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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 12/22/2006 12:41:52 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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I had to post this one too....it is just too neat
.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:.
- TEACH THE CHILDREN - Author Unknown
ASCII art by joan stark
_
(__/_) .-'''''-.
_ | |'-----'|
/ \|ate one Christmas Eve, I sank back, |-.....-|
\__|\_ tired but content, into my | |
easy chair. The kids were in bed, the gifts | |
were wrapped, the milk and _,._ | |
cookies waited by the __.o` o`"-. | |
fireplace for Santa. .-O o `"-.o O )_,._ | |
( o O o )--.-"`O o"-.`'-----'`
'--------' ( o O o)
`----------`
As I sat back admiring the tree with its decorations,
I couldn't help feeling that something |
important was missing. It wasn't \ ' /
long before the tiny, twinkling -- (*) --
tree lights lulled me to sleep. >*<
I don't know how long I slept, >0<@<
but all of a sudden I knew that >>>@<<*
I wasn't alone. >@>*<0<<<
>*>>@<<<@<<
I opened my eyes, and you can >@>>0<<<*<<@<
imagine my surprise when I saw >*>>0<<@<<<@<<<
Santa Claus himself standing >@>>*<<@<>*<<0<*<
next to my Christ- \*/ >0>>*<<@<>0><<*<@<<
mas tree. __\\U//__ >*>>@><0<<*>>@><*<0<<
|\\ | | \\| >@>>0<*<0>>@<<0<<<*<@<<
He was dressed | \\| | _(UU)_ >((*))_>0><*<0><@<<<0<*<
all in fur from |\ \| || / //||.*.*.*.|>>@<<*<<@>><0<<<
his head to his |\\_|_|&&_// ||*.*.*.*|_\\db//__
foot just as """"|'.'.'.|~~|.*.*.*| _____|_
poem described him, |'.'.'.| ^^^^^^|____|>>jgs>>|
but he was not the ~~~~~~~~ '""""`-------'
"jolly old elf" of Christmas legend. The man who stood
before me looked sad and disappointed. And there were
tears in his eyes.
____ "Santa, what's wrong?" I asked.
;` `'-._ "Why are you crying?"
/ \ /\
/` \ | ; "It's the children." Santa
/ \ | | replied sadly.
/ `\ | |
/ \_ / | "But Santa, the children love
; / `\ | you." I said.
,|_ __ \__/ |
_\_o/_( |_ "Oh, I know they love me, and
/`"=/\==""=="=="=="=="`\ they love the gifts I bring
| )/ | them," Santa said, "but the
\ / children of today seem to
/';=""==""==""==""==";`\ have somehow missed out on
| /` /~\ /~\ `\ | the true spirit of Christmas.
| \ _ \o/ \o/ _ / | It's not their fault. It's
\ ; (_) ` o (_) ; / just that the adults,
/ |\_.-""(__)""-._/| \ many of them not having
| \ /\ / | been taught themselves,
/ '.___.' '.___.' \ have forgotten to teach
| ,==, | the children."
| ' ' |
\ / "Teach them what?" I asked.
| |
\ / Santa's kind old face became
'. .' soft, more gentle. His eyes
jgs '-.__ __.-' began to shine with something
'---'--'---' more than tears. He spoke softly.
"Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas.
Teach them that the part of Christmas we can see, hear,
and touch is much more than meets the eye. Teach them the
symbolism behind the customs and traditions of Christmas
which we now observe. Teach them what it is they truly
represent."
| Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a
\|/ tiny Christmas tree and set it on my mantle.
\\|// "Teach them about the Christmas tree.
\\\Y/// Green is the second color of Christmas.
\\\|/// The stately evergreen,
\\\\Y//// with it's unchanging color,
\\\\|//// represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus.
`\\Y//` It's needles point heavenward as a reminder
`#` that man's thoughts should turn
__#__ heavenward as well."
[_ _]
\___/ Santa reached into his bag again
and pulled out a shiny star and placed it at
the top of the small tree. * ' . .
"The star was the heavenly sign . | .
of promise. God promised a Savior \ | / +
for the world and the star was * \|/
the sign of the fulfillment of --==> * <==-- '
that promise on the night that + /|\ .
Jesus Christ was born. . / | \
Teach the children that God . ' | ' *
always fulfills his promises, |
and that wise men still seek Him." . ' .
"Red," said Santa, "is the first color of Christmas."
He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree.
____ "Red is deep, intense, vivid. It is the
.' '. color of the life-giving blood that flows
/ # \_ through our veins. It is the symbol of
| {_{c} God's greatest gift. Teach the children
\ / `\ that Christ gave his life and shed his
'.____.' (__) blood for them that they might have
eternal life. When they see the color
red it should remind them of that most wonderful gift."
Santa found a silver bell in his pack and placed it on
the tree. "Just as lost sheep are guided ,
to safety by the sound of the bell, it /\`--.
continues to ring today for all to be |o-| )D
guided to the fold. Teach the children \/.--'
to follow the true Shepherd, who gave
His life for the sheep."
Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. The
soft glow from its one tiny flame brightened the room.
"The glow of the candle represents how man
( can show his thanks for the gift of God's
,=(,)=, son that Christmas Eve long ago. Teach
|'==='| _, the children to follow in Christ's
| |,)/( footsteps. To go about doing good.
| |)/<_, Teach them to let their light so
>>>\, _/<8<-_/ shine before men that all may see
>>>>>>oo<<)\( it and glorify God. This is what
>>>>>>o<<<\/ is symbolized when the twinkle lights
shine on the tree like hundreds of
bright, shining candles, each of them representing
one of God's precious children, their light shining
for all to see."
Again Santa reached into his bag and this time he
brought forth a tiny red and white striped cane.
As he hung it on the tree he spoke softly.
"The candy cane is a stick of hard white candy. _._
White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless /\|/\
nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the /\/ )-|
Solid Rock, the foundation of the church, and /\/ `"
the firmness of God's promises. The candy cane /\/
is in the form of a "J" to represent the /\/
precious name of Jesus, who came to earth /\/
as our Savior. It also represents the /\/
crook of the Good Shepherd, which He uses `"
to reach down into the ditches of the world to lift out
the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.
The original candy cane had three small red stripes,
which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by
which we are healed, and a large red stripe that
represents the shed blood of Jesus, so that we can have
the promise of eternal life.
Teach these things to the children."
,....,
,;;:o;;;o;;, Santa brought out a beautiful wreath
,;;o;'''''';;;;, made of fresh, fragrant greenery and
,;:;; ;;o;, tied with a bright red bow. "The bow
;o;; ;;;; reminds us of the bond of perfection,
;;o; ;;o; which is love." "The wreath embodies
';;;, _ _ ,;;;' all the good things about Christmas
';o;;/_\/_\;;o;' for those with eyes to see and hearts
';;\_\/_/;;' to understand. It contains the colors
'//\\' of red and green and the heaven-turned
jgs // \\ needles of the evergreen. The bow tells
|/ \| the story of good will towards all and
its color reminds us of Christ's sacrifice.
Even its very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and
the eternal nature of Christ's love. It is a circle,
without beginning and without end.
These are the things you must teach the children."
"But where does that leave you Santa?" I asked.
The tears gone now from his eyes,
a smile broke over Santa's face.
"Why bless you, my dear," he laughed,
"I'm only a symbol myself. I represent the
_... spirit of family fun and the
o_.-"` `\ joy of giving and receiving.
.--. _ `'-._.-'""-; _
.' \`_\_ {_.-a"a-} _ / \ If the children are
_/ .-' '. {c-.-o-.){\|` | taught these other things
(@`-._ / \{ `~^~`} \\ _/ there is no danger that
`~\ '-._ /'. } \} .-. I'll ever be forgotten."
|>:< '-.__/ '._,} \_/ / ())
| >:< `'---. ____'-.|(`"` "I think I'm
\ >:< \\_\\_\ | ; beginning to understand
\ \\-{}-\/ \ at last." I replied.
\ '._\\' /)
'. /( "That's why I came,"
'97 `-._ _____ _ _____ __.'\ \ said Santa. "You're an
jgs / \ / \ / \ \ \ adult. If you don't
_.'/^\'._.'/^\'._.'/^\'.__) \ teach the children these
,==' `---` '---' '---' ) things, then who will?"
`"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""`
.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:.
_____________________________
more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 12/27/2006 2:38:38 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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Aunt Joyce May 12, 1933 - July 31, 2006
I just learned yesterday of my Aunt's passing. She was my father's twin sister. Here is what my Uncle's letter said:
quote:
Dear Becky,
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I truly regret having to inform you that your Aunt Joyce passed away July 31 of this year. She fought a losing battle with Parkinson's disease, but finally lost. The battle went on for almost ten years and she never gave up. Also never complained once that I heard. She was allowed to stay at home with me until the end. She was a real lady and I loved her the very most.
Sorry for this news, but I forgot to tell anyone earlier.
Love to you all,
Bob
I think I only met my Aunt Joyce once, when we were visiting my Grandparents in Palm Springs. We would exchange letters every now and then, and of course the yearly Christmas Cards - the letter was in reply to the Christmas Card I sent this year.
I really didn't know her that well, I know that they didn't have any children, and that she did a lot of volunteer work in the later years.
Here is what I wrote back to my Uncle Bob - I hope and pray it is appropriate, and that it helps him a little.
Dear Uncle Bob,
Thank you so much for your letter. I was very sad to learn of Aunt Joyce's passing. I regret not keeping in better communication with her through the years. Funny how time just gets away from us and before you know it, it is too late to do or say the things that should have been done or said a long time ago.
It takes a strong man to care for someone during such a lengthy illness. I'm comforted knowing that you were there for her.
I do believe you were blessed to have had a life with such a wonderful woman, and she was blessed as well to have you.
Please know that you are not alone in your grief. You are in our hearts and prayers here.
My love and concern are with you always,
Beckey
Aunt Joyce was my last blood connection to my fathers side of the family. It kinda feels like losing my dad all over again. I think I will go write some more letters, in my own handwriting, to people I love. Letters are becoming a lost art. As much as I enjoy my 'online' communications. There is nothing like getting a real letter from someone.
Prayers go out to all my friends here for a Blessed New Year!
_____________________________
more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 2/20/2007 12:09:04 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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I'm not doing very well at keeping up with this blog.
Let's see, what's going on here. Winter is pretty much over (crosses fingers) and I start back up with my new job tonight. I'm so happy about being able to contribute to the household earnings again. I know that being home with the kids is important, but the extra money is very helpful in paying bills and keeping my sanity (so I don't have to worry about not having enough $$ to pay bills with).
It is genuinelly kinda fun to go shopping without a list and not worry about if there is enough cash in the bank or not.
It is also nice to have some new adult interaction. Even if it is limited (they work us pretty hard).
My kids are now helping with duties around the house, which is cool. I hope it lasts.
I've been thinking lately about how blessed I am. In so many ways. And I am truely thankful to God for all of my blessings. It's easy to get bogged down and not notice the blessings around you, I have been trying to pay attention more and see them and acknowledge them. God IS good.
_____________________________
more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 4/16/2007 1:46:06 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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a smile on my face and a song in my heart
I have been blessed to work in many friendly environments. The longest place being when I worked for the accounting office of a major fast food conglomerate. These people were like family. When we weren't working, we were having fun, and for the most part, we cared about each other. Then, even when I was working as the pastors assistant...it was a very pleasant environment.
Where I'm working now however, I'm having a bit of a hard time adjusting to. There are a lot of people....probably just under 300, but still, that's a lot to me.
People who know me, know I'm a pretty jovial person. I like to see people with a smile on their face. I intentionally smile at people when I make eye contact with them. Even if they are a stranger. I've noticed at work that the majority of people walk around like someone just ran over their dog or something.
Perhaps it is the job, or the time that we're working (into the late night). Perhaps they are just wary of happy people. Maybe it's just because there is no coffee readily available. I don't know. But I'm not gonna give up. I'll keep smiling at the scowling masses (though I may feel like a dork at times) and hope that maybe someday I'll get a smile reciprocated.
_____________________________
more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 5/5/2007 7:35:23 AM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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the voice of God
I joined a prayer group at my workplace. This past Wednesday was my first meeting and then there was a supplemental one on Thursday for the National Day of Prayer. We all met out at a table in front of the building and prayed for our nation. It's pretty cool, and I'm getting some fellowship at work, so that is nice too.
Something that came up during discussion was 'the voice of God', and whether or not we had ever audibly heard it. I couldn't say that I had. I feel more like God speaks to me through bible reading and my prayer time. But then I started to really think, and though, I may not have audibly heard the voice of God....I DO think I have heard the voice of the devil. I think the devil sneaks up and whispers in my ear every chance he gets. Funny thing is, sometimes it sounds like my own voice.
When I'm thinking I'm not good enough, smart enough, fast enough, skinny enough, or pretty enough. When I have mean or ugly thoughts about others.....OR, when I verbalize those thoughts into gossip. Anytime I give way to thinking that I'm anything less than a child of God.
Somehow, this revelation has made me feel empowered. The next time I hear those whispers, I'm going to remind myself, that I AM a child of God...and tell the devil to get off my back. It's not all about me, and though Satan would like me to think it is - it's all really about Jesus, and how I can serve Him, and show those who can't see His glory so that they can have Him too.
_____________________________
more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 6/18/2007 3:04:56 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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educational tv?
My 6 yr old son came to me today and asked me with the most serious tone..."Mom, when are you going to get a swivel sweeper?" I was puzzeled and curious, I had seen the commercials, but I never thought he was paying attention to them.
I replied, "I don't know, was I supposed to get one?" He then goes on to tell me "you know one of the good things about them? they even work on hard floors!"
I said "really?"....."YES!, and they clean from the top to the left to the bottom to the right" he says, while making a rectangular diagram in the air with his index finger.
So then I asked him, "well, if I buy one, who will be doing all the sweeping? will you and your sister fight over it, or take turns nicely?".....this is when he got excited. He says "great thing is, IF you buy one NOW, you'll get ANOTHER one FREE! so we won't have to fight over it!"
This is the same kid who saw the PSA about how gas appliances are supposed to have a blue flame, so if there is any yellow, it's dangerous. Making coffee and cooking in general are just a blast now, because he stands watch over the gas-fed fire alerting us of every yellow flame he sees.
I probably shouldn't be so surprised. His 4 yr old sister has been asking me for about a year to buy a sunsetter sunshade.
What ever happened to asking for toys and unhealthy cereal? Perhaps they're watching too much t.v.
Maybe I should turn it off for awhile, get those swivel sweepers and let them go at the floors around here. Couldn't hurt.
_____________________________
more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 7/24/2007 3:54:47 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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I got this in my email today....it gave me a good chuckle - and sounds like stuff I might do - so I thought I'd share it here with y'all
20 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity
1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."
5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.
6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Smuggling Diamonds"
7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."
8. Don t use any punctuation
9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat with a serious face.
11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."
12. Sing Along At The Opera
13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme
14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.
15. Five Days In Advance , Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.
16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.
17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"
18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"
19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."
20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity......Send This E-mail To Someone To Make Them Smile.
_____________________________
more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 10/27/2007 4:55:51 AM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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It's the little things...
Benjamin has a very bad habit of telling me that he will do something I want him to do IF I do 'fill in the blank'. I told him a couple weeks ago when he tried this that I did not negotiate with my children. He looked at me blankly and said "MOM! I don't know what that word 'negoshate' means!" so I tried not to laugh and explained it to him.
Early this morning I overhear his sister asking him if she can play the game that he is playing. She tells him that he can play her 'Pokemon-Pearl' game if he lets her play whatever he's playing. He sits there and says to her "Evelyn, I don't negoshate with my sisters." I had to run from where I was listening so they wouldn't hear me laughing.
Also this morning. Evelyn wanted a bagel for breakfast. Ronnie got a bagel out of the freezer and looked at me and said "How do I fix this for her?"....I told him to give it to her with a paper towel. That she knew what to do. She rolled her eyes at him, took the bagel and zapped it in the microwave for 20 seconds to soften it up. Went and got a knife and cut it (where it was still stuck together) and put it in the toaster. She didn't get stuck til she started spreading the cream cheese, then she came and asked me for help. But she was SO proud of herself. She had to call her grandma and tell her that she fixed her own bagel!
She's a chatty little girl. I remember a time when she was almost three and not talking much. She would do a lot of grunting and pointing because her brother would talk for her. But man - when she started talking it was like a tidal wave. It's still something else.
She watched the movie "E.T." with her grandma last week when I was working and proceeded to tell Ronnie and I about it one morning. She just went on and on and on and on and on and on and on. Telling us all kinds of details from the movie and what she thought of them, this went on for about half an hour. When she was finished she took a breath and said, "wow, that was a lot of talking!". I said "yeah, it was". And Ronnie and I both laughed.
I thank God everyday for my family. It's the little things around here that bring me the most joy.
_____________________________
more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 10/27/2007 3:45:15 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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these are a few of my favorite things......
Okay, Oprah does her 'favorite things' show. So here is my version via my blog. I wish I could give y'all freebies like Oprah does, but hey - I don't have her income.
The first item is my most favorite product at the moment. It's the Wen Cleansing Conditioner by Chaz Dean. This stuff is wonderful. I will never go back to normal shampoo again. I ordered a 4-piece sample set from QVC that included: Tea Tree Oil, Fig, Sweet Almond Mint, and Cucumber Aloe. I plan to order a big bottle of the lavander. I am currently growing out a bad perm and after I recently got it cut, my hair looked like the end of a broomstick. Since I've been using the CC for a week now, my hair has never felt better and it's so easy to comb and style it's just awesome. I love, love, love this cleanser.
Next is kinds silly, but hey - I'm on a pretty strict diet right now and when I want to cheat without feeling too guilty about it, I get either a Lean Cuisine french bread pizza OR one of the new panini's. They are soooooooo yummy. And it sure does hit the spot when you get tired of salt-free chicken and baked potatoes.
I may have mentioned this guy before, but I am going to mention him again, and for good reason. He may be coming to my house to play a personal concert for me!!!! (If this happens, I will post pics  ). His name is Jon Troast I love his music. The first time I heard him was on the Prairie Home Companion one weekend several months ago. Doesn't hurt that he is also very personable (returns emails) and generally a nice guy. I would really like to see him succeed in the music biz, because I think God has given him a tremendous talent.
Next would have to be Moo.com. After having a ton of photos transferred from yahoo photo storage to flikr, I had this offer of 10 free mini-moo cards. I thought, okay, what the heck - they're free, right? So I had 10 printed up. They are soooooooooooooo cool. Cute little rigid (not your flimsy business card paper - more like a premium card stock) cards with your photo (or whatever you upload and want printed) on them. Plus +++ you can also have stuff printed on the back. You can use them as calling cards or mini-business cards or stick a magnet on the back and you have a neat fridge magnet. The possibilities are endless. I even thought they'd make neat bookmarks. If you have pictures at flikr - try out the 10 free cards. If you don't, upload something, set up an account and get your 10 free cards. I'm serious, you will know what I mean when they come in your mailbox. You won't be disappointed.
Having extremely dry skin, I am always on the lookout for good creams, and lotions etc. My current favorite is Udderly Smooth Udder Cream. Yeah, wierd name, but it's good stuff. And it doesn't stain fabric (for those who maybe quilters or crossstitchers like myself). I have some in my purse, and my bedroom and in the restroom. It's good stuff.
I take the kids to the library every three weeks. Evelyn checked out a book that has become one of her (and my) favorites. I think I am going to get it for her for Christmas. It is called "Priscilla and the Pink Planet". It is written and illustrated by the kids of Hollie Hobbie (really) Nathaniel Hobbie and Jocelyn Hobbie. I love reading it to her, and the illustrations are a delight. So if you know any little girly girls, this may be a great book for them. Check it out at the library if you want to see it.
So, that's it for now. I may think of some other things later - if so, I will make another post.
_____________________________
more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 10/31/2007 5:02:28 AM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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Ever been super silly-tired?
I have, and a lot recently. I have to be careful, because when I get silly I laugh, a lot, and it's hard to work and laugh at the same time.
I mean, I will just look at someone and start laughing. Then they laugh, it seems to be contagious.
Some of the carts they use to move the forms around at work have some squeaky (and LOUD) wheels. All it takes is one of those carts going through the building, sounding like a cat in heat (or worse) and we all become a bunch of blythering idiots falling out of our chairs.
Ahhhhhhhh, my job is fun, sometimes.
_____________________________
more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 11/21/2007 3:07:46 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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Carol Lynne Ruppel
Oct 6, 1966 ~ Nov 16, 2007
I got the news Monday night, in the form of an email from a fellow classmate. 'Sad day', it said in the subject line.
The news of the death of someone you know is always sad. The news of Carol's passing hit my like a brick. Apparently she died after a lengthy battle with liver cancer.
Carol and I knew each other since elementary school, we were classmates and neighbors through high school, and then, like with most hs friends, we lost touch.
I saw Carol again at our 20th class reunion in 2004. She looked great (see pic above) and had the same outgoing personality I had always admired. She had just suffered the loss of her long time pet dalmation "Dottie Brown", and was planning a memorial fund-raiser for the animal defense league here. She hired me to produce a slide-show of Dottie Brown to be shown at the fundraiser. We had a lot of fun going through tons of photos of her beloved Dottie and I went to the memorial to present the slide-show.
The last time I talked to Carol, her father had been sick, hospitalized and she asked me if I would pray for him. Of course, I said I would, and I did.
I had thought of her often, whenever I would pass by her parents house (I still live just a few blocks from them), or remember that slide show of Dottie Brown. I would think "I need to call Carol and see how she's doing", but I never did. I got pre-occupied with the everyday wranglings of life.
Sitting on the pew at her funeral mass, I remembered a birthday party I went to once....she was probably turning 7 or 8, and I remember her telling her mom that my birthday was four days earlier. Her mom made a big deal about it and made me feel very special.
Carol will be missed, she was such a joy to be around and I'm sad that I never made that call, that I didn't know about her sickness and was not there for her, but I do hope to see that big smile again in a far better place.
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more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 1/10/2008 5:28:41 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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Howdy do y'all????
New year, same old stuff.
Not much going on here really. I'm wracking my brain trying to think of some quick ways to make some money. I'm still waiting for the IRS to call me back into work. I'm not holding my breath or anything, but I really, really don't want to have to borrow any more $$$ from my mom. She has been so good to us so far, and she has enough to worry about right now.
I finally got our Christmas pictures uploaded...we really did have a good Christmas. Funny how the less you have the more fun stuff seems.
Ronnie has been home since Dec 13 now. Non-stop, always here, 24 hours, day and night. I'm not complaining...I'm not. Sure would be nice if we could go somewhere with all this time we have now. Oh well. Maybe we should start pulling down the old wallpaper in the bathroom. I betcha then the IRS would call!
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more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 1/26/2008 5:09:33 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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Rant
Most of y'all know that these past couple of months have been hard financially for us because of Ronnie being on short-term disability and all.
We've been getting these collection calls from Dell. We had ordered laptops from them back in September and I know I had been making payments. The latest one being on Jan 3. We were STILL getting calls.
FINALLY, I talked to a representative for a collection agency. I have been making payments. I had made at least $400 worth of payments since November. Found out that when we ordered the laptops, we got a new account number. I pay my bills online through my bank. I didn't know they had given us a NEW account number, so all of the payments I was making were going to the OLD account number. Try explaining this to someone in Indonedsia. They don't get it.  ....that's okay I guess, I didn't get it either. I don't get a new account number when I go buy some socks at SEARS and put it on our credit card.
After talking to several people in several different departments, we finally got it straightened out - three days later. They moved the payments over to the new account and waived any late fees accumulated (well, DUH - they'd better waive the fees). I told Ronnie that we will NOT be making any future purchases from Dell. I can't believe they could not figure this out themselves. Their accounting dept is super messed up.
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more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 3/20/2008 4:59:07 AM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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I should really try...
...to be better about keeping up with this blog. I'm so neglectful, and I have soooo much to say. 
I laughed myself silly on the way home tonight, probably because I was stupid-tired, but also because I looked at the t-shirt contest entries at work before I left. The whole "theme" this year (yeah, there's a theme, I don't know why, but there is) is 'Sailing the tides of change'.....so there are a lot of boat, sea, pirate, anchor type pictures for the t-shirt contest. But one was just the words "IRS - we have flow"......and I was giggling all the way home. Crying at some points. First I thought....woa, TMI....then I thought maybe the back should say "at least once a month". Then I though, sure, we have flow......maybe we should let her go......Did I mention I was stupid-tired?
Anyhow.....
I just finished registering for our local Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis walk. It will be May 3 - and to tell you the truth, I don't even know how long a walk it will be, but I will do it.
Anyone who doesn't keep up with Nate's Confessions of a CF Husband blog, I encourage you to check it out. I have been blessed and humbled by his family's story and the kids and I pray for Tricia, Nate and Gwyneth Rose every day.
If you are interested in being involved in helping to find a cure for CF, you can click here to find a Great Strides Walk in your area just like I did.
I think I'll see if my sister wants to walk with me and the kids.
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more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 3/21/2008 1:20:22 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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R.I.P.
Chiquita
I don't know when it happened, but she grew on me.
When we moved into the house that Ronnie grew up in, his sister left behind her dog, Chiquita, so I used to tell people that "she came with the house." She wasn't a yappy chihuahua at all - unless someone she didn't know was outside. We never needed a doorbell, because she would let us know when someone was here.
She would often bark at the person delivering mail or the UPS guy, but she truly was all bark and no bite. A good alarm system, but not very protective. I often thought if anyone ever broke in, she would bark her head off and then go lick them to death.
Yesterday, I let her outside like I do every morning, and before she came back in, I heard a yelpish bark, kinda like when she chases a cat and the cat turns on her. I think now, that maybe something bit her, probably a snake or a baby snake. Last night while I was at work, my mom said she was 'acting funny', and when I got home, she was curled up in her corner. When I got up this morning, she was gone.
She had a long life, I guess, for a dog. I think she was probably around 13 of 14 (people years) old. I'm a lot sadder than I thought I would be. I always thought the kids probably loved her a lot more than I did. But now I sit here, crying with them over the loss of a family member.
She'll be missed. Now I guess we'll have to go get a doorbell.
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more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 4/2/2008 2:49:25 PM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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Sadly, not surprised
I used to work at the corporate accounting offices for the Church's/Popeyes chicken chains.
I was there when Al Copeland owned the company and later when the company went through bankruptcy.
Al Copeland died on March 23...and not surprisingly, he had a flamboyant funeral. He was always very pleased with his STUFF. Sad. Because, where ever he may be now, I can guarantee that having two of the same car (one with tinting for day-time use, one without for night-time use) or numerous speed boats or lambourginis will not do him much good.
Here is a quote from this article:
quote:
He spent the end of his life not trying to make a buck, but finding his faith,» said his son, Al Copeland Jr., who is the CEO of Al Copeland Investments, a private company that owns a line of restaurants, hotels, comedy clubs and a spice manufacturer.
Copeland's casket was borne to the mausoleum on a horse-drawn carriage and accompanied by a brass band playing the tune «My Way.» In honor of his favorite number, 11, 111 balloons and 11 doves were released.
(The bolded emphasis is mine.) If he was so busy finding his faith, and he had "My Way" played at his funeral.....I'm thinking he didn't succeed at all.
It just goes to show that it doesn't matter how much you own, or how many good things you do. Jesus is what matters. And frankly - I never saw evidence of Jesus in his life.
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more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 4/7/2008 12:05:13 AM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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To Nate and Tricia
for our fellow member here iratenate and his lovely wife...his blog can be found here
In a little while, you’ll be sitting at home, discussing what to have for dinner (or where to go). You’ll be packing diaper bags, mixing bottles and double checking to see if you remembered the baby wipes.
You’ll be checking the mail, and paying the cable bill. You’ll go grocery shopping and you’ll pause in the baby food aisle wondering what food you should try out on Gwyneth this week…..will she like the puried peas? Carrots? Pears? Or will she make that “what-are-you-trying-to-poisen-me-with-now?” look on her face, promptly spitting it down her chin.
Soon enough, you’ll be cuddling in the same bed. Not wanting to get up yet, and trying to remember whose turn it is to get up and feed you precious white rose blessing.
Mommy and Daddy will be singing your favorite hymns and praise songs to Gwyneth, and perhaps even “Old MacDonald” to possibly get a giggle out of her.
Shortly, your life will seem almost ordinary, you’ll be making plans, going to dr appts, well baby check-ups, and having lunch at your favorite junk food places.
You’ll go to the beach, dig your toes into the sand and help Gwyneth build her first sand-castle, and maybe even bury her daddy in the sand.
I pray for the ordinary for all of you, for the mundane, the everyday ‘normal stuff’. You deserve some quiet, alone, family quality time. Smile, make each other smile, and make God smile.
May God continue to bless you all. You’ve certainly blessed countless others with your life story. Including me.
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more coffee please.
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RE: Living, Lauging and Loving to the Glory of God - 4/14/2008 12:11:05 AM
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BeckeyZ
Posts: 5983
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
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Webkinz
Not that I really needed one, but I have a new obsession. Webkinz. I had heard about Webkinz on a podcast I often listen to called the Full Time Mom.
Here's how they work. There is a wide variety of these cute stuffed animals, normally, you can find them at Hallmark stores, but you can also find them at other specialty shops. In my case, I ran across them at a trip to Cracker Barrel. The kids were looking at the cheapy plastic toys they normally beg for and I saw the Webkinz display, and encouraged the kids to pick out a pet instead. Ben got a monkey, Evelyn picked a chihuahua, and I got a pug. The pets come with a tag attached that has a unique code that you enter online and register with. You setup your account (with minimal personal info - a plus I really liked) and name your pet (Ben's monkey is now "Joe", Evelyn named her chihuahua "Chiquita" and I named my pug "Pugzy".
Now, after you have registered and formally "adopted" your pet. Your pet gets a room, a gift and a food treat. There are numerous games, quizzes, and activities you can do to earn kinz-dollars. You then use your money to shop for furniture, food, clothing, more rooms, toys and whatnot for your pet. It is loads of fun.....yeah, even for this 40-something year old mom. Oh - and you can invite your "friends" pets over to play, and there is a chat option, but it's all pre-scripted and very safe, so you can't type in intrusive questions.
Being a homeschooler, I've found a lot of educational angles as well. Budgeting, math games, even the quizzes (where you can earn the fasted kinz-cash) is pretty cool and age appropriate. There are several categories under several age levels.
The pets (at least the ones that I bought) were about $13 each. You get a year subscription for the cost and you can extend the subscription by buying additional Webkinz pets.
Yeah, another obsession. Oh well, at least it's calorie and fat-free.
< Message edited by BeckeyZ -- 4/14/2008 12:18:16 AM >
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more coffee please.
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