God is "Maker" the Creator!

Recently I received this message from a friend. It is so cleverly written and so true I just have to share it..
RECALL NOTICE :
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Subsequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed. Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), for further details on the use of these fixes. WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will need to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.
Thank you for your attention!
Signed,
GOD
Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by "kneemail."

"Soul Sisters"

God knew what He was doing when He placed Terri in my life. Eight years ago I was in the process of getting my dog Biskit (check his picture out on the side bar- VERY cute) and was quite insecure about becoming a "dog mom". The only "mom" experience I had was with cats- low maintenance compared to dogs and definitely not as much fun. It was while I was bugging everyone in my path about dog care when Terri popped up in my life. She was new to my church and was looking for a friend. Terri is a big dog lover. She has trained dogs, shown dogs, studied dogs, and in general just loves dogs and talks about them quite a bit. The ladies at church led her right to me. So began our friendship based on dogs! Of course God was in the midst of our relationship and was not going to let it stop with "dog talk". Over the years we have become "soul sisters" spending hours together studying God's word, sharing how He is impacting our life, eating out, shopping, and of course going on adventures with our four legged children. This past week she came to visit from Las Vegas where she now lives. We had some fun filled days -getting up late, staying up late, eating , talking, watching movies and playing with my furry children. Biskit and Cookie were in heaven. They love the attention from Aunt Terri who was their dog sitter before moving to Nevada and have tons of memories of playtime with Buddy, Chester and Abe. I love the way God works things out in our lives. Who would imagine that a couple of cute canines would be the foundation of a special friendship?

Home Alone

Last week was special, I was home alone. Mike went on a ski trip that I cancelled out on when ALL the other women decided not to go and I for sure wasn't up to being the lone woman with six men, (even if they are really great guys). I decided to keep my vacation from my job and spend the week doing my own thing. No husband to tend to, no job to go to, no cooking, just Biskit, Cookie and me. I don't know why this should be so exciting but it is. I endeavored to do all my favorite things which of course is impossible since I have way too many...but that didn't stop me from trying. Instead of the usual 5 am alarm buzz, I slept in a bit each day waking to licks on my face. Spending a morning breakfast with my friend Krista was a delight for both of us, something we rarely get to do and we took full advantage of the 2 hours we had together. My buddy Jan and I went to dinner and then to see "Chicago" at the Bass Hall one evening. That gave us something to talk about for sure-both good and bad, (if you saw it you would know what I'm talking about). Christ Chapel gave an awesome concert of "Gershwin and Friends" music that 5 of us ladies attended another evening. In addition I read a book, worked in my yard, went to the park almost every day with my two four legged buddies, talked on the phone, took pictures, worked on my computer, rented a bunch of "chick flicks" that Mike refuses to watch with me, ate popcorn for supper, didn't shave my legs, no makeup and a day of PJ's, and lots of time spent with the Lord. It may be a years before I have this opportunity again, but I'm making a "home alone" list so that I will be prepared whenever that time arrives!

Weekend with my Family!

Deb, my sister-in-law, came for a quick visit this weekend. Deb is Mike's younger sister, about my age, young 50's. Though we have many things in common, I believe it is our differences that often end up bringing us the most fun. For example- at Christmas Deb got Mike a couple of remote flying helicopters to fly around in the house and do battle with each other. Now that phrase in bold text is where I had the problem. I am way to "pent up" with things flying around in my house, hitting the walls, art-work, and decorations to really enjoy myself. Mike and Deb, on the other hand were in their element. It was a stretch for me, but once I relaxed I was laughing and having a good time watching them trying to control those minature helicopters. Biskit, Cookie and Katie were in heaven chasing them around the room whenever they crashed into the floor and furniture! Deb's sense of humor and quick wit always keeps me laughing and I look forward to our times together. Saturday afternoon we piled into Mike's dirty "dog car" and went to see the movie "There Will be Blood". We were in agreement that it missed the mark. Lots of interesting elements, but short on story line and too violent. Definitely NOT a funny movie. Aterwards we dragged Freddie (my father-in-law) out to dinner at Cheddar's where we stuffed our selves with tasty food and he picked up the tab!
The four of us layed around the rest of the evening attempting to stay conscious to watch some loser rented movies. We weren't successful and lots of snoring was had by all until we gave up and went to bed around midnight.
Sunday morning was beautiful and after loading up on coffee we went on a romp with the dogs to a park near Lake Arlington. I posted a couple photos on my website. It was late morning when Deb and Katie got in her new "Hot Red" car (very cool) and took off for their home in Austin. Can't wait for a repeat visit!

An Amazing Woman-Inez Beck

Inez and I go back a long ways. Like most of my life. When I was about 4 years old and living in Wadsworth, Ohio she became my grandmother's neighbor. They developed a precioius friendship that lasted the lifetime of my grandmother who died at age 95. My first memory was when she and my grandma would babysit for my two sisters and me. We were afraid of her back then since she would not let us get a way with any of our "babysitter tricks". Very strict! I don't think she ever spanked us but only because my grandma was with her! Never having any children of her own and not being fond of them it was probably because of her love for my grandma that she put up with us. As I grew older and became a "real person" (vs. whining/demanding child) her heart softened and she became like a loving aunt and friend. Always learning and doing something interesting or adventuresome she loved to share her life with others. I remember some of the things she pursued. In the 60's she bought a little VW Van, fixed it up herself and dragged my grandparents on exciting trips around the country (which they TOTALLY enjoyed since they never went anywhere). She got into photography and took all sorts of videos and pictures of us as youngsters which we still love to check out. She learned to do woodworking and carving setting up a studio in her basement to make stuff. She won numerous awards for her counted cross-stich creations. She took up oil painting, ceramics, astronomy and telescopes, building birdhouses, making jewelry, doing computer stuff, camping, birdwatching, traveling, reading, caring for her elderly aunt, and making a ton of friends. (note-those are just a few of the things that come to mind, there are many more). She got into things DEEP- totally immersing herself in whatever she was studying until she acheived a level of excellence. These "hobbies" as she called them would take up years and then she would move onto another interest. Her memory continues to blow me away. At 85 she continues to remember the details and history of her travels, the books she has read, and movies seen. Though she has some hearing difficulties and arthritis, she continues to travel, birdwatch (her passion for the last 10 years or so) and maintain numerous friendships. Living so far away I rarely get to see her, but we keep each other up to date through email. In 2007 I got the special opportunity of visiting her when this picture was taken. I treasure the memories I have and still get to make with this AWESOME woman !

Politics- where are the ambassadors for Christ?

I am not much of a political person. I probably have an unfair sterotype of politicians based on the CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC stuff I see on TV. In fact I have a rather negative attitude toward the news people too. As a Christian seeking truth, it is hard for me to find anyone in politics, in the news and even in discussions at my work place and often in church that reflects Christ. That is pitiful. There is so much noise and propaganda on all sides about the economy, the Iraq war, gas prices, education, national security, illegal immigration, and health care. There is so much dis-unity among everyone, so much mean spiritedness, name calling, and disrespect that I wonder what Jesus thinks of us when we claim our nation is under God. When Jesus calls us to be lights in an exceedingly dark world I don't think He had political debates and news rooms in mind. I think He had the hearts of those that treasure Him and desire to be His ambassadors for His Righteouness. It scares me when I look at the choices of candidates . I know God is in control even when the wicked appear to prosper. I know I must trust in Him. I pray that God will have mercy on our depraved country and lift up one that is unashamed to speak His name and proclaim His values publicly. I pray that God awaken the hearts of those that are His to turn to Him and pray for wisdom and transformed minds. As a nation we do not deserve anything but God's wrath for our ungodly behaviour. Just listening to the politicians and commentators for a few minutes on TV I realize it is only His lovingkindness that stays His judgement. But for how long?

Las Vegas -avoiding the sin in Sin City !

Mike and I have never desired to go to Las Vegas. We picture "Sin City" to be about gambling , sex stuff and lots of desert heat. Not our idea of fun. During my visit with my friend Terri last month, I discovered that there is much more to the city than my sterotype. Mike and I went there exploring this last week and boy was it an adventure. First of all it was COLD, like 30 degrees, like winter coat and mitten cold. That was actually a nice surprise. Next, while the place is about gambling and lots of the shows do have sexual content there was loads of stuff to do that didn't involve either. We went to a Russian ice show at the Riviera hotel, the Cirque de Soleil producton of "O" at the Bellagio, "Mamma Mia" at the Mandalay Bay, "Stomp out Loud" at Planet Hollywood, and the 3D imax movie "Sea Monsters" at the Luxor. Considering we rarely go more than 5 miles from our Arlington home during our normal life for entertainment, and never see anything except movies we rent from blockbuster , seeing 4 shows in 4 evenings was over the top for us. We totally loved each production. So much imagination. So much great music and talent . WOW. In addition, just walking around each of the numerous hotels is like going on a mini Disney World trip to Epcot. Walking in the Paris hotel was like strolling down the Champs Elysee in Paris complete with the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. The Venetian is a minature Venice with water ways and gondola boats thru out the shopping area. The Mirage has a volcano erupting every 20 minutes with steam and molten fire. The Bellagio has a lake full of fountains that are choregraphed to various musical pieces. Red Rock Canyon is a brief 30 minute drive west of the city offering all sorts of hiking trails with spectacular sights. Further is an actual ski resort at Mt. Charleston. Hoover Dam is 35 minutes east of the city and has a tour down into the "workings" of the dam along with a museum. Needless to say, we ran out of time before we ran out of things to do. Las Vegas will definitely get a "repeat" visit from us sometime in our future !

A New Year !

2008 is here. We had an awesome holiday time. Since Thanksgiving our home had been decorated and looking festive. Mike's family (Freddie his dad, Jessie his nephew, Deb his sister ) spent time with us eating and hanging out. I had a lot of extra days off from work to read, walk the dogs, watch movies, relax and work at learning my new Photo software. A present from Mike. The learning curve seems pretty steep. Bummer. We returned our home to "normal" always a dreaded chore. Taking down the decorations, puttings gifts away, cleaning up, paying bills brought us back to reality. Without all the decorative clutter the place seems bare and boring ! This is a picture of Mike, Jessie, Deb, Freddie, Cookie and Me.

Eyes Opened

Today as I was dwelling in Matthew 13 I revisited that time when God opened my blinded eyes to Himself. An act that was truly ALL God's doing. I spent my 41 years at that point unknowingly blind and deaf to spiritual things; doing what was right in MY eyes, walking MY path, basing life on MY ideas. Things of God may have been surrounding me but not being equipped to recognize them I passed them over. Then all of a sudden but in slow motion my heart was softened, the scales fell from my eyes, the earplugs were removed and I heard the Word of God resonate within me. I could not rest or resist. It was as if I had been asleep all my life and suddenly been awakened to a new and glorious reality. A reality that was all about the LORD Jesus Christ. How scary and thrilling. A new babe had been born into His Kingdom. The adventure had begun!

My Terri Trip or "Talk Fest"

Last month I went to visit my girlfriend Terri in Las Vegas. Since she moved away a couple of years ago we rarely see each other and when we do we have a "talk fest". My visit was only 72 hours long and I think we talked about 60 of them! She treated me to a surprse lunch with her special and prescious BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) friends at the Four Seasons restaurant. Very classy. The day I left we had lunch at the Bellagio Hotel where this picture was taken. Spending time with her reminded me of how much I miss living close by. We used to hang out in my TV room, drink coffee and talk about the Lord and our lives for hours. She knows all my eccentricities good and bad and loves me in spite of them. How God has spoiled me with the gift of her special friendship !