Grandfather told her that they were going to take a short vacation and would drop by the preacher’s home and personally thank him for his radio broadcast.

Grandmother was not a person to get excited, but she was very happy to make this journey.  The preacher lived just one state over, so they could easily make the trip in just one day.

The sun was brightly shining and the weather became very warm when they arrived at the enormous home where the preacher lived.

A maid met them at the door and escorted them out to the patio where the preacher was lounging in a recliner chair near his swimming pool.  He had just finished his swim and quickly put on his robe that was on a near by table.

My sweet grandparents hastily told him that they were listeners of his radio program and enjoyed his sermons, and then they excused themselves - - and fled.

On the way home, Grandpa never said a word, and Grandma was quietly contemplating.

By now you are also thinking, and probably have guessed the outcome of my story.

Yes, Grandmother turned the dial, found another broadcast to enjoy and never again sent the “Poor Preacher” another dime.

Please do not get me wrong, because if God puts on your heart to give to a radio or TV ministry - - obey God and then do some internet research !


 

When others prosper!!

Be Happy When Others Prosper
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Proverbs 11:10 NIV

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

Psalm 35:27:

27. Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."

 

Although everyone is called to be generous, you should be especially so if you are wealthy.  Do not be embarrassed by your wealth, but remember it is NOT your money.  As a good steward, use it to bless others.

 

(1 Timothy 6:17-19). Command those who are rich ... to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life

 

Years ago, we had a new Pastor at our church and he drove a Cadillac automobile.  He told us the story of how God gave him this luxurious car.

 

Needing an automobile, he was scanning the want ads in the local paper when he saw a car advertised for ONE dollar.  Answering the ad, he found a wife who was very unhappy with her husband. 

He was divorcing her and in the settlement he was to receive the money from the sale of his beautiful Cadillac.  For spite the wife was selling his prize possession for one dollar.

Quickly our pastor gave her the dollar bill and she signed over the papers to him. 

 

I was always happy to see him drive to church in his lovely car.

 

No one in our church begrudged our Pastor for enjoying his awesome automobile.

 

I know of some ministers who live in very nice homes, and use their profits from book sales to pay for their life style and do not take money from the church or ministry for luxuies.   We must be careful NOT to judge ministers who enjoy nice things.

 

Before we judge another Christian, it would be good to hear the other side of the  story.

 

 

 

When the Burdens are Too Heavy

My Yoke is Easy
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Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light

Sunday Service was different today as our Congregational church met in a combined service with Trinity Presbyterian church. 

Pastor Stanley was ministering about our heavy burdens and how they could be lightened if we will yoke up with Jesus, instead of struggling by ourselves.  As we allow Jesus to stand along side of us, our burdens become easier.

The Bible is full of promises.  “I will be your God and you shall be my people.  A promise is to keep our word and to count on (believe) the promise that it will be fulfilled.  A promise from God is one we can stake our lives on.

Jesus says, Come to me all you weary.  At times we are extremely fatigued, tired weighted down with care, and we search and seek for rest and peace.

We are restless souls in pursuit of relief, and the invitation is open to one and all, “Come.”

The heart of the Gospel is Jesus, who came in the flesh, beyond our understanding as he is fully God.  The presence of God dwelt in Flesh and the promise is Jesus.

Jesus has promised to fulfill not just our weariness, but all our needs.

Many, who consider themselves spiritual, are weighted down with rules and regulations they are not able to keep and live up to.  Doing all that “Work,” they find themselves not any closer to God.

The fact is that the Church is more of a hospital for sinners and not a country club.

Take my yoke says Jesus.  Let us pull together and learn from me.  Jesus is our personal gentle teacher and friend.  In simple obedience to him, we work together and He makes it a joy

The promise is; when we take up His yoke, there is blessing and refreshing.  Commit to Jesus and then experience the peace of God. 

He grants us strength to carry on.  We walk even run and not faint with our Lord.  In His presence is fullness of Joy and peace, not as the world gives, but a calm assurance.

It is said, that sheep will not lay down until all is peaceful and they seek out the green grass.   Jesus promises us the green pasture.

May we accept the invitation of Jesus to take up His yoke for it is easy; then to trust and obey walking forward with Jesus, one day at a time.
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This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

This post is also Linked with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

P.S.  On an interesting note. Today's Choir at the Presbyterian Church had more singers than in our entire church.  One thing that made me smile was when the choir sang their final number, they began to sway back and forth, sort of a Joyful motion.  It reminded me of my story, A Joyful Jump.  All the Presbyterian singers were cooperating, and the only ones standing stiff, were the choir members from our church who were also in the choir. 

Although I am not certain, but in my thinking, I am wondering if our small quickly diminishing church (due to members going to heaven) is thinking about merging with a live growing church like the one we visited today.

A Joyful Jump

Jump for Joy
courtesy photobucket.com

 

We had arrived early the summer of 1976 prior to beginning our Bible School Training.  There was a lot happening in Tulsa Oklahoma, and we decided to take advantage of special meetings through out the area.

An advertised meeting and the name, “W.V. Grant,” was recognized from books and News letters, caught our eye and there was to be prayer for the sick along with good Biblical teaching.

A short thin man led the singing and then he announced that Rev Grant had missed his plane but we would go ahead and enjoy the service and the Rev would miss out.

That was a good way of putting it.

During the song service, the leader suggested that we should jump for joy and dance if that suited us.  Dancing did not, but he led us in a joyful jump instead.

I have seen little children leap and jump for joy over just being so very happy, but this was a first for us.  We looked at each other and made a choice - - Why not? 

So we entered in and with a rhythm to the beat we happily jumped for joy as unto the Lord.

My knees will not allow me to do much jumping these days, but I can sway and step from one foot to the other in praise and worship to the Lord. 

Miriam danced before the Lord and others joined in with her.

King David danced wildly before the Lord and embarrassed his wife.

I do hope this does not embarrass you, but the Bible says to Clap your hands all ye people, shout, sing and worship the Lord.

Our body does want to participate where there is the sound of good worship music and a gentle jump for joy will do us all good.

Praise the Lord for He is worthy to be praised.

  This story is Shared with Ramona at:  Friendship Friday with Joy

Making a Sign

Sign courtesy photobucket.com

 

One of my favorite Blog Sites is Billy Coffee and his ramblings.  He recently wrote a post about a Man with a Sign.  This man had a grievance against the Gas Company, and he decided to protest by holding up a sign about his anger.  Billy gave the man a thumb’s up as he drove by and the man returned the gesture.

This story reminded me of a time I made a big sign.  

We had a guest staying with us in our home, and she was married but separated from her husband.  A man, I will not call him a gentleman, was kind to her and would come by our place, honk his car horn and take her out to dinner.

One evening after church this man showed up in the church parking lot and picked up our guest and was recognized by my friend Agnes.  She told me this man likes to find Christian women and take them down the path of sin.

I hoped this was not the case with our house guest, but I decided to do something perhaps a bit foolish but never the less I needed to act on my idea.

The very next time the man came to pick her up, I placed a large posterboard sign in our front room window. 

 

In BOLD letters it said, “ETERNITY IS A MIGHTY LONG TIME.”

This man knew something about the Bible, and my hand lettered sign was a reminder to him to think about making a change in his life.

My house guest smiled at the sign, but she liked it too.

Eventually she and her husband went back together and life went on and boy friend went on to greener pastures.

For a moment, I am thinking about the Bible and signs and wonders.  It depends where you worship, but in some churches some amazing supernatural signs are happening. 

Although personally I have never seen the gold dust or the mist that enters the room, and people getting healed of gross diseases, but I believe it.  The Bible says these signs are for the unbelievers to realize that God is near and they should repent and receive Jesus. 

Believers are NOT to seek a sign, because they might end up being deceived by something false. 

However if the Spirit moves and signs seem to follow, we as Christians are required to judge if they be of God.

Be teachable to receive truth from God, but for heaven’s sake do not be stupid and gullible.

However I am waiting because the next sign I want to see, is Jesus coming in the clouds!!

 

Power of Ceaseless Prayer



Power of Prayer
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Gleaning from today’s Sermon as Pastor Jerry read from Luke 18:1-8 about the widow who came to the Unjust Judge requesting help from him. 

At first he did not honor her request, but she kept coming until he was weary and finally agreed to grant her appeal lest she continue to bother him.

Understand that if an unjust Judge would give aid unto a person, how much more would a JUST God give to his children.

In this case persistence paid off for the lady.  Jesus urged us NOT to faint but to pray without ceasing.

Pastor gave an illustration about a church group who built a church and it was destroyed by fire.  They rebuilt the church and it was destroyed this time by the wind.  Seven times the church was destroyed, and each time the people built it again. 

 

It was the building that was destroyed, NOT the church and the members were persistent to keep the church alive.  This time they renamed the church, “The church of Living Water.”  Perhaps it needed a name change - - however the church still stands.

Questions arise as to why the wait is so long for many of our prayers. Waiting is the difficult part in prayer.  During the waiting process, often we are changed and God is working on us as individuals to be drawn closer to Him.

In the case of prayers for our health, we would prefer to be healed and quickly regain our strength.  We wonder why God seems to allow suffering in this world. 

We realize that until Jesus returns this world is under the Curse and death will be the last enemy destroyed.

To receive answers to some prayers, it is necessary for us to discover within our inner resources the gumption, and courage to step out, and to use our common sense.

God is a Good Heavenly father and he desires that our needs be supplied.  If we are not able to work, God often provides by using individuals, churches, Religious groups and government agencies.

May we Continue to follow the Scriptural pattern to Ask, Seek and Knock until the answer comes. 

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

New Furniture

A Moving Van
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The year was 1936 and my Dad had just purchased our two story house, and we moved from our rent house what little we had into our new home.

The old house was actually three stories, because there was a four room low ceiling basement that we used for play, a work shop and home canned goods.  Twelve stairs brought you to our living area and upstairs were three rooms and another bath.

One of the Railroad engineers where my Dad worked was refurnishing his entire home.  He was offering for sale a house full of nice but second hand furniture for $250.

 

My dad took him up on his proposal.  A few days later a big moving van pulled up in front of our house.

I remember the red table and chairs in our kitchen, and the brown dining room table with matching chairs, the sofa, an overstuffed chair, some small tables a tall lamp and a fancy lamp to sit on one of the tables.

Dad liked to sit on a padded chair while he listened to our radio.  Important was a wringer washing machine and a refrigerator, plus some other items that to me as a five year old did not make much of an impression.

Our three bedrooms now had a dresser and beds.  Prior to that time, a mattress on the floor was comfortable enough.

All this was blessings to us because when you have little to nothing, almost anything can become a treasure.

 

Years later Mom and Dad purchased a better sofa, and passed our old one, still in good condition to someone else in need.

Even when I left home and married Robert, deluxe furnishings were not the big item but something to make do was the usual.

Today in our home, our big screen TV is our most luxurious item, and my washer and dryer are next.  And of course there is my computer.

Our kitchen has all the gadgets that Robert enjoys using while he cooks.

To be honest we want for nothing except for a bit of our youth to be infused.

We have each other and our three loving dogs so we are rich indeed.

Finding a Way to Meet my Pledge

Image courtesy free clip art

As children growing up, my siblings and I did not receive an allowance, but we were always trying to figure out a way to earn money for things we wanted or needed.

At our annual Missionary Convention, I had made another Missionary Pledge, and I needed to earn $5.00 somehow.

Thumbing through one of our magazines, I discovered an advertisement to sell Christmas Cards.  The company would send a free sample folder so customers could order cards with their names imprinted.

My mother encouraged me to give it a try, so we sent for the folder.  The cards were lovely and to have your name engraved inside was such a bargain.

Our neighbors were very supportive, and they were happy to help me by ordering a box of cards.

 
The man across the street placed a large order as he planned to send his clients a greeting at Christmas.

Even my mother thought the cards were nice, and she agreed that she needed only to address the envelope.   Knowing mother, she would also write a short something inside each card.

My customers were pleased, and I was able to meet my Missionary pledge and enjoy a nice profit too. 

The next year I added some box assortments to my line including Boxes of Everyday and Birthday greetings as well as Christmas cards.  Taking an armful of boxes to church, many of the members were happy to purchase a box of cards from me.

I am not the best sales person, but because the cards were beautiful and the price was right, it did not take a lot of convincing

When I think of Jesus and his gift to us, the price is right, and the profits are amazing.

 

On Our Way Rejoicing

Jesus and the Greatful Leper
courtesy free clip art

Today I gleaned from Pastor Jerry’s sermon for Sunday.  Pastor was reading from Luke 17: 11-19; the story of the ten lepers. 

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, and needed to go through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. As he passed through a village he met ten lepers.  They lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 

Jesus did NOT reach out and touch them, for anyone with leprosy was considered unclean and untouchable. 

Instead he spoke words and told them to go and show themselves to the Priest

If a leper was cured, he must first go to the priest to be declared clean.  As these ten men were on their way to fulfill what the law required, they were healed.

Luke 17:15-16  And one of the lepers, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

It is interesting that the one person who came back with gratitude was a Samaritan.  The Samaritans were looked down upon and hated by the Jews as an abomination.  

The tenth leper was a double whammy, as he was not only a leper, but he was also a Samaritan.

In the natural, leprosy was a terrible incurable disease.  There was no reversing the disease and it was a sentence of death as the skin and body parts of the person were eaten away.  

When Jesus told them to GO to the priest, it is apparent that the nine lepers received a healing and a stop on their disease, but possibly no reversal.

The tenth man who returned with gratitude and thanksgiving was made “whole.”  It is not clear, but it is suggested that missing parts were created and he was not just healed but was restored and made well.

Jesus had spoken a parable about a certain man injured by thieves, and those who considered themselves holy were guilty of passing by the wounded man.  It was a Samaritan who took pity and stopped to give him assistance and paid for his care.

Jesus is no respecter of persons,  the sinful, the sick, the diseased, regardless of race or creed, may come to Jesus and be “Saved.” 

 

This word saved has a blend of meanings.  To be healed, in body, restored emotionally in the soul, and made new in spirit.

Jesus continued to speak.  You are “Saved,” now go on your way rejoicing.

 

Have You Seen Jesus Lately?

Jesus impression
courtesy free clip art

In the early 1980’s, our friends from Bible School had moved from Georgia to California and were called to a small but growing church in Hayward. 

They invited Robert and me to help them by preaching from time to time.

On one occasion, I was to be the guest speaker, so I invited all the workmen from our roofing company and our family members to attend the morning service. 

 

Here they came, bringing with them, girl friends and different family members.

The sermon was going nicely, and as I spoke, I mentioned that Jesus was a Personal Savior and a nearby friend.  “He is so close that we can at any time just look over our shoulder and talk to Jesus.” 

 

As I said those words, I turned to my left and said, “Hello Jesus,” and continued my sermon.

Now, I did not see anything or hear anything out of the ordinary, but an amazing thing happened at the end of the service. 

My cousin came and told me that when I said Hello Jesus, that his girl friend’s eyes were opened and she saw Jesus standing right there next to me.

Perhaps she did see Jesus, and He was allowing her to know that he loved her.  Other than that I have no explanation for what she saw or thought she saw.

I am reminded of another meeting that my mother and I attended in Phoenix Arizona.  It was a week end seminar with Joyce Meyer held at an Assembly of God church

A woman whose husband had a business meeting in Phoenix had allowed her to come with him so she could attend the special services.  He agreed to attend one of the evening services with her.

After the music ministry was over, Joyce came on stage wearing a white pants suit with sparkling sequence decorations on it.

The gentleman told his wife, “That is impressive that all those tall young men also dressed in white sparkling clothes, carrying shining swords, followed her out from the wings and stood behind her during the sermon.”

The man’s wife did not see any young men and knew that her husband was viewing angels as a sign to him and to her. 

After the service she reported her husband’s vision to David Meyer, Joyce’s husband and Joyce shared it at the next meeting.  All were glorifying God.

I would like things like this to happen more often, but I am certain that regardless if we actually see Jesus or angels with our physical eyes, - - they are there.

 

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

 

Also Shared at: Week End Brew with Barbie 

 

Pass the Germs Please



Children Kissing
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My little red headed Kindergarten, friend Bruce, with the cute freckles came over to my house after school one day to play in our driveway, as we dug, looked for rocks and bugs.

My parents were always affectionate and would hug and kiss in front of us children.

I said that to say this:  That day, my dad was viewing Bruce and me from the kitchen window and I called to Dad to watch us with our new game, Mama and Daddy.

“Look Daddy, look at us.” I called loudly.  “We are playing we are married.”  Then I grabbed Bruce and planted a big kiss on his mouth.

My dad opened the kitchen door and said, “Hazel, please come in the house for a minute, and Bruce can wait for you outside.”

Happily I entered the kitchen and my dad sat down so he could look into my face.

He said, “I don’t think your game is a very good idea and let me explain.”  He continued, “There are a lot of germs going around, and you can catch a bad cold or something worse from too much kissing.  It would be better if you did not play your game anymore.”

His explanation satisfied me so I told Bruce, “My dad said, we might get germs from kissing, so we won’t play that game any more.”

Actually I think Bruce was relieved.

In life some games might seem innocent enough, and many are above suspicion and just a game.  However there are games that could be life threatening.

If the game involves your body, you need to pay special attention to the Scripture that says,  

 

I Corinthians 6:19  What? Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?

In the mean while, Kiss your spouse liberally, and do give kisses on the cheek to your children and even special friends.

 

All Green Sweaters Look Alike

Green Sweaters
courtesy Google Search

 

Just recently we had moved to Oakland and our family was living in a rent house on 69^th Avenue, and I was attending the first half of kindergarten. 

 

Winter was coming on and mother had bought me a beautiful forest green sweater to wear back and forth to school.

Our class room had a wall with wooden pegs for us to hang our coats, jackets and sweaters on, so I dutifully placed my sweater there each day.

One day as I was ready to leave school and start out for home, I reached for my green sweater.

Wait, this was not my sweater.  It only looked like mine but this one was a short sleeved sweater vest.

My tears were noticed by my teacher and she assured me that this was a mistake and someone would realize their error and return my sweater probably tomorrow.

Running home, I told my mother what had occurred, and she told me not to worry and we would pray that my sweater would find its way back to me.

The next day, sure enough, Bruce was holding my sweater and he looked so embarrassed as he told our teacher of his error.

Bruce was a nice boy and he had not intended to steal my sweater, it was all a slip-up from him not paying good attention.

Forgiving Bruce was easy, and since he lived just down the street from me, we began to walk home together. 

Isn’t it amazing how you can find a best friend from a blunder?

A good friend is hard to find, and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

The Eyes Have it.

Sunglasses for out doors
courtesy google search

 

Update on my second cataract surgery.  We went to Roseville on Friday for my one week after surgery check up, and my eye is taking longer to heal, so my Surgeon cancelled my exam next week for new glasses.

He wants to see me in three weeks to give more time for healing, and at that time he plans to remove the stitch that is in my left eye.   Meanwhile, I continue the eye drops as prescribed and each day there is minor improvement.

I am not in pain, and I can see distance, but I can't read a book, magazine or my Bible. This should change as my eye continues to heal.

I can read on my computer and so I read my Bible on line, at  e-sword.net. where is offered a free Bible download with several versions to select from.

Bible Gateway site also has an audio version of the Bible and I used it for a couple days following my surgery when I couldn’t even see my computer.

I am thankful for all the advantages of modern medicine and technology.  We are blessed to live in this time on earth.

Yesterday in the mail I received a nice get well card from the nurses at the surgery with greetings of thank you from those who received my Rescue the Stories Book one.

I am able to drive and enjoyed church on Sunday.  One of our dear ladies, asked me when is book three coming?  She said “I must have it.”

I am doing a final edit of book three and am finding a few punctuation errors, and am also giving a softer touch to some of the stories.  Jesus must be seen in my books and that is my goal.

May our eyes continually be on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Duty is a Four Letter Word



Report for Duty
courtesy google search

 

As I took notes on Pastor Jerry’s sermon, he was reading in Luke about mustard seed faith, and the duty of a servant.

 Luke 17: 5-10  “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’?  Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?  So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.”

 
When we think of four letter words, we often think of expletives’ and cartoons that show symbols such as #%@& $  instead of words.
 
Pastor gave an illustration:  A Pastor’s wife plopped into her chair and said, “I am so tired.”  Her husband said, I am the one who should be tired, I held three services and preached 5 times today.”  She said, “I am tired because it was my duty to listen to you through them all.”

A small boy was praying and telling God what he wanted done, as if it was God’s duty to answer his prayers.

 There are many types of duty, Jury duty, duty to pay our taxes, parental duty, social and Christian duties.  The word DUTY can cause us a heavy load to bear.  Some even have a duty to duty !!

In a church we may be asked to serve on committees, as it is our duty to do so.  We may not even be fitted for the job but we do our best feeling it is our duty. 

 

Actually the spiritual gifts as well as natural abilities should be considered when selecting people to fill a position. 

No one wants the position of being a servant.  There is a limit to our desires and duty calls.  We feel obligated to do the right thing.  There are demands for every situation.

The reality is that the servant prepares, serves and has no rest.  He is not thanked or given honor for a job well done.  He does not expect praise and is considered ordinary because it was his duty.  He does not expect a special honor luncheon or a five year pin.

 
We work hard in church activities, and we do show appreciation for our volunteers, as this is a management tool.

We all have a duty toward God.  There is no vacation, or time off, and no retirement.  We are a Christian until the day we return to Jesus.  Really this is the best life that there is.

We can never repay God for what he has provided for us.  Our desire is to hear him say, “Well done thou Good and Faithful Servant.” 

 

It is not actually out of DUTY that we serve Jesus, but we use another four letter word and that is LOVE.

May we all report to Jesus for DUTY. 

 

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays
This post is also Linked with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Aunt Edna's Funeral Guest Post by Dauighter Judie

A Great Crowd of Witnesses
courtesy photobucket.com

Hi Mom and Dad!

I am now home safe and wanted to share with you what happened on Friday at Aunt Edna's funeral.

 

I arrived in Lindsay on Wednesday and stayed at the one hotel in Lindsay, Super 8.

On Thursday I looked around town and found the Cemetery and funeral home.

I woke up early on Friday and as always headed to the motel breakfast in my PJ's.

When I saw Edna's daughter Anna and her husband David and their kids I said oops and thought about going back to the room to change but David said real loud, "There's Judie!!!!!

I told them if I knew they were going to be there I would have worn some clothes!  Hah, Hah!

Anyway, I wasn't sure what to expect since everyone (especially Jimmy) was crying so hard at Grandma Ruth’s funeral.

It seemed like nothing was planned at all.  Anna told me they decided to have a viewing which I appreciated.  When I arrived the family was sitting around a large table picking out a headstone and planning the service, this was 11:50.

I was trying to be real quite and allow them privacy.

At the grave site, I arrived at 1:55 and everyone was waiting for me - -.it was a very small service.  Around seven people were there that remembered Edna from her church in Lindsay.

When the preacher asked if anyone wanted to say anything, Melvin was the only family member that said anything. Anna was a mess, very distraught.

At the end I went up and read your post from your blog and  Anna's face lit up and she was smiling.  She really understood why you weren't there but she appreciated your thoughts and message.

That’s all for now,

Love,

Judie

 

Tea for Upset stomachs

Oh oooo
courtesy photobucket.com

My baby days are gone, but we do have three dogs, and one of them is sick with a very upset stomach.

There was vomiting, and he refused to eat, but was drinking water. His eyes told us that he was certainly not feeling well.  We had no idea what he might have eaten to cause this, or if it was the flu bug.

We decided to take him to the Vet, where an IV was prescribed, a shot of antibiotic, X-rays of his stomach and chest, blood work up and a stay overnight to be watched. 

“Call in the morning,around 10:00am,” said the Vet.

In the morning the Vet said come get him and take him to Chico for an ultra-sound of his stomach, as he still is depressed (sad looking) so we drove into town to the Vet. 

By then a golden Lab in heat, was admitted to the Vet office, and old Buck stood, wagged his tail, and seemed happier, for good reason.

The Vet determined they would keep him awhile longer, continue the fluids, and for us to come pick him up at 4:00 pm. 

When we arrived home, I checked my e-mail and discovered a comment by a fellow blogger, so I tried to go to her site to leave her a comment. 

These new Google circles take you everywhere except where you want to go,. Instead of the destination entended, I ended up elsewhere.
 
Now this was interesting a tea for babies with an upset stomach. 

I am sure a homemade mild herb tea would help anyone (including animals) so I copied the address and share the recipe here with you.

 Gripe Water   by Sara

 http://mymerrymessylife.com/2013/07/homemade-gripe-water-for-colic-in-babies.html

Ingredients

• 1 bag chamomile tea
• 1 bag Ginger Lemon Tea
• 1 tsp. Fennel
• 1 tsp. Dill Weed
• 1 tsp. raw sugar
• 1 cup of water

Instructions

 

1.    Pour hot water over all ingredients and steep for about 10 minutes, or until it starts to get strong. If you want to make more, add 2 or 3 cups of water and steep for 20 to 30 minutes.
 

Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (label your jar)

3.    DOSAGE – 1 teaspoon or 5 ml

Sterilize the container, and the eye dropper or bottle you use to dispense.

This post is shared at Ann Kroeker’s Food on Fridays

The Gift of Stories

Stories can Teach us Life's Lessons

The telephone rang and it was the call I had been expecting. 

The nurse on the other end of the line was to let me know the time I should arrive for my second cataract surgery. 

“Be there by 6:40 am,” she told me as she gave me her set of instructions I was to follow. 

 

I asked her, “How many nurses will there be working in surgery tomorrow?” 

 

She paused then checked her schedule and said, “Probably ten.” 

 

I told her I had written a book about my childhood and wanted to give the nurses a gift.  She seemed pleased.

I was still feeling guilty for my rude remark to the nurse at my first surgery when she hurt me as she inserted the IV.  I had wanted to bring her a present of my book, but then I decided to include all the nurses. 

At home, I counted out 12 books and realized these were the last copies of book One.  I added one copy of book number Two and placed 13 books in a green Kohl’s carry bag.

The next morning when I arrived, the nurse told me her name, and I realized she was the same person I had spoken to on the phone.  I told her about the books, and she remembered.  She said she would tell all the nurses to take a copy.

Then she took a sticky note and wrote the Surgeon’s name on it and placed the note on one of the books and set it at the foot of my surgery chair. 

When the surgeon came to greet me, he thanked me for the book, and I told him to read a story to his wife every night.

My surgery went well, and the new lens gives clearer vision.  I return Friday for another follow up and again a week later to have my eyes checked for new glasses.

Sight is a precious gift.  It is well to recognize that we also have spiritual eyes to be able to view what God has in store for us.  Paul says it very well:

Ephesians 1:18  The eyes of your understanding  being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of  his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

 

This post has been shared with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday