Well, I'm back!!  And, how are you all doing?  Thank you all so much for your thoughts, your precious prayers, and comments on my last post!  It's been far too long since then, and, I'm again, sorry I haven't been more faithful here!  Well, let's see ... where to begin!  To catch you up on family happenings .... Mom Betty has been in the hospital section of the retirement home for a very nasty cough, which did not seem to want to go away!  She was separated from O.P., (dad) for about a three week period, and has just been well enough to be released to go back to their room!  Dad has missed her, and kept asking when she'd be able to come back ... he just seemed lost without her, so, my dear hubby spent a part of almost every day up there with them both, especially to be with Dad, as he has been alone.  He played quite a few games of pool with him, which O.P, happily, won!  I must say, that it has been great for Lewis to have this extra time alone with his father ... it's been good for them both! There were things in years past, that needed mending between them, and this time together has so helped!  O.P. is having trouble with his memory more, and more, now ... they call it dementia, and he has been getting lost easily, there in the home, when walking to the dining room, or to an activity, etc., so, the doctor decided it best that they move them both to the next level up, where there is more watchful care for them both.  Of course, Dad does not like this one bit ... the room is more like a hospital room now, and not an apartment, like the one they had been in with their own furniture, etc..  Mom Betty just takes things in stride!  Dad, on the other hand, has been calling members of the family asking them to take him home ... to the home they left to come to the retirement center!  It's breaking my husband's heart, so we all continue to encourage them the best we know how, and to pray for them!  They just cannot be alone at this point in their lives without daily medical care ... this is such a hard place for them, and for the family!  We've so appreciated those of you who have prayed for these two special people, and we ask again, that you keep them in your prayers!

Now, for my dear son, Ian ... as you all know, he had originally gone out to California to intern in the church, where he's been now, for two years, plus ... well, due to the economy, the church had to make the position he had, a volunteer position.  It came as a shock to him, and we thought maybe it was God telling him it was to come home.  We talked with him about it, but, he said he had prior video contracts that he needed to fulfill, which might take upwards of three months.  He began looking for another job, and thankfully found one, in no time at all!  It, too, is at a church, doing the same thing, only, not as many hours a week, and still making, almost, the same amount of money!  During this transition period, besides badly spraining his ankle, which is still not doing very well, he was also in another car accident!  Someone had just 'given' him a car, and it was, unfortunately, totaled!  Now, no transportation!  More reason for us to think God was trying to tell him it was time to come home!  We didn't say anything though, we were just so very thankful that he was not seriously hurt ... no one was, just his new car!  On top of all that ... he also had to move from the house he was living in, but, again, the Lord provided him a home through a friend, and that same friend has given him free loan of a vehicle, in exchange for him helping to remodel the place he's staying in ... he also has free rent at this time!  He recently told me that he's getting more video contract offers which will help him with his finances.  He said he has some very caring friends out there who were looking out for him!  Sure seems like it!  Thank you, Lord!  So, for now, he's still out there, trying to get things in his life, in order, and once he does, we're praying he comes home, but we know that God has a plan in all of this ... so, we're leaving Ian where we ought to ... in God's hands! What better place to leave our children, no matter how old they get!  God has given me great peace through all of this ... it's a wonderful place to be ... in (under) the shadow of His wings!  Oh, I still have my moments, to be sure!  We often have to be mindful, and stop to 'be still and know that He is God', in ALL things!  I want to thank you all again, for your prayers for Ian ... he's been in a hard place, so please pray that he uses wisdom, and has discernment in all the things he's going through now, and most of all, that he walks in God's will for his life!  The world has become a crazy place these days, and above all, we want our son to be closer to the heart of God!  And, of course, we'd really like to see him come home, as well!  Many of you have been on this journey with me over the past two years ... I want to thank you so much, for your kind words of comfort, and encouragement! 

Well, I don't know about you, but, I'm looking forward to the changing of the seasons!  Autumn is my very favorite time of the year!  We've had some really beautiful weather here the past couple of days ... clear blue skies during the day, full harvest moon, bright stars, and wood smoke that fills the air, during the cool nights.  Ah, definitely my kind of weather!  We're having a repeat of the same, tonight!  This time of year I always feel alive, although, I haven't been feeling very well physically, the past few weeks, so I bit the bullet, and started a daily walking program!  I'm on my fourth week, and up to 3 miles a day, and I'm using weights, as well!  I've noticed a big difference in my energy level, sleep patterns, appetite, attitude - state of mind, endurance, and joint pain.  Exercise really promotes good health all around, and you really do feel so much better ... it was a little rough going at first, being I hadn't exercised in months, and months, and ...... =  but, just starting, is half the battle!  We aren't built for sitting, which I was doing too much of over the summer ... 'these joints are made for walkin'' ... and that's just what I'll do'! Lol!  God created us to move, so, I'm trying to get my dear husband to join me, now, and, I think ... I think ... I'm wearin' him down! =)

Our craft shows have begun for the season ... our first one having been the last weekend of September, at the Apple Orchard's annual Scottish-Highlander Festival.  That Saturday was mostly cloudy, and it had rained during the night.  We were thankful for the loan of a waterproof tent (we had forgotten the top of ours, which was NOT waterproof!) But .... God saw ahead to the rain, and the owners of the orchard had an extra tent we were able to use, when we arrived there Saturday morning!  It kept all my wooden shelving dry overnight when those rains came down!  Our next show isn't until the first weekend of November, so in the meantime, I'll be getting my soap inventory built up for the busy schedule.  October is pretty quiet, other than my hubby's birthday, and our 27th anniversary!  We're also going to the Covered Bridge Festival that's starting in about a week ... the leaves haven't turned yet, but after a night, or two, of near thirty-some degrees, they'll be changing fast!  They're predicting cool nights like that, later this week! I so love this weather! I'm also still working on my photography, but it's coming along slowly.  I just need to put more time into it.  Anything we want to improve on, needs time! 

Well, this was a 'not so quick' update ... (I had every good intention of keeping it short - really = but, I wanted to let you know that I'm still here! I haven't been consistant here on the Xanga, but I'm not going anywhere!  I'll be working my way around to catch up with everyone this week ... see what you've all been up to!  Next post won't be as late, or so long ... and, if you got this far ... well, thank you for bearing with me!!  In the meantime, have a wonderful week, and count every blessing He sends your way, with an ever grateful heart!

Hugs,
              ~ Deborah <><

Well hello, all y'all!  I hope you're enjoying your summer, so far!  Yes, really, finally, it's me ... I am still here =) ... and I hope you haven't forgotten me!  So much has been happening, well, maybe not so much, but at times, life can be downright overwhelming!  Here's a bit of an update from my last entry, which, whew, has definitely been quite awhile, so I hope you will all remember some of this ... if not, check the entry below! I am so sorry I haven't been over here sooner! =

My computer seems to be doing okay, so far ... a few glitches, but for now, it all computes!  =)  For security, though, I did join Carbonite, which has backed up everything that is on my computer, off-line, onto a safe, incrypted site ... so, if it crashes, everything can be retrieved, and restored, onto a new hard drive!  There are a few programs out there like that, but this one comes highly recommended by some very knowledgeable people, and by some large companies who use it.  I feel better knowing that I won't lose my pictures, or, any of our business information! 

Now, for what's been happening in my corner of the world ....

Mom Betty and O.P. seem to be doing well .... although dad has been quite forgetful of late, and seems a bit more frail.  We continue to pray for them.  It's hard seeing those we love growing older.  We recently celebrated his 88th birthday ... it was a special day for him, with family in from out of town to share in it!

My sister, Pattie, and her husband, Tom, hope to be moving back down our way very soon ... the house they are in, is now on the market.  Tom's brother is overseeing the sale of the home, so they're just biding time until it sells.  She is so anxious to get moved back down here ... the drive is long, and it is a strain on their budget.  I will love having them back ... I've missed my sister!

Tim, Ian's friend, is back from Malawi, and doing well!  I've helped edit some of the photos from his trip, and they are awesome, and do truly touch the heart!  I'll try to get the link to some of them ... they are over on Facebook, right now.  For those of you who haven't seen them, I know you'd appreciate them very much.  I'll be helping him again, soon, and I hope to be helping him on some photography jobs, as well.  I'm anxious to learn more, and he's a good teacher! =)  When I'm with Tim, I feel close to Ian.  Yes, Ian is still away, and I'm asking you all to remember him in your prayers.  Last week, he fell, and either sprained, or broke his ankle!  Sound familiar?!  I've seen photos, and it looks worse than my hubby's, when he broke his after falling on the ice, the end of December!  We sent a package to Ian, with the boot that hubby wore to stablize it ... he said it really helps.  He did go to the hospital for x-rays, but they were unable to take them because of the swelling.  He hasn't gone back yet, either, so I'm glad he has the 'boot'!  I'm praying that he does go to the doctor, but right now, he's also going through some major struggles out there, so please, if you would, do keep him in your prayers ... they are so very appreciated!  I'll eventually be able to share more with you, but for now, God knows!

Wow, time has flown, and it's been just a little over a year, now, since our Miss Elizabeth had her bone marrow transplant, and she is doing just wonderful!  Praise the Lord!  I'm needing to get some of the many photos, that I have, to her, as she is wanting to make a video of this past year ... a sort of 'closure' to it all ... a time of marking her new beginning ... or, moving on!  God is so good!  She's such a special young lady!

My two cats are doing well ... and again, will be keeping me company this weekend, as hubby is on his way out of town to another job ... this time in a nursing home.  He'll enjoy meeting the people there, and, I'm sure, will be sharing his love of the Lord with them!  I'm praying the weather doesn't get too bad while he's gone.  I'm hearing inklings of storms that may blow through, along with 90+ degrees!  We just had a bad storm come through this past Tuesday, and early that morning I heard a transformer blow behind the house, and yes, we lost all power for 2 days!  I'm thankful it wasn't too warm, but it was hard being without water, as we are on a well here.  Some people have those back-up battery operated sump pumps, but our landlord does things as minimally as possible these days!  We had to haul water for a few hours, until a friend loaned us a generator ... thank you, Lord!  We also were able to hook our refrigerator up to it, so, thankfully, we didn't lose any food!  Unfortunately, though, we lost some very large limbs off of the two trees in our front yard!  The shade is virtually gone now, but we are so grateful that they missed the house, by just a few feet!  Our landlord said he was working on getting the 'mess' cleaned up, but, how long that will take, we just don't know.  It could be awhile, if he procrastinates as he has in the past around here.  We're still having trouble with the electricity not being up to standards.  We don't think he wants to make any changes in that department right now.  We are continuing to look for a place to move, so if you would, say a prayer about that for us!

Being without power takes away the normal every day distractions ... which is what I believe the Lord intended for us at this time.  Lewis was home from work, and we were able to spend that extra time alone with Him, together ... reading the Word and praying for needs, our own, and others, to be met ... and all that was very good.  When I realized that we could be without power until the weekend .... as the news on our wind-up radio was saying .... I finally just relaxed knowing it all would be okay, and we could cope with things.  Well, just about that time, I started reading in Psalm 37, and when I got to the verse about delighting yourself in the Lord, and He would give you the desires of your heart ... that is exactly the moment the power came back on!  I kid you not!  You should have seen me a 'hoopin' and a hollarin', and praising the Lord!! Lol!!  It's when we finally just release those burdens, and find our rest in Him ... that's when He works on our behalf!  I'm learning to 'let go, and let God' with each passing trial!  So, tell me, have you ever had a particular situation like that happen to you?  Like I said, God is so awesomely good ... even if we don't have electricity ... His power is what sustains us!  I have to say, that I am so grateful for electricity, though, that's for sure!  Candlelight was quite nice, but not so good for reading ... I so appreciate the invention of the 100 Watt lightbulb! Oh, and running water!  =)

Well, I'll close for now, but my plan is to be around here more often.  A few have migrated to Facebook, and I am over there every now, and then, but like I said before, I like it here better, and I have missed it!  I also want to change the look a bit around here, but first, I need to do some visiting, and see how you all have been ... I do want to apologize, again, for not coming by sooner!  To sum it all up ... yes, it has been awhile.  Over the past few months with the loss of my friend, missing my son, life's 'seasonal' changes and the physical challenges that can bring, feeling alone, and a bit 'lost', and at times, feeling that distance from the Lord, not to mention all those computer difficulties ....... I realize that regardless of all my shortcomings, and failures, He IS faithful ... no matter what we travel through, what struggles, challenges, or trials we face, He knows it ALL!  I know you've heard this before, but, 'He never promised us a rose garden', or that life would be easy ... but, one thing He did promise is that He would never leave us, or forsake us ... an ever present help in times of trouble!  I'm realizing more and more, how much adversity ... those trials in our lives enable us to grow up in Him ... there's a poem somewhere out there called, 'It's in the Valley We Grow'.  I'll try to find a copy of that ... I remember it brought encouragement when I read it!

Grace ... thank you Lord, for your ever merciful grace, and loving us in whatever state we're in!  You know each one of us ... from beginning to end ... nothing surprises You ... You're never caught off guard, even when our lives are in total turmoil, You are our peace in the midst ... our shelter from the storm ... our strong and high tower!  Ever faithful!  Thank you, LORD!

You all go and have a fantastic faith-filled Friday!  I'll be praying that your day is full, and blessed with the joy of His presence, and I'll be visiting you soon, and catching up with, long overdue, replies to your messages! ;o) And thank you again, for keeping Ian in your thoughts and prayers!

 Love & Hugs,
           ~ Deborah <><

I really miss it here!  I finally got my computer back up and running.  I'm still having some trouble with a couple of programs, but I don't think it's anything that will cause major problems.  That's what has mainly been keeping me away from here, but also, we've had some family visiting from out of town.  They came to see Mom Betty and O.P., and all had a wonderful time together.  They are doing well, and we are all thankful for that.  My sister, who I shared earlier, had recently moved away, is going to be moving back.  That is a blessing for us!  Things just didn't work out with the house as they had been told it would.  It was a family home, having belonged to his mother before she passed away.  There were members of the family causing many problems, along with a lot of anxiety for my sister. The rest of the family were each wanting their share of the money from the house ASAP ... and with so much tension between everyone, my sister and her husband thought it best to just agree to sell it, and move, instead.  I don't know much about real estate, or this whole ordeal, but from what I've heard, it's a very confusing situation, and there's division among the other family members, with the house not really belonging to anyone, but to a 'trust'.  It's now going to be in a lawyer's hands, and they have to find a real estate agent to sell it for them, but in the meantime, we'll be helping them find a nice place here, near us, again!  If you would, please say a prayer for Pattie and Tom ... that the Lord smooth the way for them through all of this mess, and that He opens the door to a new home here!  She is very depressed about it all, as she really loved the home, but she was lonely way up there, being away from her children, and grandchildren ... and us!  I, for one, will be glad to see her out of the problem, where she can relax again ... and I've just plain missed her being close! 

Ian is doing well ... me, not so much!  I'm missing him like crazy!  I know God is watching over him, and I'm just so thankful for the cell phone, and computer to stay in touch!  And, my cats are getting along very well ... they're adorable together ... wonderful 'catpanions'! Lol!  Hubby is headed out of town tomorrow, for a few days, to do another Panera Bread Company ... he'll be staying with my sister and her hubby, since the job is up near them.  I know he'll be well taken care of!!  I'll be fine, with my cats, and a full freezer!  Lol!  Well, summer has finally arrived here ... lots of rain, though, and unfortunately, the 'muggies' are setting in.  More rain this week, and it'll be *90, on Thursday, I do believe they said!  Glad the AC is in good working order!  And, I'm still working on my photography ... not too good at posting much of it, though, am I?!  Editing does take quite some time, but that's my favorite part!  I'll post some soon!

So, how have you all been?  I have so much catching up to do around here!  How many of you can say the same?!  Things have just been, for lack of a better word, crazy!  Things don't seem the same anymore, at all.  Does anyone else feel the same?!  You can't turn on the radio, or television, or even the computer, without hearing so much negative news these days.  Things are constantly changing, and I'm so grateful that God never does!  Aren't you?!  He truly is our Strong High Tower, our Rock, in the midst of all the turmoil going on!  At times, though, I find it hard to get away and spend that, much needed, quiet time with Him, with so much busyness going on!  And, it seems like everywhere we go, we're late!  Time just seems to slip right through our fingers!  Well, God has His timing ... I read a devotion today that I could have written ... it spoke directly to my heart ... it helped to quiet the unrest, the overwhelming anxiousness, and guilt I've been feeling a lot of lately.  You tell me if you haven't had these some of these thoughts, or feelings, as well.  I do hope this word helps you, too!  I'm praying you'll all have a blessed Tuesday, and no matter how busy your schedule, you can be still and find that rest in Him ... remember our time is in His hands! 

Blessings and hugs,
                  ~ Deborah <><

My Time Is in His Hands
(God's Pursuit of His Harried Ones)

'I’m Late, I’m Late
for a very important date,
No time to say hello, goodbye,
I’m late, I’m late, I’m late
and when I wave,
I lose the time I save.'

White Rabbit's song - "Alice in Wonderland"
Lyrics: Bob Hilliard

Many Christians probably could confess that the above lyrics aptly describe their life.  Every moment of their day is crammed full of commitments and responsibilities.  They are caught up in a whirlwind of activities and responsibilities; running from one commitment to the next.  They feel there are not enough hours in the day, not enough days in the week and not enough months in the year in order to do all they feel obliged to do.  Work responsibilities, family obligations, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, caring for elderly parents, squeezing in a few minutes of exercise each day leaves little time for true rest and emotional, spiritual and physical rejuvenation.  Fatigue is their constant companion and yet they toss and turn at night, worrying about all the things on their 'to-do' list that they were not able to accomplish.  Guilt and a vague sense of failure weigh heavily on their shoulders as they feel that they have let their friends, family, and employers down.  Self-condemnation overwhelms them as they struggle to keep a daily
devotional time with the Lord.  They can't remember the last time that they were truly able to enjoy
and be present in 'the moment' as their minds constantly race to the next task on their schedule.

Many Christians feel isolated.  Although co-workers, family and friends surround them, they find it difficult to find
heart-to-heart connections.  Like the White Rabbit, they barely can afford the time to wave briefly to those they love
as they scurry past on their way to their next appointment, trying to keep one-step ahead of their tormentors -
"I should be doing more" and "I'll never get it all done."

I firmly believe God did not intend for his children to be exhausted and frustrated at the end of each day, deprived of rich fellowship with him and with others.  I believe the Lord created us to live in freedom and not in bondage to our day-planners, blackberries and emails.  As I am not an efficiency expert, I wouldn't presume to offer specific advice on how to organize your life and declutter your schedule.  However, I can direct you to the one who boldly proclaims.
"Come unto me, all ye that are heavy-laden and I will give you rest".
I love Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of this familiar passage found in Matthew 11: 28-30 (The Message).
"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life. 
I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Psalm 31:14-15
(The Message)

"Desperate, I throw myself on you:
you are my God!
Hour by hour I place my days in your hand,
safe from the hands out to get me"

Lord, we place our days before you, hour by hour. 
We submit our plans, our responsibilities and our commitments to you.
We are bogged down and we can't find any way out.
There are so many things that we feel that we should be doing
and so many desires and dreams we are trying to attain.  Lord, will you help us prioritise our days?
We need your grace to lay at your feet all those things that we deem as 'good things to do.'
We believe that you are a practical God and that you offer us practical solutions.
Lead us to your solutions and if we are to reach out to godly those who have found freedom in this area,
we say we are willing to seek their guidance and wisdom.
We stand in readiness to heed your directives.
Give us ears that humbly listen and give us feet
that are swift to walk along the paths you have set before us.
In Jesus Name - Amen.

EDIT TO POST DOWN BELOW!

NEWS FLASH!  Or should I say .... COMPUTER FLASH!!  I got a call yesterday ... my computer is repaired and ready to come home! Now, after the past two days of getting this loaner all set up, and then trying to get used to it, I have to unplug it all, and take it back so I don't get charged for it!!  I have 30 days to do this, but I'm ready to get mine back!  Stephen, the technician, said that he put a brand spanking new hard drive in it, and after repairing the original one, checking for and clearing out all viruses, he will leave that one in also.  He will transfer all my files, documents, etc., to the new hard drive, and basically, I'll have two of them with the same info on each.  Well, once I get it home, and set up, I'll clear off the original one ... he could do that, but I don't want to get charged extra for it ... and then I can use it just for my photos!  The new hard drive is 70GB more then what I originally had, so I have about 320GB on the new one alone!  Wow, I could rent out computer space at this point!  Lol!!  

Anyway, I'm blessed that it's fixed, but please do pray that I can get everything set back up, plugged in, and the anti-virus program loaded without any glitches!  I'm going to have faith ... and Stephen did say it was working great!  I want to get around here as soon as I can to each of you!  It's been way too long, and, I don't want to miss you on Mother's Day!  =)  I'm hoping to get a post on by tonight, in honor of all you mothers out there, but, if by some chance things are 'glitchy', and I can't get one on, I pray you all have a wonderful and blessed Sunday, and know that you're all in my heart and prayers! 

 Hugs ~ Deborah <><

P.S.  Hubby and I did go out with some friends to dinner last night ... to unwind, and relax, and just forget about all the pressing matters for a few hours ... it's good to do that from time to time ... we hadn't done that in awhile, and with everything that's gone on in our lives lately ... it was good for us!

GOD KNOWS

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless effort, God knows how hard you have tried.

When you've cried so long your heart is in anguish, God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by, God is waiting for you.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated, God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope, God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for, God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe, God has smiled on you.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are feeling, God knows.

--Author Unknown--

**My computer is going into the shop today!
Please pray for wisdom that they can get this fixed, and not lose any files,
or any of my photos!
Pray that they will get it done as quickly as possible.
I'll not be around to catch up today, as I had hoped,
unless I get a 'loaner', which is in the warranty.
Have a blessed day, and I hope to see you all soon!
And thank you so much for your prayers!
It's not such a good feeling being cut off from your friends and family on here!
Blessings and hugs ~ Deborah <><

And finally, this week started out pretty quiet ... not much going on right now, although, I do have to restock soap down at the antique mall, which I need to get busy labeling today.  Hubby's work is a tad slow right now ... he was offered a one day job in Omaha, Nebraska, at a Panera Bread Company, but it's just not profitable enough to warrant that long of a drive.  Here again, we know that God will provide other work for him, instead!  Well, I think this has gone on long enough, for now!  I've missed everyone, and as I said, I will get around to catch up, and thank each one of you, starting today!  Have a wonderful Wednesday ... we're supposed to have some storms pass through ... praying the sun is shining where you are!  

  Hugs,
            ~ Deborah <><  

Marcia Molina
1947 - 2009
Friday . April 24 . 2009

My dear precious friend, Marcia Molina, 
went home to be with Jesus early this morning ...
 ... her family was by her side. 
Please keep her husband Tom, and the children ... 
Shawn, Leah, Sarah, Mark, Johanna, and Matt, in your prayers. 
Pray that God will surround them with His
loving arms of peace and great comfort during this difficult time.

This past Wednesday we were there in her home, and with her family ...
but she was not doing well enough to have visitors that day,
and, although we were unable to see her,
she was aware that we were there for her.

I am certain she now knows what I wanted to say ....
what I needed to yet say to her.

She was, as the Apostle Paul encourages us to be in Romans - chapter 12 ...
always "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer."

She is now free, and happily rejoicing in the fullness of His glory!

*She always loved to garden ... to be out in the sun ...
she loved flowers, and put me to shame as she could name them all!
As we were leaving her home on Wednesday,
I noticed some of the flowers she had planted, like these I've posted here ...
they were just beginning to bloom and grow there in her garden ... 

I will miss you .... My Friend!


 
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^
^

UPDATE:
Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers for Marcia and her family!
Sadly, I was unable to see her today, due to more family coming in from out of town, 
and settling in to be with her.
It's good that they have that time together.
We are going down to their home in the morning, and hopefully then, I will be able to see her.
If not, she will at least know that I am there.
We are taking food, and probably won't be there very long, as it is time for the family now,
but I will let you know if I do get to see her.
I pray that I do ... one last time, before she goes home to be with the Lord!
It's so hard to say good-bye.

Again, thank you so much for your prayers for her, and her family!

Hugs ~ Deborah <><



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^
^

Monday, April 20, 2009

Please, please, pray for my dear precious friend, Marcia Molina.
I've shared before about her battle with breast cancer in past posts.
She went out of state with her daughter to have treatments about two weeks ago,
but, while gone she began to go downhill very fast,
and due to her weakness, was unable to have the treatments.
She was barely able to make the trip home,
and is now resting as comfortably as possible with her family,
and a few friends, surrounding her, in their home.

If possible, we will be going to see her early afternoon, today.
I need to see my friend again.  She is very weak, barely able to talk,
and I'm praying she'll have the strength for a visit. 
I have so much I want to say to her ...
how much of a blessing that she's been to me since I've known her.
How much it has meant having her encouragement in my life.
I want her to know this, to hear this from my heart!
I love you, my friend!

Please pray that she won't be in any pain ...
and pray for her family, who are all with her now.

Thank you all so much.
Blessings ~ Deborah <><

**Before playing this, please scroll down and stop the music on the playlist!**
This has been making the rounds on the Internet, 
so, I thought I'd share it here for those who may have yet
to be inspired by this amazing woman! 

You can more of Susan Boyle HERE ...
trust me, you will be inspired!
**I was having trouble loading this,
so if you don't see anything, just try refreshing your page!
It's so worth it!

I trust you all had a blessed Easter.  We had a wonderful service at church, then went to dinner with a group of friends from church that had no family plans.  We did have, but things got rearranged due to conflicting schedules.  We'll be getting together soon for a big dinner ... looking forward to that!  A couple of you asked if I took the photo at the top of that post ... and yes, I did.  We were at my nephews funeral, it was a sad day, as I don't believed he ever really accepted the Lord before taking his own life ... a very sad situation.  My mother, and other close relatives are also buried on the grounds there.  It's a peaceful place, beautiful, with fountains, ponds, and flowers gardens everywhere. This was one photo that spoke to me of life, and after experiencing that day, I was thinking how very grateful I was, that Jesus came to give us the precious gift of eternal life ... I can only pray that Ty had found Him!  I'd also like you to keep Marcia in your prayers.  She is my dear friend that I shared about awhile back, who has been battling breast cancer.  She has been out west having her treatments and spending time with family, and on Friday we found out that she's not doing very well.  She has lost weight, and is very weak.  She was flying home yesterday, with her daughter, and we pray that she had the strength enough to do that.  I've yet to hear from them as to when they got in, or as to how she's doing ... hope to hear today sometime.  Please keep her in your prayers.

I've had a somewhat busy week, here at home.  The weather has been beautiful the past couple of days.  More of the same, is expected, today.  I'll be spending time in the bathroom most of the day!  Remember that I shared about our church being flooded when the sprinklers froze a few months back?  Well, they're now getting the repairs done, and my dear hubby has hired me to help lay the ceramic tile in the two bathrooms there!  It's going to be fun working together like that, again ... it's been awhile since I helped him. I'm hoping to get pictures!  Won't that be interesting! Lol!  We're not sure exactly we'll be starting the planting in the fellowship gardens at church yet ... they're now saying snow flurries on Tuesday!  Hopefully it'll be soon ... I'm anxious to get going on that!  They are using mulched beds ... vitually maintenance free ... I'll learn more about it and let you know. 

Well, you all have a wonderful weekend ... and I do hope you're enjoying some beautiful spring weather where you are! I'm still working my way around to visiting everyone ... so, please, don't give up on me! 

Hugs,
           ~ Deborah <><

In his death Jesus demonstrated God's love for us in the fullest possible way,
achieved total victory over evil, and made our salvation possible. 

He was not merely a good man who died as an example of virtue or meekness;
he was the perfect God who took our burdens of sin and guilt and made them his burden. 

His death was not an example to inspire us but a sacrifice to save us!

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, 
Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).

With a weak faith and a fearful heart, many a sinner stands before the Lord.
It is not the strength of our faith, but the perfection of Christ's sacrifice that saves!

No feebleness of faith, nor dimness of eye, no trembling of hand can change the efficacy of Christ's blood.

The strength of our faith can add nothing to it, nor can the weakness of our faith take anything from Him.
Faith (weak or strong) still reads the promise, "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."

If at times my eye is so dim that I cannot read these words, through blinding tears or bewildering trials,
faith rests itself on the certain knowledge of the fact that THE PROMISE IS THERE,
and the blood of Christ remains in all its power and suitableness upon the altar, unchanged and unaffected.

~ Horatius Bonar ~