TAGGED AGAIN FOR ANOTHER MEME!!

I was just tagged by Susie's Space for this meme - So here goes another one!!!

INSTRUCTIONS: Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so.
SusieJI

Still See A Spark In You

walking through doors

Susie’s Space

Penless Writer


Next select five people to tag:

Sunshine on my Shoulder

Bloggin' with Lori

Frazzled Farm Wife

Kitty's Korner

Learning to Weave
Anyone else who wants to play is, of course, welcome!! (and no obligation if you don't feel like doing this either!)

Now ~ the questions:
"What were you doing 10 years ago?" My husband had just retired and we sold our large home and were heading for a 6 months RV trip to Alaska. My husbands life long dream.

"What were you doing 1 year ago?" Taking care of our 7 year old grandson and 11 year old granddaughter all day for our Son who had just become a Single Dad 2 months earlier.

Five snacks you enjoy: Popcorn, Pretzels, Peanuts, Ice Cream, Cookies

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics: Amazing Grace, America the Beautiful, Just as I Am, How Great Thou Art, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire: Set up a $100,000 trust for all 4 of our children and 6 grandchildren (They could spend the interest but not the principal, Buy our daughter Jacque a home, Buy our son David a home, Go to Israel, Go to the Netherlands.

Five bad habits: Talking too much, Snacking too much, Back seat driving (drives my husband crazy), Not liking to exercise, Always trying to buy the least expensive thing.

Five things you like doing: Blogging, Going out to dinner with friends, Entertaining Friends and family, going to Church, traveling.

Five things you would never wear again: 3" heels, a bathing suit, a wig (unless for medical reasons), real heavy makeup, a mini skirt

Five Favorite toys: My computer!!!, Dish Network, Stereo system, Can't think of 2 more :o(

SHOW & TELL #8 Lord's Supper Painting

Yeah!!! Its Show & Tell Friday. Go over to Kelli's at There is a Place Called Home and get all the particulars, if you're not already doing this. Then join in the fun and show us something special, unique, interesting or just plain fun and tell us all about it.

My show and tell for this week is this Paint-by-number picture of the Lord's Last Supper. This kit was given to me as a Christmas gift in 1959. I don't remember by whom but they were quite popular during that time. I had done several and loved doing them.

I am showing this, as much to tell this story, as to show the picture.

One day as I was painting this picture I had spent the ENTIRE day (almost) just painting. Hadn't gotten dressed, hadn't made the bed or done the dishes.....no dinner being prepared....you get the picture!!! I'm sure I did take time out to feed my 2 little girls lunch and tend to their immediate needs.

Enter my husband of 1 1/2 years........He never criticised, he didn't say much...but he didn't have to as he looked around and very gently said, "What's you been doing all day?" This young bride and mother of 2 small girls got the message Loud & Clear that he expected more out of his wife and that he was disappointed!! To my knowledge he never came home to that scene again. I am a quick learner!!!!

I am very proud of the picture. I had it framed professionally upon completion. For 48 years it has hung proudly in every home that we have lived in and in 3 states. It is a constant reminder to me of not only my Lord but the loving, kind and oh so very gentle, gentleman I have been blessed to share these years and my life with. It is also a testimony of my stick-to-itiveness of not being a quiter.

ROCKIN' GIRL AWARDS

Pearls of Wisdom was kind and nominated me for this Rockin' Girl Blogger Award today.

Sweet Lyndy at Oh Fiddle-dee-de had given me Honorable Mention for the same award yesterday.

I am certainly honored by this from these two. BUT I also have to say I find it humorous

because I never, in a million years, would put the adjectives

Rockin' or Girl

to me!!!!!

So now, I am supposed to pick five women to nominate.

Linds of Rocking Chair Reflections - Linds is one of my Great Britain friends. She is one I connected with very early on in my LONG 5 month blogging life!!! Linds is a fantastic writer. She often leaves me laughing out loud with her wit and I enjoy that. But Linds goes so much deeper than that. She writes with such truth and honesty and shares herself so openly. Linds lost her deal, loving husband just a year ago and has chronicled her ups and downs as her life has been turned up and down with this moment and fact of live that none of us are ever prepared for. Linds, if anyone deserves the ROCKIN' GIRL AWARD it is YOU.

Leigh Ann of Momma Roar - This young momma of 3 truly roars and she truly rocks!! Leigh Ann was about one of the very first people to comment on my blog as I gingerly took my first faltering steps of blogging. We have been thick from that first comment. Leigh Ann is witty beyond belief and has such a great sense of humor. BUT Leigh Ann also has a depth and maturity about her that I marvel at with one so young. She has literally "held my hand" and had the patience of Job in trying to teach me some of the fancy tricks of blogging. I appreciate you so much Leigh Ann as you well know. You are truly a ROCKIN' GIRL.

Jennifer of Pen-of-Jen - The Pen of Jen is a powerful pen. Jennifer falls into a Rockin' category all her own. She writes with such conviction and amazes me with how well informed she is on social issues. She is a happily married Home School mom of 4 children and so on fire for the Lord. You can tell from her writings what a close knit family they are. She has truly become a wonderful and close friend. Jennifer there should be a special ROCKIN' GIRL CATEGORY just for you.

Ginger of Just a Thought - Sweet and gentle are the words to describe Ginger. She is a very special person who truly loves the Lord and has a wonderful testimony. She is the mother of 3 grown daughters and honestly shares her struggles with her youngest leaving home. Gingers site is always a sight for your eyes with the wonderful and interesting graphics she uses. Ginger has that special knack of making everyone feel special and appreciated. She is one special SWEET ROCKIN' GIRL.

Myrna of Cherish...the Word - Talk about grace under fire and you are talking about this sweet woman. Myrna you are an inspiration to me as you walk the walk and demonstrate such grace, joy and enthusiasm. You amaze me and you surely are one super special ROCKING GIRL who earns this award.

I do appreciate this award but truly the biggest award to me are the

people who encourage me daily by visiting my blog, reading what I have

to say, and leaving wonderful comments that encourage me.

And then the privilege of reading all the wonderful blogs and what you post.

You make me laugh, cry and THINK!!! Most of all you make me

realize how very wonderful the Body of Christ is.

That's an AWARD!!!!!

THE WORD - WORDS

I have always loved words. Either speaking them (I am a talker) or reading them. I loved talking and discussing things with my father and mother. Being raised, basically as an oly child, books were very much my friends from a very early age. As a young girl I think I read every Nancy Drew book. Many a night I would be reading in the middle of the night and my mother would awaken and see the light on in my room and hollwe, "Susan, shut out that light and go to sleep".

I remember, as a young girl, having discussions with my father about libraries. Being born in 1885 he was well aware what a privilege it was when Public Libraries began to be opened and established. We today just take for granted that we can get almost any book, at any time. All we have to do is go to a book store, or a library or even on line and find them. It did not use to be so and books were very scarce and precious.

The first public library was claimed to be established in Boston, Massachusetts in 1636. The Boston Library still operates today. Benjamin Franklin and a group of his friends founded The Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731 as a means to settle arguments. The subscription library was born. A subscription library allowed individuals to buy "shares". The money raised from the sale of shares went into buying more books. A member, or shareholder, then had rights to use the library. The Library Company, which may have been the first truly public library (members could actually borrow books), is still in existence as a nonprofit, independent research library.

The Library of Congress was established by an act of Congress in 1800 under President John Adams. With an appropriation of $5,000 the original library was housed in the new Capitol until August, 1814, when invading British troops set fire to the Capitol Building, burning and pillagint the contents of the small library.

Within a month retired President Thomas Jefferson offered his personal library as a replacement. Jefferson had spent 50 years accumulating books, "putting by everything which related to America, and indeed whatever was rare and valuable in every science"; his library was considered to be one of the finest in the U.S. In January 1815, Congress accepted his offer, and appropriated $23,950 for his 6,487 books. As an aside, The Library of Congress is the most beautiful building I have ever had the privilege of seeing.

Andres Carnegie was the person who made it possible for many communities to have a library. Between the years 1883 and 1929 he funded 2,509 libraries in English speaking countries. 1,689 were built in the U.S. Very few towns that requested a grant and agreed to his terms were refused. When the last grant was made in 1919, there were 3,500 libraries in the U.S. of which nearly half were paid for by Carnegie.

It was in 1935 when the first mass produced paper back books became available. The reduced cost of these books was a further step in making the written word available to a large number of people.

It is truly amazing when we take time to stop and think about words. Almost all communication is done with words. We speak and communicate to one another in words. We are so excited when a baby says that first word. The ability to form ideas in our mind and relate our thoughts to others is in words, either spoken or written. Even the third verse in our Bible begins "And God said...."

I am thankful for words, for the ability to speak, for the ability to read, for the ability to purchase and own the books of my choice, for the ability to check out a book from my library or borrow a book from a friend, for the ability to read the various posts on the blogs I choose and find interesting, informative or funny.

Most of all I am thankful that God inspired men, by the Holy Spirit, to write the 66 books that form our Bible.

I am thankful the New Testament is CONTAINED in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is EXPLAINED in the New Testament.

I am thankful the New Testament is CONCEALED in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is REVEALED in the New Testament.

I am thankful the New Testament AUTHENTICATES the Old Testament and the Old Testament ANTICIPATES the New Testament.

I am thankful the New Testament LIES HIDDEN in the Old Testament and the Old Testament LIES OPEN in the New Testament.

I am thankful the Old Testament PREDICTS a Person and the New Testament PRESENTS that Person.

I AM THANKFUL FOR GOD'S WRITTEN WORD

THE ABILITY TO READ AND SPEAK IT

THE PRIVILEGE OF LIVING IN A FREE COUNTRY

THAT ALLOWS ME FREEDOM TO READ, TO SPEAK AND TO WRITE

Most of the historial information in this post is from Wikipedia, the free enclopedia.

Old & New Testament comments from

Food for Thoughts by Roy Gustafson

WOMEN TO WOMEN #3

Well it's time to do the monthly Woman to Woman topic hosted by Morning Glory, here.

And co-hosted by My Many Colored Days, here.

Go to either of these web sites to find out more about it and to sign up with Mr. Linky.

The topic this month is Share an important quote and what it means to you. I knew I had to get in on this one when I heard the topic because I love words.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work

in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Phillippians 1:6

I cannot remember when the above verse (or Biblical quote) became my life verse. I think it was in 1966 when I first began my first bible memory course. You can go here to read about it. So for the past 40 years I have studied about, meditated on and given much thought to what this verse means to me.

#1 - I AM CONFIDENT - first I am totally confident in God being THE supreme being. Yes, there are many "gods" in this world but I am confident in THE One True God. I am confident that Jesus the Christ is the Son of God. I am confident that I have put my faith and trust in Jesus, and Jesus alone as not only my Savior (a lot of people have him there kind of like a "fire escape") but my LORD. I am confident that the Bible is the Living Word of God. Not just a dead book written years ago, as some believe, but a book that is alive and speaks to us individually, as well as collectively. A book that even though I've read through it time and time again, and studied it deeply, will suddenly speak to me about a verse with a new depth or insight that I'd never seen before. I am confident that this verse, as all the verses, is speaking to me and giving me this promise.

#2 - HE HAS BEGUN THE WORK - He began this work in me on September 24, 1956 when I first believed that the atoning work of Jesus the Christ was a finished work. He put a new heart in me that very moment at that little altar in a church. He raised me up from that altar a new creation. Oh yes, I was just as much an infant in the Spirit on that day as I was an infant in the flesh on December 25, 1937. I was just as much a baby in Christ, then an adolescent in Christ, then a young adult in Christ. It was and is a progression. Sanctification.

#3 - HE WILL COMPLETE IT - He will never leave me or forsake me. His Word tells me this. Though I stumble and fall (and oh I do) He will pick me up time and time again, as long as I confess my sin to Him and ask forgiveness. He is the sure rock, the firm foundation and when I die, or when I meet Him in the sky, I will live with Him forever. He will complete what He has begun. He will perform it.

This is what this quote means to me.

When I fully grasped that it was His finished work and His continuing work and He was faithful and would perform all that He has said He would and He would perform it ALL what a freedom and joy it brought to my life. Joy unspeakable and full of glory!!!

PRAISE GOD, FATHER, SON & HOLY GHOST

ONE GOD

AT HIS NAME EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

AND EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS

THAT JESUS IS LORD

SHOW & TELL #7 Beer Stein

Well it's Friday again and Show & Tell time again. Such a fun time. Be sure and go here, to Kelli's blog There Is No Place Like Home to find out all about it and sign up on Mr. Linky.

This is my show & tell for this week. This is a beer stein (no we do not drink!) but I have a collection of beer steins and mugs that were started with this guy, and then added to by friend's trips overseas and bringing me back steins as gifts. I have had this guy since about 1966, so that makes him 41 years old to me. I have done a lot of looking, when we are in shops where steins sold and I have never seen another one like him. He is so cute and special.

He has quite a few stampings on the bottom showing he was made in Western Germany and then initials and numbers.

This is a side view of him showing his handle and profile. Quite a lovable looking guy wouldn't you say?

Thank you Kelli for letting me once again participate in your Show & Tell and show off this special little guy.

TIME GETS BETTER WITH AGE.

Just a little under the weather so filling in with some of these items. Hope that's okey and that everyone is enjoying the first day of summer. Our rain has finally stopped and now they are predicting the hot weather to set in. My least favorite time of year "o)

These little things about how our view of life changes as we get older are kind of cute. Hope you enjoy them. I totatlly agree with the last one----and no I'm not in my 90's----yet :o)

I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night".Age 5

I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either. Age 7

I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 9

I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again. Age 12

I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. Age 14

I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 15

========================================================

I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. Age 24

I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures. Age 26

I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there. Age 29

I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 30

========================================================

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it. Age 42

I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little note. Age 44

I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. Age 46

I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. Age 47

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. Age 48

I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours. Age 49

========================================================

I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. Age 50

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. Age 51

I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Age 52

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. Age 53

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. Age 58

==================================================================

I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage. Age 61

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65

I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 66

=======================================================

I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. Age 82

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. Age 90

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 92

CHRISTIAN ONE LINERS

Here are some one-liners that have been around but thought I'd post them today. Have a wonderful summer day.

DON'T LET YOUR WORRIES GET THE BEST OF YOU; REMEMBER, MOSES STARTED OUT AS A BASKET CASE.

*****

MANY FOLKS WANT TO SERVE GOD, BUT ONLY AS ADVISERS.

*****

IT IS EASIER TO PREACH TEN SERMONS THAN IT IS TO LIVE ONE.

*****

THE GOOD LORD DIDN'T CREATE ANYTHING WITHOUT A PURPOSE,

BUT MOSQUITOES COME CLOSE.

*****

PEOPLE ARE FUNNY; THEY WANT THE FRONT OF THE BUS,

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AND THE BACK OF THE CHURCH

*****

OPPORTUNITY MAY KNOCK ONCE,

BUT TEMPTATION BANGS ON YOUR FRONT DOOR FOREVER.

*****

QUIT GRIPING ABOUT YOUR CHURCH;

IF IT WAS PERFECT, YOU COULDN'T BELONG.

*****

SOME MINDS ARE LIKE CONCRETE...

THROUGHLY MIXED UP AND PERMANENTLY SET.

*****

PEACE STARTS WITH A SMILE.

*****

I DON'T KNOW WHY SOME PEOPLE CHANGE CHURCHES;

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE WHICH ONE YOU STAY

HOME FROM ?!

*****

WE ARE CALLED TO BE WITNESSES,

NOT LAWYERS OR JUDGES.

*****

BE YE FISHERS OF MEN.

YOU CATCH THEM - HE'LL CLEAN THEM.

*****

DON'T PUT A QUESTION MARK WHERE GOD PUTS A PERIOD.

****

FORBIDDEN FRUITS CREATE MANY JAMS.

*****

GOD DOESN'T CALL THE QUALIFIED, HE QUALIFIES THE CALLED.

*****

GOD GRADES ON THE CROSS, NOT THE CURVE.

*****

GOD LOVES EVERYONE BUT PROBABLY PREFERS

"FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT" OVER "RELIGIOUS NUTS!"

*****

GOD PROMISES A SAFE LANDING, NOT A CALM PASSAGE.

*****

HE WHO ANGERS YOU, CONTROLS YOU!

*****

IF GOD IS YOUR CO-PILOT - SWAP SEATS!

*****

PRAYER:

DON'T GIVE GOD INSTRUCTIONS -- JUST REPORT FOR DUTY!

*****

THE TASK AHEAD OF US IS NEVER AS

GREAT AS THE POWER BEHIND US.

*****

THE WILL OF GOD NEVER TAKES YOU

WHERE THE GRACE OF GOD WILL NOT PROTECT YOU.

*****

WE DON'T CHANGE THE MESSAGE,

THE MESSAGE CHANGES US.

*****

YOU CAN TELL HOW BIG A PERSON IS

BY WHAT IT TAKES TO.....DISCOURAGE HIM.

*****

THE BEST MATHEMATICAL EQUATION I HAVE EVER SEEN:

1 CROSS + 3 NAILS = 4 GIVEN.

*****

FATHER'S DAY 2007

Father's Day was hosted by daughter, Suzette, and Son-in-love, Dave, at their home where Dave just completed this lovely pergola. Dave was also chef of the steak and chicken shish-kabobs. YUM!!

Here's Benny, Mickey & Marc eating dessert and watching the golf game.


Here's all the guys enjoying their meal. Mickey, Dave, Marc, Aric & Benny.



The gals, Jacque, Oksana, Suzette & I, ate inside on the linen table cloth and enjoying the cool air.
We had a grand time of honoring Mickey. We love family and time spent together just enjoying each other and having a good time.
Saturday Suzette and I spent the entire day together. We meet at 10 a.m. and I didn't get home until 5:30 p.m. We had such a good time. We went shopping, then ate at a new "girly" eatery and then Suzette treated us BOTH to a manicure and a pedicure. It was absolutely the best pedicure I've ever had. Thanks honey :o)
Aric came home with us and is spending a few days. Grandpa made a run to the doughnut shop this morning. Aric equates Grandma & Grandpa's with doughnuts!! Friday night Dave, Suzette, Jacque, Benny, Aric & Oksana are all going to the lake for a weekend camp out. Mickey, Marc & I are passing on that one :o)

Our 7th and final sermon yesterday on Unaltered Christianity was on

UNALTERED STABILITY

Although it was directed and applicable to each and every one of us Pastor Gary really focused on the Father's role of stability in all walks of a mans life. Starting of course with his role as head of the home and family. I am so proud to have a husband who is, and has been, that stability in our family for both me and our children and now even to our grandchildren. Long after we are both gone they will remember the undying love and stability of their father..

FATHER'S DAILY SURVIVAL KIT

Items Needed:

Mint

Candy Kiss

Tea Bag

Eraser

Rubber Band

Toothpick

Chewing Gum

Band Aid

Pencil

WHY?????

TOOTHPICK - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others. * Matthew 7:1

RUBBER BAND - to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want but it will work out. * Romans 8:28

BAND AIR - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, your or someone else's. * Collisions 3:12014

PENCIL - to remind you to list your blessings everyday. * Ephesians 1:3

ERASER - to remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay. * Genesis 50:15-21

CHEWING GUM - to remind you to stick with it, and you can accomplish anything.

* Philippians 4:13

MINT - to remind you that you are worth a mint. * John 3:16-17

CANDY KISS - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday. * John 4:7

TEA BAG - to remind you to relax daily and go over your list of blessings. * II Thessalonians 5:18

* Relevant Scriptures

THIS & THAT - UP COMING TRIP

Mickey's recent harvest. Sure have been having lots of good eating of these fresh veggies.

Look at Oksana's new "grill" (as she calls it)!

======================================================

Our trip to Nova Scotia is coming up soon!

If there is ANYONE reading this from Nova Scotia would love to hear from you.

We will be in both Halifax and Pictou.

We went around Cape Breton in 2000.

Is there anything, or any place, that is a must visit?

Any advice and information will be greatly appreciated.

We are also going up and around the Gaspe'

Any information about what to see and do here will be appreciated, too.

SHOW & TELL #6 - Scripture Memory Books

Welcome to Show and Tell Friday!" Do you have a something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, an antique find. Your show and tell can be old or new. Use your imagination and dig through those old boxes in your closet if you have to! Feel free to share pictures and if there's a story behind your special something, that's even better! Go over to Kelli's, at There Is No Place Like Home, to find out all about it and join in.

This week I am sharing 3 books, which represent 3 years, of Adult Bible Memory that I began on December 16, 1976. Each week you would have 5 or 6 verses to memorize. The following week you would recite them to an assigned "coach" who would initial and date that page.





This is Book 2 which I began in December, 1977.





This is a one of the pages of Book 2 as an example. You can see "lw 7-2-78 very good!" marked by my coach.





This is the 3rd and final book I began in December, 1978.


I truly believe with all my heart "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalms 119:11 I was just a few days from my 39th birthday!!! It is never to late to begin planting God's word in our heart.

BLOGGING Meme

I've blogged about my feelings on blogging before here. But saw this one on my dear friend, Linds, blog and since it was answering some specific questions I thought it would be fun to do.


It's being hosted by chilihead so go over and add to her Mr. Linky if you want to join in.
#1 - How did you start blogging? A young mother in our church, Kahri, had a blog about the miracle of her daughter, Kaedra. As Care Leaders of our church I would check the blog daily to keep up with the family. I never left a comment but Kahri knew I was reading her blog.


#2 - Did you intent to be a blog with a big following? If so, how did you go about it?
This question makes me laugh, When I finally got up the nerve to begin my blog I hoped that someone, somewhere, sometime might stumble on me and perhaps leave a comment. To have had 2 people stumble by and leave comments was a dream.


#3 - What do you hope to achieve or accomplish with your blog? Have you been successful? If not, do you have a plan to achieve those goals? Since the blog I had been reading was a young SAHM, and her blog friends listed on her side bar, which I would also read once in awhile we also young SAHM I was hoping to find a woman or two of about my age which is in my 60's.


Oh my, I have been more than successful. I have found numerous woman, and a few men,of ALL ages: young, middle age and my age with varied interests and from all over this wonderful world of our. They share not only their ideas but their very selves.


#4 - Has the focus of your blog changed since you started blogging? How? The scope and range of my blog have changed a lot since I began on January 31, 2007. I blog about a much more vast array of topics than I ever imagined. I have found it such a wonderful way to document my long life and be able to share a little of the wisdom and experience that you gain living a long and interesting life. I have found it a wonderful avenue to honor people who have played such an important part in my life and making me who I am today. It has been an avenue to make such wonderful friends, literally around the globe and to find out how very much we all have in common. It's been wonderful to learn of all the interesting and varied lives others have, and are living. I have found it to be educational on events and topics.


The thing that pleases me the most, is I realize what a tool it is in leaving a history of my life for my family after I am gone. I wish I had something like this where my mother and father had shared about their feelings and activities.


#5 - What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you started? To have picked a few basic labels to put on my blogs. I have way too many labels and am attempting to narrow them down as I go. I still don't understand what the links area on the blog below the title means or how to utilize it.


#6 - Do you make money with your blog? NO! I truly hope blogland does not turn into just another revenue venture. We are retired and on a fixed income, so it's not that I couldn't use extra revenue, but I just hate the fact that people seem to always have making money effect anything and everything they get involved with.


#7 - Does your immediate or extended family know about your blog? If so, do they read it? If not, why? Yes all my extended family know I have a blog. They read it spasmodically and hit & miss but not actively. It beats me why not. If they had blogs I would delight in reading them. My extended family consists of my children so maybe they feel that they already know everything I think, feel or have to say. Or maybe they find me boring!


#8 - What two pieces of advice would you give a new blogger? Just jump in and do it without hesitation. Be real, don't be phony.

30 YEAR VOW RENEWAL OCTOBER 1, 1988

These are the pictures from our 30th Wedding Anniversary Vow Renewal that took place on October 1, 1988.

Our youngest son, Marc, and our son-in-law, Terry, were Best Men

Our daughters, Suzette and Jacque, were the Brides Attendants

Our 2 year old grand daughter, Jessica, was the flower girl (she would not walk down the isle by herself so her mother, Jacque, walked with her)

My forever friends, Bev & Joan were candle lighters

The pastor was Terry Matthews

The church was Oasis of Love, Albuquerque, NM

VACATION MEMORIES

Annie, of My Life As Annie, is hosting Time Travel Tuesday. I've never participated before but the topic, Vacation Memories, reminded me of a very special and different one for our family so I'd like to share it with you. Go here and sign in Mr. Linky if you'd like to participate.

Vacationing At Home!!

I don't remember the exact year, but it was in the early 70's. We had all 4 children at home, and it was a rather tight time (financially) for us. Vacation time was rolling around and we did not have the funds to take a vacation as we normally did. I've always been one that sees the glass half full & not half empty. I also believe in making Lemonade out of Lemons. SO...........

We decided that we were going to vacation at home, in Tulsa!!! We would get up every morning and go out to breakfast and then begin the sightseeing and activities we had chosen for the day, we ate lunch out and we ate dinner out, and then we would go home at the end of the day, and fall into our own beds, to sleep. The next day we would do the same and so on.

Even though we had lived in Tulsa a number of years there were a lot of places and things to see that we had never taken the time, or had the time, to visit. This was our time to do just that.

These are the places we visited:

Philbrook Museum - This was the home of oilman, millionaire Waite Phillips and has been turned into a very fire Art Museum. It is one of only 5 museums in the country that is a combination historic home, art collection and gardens.

Tulsa Rose Garden & Woodward Park - Near Philbrook this is an outstanding and beautiful area.

Gilcrease Museum - This houses the works of world famous Western Artist Fredric Remington and one of the world's largest western art collection. It sits on the NW edge of Tulsa and has beautiful panoramic views of the area.

Wollaroc - This was the ranch retreat of oilman Frank Phillips in 1925. It is 25 miles north of Tulsa and consists of Petting zoo, wildlife preserve and a museum of both Native American heritage and Oklahoma oil history.

The World Museum - This was a beautiful building, right along I44 in Tulsa, and houses the collection of art and artifacts of T.L. & Daisy Osborne. The Osborne's traveled the world preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and seeing thousands brought into the Kingdom. T.L. gave the facility to Billy Joe and Sharon Daugherty, after the death of Daisy, and it is now the home of Victory Christian Bible Insitute. We feel privileged to have seen it when it had all it's treasures on display.

Oral Roberts University - Even thouugh I had worked for Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association from 1966-69 it was fun taking a day to tour. We went to the top of The Prayer Tower, viewed the displays depicting the life and journey of Oral Roberts the man, viewed film clips of his early tent revivals and toured the beautiful, world class buildings that make up this great University.

By having this vacation in our own city we saw many things we had not seen, We saved money by not having to buy gas to travel to some far off place, and we saved the weeks motel bills by staying at home.

Our older children still remember this "vacation" as one of the very special ones. Even in line with Disneyland and other amusements parks, etc. I would highly recommend your considering taking a "vacation" in your town or city.

Thanks Annie for letting me share a very special, and totally different, vacation.

SUNDAY & FRIENDS

A few of our good friends.

Jack and Mary on opposite ends

John & Shelia

Don & Carol & Mickey & I were not in the picture but very much present!!

We were having such a good time we failed to remember to take more pictures :o(

Sunday we did one of the things we love to do. Had three couples from our previous Church over for dinner at 1:30. God has now seen fit to place us in 4 different churches!!! So we came together from 4 areas of town (2 in Coweta, 1 in Broken Arrow and 1 in Tulsa), and 4 separate church services to eat, fellowship, and have a great time together. I felt my dinner was good :o)!! and it was so much fun. We ended up spending almost 4 hours together.

God has blessed Mickey & I with such wonderful friends. The secret to that is

we ALL love and serve Jesus!

Found out my friend Carol, who is not in the picture :o(

has been reading my blog everyday.

She said, "Susan, I found out things about you I never knew! I just laugh, and laugh". You have to know Carol to really appreciate that. She is one of those

people with an infectious laugh. (Hi Carol!)

No one was to bring anything BUT John & Shelia brought a beautiful assorted bouquet of his beautiful roses. They have about 40 different varieties.

Jack & Mary brought not one but three bunches of carnations (red,pink & white)

Don & Carol brought a Cherry Tippin Pie (yum)

=============================================

Our Church service was wonderful. Our Pastor is preaching a 7 part serios on

Unaltered Christianity

(1) Unaltered Commitment

(2) Unaltered Thirst

(3) Unaltered Character

(4) Unaltered Christianity

(5) Unaltered Compulsion

yesterday (6) Unaltered Joy

They have been such powerful teachings taking us back and reminding us of the true Christianity that was practiced by the Discipes and the first Christians.

Leaving behind the dogma's and traditions

that have been added over these past 2000 years.

At the end of the service Pastor asked all those who felt they did not have

Unaltered Joy to come forward to the altar.

I must say I was shocked how many went up!! That is so sad because if we truly have Jesus in our hearts we will have JOY and PEACE no matter what the

circumstances we find ourselves in.

I praise and thank God for my JOY & PEACE and pray that everyone will experience all that Christ has purchased for us.

We look forward to #7 on Father's Day next week.

THE TREASURE OF A MOTHER

MOTHER

The young Mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked.

And the guide said: "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it....But the end will be better than the beginning.

But the young Mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clean streams; and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the Mother drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the Mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."

And the Mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage. Today, I've given them strength."

And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled, and the Mother said: "Look up. Lift your eyes to the light." And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the darkness. And that night the Mother said, "This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God."

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the Mother grew old and she was little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And Mother said, "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them."

And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence..."

Your Mother is always with you...She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with each step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, not space....not even death!

RECIPE FOR A GREAT MARRIAGE

Listen more, talk less,
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

Season your words with grace.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

Deal righteously with your anger.
"In your anger do not sin; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:26-27

Don't keep score.
"love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." I Corinthians 13:5

Help each other out.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

Be a good husband. (The man, of course!)
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word." Ephesians 5:25-26

Be a good wife. (The woman, of course!)
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies...She is clothed with strength and dignity." Proverts 31:10,25

Give each other time to grow.
"It was he who gave...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become Mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."" Ephesians 4:11-13


Do not neglect to keep the fire burning towards each other.
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.: Song of Solomon 8:6

Stay committed. Do not entertain thoughts of separation.
"So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let men not separate." Matthew 19:6

Adapted from an article in Focus on the Family, written by Tom Neven and inspired by John Gaus

SHOW & TELL - #5 - Mickey's Garden

It's Show & Tell Friday again. If you don't know about this head over to Kelli's for all the info and join the fun.

My Show & Tell #5 is going to show some of my husbands loves and handiwork. This picture is the "First Fruits" of his garden: Sugar Snap Pea, String Bean, Green Onion, Radish, Crooked Neck Squash, New Red Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Green Leaf Lettuce, Romain Lettuce, & Mesclun. Let me tell you - it tastes as good as it looks!! No tomato's yet he had to replant them because our late frost got the first ones. He has a lot of other things growing but this is what he harvested the other day.

We spend a lot of money on bird seed because the squirrels keep eating it all. They go to extreme to get into the feeders. Here is one that's climbed onto the top of the feeder.

Now you can see Mr. Squirrel curved around like a pretzel to get to that seed!

This is a picture of one of the beautiful Hibiscus blooms.

Hope you enjoyed a little glimpse of how my hubby spends his time while I'm blogging!!

'TIL DEATH DO US PART - October 4, 1958

I've shared so much of our lives in my 100+ posts I thought I'd share a few pictures of us when it all began. This is us as we prepared to walk into the church to be married.

Meet the happy couple -

Mr. & Mrs. Mickey Joyce

The new bride & groom with Dr. Hood, Pastor of 1st Baptist Church, Flagstaff, Arizona who had just performed the ceremony.

My dress was a very light grey and the hair piece and shoes were turquoise.

I still have the dress - but haven't been able to fit into it for years!!!

Here we are on our honeymoon in Las Vegas. We stayed at the Stardust Hotel. This picture is a dinner show at the Shara.

Yes, sorry to say we both smoked in those days. The show we saw this night was Tony Bennett. I was so disillusioned because he was short, and had about 2 1/2" heels on his shoes!

Mickey at Meteor Crater, Arizona on our way home.

Susan at Meteor Crater.

Mickey with the 2 other girls he married!!

Suzette 3 years & 10 months - Jacque 2 years & 10 months

They were legally adopted and became

Suzette & Jacque Joyce on

January 18, 1960

Me with our 2 precious daughters. The girls dresses were black & white. I bought them to wear for the planned wedding before we just decided to go to Flagstaff by ourselves to get married. I still have Suzette's little dress. I gave Jacque's to her when Jessica was born and Jessica wore it!! It was one of the many things Jacque lost in Katrina.