Happy Birthday Debbie

Happy Birthday Deb. We hope you have a wonderful day. you deserve it!! You work so hard so you need to be pampered today......a massage sounds good!

We are so thankful you are in our family....we love you!!

( I still don't feel sorry for you, you knew what you were getting into! )

Happy Birthday Greg.....Late

Well, it seems I made a big whoops! As I saw on Greg's facebook last night I hadn't wished him a happy birthday on here. So sorry.......He said he figured out which one of the kids we don't like. There is a standing joke in our family that we like two out of three of our kids kids but we will never tell. Well, Greg, we love you very much!!! You will just have to keep wondering. It is just your Mother's old age catching up with her....... and that led to to realize I never wished Ginger and Brad happy birthday either! So you weren't the only one forgotten. You got your money....that is what you want anyway!

I am going to use your blog and wish Ginger and Brad a belated Happy Birthday, too. Sorry!!

Happy Thanksgiving...thankful for the thorns

As thanksgiving is here and we are waiting to go to Rick and Ginger's and be with family for our feast, I wanted to share my thoughts. Of course I am so thankful for Gary---we have put in 38 plus years together and it is great growing old with your best friend. We have an amazing family that I am so thankful for. My parents are still with us, which I feel so blessed , 3 of the best kids that you could ever want---and their spouses we could not have done better if we had hand picked them ourselves! We love them so much. The grand kids....what can I say about 10 of the most brilliant grand kids around. They are just growing up way too quickly for us! With that there is change...such a busyness to their lives. I am thankful for God's provision in our lives. The car business has still been a pretty been a tough business to be in, but God is always faithful. Our church and church family is a real blessing in our lives. God is doing a real work in Columbia, and I think there is going to be big things this year! We had a lady saved this Sunday...praise the Lord. Columbia is a real mission field.





It is so easy to be thankful for the blessing God pours out, but what about when it is tough? We all have those hard times. Those thorns of life. I started a tradition several years ago in our family when we go around the table to give a thankful praise, we have to be thankful for a thorn. That one is not so easy.The Bible tells us to give thanks is EVERY thing.We usually forget about this one. We don't want to give thanks for the hurts, the pain, or whatever else that thorn is in your life. But we must...and it feels so much better to give it to the Lord and thank Him for it. It is through these thorns of life that He is working a good work in us. We are being purified and shall come forth as gold!! Sometimes I think I will be a solid huge 24K nugget!!





Our daughter claimed Jeremiah 29:11 as her life verse as a very young teenager going through a devastating trial in her life. I love that verse, and if we all claim it it can help get us through the roughest of thorns of life.





"For I know the plan I have for you" says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."





As you celebrate this Thanksgiving, remember to be thankful for the thorns. We all have them, some a lot more than others, but every one has them. Mine has been my asthma. It has been another rough year with it, put we will continue on, thanking God for the breath I have and for sparing my life once again.

Whining

It seems I am just whining about my asthma and what I can't do lately. I haven't been to church in 3 weeks, and haven't been pretty much anywhere except to the grocery store and the doctors. At the store I make sure I use the wipes and clean the cart handles off so I don't get germs.... I hate that it controls my life. I said that to one of my friends and she kinda but it into prospective for me. She said better it control your life right now than take your life. You know how close of a call you came in the spring to losing your life!! Just remember that, and take the precaution's!! I have to be so careful right now with the flu going around, and everyone you talk to someone in their family has it. So, I will try to be have patience and be thankful. I think I am in for a LONG winter though!! Please pray for me, and Gary!!!

Happy Birthday Brooke!!

Today Brooke turns 12 years old!! These kids are getting so old!! She is a beautiful young lady, just lives too far away. They did move to Georgetown, Indiana...just across the river from Louisville, KY...a lot closer than Colorado, but still not Pa.

Want to wish you a great birthday Brooke!! Wish we could be there with you, but looking forward to seeing you at Thanksgiving.....love you lots!!!

Senior pics, college interview

Well, I can't believe we have a senior!! Seth has started his senior year at Donegal High School in Mt Joy. The time has just flown by. I thank the Lord for the young man he has grown into. He has been a real blessing to us. He has also started the college process and wants to attend MIT in Boston. He has his essay's turned in and tomorrow his personal interview. He should hear by the end of January if he is accepted or not. It is one of the hardest schools in the country, if not the hardest to get into. He is going into computer science, and would like to work for google someday!! Big plans and big dreams and goals..........

We wish him all the best...nail it tomorrow!!!!!

Dino Concert

On Saturday night we went to dinner and a Dino concert. It was an awesome concert!!! I wasn't feeling the best because of my asthma and debated on going, but decided I may as well sit there and feel lousy as well as home. Am I ever glad I did. He has a fabulous testimony, and is quite humorous .It was an entertaining evening, but an evening that brought glory to the Lord. He certainly has the joy of the Lord in him, and shows it!! It was just a fun evening. If you ever get a chance to go see him, GO!

Gary thought he would be bored stiff--was going for me. He loved it!! So you know he had to be pretty good!!

Williamsburg

We went to Williamsburg in September for a week. It was so good to get away. I think we both needed it, Gary more than me. He is so busy with work and then church stuff. I gave a lot of my ministries up this year. I only am on our women's ministry team. It was just so hard with my asthma not knowing when it was going to be flared up. Anyway, I'll get off that rabbit trail, and back to our trip. It was just good to get away. We were there until Tuesday night by ourselves and then Greg, Deb and the boys got there. Deb's Dad and step Mom came on Wednesday for the rest of the week, and Gary left on Thursday. Him and Greg couldn't both be away from the store at the same time for too long. I stayed and came back with Greg and Deb on Saturday. I stayed back at the apartment and let them go do their thing. I got 3 books read and the 4th started so you know I did a lot of relaxing! The perfect vacation. Sleep in, do what you want when you want, no schedules, ........ you get the picture. Not the fast pace life we seem to have at home. It was good to spend some time with the kids. We really don't get to see them that much at home!! The boys are so funny. They loved the hot tub-- I should have put a picture of them in that on here! I don't know how to add it at the end or I would. It is a very nice resort we go to. We just love going down there. Blake loves history but he said the day they came back from going into Williamsburg that it was too much history for one day!!

Nothing like making memories..........

At it again

It has been forever since I have been blogging. Is that a real word?? Anyway. I need to get back at it, if my brother John can do it, so can I!! It has been a pretty un-eventful summer around here. I have pretty much stayed in trying to keep my asthma under control. We went to Ohio to see Betty before her surgery, and that was our trips. The summer just seemed to fly by. Then time for school. I can't believe we have a grandchild graduating this year!! Seth is a senior at Donegal and hoping to get into MIT next year. We have 3 in high school, 4 in middle school, 2 in elementary, and 1 in pre school! Gary is getting old!! We are so proud of all of them........



Gary has turned over a new leaf and trying to get healthy. He drinks Bragg's apple cider vinegar a couple of times a day--( not me...just couldn't do it...I found pills to take ) and is really changing his eating habits. He is working very hard at it, and has totally changed his thinking, which is the key. He just needs to get some more exercise in. We do have some equipment and moved it in the family room and the pool table in the back room---which I am not real happy about, but if we will use it more I will compromise the "looks" of my room.



I am battling my asthma right now. The time of year is part of the problem, but I just got a cold and it went straight to my chest and starts the asthma. I am on mega doses of steroids trying to stay out of the hospital, we will see!! Hopefully it will work. This gets so old at times, but I guess it is something I am going to have to get used to.

Not much else for now, see I told you we didn't do much this summer.

Happy 16th Birthday Riley

Today is Riley's 16th birthday. He will be a junior at Donegal high school, and getting his temps soon. Can't believe these kids. Amy will have two driving! He loves kids, does track in school, and helps Amy alot around the house. He's a great kid---we love you Riley!!

Ohio Trip

We went to Cincy ( New Richmond and Walton, KY ) this past weekend. Greg picked me up about 3:30 on Thursday afternoon and took me to meet Gary at work. By the time he filled Greg in on the days happenings and we got off--filled the gas tank, etc. it was about 5:00. We stopped at Washington, Pa and ate and stayed at St. Clairsville. We had made reservations after what had happened to Rick the weekend before. We got there around 10:30. Had a good nights sleep, breakfast and started out at 10:00 Friday AM. We pulled in Betty's at 1:30. She looked pretty good, I didn't know what to expect. We had heard she had lost alot of weight and just didn't look good. We visited with her and Buck and then Brian and Jen came down and we all went to Florence Ky to eat. That way we were close to Brad and Brenda's.
We got to Brad and Brenda's around 8:30 and were anxious to see their new place. It is very nice-a great floor plan! We love it. Two people have already stayed in our room--the nerve--one being Rick and ginger last weekend! Before we even got to stay there! Just sat around and talked until late!
Saturday morning Gary dropped me off to meet Jen and we went to breakfast and shopping--Steinmart of course--and Kroger's to get my Cincinnati chili, Larosa's spaghetti sauce, and of course Barq's red cream soda! Then we headed on down to Betty and Buck's. Gary had meet them and Brian, Bucky and Andrea and they went to breakfast in New Richmond. John came down later. We all visited for a while and then around 3:00 we headed back to Ky. John and Shannon and Mark and Jennifer were coming for a cookout to Brad and Brenda's. We had a great meal, conversation, and played Catch Phrase. Another late night before we headed to bed.
Sunday we went to church with Brad and Brenda. Then went out to eat with them and had to come back from the restaurant to fix a flat tire Brad had on his van. Then headed back to New Richmond . One of my best friend from high school, Cindy Wrigglesworth Breller came down and we got to visit and catch up for a few hours. It was great to see her again after 20 plus years!! We connected again because of facebook. Then it was off to meet my cousin Kathy, her husband Joey and my aunt Ada for dinner. We met them over at Eastgate at City Barbecue, and sat there for a couple of hours, until Joe had to leave so he could go to bed. He gets up at 3:30 Am!! Back to Brad and Brenda's for another late night.
We left at 8:00 Monday morning stopped and ate and a few bathroom breaks and got home at 5:30. It was a great visit with family and friends. Always is. It was good to see Betty before she had surgery, not knowing what the outcome will be. We know she is in the Lord's hands, and He is in control. Please keep her in your prayers.

Happy Birthday Abes!!

Happy Birthday Abbey!! Hope you had a fun time at Hershey Park! Hope you have a great year, especially starting high school!! You are turning into a beautiful young lady---but the inside is the most important!! Keep that beauty! We love you!!

Happy Birthday Ginger!

Happy Birthday Ginger!! Hope you have a great day!! We are so thankful you are part of our family! You were always like family--now you are! Love you!

Family Pics

We had family pictures done while Garrett and Brooke were in for the summer. I thought they turned out pretty good considering that many to try to get looking at the camera and smiling all at he same time! We took them in Brad and Amy's back yard, and was a perfect night. We had been having so much rain, and storms. I am so thankful it was a nice evening!!
It was Mom and Dad's 61st wedding anniversary and Greg and Deb's 11th the next day, so we celebrated with cake when we were finished at Amy's. It was a nice evening!! Thanks all for doing this for me--I know it is not some of your favorite things to do!!

Swim party for Mason and Riley

Brad and Amy had a swim party for Mason and Riley 's birthday while Brooke and Garrett are in. Mason's birthday was July 21 and he was 12, and Riley's birthday is August 26 and he will be 16. The cousins have a great time together even if there is a big distance in age from the oldest to the youngest. It was a hot day, but the water was too cool for me! The kids never care, and had a blast. As you can see, some of the big kids got in , too. Greg had not planned it-- he got thrown in! ( and Joe) As well as Seth--it took 6 of them to get him in--he is an ox!
A good time by all--always when family gets together!

Jack and Donita and family

My cousins from California were in just overnight while they were vacationing in the east. We had such a great time catching up with them . Talking about old times and what's been going on in our lives of late. The whole family got together at Rick and Ginger's and it was so good to visit with Jack and Donita and the kids. The last time I saw them Jenny was just a baby. Praising the Lord for Jack. He was hit by a car last December (2007) while running, getting ready for a marathon in Hawaii, and at first they didn't think he would survive. The Lord had other plans!!It was good to see he is doing so well, and back to running again! Great family times!

Happy belated Birthday Mason

Mason turned 12 on July 21st!! These kids are just growing up way tooo fast! This is a picture from last year when 8 of them went to Ohio on vacation with us. It was taken at the Cincinnati Musuems at the old train terminal.

Mason will be in the 7th grade this year! Brad and Amy's baby---we used to "fly" him when he had colic, couldn't do that anymore!!We pray the Lord has big plan for him some day---

Love you Mason!!

Finally Finished

Seth and Riley came today and finally got our front finished. They did a great job and worked so hard on it. Gary and I would have never gotten it finished!. Gary would have had a heart attack digging the holes! They had it done like it was nothing! They are oxes!

We are so thankful for such willing workers. They are so willing to pitch in and do anything for us. Such great kids. Caleb came last week and helped, too. I don't want to slight him. He just wasn't here today so he is not in the pictures!

Hopefully in the fall we can do a little more. We have to see how the car business is?!?!?! I am pretty pleased with how it turned out. I just hope the tree lives. It was moved fro our deck, and I planned the rest of the landscaping around it!

Beans, beans, and more beans!!!!

We had our father's day get together here, and Gary said he would handle the food end. I should have known not to trust him!! I thought he was being nice because I just didn't feel very good last week---like I said---I should have known better!! He told everyone to bring baked beans!!!
We had baked beans coming out the wasszoo! Of course he thought it was soooo funny!! If that's what he wanted for his father's day meal!?!?!?!?!?! Who am I to question---I just had to pay for it when we went to bed if you get my drift, and I am sure all the other girls in the family did too! Sorry girls--you can be mad at your dad and dad-in-law!! We had fun anyway---he played poker and 21 with the grandkids all evening---leading them astray!

Landscaping

We are finally getting some landscaping done in the front of the house. Seth, Riley and Caleb have been over for a couple of days helping us work on things. Last week they took a tree that was planted on our deck and planted it in the front yard. Not an easy task I might add. It was a small tree when we moved here, but took up a third of our deck this year. I can't believe how much it has grown. It is a miniature Japanese Maple, but has really grown in a year and a half. The front of our yard had one bush, and I want to take it out. That is the only thing our yard had in it. I guess in a way it is good, we don't have to take a bunch of stuff out we don't like. It is certainly a blank slate to start with!! It has driven me nuts! Those of you that know me , know all the flowers and gardens I had at the farm. Gary said we could start this year---yea!! I don't know what we would do without the boys. They work sooooo hard!! Took all the top layer of grass off first---had to dig all the holes----some pretty big ones!!! Plant every thing----and mulch. Even mow the grass, weed whack, edge the drive and sidewalks in there. We would never get it done without them! I'll put pictures up soon. I should have taken some before, but you can imagine a very plain house with nothing I am sure!

Happy belated Birthday to Chad

Chad had a birthday June 1. I haven't been on to blog in so long that i didn't wish him a happy birthday on here! So sorry Chad!! WE had his party last Friday night, so that was late, too. With everyone's busy schedules that is what worked. He is such an easy going kid, he didn't care! We had taco, and walking taco's--the first I'd had them. ---and course with Rick and Ginger everything else you can imagine that goes with Mexican--even the fried ice cream!! We always have such fun when the whole gang is together, and they put on such a spread.

We are so thankful for Chad and his sweet spirit. He is so tender to things of the Lord, I pray that never changes! Chad, we love you and are so thankful you came into our family!! Hope you have a great year!!!!

Love, Nana and Pap-pa

Been forever

Well it has been a long while since I have blogged. Just haven't taken the time , not quite sure why. I will try to fill you in on a few things.



Had a girls weekend away to the shore!!



A couple of weekends ago my girlfriend Deb Dilworth and Karen Hess and I went to Ocean City NJ. We had such a great time of laughing, relaxing, shopping, eating, reading, and of course great beach time! It is always such fun to get away with good friends and especially to the shore!. It is my favorite place to go!

Doctor's reports

I have had some good doctors reports. They are putting the Pittsburgh doctor on hold right now. My last lung function test was was the best one I have had since 2007. They think this new asthma medicine they put me on might be doing something. Want to give it a few more months and see before they make a decision for sure so keep praying it works!! I still have some bad days in there, but some really good ones , too. Just so happened the day I went to the doctor last was a good one!!

Grand kids

The kids are all out of school now and we have 4 in high school now!! I can't believe it!! Seth will be a senior, Riley a junior, and Abbey and Caleb a freshman. Gary is getting old!!Let the graduations begin! We thank the Lord everyday for the great bunch of grand kids we have. they all love the Lord and did so well in school. Abbey won an award that only two students got in her whole school, one boy and one girl. A leadership type award for top all around student. We are so proud of her. Garrett and Brooke won awards, too in their school. Caleb got student of the month this year, they were all on the honor roll, as well as some the A"s honor roll, and I could go on and on. As you can tell I am very proud of them all!!!

yard work

We started some landscaping finally in front. They boys came over and started digging out for us. We'll see what happens here. Keep you posted. We had nothing!! Went from so many flowers that I couldn't keep up at the farm to nothing at all here!! It has driven me nuts. Trying to figure out what to put in now.



Well, going to go for now, I will try to do better--- not such a drought. have a great week!!

Seth's induction to the NHS

Last night Seth was inducted into the National Honor Society of Donegal High School. This years seniors will be passing the baton to the seniors of next year. We are so proud of him. When I was in school, being in it was based pretty much on your GPA. This is so different now days. It is based on Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service. It is a select few that are asked to join. It was quite an honor, and with it comes a responsibility. One I know he will handle very well!

Bragging as a grandmother has every right to do, he looked mighty handsome in his suit I might add as well. I think he was the best looking guy there!!

Cape May

Gary and I went to Cape May for the weekend to celebrate our 38th anniversary. We love going there. It is the neatest old shore town. A lot of big bed and breakfast places and quaint places to eat. A place in the center of town called Washington Square that is shops and restaurants, just a neat place to hang out. Gary even likes it and he is not a shore person, and it is my favorite place to go! The weather wasn't the greatest, rained some and was cool, we couldn't go sit on the beach, but that was okay, at least we got away and was by the ocean! Nothing is more relaxing.

It was the first weekend Gary has had off since December except the Saturday I ended up in the hospital., and that wasn't our plans!

It was just good to get away and celebrate our 38 years together. Time does fly. It doesn't seem that long, until I look at our kids and grand kids. then reality sets in! Anyway, it has been a wonderful ride---I wouldn't change a thing! I love you babe!

Tweedle Dum

Last Friday night we went to see Chad play Tweedle Dum in Alice in Wonderland in his school play. It was awesome!! We laughed and laughed. The kids did a fabulous job. It was the Lititiz

(Warwick) 5th & 6th grade classes. It is neat to see him interested in the arts, not just sports.

We went back to Rick and Ginger's for dessert after to visit with family. My Uncle Don was in from California and it was great getting to spend some time with him.

Gavin's pre school program

Gavin had his end of the year program last Tuesday night. It was so cute and the kids did great. They sang songs that they had learned thru out the year for each month. It is hard to believe

that he 4 years old and in pre school. They just grow up way too fast! He is our baby!

Happy 38th Anniversary Gary

I can't believe it was 38 years ago as kids we said I do! Where have the years gone? I was 17 and Gary was 19 and people said we would never make it. Not to say we didn't have some bumps in the road along the way, but who doesn't? I wouldn't change a thing, it has made us who we are. With God's grace, we are a pretty strong team!

Babe, I would do it all over again--I Love you!!

Happy Birthday Amy

Happy Birthday to you Amy!! I can't believe the beautiful woman you have grown into---inside and out!! I hope you have a great day!!

We Love you!!

Dad and Mom

Happy 4th Birthday Gavin

I almost didn't make it to wish Gavin a Happy Birthday to day on here. We had a packed day and just thankful I felt good enough to get everything in. We went to the park by LBC to have Gavin's party. It was a beautiful "summer" like day out. He was so funny, if you asked him if he felt like he was four now, he would feel his arms and say yea, he does! So cute!!

He is such a cutie, and says the funniest and cutest things. He just looks at you with those big brown eyes and makes your heart melt. You can't say no to him, not that as a Nana I say no much to any of the grand kids!!

Glad you had a good day Gavin---we love you very much!! Pap-pa nad Nana

Up Dates

I was at the lung dr's yesterday and he is still not happy with what my lungs sound like. Still some wheezing.I have to stay on the steroids-yuk! I hate them. I was hoping to get off this new medicine they started me on in the hospital. The side effects can be bad, and one is it makes my risks of seizures higher. I had one when I was in the recovery room, and haven't felt great since I have been home, kinda laid low. He feels like it has done some good, and wants to wait and see what the neurologists says about it. I see him later in May. They are looking into seeing if I'm a candidate for a shot called Xolair. I would get it every 2 to 4 weeks. He is also going to get things started for me to see Dr Sally Wenzel, an asthma specialists in Pittsburgh. She is supposed to be cutting edge for treating severe asthma. They don't know what else to do for me. He said I'm his hardest case he's ever had. I told him don't feel too bad, I've never been normal in anything health related. Why should this be different? This isn't the first time I have heard this from a Doctor!!

I haven't put a hymn on for a few days--- the one I want to put on today
Count Your Blessings

1Thessalonians 5:18

"In everything give thanks: for this is the

will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count you many blessing, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Refrain

Count you blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count you blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count you many blessings money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid your conflict whether great or small,

Do not be disheartened, God is over all;

Count you many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Refrain

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God has done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!

Post -Op

I got the medi-port in yesterday. Surgery went well. There were a few complications after in the recovery room. My blood pressure dropped very low, of course it flared my asthma and I had trouble with that for a while. I had to have several breathing treatments. They started getting that under control and then I had a seizure! This new asthma medicine they put me on makes my risks higher to get one, so I guess that was the problem. I was the last one to leave the recovery room for the day, and closed down the post-op department, but at least I got to come home! Several of the nurses were surprised they were letting me, but I felt okay, just very wiped out. The meds they gave me to stop the seizure make you very drowsy, plus the seizure, and the meds to knock me out for surgery, I just wanted to sleep! Needless to say, I slept very well last night. Glad to say I have very little pain. Just a little uncomfortable.

The song I picked for today is:

Why Should He Love Me So?

Love sent my Savior to die my stead
Why should He love me so?
Meekly to Calvary's cross He was led,
Why should He love me so?

Chorus

Why should He love me so?
Why should He love me so?
Why should my Savior to Calvary go?
Why should He love me so?

Oh how he agonized there in my place,
Why should He love me so?
Nothing withholding my sin to efface,
Why should He love me so?

Chorus

Why should he love me so?
Why should he love me so?
Why should my Savior to Calvary go?
Why should He love me so?

Surgery Day

I have my port put in today. Surgery is scheduled for noon. I am just praying it doesn't cause me to have an asthma attack and they have to admit me. I am still very unstable. Monday night we were watching 24 and one second I was fine and the next I couldn't breathe. I didn't have an inhaler downstairs and Gary ran up and got it for me, scared him to death. It was a bad one. If he hadn't been home I don't know if I would have made it upstairs to get it. I had to use it 7 or 8 times just to be able to half breathe, and then came up and did a breathing treatment. At least now I know to leave one downstairs, too.

I haven't posted a song for a couple of days. The one I picked for today is :

Because He Lives

God sent His Son--they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to seal my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Chorus

Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives

How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance;
This child can face uncertain days because Christ lives.

Chorus

And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final was with pain;
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory-and I'll know He lives.

Chorus

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

Happy Easter---He is Risen!!

I finally got to go to church today, and Bill had a wonderful message from Luke 24 and Acts 9 on Saul's ( later to know as Paul ) conversion because of the Resurrection. It was awesome to be with the church family again, and Greg and the boys came and surprised us. Bill did and little object lesson with the kids and Blake and Gavin got to hold the whip and incense burner for that.

The song I picked for today is an Easter Medley. I hope you enjoy it.

Acts 2:24

However, God released him from the horror of death and raised

him back to life again, for death could not keep him in it's grip. NLT

Christ the Lord is risen today, alleluia.

Sons of men and angels say, alleluia.

Raise your joys and triumphs high, alleluia.

Sing ye heavens and earth reply, alleluia.

Love's redeeming work is done, alleluia.

Fought the fight, the battle won, alleluia.

Death in vain, forbids him rise, alleluia.

Christ has opened paradise, alleluia.

Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Saviour.

Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord.

Up from the grave he arose.

With a mighty triumph o'er his foes.

He arose a victor from the dark domain,

And he lives forever with his saints to reign.

He arose, He arose, hallelujah, Christ arose.

Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus my Savior.

He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord.

up from the grave he arose.

With a mighty triumph o'er his foes.

He arose a victor from the dark domain,

And he lives forever with his saints to reign.

He arose, He arose, hallelujah, Christ arose.

Sing with the saints of glory.

Sing the resurrection song.

Death and sorrow earth's dark story,

To the former days belong.

All around the clouds are breaking

Soon the storms of time shall cease.

In god's likeness we awaking,

Know the everlasting peace.

All around the clouds are breaking,

Soon the storms of time shall cease,

In God's likeness we awaking,

Know the everlasting peace.

Soar we now where Christ has led ,alleluia.

Following our exalted head, alleluia.

Ten Thousand Angels

Thinking about Easter tomorrow and our Saviour being born to die for me is amazing to me. The suffering he willingly went through is in comprehensible. To know He could have called ten thousand angels and ended it all, but that wasn't His Father's plan. So He died alone, for you and me.

Matthew 26:53

"Thinkest thou that I cannot pray to my Father,

and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?"

They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed;

They led Him thro' the streets in shame.

They spat upon the Savior so pure and free from sin;

They said, "Crucify Him; He's to blame."

Refrain

He could have called ten thousand angels

To destroy the world and set Him free

He could have called ten thousand angels

But He died alone, for you and me.

Upon His precious head they placed a crown of thorns;

They laughed and said, "Behold the King!"

They struck Him and they cursed Him and mocked His holy name

All alone He suffered everything.

Refrain

When they nailed Him to the cross, His mother stood nearby,

He said, "Woman, behold thy son!"

He cried, "I thirst for water," but they gave Him none to drink

Then the sinful work of man was don.

Refrain

To the howling mob He yielded; He did not for mercy cry.

The cross of shame He took alone.

And when He cried, "It's finished," He gave Himself to die;

Salvation's wondrous plan was done.

Refrain

He could have called ten thousand angels

To destroy the world and set Him free

He could have called ten thousand angels

But He died alone, for you and me.

Praise the Lord for salvation's plan. Do you know him as your Savior? If not, make this the best Easter ever and accept Him today!!

Up Dates

As for me, I am slowly moving forward. I still can't do much. Get very short of breath just walking across the room. I get the mediport put in on Thursday. Surgery is at 11:00. Should be out patient, but there's a possibility I'll be admitted, of course because of the asthma. I pray not, they let you out once you get in there!!

Amy texted Gary and said M.I.T. campus was huge, but a cool campus. I know that is Seth's first choice of where to go. I hope it works out for him to be able to attend there.

Gary's sister Betty had a stent put in her leg yesterday for the blockage. It went well and they got it opened. Now it is on for further tests about the mass in her abdomen.

Hymn of the Day--Great Is Thy Faithfulness

So many to choose from. I have a whole list, so I will be doing this for a while. It has been good to look back through some of these oldies but goodies!! For today I chose :





Great Is Thy Faithfulness





Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;


There is no shadow of turning with Thee.


Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;


As thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.





Refrain:





Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!


Morning by morning new mercies I see;


All I have needed thy hand hath provided


Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.





Summer and winter and spring-time and harvest,


Sun, moon and stars in their courses above


Join with all nature in manifold witness


To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.





Refrain





Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,


Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide,


Strenght for today and bright hope for tomorrow,


Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!





Refrain:





Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!


Morning by morning new mercies I see;


All I have needed thy hand hath provided


Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Day by Day

I said I was getting comfort out of some the old hymns. This is another I love. This one I learned to love during a hard time in our family's lives and it gave me great comfort then. My brother John and sister-in-law Judie lost a little girl due to being born premature. Her name was Heather, she only lived 8 hours. They had two sons Jonathan and Joshua, and later two more Adam and Aaron. Judie wanted a little girl so much. God gave her one, but for such a short little while. Some day in heaven they will be together again, never to be separated!!



Day by Day



Day by day, and with each passing moment,

Strenght I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear.

He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure, Gives unto each day what he deems best,

Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.



Every day the Lord Himself is with me,

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,

He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on himself He laid;

"As thy days, they strenght shall be in measure,"

This the pledge to me He made.



Help me then, in every tribulation,

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,

Offered me within Thy holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E'er to take, as from a father's hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I cross the promised land

College Trip

Well, Gary is getting old!! Brad and Amy are taking Seth

on a college trip this weekend to M.I.T. in Boston. This is such an exciting time in his life. He will be a senior next year, and has life changing decisions to make. He is a smart, level headed guy, and I know listens to wise council ( his parents ).

He has big plans for the future and we are anxious to see where the Lord leads.

We pray for safety on the road, and that the trip won't be too much for Amy. I am just wondering how she is going to manage walking around campus when she can't walk around her own house some days. I just pray the Lord will give her extra strenght and endurance and keep her pain low these several days.

Prayer Request

Gary's sister Betty was taken to the emergency room yesterday with a couple of toes being very painful and turning colors. It turns out she has a blockage in her leg. In doing tests to find that, they also found a large mass in her abdomen. They are wondering if the blockage has anything to do with the mass. She has a lot more testing to go through. Gary talked to her last night and she is in good spirits and has a great attitude.



This is a concern considering Gary's Mom died with lymphoma. He had a brother who had kidney cancer which died in a car accident before the cancer could take him. He also had two brothers that died of lung cancer. Not the best family history.



Please pray the Doctor's will have wisdom, for Betty and Buck, and for Bucky and Brian.

Not much change

Not a lot to report different. Still laying low and waiting for a BIG change. I am feeling stronger, but I can't do much, get too short of breath, wheezy and cough.



Besides scripture, I have found comfort in poems and some of the good old hymns. My grandpa Sewell's favorite was "Till the Storm Passes By---I love it, too.



Mark 4:39

"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea,

Peace be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."



'Till the Storm Passes By



In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,

While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.

'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,

Keep me safe til the storm passes by.



Chorus

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of thy hand,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.



Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,

For there's no end to sorrow, there's no hope by and by"

But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise

Where the storms never darken the skies.



Chorus



When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,

Let me stand in Thy presence on that bright peaceful shore;

In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord may I

Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.



Chorus

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of thy hand,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.



What beautiful words!! I have said I have peace in the midst of the storm. He does

keep us safe till the storm passes by. Can't wait until that day when there are no

more storms!!

He Alreaady Sees

When the storm raged about them,

the disciples were afraid-

For the waves were high and the ship was tossed ,

they could not find their way-

Then they awoke the Master, saying,

"Lord,please save us now,"

He rebuked the wind, and the sea grew calm,

and they wondered how...



Like the men on the sea did,

I have called on God in prayer-

When it seemed to me all hope was gone

and in my deep despair-

I remembered what the Lord said

when He calmed that troubled sea-

and I know once more how He sees the storm

and PEACE floods over me...



....and when the storms of life come crashing in and trouble me-

I can feel God's arms around me,

and he whispers, "Let it be.....

Let it be...."



God sees the storm from the other side-

He knows the lessons learned,

and just beyond the clouds He sees clear skies-

He speaks PEACE through the raging storm when peace could not be found-

He already sees the rainbow,

when we see only clouds.

Blake and Gavin with Charlie Villanueva

Greg, Deb and the boys went to the Sixers and Bucks game on Thursday night to see Charlie. It was Alopecia Areta night and Charlie is the national spokes person for the National Alopecia Areta Foundation. Blake has had alopecia since he was a year old and they have been friends with Charlie since then. Blake has jerseys, poster size pictures of him and Charlie hanging in his room. He is a real fan of his, and for good reason. Charlie is a real person, takes the time for these kids, really loves them. He has alopecia himself, so he knows what it is like, he feels for them., and adults, too. You hear so much bad about sports stars these days. This is one that is a really good guy, and doing good things. We just hear the bad things that they do. The media only likes to spread the bad news. Charlie--keep up the good work!! This is one Nanny that thanks you!!