Friday, September 28, 2007

Maybe Once Upon A TIme

EDT: (Saturday)
My niece Jackie doesn't think this quiz is quite accurate concerning MOI! Neither do I but the first time I took it, I came out the same as my sister, Jungle Mom!! (Who me, a deep thinker??) I knew that was messed up so I changed a couple of answers and got this outcome. I think back when I was younger and healthier, the below description did fit me better. I do love politics (political sciences)and telling people what to do (counseling???) LOL Truth is, when you consider I taught upwards to 2o children per class for oh, 16 years, and ran an in-home day care for 4 years, I guess I did have a handle on balancing many tasks at once! I just don't seems to have that "handle on it" anymore!
Your Scholastic Strength Is Inspiring Others

You are great at developing a vision, and getting others to adopt your way of thinking.
You are talented at leading, balancing tasks, and helping people work together.

You should major in:

Counseling
Environmental studies
Law
Social work
Political science
Nursing

Potpouri

It was wonderful being in the Lord's house Wednesday evening. Shane absolutely loves Patch Club! He attends his class while I attend our mid-week prayer service and Bible Study.
Shane is in the photo below. The *teddy bear* wearing his sailor hat on right.




When I walked into the auditorium last evening, I sensed something was wrong, just didn't feel right, something seemed to be missing. As services started, I realized it was our Pastor who was missing! He was admitted into the hospital for chest pains. They were to do stress tests and blood work on him today. He is a young man in his 30's. Please pray for him and his family. He has 4 of the most precious little children I've ever known! I will call the church office tomorrow to get an update on him.

Due to Pastor's dilemma, we had Pastor Richard Rossiter from Cornerstone Baptist Church preach for us last night. He is our former youth pastor, but God called him to be a Pastor last year. Our church had been praying for some time to start a mission church in a town a little further north. The Lord worked it out for Bro. Rossiter to pastor the new mission in Spring Hill, FL. It is doing well. Please pray for that ministry as it reaches souls for Christ and encourages the saints.

I thought I would share a few quotes from last night's sermon which was taken from Matthew 4, vs. 1 - 8, on temptations. It was a convicting sermon and one I needed to hear.

Quote 1 - "The only spiritual weapon we have against the devil is knowledge of the Word of God."

Quote 2 - "To fall into temptation of the flesh, you must assume that God's provision for you is not enough."

Quote 3 - (Speaking here about Satan tempting Jesus in the desert) "Satan's ultimate goal was to assassinate the sacrifice. He wanted Jesus to assert his will over God's."

Quote 4 - "How do I overcome temptations? All you have to do is agree with God and disagree with Satan."

Quote 5 - "When you fall, it's because you are distant from the Lord."
Example : "If my son is standing by my side and even holding my hand, how likely is he to go ahead and fall into sin? How likely is he to go right on and steal that piece of candy? Not very, for he knows I am right there close to him. But when he is out on his own, when there is distance between dad and son, the son is then more likely to fall into temptation. It's the same with us and Christ. If there is not distance, no sin between us, we are less likely to fall. If we have allowed a distance to grow between us and Christ, we are more likely to fall." Pro. 29:6

Quote 6 - "Satan changed scriptures." Compare Matt. 4:5 & 6 to Psalm 91:11 & 12

Much more was taught but I think you get the idea of the sermon. We can choose to resist temptation and obey God instead, just as Jesus did!


This down to earth sermon brought me to the realization that I have been allowing things to put a distance between my Lord and I. Therefore I have fallen into bad attitudes and bursts of anger of late. The Lord knew I needed that sermon last night. I am so so thankful for a God who orchestrates things for the good of His children; for the good of ME!

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On another note: My friend Kim at Home Sweet Home has finally found time to post on her blog this week. Two times actually. It's the first time since June 8th, so can you imagine my surprise when today I thought I'd just mosey on over to her blog to see if there was something new up and sure enough! Can you imagine my surprise when I saw she has posted twice this week! I would like to encourage you to give her a visit as she could use some encouragement right now. Just click here to read about her life and family a tad. I'm sure some sweet comments would be so appreciated by Kim. Below is a photo of Kim ready to pop some of her delicious oatmeal cookies into the oven!



One more thing! Yesterday, Wednesday, was also the birthday of a sweet friend of mine. Pat,over at Moments In Time celebrated with her family. She also is going through some difficult times at present. She could use an uplifting visit from some of you fine bloggers as well. Here is Pat with her two lovely, godly daughters!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Pretty in Pink!

Five Minutes For Mom is having a giveaway. And LOOK what you can win!


I would absolutely love to win this! Head on over to Five Minutes For Mom and sign up for a chance to win too!

Barnes & Nobles, Here I Come!

Have you all heard about Bill Sammon's book, 'The Evangelical President'?


I can't wait to read it. I still love and honor my President! Of course, there are things I strongly disagree with him on and I certainly know he isn't a perfect individual. My goodness, who is? I know he is being abandoned by some in his own party - Republicans. I'm also aware that he is despised by most Democrats and left wing loons. Have you all noticed how much the man has aged during his years as president of this great land of ours? I saw him today, seated for a photo op with the current head of the Iraqi government. He looked so worn out and his face showed great fatigue. I wept for him and called on God right then and there to bless this dear man with some peace and rest. I know that his faith and our prayers are what gets him through these testy times. I'm so glad President Bush is committed to what he starts - he truly wants to see worldwide democracy. I'm also glad that he continues to have the drive to get up each day and face the music. He isn't a quitter and that character trait should be proclaimed on CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, etc. along with many other positive things about our President. But no! The negative, nasty machine wants to try to convince us, (Americans), to quit a job that is unfinished. I know this is a crazy thought, but what if all the mass media and all the Democrats, and all Republicans, and all Americans started concentrating on WINNING this war?? Let's talk about that concept for awhile! And, for all Christians who believe in the power of prayer; just as you should pray for your pastor as he leads his flock, (your church family) you should be praying for your President and all those in authority. I must admit, I fall short in this area and don't pray for them enough, but I plan on changing that right here and now. The scriptures tell us to pray for those in authority. Even if you don't agree with them, you can still lift them before the Father. Ask the Lord to show them their mistakes, pray for their salvation, ask the Lord to grant those who lead our land to be blessed with wisdom and discernment. These are just a few suggestions.

Some of the things mentioned in Mr. Sammon's book are:

*Some candid remarks on Barack Obama

*Why the Supreme Court's ruling on the partial-birth abortion ban was a victory and vindication for Bush


*Why Bush is determined to press ahead with his policy in Iraq, despite his party's loss in Congress


*Why Bush has offered advice to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton


*How the media has continuously underestimated President Bush, mocking him for his faith and ignoring his achievements

*As Bush stays focused on spreading freedom throughout the world, 'The Evangelical President' shows why the president's critics might have "misunderestimated" him yet again!

So enquiring minds want to know, (actually, I want to know) is this a book you would read?

Monday, September 24, 2007




Your Hidden Talent



You are a great communicator. You have a real way with words.

You're never at a loss to explain what you mean or how you feel.

People find it easy to empathize with you, no matter what your situation.

When you're up, you make everyone happy. But when you're down, everyone suffers.

Checking In!

Hey All, I've had some really busy days and just haven't had the time to sign on to blogger.

Sunday was the 10th anniversary of the founding of our church. We had Dr. Bruce Turner as our guest speaker. Pastor Turner and several members from WestGate Baptist in Tampa, planted our church here in Wesley Chapel back in 1997. After the morning service, we had "dinner on the grounds" and yes, of course I took my Banana Pudding!Then we closed out the day with another service with several testimonies from charter members and several folks who have been with the church from the early days It was such an extra blessing to hear how God has used Faith Baptist Church in their lives over the years! then to top the afternoon off, Pastor Turner preached again. We didn't have a regular evening service.

I came home so tired for some reason. I lied down on my bed, still in my nice church clothes. I took most of my jewelry off but not my long necklace. I fell asleep around 4:30 p.m. and folks, I didn't wake up until 12:30! Yep, as in MIDNIGHT THIRTY! Agustin was sleeping peacefully beside me. I got up, changed my clothing and have been up all night. I doodled and did small things all night waiting for Agustin to get up at 6:a.m. so I could fix his breakfast. After he went off to work, I laid on the couch for a couple of hours with the cable news on and dozed! That was enough to get me through my day. I didn't have to do classes with Shane today, as he had spent the weekend with his brother and my parents in Tampa and remained there all day. I'll go pick him up tomorrow.

I'm very sleepy so I must bid you adieu for now! Until tomorrow.
Love and hugs to go around!

Friday, September 21, 2007

Giveaway at Deby's!

Look at the goodies Deby is planning on giving away!

I think I see a book of stamps in the goody basket!Whoo-Hoo!
To enter for a chance to recieve the goodies, head on over to her blog and sign up!
Apples of Gold

A Friday Chuckle

A six-year-old boy told his father he wanted tomarry the little girl across the street. The father, being modern and well-schooled in handling children, hid his smile behind his hand.

"That's a serious step," he said. "Have you thought it out completely?"

"Yes," his young son answered. "We can spend one week in my room and the next in hers. It's right across the street, so I can run home if I get scared of the dark."

"How about transportation?" the father asked.

"I have my wagon, and we both have our tricycles,"the little boy answered.

The boy had an answer to every question the father raised.

Finally, in exasperation, his dad asked, "What about babies? When you're married, you're liable to have babies, you know."

"We've thought about that, too," the little boy replied. "We're not going to have babies. Every time she lays an egg, I'm going to step on it!"

A Silly Poem For My Not So Silly Niece!

I have a niece named Jayde,
For her we often prayed.
The soft spot on her head did close
Way too early and this did pose,
Some concern for all who love her,
But God did a miracle for sure!
For now my niece is one smart cookie,
Just visit her blog and take a lookie!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

The Results Are In!

BENIGN!

Praise the Lord! I am so relieved!
I do have a follow up with my surgeon in a couple of weeks.
The nodule was a Fibroadenoma
I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family members praying for me. I was ready to hear the results, even if they had been the opposite of what I heard today. I know the grace of God is sufficient to get me through whatever He has planned for me. My friend Patti has been such an inspiration and encouragment to me as many of you know.

Have a wonderful weekend now and once again, THANK YOU ALL from the bottom of my heart!

Still waiting...

Many have called and emailed me asking about the pathologist's report concerning my breast biopsy. Thank you so much for your concern. Words can' t really express how much closer that draws me to you.

I've spoken to my surgeon's office twice this week. Guess what? Still no report from the pathologist. Today the nurse I spoke to said she whould get right on it, call the lab, find out what is taking so long. This is very unusual for the reports from a biopsy to take over a week. I'm praying that I will have a definitive answer tomorrow. I'm trusting that the report shows no cancer, however, if it is cancer, God will take me through this.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

I Did My Homework!

After visiting Training Hearts tonight, I decided I would participate in the Blogger Friend School. I love getting to know other bloggers and felt this would be a great way to do so. For today's assignment, we are to list words in ABC order,that describe ourselves or list things that are important to us. We were also instructed to include a Bible verse which we have been dwelling on this week. So her goes!

A - achy
B - Bible
C - Christian
D - devoted
E - expressive
F - Fox News
G - giggly
H - hungry
I - indecisive
J - Jesus
K - kisser
L - loving
M - Mother
N - nutty
O - obstinate
P - prayerful
Q - quirky
R - reading
S -sons
T - teacher
U - uplifting
V - violets
W - worrier
X - x-rays
Y - yawning
Z - zealous

A scripture I've been dwelling on this past week:

Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I Want to Share a Secret!!

Did you know that Agustin and I were professional performers??
Check out a video clip of us in one of our competitions! Be sure to take note of the beautiful scenery in the background - THE ALAMO!

Make sure your sound is on!

http://www.jibjab.com/starring_you/receipt/801578

Monday, September 17, 2007

Look Who Is Two Today!

My Great-Niece, ELENA GRACE McCOBB!!
I thought I would post a few photos of Elena during different stages of her life,
all TWO years of it!

At Birth


With Her Daddy

Asleep In Her Car Seat

Her First Haircut - Please notice her big, curious eyes in this photo!

Being a BIG SISTER!

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Dear Princess Elena,

I love you so much! I pray that when you grow up into the young lady that God has planned for you to be, you will realize what an awesome life you've had. I know you will be one amazing adult, because you have two amazing parents! I don't want you to hurry and grow up, but yet I am so excited about your future! I know you are busy right now just being a two year old and being Abbie's big sis. Those are both very important jobs. I hope one day you will read this letter and know in your heart of hearts how much this TIA loves you!

Hugs, Kisses, and Prayers,

Aunt Pam










For my Josh,Jackie and Jayde! Jewel is in a class of her own!

I read the following article at Crosswalk-Home School Life. It is copied from their August 28, 2007 issue. I can relate so well to the examples the author gives and I KNOW I have a son and two nieces who also can relate to Miss Jone's stories! For that reason, I dedicated this post to them! LOL


Applied Mathematics
by Sara Jones


If I'm ever at a loss for what to write, I draw on the author's great resource: suffering. And nothing makes me suffer more than math. My family isn't a math-minded family. Now, I usually don't like statements like that. People tend to use them as excuses. "I just couldn't stay home all the time with my family. I'm a people-person, you know?" (Congratulations - and your family is made up of nonpeople?) "I just can't get that class. I'm a hands-on kind of learner." (Congratulations - as soon as you develop a hands-on course for diagramming sentences, let me know.)

So I try to be careful when I explain to people my weaker areas; I try not to make lame excuses. It is after years of observation and consideration that I conclude: My family isn't a math-minded family. It's true that two of my brothers are computer nerds. They like to talk about megabytes and Pentium chips and read Dilbert. And my older sister can tally up a Scrabble score at a glance. But by and large, textbook math is not our strongest point. I might even say that, on a scale of one to ten, our math abilities rank somewhere around ... um ... ten minus eight ... wait, is it plus four? ... anyway, it's not our strongest point.

I think it's because we look beyond the surface problem. For instance, just the other day I came across a basic math problem. "Town A's population is 6,800. Town B's population is 4,200. If Town A's population is decreasing by 120 every year, and Town B's population is increasing by 80 every year, in how many years will their populations be equal?" I instantly comprehended the first step to solving the problem: Find out why so many people were leaving Town A every year. Maybe they were going to Town B. And all I could concentrate on was creating tourist billings for Town A to help salvage the population.

And then there are the ones about the area of triangles and "how many boxes measuring 6 cubic inches could fit into a shed 45 feet by 2 feet?" My interest tapers off into the negatives. It makes no sense to me to work such a problem, because, obviously, you aren't going to cram that many boxes into a shed; you've got to have some way to open the door. That, I suppose, is my major hang-up when it comes to math. Most of it just doesn't seem to apply to my daily life. (I'm ignoring remarks about how my daily life would require some unorthodox formulas.)

I've considered compiling a math textbook specifically for myself and my family. A typical problem in my Family Arithmetic Book would run something like this: Three sisters, L., S., and R., all get up at the same time on Sunday morning to go to their church's 8:30 service. They wear the same amount of makeup and same number of clothing articles. If each one gets up at 7:45, how long does it take each one of them to get ready? The formula for solving this problem is complex. First, you must divide the three girls between two bathrooms, only one of which has the makeup and toothbrushes in it. You also have to take into account the position and diameter of the hole in the ankle of S.'s white stockings and the accuracy of her mother's eye in catching it before they leave the house. Don't forget to calculate the probability of finding the right pair of white shoes among twenty-three pairs of shoes in the closet (most of which are L.'s). Subtract R.'s favorite barrette from the bathroom. The real problem is not how long it takes them to get ready, but whether they can make it to church in any sort of spirit of Christian charity. (To their credit, they usually do.)

The Family Arithmetic Book would include other areas of math, including: Force and Mass Calculations: A family is having an Easter-egg hunt. If a pink Easter egg is placed on a concrete block, and N. drops a block weighing 10 pounds on top of the egg, what will be left? (The answer, of course, is an enduring family memory of one of the best hiding places that we've discovered yet for Easter eggs.)

Time and Distance: L., proving an experiment she learned in a physics class, demonstrated that a person can squeeze an egg lengthwise in the hand without breaking the shell. If L. then says, "Look, you can even do it with both hands," how long will it take her to clean up the egg yolk all over herself and the kitchen, and how far down the family line will this story travel? Yes, I've concluded, if only math were designed to reflect and apply to daily life, it would pose no obstacle to my family.

Addition: how many spoonfuls of water-and-confectioner's-sugar icing does it take to make Lauren and Jamie sick? (Answer: They don't like to talk about it). Subtraction: if Neil, Matt, Jamie, Lauren, and Sara get off the bus together, how many walk down the driveway together? (Answer: Four, since one of the older ones will say something to make Sara mad, just to see her go into dramatics and run down the driveway).

Multiplication, division ... the possibilities are like numbers themselves - infinite. The Family Arithmetic Book would have a much more important use than just education. (I'm ignoring inquiries as to where I detect any educational use in the book in the first place.) Like all families, mine has difficulties now and then; but in compiling material for my book, I realized that it's because of my family that I have the blessing of knowing the answer to a problem like the following: A mother with five children marries a man with one son. Eventually, each son marries a wife. Each of these couples has at least one child. How many families are represented in all?

Answer: One.

(copied)

Sunday, September 16, 2007

I LOVE THIS QUOTE!

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.
~Author Unknown

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!


This post is for a very special young lady in my life. Who is that special young lady you ask? Well none other than Ashley Leonard! She's the one on the top of the pyramid! I don't have a daughter, but if I did, I would hope she would make me smile like Ashley does.

Here's Ashley with little sis Alex in one of our favorite restaurants.



Ashley turns 18 today and we all know what a terrific age that is! Ashley and her folks had my family over Saturday night for one of Ashley's favorite meals: " Steak and Shake's Five Way Chili!" It was delish! I piled the spaghetti on my plate, then spooned several spoonfuls of Kim's chili over the noodles before adding shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions! Of course, most of us then topped our helpings with chili sauce! YUM! Kim served a fresh salad with all the fixin's on the side so we could pick and choose what we wanted from her salad bar. Feta cheese was there for the taking! I love that stuff!! The meal also included sourdough bread! Then for dessert, Ashley made a HUGE and fluffy peanut butter pie with a chocolate graham cracker crust! She knew that peanut butter pie is one of my Josh's favorite sweets. Wasn't that awful sweet of the birthday girl? She made something to please someone else rather than making her favorite. I found that really touching!



Ashley then opened her gifts and cards. I think we will hear of a "shopping trip" soon!



We finished the night off with a crazy game of Phase 10. Agustin and I had never played that game until the Leonards introduced us to it last year. Its a great game for big crowds. Many can play at once.



At about midnight, we headed on home. Once again the Leonards were wonderful hosts and made us feel just like part of their family.



Ashley, I hope this coming year in your life is one of the best ever! I know it has already been a year of many changes and growth. I pray you continue to desire God and His Will. Let HIM be your happiness throughout life. Remember you are a special creation by God, made for a specific purpose only you can fulfill. I have enjoyed watching you grow up from that feisty little girl to the graceful young lady you are today. I love you kiddo. Have a great 18th birthday!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Latest Journal Entry by Patti



THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2007 04:09 PM, CDT

Dear Friends and Family,

Just a quick update:

**I had my bloodwork done today and needed the red cell shot. Accessing my port hurt for the first time ever. Usually can't feel it due to the numbing cream and spray. My doctor says it may be infected, so I'll be watching to see if the redness spreads or I get a fever. :-(

**Due to one of the chemo drugs I'm taking, taxotere, I'm getting bad burns on my hands/fingers. Wierd! I'm having to slather on Bag Balm and wear gloves to protect. The nurse said they may even blister and peel. The bright side is: I can't do dishes! :-) hee-hee

**This has been the worst feeling week I've had since starting treatment. The aches have been really bad, horrible sore throat (the nurse gave me some mouth wash, said it's "thrush"), and no energy at all. I am so thankful there is only 1 treatment left!

I told my choir about a song that has been such an encouragment to me recently by Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. I want to share the chorus with you:
If this is what God wants,

If this is what God says;

Then who I am to doubtOr try to figure out this circumstance?

If this is what God chose for me

In all His majesty...Then surely I can trust and lean

On what God says!

Trusting Him,
Patti

Wanna Learn More About Me?


I've been seeing this "get to know me better" post over around bloggityville alot lately. I finally feel like I have a little time to participate. So here goes:
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ACCENT - A little southern, but when I visit my relatives in West Virginia, I turn that southern accent into pure country Y'all!!

DRINK - As in my favorite drink? or do I drink? I don't drink alcohol, but must have my one cup of coffee with cream each morning. I usually order water with lemon when we eat out, but once in awhile, I splurge on Diet Coke. We only drink cokes at home if it's pizza night or a party!

CHORE I HATE - Ironing! I used to enjoy it and feel as though I were relaxing while doing it, but for the past few years, due to the RA, I just don't enjoy it anymore. It hurts!

PETS - None right now, but we've had our share in the past. Especially doggies.

ESSENTIAL ELECTRONICS - My DELL Computer and digital camera!

PERFUME - HUGO BOSS - Deep Red

GOLD or SILVER - I like them both. It just depends on what I'm wearing.

INSOMNIA - YES! and it makes me so mad. I am experiencing it less now that some health issues are being resolved and I'm on new medications.

JOB TITLE - Wife and Mom right now ,which is the best title any woman could own. However, I have had some different job titles in the past such as: Customer Service Manager, Nanny, Kindergarten teacher, Elementary teacher, High School Spanish teacher, Church Secretary, Home Day Care Owner.

MOST ADMIRED TRAIT - Compassion

KIDS -2 sons. My 20 year old is out of the house and quite a remarkable man, the other is almost 10 and my daily dose of sunshine!

PHOBIA - Big Floridian Palmetto Bugs! And anything else that is creepy and crawly, Heights rank high as a phobia as well.

RELIGION - I'm not religious but I do have a personal relationship with Christ, my Saviour! My denomination is Baptist with a capital B! LOL

SIBLINGS - I am the eldest of 3. When I was 5, along came my sis. When she was 2 months old my mom became pregnant again! Mom went from one extreme to the other in terms of spacing her pregnancies.

TIME I WAKE UP - Wake up or Get up? LOL I wake up sometime near lunch but I get up around 8 a.m. on most days. For me, it really depends on how my RA is behaving on any certain day. If I've spent a night awake, wrestling with pain, I will sleep most of the morning.

UNUSUAL TALENT/SKILL - I can categorize smells. I have an unwritten catalogue of smells in my brain. Just ask my Brother in Law, Yekwana Man.

VEGETABLE - I HATE - Beets

MY FAVORITE MEAL - Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, my mom's green beans, biscuits, and my banana pudding. That's heaven right there!

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That's it for me. I hope I didn't bore you too much. Have a blessed day!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Poem Written by a Homeschooled Student

September 11, 2001
By JoAnna Tatman

Out of the clear blue sky
I saw thousands die.
I saw people jump to their death.
I saw America hold its breath.

I saw the sadness of the world.
I saw the flag at half staff furled.
I saw the grief of a President.
I saw America lose its innocence.

I see the towers fall in my mind.
I think I've seen it a hundred times.
I saw America cry and pray.
I will never forget that horrible day.

I saw acts of the most evil kind.
I know we can never turn back time.
I'll remember those who fight to save
Freedom, in the land of the brave.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am totally out from under the influence of the valium that I wrote about last night. Aside from a little tenderness and bruising, I am feeling wonderful! I was afraid I would be really sore or achy, but only the old arthritis seems to be bothering me today.

I wanted to post a little something about 9/11 since I was pre-occupied with "other things" yesterday, so I included the poem above.

What a blessing it is for me to realize that we can know God is with us, even in our darkest moments in time. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 38-39) Praise God, we are conquerors through Him who loved us, even when there is so much tragedy and it seems the world is falling down around us!

Remembering 9/11 and a Biospy -- WHAT???

September 11th has once again come and gone. Next year, when it's 7th anniversary rolls around, are we going to be any more united as a nation? I will not give up praying for that to happen. We need to stand strong and be firm against the islamofascists who are trying to ruin our way of life. I wish those who get on the airwaves to whine about this country would just shut up or move out! I know, I know. We're a great democracy. We are entitled to our "freedom of speech", but listen people, I don't think we should be entitled to "freedom of stupidity"!!! There are real bad guys out there who want to kill us!! There are those who don't want our children to enjoy the American way of life! Let's unite and stop being politically correct. We must remain united in our efforts. Let's whip the enemies!

Now on to something a little more positive! I was so thrilled to visit several blogs tonight which included photos of their American Flags waving bravely in their yards. Each time I see our beloved flag's colors flying, it stirs my heart. I hope I never lose that sentiment. I love America and her people. It is still the greatest land by far, and we must guard that status.


Now about the Biopsy today!
Let me begin by stating:
VALIUM IS GOOD, VERY GOOD!
NERVOUS IS BAD, VERY BAD!
Did I say? VALIUM IS GOOD?

Minutes after signing into the Breast Care Center, I was taken back to be given my sedative. Did I mention yet that VALIUM is very good? LOL I had written several Bible verses on an index card to keep reading over and over during the wait time, but a few minutes after receiving the VALIUM, all my spirituality seemed to go out the window. I got the giggles! I guess the drug was starting to work. Minutes before I had been shaking my foot or twisting the rings on my fingers, but when the radiologist came to get me from the lobby, I started giggling! LOUDLY! My giggles were the deep, infectious kind; therefore, all the other patients in the lobby seemed to be giggling with me, or was it AT me?? I saw a few of the administrative staff giggling too! I rounded the corner with the nice lady and apologized for giggling, that I realized I now needed to stop giggling. She sweetly told me to just go on continuing giggling if I needed to!

I was led back to the ultra-sound room and given instructions. Once I lied down on the very comfortable bed, I wanted to sleep, especially since Harry Connick Jr. was singing. The nurse and I spoke about his cute smile and lovely southern accent! The technician got me taped up and marked for the Dr. He came in soon and introduced himself as Dr. Del Toro. I told him his voice was soft. He said it was the first time anyone had ever told him that! I guess I was nosy through out the biopsy because I know some fascinating things about Dr. Del Toro! He always drinks Diet Coke. He said he does it for the benefits of the caffeine. He hates coffee. I chided him about being a latino and not liking coffee. I'd never heard of such a thing! Is that even legal? I also learned that he just returned from a trip to Puerto Rico, which is probably why his voice was soft. He had been relaxing on vacation. He has never been seen chewing at the facility we were at today. The tech swore he never eats because in the 3 years she has worked with him, she has never seen him chew or eat anything!

I really can say in all seriousness though that I didn't feel any pain during the entire procedure! Thanks for all the sweet prayers! I could feel pressure at the beginning when he was inserting the first injection to numb me and then when he inserted the tube for the little chopper thing that sliced and diced the nodule. I kept my eyes closed most of the time. The lady before me had slept and snored through her biopsy I was told! Anyway, I heard what I thought was the sound of a drill. When the Dr. finished and all was quiet I asked if it was a drill he was using on me. He replied: "It was a Black and Decker." Then after a pause, he said he was really a dentist! Isn't that hilarious?? Later I was to find out the sound was the aspirator thingy he used.

After he left, the tech helped me to sit up. I noticed how nice my tanned legs looked in the low lighting in that room and struck up a conversation about that and how I had just spent a couple of weeks vacationing. The girls both agreed with me. "Yes, your tan looks lovely under these lights." After being helped into a standing position, I was instructed to pick up my clothes but leave on the pretty pink thing I was wearing. She then got hold of my arm to lead me down to mammography. I spotted her Crocs and they were flashing! I told her so too! She giggled and repeated to the nurse, "Kathy, she said my shoes were flashing!" As she led me down the hall, she told me I was drunk! I said, "But I don't drink." She replied, "Well you should because you're lots of fun like this!" What could I say except, "THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!"

I was put in a waiting room while the tech, her name is Vicki by the way, went to get Agustin. She gave him a few laughs by telling him I kept talking about some guy named Richard!! She also told him that I said he, (Agustin - not Richard!) was a beautiful person inside and out! Which is true, he is and I really did tell her.

I was then sent for a mammogram so the Dr. could see how much he actually got of the nodule. Guess what? It looks like he got it all! Praise the Lord! The cavity where it had been was quite noticeable. Of course, we will wait until Friday for the pathologist's findings to be reported, as there could be a few cells of it left. He did show me the original mammogram and ultra sound films which showed shadowy tendrils coming down from the nodule. I learned that is a common thing if the growth is cancer. He reassured me that the report does come back as cancer, at least we caught it early. That is always a good thing. Aguustin lead me out to the lobby where I happily announced to my mom and Shane that we were done there and it was time to go. I remember giggling all the way to the car while trying to share some of my conversations of the morning!

So I came home and slept off and on for 5 hours or so. I was instructed to put an ice pack on the incision for 15 minutes then off for 15. No shower for 2 days, sponge baths only, and wait until Friday to resume taking my NSAID. (Non Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drug)

I actually had fun today and made some good memories. Thank you for your concern and prayers. They really mean the world to me and make me feel very special.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

GOOD MONDAY MORNING!

I can't believe we are starting our second week of fourth grade today! Shane is loving all of his curriculum, SO FAR!!! I pray that continues. He received a 100% on his first Spelling Test Friday and only missed one problem on his math quiz!

Friends, once again, I would like to ask for your prayers. I've learned that you ladies (and few men) who read my blog, are people of prayer, so I present to you my next challenge.

I really should have shared this with you last Monday, the day I had to stop my medications for the Rheumatoid Arthritis. You see, this Tuesday, ( 9/11 ), I will be having a breast biopsy done. My meds can cause free bleeding, so for apparent reasons, I was told to discontinue them the week before the biopsy. I also had to discontinue my daily vitamin, due to it containing vitamin E, which can also cause bleeding.

Many of you probably remember that back in Nov. through May, I was in terrible pain and hardly slept at all. My old meds were no longer working for me. I turned to blogging as an escape from pain. I'd be up all hours of the night suffering. Thus, the title of my blog "MIDNIGHT MUSINGS".

Needless to say, without my anti-inflammatory and pain meds, I don't function well. The first day off of them this week, I must admit I was A-OK, but by Wednesday, I felt like I was in a full blown withdrawal. I had the chills and shakes and felt so weak. My joints began hurting and I was seeing joints swell up right before my very eyes! I couldn't concentrate and my speech was slurred; and all this while trying to get through the first week of homeschool with Shane. Oh, and did I mention I was really GRUMPY??? With the Lord's help, we did meet most of our schooling goals for the week. I know it was due to my church family and my dad's church family praying for me. I am some better now. What a sweet blessing to know that other's can approach my Heavenly Father on my behalf! It seems the withdrawal stage is over but I feel as though I have the flu and some joints are achy each day, and you guessed it -- I CAN'T SLEEP! I know this is only temporary. I was instructed to start my meds back up a few days after the biopsy, so I'm thinking around Friday.


A little sample of my swelling! and oh the pain in that middle finger especially!

NOW, what I would seek your prayers for right now is for me to get through one more week with minimal pain. Also that the biopsy goes well and the growth isn't malignant. God's will be done!

BLESSING IN A BOX !
The Leonard family picked Shane up for S.S. and church Sunday morning. Agustin was at work, I was in pain! When they brought Shane home after services, they also brought 3 delicious pizzas and 3 different types of sodas! YUM! I had never tried Papa John's Barbecue Pizza.



It was awesome and we all highly suggest it! Thanks Kim and Mike, Alex, and Ashley for being such a blessing! I also enjoyed their company as it helped get my mind off of me for an hour or so. Of course, since Mike was here, I got plenty of laughing in!!!


Here's Mike on New Year's Eve, 2006. No it's not what you think! The guy IS NOT drunk! The adornment of the little flashlight on his head was assisting him in his quest to find one of the girl's missing pieces of jewelry, which was lost while we were in the yard setting off fireworks.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

PRAY HARDEST, WHEN ITS HARDEST TO PRAY

Hi Friends,
I came onto blogger to post a little about my recent vacations, but when I read the following letter in my email, my focus changed. Suddenly my vacation seemed so unimportant. I finished reading the letter with tears flowing. Read the letter I've included, and you'll see why. Have a blessed Lord's Day!
Love,
Pam
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Serving in Central African Republic for 35 Years
THE DALE BAKER'S
Your Part Our Part
To Pray and To Give To Pray and To Go

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Dearest Prayer-Partners: September 8, 2007

Yesterday, I had to get up at 5:30 AM to get Mary into the hospital by 7:30. She had to have more fluid removed from her abdominal area. We got back to my brother's house at 10:30. They removed 5 more liter's of fluid. This is the 7th time they removed fluid because of her liver which was non-functional. This made a total of 27.7 liter's. When I brought her home and got her settled down as I always did things just didn't seem the same as before. I made her a potato patty which she enjoyed and it set well with her. I stayed with her because I didn't want to leave her alone until Ethel and our daughter Lisa came in to stay with her so I could go to a commitment which I had to be at. I returned at 5 PM to be with Ethel and Mary. My brother Jerry comes home from work at about 7:30. My daughter Lisa had to go to pick up her daughter's at school. When I returned, I noticed that Mary was going down hill rapidly. At six o'clock I took her into the toilet after which I took her back to lie down. Immediately she said that she had to go to the toilet again. I took her in once again and she said, "Dale, don't leave me here alone." I stayed with her as I saw that she was not well at all. I was taking her back out to lie down in the living room when I noticed that her legs were giving out and she seemed to be fainting. Ethel called for the EMS while I was trying to hold her up. She got too heavy for me so I had to sit her on the floor. EMS arrived soon after and I was holding her up so she wouldn't fall down. They worked on her and very shortly after they said that she had passed away. This was at 6:55 PM! I believe that she actually died in my arms when she got so heavy for me to hold her up.
Thank you for your prayers for Mary!
His and Yours for Others,
Dale and Ethel

PS: OUR LOSS IS HEAVEN'S GAIN She is with the Lord

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BAPTIST NEW CHURCH MISSION
P.O. Box 802--Oneco, FL 34264-0802
Tel: [941] 744-1626
"Where Prayer Focuses, Power Falls"
PRAY HARDEST, WHEN IT'S HARDEST TO PRAY
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NOTE FROM PAM: Mary Baker served the Lord in Africa for many years. She has lived in a missionary retirement home in Bradenton, FL for several years now due to her age and health. Up until a couple of years ago, Mary still spoke at ladie's functions and missionary conferences. When my niece Jackie was young, Miss Mary had a marvelous influence on her!

Thursday, September 06, 2007

What A Lady! What A Blessing!


Many of you have read about my friend Patti's battle with breast cancer. She recently had a double mastectomy and after her 2nd chemo treatment was hospitalized for a terrible abdominal infection and other things. Well, she was released to go home on Labor day after an eleven day stay at St. Joseph's hospital in Tampa. Her journal entry today has so encouraged me and has touched my heart beyond words. Please read and be blessed with me! I'm so happy to be able to post this most recent photo of her, taken just this week since her arrival home. I wanted you all to see her in her new, blonde wig which her insurance paid for. She is absolutely gorgeous! She doesn't look as though she has just been released from the hospital, does she? . God is so good!
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Dear Friends and Family,

Today was my 3rd treatment! Yippee...only 1 more to go!! Whoo-hoo!

If we stay on schedule, the last one will be Sept. 27th in 3 weeks. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. :-)

Dr. Weaver (my oncologist) decided this morning to go ahead with treatement as scheduled since I am feeling great and doing so well. He had consulted with my surgeon, and they thought as long as I'm feeling fine to go ahead. The surgeon did say that if I have a flair up of the diverticulitis again soon, it would probably mean surgery sooner than we planned (a few weeks after the last treatment is what he's hoping for).

So I am not going to take the stronger pain medications anymore since they had such a big part in contributing to the last hospital stay. I did need the red cell shot today because they were low, and will have to go tomorrow (Friday) for the white cell shot because they were too high....and that is the shot that give such bad flu-like aches.

So my prayer is that I will be ok not using the pain meds....would you please pray for that for me? This week I can take over the counter meds for pain; but starting next Thursday, 1 week out, I can't take the strong ones because they could mask the bacterial infection. We'll just pray and ask the Lord to get me through without those stronger drugs.

How blessed I feel when I go to the oncologist's office. There are so many people there that are such worse shape than me that I can't help but be thankful for "my" problems.

I was telling my choir last night that even though I do not know what the future holds for me, I have determined in my heart to keep the attitude that Job had:

"The Lord giveth, and taketh away; Blessed be the Name of the Lord."

Whatever test the Lord is putting me through, I do not want a C or even a B, but I want an A+! I have just made up my mind to make the best of it (I've always wanted to be a blonde!) and leave the rest up to the Lord.

Thank you again, dear friends, for taking the time to pray for me. It means so much to me that you would do that. My prayer is that the Lord will be glorified in everything that I do and say, and that people can see Jesus in me. That is my heart's desire.

Love to you all,

Patti

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Enter Me Please!

Look below at all the goodies you can win if you'll simply click here to visit Christina's blog and leave a comment for her, asking to be entered in for the drawing.

Don't you just love the motto on the bumper sticker which will be included in the givaway? I once ordered some t-shirts for my son with the same motto on them.

Update on Patti

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the many of you have sent me emails and left comments asking about my friend Patti. Here is her latest journal entry on her Care Bridge Page.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 03, 2007 08:53 AM, CDT

Dear Friends,

I'm home! I got to come home from the hospital yesterday afternoon after an 11 day stay. It is so good to be home.
I want to thank you for your thoughts and prayers, because they were surely answered. The Lord has been with me, and I am so thankful for that.
So, we'll see what my oncologist says tomorrow about having my 3rd treatment this coming Thursday as scheduled. He will probably put it off a week, as they said I need to be completely healed of this before having a chemo treatment, or it could send me back in the hospital.
After my 2 chemotherapy treatments are completed, we'll schedule a surgery to remove the bad part of my colon; and being an elective surgery, I shouldn't need a colostomy....whew! Gee, you turn 50 and start falling apart! :-)
It seems that I am in a cycle of having bad migraines....so my prayer request this week is to pray that when I go to my doctor this week, we find the right preventative medicine to kick me out of that cycle.
Here is a line from a prayer that I read this week that I want to share with you. It is my heart's desire:

Dear Lord,
Give me the strength that waits upon You in silence and peace. Give me humility in which alone is rest, and deliver me from pride which is the heaviest of burdens.
Possess my whole heart and soul with the simplicity of love. Occupy my whole life with the one thought and the one desire of love, that I may love not for the sake of merit, not for the sake of perfection, not for the sake of virtue, not for the sake of sanctity, but for You alone.
Let me use all things for one sole reason: to find my joy in giving You glory.

Prayerfully yours,
Patti

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Thanks "Montana Moments" for Inspiring Us!

I'm BAAAAACK but not for long...

Hi you all! I returned home from Hunting Island, S.C. last night around 8. I've washed stinking, wet, beach clothes all day. My brother in law needed to get all his things laundered and repacked for our lovely 3 a.m. trip to Miami in a few hours! He needs to be there a few hours before his 11:40 flight! After returning home, I hope to rest and catch up on my blogging!

I've missed you all greatly! The island was beautiful and it was wonderful spending the week with my sis and her crew, however, we had no internet access and very rarely had a strong enough signal for our cell phones to function. There is a land line in the beach house in case of emergencies. Rita and I threatened to start "blogging" on paper and taping it to the laptop screen as a cheap thrill to replace our blogging.

Gotta run, more later!
Pam