AND THE WINNER IS -----

Retha

OF 
Retha's Rambles 
#17
who left this comment on 
Play it Forward 2013 blog post
"Seems bloggers are getting back to making real contact with others again.  This almost reminds me of the "old" meme."

Retha please go to the original post about the give away here and select whether you want
Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel
Mystery of the Holy Spirit by A.W. Tozer
or
Humility by Andrew Murray

CONGRATULATIONS
and thank you for being a faithful reader and commenter of
PENLESS WRITER.

WOW - I cannot believe it!!!  January 21st is my blogiversary - 2007 - 6 years blogging.

SO~~~~~

It's time for a give-away drawing to celebrate

You know how I love to celebrate.

Here are the instructions:  From this post, on until January 21st, everyone who leaves a comment on my blog post will be entered~One entry per day.  Then on January 21st I will put all the names in a basket & draw the winning name.

Now you know, since I am such a reader and love reading so much I am going to offer a book!!!!  Except this time it will be THREE books.

 First this Daily Devotional - Jesus Calling - Enjoying peace in His presence

 Second, a Journal for you to record what you've gotten out of the Daily Devotional or other things on your heart that day.

3rd - You choose any ONE of the three books below

OR

OR

Okay, it starts today, so get on board and leave a comment on this post and each post up through 8 a.m. (cst), January 21st when I'll draw out the winning name.  

Let's celebrate & let's get closer to God during 2013.

Finally in the mail

Six days after announcing the two winners for the above book, I have finally gotten them ordered and they are on their way.....

ONE to my dear friend, Retha, from South Africa

and

THE SECOND to my new friend, Sylvia, from the United Kingdom.  Just learned that Sylvia has been reading Penless but a lurker.  Ginger introduced me officially in early November of last year. 

The books are scheduled to arrive in each location between March 2 and March 22.  Sorry it is taking so long :o( but trust the wait will be worth it.

Retha also shared the following information on her recent post which I did not know and found so very interesting:

"It is a book written by Andrew Murray on prayer. Andrew Murray was a preacher in South Africa. I am aware that he was instrumental in many being saved. But have never read anything he wrote. I have heard of his words;

"May not a single moment of my life be spent outside the light, love, and joy of God's presence."

In 2009 we visited the house where he grew up. It is now a period museum. His father was a preacher. I am not certain if he had one or two brothers who also became preachers.

He was the first president of the YMCA

In a sense this book is coming home. Home to its origin, also home to have a piece of Mrs. Susan whom I hope to meet some day."

Yes, Retha, in a sense the book is coming home and I, too, hope to meet you some day.

5 YEAR BLOGGOVERSARY AWARD

Drum roll please!!!

After 21 days of posting, I was too busy painting the bathroom to get the 22nd day posted on Thursday, the 26th, I celebrated my 5th year of blogging by drawing the winning name.

Having to do it the "old fashioned" way, and knowing I didn't want to get to the end of this and have to be writing down a lot of names I first drew out a grid on paper.  Each day I would enter the names of those who left comments on that post.

Yesterday, I took the sheets and first cut the strips apart. Then I cut each little square, with the name in it......

and dropped them in this basket.  I stirred them up a lot and then went in and asked Mickey to draw a name, holding the basket up where he could not see in it.  He had to give them one last stir before he drew the name!

And the winner is!!!!!!

RETHA who is from South America.

Retha began blogging in February, 2007 and we have become good friends through our blogging. 

Retha I'll be sending you an e-mail to verify your address. 

Congratulations!!!  I hope this book

Andrew Murray on PRAYER

blessing you as much as it has blessed me over the last 12 years.

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As a little surprise, which I did not tell any of you up front, I was planning to also send a copy of Andrew's book to the person who left me the most comments.......

So that book will be sent to

SYLVIA

(Sylvia was someone I didn't know - or at least I thought I didn't until I followed the link - HI!!!)

Sylvia please send me an e-mail with your address.

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Thanks to all of you who read my blog this month and left me comments.  I truly appreciate it. 

3rd BLOG ANNIVERSARY (2 days late)

With all that's going on in our lives right now......ALL good stuff......I missed my own blog anniversary!!!!!

So, to all the wonderful friends I have been blessed to make, since this little blog adventure began for me on January 21, 2007, I say------

Thank you !!!!

A tradition that I started on my 1st blog anniversary was to give two awards each year.

The first

PENLESS WRITER'S 3RD ANNUAL

ANGEL AWARD

January 23, 2008
Kathy of A Field Lilly

Kathy is one of my newer blog friends and I actually "met" her because I became a follower of her wonderful husband's blog, A Bumbling Genius.

Kathy is a wonderful wife and mother to a young son & daughter that she home schools. Kathy is a worshipper, in every sense of the word, and is Worship Leader in their Church. I so appreciate your worshipping heart, Kathy, and I thank God He has made one of those wonderful, deep, Spirit connections between you & I. You so deserve this ANGEL AWARD because you are truly one of God's Angel's in my life.

I have not had the privilege of meeting Kathy in "real" life but it is one of the desires of Mickey & my hearts to sit and visit (and I know it would be for hours!!) with Kathy and Danny.

The Second

PENLESS WRITER'S 3RD ANNUAL

TRUTH TO HIS WORD AWARD

January 23, 2008

Sandra of Sister Faith

I am double blessed to know Sandra in real life and to recently help her set up her blog. Sandra is the Host and Leader of a Tuesday night Bible Study in her home that I am honored to attend.

Although Sandra & I attend the same church, we did not really get to know each other until about a year ago. It was one of those rare God connections of our Spirits.

Sandra deserves this TRUTH TO HIS WORD award because that exemplifies her teaching. She is one of the most studious teachers I've been blessed to sit under and she spends endless hours studying to share her love and knowledge with others. If you are following her blog you already know that.

I am so honored to have these two wonderful, Godly woman bless my life.

MY 2ND BLOG-A-VERSARY!!!

When I timidly posted my first post on January 21, 2007, here, I had absolutely NO idea what a blessing blogging was going to be to not only my life, but my very heart & soul. I had no idea how many wonderful friends I would be making, and that I would actually be meeting some (so far 7!!!) of there new friends from far away in person.



I had no idea that God would lead me to begin a Prayer Blog, Hearts In "1" Accord, and what a blessing it would be, as of this writing, for 23 of us lift up our united hearts to our Lord & Savior on a daily basis.

Last year, on my 1st blog-a-versary, I began 2 yearly awards that I wanted to give each year. You can go here to see the two from last year. Leigh Ann for the Angel Award & Karen for the True to His Word Award.
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This year my two awards go to:

PENLESS WRITER'S 2ND ANNUAL

ANGEL AWARD

January 21, 2009

Ginger of Just A Thought

All of you who follow Ginger's blog know that this Angel Award certainly describes her. She is a lovely wife and mother, but most of all she is a loving and faithful child of the Living God. Ginger is a real blessing to my life, a member of the Hearts Prayer Blog, and someone I got to meet in real life.......at midnight at a McD's!!!!! You are a living Angel in my life, Ginger.

PENLESS WRITERS ' 2ND ANNUAL

TRUTH TO HIS WORD AWARD

JANUARY 21, 2009

BOB OF AN EYE FOR REDEMPTION

Bob is one who writes wonderful posts about Our Lord & Savior and his posts really make you think!!!! I appreciate someone who stretches me and makes me evaluate my beliefs. Bob has the ability to do that. If you are not familiar with his blog I invite you to pay him a visit.

Thanks for letting me put my little 2 cents into this wonderful world of blogging!!!

Thank you to my faithful readers.
Thank you to my family & friends who humor me as I take all the pictures

and then allow me to blog about them.

Thank you to my wonderful Lord & Savior who gives me life

and life abundant!!!!!!

ANSWERING BLOGOVERSARY QUESTIONS #8

and MORE!!!!!!

Michelle, Franzenfam, asked........If you could be a color what color would you be and why?(I work with kids can you tell :-))........This is an easy one.....blue has been my favorite color for as long as I can remember. NOW, Michelle, you must tell me what that means?

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Jewelgirl, Jewelgirl Loves Jewelry, asked......Have you ever put togetheryour family history?.....Short and sweet answer, no. I really do not know very much about my family past my own mother and father. I wish I did and it is one reason that I am using this blog to document things for my children and grandchildren.

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LAST but certainly not least, Sarah, Short Stop, asked.....Can you share a trial in your life where you saw God's grace SO clearly as He brought you through?

Yes, I sure can. After 25 years of marriage Mickey & I went through a very difficult time. It was wholely and entirely God's grace, and standing on His WORD and His commandments, that brought us through. At 30 years of marriage we renewed our vows. You can read about it here. The fact that we will celebrate our Golden Anniversary on October 4th of this year is testimony alone to God's grace and His faithfulness to restore to us what we had lost. God has blessed us above and beyond what we could have hoped or dreamed. Just as His word proclaims: Delight thy self also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalms 37:4

He does - He has!!!!!

ANSWERING BLOGOVERSARY QUESTIONS #7

HAPPY VALENTINES!!

I just love it when we experience God's timing and I am experiencing that today. As you know, I have been answering the many questions I was asked during my Blogoveresary celebration in the order I received them. Little did I know, BUT God did that today, Valentines Day, I would be answering a question that so illustrates why Mickey is truly MY VELENTINE and has been for 49 years, 4 months and 10 days. Be sure and read my answer to Larissa and you will see what I mean!!

And now MORE questions!!!

Lisa, My Homemaking Rurality, asked.........Out of all the places you have traveled in and out of the USA...what experience...on one of your trips...made your jaw drop and your heart become a puddle of compassion?does that sound corny?....oh, well... :o)

Being raised in New Mexico I have taken trips into the border town of Juarez, Mexico. On our trips we have been to the border towns of Nogales & Nueavo Larado. As I child and once after Mickey & I were married we traveled 200 miles into the interior of Mexico to Chihuahue. None of these prepared me for the utter proverty that we witnessed when we crossed the border south of Deming, New Mexico into a border town that was not a Tourist town, like the others we had been to. I cannot even find the name of it on my maps. The proverty and filth were overwhelming. The "streets" were muddy ruts. We did not stay long, and I did not sleep well for several nights just thinking about people living like that.

By the way, I really like the name of your blog. Very clever!!

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Larissa, One Day At A Time, asked.........How did you know that Mickie was the one for you? I've actually wondered that before, and now I have a chance to ask it!........Now, Larissa is my lovely, special, young friend who is the single mother of 3 children so I know this is a very serious question in her life as it was for me as a single mother of 2 young girls when I met and fell in love with my Mickey.

Of course, from first meeting there was that physical attraction.....he was the tall, dark, handsome one. 6', slender, black hair and blue eyes!!! But we all know, that is only skin deep. As we began dating, I really have to call it "seeing each other" because we did very few "dates", most of our being together revolved around the girls, taking them to the park, the zoo, on picnics, the amusement parks, the movies, to Santa Fe to visit Grandma & Grandpa, etc. He truly enjoyed my daughters and they loved him. I KNEW it was not just a ploy to get near me!!!!!

He also did wonderful, kind things for me just out of the blue. One incident was a day while I was at work, and he had the day off. I came home to find he had put brick around all my rose bushes, and there were many of them, and along the walk way.

Another incident I remember very clearly and meant so much to me......my mother was spending the weekend with me and Mickey had just come over to spend the day with us. I decided I needed to read through, and then destroy, all the letters I had received from my first husband during two six months stints on a destroyer during the Korean War. The girls were playing, Mother & Mickey were visiting in the house and I sat FOR HOURS in the garage with this box of letters. I read every one of them, crying my eyes out, and then discarding them. Both Mother & Mickey left me alone and let me do this. They both realized it was a necessary separating that I had to do. At different times during the day, one or the other of them would come to the kitchen door, peek out and say, "Are you ok?" and then leave me to my necessary chore and cleansing time. To me this was pure love.....no "you shouldn't do that", no "what do you think this is doing to me?" just loving me enough, and trusting me enough to know what I had to do and letting me do it. WOW!!!! This brings tears to my eyes as I write this and comprehend, more fully today than even I did then, what kind of love that was.

Larissa, you just KNOW!!!!!

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ANSWERING BLOGOVERSARY QUESTIONS #6

AND MORE!!!

Lori, A Mother's Heart, asked.........What is your favorite time of year(season) and why?.............Spring would have to be my favorite time of year. Spring is absolutely the prettiest time of year in Tulsa. We start with the Bradford Pear trees all over town and their white blossoms, followed quickly with the Purple Plum, Azalea, and then Creep Myrtle of various colors. It is a brief and very beautiful time before we start our hot, sweltering summers!!!

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Sarah, My Wonderful life, asked me my easiest question!...........what color are your slippers?...........White, washable, Terry Cloth!!!!

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Groovy, Groovy's Ruminations, asked.........How much time do you spend on the computer in a given week?...........I probably spend 3 to 4 hours a day, on Monday-Friday and a couple on the week-ends so 22 hours a week!!!!! A part time job, huh!!!!! Remember, I'm retired and only my husband and I to take care of.

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Suzy, Suzy's Bloomers, asked..........My Question...what was your favorite trip and list all the places you've been...or would like to visit,what ever is easier!!.............My favorite trip was to the Canadian Maritime's, and especially Nova Scotia. We absolutely feel in love with Nova Scotia. We have traveled to all 50 states and all the Canadian provinces except Newfoundland and Northwest Territory. We have visited ALMOST every State Capitol and Provincial Capitol. We also visited MANY beautiful churches.

**********

Mary, Not Before 7, asked...........I would love to know though...the one book (bible excluded) that you would recommend to others if you had to pick one. (just curious)..............I could recommend MANY good Christian books but the ONE would have to be ANDREW MURRAY ON PRAYER. This book is 656 pages and actually contains 6 of Andrew's books: 1) Abide in Christ - 2) The Prayer Life - 3) Waiting On God - 4) With Christ in the School of Prayer - 5) The Ministry of Intersession - 6) The Secret of Intersession. I first read this book in 1997 and have read it 4 or 5 times since. It literally changed my walk with My God and Savior.

Thank's for your patience........I am getting there!!!

ANSERING BLOGOVERSARY QUESTIONS #5

I read this today and thought it was so good I wanted to share it:

Humility doesn't mean thinking less of yourself,

it just means thinking of yourself less.

Here I go with more!!!

Pearlie, Pearlie Gates, asked.........If you can bring one thing to heaven to be given away, what will it be? Boy, Pearlie, I think you have stumped me good!!!! But being a good sport, I will endeavor to answer :o)

This sort of reminds me of a joke I heard where this man is arguing with St. Peter at the golden gate about wanting to bring the contents of the bag he is carrying into heaven. St. Peter tells him we are not allowed to being anything into heaven with us. The man begs, and begs and finally St. Peter says, "Ok, show me what you have in the bag and I'll let you take it in." The man proudly opens the bag to show the gold, he thinks is so valuable. St. Peter is shocked and says, "Why would you put up such a fuss about bringing in paving stones?"

The thing I want to bring to heaven with me is my entire family and any unsaved people I can reach. They wouldn't belong to me in the first place so how could I give them to the Lord. Like I say.......you stumped me

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Susan, Adventurous Living, asked........."When you were a little girl, did you ever wish you had a different first name? And if so, what was the name?" ..........Not when I was a little girl, Susan, but some time in Junior High School I got it in my head that it would have been nice for my parents to have named me Carole, because I was born on Christmas!!! It didn't last long and I have really always liked my name. I was named after my paternal grandmother who died before I was born. My parents would never allow my name to be shortened. If someone tried to call me Sue, or Suzy, etc. my mother would sharply correct them, with, "Her name is Susan." Consequently, I do not like to have my name shortened.

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Karen, Karen's Ramblings, asked.........Oooh I would like to ask you about your ancestors, in as much as where did your family come from, prior to America. I love hearing the stories of the families who left their countries and moved to America - I would love to hear yours too............I would love to be able to tell you, Karen, but I truly do not know ANY of my ancestral history, except that my father was Pennsylvania Dutch and came to Kansas via stagecoach with his family at an early age. My mother was born and raise in Missouri. Beyond that, I have no idea.

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Katherine, Yellow Rose Arbor, asked........What is the first thing you'll ask Jesus when you get to Heaven?............I've already sort of answered this question here and here in that I don't think we'll need to ask anything. But, the one thing I really will be eager to KNOW is........how much of what God really called me to do, and had in mind for me to do and accomplish did I miss and leave undone. In other words, how far did I miss the mark.

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Michelle, Ozark's Sew N Sew, asked.........I want to know when you became a Christian?..........I became a Christian when I was 18 years old. You can read my complete testimony on my side bar under "Get to know me".
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Jennifer, Pen of Jen, asked..........What is the best advice that you have ever given or received as to having a longstanding and fulfilling relationship with your husband??? I know it is a biggie.../............Truly, I was never given any advise on marriage period. My mother and father did not have a lot in common, and I knew growing up I wanted that to be different in my marriage and was determined that Mickey and I would totally enjoy being together and spending our time together. I have been successful in having that in my marriage.

On a spiritual level, I attended a Bill Gothard seminar in about 1980. Bill taught a LOT on the marriage relationship and the scriptures about being a submissive wife. He gave the analogy of the husband being the wifes umbrella. That when the wife was submissive to her husband, as instructed in the Bible, that she fell under the protection of that umbrella. She was unprotected when stepping out from under that umbrella. He also pointed out that if the husband was not submissive to God, as he was instructed to be, his umbrella might have holes in it and therefore you weren't 100% protected, but still had protection. This message was very clear to me for the first time and I began to walk in that teaching.

The advise I would give, would be the above AND not to get in power struggles. As I've observed so many couples we have known over the years, who are now divorced, it was over this one issue. Getting into power struggles. MOST things just aren't worth fighting over.

Okey, that's 25 down and 9 more to go. Boy, this has turned into a bigger job than I anticipated. It's fun though and you ALL are really making me THINK!

GIRL'S TIME - AGAPE CAFE - Answering Blogoversary Questions #4

Saturday, Daughter Jacque treated us all us girls to lunch at Friday's.

Susan, Oksana, Jacque, Jessica, Suzette

also present, but taking the picture, was Julie.

Julie is Jessica's friend from Mississippi who moved to Tulsa and is living with Jacque & Jessica..

It was such a nice, fun time. Afterward Jacque, Oksana and I went shopping :o)

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The Agape Cafe

Around Valentine's Day each year the young people's department of our Church host a Friday and Saturday dinner. It is called Agape Cafe and raises funds for our Church annual Mission trip during Spring Break. This year they are going into the interior of Mexico.

For a month before the event tickets are sold. You pick which evening, menu, and time you would like to attend. On Friday night they had Lasagna and Saturday night was Chicken. We signed up for Saturday at 6 pm and attended with 2 couples from our Sunday School class.

In addition to purchasing your ticket each couple was to bring a 6" candle to be taken to Mexico. The people in the area where the mission group is going do not have electricity and use candles for light so our group is taking these candles to them.

The event is lovely. The room is set up with different size tables to accomodate from a couple (who want to dine alone) to tables for 4, 6, 8 and then large groups. As I describe this, I realize none of our pictures show the center table display!!! The meal is delicious and served by our waiter on linen table clothes with linen napkins on nice dishes and silverware. It is a fun, leisurely, enjoyable occasion.

Here we are waiting for the Cafe to open. Note the beautiful coursage that my sweetheart surprised me with. Also, note the red & white stripped tie that Jacque bought for her dad to wear.



This is Patty & Aaron. Arron is the teacher of our Sunday School Class called "From Sheep to Soldiers".


Here is the other couple we went with, Shirley & Gary.

Here is our waiter for the evening, Rick. He and his wife have 7 children. Sorry I cut the top of his head off!!!

Another waiter, Lanell.

The next three pictures are pictures of some of the various other groups.

Here we are back home, stuffed and very, very happy after a wonderful evening for a good cause.

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Now, back to the questions asked for my Blogoversery!

Linds, Rocking Chair Reflections, asked..... My question for you is what is the hardest thing you have ever done? I had to give this some real thought, Linds, because I have had to deal with several really hard things. The hardest, based on the duration of the battle, would have to be standing in faith for the salvation and restoration of my children. That is a victory that has still not been won and my upmost prayer is that I live long enough to see it come to pass.

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Pea, PEA's Corner, asked: Oops, I had forgotten to ask you a question! Ok....what was your most embarrassing moment?? Enquiring minds want to know! lol xoxo

My most embarrassing moment happened when I was 15 years old and a junior in high school. I took piano lessions since I was 7 years old, I loved playing the piano and had gotten quite good. Each spring we would have a huge recital that was held at the Art Museum and we got to play on the grand piano. They would close the recital each year with the best pianist and for about 4 years it had been this one girl. She had graduated from high school the year before and was not participating that year and I was selected for this prized position. I was thrilled and honored because it really was an honor to be selected.

I was to play Edvard Grieg's Concerto in A Minor. I was totally prepared and knew my piece perfectly. I took the stage, sat down at the huge grand piano in the middle of the stage, in my formal gown, and began playing. Two people in the second row began talking (almost a whisper) and it distracted me.......I went totally blank.....I sat there for a few minutes, (it seems to me like 30 minutes!!) and could not remember the notes, I had to get up, bow and leave the stage. By the time I got off the stage and through the curtains to the back I was in near histerics I was so mortified and humiliated. I would break out in tears for weeks every time I thought about it. It was by far, the most embarrassing moment of my life.

ANSWERING BLOGOVERSERY QUESTIONS #3

After taking off a day for Show & Tell it's time to get back to more of your questions.

Amy, 160 Acre Woods, asked.......which is my favorite angel. That's like having to pick which of your children are your favorite!!!! They all are. If pushed against the wall it would have to be My Littest Angel because I've had her the longest, and she is the one who started my love for Angels as a little child.

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Bev, Mountain Mama, asked........ "What is the first question you will ask when you get to Heaven?" Please refer to my answer to Bobbi, here, where I gave my view about whether we would even want, or need, to ask a question. If, when we get there, I did feel the need to ask anything, I would ask the awful WHY? question. Why did I have to endure, or suffer, such and such.

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Leeanne, The Olson's, (so glad to "meet" you) asked........"If you could travel to anywhere in the world - where would you go?" I have always wanted to visit The Netherlands because my father was of Dutch heritage. I would love to go to Switzerland and Norway because of the pure beauty they have.

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Leign Ann, Momma Roar, asked.........is there one thing that blogging taught you that you didn't think you'd learn through blogging? Blogging has taught me a LOT!!!! The main thing would have to be how very much alike we all are and how strong the true Body of Christ is. This transends age, race, background, location and social status. I love that!!!!!!

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Meredith, A Mother Singing, asked....How did you start blogging? This question was answered on Jenny's question here when I answered about how I learned about computers at my age.

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Lucy, Lucy's Frugal Living, asked.....................Could you maybe do a review of the Franklin Graham book? This was my reply to Lucy.......I would love to be able to do that but oh my, I haven't done a bookreport since I got out of highschool at 16.....54 years ago!!!! So I wouldn't know how to begin. Sorry but hope you'll come back again.

WHEEEE are you getting tired? This is 17 questions down and 17 to go. I'm 1/2 way!!! YEAH!!

I'm having a day out and lunch with my 2 daughters and my 2 granddaughters!! Can you spell happiness and a fulfillment of a desire from my Lord? Yes, HE is GOOD!!

Trust you have a blessed day, too!!!!

ARIC 9TH BIRTHDAY - Answering Blogoversary Questions #3

Sunday, February 3rd, was our grandson Aric's 9th birthday.

Mickey and I had come over after church and set up his gift from us in his bedroom. This shows Aric, Oksana, Grandpa & Dad Marc walking into his room to see what it was.

Here is the bookcase, stuffed toy, book, card from us. Also a roll of the new uncirculated Oklahoma Commemorative Quarters and a roll of 1964 uncirculated pennies. He was very pleased with the bookcase. Didn't think much of the stuffed toy and book. I think he thought it was to baby-ish!!! But Grandma thought it was cute!!! The coins will be something he will appreciate when he is our age.

His gift from Dad Marc was a Wii - this was his hearts desire. This is Aric and his friend Slate. Slate is the first "real" friend Aric has had and they are real "buddies". I'm hoping it will be a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Here's the blowing out of the candles. That's me, Suzette and Oksana.

This was one of the many gifts. His dad got it for him because of the saying and I had to show it.

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR WONDERFUL GRANDSON

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Now to a few more of the Blogoversay Questions I was asked:

Annie, My Life as Annie, asked what my favorite food to eat was.

That's an easy one for me. Anything Mexican. Being raised in New Mexico I grew up on good Mesican food.

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Nadine, Just Being Me, asked .....I've asked this question before of others because I find it interesting. If there were such a thing as a time machine and you can go anywhere in time, where would you go?

Truthfully, I would not want to be living in any other time than what I have and am. 1) I feel I was blessed to grow up in what I consider the last generation of innocent childhood, 2) I have been blessed to see so many changes in my life time...going to the moon, space exploration, the internet, etc. and 3) last, and most importantly, I feel we are the generation that will be raptured and come back Riding On White Horses with our Lord when HE returns. If I HAD to pick another period it would have to be those 33 years our Lord walked this earth and also to sit under Paul's teaching.

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Pam, Pinnacles, Pitfalls & Pottychairs, asked ...Hmmm... a question... If you could do anything - money not an issue - what would it be AND if someone could do it/go with you, who would it be?

I would love to be able to do more traveling of course. I would like to have enough money that any time I felt the leading of the Lord and Holy Spirit, I could meet the need and help someone. I would want to do it anonymously and I would want them to know it was from God. Of course it would be with my wonderful husband, Mickey!

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Tiffany, Southern Sass, asked ...... As for my question... What do you feel your spiritual gifts are, and how have you been able to use them since becomming a Christian?

I believe my spiritual gifts are hospitality and encourager. I believe these giftings can be used every day and in many ways. I love to entertain and make people feel welcome and comfortable in our home. I want people to know that I care about them and what they are going through and that they can talk to me. I believe smiling and being kind to people out in the world is a means of encouragement to many. Just being friendly and a friend at all times. You didn't ask this, but I also think it is of utmost importance to be truthful with people when they ask for your advice.

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That's 11 questions down and 23 to go!!!

ANSWERING BLOGOVERSARY QUESTIONS #2

Continuing on with answering the great questions I was asked:

Bobbi of Great Adventures II asked: "A question...Do you really think when we get to Heaven that we'll even ask any questions? "

This one really makes me think about something I've NEVER thought about before!!!

I truly have NO idea, but in reflecting on it I'd probably say "no", based on the scripture:

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

The "then shall I know" might mean we truly will know everything and not have to ask anything. The other thing to think about, (and I must say I've never thought about this verse that deeply before!!!!) is does this mean we will only know as much about our wonderful God and Savior as we have learned and know here on earth. Boy, now THAT's something to think about!!!! If we truly believe this we'd spend a lot more time getting to know HIM better!!!!

This is a GREAT question!!!! Let's all think about this and the rest of you weigh in with your thoughts and let me know what you think.

Caviate: I am not a Bible scholar!!!! I just know I love my Lord and I have my opinions.

ANSWERING BLOGOVERSARY QUESTIONS #1

Here are some more questions and answers from my one year blogovesary post.

Jenny of A Couch for Life asked: "My question to you is, what got you hooked on the internet? "

Then Jenny said this: "My grandparents don't even own a computer, much less know how to get online. I hope you don't take offense to the question(s), but you have to admit that much of your generation is not into computers. Even if they work with computers on the job, they pretty much stick with the program they know, and don't expand to blogging! Enjoy your day, and I know you'll smile alot with all the comments you'll be getting :o)

This worry that we should be ashamed or offended about our age, young or old, is something I think is a real problem in America. We have been sold a bill of good by the advertising media on this one!!!

I wrote this yesterday, in response to another question: "Because my father was 52 years old when I was born and had sure a young spirit and heart it taught me, at a very eary age, that age was not something to fear, or dread, but to embrace and enjoy each and every stage and people of all ages. At 70 years of age, I hope this is something that I am able to convey to those I meet. "

So Jenny I am not the least offended......in fact very honored!! Like many, my first exposure to a computer was at my job in about 1986. I was in the accounting field and made the transition from Ledger accounting to a computer program. Then in 1991, after returning to Tulsa from Albuquerque, Mickey and I bought an IBM. The hard part was buying it!!!! It truly was "greek" to us and we felt so uniformed and backward when we began shopping because we didn't even know what to look for or what to ask.

Fortunately our youngest son, Marc, was still living at home and helped us learn our way around. Got us set up on using e-mail and of course with my accounting background I began keeping our personal books on our new computer. The next progression was in 1997 when Mickey retired and I took a 6 month leave of absense for a trip to Alaska. Just before our departure we purchased a laptop to take along in the 5th wheel so I could 1) keep a journal of our travels and 2) send out a monthly newletter to all our family and friends about our experiences. This was such a blessing.

As to blogging: that transition came 2 years ago. In connection with our role as Care Leaders at our church we became very involved with a new young couple who had just had a daughter who was born with major health issues and not expected to live. The mother, Kahri, had a blog and told me about it. I began reading her blog each day to keep up with the happenings about Kaedy, so I could pass the information along to the Church for prayer via e-mails, and not have to bother Kahri with phone calls. Kahri knew I read it daily, and I would link and read a few of her blog friends, too, but I NEVER left a comment. I don't think I understood I should so I lurked for a year. During this time Kahri and I talked about her helping me set up a blog page of my own but with her busy schedule we never got it done. Go here to read Kahri's current blog and here to read precious Kaedy's miracle story.

January 31st last year I just decided I was going to jump in there and do it myself. Even though both of my sons are very involved in computers neither of them knew much about blogs but Marc set me up a gmail account and the rest is history. ***************

Diana of Sunshine On My Shoulders asked: what is your favorite hymn?

It is a song, written by David Ingels, I Call Him Wonderful, that lists all the names of Jesus:

Advocate, Anointed, Beloved, Bridgegoom, JESUS

Captain, Covenant, Deliverer, Daystar, JESUS

Elect, Everlasting, Friend, Faithful, JESUS

Governor, Gift of God, Hope, Head of the Church, JESUS

Image of God, Judge, Just, JESUS

King of Kings, King of Glory, Light, Life, JESUS

Master, Messiah, Nail scared Nazarene, Omega,

Physician, Redeemer, Sheperd, Unchanging JESUS

Very God, Your Savior, JESUS

In case you haven't noticed he used every letter in the alphabet except "q", "x" and "z".

I love this song because JESUS is all those things, and more, to me. He wants to be those things to everyone ........it really is up to us.

AND THE WINNER IS

This morning was the drawing for the winning name of the people who helped me celebrate my First Year of Blogging on January 31st.

Thank you so much to all of you who participated. I was blessed with 50 comments and 34 of you asked me questions. Thanks so much for making this a true fun time and celebration for me.

Now, I don't have cute little kids still at home, and I don't have a video camera, and I wouldn't know how to do a U-Tube video if i did, like our friend Leigh Ann.

BUT

I do have my wonderful husband, Mickey, who not only humors me but truly enjoys the blog and quite often walks in while I'm blogging and says, "What new on the blog?", and a little basket holding the 34 entries.

Here he has just stirred up the names and shook the basket several times.
He drew out the name of Barbara of Ramblings from an English Garden. Congratulations Barbara!!!! Please e-mail me with your address and I'll get the book and angel plaque on it's way across "the pond" to you.

Here is Barbara's question: "Which well known live person would you like to invite to dinner and why."

I would like to invite President George W. Bush to dinner. I would like to hear his personal testimony of accepting Jesus as His Savior (I have read his testimony) and I would ask him how he feels God led him during these very difficult years as president. I would like to hear him pray and ask him to bless our meal. Of course I would want Laura to come, too!!!

I must say, Barbara, this is a question that had never entered my mind, BUT when I read it I knew instantly what my answer was going to be.

***************

The variety of the questions has been astounding to me. Some fun, some very serious and some I wouldn't have thought of in a million years!! I will answer each and every one of the other 33. Some may turn into a post of their own :o) and some will be simple answers. I will endeavor, to the best of my ability, to answer them in the order in which I received them.

My very first comment and question was left by my dear, sweet, precious friend, Ginger of Just A Thought. "

As for my questions, I would like to know which person you would like to sit and visit with most when you get to heaven...besides Jesus?"

Of people I knew it would be my father, my mother and my sister, Marion. Of people from the Bible it would have to be Paul because his letters, which compose about 1/3 of our New Testement, have been the main ones I have "hid in my heart" and that I "stand on" in my daily walk with Christ.

***************

The next question came from Saija of Thro' A Glass Darkly.

"I love spider solitaire too ... my questions, what level do you play at?"

I play at the medium level with two suits of cards. I've tried the difficult level with four suits a few times but can't do it. I haven't even tried it in a long time. I'll have to give it another try soon!!

***************

Next is Betty from Country Charm.

.....what is your favorite verse of scripture? My life verse is "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." Philippians 1:6

This verse tells me it's HIS work, I will never "arrive" and HE will never give up on me as long as I am a willing follower. This give me great comfort and absolute faith.
***************

I am going to skip Coach J & Diana for now, as theirs are going to be longer answers for another blog.

***************

Chris of Frazzled Farm Wife asked: " My question for you would be....who is the one person that has had the biggest impact or influence on your life (besides Jesus....I figured that would be you ultimate answer)."

My answer to this one, hands down, would be my father. I loved him dearly, he was a totally moral, honest, kind man and a wonderful father. He taught me all of my core values about integrity, hard work, honesty, and determination. Most of all the pure love he bestowed on me let me know I had value and that I was loved. Because of my earthly father it has never been hard for me to accept and believe in the love of my Heavenly Father.

Because my father was 52 years old when I was born and had sure a young spirit and heart it taught me, at a very eary age, that age was not something to fear, or dread, but to embrace and enjoy each and every stage and people of all ages. At 70 years of age, I hope this is something that I am able to convey to those I meet.

***************

Well, that's 5 answers so far. 29 more to go, and some are REAL doozies so be sure and check in again for those!!!!!

ASK ME A QUESTION AND PARTICIPATE

Thank you so much to those who read my One Year Blogoversary post and asked me a question you wanted answered and entered the drawing for my little give-away. I have been delighted with the variety of questions and will be eager to start working on my follow-up posts to answer them!!!

For those of you who have not yet participated PLEASE go here and read about it and participate. By the way....I have a question.....how do we spell Blogoversary, Blogaversary, or Blogiversary.....I've seen it all 3 ways. I never was very good at spelling and it surely isn't getting any better.

I know I'm a broken record on the subject, but I just am so blessed with this blogging experience and all you wonderful people I've "meet" who care enough to follow along and read. It still amazes me!!!!!

This is my 281st post!!!!! Unbelievable. I remember I thought I'd never get to my 100th and here I've almost tripled that. I do like to "talk" and "write" even though I'm PENLESS.

Looking forward to more questions and more participating :o)

I'll be drawing the winning name Monday morning, February 4th so you still have time to get in on the fun.

ONE YEAR

IT'S My

ONE YEAR

BLOGOVERSARY!!!!

January 31, 2007-2008

Here's how I usually look sitting at my computer. Although, as you can see from the computer screen, Mickey caught me this time playing Spidar Solitaire.

This has been a wonderful year of the new experience of blogging. I have written about it several times before. I am so appreciative of all the wonderful friends it had afforded me. It has broadened my knowledge of other parts of the world. It has shown me how very much alike we are. And best of all for me, it has reinforced my belief in the TRUE BODY OF CHRIST.

If you've been reading my blog long you know I love Spiritual books and reading and or course I love and collect Angels.

SO!!! to celebrate I am having a drawing for this Franklin Graham book, Living Beyond the Limits, and this Angel Plaque that reads "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord turn his face toward you, and give you peace." Number 6:24 & 26

I'm going to combine this with another feature that is currently going around Blogland.....Just leave me a comment and ask me a question, you would like for me to answer, and your name will be put in the hat. I'll draw a winner on Monday morning, February 4th.

COME CELEBRATE WITH ME!!!!
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Tiffany has tagged me to do an Archieve Meme - since it ties in with coving my first year here goes.

When I find a new blog that I want to visit again, I rarely have enough time to go back a read everything from the beginning (although sometimes I do!). I want to get to know that person, but it's hard to commit to reading all of the posts from the last 2 years! (In my case 1 year)

This meme is designed to make some of those old posts readily available to those who may be new to your blog, or even those who are regulars, just not from the start.

Here are the rules: Go back through your archives and post the links to your five favorite blog posts that you have written. But there is a catch:

Link 1 must be about family.
Link 2 must be about friends.

Link 3 must be about yourself.

Link 4 must be about something you love.

Link 5 can be anything you choose.

Post your five links and then tag five other people. At least TWO of the people you tag must be newer acquaintances so that you get to know each other better. Readers - don’t forget to read the archive posts and leave comments!

So, here is my list:

1) Family - My Father
2) Friends - Angel #4 - Forever Friend
3) Something about me - My 100th Post

4) Something I love - Universal Body of Christ

5) Anything - Introducing Suzy Blue

The five people I select are: Katherine, Meredith, Bev, Diana, & Saija.