tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158659742024-03-07T17:51:39.399-06:00ramblings of a creative mind unleashedgr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.comBlogger455125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-76519507080296532472016-06-01T22:01:00.001-05:002016-08-03T15:35:31.970-05:00The Whole Story<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm back in treatment. July 2016 was a blur of</span> rec<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">urring symptoms, doctor visits, tests and more treatments. I'm back on chemo, now on Avastin and I don't know for how long. As long as it takes.</span><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm grateful for an amazing team of family, friends and doctors. I am doing well. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The whole story, I </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">will write it because God deserves all the glory. For now, know He's a good, good Father, it's who he is and I'm loved by him, it's who I am. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Peace.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CqybaIesbuA">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CqybaIesbuA</a></div></div>gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-39201220008825171332014-11-19T08:49:00.001-06:002014-11-19T08:49:10.466-06:00Zambian Brain BugDuring a recent visit to one of the myriad of doctors we've seen, the question was raised by my sister. "Could you have gotten something in Zambia?"<div><br></div><div>Everything was coming back negative, so this sparked an idea. I went to the CDC's website, typed in Zambian dirt parasites and the response was overwhelming. My trip to Zambia in 2013 was a very intense, personal trip. I was with the people in a small group. Holding sick babies, playing with children in their villages, walking in soft dirt with shoes and without, and enjoying the experience.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwL6yuKrbYBOv4dTQHWvYT_d8yHszC3QfKUdaqbmKPMVtho43l-sGEkgh3yqPUu4nr4aje6MiiofFJv_AUwsNg7gKNLXUefEpG37O2WkAWrhK9rUzrgIC0xYqHBcKbmLU9IaC/s640/blogger-image--1694361997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwL6yuKrbYBOv4dTQHWvYT_d8yHszC3QfKUdaqbmKPMVtho43l-sGEkgh3yqPUu4nr4aje6MiiofFJv_AUwsNg7gKNLXUefEpG37O2WkAWrhK9rUzrgIC0xYqHBcKbmLU9IaC/s640/blogger-image--1694361997.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And in that dirt are thousands of parasites and bacteria and I think I brought one home. It just took a while for it to rock my world. Looking back, I see symptoms now easily attributed to stress. Hindsight is alway 20/20.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4A1jZEf2vGJsCLq9d6UvAxpRdNfwiKzNazWM_2em7U0t58wyJQ6hSC0wIglyd46oyTBEEJZJMbNpaTfotEMuXky47XD3R6F3bI_1QUr5ZBLDjbkDAbvCBwwWcJaqMue_EOMN/s640/blogger-image--366748380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4A1jZEf2vGJsCLq9d6UvAxpRdNfwiKzNazWM_2em7U0t58wyJQ6hSC0wIglyd46oyTBEEJZJMbNpaTfotEMuXky47XD3R6F3bI_1QUr5ZBLDjbkDAbvCBwwWcJaqMue_EOMN/s640/blogger-image--366748380.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So last Friday, they took vials of blood for a test called a NMO AB looking for just this, the brain bug. It was sent off and we're awaiting the results. I will have a biopsy on Friday for a small sample of brain tissue as this is the last piece of the puzzle. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">What started on September 30th and has kept me on hold since then, has been the most amazing journey with God, my family, my friends, my church and my community.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I have learned so much, I'm grateful for so much.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">From day one, I've said God's got this! He was not surprised on September 30 and I believe Jeremiah 29:11-14 has been my life verse for a reason. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">This story will continue to unfold and I'll continue to tell it. God gets all the glory and has done nothing but been to be good to me, even when all I could say was "It is well with my soul."</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">peace.</font></div>gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-49968073493638095672014-11-01T05:58:00.001-05:002014-11-01T05:58:17.247-05:00Best News Ever!<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Lots of news about Me! Wednesday, November 5th at 8:00 am, I have an appointment with a neurologist to explain tests results and future plans. The tests are complete, they will share those results and the wait is over.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">The neurosurgeon's words to me were "This is the best possible scenario. You will live a long, happy life. I couldn't be more pleased!"</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">When we know details after Wednesday, we'll tell you. Until then, my meds will remain unchanged so roids rule and let's continue to keep me calm. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Just wanted to share the miracle God has given our family!</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Thank you for your continued support but God has always had this and it is well with our souls.</p>gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-51202287454757875652014-10-29T21:51:00.001-05:002014-10-29T21:51:24.896-05:00News of Glynis<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hello all, it's Jenny, Glynis' sister,</span><br><div><br></div><div>Thank you for your continuing prayers and support. Tuesday we went to the pyramid! This building is also known as the NeuroScience Institute at Mercy. We met with a very knowledgeable and patient duo of Neurosurgeons, Dr. White and his PA Mathew Bertus. </div><div><br></div><div>Our initial 30 minute appointment became a 3 hour appointment when Dr. White understood Glynis’ desire to be proactive. </div><div><br></div><div>As you may be aware, a diagnosis has still not been determined even after an emergency room visit, an overnight hospital stay, multiple CT and MRI scans and many assessments. Dr. White performed a spinal tap and additional blood was drawn for a comparative workup. </div><div><br></div><div>We are on a positive, proactive path in hopes of obtaining answers and creating a treatment plan, if needed. Today we know that the right side of the brain in the initial MRI was so swollen it had pushed the left side past the midline and it could not be seen well. With steroid treatment, the swelling has been reduced over-all and the brain has taken a much more centered place in the cranium and revealed swelling on the left side.</div><div><br></div><div>Glynis will remain on steroids, though a much lower dose, since the results from the spinal tap and the blood-work have come back completely clear. Based on those results, on Monday, Glynis will go for another MRI and further steps will be determined at that point. </div><div>Please keep those prayers coming. We are peaceful with the process and thankful to have skilled, proactive Doctors!</div><div> </div><div>Hi! It’s Glynis' turn. </div><div>What I am sharing with you today is the most personal part of me and most important to my continued well-being. </div><div><br></div><div>The easiest and best way for me to keep you updated on my health is through my blog, <b>gr8fulg.blogspot.com</b>.</div><div><br></div><div>I will update the information on this site as we have news to share.I will post to social media and I will email the link to several groups and the many individuals who are actively supporting us and have contacted me for an update.</div><div><br></div><div>I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and I wish to keep you all well informed, however, the current medication regimen has reduced my stamina tremendously. </div><div><br></div><div>Though I appreciate you all, I don’t have the ability to communicate with each of you individually. I have a small, intimate group, like my daughters, who have unfettered access to me and will be the only ones I will be personally in contact with. Thank you for allowing me to communicate through this media. I look forward to speaking with each of you when time and energy permit. Until then, my blog will keep you all fully informed.</div><div> </div><div>Thank you again. I do love you all! God’s got this and it is well with my soul.</div><div> </div><div>Glynis</div>gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-18259574031420331732014-10-21T14:22:00.001-05:002014-10-22T09:22:35.002-05:00Best Day Ever in Chicago!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Dv<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TN0h8wSa9KelVR_Nf0J36JLjEhBPDsTM0YrSOJHTWawZS05ebXqNeVkZkSWW6yQ2hp7eb7vvF0lJF5pBWErKo69C6jw4dHWhOO0JsNqKCU0fk33_nCgmAvdTBSfhMGeMNs7j/s640/blogger-image--11689457.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TN0h8wSa9KelVR_Nf0J36JLjEhBPDsTM0YrSOJHTWawZS05ebXqNeVkZkSWW6yQ2hp7eb7vvF0lJF5pBWErKo69C6jw4dHWhOO0JsNqKCU0fk33_nCgmAvdTBSfhMGeMNs7j/s640/blogger-image--11689457.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TN0h8wSa9KelVR_Nf0J36JLjEhBPDsTM0YrSOJHTWawZS05ebXqNeVkZkSWW6yQ2hp7eb7vvF0lJF5pBWErKo69C6jw4dHWhOO0JsNqKCU0fk33_nCgmAvdTBSfhMGeMNs7j/s640/blogger-image--11689457.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2CVhfLVzm0oaUsHvLmTE-6jSILA82l-rKTJdZF_IWNu15XIf02dlEvGeJkQmaer7zcM1Ym6jR3TMlqA-JPEyUZm4VmE3OOdcRwSbDMIPaMoBYv_gtyWgk99qjzCTIvzs2bMp/s640/blogger-image-941240769.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2CVhfLVzm0oaUsHvLmTE-6jSILA82l-rKTJdZF_IWNu15XIf02dlEvGeJkQmaer7zcM1Ym6jR3TMlqA-JPEyUZm4VmE3OOdcRwSbDMIPaMoBYv_gtyWgk99qjzCTIvzs2bMp/s640/blogger-image-941240769.jpg"></span></a><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHi8G4HTMZS-AgP4t6YRHHNX2-hhf-W213BeadZj4WEUH3s8otp4H-06jnN4s-8aKvz_k62uzBkFNId42T9ALx9yrGsLQS0gCa_qPXeKgzVsNYvCqCvwb_R8IYRJw2Gjeql3/s640/blogger-image-743499212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHi8G4HTMZS-AgP4t6YRHHNX2-hhf-W213BeadZj4WEUH3s8otp4H-06jnN4s-8aKvz_k62uzBkFNId42T9ALx9yrGsLQS0gCa_qPXeKgzVsNYvCqCvwb_R8IYRJw2Gjeql3/s640/blogger-image-743499212.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHi8G4HTMZS-AgP4t6YRHHNX2-hhf-W213BeadZj4WEUH3s8otp4H-06jnN4s-8aKvz_k62uzBkFNId42T9ALx9yrGsLQS0gCa_qPXeKgzVsNYvCqCvwb_R8IYRJw2Gjeql3/s640/blogger-image-743499212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIIoZm8yQmQVjmUfxAMQzdvJfav3N4Ogn1qMux94TYu8Hco3N6uKmFHL2GVHHWezRFY56E9E-FUWp9Pq4aiDT16yzEIsmwP06sMGLU59nRaqY9ByKTun1-BTJKrA4x6HFJvQP/s640/blogger-image--128083642.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHi8G4HTMZS-AgP4t6YRHHNX2-hhf-W213BeadZj4WEUH3s8otp4H-06jnN4s-8aKvz_k62uzBkFNId42T9ALx9yrGsLQS0gCa_qPXeKgzVsNYvCqCvwb_R8IYRJw2Gjeql3/s640/blogger-image-743499212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRWv9Mws9YJXeZP2vHXMYjpMP1dWyx4oL6ysHT5ATfuQhlTCVediTLGAof13dTHwgDvMrDwQMse-FqO4EI1wwAaFYCK5nSqnts2C2izXfi2iia-zHCsAfXVYd1ua1lynUqsCD/s640/blogger-image--1247193034.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHi8G4HTMZS-AgP4t6YRHHNX2-hhf-W213BeadZj4WEUH3s8otp4H-06jnN4s-8aKvz_k62uzBkFNId42T9ALx9yrGsLQS0gCa_qPXeKgzVsNYvCqCvwb_R8IYRJw2Gjeql3/s640/blogger-image-743499212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWa8zPh5txKH-diKnsLYOwkrY2N2ONSaPn0KvaLVPfhpKQ8RZtKTUhJ6tLazw9x12o_4DvCuYHqT067wNYGC1QHiGGfmG5OjmWqC5tg_obq-NeKspEgB-t2U6LTTP_ojrtiTg8/s640/blogger-image--349401433.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHi8G4HTMZS-AgP4t6YRHHNX2-hhf-W213BeadZj4WEUH3s8otp4H-06jnN4s-8aKvz_k62uzBkFNId42T9ALx9yrGsLQS0gCa_qPXeKgzVsNYvCqCvwb_R8IYRJw2Gjeql3/s640/blogger-image-743499212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44RRC17rxmCo1S3lnwCHcFmFWC2mMNlSgbn6oNlPV8AZ5-gHb5yXi-_hB-YhbmsrEN60CMRarYMAEu9XkqR1fWGA0gXYxUe8-dyLdp3nDMO1gFkRVKRffne3kzBZk2GU0qT1J/s640/blogger-image-1283809259.jpg"></a></span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHi8G4HTMZS-AgP4t6YRHHNX2-hhf-W213BeadZj4WEUH3s8otp4H-06jnN4s-8aKvz_k62uzBkFNId42T9ALx9yrGsLQS0gCa_qPXeKgzVsNYvCqCvwb_R8IYRJw2Gjeql3/s640/blogger-image-743499212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWe4N9-vQfW7i5hf6tDEA_1rA72TZyWvG47rzLMP-IojZG44LmZeww6Ua3q87eFUQKFywf8TWAmh0_ChGyKJVG_LlSqHg5d7ABQDzA1jLCiNYVetfIzZKEQFQ4uujhZyWI51H/s640/blogger-image-1417076646.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So to our new friend Acie Boyd, I just wanted you to know the rest of the story of your beer lovin' bald guy Jim and our lunch on Saturday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This year began with Jim losing his job, starting his own company, finishing his BA degree, me losing my job, btw I'm Glynis, the bald guy's wife of 30 years. He now works two weeks a month in Madison, two weeks a month in OK. It's been a year of change and challenge. And two weeks ago, they found swelling in my brain on the right side. The docs don't know why, lots of unanswered questions, lots of wondering. We will find out more this week with Jim in Madison and me in OK. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> But I had this trip scheduled to Madison to see our daughter and son-in-law before this all happened and the doctor said it was ok as long as I took someone with me. My sister could come with, so we came. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My sister, Jenny, in the last two years, has lost a 19 year old niece to melanoma, her father-in-law has just recently rung the clear bell on his leukemia, had a God-child killed in a car accident, her son recently deployed with the Air Force after getting married, and her mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer just a couple of weeks ago. And she is always the support and caretaker. She is an angel. And I felt like this trip was just a small break, a gift to her who has been such a caretaker to all those around her. And the bald guy agreed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I could not have come without her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So we find ourself on the Navy Pier, we wanted to ride the architectural boat tour and we needed lunch. We come to Riva's and we're seated. We're rowdy Oklahomans and our waiter isn't quite sure of us, but you were obviously game for an adventure. And you made a celebration out of everything. You didn't know, you just did your job. You joked with my bald guy, you talked beer and scotch. You got us a map, helped us find the silver bean. Gave us hints on taxis, talked about special beer cans. You celebrated my sister's 46 birthday with that amazing cake and suggested milk, our favorite! You joked, smiled, played and made this special memory something we will never forget. And you helped melt away all the cares of our day with your care of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When you ran downstairs to question if we meant to really leave that tip, I only wish we have done more, and you had tears in your eyes and a hug for my Jim, and you won our hearts.I don't know your story Acie Boyd, but you will be in hearts for ever. Thank you for being you, it touched our lives and I wish you all the best, every day, for all your days. And you danced....</div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div>gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-65431828607883441222014-10-13T21:39:00.001-05:002014-10-13T22:02:29.325-05:00Two weeksDid you know your life can change on a dime? It can.<div><br></div><div>Two weeks ago, it did. Read <a href="http://gr8fulg.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-new-day.html">http://gr8fulg.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-new-day.html</a>.</div><div><br></div><div>But here's what I know today. Nothing new. </div><div><br></div><div>I do know sodium is bad and makes me crazy. Sugar is bad and makes me crazy. Caffeine is bad and makes me crazy. It's my story, I'm sticking to it. Low fat, lots of vegetables, great proteins, complex carbs do not make me crazy and I feel better behaving. I'm in total control of my yogurt flavors. Period. That's all. And for now, it's pretty cool.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm a totally dependent child to a large degree. I can't drive, I can be alone for short whiles, and each day I've been totally overwhelmed by the love of the people I'm surrounded by. Love. Support. It's a beautiful thing.</div><div><br></div><div>My heart breaks for those who don't know it. From those around them to the God who created them. I pray one moment in time, each will. Fervently.</div><div><br></div><div>This "practice" of medicine is weird. It's a wonderful, flimsy, guesstimated thing. I will have an MRI and PetScan at the end of the month. It may show something or may not show anything at all. We'll see. Until then, we wait. I manage and I do not eat caramel macchiato Greek yogurt. You shouldn't either. </div><div><br></div><div>God's got this. Of this I am sure.</div><div><br></div><div>Peace.</div>gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-14724046227241176402014-10-04T08:57:00.003-05:002014-10-04T08:57:45.956-05:00On Being Good...So I have to be good for 30 days. I have to rest, I have to take meds, I have to accept help and it's going to be a different kind of journey for me.
I'm the helper not the helpee, I'm the big sister, the supporter, the strong one. Rrriiiigggghhhhtttttt.
God is.
And I'm learning to let go. To trust. To focus on faith and my incredible creator. He is who He says is. And He is for you, too!
Submerge yourself in God.
Peace.
gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-57603394546270740412014-10-01T04:27:00.001-05:002014-10-01T11:17:12.849-05:00A New Day<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm back. It's October 1, 2014 and I've got a lot on my mind. </span></div><div><br></div><div>So yesterday began much like every other day. Got up, readied for the day, sat outside with Dexter for a little while, kissed Jim goodbye and went to my interim position with the OKC Philharmonic. Love them! Go see a concert, you'll love them,too. www.<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">OKCPhilharmonic.org.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But I digress.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">About 11:00 am, between phone calls, ad insertions, brochure approvals, sweet Janie asking about lunch, fabulous Stephen helping me with another project, etc...I felt like my foot fell asleep.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But then the sensation began moving up my leg, to my hip, waist and then my shoulder. I was writing an address on an envelope and my arm went numb along with my hand. Couldn't control the pen and as it moved up to my face, I drooled a little, felt my tongue numb, my smile droop and had a hard time talking on the phone that just rang. My thoughts were a little garbled as I couldn't put them together easily. So I sat for a moment, drank some water, and waited. The numbness passed, I went to the bathroom, tried to talk to Liz and fumbled it slightly, returned to my office and waited.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The symptoms disappeared, I felt stronger, and I decided to go home. I tend to be a little independent and a little strong-willed, so I drove myself home. I know but ya know....</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I called Jim, told him what happened and he encouraged me to phone my doctor. I did and his nurse recommended a trip to the ER. So of course I got home and in the most prudent of manners, I kind of dismissed her. Adrian gets home not too long later and suggest I text Kayci. Of all the doctors in the world, I love Kayci. I've watched her grow from the age of 13 and she is a wise woman. I trust her and so I told her what was going on and she encouraged me to also go to the ER. God knows my determined streak and deep down, I knew I needed to go. Cause this was just weird and like any good Googlefile, I'd googled my symptoms and it was a little alarming. Word to the wise , information is fantastic, do it after you have a doctor to help interpret. Or it can curl your toes!</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So you probably know the drill, got to ER, fill out a paper, wait, Talk to nurse about symptoms, wait. Go to room, talk about symptoms, wait. See doctor, talk about symptoms, wait. Doctor orders CT scan, wait. CT scan happens, wait.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">And wait. And then...</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The doctor comes in and says something to the effect of he has gotten the results of the CT scan, there is a lot of swelling in the right side of my brain, there is an unidentified mass and he's so sorry. He'd been thinking I'd had a TIA due to how bright eyed and bushy tailed I was, but we'd need to do more testing and he was admitting me. Who knew having a mild stroke might have been the good news portion of the good news/bad news game? So off we go to the second CT with contrast added and the MRI with contrast as well. I'm an artist, I understand contrast, it brings out foreground and makes things pop. It's necessary for depth. Woohoo. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So I'm wheeled to my room with my warm blanket, I see Sam & Ann, my delightful, dedicated pastors. They journey with me hugging me and encouraging me. Best people ever. As we round the corner, I see my sweet brother-in-love who I thought was in Tulsa at a volleyball game, he hugged me too. Surprised, I hug him and he tells me they had "car trouble," whipped a Uie and raced back to me. Which means my sister is near by and they lied to my niece. All forgiven, God knows they are the most supportive people in the world and I needed them here, too. My nephew and my new niece were here and I'm love them for that. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So I get in the room, get settled and am surrounded by my rock, my husband , my bald guy. My daughter, my joy, my Adrian. I soon talk to my daughter, my faith, my Andrea. And my mom, my constant, my cheerleader.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Then my church elders, my dearest life friends and the Holy Spirit cause they are here to PRAY!</font></div><center><h2 style="text-align: start;"><b><i><span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-0" style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I believe in</span><span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-0" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"> God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;">Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.</span></i></b></h2></center><div><b><i><span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-0"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen</span><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our</span></font></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (The Apostles Creed)</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></i></b></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With all my heart.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I also believe this was not a surprise to God and my life verse is Jeremiah 29:11-14. He has a good plan for me and I will see it fulfilled. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For now, there are unknowns to us but I'm surrounded by prayers and faithful people and this is all I need to know. The battle is God's and He is faithful. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Peace.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div>gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-42250087028071033372014-03-31T13:55:00.002-05:002014-03-31T13:56:39.331-05:00Good Bye BlogI have enjoyed this blog for many years. I've written my little heart out, been silly, been honest, been cranky even...sometimes.<br />
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But I think I'm done. Life is too busy and in trying to simplify, I must release. And I'm releasing this.<br />
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Thank you for reading. Thank you Sherry and Barb for actually commenting. Thanks interwebs for adding to my perpetuity somewhere.<br />
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God bless you all.<br />
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peace.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="236" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.rnh.com/vidembed/216/420x236" width="420"></iframe>gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-79902367695845278682014-02-24T11:19:00.001-06:002014-02-24T11:19:37.681-06:0050th Birthday Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcYRNlYK7SEFxUs2SfjQwfA7HlpoxgGS8SBzvdT97g0NqIejjWN_7iXq7_N2Bz1Xs2gj4XqunbhFAjZEgD1Tc6W7W40hlvzdc8uepZlrBrITvidVTNhvLY6xjgDVkZ3ng51LO/s1600/birthday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcYRNlYK7SEFxUs2SfjQwfA7HlpoxgGS8SBzvdT97g0NqIejjWN_7iXq7_N2Bz1Xs2gj4XqunbhFAjZEgD1Tc6W7W40hlvzdc8uepZlrBrITvidVTNhvLY6xjgDVkZ3ng51LO/s1600/birthday.JPG" /></a></div>
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Yesterday was probably the best birthday I have ever celebrated! I started by asking my friends for stuff to give away. They responded in a HUGE way! I got to give away 50 presents full of goodies and we even had leftovers to leave behind to bless others.<br />
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We shared cupcakes, life stories, lots of laughs and lots of love. Thank you to everyone who gave, everyone who came and to the Lord above for letting us live this life together.<br />
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peace.gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-48476646918408754102014-01-20T15:17:00.000-06:002014-02-19T09:13:00.408-06:00I'm turning 50 in February<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I knew the time would come when I would get to be 50. I'm ok with facing this milestone birthday, but it did make me stop and think about what I wanted the celebration to look like. I don't want to be the center of attention, I don't really want presents and I love helping others.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After some consideration and brain-storming, this is what I want to do...I want to give my birthday away!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEcImz7CZy9oto3AdgIip6nr3nCzCNI2Uf2j-qgR3A4bqZB3CgBpCz__ylXQXxotyiMbTi0sgr1yCCUhM8wb3DcEiyYrQQCFaPeTl52FIPMD26swCVWfwane67LBJpALA8MKh/s640/blogger-image--1671530053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEcImz7CZy9oto3AdgIip6nr3nCzCNI2Uf2j-qgR3A4bqZB3CgBpCz__ylXQXxotyiMbTi0sgr1yCCUhM8wb3DcEiyYrQQCFaPeTl52FIPMD26swCVWfwane67LBJpALA8MKh/s640/blogger-image--1671530053.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've talked in the past about Joe's Addiction and my friend, Jamie Zumwalt. Channel 4 picked them as a Pay it Forward recipient and that was fun! But $400 goes quickly and that was a while ago. And I love giving presents!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's where I need your help. I want to put together 50 presents to give away. I want them to be a blessing to those who receive them so I enlisted Jamie's help in making this list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll buy the boxes and do the wrapping, you can help me with filling them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Wanting 50 of each: <span style="color: red;">So far I have</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>hats - <span style="color: red;">41 </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>gloves - <span style="color: red;">46 pairs</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>socks - <span style="color: red;">30 pairs</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>handwarmers - <span style="color: red;">46 </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>scarves - <span style="color: red;">31 </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>blankets - <span style="color: red;">26 </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>chapstick - <span style="color: red;">57 </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>earbuds - <span style="color: red;">16 </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first 7 are necessities for those without homes, the earbuds are just for fun and providing a little fun for these precious folks makes me happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So will you help? Leave a comment on this blog, I'll get in touch. If you know me in real life, call me or stop by my house. Catch me on Twitter @glynis_crawford. <b>I'll need everything by February 1st.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We can do this and it will be the best 50 year celebration I can imagine. I will have cake at Joe's on Sunday, February 23rd at 3:00 pm and you can come share in the joy. Joe's is located at 1806 SE 59th, just east of I-35. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">AND Thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">peace.</span><br />
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gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-90017090614087917882013-12-12T15:00:00.000-06:002013-12-12T15:00:03.869-06:00Carmex Cuties!I'm back with some new <a href="http://mycarmex.com/lip-care/moisture-plus" target="_blank">Carmex</a> news. This time, it's pretty fun. So get ready!<br />
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Start <a href="http://mycarmex.com/uniquelyyou/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. It's just 7 questions and it's fun. You like fun, right?<br />
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Now that you've finished that, my answer was Chic. I know, I'm laughing too! But I guess unstyled hippie wasn't an option. Gotta love it!<br />
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I've talked about the Moisture Plus options before and they are my go to lip goodie now. And now the folks at Carmex are making them cute. I'm thinking stocking stuffers.<br />
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Hope you enjoyed this little fashion journey...it beats going to the mall! BUT WAIT-THERE:S MORE!<br />
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Leave a comment telling me which style you are from the quiz above and you could get this cute little set, too! My generous friends at <a href="http://mycarmex.com/lip-care/moisture-plus" target="_blank">Carmex</a> love spreading the love. I'll do a random drawing the 20th.<br />
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peace and Merry Christmas!gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-51518575932992712052013-12-12T11:27:00.000-06:002013-12-12T11:27:00.579-06:00Alcohol Free Hand SanitizerSo the people at CleanSmart contacted me about trying their new alcohol free hand sanitizer. So I said yes, sure, and they sent me a free sample.<br />
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I'm not an authority on hand sanitizers but I have enjoyed their product. I will assume it's killing germs, I can't see them. But what I can tell is my hands aren't dry after use, there are no strong smells and I don't feel any residue after using.<br />
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Right now, it's only available online, <a href="http://www.cleansmarthome.com/" target="_blank">HERE.</a><br />
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I like the idea of less chemicals, no odor, alcohol free and gentle. With cold and flu season upon us, try it out and see what you think.<br />
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If you'd like to try it, know me in real life and we'll see each other soon, I've got a sample for you, too. Hit me up.<br />
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peace.gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-42416317959771693412013-11-27T11:56:00.002-06:002013-11-27T11:56:19.797-06:00Happy Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">As life moves by at an ever-increasing pace, pause...look around...be thankful. <br />I'll join you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">peace.</span></div>
gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-8968531024646857932013-11-18T08:52:00.001-06:002013-11-18T08:52:42.583-06:00I love to live life with you.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning I was catching up on some reading and came across these two articles I'd saved for later. Although they aren't really related, today they were for me. I'm in a gr8fulg state of mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are dedicated to my husband of 30 years, the most wonderfully boring man ever (read the articles) and to my daughters. I've just loved watching you love, live, dance, play, achieve, fail, BE. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm praying each one of you reading this will be reminded of someone in your life in each of these articles and you'll shed a tear, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peace. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/11/the-real-truth-about-boring-men-and-the-women-who-live-with-them-redefining-boring/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Redefining Boring</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachel-macy-stafford/six-words-you-should-say-today_b_3863643.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 Words You Should Say</span></a><br />
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<br />gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-8843521713437393752013-10-14T09:56:00.002-05:002013-10-14T09:56:27.984-05:00The Don'ts<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever heard this quote?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” </i><br />Shel Silverstein</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think I've listened to the don'ts most of my life. Seemed to me the church especially was very, very good at giving a list of don'ts to live by. And I listened, boy, did I listen. Looking back I see so many things I could've done I didn't, could've tried but didn't, wanted to do but didn't. I had the don'ts down cold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I turned 30 a</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">nd I really met Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then I moved from being a church person to a Jesus follower. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now my list of tries, dones, and wanted to's has grown significantly, but in a way I'd never imagined. I've traveled more, tried more, explored more and let more people in. <i>Anything can happen, child. Anything can be...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week, I was hit with the reality that some don'ts aren't bad. They are don'ts for a reason. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't let your eyes rest on the problem, look up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't let yourself become defeated, reach up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't let your tongue be out of control, shut up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And there are so many others, but you get the idea. And then I reread the quote above...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” </i><br />Shel Silverstein</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He only says to listen to them, not to make them the rule. I like that. I don't regret the don'ts, I'm sure they have kept me from things I didn't need to be in anyway. That's ok. But moving forward, I think I'll just listen because <i>Anything can happen, child. Anything can be...</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sounds a lot like <span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> Matthew 19:26 </span><i><span style="background-color: white;">Jesus looked at them and said, </span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;">“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="woj" style="background-color: white;">peace.</span></i></span></div>
gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-8629881811961115792013-09-18T10:07:00.002-05:002013-09-18T10:07:22.312-05:00Finish the Race<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last night, I was reminded of a truth I sometimes forget. I was in attendance at my niece Emily's volleyball game. During the second set, Em jumped up at the net, a girl from the opposing team slipped under the net and Em landed on the other girl's foot causing her to roll her ankle. Em yelled, tears started falling and she limped off the court. An ibuprofen, a significant taping, a tighter ankle brace and a couple of minutes later, she was back in the game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some things you need to know. Emily doesn't cry. She doesn't feel sorry for herself. She bucks up, gets up and gets back to it. For her to yell and then tears to fall means it HURT! For her to get out for only a short time, get it taken care of and get back in the game, doesn't surprise anyone who knows her. She's a tough cookie, a great team member and a young woman of strong character.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am I?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am I always willing to get back in the game even if it hurts? Am I willing to put the good of the team ahead of my own pain? Am I willing to finish the race?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">II Timothy 4:7</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I want to and I know sometimes I do. Only because of the strength of the Lord inside me. Only because He ran the race first and is standing at the finish line encouraging me forward, every day. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last night, Em scored the final 3 points to win the game with her team! It was hard fought for them all and they played together like champions. I'm just a little proud of this niece of mine and the lesson I was reminded of while watching her triumph last night. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So proud of you, Emily! Thank you, Lord, for reminding me to keep running. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">peace.</span></span>gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-14855693707425262142013-08-27T15:41:00.000-05:002013-08-29T13:32:10.104-05:00Zambia 2013...last day<div>
Day eight: We're up early again, not because we had to be but because Ellen doesn't keep track of the time and she got bored. Have I mentioned my roommate is an insomniac? She has done very well in letting me sleep for the most part, her kindle helps. My warning of imminent death if I couldn't sleep may also have been a motivation. I also mentioned to her that she would need to share the room with me unlike in Kenya where her stuff was everywhere, even on my suitcase. She did better and I'm a minimalist so it worked out. You can check out the video for proof of truth.</div>
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So we wait this morning to start our llloooonnnnggggg flight home. As I hear the news of the Nairobi airport on fire, terrorists are suspected, I have to wonder if this will impact our flights. I guess we'll see. I can't believe it's over already. I would willingly stay another week, but at a slower place. We'll see what vehicle arrives to take us to the airport. We'll say goodbye to this beautiful country, our laughing friend Fraywell and his lovely wife, Loveness. </div>
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Fraywell and Loveness arrived in the Jeep! It was fixed last evening and although it is still running a little rough, needs a tuneup, it is running. We loaded up and arrived at the airport in plenty of time to check-in, have a drink, do a little shopping, and get to our gate. I'm hoping to sleep on the flight from Addis to Washington, we'll see if my body cooperates. </div>
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My sister had given me a ring a couple of Christmases ago with Jeremiah 29:11-13 inscribed in it. I wore it to Zambia instead of my wedding ring but last night I felt very impressed to give it to Loveness. So I did this morning when we had a moment alone and told her I would remember my Zambian sister. I plan to replace the ring, just a simple silver band, because I treasure the gift from my sister and now I'll treasure the memory of where the first ring abides. I am forever grateful for the experience of seeing true African life. It is a hard world for women, without conveniences, old world ideas of women's roles, and little hope for change in the basic areas. Even with some limited modern conveniences, even the smallest tasks are time-consuming. Cooking, cleaning, bathing, managing a home just takes more time with the lack of clean water, electricity, and things we don't even think about.</div>
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So we made it to the airport, did a little shopping, got a replacement band for my silver one with little geckos on it. It's wide and I love it! Finished up some gift buying, I think I'm covered. Our flight took off on-time and the biggest blessing of all, we were in business class! Our first flight from Addis to Lusaka we were in coach and by the time we landed my feet were huge and I had impressions in my knees from the seat in front of me. So very tight. But this time, room to spare, no swelling, no indentions and a much easier flight. Thank you God for this treat. </div>
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When we arrived in Addis, we were told which terminal to go to and as we walked off the plane, there was a bus. It took us to baggage claim, we found a sign directing us to our terminal, and after many questions, found our gate. I think the lack of communication is the caveat in most international travel, at least in Africa. Bathrooms with no paper, shopkeepers who tell you one thing and gate agents who tell you something different, the most intimate pat down I've ever had at a security gate and the longest line we've encountered all to get to our gate. I think in light of Nairobi, things are tighter than usual and we are headed to the US. </div>
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We get to the gate and then we wait...last group to board, some seat mixups and we're on our way to Washington. Very little sleep, very long flight, and some major wackado hair. Of course that is par for the course, I forgot my blow dryer and have been wackado hair woman all week. At least it is sort of clean, Ellen's goal for this trip was to not wash her hair the whole time we were gone. She succeeded. Her hair is a great deal longer than mine, but the thought makes me itchy.</div>
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I've discovered something else about my friend, she is Peter Pan. She is also a major nester and rule breaker. And the ultimate Oma. A heart for women and children, she has reveled in her time with the Zambian women. I was a little afraid she wouldn't come home. But she did and is now applying to be my permanent traveling companion for all Africa reviews. We might have to compromise on the hair-washing thing.....</div>
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I'm really dehydrated, my skin looks like alligator skin. I know I haven't consumed as much water as I normally do. With hours on the road and hours on the plane and sketchy bathroom facilities or none at all, I refrained from drinking during travel. I feel dried up, everything is staticky, and I can't wait to get home and take a shower, drink some water and maybe, eat something Mexican. Or maybe some BWW....we'll see who comes to the airport. We layover in DC, fly to Houston and layover some more and then to OKC. I'm sad to leave Zambia but I'm very ready to stop flying and to see my family. I'll have to take them with me next time.</div>
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As I reflect on the trip, I am just grateful. I never knew what an adventure my life would be and I wouldn't change anything. Thank you God for such an incredible existence. Never let me forget their faces.<br />
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Peace.</div>
gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-43646362841764960092013-08-25T15:37:00.000-05:002013-08-26T11:55:28.520-05:00Zambia 2013....more<div>
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Day 5: Up at 4:15, we left Lima Garden at 4:45 to take Charles to the bus station. Now bus stations are sketchy even in OK, but add in the African dynamic and it's an adventure. People everywhere, busses everywhere, horns honking, men acting almost like carnies to hock their bus tickets, and cars coming and going all in a parking lot the size of a small business lot in OK. We dropped Charles off and in the darkness, headed to Livingstone, I presume...sorry, couldn't resist.</div>
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Getting out of town was as normal as any African journey in town. Sparce street lights, traffic, walkers, taxis, until we reached the end of town and hit the highway construction. So yeah...for many miles it was one way traffic. They would stop one direction and allow the other direction to go and then switch. Just as we came out of that we were diverted to a dirt road for many miles. At one point, Fraywell says he has never gone this way before. It's dark, no signs, much traffic and our driver is wondering if we're headed the right direction. And a lot of semis, a LOT! Instead of wide load, the signs on the oversized trucks here say ABNORMAL. As you can imagine, we got several giggles out of that. I'm pretty sure every time Fraywell sees one now, he'll think of us.</div>
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The good news, we were headed the right direction and met back up with the highway after 20 or so kilometers of ungrated dirt road. Most of my fillings are still in my head I'm pretty sure. So we turn south again and head to Livingstone. We enter the Manunu Hills and I'm transported temporarily back to the Arbuckle mountains of OK. Have I mentioned the dirt here is red like home? Watching the sunrise over the mountains was a special enjoyment. I love the trees of Africa. The Baobob is my favorite with its huge trunk, many of the trees here bloom in bright colors and the sweeping umbrellas of the Acacia trees are like lace against the sky. School children walking alongside the highway makes my breath catch. It is their everyday and yet to see small children walking alongside a highway where cars are driving 100KM an hour is startling to me and yet it's just what they do. Sometimes they see me and we wave at each other bringing smiles to us all.</div>
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As I'm heading to see the seventh wonder of the world, I'm in awe of the opportunities I've had in my life, I want to always be grateful for this great adventure. </div>
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So the sights and smells of Africa are intriguing. These sweet people are concerned about keeping their cars in clean, pristine condition. They wipe them down at the end of every day, car washes are prolific and yet throw their trash out of the window as they drive along. Keeps the car clean but covers the countryside in garbage. And with water being a premium, although their cars are clean, their bodies are ripe. Not dirty necessarily, at least visibly. But the scent of an African man at the end of the day is quite, well, full? Imagine a man having freshly mown the lawn, chopped the wood and taken out the trash in his Sunday clothes giving you a hug. Now you're getting it. And it's winter here so there is most likely a jacket on top. The only benefit is with the dusty air and lack of catalytic converters, most of the time my nose is stopped up. And my heart is stronger than my sense of smell, I genuinely love the people!</div>
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I have discovered my true worth here though. In the front seat of the car , I am almost a guaranteed wave through at the plentiful police stops along the highways. You see an orange cone and you begin to slow down for ahead the police are in the middle of the road checking drivers licenses, tax stickers, breath for drinkers, or other violations. Probably more than 20 stops so far, we've been waved through all but 2. Fraywell says the police want me to go home and send everyone to Zambia. I totally will, it's beautiful here and the people are lovely. They speak English well, the kwacha are easy to understand. $100 kwacha =$20 American. Even I can do that math. </div>
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So we arrived in Livingstone and I'm immediately struck by how clean it is. The <a href="http://www.unwto.org/" target="_blank">UNWTO</a> is having their 20th conference here and they are putting on the show for them. The streets lines are painted, the sellers have been moved out, the streets are swept and clean. There is a lot of construction racing to be finished and the markets are well stocked and ready. In two weeks, Livingstone will be full! </div>
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Our first day here we got more rest than expected. We were anticipating reviewing 14 National Missionaries in the afternoon and then a visit with a friend of Fraywells. Our regional leader showed up and said he had sent the men to rest because he thought we would be tired. We were not happy about this and asked him to try and reschedule them for that evening. He said he would call them. We did not hear from him until late in the evening, he had gone to play golf. See? We aren't really so different.</div>
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As he came by that evening, Fraywell had a stern talk with him and said the men needed to be at our place, ready for interviews by 8am. Not only were they there, but several arrived early. This was very good. We finished the reviews, our regional director apologized for the previous day and we changed clothes to go.</div>
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Day six: We struck out through Livingstone toward Victoria Falls. It is truly a wonder! The sound and sight of it are awe inspiring. The baboons in the park just running around add a special humor. At this time of year, the falls are not at their fullest so you don't have to wear raingear. We did however get plenty damp from the rising mist. It's a little bit of a hike but very pleasurable! </div>
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After leaving the falls we went shopping. I must admit this wears me out. I'm not a shopper in America but to have to haggle over every price, be called into every shop, be best friends with every shop owner and to be called mama by strangers all day is exhausting. The handicrafts and artwork are beautiful. The process to bring them home. Not so much. But I got the mama discount for almost everything and although I could have haggled longer, I feel good with what I did. If I paid 5 kwacha too much here and there, I hope it is a blessing.</div>
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We returned to our guest house, the nicest one we have stayed in so far for a short rest. Then on to Christopher's home. He is a retired government worker and friend of Fraywells. We walked around the corner from where we were staying and entered his compound. Christopher purchased a piece of land and built his house in the middle. He then built 4 rental units around the back of the property, 2 duplexes. It is a large home with large rooms but even though the house is less than two years old, it is like much of the construction here, very poor. </div>
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So even though Christopher was suffering with malaria, he was a gracious host. We started with juice and biscuits. Conversation was plentiful and diverse. His daughter, Katie, was cooking all this time. We got there at 4. Dinner was served around 7, and after-dinner yogurt and fruit finished around 8:30. We were given a tour of the home and admired some of his sand art. He insisted on giving one piece to Ellen because he had two alike. As we were leaving his home, he gave me and Fraywell each 100 kwacha because he couldn't let us leave with only one having a gift. Americans could learn much from Africans.</div>
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I feel like all we have done is eat. It is hard when people with so little honor you by feeding you. You feel obligated to eat each time and to eat it all and they want you to have your fill, so they keep passing the bowls. And pop is a big treat here, especially cold ones. And there is always one waiting.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is shima. Basically like grits without the liquid. Served at every meal. </td></tr>
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I will leave Africa having gained weight. I need to make my peace with that.</div>
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Day seven: We left early again this morning for our 500 km journey home. </div>
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The return trip was without incident. It was hot for the first time since we've been here. Road construction made our journey slower and much dustier. At one point the dust was so thick, we had to roll up the windows and ride with only the vent blowing. we were sweaty! The Chinese have built good roads here. The Zambians have paid for them in mineral rights. The Chinese are smart and one day we may all need to speak their language. </div>
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We pulled into Arcades, a local shopping center much like an American strip mall. Exchanged some money, we had spent all the kwacha we had. When we were ready to leave, Fraywell started the car, we heard a thump and a bad noise. Fraywell couldn't turn the steering wheel and we found the belt on the ground. After Fraywell, Ellen, a security guard, a taxi driver and a passerby looked it over it was determined that a pulley had broken and the belt had come off. Fraywell sent us home in a taxi and he left to hunt down the part. I hope he got some rest last night, it's been a wild week.<br />
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Ellen helping Fraywell fix the car. If you know Ellen, you know why this is funny! </div>
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peace.</div>
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gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-10588295039480907262013-08-23T10:41:00.000-05:002013-08-23T10:47:50.198-05:00Zambia 2013...cont.<div>
Day three:We have so much choice in America. It is difficult for us to be gracious in other countries. Today the church people had left cold cokes for their special guests and pastor for after the service. In America, we just say no thank you if we don't want something. However, in Africa, you say yes, thank you. It is their way of hospitality. Even those with very little will offer you something and you cannot offend them by refusing. I am trying to just put aside my American habits and live in this culture. It feels strange to be an honored guest everywhere I go. I want to say I'm just me, doing the job God has given me to do. But they see an American white woman who is the Director of Reaching Generations, an orphan ministry in 7 countries of Africa. It impresses them...and I am beyond honored. But it is humbling for their lives are so difficult and they work so hard to get through daily living much less work as well. I'm spoiled and life is convenient and I have little to struggle with really. So I thank them all the while praying for God to bless them, help them and keep me forever mindful of this time.</div>
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With the agricultural fair in town, service was much smaller than usual. I was unexpectedly called on to pray over the service. Wow, humbled again. When church ended, we (special guests, special preacher Edison Tembo and Fraywell) stood at the door and shook each hand. Only 500 or so, church attendance was down. We then met with Chanda and his mother. He has a large tumor on the left side of his face and eye. After 3 surgeries, it continues to grow back and there is nothing further that can be done. As I looked on him, my heart broke. I cannot imagine an American child just left to live in that condition. But once again, we have choices. Even the poorest among us are blessed.</div>
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Tomorrow, day three, we are going to visit two young girls orphaned by a hippo attacking their father's boat. We will stay the night because driving in the dark is dangerous, the elephants like to sleep on the road at night. I'm feeling so many emotions, I'm tired, and so very blessed. Thank you, God, for this special journey. </div>
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Day four: I am wide awake at 2:00 am after a long day. We traveled from Lusaka to Kaoma, about 6 hours, to visit two young orphan girls. They are the daughters of one of our National Missionaries who was killed after preaching the gospel near the Zambezi river. He was in a canoe crossing back after preaching when a hippo capsized his boat and killed him. His wife had died the year before so his sister took the girls in to care for. She is also a widow with a young son, young nephew and now two additional children. As we met with them under a tree, they were so shy and unsure at first. We started talking to them and they warmed up to us. The baby boy began kissing the stuffed dog John had given him. Like any other children. The toys were like Christmas! We began to draw attention and for the sake of the guardian, we said our goodbyes. Thelma and Suthen, the two girls, will hold a special place in my heart, their family has given so much to spread God's word.<br />
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Today as we journeyed back we saw water buffalo, zebras, warthogs, baboons, dik dik, impala, kudu, heartbeast, antelope, hyenas, guineas, and elephants! Probably the largest elephant I have ever seen. As large as a tree. We hadn't eaten so we stopped at Mumbaki lodge to have a ham sandwich. Nestled against the banks of the Kafue river, we sat on the balcony and enjoyed the breeze. Our soldier guide Regin joined us. I'm sure he had never been there before and was surprised we included him. And now we head back to Lusaka. Tomorrow will be another early day, but I should sleep well tonight. We enjoyed dinner at The Arabian Nights in the Arcade shopping center. Although our choices included kudu or impala, I had the Arabian kabobs which were delicious! The first beef I've eaten here that didn't resemble jerky. That includes the chicken.<br />
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I enjoyed the conversantion with Charles, Fraywell, John & Ellen. We laughed much about about Fraywell's BIG fish. As we returned to the hotel, the children alongside the road saw us coming as started waving and shouting Mzungu (white person) and we smiled and waved back. My short taste of celebrity although it happens almost everywhere we go, I guess our white faces are a novelty. And I was right, it was a good nights sleep, even though short.</div>
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peace.</div>
gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-30622312447379780452013-08-21T15:21:00.000-05:002013-08-21T15:21:15.326-05:00Zambia 2013<div>
I'm going to share my journal from the trip here on my blog, hope you "travel" with me. </div>
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Day one: We landed and had dinner, just Tandoori chicken and chips at the mall. I am in Africa, right?With a large agricultural event in Lusaka from August 1-5 everything is crowded. Parking, roads and people are full! Tomorrow is also a full day, starting early.</div>
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Day two: I am attending an African funeral of a woman 5 years my junior. Her 5 children are now without their mother, and her family without their daughter and sister. The deaconesses from the church prepared her body, attended to the service with their singing and weeping and will bury her at the cemetery. A white pine box, simply made, and her life is now complete. Her oldest daughters wept so hard as they passed the body, they couldn't continue to stand and were helped out by the women. I had held my tears until then but they flowed freely at this sight. She is in heaven and although I mourned her having never met her, I will meet her one day.<br />
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After the funeral, I met 82 orphans, their guardians and overseers. It is unimaginable the joy which comes from seeing your work in person. I do not have the ability to see my daily work and the impact it has on a regular basis. Papers do not hug you, thank you, kiss you, or make you smile! It has been so good to be here.<br />
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We then went to see 12 orphans and welcome them into our program. They live in a village called Soweto with a population of around 400,000. probably the size of Warr Acres in OK. little huts and houses everywhere, and children as far as the eye could see. Muzungu (white people) draw quite a crowd. They were shy and in shock. When I announced they did not have to wait until January, there were smiles and whispers and tears. With profound thanks, they came forward and received their first month of support. Many couldn't even look at me, many had tears. I encouraged them, prayed over them and she'd my own tears for the hundreds I walked by on the way out whom I could not yet offer help.</div>
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We shared dinner with Fraywell and his family. Loveness was a sweet hostess and so excited to see a woman from Reaching Souls. Fraywell, when asked what was his favorite thing about her, said her frankness for it made him a better man. She loved most his persistence and love for her and her children. They shared their love story, Fraywell took us by the place he had first seen her on our way home to Lima Garden and it was such a special time.<br />
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Tomorrow, church and rest. </div>
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Peace</div>
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gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-57804714106128256092013-07-23T09:06:00.000-05:002013-07-23T09:06:41.217-05:00Invisible<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I needed this today. Thank you God for knowing and seeing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://whatcomfamilies.com/2013/05/11/the-invisible-mother/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">The Invisible Mother</a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of
response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the
phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, ‘Can’t you see I’m
on the phone?’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously not; no one can see if I’m on the phone, or
cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner,
because no one can see me at all. I’m invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I
am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can
you open this?? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human
being. I’m a clock to ask, ‘What time is it?’ I’m a satellite guide to answer,
‘What number is the Disney Channel?’ I’m a car to order, ‘Right around 5:30,
please.’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some days I’m a crystal ball; ‘Where’s my other sock?
Where’s my phone?, What’s for dinner?’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was certain that these were the hands that once held books
and the eyes that studied history, music and literature -but now, they had
disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She’s going, she’s
going, and she’s gone!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the
return of a friend from England . She had just gotten back from a fabulous
trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting
there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not
to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she
turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, ‘I brought you
this.’ It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn’t exactly sure
why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription: ‘With admiration for the
greatness of what you are building when no one sees.’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the days ahead I would read – no, devour – the book. And
I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after
which I could pattern my work: 1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals
– we have no record of their names. 2) These builders gave their whole lives
for a work they would never see finished. 3) They made great sacrifices and
expected no credit. 4) The passion of their building was fueled by their faith
that the eyes of God saw everything. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A story of legend in the book told of a rich man who came to
visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a
tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, ‘Why are
you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by
the roof, No one will ever see it And the workman replied, ‘Because God
sees.’ <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into
place. It was Almost as if I heard God whispering to me, ‘I see you. I see the
sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.<br /><br />
</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you’ve
baked, no Cub Scout meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to
notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see
right now what it will become.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great
builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see
finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of
the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our
lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that
degree. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell
the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, ‘My Mom gets up at
4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for
3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.’ That would mean I’d built a
monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is
anything more to say to his friend, he’d say, ‘You’re gonna love it
there…’ <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be
seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world
will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been
added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—Anonymous<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">peace.<i> </i></span></o:p></div>
gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-14997342541788622322013-07-10T10:59:00.000-05:002013-07-10T10:59:00.816-05:00women.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dorothy-L.-Sayers/e/B000APFQ6I" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aInKcR3QHODiXtDJXX2yf0SKcqF2qW_JHecXypWSqplfIV_fpfCuLkfF-kRxBvGxL-KUenJSRj40CjMNUWrkml59lWqQHnnXRncpdXyhNPsHtVZVy_EnTo90v1JhAYLYspgd/s320/dorothy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dorothy Sayers (1893-1957):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps it is no wonder that the women were first at the Cradle and last at the Cross.</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They had never known a man like this Man—there had never been such another.</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A prophet and teacher</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who never nagged about them, who never flattered or coaxed or patronized;</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who never made arch jokes about them, never treated either as “The women, God help us!” or “The ladies, God bless them!”;</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who rebuked without querulousness and praised without condescension;</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who took their questions and arguments seriously, who never mapped out their sphere for them, never urged them to be “feminine” or jeered at them for being female;</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who had no ax to grind and no uneasy male dignity to defend;</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who took them as he found them and was completely unself-conscious.</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love this! Thanks Dorothy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">peace.</span>gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-54809417087144859902013-06-27T09:04:00.004-05:002013-06-27T09:04:59.311-05:00Because some days you just need a cute baby and a kitty.<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/tFz1jK6sGIU?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
peace. </div>
gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15865974.post-36377623645991927282013-06-17T10:40:00.001-05:002013-06-17T10:40:52.719-05:00Reflecting on dads...Yesterday was Father's Day. And I've been in a little bit of a funk about it.<br />
<br />
I have a great husband and he's tried really hard to be a great dad. I appreciate his efforts and so do our girls. I am grateful for his struggles to do the best job for our children having never seen it from his own dad. God is good.<br />
<br />
But that isn't where the funk comes from.<br />
<br />
Looking back at his dad and my dad, I feel cheated. I don't have those rosy, fun, uplifting dad stories that many people have. Neither of us do. Our dads were lazy, selfish and uninvolved. More than that, they caused great pain by putting themselves ahead of their wives (ex-wives) and children. They left, many times. They created holes of regret and abandonment in our lives. Even into our adulthoods and our children's lives, they created places of hurt. Sometimes I'm really angry still, sometimes I'm really jealous and sometimes, I'm just in a funk. That would be today.<br />
<br />
It's hard to admit that two men who are no longer living still have such impact. Especially when I do have so much to be grateful for. But yesterday was a reminder that I missed out and I don't like it. I wish it could've been different. I wish they had chosen to serve, protect and love their families. I wish they would have decided to have fun with us, invest in us, support us and stay with us. But they didn't.<br />
<br />
There is good news. At some point in my life, I began to see God through the haze of my earthly father. I began to look to Him for the everything my dad hadn't given me, hadn't done for me. I began to learn of His love for me and see my own dad in a different light. My dad didn't do the best he could, but I haven't always either.<br />
<br />
I'm still healing. Another onion layer pulled back and another chance to let God clean out more gunk. Search me Oh God and know my heart.<br />
<br />
I'm just glad I don't have to lean on Hallmark for my sentiments. :-)<br />
<br />
peace.<br />
<br />
<br />gr8fulghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10410065243051191320noreply@blogger.com3