It has been a tough few days...each day gets a little better...

I have physical therapy coming in about an hour today...got my first shower in almost 6 days..never appreciated a shower so much as today...still really hard to move or get around, my balance is off, my hands are still going numb, I am so out of it with all the meds...I have no idea how my husband can take 34 pills a day and stay alive..this is horrible! My nights and days are so messed up ....just glad that I know each day will get better I pray! Thanks for all of your prayers for our family...hugs and prayers, cheryl

Grandma's Hands...my Grandma has been gone now for 2 years..she lived to be 101

(Grandma at 100 on her Birthday)
Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench.

She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.

When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the Longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her At the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and Looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she Said in a clear voice strong.

'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here Staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I Explained to her.

'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really Looked at your hands?'

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them Over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at My hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story:

'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have Served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled Shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to Reach out and grab and embrace life.

'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the Floor.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my Mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled On my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off To war.

'They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen, and bent. They were Uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated With my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone Special

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I Buried my parents and spouse.

'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and Shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the Rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried And raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works Real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to Fold in prayer.

'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out And take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.'

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God Reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home.

When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my Children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and Caressed and held by the hands of God.
(Found this poems on a friends blog) It made me really think of Grandma Ed...hugs, cheryl

Please pray for me...surgery today...

Please pray for me as I am going into surgery today for a neck fusion...I fell on ice over 8 years ago and now I cannot take the pain any more and finally am going to have my neck fixed...it is not going to be easy as my husband is still not doing well and has not recovered from his two surgery's. But my oldest daughter is home from College so I have her help for two weeks and this was the best time to do this as my parents are 84 and 85 and cannot drive much anymore...We had a really nice Christmas and it went very well...Kerry made it to both sides and had to go to bed at my parents most of the time but at least he came and he made it to his brothers for dinner and then we brought him home ...but I was so thankful that he at least got out of the house and went..that was a huge thing for him...hugs and prayers, cheryl

T'was the month before Christmas

T'was the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the Politically Correct police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our Faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason or the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" Under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout "MERRY CHRISTMAS," Not "Happy Holiday!"
@Sent by Tommy Wilkerson

GUFFAW FODDER

Little Carol came into the kitchen where her mother was making dinner. Christmas was coming up and she thought this was a good time to tell her mother what she wanted. 'Mom, I want a bike for my Christmas.'
Now, Little Carol was a bit of a troublemaker. She had gotten into trouble at school and at home. Carol's mother asked her if she thought she deserved to get a bike for Christmas. Little Carol, of course, thought she did.
Carol's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted her to reflect on her behavior over the last year, and write a letter to God and tell him why she deserved a bike for Christmas. Little Carol stomped up the steps to her room and sat down to write God a letter.

LETTER 1
Dear God:
I have been a very good girl this year and I would like a bike for Christmas I want a red one. Your friend, Carol
Carol knew this wasn't true. She had not been a very good girl this year, so she tore up the letter and started over

LETTER 2
Dear God:
This is your friend Carol. I have been a pretty good girl this year, and I would like a red bike for Christmas. Thank you, Carol
Carol knew this wasn't true either. She tore up the letter and started again.

LETTER 3
Dear God:
I know I haven't been a good girl this year. I am very sorry. I will be a good girl if you just send me a red bike for Christmas. Thank you, Carol

Carol knew, even if it was true, this letter was not going to get her a bike. By now, she was very upset. She went downstairs and told her mother she wanted to go to church. Carol's mother thought her plan had worked because Carol looked very sad.
"Just be home in time for dinner," her mother said.
Carol walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. She looked around to see if anyone was there. She picked up a statue of the Virgin Mary, slipped it under her jacket, and ran out of the church down the street, into her house, and up to her room. She shut the door and sat down and wrote her letter to God.

LETTER 4
I got your mama. If you want to see her again send the bike!. Signed, You know who
@Sent by my "little sis", Carol Richardson
~~~~~~
All my relatives know that I refold the wrapping paper from my Christmas presents for use later.
"Aunt Jane," asked one of my young nieces, "why do you save all that paper?"
"I'm doing what's best for the environment," I replied. "So I'm recycling this paper."
But then my daughter pipes up, "Good thing you didn't ask that question five years ago ... then she was just plain cheap."

An old Ice Skate renewed!

I took an old white skate and painted it pink..then added glitter, put greenery and other things inside of it, added ribbon to it then put it on a piece of wood and decorated the wood with Lace and pearls...hugs, cheryl

Check out this site for more images to use for free...hugs, cheryl

http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/vic.html

"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree.

In the eyes of children, they are all thirty feet tall." Larry Wilde

My Husband and Daughter...two good stories...he made it one more time through more surgery's..hugs, cheryl

Kerry just got out of surgery at 6 PM tonight and they put a new interthecal pump in..and also got the wires out of his back..It has been a long weekend as the MRI last week had showed he might have had an infection again in his spine but the blood work came back ok today so they went ahead with the surgery..so please pray for no infection...so thankful this one is behind him..hugs and prayers, cheryl

PS they are sending in his pump to Medtronics to see why his pump only lasted 23 months and it should have lasted 5 years..it will take 4-6 weeks to find out what is wrong with his pump!

This is a neat story about Mallory ..she took Kerry to get his MRI at River North and while there was flipping through Chicago Magazine when she saw these girls that she recognized and she turned back and started yelling for her Dad who had just got into the MRI machine..he made them turn it off and he got out to see what was wrong and she was like look ...these are the models I did a few months ago and there was a two page write up on the models in this months Chicago Magazine and Mallory did 4 out of 5 of their hair coloring...She tests out tomorrow and Wednesday and then she will get her own chair at Mario's in Oakbrook..I am so happy for her as it has been a long road for her to finally get to this place in her career...

Joann Fabric Coupon 50 off until December 24

http://www.joann-mail.com/J09216YZQ/coupons_only.html?r=3608_1134372&i=J09216YZQ028&bc1=520835933496454360506

The Table Cloth...

The Table cloth

Beautiful story.... makes you understand that things happen for a reason The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve.They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc, and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished.On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus.. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet.. "Pastor,"she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church.The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do.. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return.One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison.. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid Who says God does not work in mysterious ways..I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today, to guide you and protect you as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him all our cares you know He will see us through. So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best.. Just remember I'm here praying and God will do the rest. Pass this on to those you want God to bless and don't forget to send it back to the one who asked God to bless you first.When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need. Take 60seconds and give this a shot! All you do is simply say the following small prayer for the person who sent you this.Father, God, bless all my friends and family in what ever it is that You know they may be needing this day! May their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.Sit back and watch the power of God work in your life.

Diskitis..my mom called and told me this is on the MRI..waiting to hear back from the doctors..I knew it was not good!

Diskitis is an inflammation of the vertebral disk space often related to infection. Infection of the disk space must be considered with vertebral osteomyelitis, as these conditions are almost always present together and share much of the same pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatment. Although diskitis and associated vertebral osteomyelitis are uncommon conditions, they are often the causes of debilitating neurologic injury. Unfortunately, morbidity can be exacerbated by a delay in diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The lumbar region is most commonly affected, followed by the cervical spine and, lastly, the thoracic spine.

this is just so strange as I felt something is wrong once again and when I called for the MRI report she told me she had to wait for the doctor to sign off before she could send it but it would be going to the doctors shortly and then they would fax me..I had a weird feeling today..then today someone told me how a hospital should be built in Plainfield..well, tears just came to my eyes as I told them how strange that all of these past two weeks has been the 10 year anniversary and look where we are at..Hospitals, MRI's and Neurosurgeon offices as usual but right at the day's of the anniversary's..she felt bad I could tell and I said if only the truth had come out I could handle it but I have to live with the mistakes and no one can fix them..no one..then my mom and I went home after shopping for a Christmas tree as we needed one that is easier to put up as now Kerry cannot help and my arms are so bad ...I crawled into bed and crashed and mom called a few hours later to tell me what the fax read....my heart sank as I knew that word was not good news...I told her to wait till I turned on the computer and sure enough when I googled it I was right...all the terms and medical things we lived through are facing us for the fourth time with Kerry! I had tears coming down my face and my mom told me to remember to be greatful in all things..just like my mom would say to me at this time..I told her I have learned to say thanks a lot lately to God and what do you think when you have this facing you again? I told her I need to leave a message for the doctor and she told me I could probably still get him..he was still in surgery but the girls are so kind up there and told me they would leave the message on his desk along with Kerry's MRI report...just waiting tonight ...........Kerry is scheduled for his new interthecal pump on Monday but now all of this might change once again! hugs and prayers, cheryl

Faith...it gets hard somedays...

Jesus said,

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Matthew 17:20

Kerry had his MRI yesterday and I put it in the computer..it looks so horrible to look back at 10 years of surgeries and all the mess in his back...he can hardly walk the last two weeks and scheduled Monday for a new interthecal pump and we find out today if another fusion is going to happen...then tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of the Day Dr. Caron called to tell us of the infection that invaded my husband's spine after surgery..it is just like yesterday as I can remember that phone call..the surgeon on call made the first phone call but I begged for Dr. Caron to call and I sat on the steps of our basement in tears as he told me what had to be done for Kerry and he had to go back into the hospital..My husband had a pillow over his head crying and crying...my parents were over that day and helping with things around the home and Kerry just wanted to end his life that day then to go back into the hospital..I begged him to go back to the hospital as the infection could get worse...I had no idea how our lives were to change forever from Dec. 5, 1998...a day hard to forget~ I sometimes wonder if the doctors that took care of Kerry ever go back to those days and think if only I had done this..or if only we had not done this he would have been ok? Or the nurses??? Everyone always asks me how do they live with themselves after all they put you through? I sometimes wonder for my childrens sake and my parents as it has not been a day off of this medical nightmare no matter how hard I try to forget it as Kerry is in pain 24/7 and lately just really going downhill no matter what we do medically it just is not helping anymore! hugs and prayers as we wait one more time for the phone call to change our lives with what happens next for Kerry!

A question for everyone in Blog land?

“What’s stopping you from making a self-portrait?”

This is on Chrysti's blog today and she asked to put it out there..thought it was interesting as I am not a person that can draw but I am going to try it in another form of collage! So leave a post and answer this question...hugs, cheryl


http://chrysti.wordpress.com/

I need someone to email me..Dave...

Dave I know you read my blog..can you email me..I have a question for you..thanks, cheryl

Check out this blog...Christmas giveaway!

http://chrysti.wordpress.com/2008/12/02/29-days-of-giveaways-for-you/#comment-21604

See what she is doing for Christmas each day! hugs, cheryl

"Happiness is in the heart, not in the circumstances"

Anonymous

How High do you reach? Made me really think today!

Good Morning - How high do you reach?

Brook Noel
"Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be."--Karen Ravn

Karen truly captured a truth of life with this quote. Our limits are set by our thoughts. When we expand our thinking about how we see the world, we expand our opportunities within the world.

Your Turn:
How far do you reach? How far do you seek? How deep do you look? How high do you dream? Answer each question carefully and honestly. Is there room to grow--to seek further, look deeper, reach further and dream higher? Commit to at least one of these four concepts and incorporate the practice into your daily life.

Today's Affirmation:
I reach for the stars, I seek the truth, I look beyond the surface, I dream beyond the stars.

Making Ends Meet! Dec. 1st is here...where did this year go?

Making Ends Meet

"Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" . . . For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."
- (Matthew 6:31-32 NKJV)

Sometimes, the simplest promises are the most difficult ones to accept. For instance, God has promised to provide for the basic needs of His people. Food, shelter, clothing . . . God guarantees to give all of these things to those who seek Him. He's a Father, and as such it's in His nature (and well within His means) to see to it that His children have what they need.?



And yet, if there's one aspect of life that keeps Christians awake at night, it's this one. ?How are the bills going to get paid? How am I supposed to keep pace with the rising cost of living? Why can't I ever get ahead? This is the sort of anxiety that Jesus is commanding us to not have.



He tells us the Gentiles (who were the equivalent of unbelievers) live in constant worries about these things. We have something that the Gentiles don't have: a relationship with a Heavenly Father who has promised to make our ends meet. So it's time we started acting like it.



The same God who commands us not to lie, steal, covet, and murder commands us to not worry about where our provision will come from. It is sin to do so because He has promised to meet our needs and cover our lack. By worrying, we're essentially accusing God of lying to us. But to trust Him on this promise is to declare that He is faithful and true.


I just woke up to call and see if Lindsay got in ok and they just got back at 2 a.m. safe~ I guess you never stop worrying as a mom...I can't even imagine being my parents always wondering how we are going to make it each month...they know that God provides but so hard the last 10 years then this past month now the Food Pantry we had been getting food at stopped letting us get food right at the worst time of the year! It seems like it just always is something but it keeps you humble..then the surgery's and wondering how can Kerry make it through any more and the years of legal we went through and why did they get away with the lies??? But we are not to worry and He promises to to take care of us but so hard to keep putting all your worrying at his feet over and over! I know it is the only thing I can do but I am still human and sometimes you just want to figure out something on your own and nothing I can do on my own will fix any of my problems so it is better being placed at his feet once again and Let God take my list of problems and pray about the never ending list! And the medical, legal, financial, and food will somehow be provided for us this month ....hugs and prayers, cheryl

The Weekend went by so fast...

It seems like Lindsay just came home and she is on her way back to College...hard to see the girls growning up and changing but neat to see how they are all changing! They survived all the years of struggles and have turned out to be neat people and so glad for how well they have done! We had a nice day with my parents..Kerry didn't do to well but that is about how much he handles stress any more and the pain is getting worse...the Neurosurgeon called back and Kerry needs another MRI this week as they feel he probably needs another fusion on his lower spine and then his interthecal pump is getting replaced next Tuesday and he is just about crying in pain daily lately...so it just seems to get harder to deal with daily! Pray for all of us as it is not easy on any of us! You just want to cry for him as nothing helps anymore....hugs and tears, cheryl

Lindsay made it home from College last night!!!!

Payton was so happy to see Lindsay...I picked her up about 10 p.m. as she drove home with a bunch of girls from College..She is going to Central Bible College in Springfield, MO....I am so happy for her as she did not go to High School from all kinds of medical problems and to see her now so happy and having the time of her Life is wonderful for me as her mom to see! We have struggled for most of Lindsay's life with her father's illness and she took over the roll of being Mom here as I was always gone to the hospital with Kerry so she didn't have the fun that most teenager's have...so this is just wonderful to see! Payton just wouldn't quit jumping and licking her! It was like a child so happy to see her mother! hugs and prayers, cheryl

Check out my other blog!

http://goinggreenboutique.blogspot.com/

I will be filling this one with craft ideas and youtube videos I find...along with different ideas I come up with to share..hugs, cheryl

Invisible Blessings!

Your Weekly Challenge from Brook Noel - Make Today Matter,

Invisible Blessings

You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.John Wooden


My mother recently came up with a very neat idea. With the holidays approaching, she decided to compile our favorite holiday recipes and our favorite holiday stories into a simple volume to share together. We each began searching our memory for Christmas stories of past and present to contribute to this thoughtful project. This story, although ours, can be yours as well. It carries the message of one of life's greatest fulfillments -- the invisible blessing. To give is a wonderful thing; to give completely anonymously is even more wonderful. When we don't need a "thank you" or a "pat on the back," then our giving becomes completely about the recipient versus an affirmation of ourselves. That type of giving or "invisible blessing" is the most powerful of all. This simple story shares a memory of a woman who had truly mastered the "invisible blessing." The Woman and The Postman Once again the tiny, rural Post Office in our Northwood's Wisconsin Town had been properly notified. The "Postmaster," simply known as John, had received his yearly letter (addressed to "John"--first name only--"Post Office"--no street and number, no zip code, only the word "Town" ) asking him to select 5 little girls "from Santa's List" who would love to receive a Christmas Doll. Now, John knew everything and everybody--If you wanted to find out something, or get the local 'scuttle-but' you went to John--so he set about checking his postal routes, making his recommendations, and had the season's list secretly delivered to the woman. From about November 1st on--the woman's dining room table became covered with snippets of lace and ribbons, buttons and bows, velvets and satins--along with the 5 Madame Alexander Dolls that had been ordered for that year through the mail. Her needles and thread in hand, and an old Singer sewing machine by her side, the woman began to weave her yearly Christmas magic. Party clothes, sports wear, ball gowns, warm winter coats--she fashioned them all--until each doll had a wardrobe beyond any girls dreams. A week before Christmas, she would have the dolls delivered to the stoop of the Post Office, beautifully wrapped and tagged for each child with a note from Santa. John would notify the families that a special package had arrived and needed to be picked up, before he closed on Christmas Eve. The week after Christmas, John would usually receive a thank you note, or two, or three, that needed to be delivered in return. Sworn to secrecy he would pass on the child-scribbled notes to "whom it may concern." Then one Fall a funeral came to pass, November came and went and the list hadn't been asked for, the Christmas dolls didn't arrive, and the magic faded. Not long after that John put in for retirement. The Post Office became renovated with zip codes + 4, an automated sorter, updated routing and regulations, and rules too numerous to count or accept; a new Post Man was "brought up from the city"--all in the name of "progress." Still bound by his oath of secrecy John's knowledge about the woman and the dolls retired with him. EpilogueEvery year, when we'd go to my Aunt's for Thanksgiving dinner, I'd always notice that her table had just been cleared of a sewing project ... She would set a fine table and our family would eat and feast until we could barely eat any more. And then, over her delicious pumpkin pie, my talk would turn to speculation about the mystery dolls that would surely arrive (just like mine had) at the Post Office--just in time for Christmas. My Aunt Joan would just give me a wink and her yearly reply, "Surely, my dear, you'll have another piece of pie..." Your Weekly Challenge:While in the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often think life is about gain, or accomplishment, or maintaining status quo. It isn't. Life is about relationships, about love, about kindness, about caring. Those are the moments we all long for more of. As we move into this holiday season, remember how much we all make a difference, and find a way to "invisibly bless" someone.

Angel out of Wallpaper!

Here is what I used to make her out of..an old wallpaper book, sheet music, lace, trim, buttons, and modpodge!


Here is an image I took off of flickr and cut her out and put her on the top of the cone..hugs, cheryl

Thanksgiving ~

Thanksgiving ~ Free to Use, originally uploaded by Suzee Que.

Happy Turkey Day...hugs, cheryl

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest,
and causest to approach unto thee,
that he may dwell in thy courts.
(Psalm 65:4a)

A day !!! Mom only a Day...

I received this today and had to post is as my daughter told me yesterday, "It's only a day, Mom!" But it was a day that changed our lives and I guess not many understand unless you go through medical negligience what a day does that you only dream if I could only change that one day but we can't and no one can fix your husband either! So it was an important day in my life! hugs and prayers, cheryl

November 21, 2008.... from Brook Noel

www.maketodaymatter.net

Good Morning "There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day."--Alexander Woolcott I love this quote by Woolcott, because it is a reminder to me that every day is very important--no matter what the day holds. Often, we believe that only the days holding significant events are important. We forget that even the simplest and unstructured days are important, too. Each day etches a slice into our history. And besides, we never know what can happen in a day! Even a quiet, unscheduled day, can bring a revelation.

Found this saying and fits for today!

"Do not ask God to guide your footsteps

if you are not willing to move your feet."

-Unknown

10 years...where did 10 years go!

I had no idea what today was...our lives were so simple 10 years ago..three little girls, a successful business, my husband loved his job as a sales man..we always joked he could sell anything if he could sell toilet paper...a Beautiful home that we owned and our lives were going so well..then November 20, 1998 came and life changed! I know today is just a day but every year I think it will get easier but when I had to put the date down on the papers to sign it hit me ...I stopped and looked up at her and she could tell something was wrong...tears came to my eyes and I tried to write the date! I shared in tears today is 10 years..10 years ago today it all started...Kerry went into the hospital for back surgery and never did I have the same husband that I married but I have not left I have stayed in every kind of situation that has been thrown at us! Through a nightmare of medical errors, mental problems, financial, legal, family, raising three beautiful daughters, we have done all those vows that we took 25 years ago...For Richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, for better or worse...we have done all of them and we are still together! So many times I think I cannot do it one more day! I only think what our lives would have been if so many mistakes had not happened those few days so many years ago but I have to let it go..just let it go! I have to accept this is who I have to live the rest of my life with and just learn to pray for strength for the day! It has not ever been a break from medical but Kerry is still here and still fighting so I have to keep fighting with him...hugs, cheryl

Tussie Mussie

Don't tell God how big your storm his,
tell the storm how big your God is.

Comfort Dolls...if you could help make one and touch another womens life!

I found this site one day while searching for paper dolls for a group I was in and it came up to start making these and sending them to Pat to send to shelters and we are starting this...if you would like to help please leave a message or email me...it is such a neat ministry she has...please check out her blog

http://www.comfortdolls.blogspot.com/

Life and more doctors...

Today I had another appointment with the Movement Disorder Clinic...didn't even know this part of life exited...my tremors are worse and no one can tell me why? They want me to do a study for three months and I have been thinking about it since I came home..it is going to downtown Chicago once a week so it is a commitment...it is all paid for but the traveling will take a toll on me...I have to deal with all that has happened to me in the last 10 years of my life..I have to face all the things in my life that I have had to give up, my family that does not talk to me because of what my parents have done for my family to keep us in our home or have done to keep my girls going or Kerry, the husband that I do not have that use to do so much for me, my business that I gave up to take care of Kerry, the trial that we lost that all I can do is pray for the nurses and doctors that they have to live with what they said in the trial, as we have to live with what happened to Kerry and the toll it has taken on my entire life and family, our financial and medical problems that just seem to never end, all the doctors, my girls and trying to raise them the best I can, trying to keep Kerry being positive when he just wants to quit, my parents as they age, and the toll all of this has now taken on my health has hit my body so bad that they feel the tremors are from all these years of stress and more stress....then tonight when I was just laying here thinking about these years my mom emailed me this post I just put on...I haven't called my parents as they just keep telling me over and over they do not know how much longer they can keep us in our home...it has been a lot this year for me to deal with and I think I am handling it but I guess I just keep it all inside which is not good...pray I make the right choices here! I know God is in control and he has taken care of us for 10 years...we have never gone hungry and he has provided a roof over our head for all these years so I need to just put it in his hands and leave it there...hugs and prayers, cheryl

To: You From : God

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of
your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you.


P.S. And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you
that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put
it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME.
All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.


Once the matter is placed into the box, do not
hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful
things that are present in your life now.


If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't
despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of
privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; think of
the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone
bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be
loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another
weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day,
seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles
away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity
to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the
mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to
examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and
pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful.
There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other
people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things
could be worse. You could be one of them!

Should you decide to send this to a friend;
Thank you. You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!
Now, you have a nice day...God

God has seen you struggling,
God says it's over.
A blessing is coming your way.

From My Mom...It's Winter Before you Know it!

And it's winter before we know it...



You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all, and I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams... but, here it is, the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? Where did my youth go?

I remember well - seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like... now, here it is. My friends are retired and really getting gray - they move slower and I see an older person now. Lots are in better shape than me - but, I see the great change. They are not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore, it's mandatory, because if I don't on my own free will, I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that when my physical life is over, it¢s over and a spiritual one shall begin. Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done; things I should have done; but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

If you're not in your winter yet, let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long! Life goes by quickly. Do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life, so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember; trust that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!

"Life is a gift to you.. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one."

LIVE IT WELL - - ENJOY TODAY - - DO SOMETHING FUN - - BE HAPPY - - BE THANKFUL!

Check out the Vintage Scrapper!

http://www.nancydooren.blogspot.com/

here is a freebie from her site..

Thrifty Decor Chick: Mission: Declutter and Organize

I just found her site and she has so much neat things..then she is starting this on January 2..go check her site out..hugs, cheryl

Thrifty Decor Chick: Mission: Declutter and Organize

My craft room...

I worked on cleaning up my area yesterday...this is how it was when my friend helped me a few months ago...hugs, cheryl My get away!

I am waiting to see who has won this contest! I entered the Christmas Tree out of Recyled Jewelry!

Today has a reason!

There is a reason why you are here to live through this one-of-a-kind day. Do you know what that reason could be?
Yes, in some way, somehow, somewhere you know. And the more you can connect with that reason, the more beautiful, fulfilling and meaningful this day will be.

Perhaps you have arrived at this point in order to learn something new and valuable. Perhaps you are here today to lend a hand or to give a lift to someone who would otherwise have no one else.

Perhaps you have something to create, something that has never existed before. Or perhaps you have something to say, something that others would truly benefit from hearing.

Today has a reason. Of that you can be sure. And today has a special reason just for you. Discover it, live it, and delight in being today who you are meant to be.

-- Ralph Marston

Tussie Mussie!

Here is a new tussie mussie that I just made this week..it is made out of a sheet of scrapbook paper...hugs, cheryl

Pennies.....

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.

Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.

He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says.' She read the words ' United States of America '
'No, not that; read further.'
'One cent?' 'No, keep reading.'
'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!' 'And?'
'And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, 'In God We Trust,' and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.

It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient..

Wisdom of God...

The Wisdom of God for the Best


It has been through the everyday issues of life
that God showed me what can't be erased.
For the trials of the journey became priceless treasures
when they taught me to seek out His face.
When the way seemed uncertain and I truly needed
direction on how to proceed,
I found that the silence between heaven's answers
would hold all of the peace I would need.
It was in those times I felt utterly desperate
with no resource but the power of prayer,
That I came to realize that God made me desperate
just to prove He was already there.
It was there in the weakness of my own human nature
that exhaustion left my heart asking, "Why?"
But it was there Jesus taught me to rest in His presence
and to take from His endless supply.
It was times of disappointment and continual roadblocks
that showed me God's will is supreme.
For beyond the disappointments He revealed greater purpose
that was higher than my hopes & dreams.
The hard times and trials have added up to give me
the wisdom of God for the best.
For they changed me and showed me what I didn't know
and I walked away knowing I'm blessed.

©Sheila Gosney

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:2-8

My Brother and I...rare diagnosis...that we both have it!

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an emerging disease worldwide, as documented by recent case series from Switzerland, Australia, Italy, Spain, Japan, England, and the United States.1,2 Eosinophilic esophagitis mimics gastroesophageal reflux disease and may result in narrowing and stricture of the esophagus. I was diagnosed back in the summer and my brother was diagnosed in October with this...I had to go back to the doctor yesterday for a follow up at Loyola and my doctor looked at me when I asked her how often has she had both brother and sister with this..she said she has never had this happen to her at Loyola...she just shook her head and told me, "Cheryl I don't know what is happening with you, but you still always keep going and smiling!" I fought back the tears and shook my head as I told her all the things that have happened to me since I saw her last and she just couldn't believe all I am facing...she told me she is thinking of writing a medical paper on us..I just shook my head! I told her if I hear one more doctor tell me that! We have had that told to us too many times now! I just want it to stop...She is a really neat doctor and very caring! Just can't believe once again how strange that my brother and I would both have this throat disease! hugs, cheryl

Life! I really do keep trying...toilet paper~

Sometimes you just need to cry and cry...it seems like that is what I have been doing lately ...it really stinks but I can't help it.. I think I am just going to wake up and everything will be ok someday and another struggle happens..or another thing put on my plate to figure out how the Brown's are going to make it one more month! Today was my last day for a food pantry that we have been getting food at and now with winter hitting I sure do not have any idea where we are getting it next month from..I so remember the day our church told me to go so many years ago and I just about died that day but I knew I had three little girls at home that needed food and I had no way of providing that ..it seems so long ago..I thought it would only last a year or so and now it has probably been 9 years of going to food pantry's and being humbled ....we got our Thanksgiving meal but Kerry is so hungry for a turkey he wants to make it this weekend...so I guess we have turkey this weekend! He is so excited at putting some of the food away..I haven't told him yet that this is the last month..how do you tell a husband that hasn't worked in 10 years and is disabled that you do not know how we are going to make it..instead I just try to keep it inside but it seems like the stress of 10 years is just doing me in anymore...not sleeping, not wanting to really eat and just plain exhausted! Then so many things that I just wish I could fix and not one that I can...at the place that God has me and I remember so many years ago when I cried out on an October day wondering how we could do Christmas in so many days as the sign had read down at the end of the block...and that day we had also run out of money and toilet paper! Ironically I got two calls and one from Karen Hamilton asking if the school could help us with Christmas from the Needy family fund ...and the other from Hazel Eaton asking if their church could put our names on a tree ...I cried as I told them don't worry about Kerry or I just get the girls something ...well they wouldn't take that for an answer and we were blessed but the neatest thing happened that day and Hazel had no idea that we were out of toilet paper...she just listened to the nudge from God and she went downstairs of her home as I had asked for a crockpot and she had one for me to use until Christmas and brought it over and left it at my doorstep along with 12 rolls of toilet paper...my daughters that day came home and they were all shocked at finding 12 rolls as they knew we had none...I told them that Hazel had no idea about our situation and I had not told her..from that day on we were given toilet paper for four and a half years..always left at our door step not with a note or anything just left by strangers....I guess today I need to be reminded of all those years he took care of the simplest things and reminded me so many times how he cares about even the toilet paper! Tears and all hugs, cheryl

No arms, no legs, no worries...!!! Youtube

Spoon Jewelry with an Angel!

Here is another spoon Jewelry piece we designed for the new season...it is a flattened spoon with an angel, piece of broken china, a pearl, lace and the worlds, "Believe!"

Joann Fabric Coupons and Hobby Lobby Coupons 40 off

Here are two coupons this week..

http://www.hobbylobby.com/weekly/weekly.cfm?page=2

Good until November 8 for 40 off...

this is good until November 15...remember to print out extras and pass them out and make some new friends at the store..hugs, cheryl

http://www.joann-mail.com/J091102SU2/coupons_only.html?r=3151_2081336&i=J091102SU2004&bc1=520832028917441000403

How to make a Christmas Tree out of Recycled Picture Frame and Old Jewelry!

I went to Good Will and found a picture frame and a bag of jewelry...this started the neatest Christmas tree that I donated to Christian Womens Club for the Second year in the row for their Fall Auction ...the proceeds go to Missions! We are in the process of making a youtube video on how to make one! hugs, cheryl

Found on Flickr!

Kerry and his interthecal pump! Needs to be changed!

Kerry my husband has one more obstacle to fight through...his pump started beeping..it is an interthecal pump that delivers pain medication into his spine where he had the infection 10 years ago to help with all the chronic pain from all the nerve endings being cut and debrided in that area...the pump was just put in 23 months ago and should have lasted several more years..than last night I was googling medtronics pumps and found this FDA recall and very upsetting to see this...I called and the only pump available to put back into Kerry is the same one as he has the latest style but you wonder what is wrong! They can wait fortunately till Dec 8 for Kerry to go through this as he is just getting over his fusion and they do not want to put him under right away...so one more obstacle for him to face! hugs, cheryl Keep Kerry in your prayers!



http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/3910

Pain! I have learned so much in the last two months...I can't even imagine what my husband lives with..

It has sure been a rough two months and to go through so many tests and doctors and driving back and forth to hospitals...they finally came up with a few things that I have ...one is fibromyalgia, frozen shoulders, Osteoarthritis, chronic insomnia from all the pain of not being able to sleep on my side, stomach or roll over without waking up crying... then last week I went through another EMG that I said I would never do and had one more but still waiting as they still are not sure what is causing my leg tremors from February those started..so now I have added more doctors to my list that I never would have imagined I would have at the age of 47 from Rheumatologists, Neurologists, to Neurosurgeons and then the one to help me the most has been my Acupuncture Doctor Jing Li! Amazing how natural seems to make the most sense after all of this..Dr. Li has been amazing and she has helped me for 2 years now deal with from plantar fasciitis to when I had the bad disk in my low back pain to headaches, stress, shoulder pain, neck pain and other problems along the way...I can only thank her for what she has done to help me keep fighting this and keep trying to go on...then Jim Stein who has given me so many massages and always been there for me with a listening ear! He was the one that told me about Dr. Li and I thought how could needles really help! It is amazing as each time I would go Dr. Li would then tell me to go to the beach and asleep I would go and she would have to wake me up to take the needles out...it is amazing the feeling you get after acupuncture..so many people are afraid of needles or trying acupuncture but after the last few years and all I have endured with the medical field it is truly the best way to go...then this past week with my neck so bad she referred me to a doctor up north and I went on Saturday with tears in my eyes by the time I arrived at Dr. Deng's...I laid down on his bed and tears were rolling down my face as the pain was honestly getting too much as I have not been able to hardly lift my arms for two months now...he told me to turn around and trust him as he turned and pulled on my neck and arms and adjusted my neck and disks in my cervical..it was immediate relief as so much pressure had been taken off and then he did the acupuncture to my cervical, shoulders, and neck...I left being able to turn my head, move my arms and was not in tears anymore! It was honestly amazing and I can say acupuncture is honestly amazing..I have to thank Dr. Deng and Dr. Jing Li who has helped me and given me the relief from the pain I have had for these past years...please give it a try and read all the benefits of acupuncture you will be amazed...hugs and prayers, cheryl

Here is Dr. Jing Li's phone number if you live near Naperville, IL
630-854-7084
check out this site with information...
http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/acupuncture?utm_medium=ask&utm_source=smart&utm_campaign=article&utm_term=Acupuncture&ask_return=Acupuncture

Perjury...something that has always bothered me since we lost our trial..then yesterday when I heard this! It is not over yet!

I have always prayed that there still might be justice for my husband...so hard to watch what happened to our court case ...then to see what happened to these men in Chicago..my heart goes out to there families..cheryl

Burge indicted years after torture allegations on perjury charges

by Daniel Lambert
Oct 21, 2008

Related Links

The Indictment

A former high-ranking Chicago police officer, long accused of torturing suspects while they were in custody, has been indicted by federal authorities.

Former Commander Jon Burge, 60, was taken into custody without incident at his Florida home Tuesday morning on charges of obstruction of justice and perjury stemming from responses given in a 2003 written interrogation, U.S. Atty. Patrick J. Fitzgerald said Tuesday in announcing the indictment in Chicago.

“According to these charges Jon Burge shamed his uniform and shamed his badge,” Fitzgerald said.

The charges come less than a month before the statute of limitations on the alleged perjury runs out. Fitzgerald added that Burge may not be alone in being charged.

“We have a reason to believe that other people may have lied about that torture and abuse. We intend to pursue that part of the investigation moving forward,” Fitzgerald said.

The 2003 investigation in question is the result of a civil lawsuit filed with the U.S. District Court in Chicago, Hobley v. Burge, et al.

The lawsuit alleged that in January 1987, Madison Hobley was coerced into a confession at Area Two headquarters. Burge’s written responses were given during discovery for that case.

The City Council voted in January to settle that suit, paying four men who alleged they were torture victims a combined $19.8 million.

The actual indictment issued Tuesday does not specify the specific incidents of torture that Burge was aware of or participated in – he has been accused of abusing more than 200 men, mostly African-American, between 1972 and 1991. However, Fitzgerald did say that those specifics would be dealt with when the case went to trial.

The specific statements prosecutors contend Burge falsely gave are that he denied both participating in torture techniques and possessing knowledge of torture.

Fitzgerald said the prosecution will dispute this statement by proving torture not only occurred, but Burge either participated in it or was aware of its continued practice.

“As of last Thursday when we brought the indictment, we felt comfortable we could prove torture and abuse and that his statement was a lie,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald was asked if a code of silence among officers aware of the alleged torture prevented indictments in the past. He responded that that code would not prevent indictments in the future.

“If their lifeline is to hang on to a perceived code of silence, they may be hanging on air,” Fitzgerald said. “Anyone who thinks they can lie in a grand jury or rely on a code of silence is taking a great risk.”

While the statute of limitations for prosecuting possible acts of torture has long since passed, prosecutors said Burge could still be held to account for his actions.

“People who commit multiple crimes, if you can’t prosecute them for one, there is nothing wrong with prosecuting them for another, Fitzgerald said. “Al Capone went down for taxes; that’s better than him going down for nothing.”

Burge served as a Chicago police officer from 1970 until his firing in 1993. It was in 1991 that a series of lawsuits alleging Burge and his subordinates participated in the torture of suspects began to surface.

Burge appeared before a federal judge in Tampa on Tuesday afternoon. He was released on $250,00 bond and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Chicago on Monday.

If convicted, Burge faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of obstruction of justice and five years in prison for perjury, and a $250,000 fine on each count. Officials said a judge has latitude in sentencing, noting that federal sentencing guidelines are advisory.

Sayings to post!

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams." ~Henry David Thoreau

"Do your work with your whole heart, and you will succeed ~ there's so little competition." ~Elbert Hubbard

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul ~ sings the tunes without the words ~ and never stops at all." ~Emily Dickinson"

. . . love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy." ~Louisa May Alcott

"Love on through all ills, and love on till they die." ~Thomas Moore

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~Plato

"If you judge people, you have no time to LOVE them." ~Mother Teresa

"There is no remedy for love but to love more." ~Thoreau

"Love is all we have, the only way that each can help the other." ~Euripides

"There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love." ~Unknown

~ Adversity Refines Character ~

"Little said is soonest mended."

"Forgiveness is the needle that knows how to mend." ~Jewel

"Putting all our soul into our work makes it not only alive with passion and emotion, but also it exists as one of the truest and most honest expressions of self . . making life itself a beautiful art. Beauty is one of the most important (yet difficult) things to create and express." ~Jewel

"A woman's most beautiful make~up is her passion". ~Yves Saint Laurent

A Christian..... Worth passing on! Will make you think!

A Christian

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.'

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change.'

The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'

'Yes' he replied.

'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.'

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian.'

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
I'm glad a friend forwarded this to me as a reminder. So, I choose to forward it to you - my friend. God bless you; I hope you are having a wonderful day!

If you don't pass this on to anybody, nothing bad will happen; but, if you do, you will have ministered to someone.

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not PROTECT you...

Stay FAITHFUL and Be GRATEFUL

Mallory Got her License for Hair Stylist Yesterday..She passed her Boards!

My middle daughter has been doing hair since she was a Junior as she was able to take a program through the school district WILCO and yesterday she took her boards for the second time and finally passed!!!! We are so excited as she is going on the floor soon at Mario's...she is in the coloring part of Mario's and love's it there...This was a huge accomplishment for all we have gone through...the ironic thing was this was the 10 year anniversary of the day her dad fell 10 years ago and she was just 9 years old and I remember Mallory riding her bike where he was working that day and they were going to Awana's as he was a Spark leader and everyone loved Kerry there...so many memories to that day but now we have new Memories and a new start for Mallory! Thanks to all who have prayed for her all these years and the teachers that shared in getting her through school and all the support my girls have had in Plainfield, IL to make it to where they are now in there adult lives..hugs and prayers, Cheryl

My husband had his surgery and I am having a brain MRI today...

Kerry came through surgery and is in a lot of pain but they were able to take out two disks in his neck and fuse his spine...so hard to watch him suffer anymore...it has been 10 years next week when he became disabled...

Then I had the neurologist and they ordered an MRI to rule out MS or any other balance or neurological disorder...now she wants me to go to a Rheumotologist to see if I have Fibromyalgia...never would I dream I would live in chronic pain...after watching my husband for all these years! Please keep us in your prayers...hugs and prayers, cheryl

My dad is doing so much better ...my mom and him came over at the age of 85 and 84 and mowed our lawn this week...unbelievable that he has come through his stroke, seizure and now is fighting prostate cancer but still always there for me...

Challenge # 2 Ruebee "Count Your Blessings!"

I took a Wallpaper Book and used the outside cover to use as my base and covered it with wallpaper and then altered it with different papers, lace, buttons, trim, and a bow to make my Altered Art...