Good bye, Uncle Tickles...

My Uncle Ernie went to be with Jesus last week. He fought his health issues for many years. He was tired of fighting, and I don't blame him; treatment can be brutal.

Although we did not live close, he and my Aunt Jacque were part of my life from the beginning. My first memory of him was when I was very young & we were visiting their home. He used to tickle me & always make me laugh. Thus the name, Uncle Tickles. 

A very special time with him was when I was in college out in Abilene. He was on a business trip, and took me to dinner! They visited Texas several times, including for my wedding. I am thankful to have had him in my life...

For now, we say, "Good bye." For later, we say, "Can't wait to see you!"

ERNEST MORGAN 
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Ernest Ralph Morgan "Ernie", 76, of Muscatine, passed away at his home on November 22, 2013, surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at later date. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Muscatine. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers is caring for the family and assisting with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the families requests that memorials be made to either Iowa City Hospice or University of Iowa Hospital Transplant Center.

Ernie was born in Muscatine, on June 27, 1937 to Earel Erwin Morgan and Martha Madge Montgomery. After his father Earel passed away, his mother married Don Young.

He attended Muscatine schools and was a graduate of the class of 1955. He was a student manager of the basketball team and a member of the football team. His hard work and dedication was rewarded in his senior year as a co-recipient of the Bill Roach Trophy. He later attended Muscatine Junior College and then transferred to the University of Iowa where he majored in Accounting and graduated in 1959. While at the University, he delivered telegrams by bicycle to assist with his tuition. 

While in the United States Army, he was stationed at Fort Lewis Army Base in Tacoma, WA where through his church he met Jacque Boyd. They were married on May 12, 1962, at 6th Avenue EUB in Tacoma. Ernie was a favorite on the base as he was in the Finance Department where he handed out the pay weekly.

After finishing his service & being honorably discharged, the couple returned to Muscatine, where through the years, Ernie was very active with his church, Calvary Baptist, where his roles included Treasurer, Sunday school teacher & superintendent, church trustee and he served on almost every committee that needed his assistance. He was an active AWANA leader and Boys Commander for many years where beyond the traditional classroom setting, he took his groups on yearly fishing trips.

Ernie used his accounting knowledge throughout his entire career starting at Wm. Mull Distributors but the majority of his career was spent at Bandag in accounting where he retired in 1998, after 25 years of service. During the tax season, he proofed income tax returns at Muscatine Tax Service.

Ernie enjoyed bowling with many lifelong friends, playing & coaching church slow pitch softball as well as coaching MGSA fast pitch softball. Being an outdoorsman, he enjoyed pheasant & rabbit hunting but especially fishing with his grandchildren. 

Ernie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jacque; daughter Tammi (Frank) Coffen of Mount Union, daughter Becky (Bryan) Butler of Muscatine and daughter Cindy (Rob) Gallagher of Nashville, TN. Ernie has eleven grandchildren - Cristi, Ami, Cori and Mandi; children of Tammi. Curtis, Megan, Jessi and Beth; children of Becky & Bryan. Robert, Jack and Maura; children of Cindy & Rob. Just recently he became a great grandfather to Quisetin, son of Ami. He is also survived by two siblings, Judy (Denny) Howard of Wilton, Penny (Jim) Allen of New Boston, IL; a brother-in-law, Bill Chapman of Silver Springs, FL, his Uncle Ralph (Annie) Morgan of Lebanon, MO, along with many nieces, nephews & cousins.

Ernie was preceded in death by his mother, Madge Morgan Young, father Earel Morgan, step father Don Young, brother Butch Morgan and sister Nancy Chapman.

The family wishes to thank so many care providers who helped Ernie throughout the years, especially the VA Hospital in Iowa City, as well as Iowa City Hospice.

Home Going...I'll see you there...

My dear friend's mother went to Heaven today. Mrs. Betty Rogers had a good life with her family, friends, and church family. The last few years were difficult due to a nasty disease that robbed her of her memories, and living in the present. I visited her with my friend a few times at the nursing home. It became obvious that there was a strong connection between those two. Although she did not communicate well, we could see in her eyes that she knew her daughter.

Mrs. Betty was our church secretary for many, many years. She also played the organ, and the piano for our church. One memory I have of her playing piano will be with me forever. It was a few years ago. She was still living at home, but her husband was admitted to the hospital. I went over to check on her and discovered that she was pretty confused. However, we sat at the piano and she played and played--songs from a hymnal that her mother had given her! We played 'name that tune' and I was horrible at it! LOL

Thank you, Mrs. Betty! I am so happy to have known you and your family...

Another One?

Something rather peculiar is happening in our house! My vet always tells me that stray animals find you when you both need each other. All of our pets, except the guinea pig (Stinky), and the parakeet (Nitro) have been strays.

When we were married 19 years ago, my cat (QQ) who was a rescue, was already living with my hubby. She had been with my family for several years before.Then, the greyhound (Trina) was rescued by my hubby before she went to the pound. Stinky came when K was in grade school, and the parakeet (Durango) was a stray he found with his friend one afternoon.

The Rotty/Blue Healer mix (Rosie) found us along the way in 2001, so she grew up with the Greyhound (Trina). Our pets tend to live very long lives, so when we put down QQ, and not much later, Trina, we were very sad. Durango only lived about a year before she died too.

In the summer of 2007, we bought the parakeet (Nitro) and a few months later, our tortoise shell kitty (Pepper) found us! This June, hubby rescued our calico (Callie) and just last night, probably our newest member, the mop! LOL

Absolutely no dogs have lived in this house since hubby built it! It seems really strange to see a little puppy running around now! The puppy is a good playmate for the kitten--they have already chased each other around the house numerous times today. Pepper is 3 yrs old, and acts like the old lady of the house! She will not have this foolishness!

So, we are trying to wait to see if anyone will claim this puppy. Hubby has already started calling her different names, and she has really taken to K. It is hard not to fall in love with such a sweet little dog, who just wants her tummy rubbed, and to follow you around the house! We love her already!

Now, not only have I never had two cats at the same time as I do now, but we have never had a dog in this house either. (I grew up with small house dogs, so it is not totally a foreign concept!)

UPDATE: I took the puppy to the vet on Tuesday, to have her checked out. My biggest concern was heart worm, but she was negative! YAY! The next concern was if she was micro-chipped. As they passed the wands over her, I told her, "Don't beep, don't beep!" Thankfully, NO BEEPS! :) Her main problem is that she has an infection in her ear, and worms. She is on meds, and when she finally is healthy again, I can take her to the groomer! This little girl is quite hairy!

Introducing: Mopsie!

Miss Mopsie, some kind of poodle mix, 1 year old

Mopsie and Callie wrestling

Mopsie took Pepper's house!

These two are going to be good friends!

Tragedy to Triumph

Summer school is over--Praise the Lord! I have never doubted myself more as a student than I did in the first summer session. It was not pretty for a while, but I made it through. Second session was much better since I took one class instead of two, but it was still a challenge. Now I have two weeks off for VACATION, and then it is back to a fast and furious fall!

Our church and our community experienced a devastating tragedy on the weekend of July 23-24-25th. My friend's family was driving back to Florida after spending some time here visiting. They moved there a couple of years ago, but they tried to get back here at least twice a year, if not more.

Tim, the dad worked for L-3 and took a wonderful job opportunity in FL. Diane, the mom and my friend, grew up here, so it was a difficult move for her. Bethany is their 18 year old daughter that just graduated from high school and is headed to college. Hannah is the 16 year old that went to school with Keegan from Kindergarten to 8th grade. This family is the kindest, most loving Christian family I know. They live their faith everyday, and give of themselves selflessly.

While driving through Louisiana, they were in a violent car crash. Tim was killed instantly at the scene. Hannah was taken by helicopter to Shreveport, where she underwent

several hours of surgery that same night. Diane and Bethany were treated and released from the local hospital several hours after the wreck. A kind nurse drove them from their location to Shreveport to be with Hannah. Her injuries were critical, and sadly, she passed away early Sunday morning.

The news rocked our world! First of all, they had just been here (although I did not get to see them at that time), and now two in their family were gone from us! It was a sad and shocking time for so many who had been touched by this loving family. For many, it was a wake up call. Personally, it made me realize how important it is to be with other believers who understand the pain, but also have hope that we will see them again one day in Heaven.

It reminds me that life may be short and we should rid ourselves of hurtful, negative situations that we can not control. I can not handle the drama of other people's poor choices, actions or words because my body literally feels the stress, which will physically drive me into the ground. This does not mean that I do not reach out to others or try to help when I can; it just means that I must weigh what I can handle, and try to let others work in situations that I can not. God did not bring me through cancer three times in my young life to watch me self destruct. I am here for some reason, and I do my best to figure that blessing out every day.

I hurt so much for the daughter who lost her daddy and sister; and for the mother who lost her partner and youngest daughter. It is beyond comprehension how this has affected their family. What I want you to know is that Diane is a strong woman of God. She has glorified God through this entire tragedy. She knows that Tim and Hannah fulfilled their purpose on earth, and that although she would want them to be here, it was not His plan.

She must have drawn strength from the number of people who showed up for the visitation at our church the night before the double funeral. We literally stood in a continuous line for over two hours just to get to them personally and give our condolences. The church was overflowing for the funeral; our sanctuary that seats 500 was packed, and the over flow in the gym that seats 200-300 was standing room only as well. Tim and Hannah touched so many lives, but so have Diane and Bethany. If you will, please pray for them. Bethany faces her new college journey with a heavy heart, and Diane has many decisions to make....alone. They both love the Lord, and will seek to do His will. Yet, they are human, and they will grieve. Holidays, birthdays, anniversary days, and so many more special moments in life are forever changed.

This is a picture of them taken in the Spring. Tim was a proud father, and Miss Hannah always had a smile on her face. We love them and will miss them terribly. We know they are praising God in Heaven, and what could be better than that?

Brothers In Arms, Part 2

Reposting for Memorial Day

Update: My little brother is now in the Army, serving as a Scout; not deployed yet, praying he never will be!

See "Brothers In Arms, Part 1" HERE

Jesse Daniel Tillery

Of the three stars on the back of Martin Tillery's hat, one of them would now be colored gold. This gold star would indicate the death of the Tillery's youngest son, Jesse Daniel Tillery. Jesse, Jim, and Jared were all serving in the U.S. military in Iraq, until one day when a roadside bomb hit the amphibious vehicle Jesse had been driving.

Jesse loved to read. Even as a young child he would read about military history. World War II was one of his favorite topics because it was the war in which his grandfather had fought. His parents thought he would become a sailor someday because he often read books about shipwrecks.

Not long after Jesse started school did his parents realize that he was very interested in history. He was not only interested in the military, he was fascinated by it. When he reached high school, there were certain historical events that he knew more about than his teachers did.

Jesse did not take the time to play sports when he was in school; he focused on his friends and family. Tyler Hamel was a boy that Jesse had been friends with throughout elementary school. Unfortunately, they began to lose touch after sixth grade. Tyler and many other people who knew Jesse, described him as genuine and down to earth. His father said, "Anybody who knew Jesse liked him."

Jesse often helped out on Tyler's dad's farm as he was growing up. Dave Hamel operated a small farm in Vesper. Jesse would help bale hay and plant trees during the summer. The Hamel's knew Jesse very well. Dave once described him as very respectful and very polite.

Tillery graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 2005. Since he was not very athletic, he began getting in shape for boot camp. His mother was very proud to see him at his boot camp graduation. Jesse shipped out for training at Camp Lejeune in August of that year.

Jesse soon became a member of the 2nd Division of the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed driving the vehicles and he was good at it. Unfortunately, this interest of his led to his death on December 2nd of 2006. A roadside bomb struck the vehicle he was driving. He was the 64th Wisconsin service member killed in Iraq. Jesse will be in the hearts of those who knew him, forever.

Written by: Mariah Anne Urban
Marshfield Senior High

Jesse was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

A tribute to Jesse, written by his father and shared at the memorial service:

A Tribute To Jesse
~~~~~~~~~
At nineteen years,
we give you tears.
You went to war,
on far off shore.

You gave your life
to plant a seed,
of peace and hope
for those in need.

God took you home
at His embrace,
to share with you
a heaven's place.

The pain in heart
will get no less.
We'll always love
our son Jess.

By Martin J. Tillery

Please remember all of the men and women serving here in America and around the world, and the families that support and love them. I really hope that my brother will not have to go to Iraq again, or Afghanistan for the first time, or some other place that could be dangerous. However, I know that it is his duty if called to do so, and he is well trained to be in any situation. I can not help but worry, he is my brother, and I love him!

(I commissioned this painting for my mom. It shows all three of my brothers in their basic training/boot camp photos, and one of me.)

Who Signed Me Up For This?!

Baby kitty rescued by Ricky Friday night near the interstate. She is a keeper; a sweet little 5-6 week old calico, 1.2 lbs, gorgeous markings. Slowly trying to integrate her into Pepper's life, LOL. I feel like I did when K was little--she is full of energy. We crashed together earlier today and I finally had to put her in her box so I could take a shower!

God's little miracles are such blessings! She melted Ricky's heart and has captured all of ours--except Pepper.

Yes, who signed me up for this? Hmmmm....pictures as soon as I can get some!

Years Turn In To Years

We visited Ricky's Grandmother (Nanny) at the nursing home yesterday. She looked so pretty--her hair was fixed, her nails were painted, and she even had some make up on her face. It was a good day for her; she remembered us and said things she always used to say. To Keegan, "It doesn't seem like you should be that big!" and "You're a big 'ol boy!"

Of course, she was still 'not all with us' in some ways. She also thought it was her birthday again. She just turned 95 in February, but I am pretty sure if you ask her, she is still 88--the same age she was when J.K. (Pappa) passed away. They had been married for 70, yes, SEVENTY years! Time stopped for her then, and she is still waiting for him to come home...nearly 7 years later.

Ricky and his twin brother, Randy spent a lot of time during their childhood with Nanny & Pappa. It was so obvious as I watched them relating to the residents, that the level of respect toward their elders is a very strong gift instilled in them so long ago.

What a great example they were for Keegan to see. As hard as it was to place Nanny in a nursing home, it was the best decision for everyone. Alzheimer's is a dreadful disease that robs families and individuals of the loved ones they know. Many times, it drags on and years turn in to years. I am thankful that Nanny had a 'good day' when we visited. That is always counted as a blessing!

Another Friend Is Gone...

I have lost three friends in 6 months...all three because of cancer!

My friend Kate passed away last night, after a year long battle with cancer. She endured chemo, surgery & radiation. She seemed to be doing so well, yet the cancer was not gone from her body. The cancer came back with a vengeance. When I visited with her last, she was in a lot of pain and having trouble breathing. Within a week, she was in the hospital, and a few days later, Hospice was called for her comfort. I am so thankful that she is not suffering any longer, but so sad that she is not here with us.

Kate was a wife, mother and grandmother. She had friends, a church, and worked a job she enjoyed. The thing I liked most about her was her laugh. She had this way of suppressing her laugh that was so cute. It was as if she wanted to 'bust out laughing', but was trying to keep it under control. She always made me smile.

As I left her the last time, I gently kissed her head, told her I loved her, and told her to hang on. And hang on she did...longer than the doctors thought. She was a blessing in my life, and I am sure to everyone she met. I will miss Kate, but I know I will see her again. I imagine that she will be in Heaven either suppressing that laugh, or 'busting out' with joy. Either way, I am sure to smile!

2 Corinthians 1:2-4 (New International Version)

The God of All Comfort

²Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

A Sign Of The Times

While traveling around town the last few nights, something seemed very different. What is it? Is there something missing some where? The answer is, Yes.

This is the Christmas season, the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year. It is a time of celebration to honor the birth of Jesus, God's only Son. Parties, parades, and special music fill our calendars. Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and .......that's it! Where are all the twinkling lights and yard decorations? Where are the inflatables that were so popular the last few years? Missing. They are packed away in garages and attics, just waiting to make their annual appearance.

2009 has been a year of change happening in our family and around our town. The sagging economy has burdened many in our community. Job loss and cut backs, plus the drop in the stock market have taken their toll on this small town. It is safe to say that the majority of us have had to cut back in many areas of our lives. Less frills and extras; and more savvy shopping and spending have transformed us. Indulgence in things we once enjoyed have been pared down, or eliminated all together.

What concerns me is that people that do not have the means to lavish gifts on their friends and loved ones this year will become downhearted and forget the true meaning of Christmas. (It occurs to me that the previous statement is true as well, especially when people do have the means to lavish gifts on friends and loved ones.) The spirit of giving goes well beyond monetary gifts and frills--giving from the heart, is the best way to honor God's precious gift of His Son. A selfless act to benefit someone else reflects a loving and generous spirit. According to the dictionary, a gift is: something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present.

What kind of gifts do you give? Are they the latest and greatest gadgets money can buy? Or do you give the gift of time to spend with someone? Something flashy to show off to others, or a special deed to help someone out? What is your favorite or most memorable gift that was not monetary in nature, and blessed you enough to remember now? Could you bestow the same kind of gifts on someone else?

God gave us the ultimate gift; His only Son, Jesus. Jesus was born from a mother chosen by God, just as we were born from our mothers. He gave His only Son so that we can have eternal life with Him in Heaven. What better way to thank Him, than to give the gifts that mean the most--the gifts that come from our hearts.

When I started this post, I asked what was missing. The outward signs of celebration--twinkling lights and yard ornaments--seem to be vacant this year. The question is, are hearts vacant? Do we really understand that no matter what our status in life--whether we have money or do not--God gave us His Son, and we need to celebrate that special gift!

My prayer for you is that even if the outward appearance of celebration is missing this year, that your heart celebrates God's love in a big way. The kind of way that makes sweet memories, void of monetary indulgence.

Re-post

I am re-posting this, because my friend P. will be sending LM to his forever home on Friday. I was able to help her inventory & pack his things, and finish his 'life book' this weekend. It is going to be so hard to let him go....please pray for all of them!

When loving someone breaks your heart...

I have a friend that I love very much. We have been friends since we were teenagers; she was my Maid of Honor. She is one of those people that has ventured out and done things that many of us would not try. She has been a nanny, a teacher in Seattle, a certified EMT, and many more things. In the past year, she has become a foster mom to a little boy in need of love. In January 2008, two days after he was born, she picked him up from the hospital, as his mother returned to serve a prison sentence. My friend had no idea what was before her, but she did it with God’s love.

The challenges of being a single mother are many and varied. My friend is a teacher, so she had to find child care right away. God blessed her with a Christian lady who took the little boy into her home. She had to find special doctors that attend to foster children. She had to get all of the products needed for an infant, including a crib, car seat, diapers, wipes, sleepers, and all of the clothing. God blessed her again with many gifts and donations from others. Sleepless nights, baby bottles, dirty diapers--her entire life was changed by this little angel she brought in to her home and her heart.

As the days, weeks, and months passed by, she loved him unconditionally, spoke to him softly, kissed his little head, laughed, cried, and watched as he began passing the milestones that infants go through. She fed him, bathed him, dressed him, and took him to church. She brought him by from time to time to introduce him to friends and family. We all fell in love with him as well. Some challenging health issues arose, and she lovingly tended to him, trying to keep him as healthy as he could be. His sweet little personality began to shine, and the two of them enjoyed as much time together as possible.

While imprisoned, the birth mother decided she wanted to retain custody when she got out. Communication and visitation began with her extended family until she was released. Through the case worker, my friend was updated on all that the mother would need to do if she really did want custody. It was a long list, to be obtained in sequential steps. We began to pray that the mother would either complete everything and stay clean, or make the bad choices before she was given custody of her son.

The year continued and he cut teeth, began to crawl, walk and run! The health challenges continued, but my friend made sure he had proper medical care, therapy, medicine, and plenty of love. By Christmas, she had celebrated every holiday in the year with him, and began to realize that there might only be a few more in the future. At the end of January, she celebrated his one year birthday with him! She could reflect on all of the ups, downs, and craziness of the year they had shared. She loved him with all of her heart, and sadly, she would soon have to give him up.

The over night visitations every weekend have begun. She can no longer be in denial that it will happen. It is breaking her heart! As a mom and her friend, it is breaking my heart too! God has given her such a special gift to love children that need love in a crisis. That love will attach him to her forever, even if they never see each other again. It is up to the birth mom to tell him about his first year, and I wonder what she will tell him? Will she explain that she made a big mistake and had to go away for awhile, so my friend took him in and cared for him? Will she even talk about my friend? My prayer is that somewhere in her heart, she will realize just how special my friend is, and that she has bestowed a priceless gift on both of them. I also pray that the birth mom will share updates with my friend as he grows, so that big hole in her heart does not hurt quite as much.

Some people might ask if the pain is worth it? My friend and I would say, "Absolutely." We can say that because we know that we are to share the love that God has given us for others. In this case, the journey of love matters more than the eventual ending.

Thought for the day: "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." Mark 9:37

I'm choosing joy!

I titled my last post, "Life changes...", due to the experiences I was having at the time. This week has been full of changes, disappointments and sorrow for me. It is time to acknowledge them, and let them go.

The week brought the news of two deaths, of people I cared about-- Bobbie and Estella. Both died from cancer. Both had battled it before. Both were women. Both were married. Both had a child/children. Both had family and friends that loved them. Both were friends I tried to encourage during their battles. I don't think either one of them were ever on television. I don't know if they could sing or dance. I am confident that they were not monetarily wealthy.

Through the week, three celebrities died as well---Ed McMahan, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. I 'knew' them only from watching television. All three were popular while I was growing up. All three had been wealthy during their careers. All three had family and friends that loved them.

Of these five people, I only know that one of them was a Christian, and had claimed Jesus as their Savior. That means that I will only see one of them in Heaven for sure; the others, I don't know. I started thinking of all the people that died this week throughout our world. How many of them knew Jesus as Lord? Although the true sorrow I feel is for the two ladies I knew personally, shouldn't my sorrow include those others whose eternity is questionable? I believe so.

My prayer is that God opens my heart and my eyes to see those that need His love. I am also praying that He would give me a boldness to speak about Him, without appearing 'pushy'. My story, my testimony, is an awesome example of how the Lord protects, directs, heals, and loves without condition! Let me be the one to share that, and see a new light in someone's eyes.

Next thing to acknowledge and leave behind...I have done a lot of complaining this week about the weather. It is HOT and HUMID in Texas and along with my own hot flashes, I am pretty miserable. I did not choose to be happy and content that I have a house with air conditioning, and my job is indoors. Instead, I complained. I don't have to like it; it just is. I will really try to think before I complain about it. I will think on positive thoughts. I will not let it make me grouchy and antisocial. JOY is joy, no matter what the weather holds!

I mentioned in the previous post that my friend P. took in a 4 year old little girl to foster. Along with L.M., she had her hands full. It became apparent that she can only foster one child at a time right now, and will be letting M. go to another foster home on Monday. I met 4 year old M. last night when they came to town. She is a beautiful little girl, who is very confused and needs full attention from someone. I pray that her new family will learn to communicate with her and adore her, because she has so much potential. Foster parents have a special gift from God; I am thankful that P. has shared her experience with me!

The week ahead will be busy, as K. starts Band Camp to prepare for the 4th of July parade, I will be working at the library, and who knows what else we will find to do! I am going to CHOOSE to be happy and full of joy!!!!

Thought for the day:

1 Peter 1:8 (New American Standard Bible)

⁸and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

Beginnings, but the end...

Just after I posted that, I found out that one of the Seniors shot himself last night and died...he was to graduate with the others tomorrow night. This has been such a tragic school year--a 9th grade girl flipped on a 4 wheeler back in October, her funeral was on our Homecoming day; another high schooler shot himself in the face just last month (he is undergoing reconstructive surgeries), and now this young man, who will not walk the stage with his friends tomorrow night. PLEASE pray for all of our community right now. The families, the friends, and those that care about them!

More than meets the eye...

Do you have any friends that 'sense' something is wrong, without you ever saying a word? Does it surprise you when they tell you this? Do you start wondering what it is that makes that friend feel that way?...

I have a friend that told me this recently, and I have been puzzled ever since. She is a 'new' friend, meaning I have not known her long. We connected right away...we have children in the same activities, and we are both Christians...but I don't see her a lot and we only email once in a while. So, how did she pick up on this?

The truth is there are a lot of things going on right now. My mind has been scattered with this and that. Some things are weighing on me heavily, but I really thought I 'appeared and sounded' like myself. So, her comments have made me think about how I am seen by others.

I used to always say things were 'ok', even if they weren't. I ditched that lie many years ago. I might tell someone that things are rough, not having a good day, whatever...but I really try not to say everything is 'ok', when it is not. Obviously, I do not tell people everything about me; some things are just not meant to be shared. But when someone says that she senses something is wrong, how do you react? How much of your heart do you share?

After mulling over this comment, and looking at all the things that are heavy on my mind, I think I figured it out. (Well, maybe!) I think that God sends certain people into your life at times you don't expect. He cultivates that friendship, and places them there when you need them. Our responsibility is to discern whether or not they are genuine, and how much we can trust them. The outcome is either a 'fair weather friend', or someone who truly cares and is willing to be there when the 'clouds and storms' are heavy.

So, to you my friend, I am just dealing with 'stuff'. Your care and concern has touched me. I ask that when you think of me, just say a prayer for God's guidance. Thank you for stepping up and letting me know that you are there, because there may be a day when I need to talk it all out.

Proverbs 17:17 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁷A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity.

18 on the 18th!

What a whirlwind of events! Floor Show was awesome, and I will post pictures soon.

However, today is Ricky and my 18th wedding anniversary! I wanted to post these pictures now, and will post a few more later when I get them scanned.

God has blessed us in so many ways, and we are thankful for all He has seen us through! We have had some very hard years, and some really good ones as well. So, say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for putting us together to help each other through this life!

Brothers In Arms

There is nothing funny or glamorous about war. The Iraq and Afghanistan wars have taken a terrible toll on countries and families around the world. Rooting out terrorists and freeing a nation in the bondage of corrupt leaders, has become a test of our United States military over the past several years. In an attempt to help, we have been ridiculed and ambushed beyond belief. Your opinion as to whether we should be engaged in such action is your own; please hear me out--this is not a debate about right or wrong. This is a personal plea to support those who proudly serve, and their families often left behind.


My family has a long list of Veterans, including all three of my brothers. J., the oldest, retired from the US Air Force, after over 20 years of service to our nation. M., the next oldest, was in the US Army, stationed as far away as Germany. G., the youngest of the three became a US Marine in 2002. Soon after boot camp and all of his training, he was sent to Iraq just as the war was beginning there. We did not know where he was, or if he was safe. We knew he had a job that did not exactly put him on the front line, but we learned later that everyone was on the front line during those years! On his first trip home after being sent there, we noticed a huge change in his personality. He had seen things that no human should see; been in attacks that killed one of his buddies right next to him, and was in a convoy of vehicles that had to run over Iraqi children thrown into the street by their parents as "human shields." It changed him.


Most of G.'s five years in the Marines were spent in Iraq. After his time served, he left active duty for a new career and a new life. Last year, he was married to a lovely lady that supported and encouraged him through his last deployment. I believe that she brought "our G." back to us, and I thank God for her!





G. took some needed time off, and then began a job search. It was difficult to find employment , even though he had job skills learned from his experience in the military. Time has gone on, and his attempt at a new career proved to be futile. He has now decided to do what he knows best...to be an active duty Marine once again. This time, he will train for a new job because his old job is over flowing with candidates. This time, he may or may not go to Iraq. This time, he may or may not be in a daily fight for his life. This time, he will stay to finish a career in the US Marines.


We hope and pray that we will never have to attend the funeral of my brother because of some act of war. It is a daily reality to the families of military men and women, that at any time, uniformed officers from their loved one's particular branch of service could knock on their door with the devastating news no one wants to hear: "Your soldier has been killed in action." This did however happen in my extended family in early December 2006. They had three sons serving at the same time. Two were in the Army and one was a Marine. The following is a brief newspaper article about the young Marine, and G.'s cousin.

(This will continue in my next post.)

Peace on Earth

Ladies and gentlemen, if these two can live peacefully, so can all of us!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Luke 2:14

Seasons of Life

I was going to post last night when I received some great news! I waited, and now I have bad news too. First the bad: Jakie Mosley, wife of my former pastor Dr. Marvin J. Mosley, passed away this morning. She has been ill for a long time, and the last few weeks have been especially rough. They have a special needs son named Kim, and a daughter named Rae who is my friend as well. They all have touched my heart-- Bro. Mosley was the pastor that baptized me. Please add this family to your prayers. It is never easy to lose someone you love, even when you know you will see them again in Heaven.

Now the good news! My friend P. who is the foster mommy to L.M. (remember them? If not, read "When loving someone breaks your heart.") has been anticipating having to turn him over to his bio mom since the end of January. L.M. has had visitations with her regularly, and she has been working to get him full time. Due to many circumstances, she has come to the realization that he is better off with P. for now, but wants to continue visitations and bonding, to eventually take him later. We are ecstatic! Although it just prolongs that eventual loss, P. will have even more time to enjoy that little boy and help him as he learns and grows into a two year old! Thank you, Lord.

So, I face two opposing emotions; that of sadness for my friends, and that of pure joy for another friend!


What do you see in the picture above? A brown leaf... The shell of a pecan... Dead grass? They are all there, but lets think in terms of seasons and life. To me, this represents the winter of our lives--The end of the year, the time when things seem to die and we throw away our broken pieces, broken dreams, sad things.


This is the picture I intended to take today. I call them our 'pre-bluebonnets', they look similar to our Texas Bluebonnets, but grow several weeks before. It signals that Spring is on its way. So, in terms of seasons and life, to me, it represents the spring of our life. Spring is full of new beginnings, fresh starts, sunny days, warm, happy times.

That was a nice picture. But, did you look closely at it? Did you see what is lurking among the flowers? It is a bit hard to see,.... but it is a bee! (That rhyme was not intentional!)


Since we are discussing symbolism, I view that bee as being like God. Working among us (the flowers), to bring new life (pollination) to others! I wish I had captured the bee in the first photo; I am sure it was hovering near by, as God is so close to us during the 'winter' of our lives as well.

Ok, so what does all this mean? Referring to my earlier comment: "So, I face two opposing emotions; that of sadness for my friends, and that of pure joy for another friend!" Because I know God, and trust Him with all of the seasons of my life, I can handle the opposing emotions at the same time. He is here to console and comfort; He is also here to observe our joy and happiness! May you recognize that God is with you at every time in your life!

Ecclesiastes 3 (New International Version)

A Time for Everything

¹ There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

² a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.