tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87644578302327144192024-03-05T06:40:00.264-08:00ME Weldon, AuthorME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-72343297027061801882018-02-05T17:06:00.000-08:002018-02-05T17:06:16.257-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greetings - two days in a row, eh?<br />
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Just wanted to clear up something that I've been getting asked about. Two ways to get your books:<br />
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1. Order online from Booksamillion.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com PLEASE leave a review if you do this. Lots of reviews means that when anyone is searching for a children's book about Biblical history, these two will pop up. <br />
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2. Order from me. I can personalize and sign them for you - also a special embossed stamp that has Shakespeare and Dickens on it. Email me at meweldon14.com for the personalization info. I accept payment through Paypal. Each book is $10 - or 2 for $15. What a DEAL! <br />
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I have a limited supply of "In the Beginning" but lots of "In the Gardens" available.<br />
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Blessings! OH - wanta see my new pet? This is Wally - I got him from Walmart of course.<br />
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<br />ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-22819397796592309482018-02-04T17:34:00.000-08:002018-02-04T17:34:26.297-08:00OH MY GOODNESS - a 1000 apologies! HAS IT REALLY BEEN OVER THREE YEARS? UGH! How on earth does one catch up almost 4 years worth of "happenings" - warp speed maybe? God has been so good to this world traveling girl - buckle your seatbelts and let's see how we do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V8SEqHJg3rxtbj8OpkLKrTw5rcqEdnF4w71KRhp51dJWqbYqU3KUgDZinhHrFTGr_5SdkuzDFG4tTsqISbcFtDQaVLh6awrMrF0nOfFtIOUMNRXq50OXzNQ0Tbh1m6FUzzWxJJKAiE8/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V8SEqHJg3rxtbj8OpkLKrTw5rcqEdnF4w71KRhp51dJWqbYqU3KUgDZinhHrFTGr_5SdkuzDFG4tTsqISbcFtDQaVLh6awrMrF0nOfFtIOUMNRXq50OXzNQ0Tbh1m6FUzzWxJJKAiE8/s200/IMG_0989.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perkens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dnpsaGdzyd6RwGvxX5WzCMy0Efn2kyc6KuLSHvWTTz_OtIZwiNbnQpLtSxu3gZ9LxYOHJ0hjvDXMrx_CFNmY_6Bwhx1_gSszer1UA4bWeFKHj0Sty4Kwdml4axnDux3dYmKcNUDM3C8/s1600/IMG_0663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dnpsaGdzyd6RwGvxX5WzCMy0Efn2kyc6KuLSHvWTTz_OtIZwiNbnQpLtSxu3gZ9LxYOHJ0hjvDXMrx_CFNmY_6Bwhx1_gSszer1UA4bWeFKHj0Sty4Kwdml4axnDux3dYmKcNUDM3C8/s200/IMG_0663.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only Janey can give "the look!"</td></tr>
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I offer only this - life happens! In the past 3+ years, I have returned from my beloved overseas life to being a full-time artist-in-residence in my lovely home in Texas. I have sent my two precious kitties (Shakespeare and Dickens) over the rainbow bridge and welcomed in Lady Jane Austen (Janey), Shakespeare2 (Shakes - ummm - a girl), and Perkens. They are such a delight and really keep this house on its toes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Bear in his Viking hat</td></tr>
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I have also welcomed not just a new grandson-in-love in 2015, but a new GREAT grandson on St. Patrick's Day, 2017! See? Life has happened. This is Bear - is he not the cutest!<br />
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Book #2 in my series is out - and when I can settle down to do it, I'm working on #3 and #4!<br />
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We did our first book launch at my church (New Beginnings Church in Bedford, TX) in Kid City. Baby Girl came to join me and we read to the kiddos and signed books. Here we are with two loyal fans. How do you like our aprons?<br />
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We had our second book launch in Tulsa at Braum's. Here's Baby Girl again (she lives there) with 3 cutie pies who are like family to us. We had door prizes and they won a cat pillow - looks so real! A friend from my days in Crete was working in OKC and she drove over and got a trunk full of books. Thanks, Donna Dew!<br />
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I have been back to the Dominican Republic many times in the past few years, assembling and delivering curriculum for English classes. As I write this, I'm preparing another trip to train a new teacher in how to use all of it. I now have three girls and a boy (we sponsor him in Bear's name) who are able to go to school and get some hot meals every day, thanks to sponsorship. This year marks the first high school graduation ever for our new high school. What a blessing to be part of changing the world through this precious kiddos!<br />
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I've been on a personal improvement journey since January 2017 and have lost almost 50 pounds. I feel amazing and ready to plow into life with even more vim, vigor and vitality. I'm working hard to get caught up with all the little projects (like writing books and blogs!) I've let slide. I promise more to come - soon.<br />
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Looking pretty good for 71, don't you think?ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-68013103441844373192014-12-11T10:12:00.001-08:002014-12-11T10:12:56.264-08:00Hey I've made it to AUGUST! A month of "recovery!"<br />
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This month included lots of fun stuff. I learned how to make gazing balls, "plate flowers," and bird baths for my garden and yard - going potty over these. <br />
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We also had our first 2014 gathering of the AAA (Amazing Angleton Amigas) at the "upper ranch" near Burnet, Texas. What fun! I adore these girls and the giggles and good food hardly ever stop. THIS TIME, however, we enjoyed a glorious praise and worship session on the side of a mountain top retreat. Good times!<br />
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I also got to visit my beloved Dominican Republic with a team from church - to help open the new HIGH SCHOOL! What a blessing it is to be a part of this ministry! God has been SO GOOD to me!</div>
ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-13708403894301945352014-10-29T14:32:00.000-07:002014-10-29T14:32:00.549-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
REACHING BACK TO JULY
2014 …. ROAD TRIP<o:p></o:p></div>
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Time is flying – backwards – hee hee! July was a month of road trips. WOW is that fun! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I started the month with World Cup playoffs – I love
football! (Both kinds – the kind where
the game is actually played with the feet and the kind America plays!) I think if the whole team had played as well
as the US goalie, we’d have been in the playoffs – good word for ME!<o:p></o:p></div>
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July 4 found me with my family watching fireworks in
Denton. FUN FUN FUN! Took me a loooooong time to get home from
there – tried a new shortcut – ha!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Next day (5<sup>th</sup>) I drove to Gainesville and met
Tobey (#1 daughter) and her hubby Chad.
This is the start of the “LUCY AND ETHEL” roadtrip! This year we decided to do photo shoots in
silly shirts, crazy glasses and goofy hats.
Will see if you agree!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We didn’t leave until Tuesday because I have ESL lessons on
Sunday morning and Monday night. So we
spent Monday doing errands at home – and making stepping stones. Made quite a few – great memories.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our first day out, we stopped in West, Texas for a few photo
opps. Can hardly see Tobey in this pic
but it is the official West sign.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Can
you tell we’re wearing our Sunday best? We takes our road trips seriously! <o:p></o:p></div>
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First stop was in Georgetown where we met up with a friend from my Abu Dhabi days - Carrie Eubanks and her kids. She only had Joseph, Nathan and Sarah when they lived in Abu Dhabi but has two gorgeous girls added to this flock from overseas. I didn't get photos of anybody but Nathan and Joseph and me - sorry!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-zNGa8RMpresOZZcAbu3BwZEQsqPy2HPuV2CejFGQxFu8ocRa33BFbv6lADX33-dY4QBNpBEYQ1JtvtyY1bwFRIbqhDpWcLczcWNwk7iwE3nsBggCWbtbaXhtKxLWU4m1IoIAPXuSK0/s1600/Road+trip+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-zNGa8RMpresOZZcAbu3BwZEQsqPy2HPuV2CejFGQxFu8ocRa33BFbv6lADX33-dY4QBNpBEYQ1JtvtyY1bwFRIbqhDpWcLczcWNwk7iwE3nsBggCWbtbaXhtKxLWU4m1IoIAPXuSK0/s1600/Road+trip+8.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4A078NW9sO8fqYWbb1F0iD18Cv6bL8_uQVxOPYd-f1vyS4cWjgC60wLw0tf385DSPldpOGrFH70SiQFNAR0qT6K-P9KfvzZap6NubeV46KXs3tc6pyvr12bJAytJEl6i2k99JkWo0OBM/s1600/Road+trip+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4A078NW9sO8fqYWbb1F0iD18Cv6bL8_uQVxOPYd-f1vyS4cWjgC60wLw0tf385DSPldpOGrFH70SiQFNAR0qT6K-P9KfvzZap6NubeV46KXs3tc6pyvr12bJAytJEl6i2k99JkWo0OBM/s1600/Road+trip+7.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a> Love these guys!</div>
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THEN we went to San Marcos for a visit with our "donkey" friends - Trisha and Ralph. We shared our silly shirt pics with Trisha - only her shirt wasn't so silly! I posted donkey pictures last month - check em out. Those babies are adorable!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTkA_DzXkrnERbjxQPTc9R_lvJZQXxewzRR6v8ybRxD4nXkW9oUHQL4rvL6Krs3eQNKxsFe422zQT92HWkav18NFAXNr3oyoTB5nqHP2VmnlexoN6d8HeosinkQBNihpvOhP0P7gcJBo/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTkA_DzXkrnERbjxQPTc9R_lvJZQXxewzRR6v8ybRxD4nXkW9oUHQL4rvL6Krs3eQNKxsFe422zQT92HWkav18NFAXNr3oyoTB5nqHP2VmnlexoN6d8HeosinkQBNihpvOhP0P7gcJBo/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHUNMlAe9eOHykbI_VaZwrEnghVoWu0cBiKoe8U9t2Tj_8q_3iSfJBBfA_q5uagTpi1rSl39Mh1L11yMI0KdiyY4vv2I7XIj9kQ0P3QGhj1Iu9tdjpbz-1EBDzGd_0EGze4UUkJdTsA8/s1600/IMG_2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHUNMlAe9eOHykbI_VaZwrEnghVoWu0cBiKoe8U9t2Tj_8q_3iSfJBBfA_q5uagTpi1rSl39Mh1L11yMI0KdiyY4vv2I7XIj9kQ0P3QGhj1Iu9tdjpbz-1EBDzGd_0EGze4UUkJdTsA8/s1600/IMG_2036.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure Trisha acts silly until we come by - just sayin!</div>
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Along the way we shared our silliness with the weary travelers on the road with our new moustaches!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0U9sxvSlQa11c9N6ACUQmViw6tylqNxJVQSZmv5IDe7JHSsmHhxy8jGxCazXH50_2zLsvTxkf62bFXxqSUsxdkelnr2dEnoDIYcc5IBoLk2CjVWtVGBchGOkchySdGOmR-azX4UEv1zQ/s1600/Road+Trip+3a+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0U9sxvSlQa11c9N6ACUQmViw6tylqNxJVQSZmv5IDe7JHSsmHhxy8jGxCazXH50_2zLsvTxkf62bFXxqSUsxdkelnr2dEnoDIYcc5IBoLk2CjVWtVGBchGOkchySdGOmR-azX4UEv1zQ/s1600/Road+Trip+3a+-+Copy.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXG_tPRyFFWeEZ66JMFOtlqDHl16RpRk6c0nYEnrM8YytYf728oTw5jB507067G4-NYV_YHf7rnQGJHeyZFy0jz4CsFlAsD9Yh8c4f3xXf1hfYMDeq25NKE8FCCPRfbVVyoLyn6VBDGU/s1600/Road+trip+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXG_tPRyFFWeEZ66JMFOtlqDHl16RpRk6c0nYEnrM8YytYf728oTw5jB507067G4-NYV_YHf7rnQGJHeyZFy0jz4CsFlAsD9Yh8c4f3xXf1hfYMDeq25NKE8FCCPRfbVVyoLyn6VBDGU/s1600/Road+trip+3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Mine's cuter I think!</div>
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One of our favoritest places is Buc-ees - and the biggest one EVER is outside San Marcos/New Braunfels. They've got SO MUCH STUFF in this store - love it!</div>
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We stopped over at cousin Linda's in Portland and had dinner with her baby girl Kristin and hubby John. Had a great time visiting and talking marketing for my books! And eating - too busy to take photos - hee hee!</div>
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THEN, on to Corpus Christi and long time friend Jack. (Tobey calls her Aunt Janice) Jack and I go waaaaaaay back (we plus Trisha were "We Three" in the University of Corpus Christi days) and SHE was the first to see our sweet Tobey. Jack got to go up in the nursery, dress Tobey and bring her down to us - she and Tobey have a TIGHT bond! And this may all be scuttled when she sees this photo - hee hee!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMKAvS2RTIo_o6GPcBZjSPvUVco9EknAKw7vDiv6CUxClZHeQvUcx0URtyahqHLEDyLBTnROF3bAJnytHmQ50blf9uB_oyP1HbbYrXQX5RsYQEc7R18VcVG5TYRlds5m_RfXxDUnhHEk/s1600/Road+trip+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMKAvS2RTIo_o6GPcBZjSPvUVco9EknAKw7vDiv6CUxClZHeQvUcx0URtyahqHLEDyLBTnROF3bAJnytHmQ50blf9uB_oyP1HbbYrXQX5RsYQEc7R18VcVG5TYRlds5m_RfXxDUnhHEk/s1600/Road+trip+12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>So, here's the story. One of Jack's</div>
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most favoritest things is taking her guests on a dune buggy ride of the beach. Tobey just wanted to put her feet in the water and do some shell hunting. WELL, no sooner had we started off than the big black clouds gathered. Tobey got out to "shower off" from her sand adventure and KABOOM - down came the flood. No windshields, windows or doors in these puppies and we were all SOAKED - including Jack's older sister Joyce. OH BOY - fun! </div>
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We came home and dried off and then went out to eat at a yum Mexican restaurant - couldn't resist getting a photo with this ginormous rooster!</div>
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And yes, the food was FANTASTIC - even with a big rooster bodyguard hanging out! We also worked in a trip to Goodwill - I LOVE HANGING OUT THERE - ya find the most amazing treasures! Can you BELIEVE somebody actually threw this away?! Tobey said if my eyes were on straight then my nose was crooked - hee hee!</div>
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We had one more stop - this one a short one outside Brookshire (near Houston) where my cousin lives in an airplane hangar! This is my sassy cousin Dee Ann and her hubby John beside their plane. Tobey wanted to sit in it - so we've got a shot or two of her in the cockpit - but trust me, we never got out of the hangar!</div>
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We got home tired and weary but had SO much fun. Got Tobey to the airport early Sunday morning - she had to run to make that flight. WHEW - and it was only the 13th of the month.<br />
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July also brought a mini-reunion. AAA friend Kay Bacon and her sister Jean Rae drove up from Waco and we teamed up with another former Angleton High School teacher who JUST HAPPENS to be my neighbor! Carolyn Teague! We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and went for a short shop at Sprouts.</div>
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And then ... my Mexican daughter Rocio came to Dallas with her family for a visit. I picked up Roci and her daughter Rebekah and took them to visit my son and his family. Roci lived with us when Tori was a baby and now she's an English teacher herself! FUN!</div>
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WHAT A GREAT MONTH!</div>
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ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-30866521562162689332014-10-23T13:22:00.000-07:002014-10-23T13:22:21.351-07:00REACHING BACK TO JUNE 2014 ..... REFRESH<br />
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Yup - it's been that kind of month. Still working on purging excess items in my closet, drawers, garage, kitchen. UGH!<br />
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Had the first ever Merry Hearts Lifegroup after church the first Sunday in June. My son and his family came along with a former country/western singer and his wife. What fun we had listening to Gaither DVDs and then trying out the songs ourselves!<br />
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I'm still working on data entry on Mondays at my church - and still teaching ESL on Sunday mornings and Monday evenings. It's really fun to be back in the saddle of teaching again. I left most of all my resources in Hong Kong so I'm searching frantically online and through my books - plus ordering textbooks. Thank goodness for friends at ULI in Tulsa who are clueing me in to good texts for beginners. We have a new student - a Spanish lady who's been in the US over 20 years. Makes the class lots more fun to have more students. I hope someday we can have a real school - but I'm getting ahead of myself!<br />
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This month is a great one for reunions of sort. I started out to my family reunion in South Texas and made some fun stops on the way down - and back. First I stopped in Temple to visit my friend Kay Bacon. We had breakfast before I left in a fun shop where she found this sign:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJBsl34f6nbsIhEzaEFw8HOBxQ-MMW5qpaEuhZkHG-Z7WrYG3_nilBK5R2nntMRc81h-_JRAVb4UUHibzbKfOlJCJdf1N4B9S2kyelymqTjSa71OB5YrbUD7q8kdckTCkbpMwtX9Gn2A/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJBsl34f6nbsIhEzaEFw8HOBxQ-MMW5qpaEuhZkHG-Z7WrYG3_nilBK5R2nntMRc81h-_JRAVb4UUHibzbKfOlJCJdf1N4B9S2kyelymqTjSa71OB5YrbUD7q8kdckTCkbpMwtX9Gn2A/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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After breakfast, I drove to Marble Falls where I met up with Janie - another AAA friend. We had lunch at the Bluebonnet Cafe and then I was off to San Marcos. This is a photo of Janie and me but NOT at the Bluebonnet Cafe.</div>
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Then it was on to San Marcos to spend the night with my long time friend Trisha and her sweet husband Ralph. They raise miniature donkeys and Ralph makes stuff. Like bird feeders and yard flowers - oh yes, I'm all over that for when I get home!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CuSScoJeEj2PiRQxDe0I_xdpWSlmCH8I60L30VQt4WQKcq2GZIUThOknQhfQQjXah_CUSNWJU4fqFpwb1cqERnt3vcN02KVK31sfzGOBO-6o-4XctwLUyftojFG-sxR_Os0cwoXjRno/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CuSScoJeEj2PiRQxDe0I_xdpWSlmCH8I60L30VQt4WQKcq2GZIUThOknQhfQQjXah_CUSNWJU4fqFpwb1cqERnt3vcN02KVK31sfzGOBO-6o-4XctwLUyftojFG-sxR_Os0cwoXjRno/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsLi2vBpQgelH6q3WCJ2bDjD4m2zf_NzR3bCu0qh2Aipou5KZMXgVIa7ztV4M1oiCklvCaQ_puJ2gBmZN8uuEDDIx5uoLndrC_i-zinZ-Sl_oFUGKrYZ6JAqTk94FM_NruWtbaAnCOcA/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsLi2vBpQgelH6q3WCJ2bDjD4m2zf_NzR3bCu0qh2Aipou5KZMXgVIa7ztV4M1oiCklvCaQ_puJ2gBmZN8uuEDDIx5uoLndrC_i-zinZ-Sl_oFUGKrYZ6JAqTk94FM_NruWtbaAnCOcA/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijXGfgr7pHPl4mZFbXaIxbsivSjwR2mlnUYCmu79k5UDK9vbWvA0irNc7IWZRuXER0D7im2hzYpJUcLSiSD6crqwnJxgCHHnvqfIqTQu2rXhLFFBE4SWSSIpaRIQnaVw-Tckj7hMdgXw/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijXGfgr7pHPl4mZFbXaIxbsivSjwR2mlnUYCmu79k5UDK9vbWvA0irNc7IWZRuXER0D7im2hzYpJUcLSiSD6crqwnJxgCHHnvqfIqTQu2rXhLFFBE4SWSSIpaRIQnaVw-Tckj7hMdgXw/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" height="219" width="320" /></a>Next I drove to my hometown of Angleton where I met up with the 3rd AAA friend, Kathy Duncan. She's the beauty in purple glasses in this photo - we were talking and visiting too hard and fast to take photos that day.</div>
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Out in the country outside Angleton lives my cousin Anne. We were joined by cousin Robert from Little Rock, Ark. and the Zilch began. Each person in this goofy game gets 6 dice - look at the ones they gave ME! (I still won - most!) You can tell from the photo below that we are ALL smart! Right? </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This is a photo of me with my precious Aunt Cooter. She's in her 80's and is one of my favoritest people! The other photo is loads of cousins - some don't look very happy but we DID have fun! My son and his family drove all the way from Denton, TX to join us - and then headed back late that night!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTnpjRdaMUbCqLOWlUdsEHPP9VqZbsXP233PjvYuRzkB3mDmWgGJi5Fh3cNv19eWbrTbCp84LBH2fS07OO5f-zG38Ce-yASwW8TBwFZ7913v02oWWg8uOpB1NQ4_hZbHybSln7pzd-B8/s1600/Silly+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTnpjRdaMUbCqLOWlUdsEHPP9VqZbsXP233PjvYuRzkB3mDmWgGJi5Fh3cNv19eWbrTbCp84LBH2fS07OO5f-zG38Ce-yASwW8TBwFZ7913v02oWWg8uOpB1NQ4_hZbHybSln7pzd-B8/s1600/Silly+2.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>I drove up to Huntsville to stay overnight with Janice - #4 of the AAA girls. I got to see all of them but sweet Shirley - this is Janice but not at her house. We didn't take any pictures that visit - too busy yakking!</div>
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I got home Sunday night late and just have to say - WHEW! Best part of the trip (almost) was finding out about PALEO - thanks Kay Bacon!</div>
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That week my BFF Linda came from OKC and we shopped and played and had a blast. Linda headed off home early on Saturday the 21st of June and I started packing. BIG THINGS going on this month.</div>
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On Sunday the 22nd, I taught my class, went to church and then to the airport. I've been blessed to be a part of the ICRS (International Christian Retailers Show) by my publishers - Evergreen Press. I didn't get to Atlanta until 5ish that afternoon and by the time I took the train and walked all over town, I got to my hotel at 8:45! I dumped stuff and ran over (not really ran - more like limped) to the convention center where my great friend Donna was waiting with .... MY BOOKS! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Lrp1dsvodC5-9xeQRzo3i2WRakvOobjOX8KL2GqH5gFREj_v4Zf2nJ8_oMNBqbBWgt8PVYsVwK0xf-28aYLEnvxCfdChiUJEAkZbr3rha9DQKyIW72GEL_8BWokjFP9jaKHh2nAGX-o/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Lrp1dsvodC5-9xeQRzo3i2WRakvOobjOX8KL2GqH5gFREj_v4Zf2nJ8_oMNBqbBWgt8PVYsVwK0xf-28aYLEnvxCfdChiUJEAkZbr3rha9DQKyIW72GEL_8BWokjFP9jaKHh2nAGX-o/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>I got there too late for registration but Donna had arrived earlier so she picked up the books. I am IN AWE of how beautiful this is! WOW! We heard Phil Robertson - and Alan - of Duck Dynasty and I finally got to bed long after midnight!</div>
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The next morning, I was racing over to the convention center to get registered when I ran into ... yeah he fooled me too! Name's John Morgan and he's a "W" impersonator! Nice guy! </div>
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I also "ran into" Mart Green - of Hobby Lobby and Mardel's. I got to tell him a big thank you for bailing out "our" university (Oral Roberts University in Tulsa). Sure would love to have my book in your store, Mart! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimo82P2aPnwwqTmN2Ddz757POLO8d7loBPj4yAq9zAEDcPpj6-RDGP2pIqFnBfs17WDSlCmlLMQnuHS3bYEQAIjEV5cTQQtP5yBaQg1lpUUFlwFuYzAR_RU7lg1lY8yU4CND1x_1h43cE/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimo82P2aPnwwqTmN2Ddz757POLO8d7loBPj4yAq9zAEDcPpj6-RDGP2pIqFnBfs17WDSlCmlLMQnuHS3bYEQAIjEV5cTQQtP5yBaQg1lpUUFlwFuYzAR_RU7lg1lY8yU4CND1x_1h43cE/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz74peSHj4ykKMAeAOi3IsZSHlKTQJAp1ZyOuDnwQF-ACTbg7F0TsoePNb4KbV6UA0li5ssKvPW7_Mhiy3B_6V-DXhz9qCeL9dVzpOdYVsxNMJ4BWg2KCUVMCZ9L6oTcchHhYYnNPZKzA/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz74peSHj4ykKMAeAOi3IsZSHlKTQJAp1ZyOuDnwQF-ACTbg7F0TsoePNb4KbV6UA0li5ssKvPW7_Mhiy3B_6V-DXhz9qCeL9dVzpOdYVsxNMJ4BWg2KCUVMCZ9L6oTcchHhYYnNPZKzA/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>My publisher's booth was right across from the Charisma BUS - talk about good location! It was gloriously fun - I signed/gave away 100 books in 2 hours! That's Brian Banashak, owner of Evergreen over my shoulder. I'm BLESSED!</div>
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Left: Don Piper, author of "Ninety Minutes in Heaven" Right: the developers of the new movie "Let the Lion Roar." I also got to meet Rick Renner, author of "Sparkling Gems from the Greek" - one of my heroes. WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE! Thank you, Lord for this - and thank you Evergreen Press for having faith in me!</div>
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<br />ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-78214357155325409372014-10-22T11:37:00.000-07:002014-10-22T11:37:02.576-07:00REACHING BACK TO MAY 2014 ..... RE-ENTRY<br />
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What a happy month! I purged my house of things I don't need. Rented a storage closet and got a lot of things out. Donated a dresser and bookshelves. NOW the fun begins!<br />
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I even learned how to make chalk paint and re-did a formerly dark wood/wrought iron dresser for my guest room (which I call a Prophet's Chamber).<br />
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I gave away the big dresser and mirror so now I'm working on filling the wall with LOTS of mirrors - and my sweet Tobey made me a huge "flower" out of an old Shakespeare book - perfect centerpiece!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9A8EXOcidRP9gX9IAghjpWtDaY_jlMyM3SlT9JKU8r3Wj8sA-gwie3r2Ou8-kdXVHAE0js3Q89nxSZgZjxDWdIft4kmb9W0jwcnHKgsV6cvHg74nmZmKmSNsly2SHg7E0PwEM7QHvlXQ/s1600/mirror+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9A8EXOcidRP9gX9IAghjpWtDaY_jlMyM3SlT9JKU8r3Wj8sA-gwie3r2Ou8-kdXVHAE0js3Q89nxSZgZjxDWdIft4kmb9W0jwcnHKgsV6cvHg74nmZmKmSNsly2SHg7E0PwEM7QHvlXQ/s1600/mirror+wall.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Methinks it's PERFECTLY perfect now!</div>
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Re-entry into life as a US person has been ... interesting! But hanging out with family, church friends, and neighbors - it's just been fabulous. My wonderful handy-man friend has come over 2-3 times and we're beginning a huge project on those railroad ties which used to hold up the slope on which my house is sitting! This is going to be major - the house is cracking in the middle. I've known for a long time that the dirt was slowly sliding off into the street but now it seems the house is too - oh boy! Trimming trees, spraying for critters ... total immersion, eh?<br />
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I got a big surprise from the Bedford Police on the 27th of May - a SPEEDING TICKET! Yes I was going too fast and yes it was a construction zone - but I did NOT plan on spending $300 right at this time. Believe you me, I drive the speed limit now! I guess that police officer was having a very bad day - and he surely didn't know I' d just bought a CHAIN SAW - ha!<br />
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AND I got new house numbers! For the first time ever, this house has numbers - ain't THAT grand! I call my house "Villa Shalom" cause it's full of peace! Hopefully, yours is too.<br />
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ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-28781762349042662852014-10-22T10:52:00.000-07:002014-10-22T11:37:26.354-07:00REACHING BACK to April 2014 ..... NEW BEGINNINGS<br />
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Well now - into each life some poo must fall. And a boatload fell into mine the end of February - and now, here I am back in Texas. Betrayal is NEVER fun - on any level. "Nuff said!" <br />
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A painful parting with my precious Shakespeare - he was so very weak and frail and those eyes were just begging me to let him go. I couldn't bring him back and bury him in our yard - I just had to leave him in the hands of my sweet vet and trust I'll see him again!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ohfJQJ8MQrftIKe-BP5ERj_WWNIOB1Wr2jyIjAI_lPdJFxY141PZG4kG_CLs3r6xOJ6cGoP5VzEQnQN-oaluUiVza8pSl_CA55ssPmL60QcmIxHzTzbSMA-91GUUo2RNkMW1x7A-3dQ/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ohfJQJ8MQrftIKe-BP5ERj_WWNIOB1Wr2jyIjAI_lPdJFxY141PZG4kG_CLs3r6xOJ6cGoP5VzEQnQN-oaluUiVza8pSl_CA55ssPmL60QcmIxHzTzbSMA-91GUUo2RNkMW1x7A-3dQ/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Rest in Peace, my little love.</div>
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So, Dickens and Janey and I arrived at the airport in Cairo just before midnight to prep for our loooooong flight back to Texas. We were met by Latif - the expiditer provided by the company - who quickly found out that there had been a mistake on my ticket and I had only booked ONE DOG in the hold and one CAT in cabin. Both cats were in their air carriers - Janey's too big for cabin! You can't imagine what a stir we made at the airport. TWO huge bags, two cat carriers, a carryon and a frazzled me. What do we do? I cannot leave her. I cannot go back ... getting out of Egypt was HARD! The airline (Lufthansa ROCKS) agreed to take my carrier AND my carryon as checked luggage at no extra cost. See the shrink wrap? That's my carry-on - which had my LAPTOP in it! OY VEY!<br />
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Latif went out on the midnight Cairo airport street and found a plastic gym bag. He and someone at the airport cut holes in it and THIS is what my precious Janey rode home in - in Business Class. She was an ANGEL! She couldn't turn around - barely ate - but slept all the way home.</div>
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And then the tricky business of getting all this stuff home - thank goodness for sweet Daphne who picked us up in her big Volvo, helped get Janey into the carrier and transported all of us home. Of course, there was the mandatory stop for cat litter - and half-n-half for my coffee!</div>
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Janey has forgiven me - especially since I've fixed her a cozy place to watch birds and squirrels! Dickens - well he's old and getting senile and can't quite bring himself to try and get along. But we're coping.</div>
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And once again - BOXES! This time only 120 or so! But they arrived, were unpacked and the settling began. Getting out of Egypt was very painful but it is SO WONDERFUL to finally be home and safe and "out" - honest, transparent and humbled.</div>
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My major project has been this horrid yard. I first began with weekly trips to my favorite store - Lowe's - to purchase plants in the "sick plant" department. I planted rose bushes and Mandevilla vines along the fence - now Janey and I have a pleasant view from our prayer closet.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AFTER in transition</span></div>
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It's starting to take shape ... I'll show you more as progress evolves. Suffice it to say, that turning into the driveway now makes me smile. I needed a "happy place" and this is it.</div>
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Loving getting to spend time with my son and his family - and driving up to Tulsa to see my sweet daughter and her hubby. And of course, being able to join my church family is over the moon wonderful! All in all, it's GOOD to be home! The biggest difficulty is pronouns for me - I now have to switch from "us" to "me" and from "we" to "I" - but I'm learning - hee hee!</div>
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My first Monday back at volunteering brought a very special surprise. Two sweet people, newly arrived from IRAN and needing English help. Voila! ESL classes at DFW New Beginnings have begun. We have Sunday morning lessons and Monday night lessons and I am LOVING it!</div>
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The book is almost ready. Finishing up edits and proofing cover designs - SO exciting.</div>
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No matter what life throws - God is bigger. No matter the hurdle - He is able. Life is GOOD and God is GOODER (don't tell my ESL students that though)!</div>
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<br />ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-2911935388868220992014-10-05T21:49:00.001-07:002014-10-05T21:49:31.681-07:00<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Vol.1, No 14<o:p></o:p></div>
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11 October 2003<o:p></o:p></div>
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Long Time No Sea<o:p></o:p></div>
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WELL – though it seems an eternity since I posted a “mews,”
it’s really been only the LONGEST WEEKS OF MY LIFE! (Okay – just seems like it.) I was “grounded” from the sea because of a
sciatic nerve problem and thought my mewsing was over for the winter. NOT SO!
Been back in the coooooooooooold water 3-4 times – even the starfish are
hiding in the cold. I wonder where they
go? Deeper water? South for the winter – but, er, this IS
south! Or maybe just under the
sand? WHATEVER, they are hiding cause it
is COLD down there!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, today I had a “smack you in the face with it”
revelation and have been chewing on this for awhile. Thought I’d share it with you. Guess what?
<i>I’VE GOT A FEELING EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE ALL RIGHT!</i> WHY?
Jesus is in MY boat! (p.s. He’s in YOUR boat, too!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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This morning, I read the story of the storm at sea in a
devotional book. Now picture this: Tiny boat, 12 disciples and Jesus, deep
water, middle of the night, black dark, STORM!
As the boat is rocking and rolling on the sea, the disciples are in a
state of panic. I can picture them
trying to bail a boat full of sea water with a thimble, can’t you? They are yelling at each other, frantically
trying to figure out what to DO to fix this mess – <b>AS IF</b>!!! Oh, yes, and where is the main character in
this scenario – in the back of the boat, FAST ASLEEP!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, after an eternity (so it seemed to them) of trying
to figure their way out of this problem, somebody remembered Jesus was with
them (are you getting this????). They
wake Him up! NOW, step inside my shoes
for a moment and listen to my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus (as I picture this) groggily steadies Himself in the
boat, speaks to the winds and the waves (<span style="color: #ff6600;">GUESS WHO,
BOYS! It’s your CREATOR speaking! KNOCK IT OFF</span>!), then slowly sits down
and points those incredible eyes at the disciples. He doesn’t have to SAY a word because in
their spirits, they are hearing … ‘DID YOU HONESTLY THINK THIS BOAT WOULD SINK
AND THAT YOU WOULD DROWN --- WITH THE <b>SON OF GOD</b> IN THE BOAT!’<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anybody reading this in the same “boat” with me??? I’ve been trying to figure my way out of the
current mess (bailing the sea out with a thimble) while Jesus is calmly snoring
IN MY BOAT! How in the world could I
ever think that He would let me drown if He is in the same boat?!?!?! He brought me here! He opened the doors to get me where I
am! And if this boat sinks, I figure
there’s a bigger better one waiting to rescue me/us – right around the corner!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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While repenting for my lack of faith, I picked up my Bible
and read of the woman with the issue of blood.
Mews #2: This woman had to fight
crowds to get to Jesus. She had faith to
believe that if she just touched His clothes, she would be healed – but because
of the time she was living in, she actually had to FIND HIM and TOUCH HIM!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Guess what? Though
heaven is a noisy place – with billions of angels singing and praising and
glorifying Jesus and the Father – all we have to do is WHISPER “Jesus” and He
says “<span style="color: #ff6600;">SH!
QUIET! My daughter/son is talking
to me!</span>” We can have His attention
with a whisper!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t know about you folks, but I think THAT will
PREACH! When your “boat” begins to rock
and roll, remember you don’t have to GO anywhere to find help – just whisper
His Name and TRUST HIM!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meow!</div>
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<o:p></o:p>ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-35896303506532149252014-10-05T21:44:00.001-07:002014-10-05T21:47:25.320-07:00<div class="MsoTitle">
MARTHA’S MEWS<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Vol. 1, no. 13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">11 September 2003<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I’m Proud!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is indeed hard to believe that 2 years have passed since
the horrid events of September 11, 2001.
Each of us is remembering where we were and what we were doing on that
fateful day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here at the base, we had a fantastic memorial service and it
made me proud. First of all, I’m proud
of our Chaplain. He and I (plus Stacey
and Corey) were the music event. Chaps
was bustling around like a little bee when I arrived at 7:15 a.m. (that’s in
the morning, folks!), setting up the sound system and other equipment. But when the memorial started, he was dressed
in his khaki uniform and ready for action.
He led the opening prayer. It was
probably the only event of the day not scripted and rehearsed and it was
PRECIOUS!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m proud of our military – both the US and the Greek. American Navy men and women saluted and
civilian personnel stood at attention as the Greek national anthem was
played. And the Greek military and
civilians did the same while our anthem played.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m proud of our flag.
As I stood there with my hand over my heart, listening to the strains of
the “Star Spangled Banner,” I must confess, I was thinking of all the places
I’d been where this song had been played.
As I looked up at the flag, I saw a white plane flying high in the sky –
and I thought about those people who perished in planes two years ago. I remembered a basketball game at ORU just
before I left the states, when I was wondering if I would ever hear my national
anthem again. What a road I have
traveled in these past years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m proud of our Commanding Officer. He stood tall and read words of peace and
memoriam. He talked about how these
tragic events had unified us and made us realize that we are not alone – we are
part of families and neighborhoods and communities. As I listened to him, I looked out at the
faces of the men and women in uniform, the firefighters, the civilian
personnel, and precious little Shannon, munching her breakfast on top of the
big fire truck. We are members of a
community – even here in Souda Bay, Crete.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m proud of the Greek Captain as well. His speech was made in Greek (and beautifully
interpreted by the South African Executive Assistant at the base) and had some
very soul-stirring words. He said that
many people perished in that attack two years ago who were not Americans. He said that this was not an American attack
but an attack against all free nations and people. “Terrorism has affected all of us.” We were two nations, side by side, this
morning. And it was beautiful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m proud of our police department. As the policemen’s prayer was read, I thought
about all the men and women in law enforcement all over America – who have a
prayer that acknowledges God as creator, protector and guide. WOW!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m proud of our fire department. As Corey struggled to keep his composure
while reading the Fire Fighter’s prayer, I thought of all the families of fire
fighters who are remembering today. The
bell rang at the end of each line – it was hard for all of us to hear but good
for all of us to remember.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m proud that Chaps and Stacey and Corey and I could stand
in front of this group and proudly sing “To God Be the Glory” – without fear
that someone would imprison us for our faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And as wreaths were laid respectfully at the base of the
huge anchor that sits in front of our Administration Building, I was proud to
be allowed a part in all of this. Who
knew that becoming a dishwasher on a military base would allow such a
privilege!<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, I totally lost my composure when taps was
played. The strains of that trumpet
blowing the notes that are known far and wide as the final FINAL – crystallized
it all. Noone knows when the “taps” will
sound. We have no guarantees of a
tomorrow or even a tonight. Some of
those precious people who perished in New York City were ready to meet their
Maker – had made their peace with God.
Many were caught by surprise. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I stood there and listened, grateful for the knowledge that
I’m ready – in fact I am MORE than ready – I’m WAITING for that final trumpet
to blow. I pray that you are, too. THAT would make me more proud than anything!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tell someone you love them today – and mean it!</div>
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<o:p></o:p>ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-64218135014175680822014-10-05T21:42:00.000-07:002014-10-05T21:47:09.395-07:00<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
1 Sept. 2003<o:p></o:p></div>
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Vol. 1, No. 12<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h1>
Stars, Slugs and Happiness<o:p></o:p></h1>
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It is an interesting position to find oneself in –
happiness. But I’ve come to realize
lately that I am <b><i>there</i></b><i>!</i>
Money? Position? Power?
Nope. Just a deep, abiding sense
of contentment, happiness and surety that I am 100% in the center of God’s will
for my life at this moment. In the eyes
of some, I am wasting myself – not using my talents or abilities to their
fullest potential. But in the eyes of my
Father, I am right where He wants me - and that is a tremendous release from
stress and pressure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I swam yesterday, I think I discovered an object lesson
for this contentment. First I saw a tiny
little starfish. Some are a grayish blue
color and really easy to see on the sandy floor of the sea and this little guy
was about 2 inches from tip to tip - literally the only star visible. As I watched him, he moved slowly for a short
time and then he seemed to bury himself in the sand. Only the outline of a star was visible – it
really looks like the sand dollars that sometimes are found on the beach. There was nothing coming after him – not even
a little ugly fish – so I was a bit puzzled as to why he was digging in so
deeply.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I swam a few feet away and something else on the bottom caught
my eye. At first I thought it was just a
blade of sea grass. But as I looked more
closely, I saw LEGS! This was some kind
of centipede creature – with dozens and dozens of tiny little legs. It was colorful in a brownish-beige sort of
way and about 6 inches long. As I hung
above this little critter, I watched it struggle mightily against the current
of the sea. It would take a few “steps”
and then get blown all over the place – upside down, sideways – it must have
been a frightening experience. Then the
sea would settle a bit and the critter would start its slow crawl all over
again. There could not have been much of
an agenda for this “trip” because the critter started each step in a different
direction after it landed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, then the lesson came. The Bible says for us to be rooted and
grounded – like the little star. It
might not have been trying to protect itself but it surely did not blow around
haphazardly from place to place. The
little guy with all the legs didn’t have sense enough to burrow into the sand
and so he was carried every which way by the flow of things. Do you get it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Contentment (aka happiness) comes when we are buried in Him
– the One Who gave us life and has all authority to govern what we do with
it. Fighting His will for our lives only
results in our being blown about unprotected.
The little star was snuggled up in the sand, waiting out the storm. The critter with all the legs had certainly
more qualifications for success – lots of legs, EYES, much more movement – but
he just did not quite get the plot. He
was still trying to “get there” on his own steam – and that was quickly stopped
by the winds that blew across his environment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, my friends and loved ones, I find myself quite
content. I still stretch my legs and try
to plot my own course a bit – but the next time I find myself blowing about in
the wind, I’m going to remember that little star and snuggle up to the One who
knows the plans He has for me – plans for a future and a hope! Psalm 1<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Shalom<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-10703189853029782272014-10-05T21:34:00.000-07:002014-10-05T21:34:24.825-07:00<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Vol. 1, No.11<o:p></o:p></div>
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26 August 2003<o:p></o:p></div>
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THE DANCE, THE PICNIC
AND THE ROCK<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kali Mera from the beautiful island of Crete. Today, I am “playing” the glad game and
telling my Father all the things I am glad for.
I had to send a phone message to Helmut to tell him thank you for
loaning me his family. Angelika (sister)
and Miriam (niece) are here with me and we are having a ball getting
acquainted. Miriam’s husband is fascinated
with American things so I am teaching her phrases and idioms and she is teaching
me German sentences – one per day. I
have learned to say “This is a beautiful day,” “I had a wonderful time” and the
best … “Swimming in the sea was fantastic!”
They are truly precious and a BIG “glad” for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, I took the girls to my beach for a swim today – buckle
your seatbelts! The first thing I found
was a lonely crab having a little picnic in the sand. His (or was it her?) back parts were buried
in the sand and in his “arms” he held the most exquisite shell – the kind I
find on the Blue Beach. Of course, I
watched for the longest time, hoping he would finish and I could have the
“remains” – no such luck. This is an
AMAZING creature. On the end of his
pincers, there are long spears which look like a white toothpick. He was sticking these spears inside the tiny
shell and forcing out the meat. Then he
would turn it over and over and over to make sure he didn’t drop a bite. Every so often, he became aware of me and
would grab this shell like a Dallas Cowboy with a football and scurry across
the sand. Then he would back into
another little hole, bury his back legs and begin again. Of course, he didn’t realize that I just swam
along with him – ha! All at once, I saw
him bury his whole body in the sand – all I could see was the very tip of his
picnic. The reason? A platoon of baby fish was swimming by! What an interesting place is the bottom of
the sea!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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THEN, I swam right up to the turtle rock – never been so
close before. The most gorgeous fish
I’ve ever seen was having a meal there. He was colored like a parrot – turquoise,
bright green, yellow. Don’t even ask –
you KNOW I didn’t have a camera – I’ll take it with me next time! I watched this heavenly bit of my Father’s
creation until the <i>Imperial Guard</i> arrived. These are tiny scissor-tail fish – about 3
inches long. They swim in big platoons
of 30 or more – fearsome looking. They
are dark Army green and outlined in black.
Reminds me of the Orks in the <i>Lord of the Rings</i> in a way SO when
the Imperial Guard arrives, I scoot!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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On the way back to shore, I found another miracle. Of course, I followed a few stars for a while
and then I saw the REAL King Ugly! This
fish was horrid – dark green and black wavy lines all over his body and his
eyes were outlined in black like Cleopatra.
I thought he had a “track” in the sea but soon realized it was another
fish – sand colored. THEN I became aware
that I was watching a courtship. This
ugly fish actually STOOD UP on his back fins and danced! Then he went around and … are you ready … SAT
ON HER HEAD! Oh, thank You Jesus that I
am not this kind of creature! Can you
imagine King Ugly sitting on YOUR head!
ICK!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Suddenly, K.U. began to swim away quickly – so of course, I
followed. He was on the hunt – there
were 3-4 other large sand-colored “queens” in his path and they did NOT find
him the least bit attractive! At one
point, he flipped over, showing me the most beautiful shimmery silver
belly! I thought – this is like our
enemy, isn’t it. He has ugly parts and
then can become an ‘angel of light’ if need be.
But these girls were NOT buying his act – they just kept swimming
away. And this is what WE should do –
because we know that in spite of all the shiny, shimmery, silvery parts – he is
at the core – KING UGLY!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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And so, my friends, when tempted to horde your blessings
from the Lord, remember this little crab – a picnic is no fun if you’re all by
yourself. SHARE THE BLESSINGS OF THE
LORD TODAY! And watch out for dancing
King Uglies who would only sit on your head and pull you away from the hope
that our Father brings! God loves us
each so very much – He has such a brilliant future for each of us. And hey – the present ain’t so bad either! So, get out there and rejoice and be GLAD!<o:p></o:p></div>
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ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-48713198204613704232014-10-05T21:30:00.001-07:002014-10-05T21:30:12.109-07:00<div class="MsoTitle">
MARTHA’S MEWS<o:p></o:p></div>
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Vol 1, No. 10<o:p></o:p></div>
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10 August 2003<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Star Track Gazing<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I know you’ve seen this heading before but THIS is
different! I’ve been thinking a lot
lately about a couple of old hymns.
First is the one called “Let Others See Jesus in You.” I went on a search for the words so I
use this song in our chapel group. Here’s a refresher (or an introduction, if
you’re not familiar with it):<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>While passing thru this world of sin and others your life
shall view,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Be clean and pure without within. Let others see Jesus in you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Let others see Jesus in you. Let others see Jesus in you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Keep telling the story; be faithful and true.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Let others see Jesus in you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Your life’s a book before their eyes. They’re reading it thru and thru.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Say, does it point them to the skies? Do others see Jesus in you?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Powerful words, eh?
These words popped up in my spirit while I was watching the starfish
yesterday morning! I found a little
“clan” of about 6 starfish – all sizes, colors and textures – and as I watched
them moving about on the sandy sea bottom, I noticed something fresh and
new. One starfish was making a deep
impression on the sand (!) because when it moved away, there was a perfect star
track where he had been.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I know you can see where I’m going with this. I watched in amazement as this little
starfish continued impressing the sand as it traveled thru the sand. And then, here came those words – my life is
a book that the people around me are reading.
Is it leaving tracks that point the readers heavenward – or someplace
else?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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AND THEN, the chaplain’s message Sunday was from Acts 27 –
Paul’s shipwreck. He pointed out that
Paul’s promise from the angel was that all the people with him would be
saved. He challenged us all to look in
our “boat” and find the people that are looking at us for hope, light and
help. So I’m right back at my starfish
tracks again. Here’s a little “oldie but
goodie” to leave you with! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<h1>
BRIGHTEN THE CORNER<o:p></o:p></h1>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do
not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do
not wait to send your light afar.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To
the many duties ever near you now be true.
Brighten the corner where you are!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here
for all your talent you may surely
find a need<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here
reflect the Bright and Morning Star.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
from your humble hand, the bread of life may feed,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brighten
the corner where you are.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brighten
the corner where you are!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brighten
the corner where you are!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Someone
far from harbor you may guide across the bar,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brighten
the corner where you are.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you’ll look around at the people in your “boat” and
see whose corner needs a little brightening!
I know that our Father wants us to leave tracks where we’ve been. They don’t even have to be big tracks – just
some kind of mark that says you were there!
The HK teachers are always telling me they miss my laughter – hey –
that’s a star track!<o:p></o:p></div>
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ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-35840160896244765002014-10-05T21:24:00.001-07:002014-10-05T21:24:26.341-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
MARTHA’S MEWS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Vol 1, No. 9<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
2 Aug 2003<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
IN THE STILLNESS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amazing how much you miss something when you can’t have
it! I was out of the sea for 8 days due
to the horrendous cut I inflicted on my right hand. For those of you who don’t know about it, I
jammed my hand down inside a glass pitcher to clean it – pitcher broke – sliced
my forefinger knuckle <i>to the bone</i> – I saw WHITE! Of course, I should have had stitches – ain’t
hindsight great! – but I was alone, bleeding – and I did the best I could. Now I have a deep “J” shaped scar on the
knuckle – a Jesus tattoo!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyway, back to my mews!
Yesterday, the sea was churning and angry -really sandy and icky. I floated around, glad to be back in, but
except for one lone starfish, I found the sea rather empty and
disappointing. When I woke up this
morning, I actually entertained a very quickly dismissed thought that maybe I
just wouldn’t even go!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I drove up to “my” beach, I noticed a sea of glass –
not a single ripple in the water! As I
approached the water’s edge, I couldn’t help thinking how very different this
day was from yesterday – I could see just as if I were looking thru a freshly
washed window. And when I dove into the
water, something magical and mystical happened.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As soon as I was “in”, I started singing … <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the secret, in the quiet
place, in the stillness You are there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the stillness, in the
quiet hour I wait, only for You,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cause I want to know You
more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I want to know You. I want to hear Your voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I want to know You more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I want to touch You. I want to see Your face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I want to know You more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was SO beautiful – I had an overwhelming sense of the
Lord’s presence – even though there were few fishies or little crabs scurrying
around. I kept my eyes peeled because I
just had a feeling there was a treasure coming.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I swam all over the place, watching and waiting and basking
in the Presence all around me. And then,
I saw him. Sitting in the sand, like a
sphinx in the desert, was a massive fish.
His head was shaped like the tip of a snubbed bullet. He had gorgeous markings on his back – like
hieroglyphics. My first thought was that
he looked a bit like a white tiger (cause I’m rather partial to them), but the
more I watched him, the more I decided it was a beautiful black “script” on his
back. He was a very very pale green
color; the water was 20 feet deep or so and I just could not judge how big he
was. From 20 feet up, I put my foot down
in the water and the fish was the same size – I’m guessing 3 feet or so in
length (NOT MY FOOT – the fish!). I
could not see a thing near this beauty – not a fish, not a starfish, not a
crab, not even a little tumbleweed. He
was alone on the sand, a still sentinel for something or someone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hovered there for what seemed an eternity, just watching. All at once, he stirred, whipped around into
another direction and returned to sitting.
I’ll have to admit that my heart did a flip-flop when the fish moved so
suddenly. Didn’t want him to decide he
liked American food and come up for a quick bite!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll never know why – there wasn’t another person in the
water at this time (out in the deep, I mean).
Nobody to ask. Nobody to
show. Just a special little love gift
from my Daddy. A beautiful fishy sphinx
in the August morning water – and to think, I just almost missed it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keep your eyes open – our Father has little surprises like
this for all His kids – but you have to be looking! And even more, sometimes you have to be
STILL!<o:p></o:p></div>
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ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-14906096798995543992014-10-05T21:20:00.001-07:002014-10-05T21:20:52.819-07:00<div class="MsoTitle">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MARTHA’S MEWS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Vol. 1, No.
8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">14 July 2003<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Moonrise/Sunset
… Star Track<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yup, that’s right – Star <i>TRACK</i> – not mis-spelled. Soon, all will be revealed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I just had to tell
you about the incredible display of nature last night. My friend Gus and I went for a “swim” at Blue
Beach about 5ish. Were we ever surprised
to find the beach nearly deserted and NOBODY in the sea. After 5 milliseconds in the water, we knew
why. As I said to Tobey, imagine if
someone cut the grass in your entire lawn and then dumped all the clippings in
your bathtub. THAT is how full the sea
was of black and dark-green sea grass. I
could hardly get into the water because the rocks were so slippery – finally, I
just decided to put on my mask and snorkel and take the plunge. I felt like I was in a horror movie –
couldn’t see one speck of water for all the grass! After getting OUT of that mess, I also found
that a great percentage of the grass and muck was deposited INSIDE MY SWIMSUIT! YUCK!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">God made up for
the trouble, however, with what came next.
After an hour or two in the sun, picking up shells, sharing our
“secrets” and praise reports, Gus and I made our way to my favorite seaside
taverna. The sun was a stupendous ball
of orange fire that slowly descended into the horizon. As it made its descent (imagine the slowest
elevator you have ever been on – that’s how it looks), there seemed to be a
pathway in the sea – full of light and leading directly from us to the
sun. Closer and closer and closer it got
to the horizon and then like a 3 point basket sunk from the sidelines, PLUNK –
right into the sea. Now of course, it
doesn’t actually FALL into the sea – but that’s what it looks like from our
vantage point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">After an hour or
so of conversation, wonderful food and laughter with Nikos, our friend and
waiter, we made our way to the car, got in and drove down the long wind-y road
towards the “highway.” At the
intersection, I slowed to look to the right for oncoming traffic. Gus looked as well. When we both turned to look to the left, in
perfect unison, we shouted “WOW!” Our
Father was not finished surprising us – for there in the sky to our left was
THE most enormous moon either of us had ever seen – it was equally as huge as
the sunset we had just witnessed! Now
how about THAT for compensation for a little sea grass inside your swimsuit!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">So, today, I went
for my usual morning swim/snorkel/exploration – MY beach was gorgeous…MY water
was crystal clear and VERY cold! As I
was swimming, I saw all my usual little friends – and some gorgeous shells. I tried valiantly to pick them up with my
toes and in so doing, attracted quite a contingency of little fish. When the shell would drop, all the fish would
dive at it – hoping to find one teeny little morsel of its former
occupant. As I swam along, I kept
turning around to see the group behind me swelling to platoon proportions!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">There is one area
between my island and the shore where I usually spend quite a bit of time
watching the starfish. And while
watching the starfish, I have come to discover that they are NOT all
alike! (Neither are people, eh?) But there is something odd about these little
beauties – they all seem to have an annoying neighbor that follows them
around. On the sea bottom, I’ve found
these ugly little critters – don’t know their name – but it takes deep
concentration to “see” them. They wear
sand colored camouflage and are completely flat, about 3 inches long, AND have
two eyes right smack on the top of their head.
Imagine a ‘normal’ fish lying on its side with both eyes on the top side
– but these little guys don’t have any fins – just a little tail nub. They slither all over the sand floor but
especially near the starfish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Okay – so today, I
couldn’t find even ONE starfish – just tracks!
And starfish tracks are INTERESTING!
There are dozens and dozens of star-shaped imprints in the sand with
little trails connecting them. But there
is no way to tell whether they are ‘coming or going.’ I was growing deeply disappointed because I
couldn’t find even one starfish – and this is my daily treat in the sea – when
I noticed what looked like a fat dead fish sticking out of a lump of sand. Upon closer observation, I found that this
fish was most certainly NOT dead – in fact, it had TWO eyes on the top of its
head. It was about the size of a
ping-pong paddle and was a grandfather of those ugly little starfish
pests. If I thought the little ones were
ugly – this guy was KING ugly! I stuck
my feet down near him and ‘paddled’ fiercely to stir him out of his sand
bed. He actually came up in the water
about halfway between bottom and top – and then slid back down – ooooooh was he
ugly!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">So, I never did
find any starfish but I still managed to have quite an adventure. And when I got out, toweled off and walked to
the car, there was Tina waiting for me (Paul’s wife). I tried to tell her what I’d just found out
there and she said, “Oh I never bother swimming here – there’s just NOTHING to
see! I go somewhere where I can find
interesting things to look at when I’m snorkeling.” It’s all a matter of perspective, folks –
ain’t it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Remember that old
hymn “Open my eyes that I may see, visions of truth Thou has for me!” OPEN UP THOSE BABY BLUES (greens, hazels,
browns) and see what your Daddy has for you to see today!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6ce1NlYq0qrSXOjwXCa7xYI-JT0064bWT201CtVM4cA6B4BUyTj7vzrwxSyyW7-qucUMe3v5WACN6pzdxTewcUS5FCXHlQPfJp-W2fPdI9-fVc2P0zYJxBwYMX8xuh25cqMIFRTzD6U/s1600/Underwater+beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6ce1NlYq0qrSXOjwXCa7xYI-JT0064bWT201CtVM4cA6B4BUyTj7vzrwxSyyW7-qucUMe3v5WACN6pzdxTewcUS5FCXHlQPfJp-W2fPdI9-fVc2P0zYJxBwYMX8xuh25cqMIFRTzD6U/s1600/Underwater+beauty.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>This is my gorgeous granddaughter Victoria (Tori).</div>
<o:p></o:p>ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-24348384896495565282014-10-05T21:13:00.000-07:002014-10-05T21:14:32.783-07:00<div class="MsoTitle">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MARTHA’S MEWS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Vol.1, No. 7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<st1:date day="11" month="7" w:st="on" year="2003"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">July 11, 2003</span></st1:date><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Yesterday, I had a lesson in … life on the front
lines. Today, in the sea, I found the
“meaning.” Yesterday afternoon, I went
to work, dressed and mentally ready for the job of cashier in the diner. However, when I walked into the office, the
manager told me that I was being “deployed” to the softball field to cook
hotdogs until Ben could arrive. (He’s in
the Navy and there are ships in port so he had to work at his real job.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Since I don’t need a huge amount of change
for the hotdog stand, I dumped some money into the register and took off with
the driver – a huge Puerto Rican hulk from the <st1:place w:st="on">Bronx</st1:place>
named Cruz. This man is a wooly mammoth
but has the sweet face of a 5 year old.
He has had horrific experiences – not the least of which included
sitting next to a cousin in a car when a gang drove up and literally blew his
cousin’s head off – all over Cruz! He
spent many months in psychiatric counseling following this episode. And now he’s in the Navy in <st1:place w:st="on">Crete</st1:place>
and driving <b>me</b> to the softball field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We got into the car and he said, “So, Martha,
how are you?” We chit-chatted for awhile
and then he spied a young lady wearing much too few clothes. “Oh boy,” says Cruz. “I don’t need to see that! I love my wife and all but I am a man, for
God’s sake, and when I have an itch, I need to scratch it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“OKAY GOD,” I screamed in my spirit. “I’m a music and English teacher here. I need to be in a studio discussing chest
voice vs. head voice – or in a classroom explaining the difference between
adverbs of time and place. HELP!” Since the drive from the club to the
softball field is a merciful 2 minutes, we arrived and began the process of
unloading the van before anything more could transpire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cruz then said “So, I hear you work for the
chaplain.” He then told me that he
needed some help but his talk with the Catholic chaplain had been limited to “I
forgive you.” “OH BOY! We are in the middle of the softball game,
people everywhere – where oh where do I begin!!!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And then, before I had sold more than 3
bottles of water, Ben arrived. So, I
took my money out of the register, walked back to the club, put that money plus
a bit more into the register in the diner and started selling food. Before I could blink, here came Damas (the
cashier supervisor). “Martha, how much
money you put in your register?” It
seems the overage/shortage reports had finally worked their way into the office
and now THIS was the time to count all the change fund. Nikos, the bartender, was drafted to take
over my register and I went to the office.
We counted ALL the money – even the safe full of quarters (which I
hadn’t counted since 27 June). The euro
fund balanced perfectly and the dollar fund was $17 short. All could be accounted for – whew!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No, I did not go back to the cashier’s
post. NOW I had to sit at the computer
for 2 hours and finish a spreadsheet on customer satisfaction for the national
MWR survey! Nikos was frantic because he
was working 2 registers at the same time.
I was totally frazzled because somebody else was making change with my
register AND …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But the night finally ended – they all do,
don’t they – my register balanced and I came home. This morning, I went for my swim and guess
what I found on the sea bottom? As I stepped
into the water, I could hardly contain my disappointment because it was really
rough – big waves. This makes snorkeling
a bit challenging, to say the least. But
as I began to swim, I saw something on the sand that really spoke to me. At first, I couldn’t see anything but sand
and garbage being tossed here and there in the rough water. As I kept swimming, I noticed a few tiny
little fish, trying their best to pick bits of food off the sandy rocks. They would get really close and then a wave
would come and toss them away. As I
watched, I noticed that these little guys never gave up – they just kept
swimming back to the place where they believed their breakfast grew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A little further on, I found a little crab
scurrying along the sand. This little guy
was all alone – not another member of his family in sight. When the big waves came along, he burrowed
down under the sand and hid there till it was safe to come out. He never once turned around or acted like he
was lost. He seemed to know where he was
going and just kept heading in that direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you get it yet? Although yesterday seemed very fragmented and
frantic to me, I kept remembering what my favorite German said to me “Don’t
panic, Martha. God’s got it all in control.” When life starts tossing us around, we’ve
just gotta remember that story about Jesus and the disciples. They were in a boat and a storm came up. Jesus was ASLEEP, minding His own business
and not a bit worried – but the disciples were frantic! Now we have the “Book” so we know what to do
when storms come – they didn’t. I have
to force myself to remember that I have to burrow down deep and just hold on
til the storms subside and not to lose my way.
I have to keep swimming back to the Rock because it is that Rock that
holds the key to my very existence!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m not sure how this thing with Cruz will
continue – it was enough for me to know that somebody has seen me in context
with the chaplain – getting the God connection out in the light. Oh yes, and before I left the office
yesterday, while the men and Ann were engaged in their usual tossing to and fro
of extremely ‘colorful’ language, Ann laughingly said to me, “Now, Martha, I’m
putting you out in public so you are not going to be able to use the same
language you use here in the office.
You’re going to have to clean up your mouth.” Although I never SAY anything, it is being
noticed that my mouth is <u>not</u> full of cursing and foul talk – this is the
salt and light thing, folks!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Be encouraged today that if life is tossing your
boat around, Jesus is in that boat with you and He ain’t worried! In fact, He is so calm that He is having a
little nap! Sometimes it’s good to write
stuff to somebody else and then SAVE IT … I’m really preaching to myself here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Blessings to all of you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">M<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVGQO0oC7OHPGi0-ek4l7VjveLOnRClnYn19yW_6PQZdXZgS2Tn25082a8XQ4GRM45fm5MFPqf-BiDzIxHLbjUHVAY8htVwbKqhGTdEZihMEIl2Z3L1u-_JXH56Aclaume3yqy_06dmY/s1600/Joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVGQO0oC7OHPGi0-ek4l7VjveLOnRClnYn19yW_6PQZdXZgS2Tn25082a8XQ4GRM45fm5MFPqf-BiDzIxHLbjUHVAY8htVwbKqhGTdEZihMEIl2Z3L1u-_JXH56Aclaume3yqy_06dmY/s1600/Joy.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-65946154627880407182014-10-05T21:04:00.000-07:002014-10-05T21:04:47.158-07:00<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Vol.1, No. 6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">July 2, 2003<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
I don’t think there is much in this life that is better
than that first cup of coffee in the morning.
Honestly, I cannot fathom a life without coffee – one of life’s greatest
pleasures. No matter when the first taste
comes – in the wee hours is my favorite – it’s still such a wondrous event to
hold that steaming cup of dark liquid (okay mine isn’t dark cause I use REAL
CREAM) between my hands, drag it up to my nose where the intoxicating smell
whiffs past, and then up to my lips for the first kiss of the day. Ahhhhhhhhh – HEY what went wrong here!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Okay – here’s life’s lesson for you today,
folks…. Fresh water won’t work on yesterday’s coffee grounds! I’ve pulled a muscle in my lower back and
have been limping and “cripping” around for days. As any of you know who have “been there,”
this one of the most painful things a person can try to cope with – even
breathing hurts. I’ve made it thru 3
days of work – stooping, lifting, stretching – but just barely. Last night, I gave in to a soak in a hot tub,
praying all the while that I would be able to get out of the tub – even getting
my legs into my jeans is a side-show event!
I also gave in to 2 huge Advil tablets and actually felt pretty nearly
normal this morning. Able to slide thru
my “yogurt” (aka yoga) stretches, morning swim, I confidently approached the
coffee maker. I poured in the water,
pushed the button and went outside to water my balcony garden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After a shower, I made my usual breakfast of
banana, wheat, yogurt, walnuts and honey, then poured fresh cream into my cup
in anticipation of my morning feast. I
knew I was in trouble when I picked up the coffee pot – it looked like weak
tea! THEN I realized what had happened –
I’d forgotten to grind the coffee beans!
I valiantly tried to struggle thru breakfast with this hideous
substitute for the real thing – for about 2 sips – and then threw it all down
the drain and started all over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As I waited for the 2<sup>nd</sup> pot to
perk, I felt the Lord nudging me that there was a message in this. The Bible says that God’s mercies are “new
every morning” – that means … are you ready?
<u>Today’s problems won’t work with yesterday’s faith!</u> Just like I have to grind my coffee beans
fresh each time I want coffee, l have to make sure that I have spent time
grinding out my faith by reading the Word and soaking in prayer EVERY DAY. Since nobody really knows exactly what each
day holds, it’s up to each one of us to crank up our own spirits to make sure
we’re equipped to handle what’s around the corner. In my position, I can’t afford NOT to make it
a daily “crank” or I end up with … well, weak tea!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Okay, you say, I ALREADY KNOW THIS – how
elementary! Weeeeeeeeell, I know how to
make coffee pretty good, too, thank you very much, but I sure did forget to put
the fresh beans in today! And this
little lesson sure did impress my Bible study girls – today’s problems won’t
work with yesterday’s faith!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That’s it for today – gotta go make some
afternoon coffee – WITH fresh beans! And
then, I think I’ll spend a little time revving up my faith – this is
because when I bent down to pick up my
Bible, I pulled the muscle all over again!
HERE WE GO AGAIN!</span><br />
</div>
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<o:p></o:p>ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-67534250966408578242014-10-05T20:51:00.000-07:002014-10-05T20:51:15.100-07:00<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Vol 1, No. 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">June 26, 2003<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Today,
we’re gonna talk about something that makes nearly every one of us
uncomfortable – death and garden slugs!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I’ve
just finished reading Rich Mullin’s biography (which, by the by, is called <i>Rich
Mullins, an Arrow Pointing to Heaven” </i>by James Bryan Smith) and frankly,
folks, I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same!
This young man (of whom, I’m sad to say I was barely aware while he
lived) has really impacted my life in a way that I never dreamed possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
last chapter of the book deals with the Rich’s death and also his own words
concerning this uncomfortable topic.
WELL, I have finally found someone who thinks the way I do. Death is a door we all have to walk thru to
get from this feeble world into eternity. Just a door!
The thing that makes it so frightening for most of us is that … well,
nobody’s ever come back to tell us exactly what’s on the other side and how it
feels to walk thru this door. I mean,
even with Jesus, we saw the suffering He went thru and we heard His words
“Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit” and then we saw Him resurrected,
walking thru doors, eating fish, hanging out with the boys. But that <i>mystery</i> part is what throws
most of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As
I’ve been ‘mewsing’ about this today (very groggily I must admit because last
night was HOT and I hardly slept), I’ve been thinking about heaven. You know, the older I get, the more
‘treasures’ there are waiting for me in heaven – I feel it getting closer all
the time. I cannot wait to see my baby
again, to hug my daddy and run my fingers thru his hair, to love on my mama,
and my precious Granny – OH BOY! That’s
just the start folks – count em – all the aunts, uncles, cousins, friends,
teachers, preachers, music directors … the list goes on and on – and then
there’s the ones I’ve only read about – Corrie ten Boom, Ethel Waters, Rich
Mullins, the apostles, and JESUS! It’s a
REAL place with REAL people in REAL bodies and … okay that’s another mews –
today I’m talking about how to get there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Now,
God put us here on this cracked and decaying earth for a short while – and He
had a reason. Listen to what He told
Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the
womb, I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a
prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:
5) Now if we believe that God is no
respecter of persons, then this applies to all of us. All of us may not go out to the nations but <b>all</b>
of us have been appointed from the womb to be a prophet to somebody – maybe
just your family, eh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Remember
that trite expression “some people are so heavenly minded they are no earthly
good”? Let’s think about that for a
second. If we focus on heaven 24/7 and
totally ignore things around us, then how can we fulfill this “prophet to the
nations” thing! Each of us has a little
audience around us that we are supposed to show what’s going on in this world
and what is coming in the next. St.
Francis said: “Go into all the world and
preach the gospel. Use words when
necessary.” Well, if our heads are in
heaven but our feet don’t touch the earth, how is ANYBODY gonna figure out
what’s going on ???<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I
have figured out that God would not have put us here on this earth if He didn’t
intend for us to enjoy it – swimming in the sea, the smell of flowers in the
air, the taste of that first cup of coffee in the morning, the feel of a loved
one’s kiss, the sweetness of a baby’s smile, sunflowers, baby chickens, and on
and on and on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But
we must NEVER forget that this is not all there is! What is waiting for us on the other side of
the door is even better than what we have here.
We will most certainly NOT be flying around in white robes, strumming
harps. C. S. Lewis lists 5 blessings
waiting for us in heaven – the last is that we will have “some sort of official
position in the universe.” This is based
on Revelation 22:5 “And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp
or sun, for the Lord God will be their light and they <u>will reign forever and
ever.</u>” Now think about this when
you’re down in the dumps. In order to
“reign” you gotta have a position, right?
You gotta have something to be in charge over – whatever this means, it
is NOT strumming harps! (This oughta
give YOU something to ‘mews’ over for awhile.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I’m
thinking about all the things I’ve still got to do, making lists of people to
say “I love you” to, places I still want to see, people I want to meet, books I
want to write. (Oh, and by the way,
Jesus … it’s okay for You to jump in and bust up these plans anytime You want
to </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> ) And I want to challenge each one of you with
these words by Rich Mullins:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> During one of his last concerts, he
said “I abused myself<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> as much as possible in the last 20
years. Which is fine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> with me. ‘Cause I figure, sooner or later, life’s
gonna kill<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> us all – you may as well go out
doing something you love to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> do.
Or eating something that you like to eat. Like<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> cholesterol … So go out and live
real good, and I promise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> you’ll be beat up real bad. But a little while after you’re<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> dead, you’ll be rotted away anyway.
… <b>It’s not gonna<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> matter if you had a few scars. It will matter if you<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> didn’t live.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We
all could have been put here as garden slugs – think of that! – what in the
WORLD is the purpose of this idiotic looking thing?!?! But God chose us for a purpose. He put each one of us exactly where He wanted
– and in the time He wanted – for a purpose.
I’m still learning what that purpose is for my life – just as I’m
feeling like a chess piece which He is moving closer and closer to
“Checkmate”! I pray that you will find
your purpose and find it soon. While
we’re here on this planet, let’s live each day to the fullest, love everybody
till they squeak and stop acting like “this” is all there is!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">BY
JOVE, I’ve got it! I’m an “embedded
prophet!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Martha<o:p></o:p></span></div>
ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-14070740970201669892014-10-05T20:44:00.002-07:002014-10-05T20:44:42.111-07:00<div class="MsoTitle">
MARTHA’S MEWS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Vol. 1, No. 4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">June 24, 2003<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Morning
Happy Campers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Well,
today, I have been "mewsing" on the rocks and mountains and trees and
valleys shouting praise to God. I was planning this wonderful
"mews" for you when I walked into the kitchen to get some coffee and
looked into my kitchen window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">There
in the bottom left corner, basking in the glorious sunlight, is a little colony
of insects and other creepy-crawlies tangled in a filmy, silky spider
web. I've been reading a biography of Rich Mullins and the more I read of
this remarkable young man whose soul desire was to be just like Jesus, the more
convicted I am of my own sinfulness. AND the more challenged I am to
reach for that prize of being more like Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As
I looked at this little savings account of Madame Spider, I saw one little ant
struggling mightily. And then it came to me. This web is like sin
in our lives. Not one of these little fellas would deliberately wake up
in the morning and say "What a beautiful day! I think I'm gonna go
find me a spider web and get tangled up in it and die today." So how
did they get in there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As
easy as ... flying into enemy territory! The door is open and in they
swoop. They have the whole world outside as their domain and yet they fly
into a dark enemy room - why? "Just a little look around, that's
all. Can't hurt anything, right?" or "I heard there's
food in here. Honey, fruit, maybe even bread. It's easy grazing -
no work, no hassles, no competition." And THEN when the door is
shut, how do they get out? They fly towards the "light" in the
window and that's it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
the web are little critters in various stages of sin. This little ant is
a fresh arrival and he is thrashing to beat the band. This reminds me of
the times people have tried to get me to do something really yucky, really
OBVIOUS sin. It's easy to thrash and fight and say no - in the
beginning. Some little insects actually can free themselves in this first
stage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Then,
there are two or three guys in their last moments. They twitch and tug
every now and then, but for the most part, they are resigned to their
fate. And some of their company are just plain crusty, waiting to be
embalmed and mummified by Madame Spider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Can
you see parallels here? Getting sucked into sin is SO easy if we're not
paying attention. In this book I'm reading, there is a listing of the
"7 deadly sins: pride, envy, anger, lust, sloth, greed and gluttony -
OUCH! "Been there/done that!" Joyce Meyer defines lust as
"anytime a desire gets so big in your spirit that it takes the place God
demands" - doesn't even have to be a sexual lust either - could be a
bigger house, a bigger bank account, a bigger wardrobe, a bigger
position. Looking into this mirror, I see ME, guilty of all of them at
one stage or another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We,
as children of God, have the whole world as our domain - He's given us
"all things that pertain unto life and godliness." Why oh why
do the dark rooms of the world entice? But just like these little
insects, people get trapped in the web of sin and at first, they might
even fight a little to get out. But the pull of sin is strong and it
sucks them ever deeper until one day, they are in so deep that the escape route
is cut off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now
here's what Jesus is saying to us, folks. First of all "BE
ALERT" and don't let your enemy trap you with anything that seems too easy
- like a dark room with no competition!. Second, unlike these goofy
insects, we KNOW that we can fly towards the LIGHT and get out! But we
fly towards the true Light - Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the
Light!" Don't settle for flashlights when the SON is available to
you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">And
last and probably even more importantly, our God has made a way of escape for
us - I call it "First John One Nine-ing"! If we get caught in
this web, WE can escape by repenting, calling on the Name of Jesus and asking
forgiveness. We do not have to end up as breakfast for Madame Spider or
the king rat himself!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
want to challenge you as Rich Mullins has challenged me. All creation cries
out in praise to our God. OPEN YOUR EYES, and slow down a little
bit. See what God has to say to you and show you today. He is no
respecter of persons - I cannot be the only person on this planet who sees Him
in the sea critters or the spider's graveyard!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nuff
said - I'm going swimming. Love, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost to you
and yours today!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Your
soon to be embedded Graffiti's cashier,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Martha<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-15894218406451568292014-10-05T20:43:00.002-07:002014-10-05T20:43:22.634-07:00<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Vol. I, No. 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">20 June, 2003<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday, while 'crawling' thru the emerald green sea towards the
island, I spied something on the ripply sand. The sea bottom looks like
someone with a gigantic vaccuum cleaner has swept
it every day (except for all those mysterious little
'hidey-holes' that crop up from time to time). When the sea is clean,
there is very little on this sand - just miles and miles of uninterrupted ...
well, for want of a better word - SAND! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday, there were little clumps of salt-water 'tumbleweeds.'
You folks who have WITNESSED tumbleweeds know their composition and how the
wind can blow them around like dandelion tops. These little sea critters
are some kind of moss but they just "blow" around down there and
sometimes get all covered with junk. In addition to the little balls of
fluff, I saw things that look like white shirt-buttons with a 3 inch 'thread'
attached. Some kind of mushroom? Don't know - but they were surely
unusual - and all over the place - even decorating the little tumbleweeds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the way back to the shore, I was again looking for the little buttons
when I saw something MOVE on the bottom of the sea. It was about 6 inches
long, shaped like a lobster tail and was caramel colored with a big white
stripe running around its body - bumblebee fashion. I tried to get around
in 'front' to see what kind of mouth it had - I was about 2.5 metres above it
and you KNOW I do not have distance vision - so I just couldn't
see. It looked like a little vaccuum cleaner, just busy as a bee on the
sand. All of a sudden, what I thought were fins came out from the sides
of its body - and they were HUGE circles! Guys, this thing looked like it
had Mickey Mouse ears on its sides! WHAT WAS IT? I can't find it in
any internet site of sea stuff. I watched till I was afraid I'd be late
for work if I didn't get outa the water (got a nice tan on my backside, too)
and it never got in a hurry or scurried away - just sat there performing for my
benefit. <span style="color: blue;">OF COURSE I DID NOT HAVE MY CAMERA WITH
ME</span>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, you know that today, I was on a quest to find this critter
again! (And NO I most certainly did NOT have the camera today
either!) I scoured the sand out to the island and back - but how do
you EVER figure out where you are? I have familiar landmarks - rocks
that look like lion pillars next to the steps of big libraries - but most of
the sea is just ... SAND! I just could not find my little Kirby (that's a
vaccuum cleaner, okay?) anywhere today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I got busy picking up shells. Now since I'm wearing a snorkel
mask, I have to exercise my toes when I find an interesting shell. This
is quite a circus act and I'm really happy that none of you are there to
watch! I picked up two beautiful little clam shells - purple on the
inside - and then I saw a REALLY interesting one. I reached down and
grabbed it with my toes but it slipped away. As I watched it fall, it
turned belly up and then IMMEDIATELY flipped over and I saw many tiny little
legs sticking out. If a sea critter can yell, then this thing was yelling
at me for disturbing its morning ablutions!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I continued to watch, I saw many little snail shells and
many others shaped like this little guy. I am SURE it was not a guy,
however, for even the Greek seashells have a routine -- just like the Greek
housewives. The older Greek women (and the stay-at-home young
ones) are all busy with their morning cleaning, shaking, dusting,
plumping, and pretty-ing up. So, it seems are the little Greek sea
critters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I started thinking about us poor humans. These little critters in the sea
are FREE! Why? They don't have any 'stuff.' The closer in to
the beach I got, the filthier the water and sand became. Plastic cups,
straws, pieces of fruit and other trash litter the sea bottom as well as on the
land. Yet, just a few feet away, in pristine sand, lives the morning
cleaning crew - happy, content and being exactly what they were created to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now in light of what happened to me when I got to work today, you will
surely recognize the irony in this next statement. I drove home thinking
about how complicated our lives are because we have so much stuff that we have
to work to take care of! If we giant land lovers could divest ourselves of
some of our responsibilites, then when God says GO, we'd be able to move more
quickly and easily. (OH BOY, is this funny now!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, this is the formerly embedded dishwasher, formerly embedded slot
machine cashier, now not embedded or former anything - except snorkeler,
signing off. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanking you even more now for all those prayers in my behalf!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
M<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-54748778218920888502014-10-05T20:42:00.001-07:002014-10-05T20:42:12.212-07:00<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Vol. 1, No. 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<st1:date day="18" month="6" w:st="on" year="2003"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">18 June 2003</span></st1:date><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
LESSONS FROM THE SEA<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Suspended in mid-‘air’ over 4-5 meters of water, I do a
kind of baby crawl over velvety cappuccino colored sand. Who says snorkeling in sand is boring! It ripples and rises like cream cheese
frosting on my hummingbird cake. Who did
that! I work really hard to get those
pretty designs in my frosting – Who took the time to decorate the bottom of the
sea this morning, just for me?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: green; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hanging there, I watch a tiny mound on the sea bottom. It has a blow-hole in the center, I wonder
who lives in there. Well! Whoever he is, he is certainly very rude
because I’ve been hanging here for a long time and he never once stuck his head
out to say hello!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
As I begin to crawl away, I notice dozens and dozens of
little sparklies just below me – teensy tiny baby fish. They are incredibly small and transparent –
but the sunlight reflects off their eyes and makes them look like little
salt-water lightning bugs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I watch them, I’m wondering about my position in this
place. Am I so transparent that the
reflected light of the Son can shine thru me?
Can my Father trust me so that when He shines His light on me, He is
sure that someone will see Him in my eyes?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: maroon; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Suddenly, I see big, big fish in front of me – 12 to 18” long –
about ten of them. How graceful and
beautiful they look – just hanging out being fish! We humans get all messed up when we try to do
and be something our Creator never intended.
Hey, these guys are <b>free</b> just to <b>be!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
Before I realize what has happened, I’ve reached the rocky
edge of the island. This is where the
“good” snorkeling is, so people say. But
you know what, I’ve got my heart full already with the wonder and majesty of
what I’ve just seen. Think I’ll save the
“fancy stuff” for another time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #339966; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Just another morning in the life of the embedded snorkeler from <st1:place w:st="on">Crete</st1:place> – how about taking some time to experience your
environment today. You might just find
God in there!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8764457830232714419.post-6689744297500451062014-10-05T20:40:00.001-07:002014-10-05T20:51:55.729-07:00<h2>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Greetings and welcome!</span></h2>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Joy lives here - we're happy you've come to visit. (No this isn't me quite yet - but she's a classy lady, yes?)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My original blog was started on a life venture I am no longer traveling. So, I'm going to retrench, start over and go back in time to catch up!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a post from Martha's Mews, written while I was living in the paradise of Crete (from 2002-2005). I was working first as a very educated dishwasher for the United States Navy:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Vol. 1, No. 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">May 2003<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span>I
am fast approaching a birthday in November, which will put me the same age my
Mama was when she graduated to heaven. I
have already passed the age my Dad was when he graduated. So, having just passed my son’s graduation
anniversary, I am thinking lots about heaven these days. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A
precious new friend in our home group expressed some consternation about
spending all her time in heaven singing – she doesn’t quite think she’s ready
for that! On 24 April, I found these
words in one of my devotion books. If
you do not have this in your library and you are a musician or lover of old
hymns, I would strongly recommend <i>Be Thou My Vision: Daily inspiration from
the Greatest Hymns of All Time</i> by John Fischer. Fischer uses these words from the hymn “With
Christ and All His Shining Train” by Thomas Prince:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There glorious services
we’ll do;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> And He’ll unveil His
wondrous ways,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> His love and glories
ever show;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> And filled with joy,
we’ll ever praise.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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These are Fischer’s words: “Heaven is going to be a busy place. But to hear some people talk in traditional
terms about heaven is almost enough to make me cancel my reservation. All that stuff about sitting on clouds and
playing harps bores me. If God has
challenged our hearts, minds, souls, and our wills here on earth, why wouldn’t
He keep challenging us in at least the same way – if not new ways – in
heaven? Are we not in His image? Isn’t this image <i>for</i> something? Is He not preparing us here to rule with Him
and serve Him and worship Him in heaven?
Why do we have a tendency to think of heaven as a place where we will be
doing nothing – a celestial retirement home? …. Anyone who is busy and
fulfilled in serving the Lord naturally will want to keep on doing the same thing
in heaven. God didn’t give us these
desires just to burn ourselves out on earth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Okay, so with that rummaging
around in my mind, I’ve been chewing on this thought about heaven. God created ANGELS – millions and millions of
angels – to sing His praises, to shout “Glory to the Lamb,” and to serve
Him. So, there must have been something
else on His mind (I say this VERY sarcastically) when He created His
“masterpiece” – man! It would seem to
follow then, that if God intended for His original man to live 1000 years (this
is before Noah’s flood days, folks), He had some great discoveries, inventions,
creations, and lessons in mind for this man to learn. And if this life here on earth is but a blip
on the screen of eternity, why in the world would we spend such a short time
doing these things and then eternity sitting around on clouds strumming
harps. Yuck, does that ever sound BORING
to me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m thrilled at the idea of
society in heaven. Of course,
pre-heaven, we have 1000 years on the earth where, according to Isaiah, we’re
going to be continuing to marry and have babies and raise them to love
God. If we’re going to have resurrected
bodies with “no spot or wrinkle,” then it would seem to follow that we will have
resurrected MINDS without any forgetfulness – hey, if we get the same minds
that Adam had, can you imagine what will happen in that first 1000 years!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hopefully, I’ve given you
something to chew on, too. As a famous
tele-evangelist’s wife always says “Make Your Day Count!” We have so few of them left!<o:p></o:p></div>
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AHA – you thought I was
finished? Nope – just getting fired
up. Another one of my devotion books is
Barbara Johnson’s <i>Boomerang Joy</i>.
Listen to today’s reading:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SPREAD HIS LOVE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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How can eating a 2 pound box of candy make you gain FIVE
pounds! It’s one of life’s great
mysteries!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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When John Harrison wakes up
each Monday morning, he can’t wait to get to work by seven-thirty a.m. At age 55, he isn’t opting for early
retirement. Harrison is the official taste
tester for Dreyer’s and Edy’s Grand ice creams, in the business fifteen
years. In fact, he created the first
batch of cookies’n cream ice cream and works on developing new flavors. An ice cream lover from way back – his
great-grandfather opened 2 parlors in New York – Harrison doesn’t swallow the
stuff at work but puts away about a quart a week at home. “Who’d trust a skinny ice cream taster,” he
asks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Harrison says taste buds (his are insured for a
millions dollars!) are at their peak early in the day. He’ll sample sixty packages of ice cream a
day – three hundred a week – concentrating on body and texture as well as the
right balance of cream, sweeteners, and flavor.
“Smooth and creamy” is what he is tasting for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Smooth and creamy?”
That’s what we all want, isn’t it?
A job like Harrison’s – creative and full of perks. We want to be valued, to become an expert on
everything that’s sweet and flavorful.
Harrison says he never swallows on the job. Once you get full, he claims, you lose the
sharpness for tasting subtle nuances and detecting delicate aromas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Isn’t this true of life? The more we stuff ourselves with material
pleasures, the less we seem to appreciate life.
Don’t you know people who have it all – everything but joy, that
is? And don’t you know people who have
very little, who have suffered financial difficulties, family turmoil, and
physical problems, and yet bubble with thankfulness and love? Those who have had to wait and work for
happiness seem to enjoy it more, because they never take it for granted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you taste life, savoring all the fullness of its
flavor? Like Harrison, I wouldn’t mind
becoming spiritually chubby if it means I were a living example of someone
enjoying the Lord, living off His promises, and bringing the flavor of Jesus
Christ to the world. Of course, I would
remember not to swallow too much too fast, always with my mind on the
goal: glory to God and good stuff for
others through my work on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We can’t guarantee “smooth and creamy” for ourselves
or anybody else. We can never untangle all
the woes in other people’s lives. We
can’t produce miracles overnight. But we
can bring a cup of cool water to a thirsty soul, or a scoop of laughter to a
lonely heart. By being flavorful
ourselves, we bring the taste of better things to come so others can take
heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If only we were aware of the hope generated by
living acts of joy and generosity, we might do many more of them. When we give comfort and relief, remove
fears, help carry the burden of someone else, the joy comes back to use as
well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The boomerang power of giving happens <i>in</i> us
at the very moment we enter the life of someone else in a positive,
life-bringing way. Our spirit is lifted,
our character is made stronger, our own path is straightened. We become more tolerant and compassionate,
flexible and soft. Rough edges are
rubbed off, and we get closer to “smooth and creamy.” Whenever we do something good for someone
else, we are skimming cream from the milk of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So go ahead, joke with clerks in ice cream stores
and buy an occasional triple-scoop cone for someone next to you in line. Show enthusiasm for your neighbor’s
children. Tell a family member or
friend, “I love you.” See beauty in an
old and haggard face. Listen to a little
child. Pardon the short-coming of a rude
stranger. Ignore the grumbling of a
grumpy spouse. Find the diamond in the
rough. When things seem hopeless,
remember the Bible says “And it came to PASS . . .” (not “it came to stay”)!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Isaiah 55:12 You<i> will go out in joy and be led
forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and
all the trees of the field will clap their hands.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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Heaven is going to be a glorious,
wonderful, exciting place! But let’s not
wait till we get there to PRACTICE!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have a sign on my front door
that says “Sparkle, Shirley.” It’s said
that Shirley Temple’s mom said those words to her before Shirley went for an
audition. Well I am going to change my
sign TODAY to “Bubble, Mom.” These are
the words my Tobey says to me on an almost daily basis. SO, to all of you, I say …<o:p></o:p></div>
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Make THIS day count – Bubble,
folks!<o:p></o:p></div>
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M<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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ME Weldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06512483882404366410noreply@blogger.com0