My Back Door

Polliwog Poetry

2012-02-15T14:29:00.004-05:00

(CLICK HERE)

to learn how to write simply poetry.

(Lesson Six - Roses Are Red)

There's more poetry and word fun on

Giggle Poetry

F is for Faithful

2012-02-14T09:44:00.010-05:00

When I try to describe my husband to someone,

the one word that stands out in my mind is

FAITHFUL

Have you ever read the book "Horton Hatches an Egg" by Dr. Suess? Through snow and rain and being sold to a circus, Horton keeps his words and sits on Mazie's egg.

"I meant what I said, and I said what I meant;

an elephant's faithful one hundred percent."

That's my Randy.

From my first date with Randy to this day, he has been steady and dependable.

Randy has stood strong for what he believes in.

He isn't swayed by fleeting trends or new ideas.

You can tell time by his routine.

His logical mind drives me crazy, but can be reassuring, too.

Bad weather or aches don't keep him from church.

When emergencies arise, he is there to help.

He's a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Just when I need it, he knows how to be so romantic.
(like driving 17 hrs. to surprise at the writer conference)

Randy, thank you for being faithful 100%.

I love you.

Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin

2012-02-13T13:33:00.005-05:00

Our society teaches tolerance, but tolerance of sin is not right. God loves the sinner, but hates sin. We should feel the same way. How do react to our neighbors and friends who live in a sinful lifestyle? We teach our children that those ways are not godly. We pray for those around us. We act politely and neighborly, showing Christ's love when the opportunities arise.

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

(Romans 3:23)

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

(I Timothy 1:15)

(CLICK HERE)

What does God think about homosexuality? What are the truths about it? This article and video by Dr. Bill Maier give a plain and Biblical explanation. Tolerance borders on acceptance. Do we accept sin as normal? What does our silence imply?

Lord's Day

2012-02-12T06:58:00.005-05:00

GONE TO CHURCH

"Holy, Holy, Holy!"

So Much Going On!

2012-02-11T07:36:00.006-05:00

Polliwog Pages is teeming with activity.

Polliwog Pages is a place to discover the joys of children’s literature. There are shelves of good books to browse through. One page gives tips on writing for children, while another one features writings by children. Discover amazing wonders of nature, and listen to a Smory. Wiggles the Polliwog invites you to join the fun in the world of children’s literature.

On Wednesdays, on WRITING TIPS there is a new writing lesson for kids each week, where they learn to use interesting verbs and develop characters and much more.

Each Saturday,on KIDS WRITE, you can find original and unedited stories and poems written by the kids themselves.

There are prizes and stories to read and interactive web sites to explore.

POLLIWOG PAGES is the coolest place to be!

Come! Join the fun!

Signed,

Wiggles the Polliwog

Friday Fiction - GraceBook.Com

2012-02-10T07:25:00.016-05:00

I'm honored to be hosting Friday Fiction today.

If wish to join us, post a story on your site and

link it here at the end of my post.

Even if you don't contribute something,

feel free to hop from blog to blog

reading the stories.

Don't forget to leave some comments.

~ ~ ~

I wrote this story for the Faithwriter Weekly Challenge

for the topic "Social Media."

I know that some people think that Facebook
is a big foolish waste of time.

To me, and to many others, it is a place of ministry -

a place to laugh and sing and pray with my friends.

GRACEBOOK.COM

Brrrr...it's freezing this morning. The thermostat says it's 75 deg. in here, but it feels colder than that. Oh my! Look at that swirling snow outside! No wonder you didn't stay out long, Simone. Are you hungry?

Lord, I know I should be content with whatever you put in my lap; but Lord, I'm just a lonely old lady that shivers with the thought of adventuring out on those snowy roads. It's Sunday meeting time, and I miss being able to sing and pray with the brothers and sisters there. I'm not asking for a miracle—just a little fellowship time with your people. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Let's check our email, Simone. Maybe Lily has posted some new pictures of Little Isaac. Simone! I can't see the screen with you purring in my face! Oh, here's a message from my sister Mary.

You are invited to join us on GraceBook,
a place to worship with your family and friends.
www.gracebook.com

What do you think, Simone, should I check it out? I hope it's not a scam. Oh look! There's Mary's face.... Sit still, Kitty, so I can read what this little box says.

Do you wish to become a member of GraceBook?
Yes√ No

Oh, look! It's escorting me to a pew in a church. There's a whole list of people I know. There's Tom, and also Beth and my cousin Richard.

Do you wish to worship with these people?
Yes√ No

Simone, stop squirming around. Can't you make yourself comfortable without clawing my lap? It's hard enough to figure this out.

Do you wish to add others to your church family?
Please type in name ____________.

How can I do that until I know who all is here already? Oh, there's my neighbor Lois with a poem -

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
~John Wesley

Here's a prayer from Pastor Hermes in Alabama -

"Lord, today I realize how much I need to improve in my daily walk with You. Show me the changes that You want to make in my life. May I be obedient to You and to Your will. Amen."

Oh, look! Lily posted some pictures of Little Isaac. He's getting so big!

Lord, I thank you for that sweet little boy. I pray that he will grow up to love and serve you. I pray that he will be strong to do what is right. Amen

Here's Millie, my friend from grade school. She's posted a hymn.

( CLICK HERE )
for Music

"What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms..."

Don't look at me like that, Simone! Your singing doesn't sound any better.
Here's a good Bible verse -

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct Thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

I need that Scripture today. There's another link to a sermon...Wow! That was a great message on faith...It's like God is put these here on purpose.

Lord, I don't trust You like I should. Help me to lean on You more.

Some of these friends are really hurting. It makes me grateful I still have my health and independence...I see others left comments that they are praying. That's nice.

Yes, Lord, I pray for these dear saints, too. Please help them-

Wait...Wouldn't it be better if they could "hear" my prayers? Simone, get down for a minute, so I can use both hands to type... What shall I say? Lord, show me the words to pray.

"Dear Lord, I pray for these dear missionary friends. You know what is best for them. I pray for their peace and protection. Send a blessing in their life today. Amen"

Stop that, Simone! No, you can't have my computer mouse. Oh, look at the time! I've been on this website for a whole hour. Who would have guessed I'd have such fellowship on a computer?—laughing, crying, praying, and singing ...It was almost like going to church with all my favorite people! If I were a cat, Simone, I'd be purring louder than you.

Thank you, Lord, for sweet fellowship, in whatever way You send it.

Easy as Pie - Chicken and Rice

2012-02-09T06:55:00.007-05:00

When company is coming,

and you don't have much in the house,

this is an easy and delicious meal.

(also great for cooking while you're away)

CHICKEN AND RICE

(serves 6-8)

6-8 pieces of fresh chicken

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

1 pkg. of powdered onion soup mix

2 cups raw rice

1 can chicken broth

3 cups of water

Mix liquids (broth, soup, and water) in a 9x12 baking pan.
Add rice and onion soup mix seasonings.
Place pieces of chicken in mixture. (spooning over chicken)
Cover with foil and bake at 300 for 1 hour.
Remove foil for the final 5-10 minutes to brown the top.

This can easily be adapted with other cream soups and seasonings. You can also add vegetables or cheese.

Do you have a favorite "company" casserole?

Post it on your site and link it below.

Time and Place Makes a Difference

2012-02-08T11:16:00.006-05:00

(picture by Rusty Blake)

Today's writing lesson on Polliwog Pages

is all about SETTING.

Have gotten your copy of

The Ending of a Special Day?

Have you discovered Pinterest yet?

It's a great place to collect recipes, craft and decorating ideas,

and other things that you like.

Places of Our Life

2012-02-07T07:48:00.009-05:00

I've been having fun looking at our old slides.

Some are not of people but of places - places that have lots of memories for our family. Some of these places have changed. Things are never the same.

Do you know where these places are?

Have you been there?

(answers in the comment box)

Am I Grown Up Now?

2012-02-06T07:42:00.011-05:00

This weekend our daughter and her husband took our old slides and transformed them into digital form. We had a lot of ahhhs and giggles over how much we've changed.

Looking in the mirror later, I felt old and fat, but then I realized that I was also wiser and more confident as a person. I thought, "I've grown up, but sometimes I don't feel grown up."

Over the years, God has been teaching me many lessons.

He's worked on my pride

covetousness,

careless words,

bitterness,

ungratefulness,

worrying,

grumbling,

discontent,

etc.

Have I grown up as a Christian?

Have I learned my lessons?

(Yes.... and no)

I've learned to trust God more.

I've learned to be more grateful.

I've learned to be more aware of others.

I'm far from having attained perfection,(and I won't until I get to heaven) but God knows me, and He knows I'm still learning.

"He's still working on me,

To make me what I ought to be;

It took Him just week to make the moon and stars,

The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.

How loving and patient He must be!

He's still working on me."

Over the next few weeks, I'd like to do a series of posts about what God has been teaching me.

"Grow in grace and in the knowledge

of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ"

(II Peter 3:18)

Lord's Day

2012-02-05T07:24:00.003-05:00

GONE TO CHURCH

"Come, Thou Almighty King!"

Looking for Polliwog Kids

2012-02-04T06:24:00.003-05:00

Have you read the stories written by the Polliwog Kids?

(CLICK HERE)

I'm looking for more, especially about MEMORIES.

I wrote about a story about my memory of a special day.

What do you remember?

If you are between the ages of 4-14,(or know someone who likes to write stories)I would like to post your story here. Send me an email. I'd love to read your story!

Posting about POV on JOE

2012-02-03T06:38:00.004-05:00

As I've learned about the different kinds of point of view, I also saw them in my life. I saw that, although some POV's are good for writing, some are not good in my life.

What kind of POV does your life show?

My Friday Fiction story is on Polliwog Pages. It's a riddle. Can you figure out what each character represents?

For a romantic story (and links to others)
go to Pods and Ponderings.

Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Casserole

2012-02-02T03:47:00.001-05:00

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

This recipe has always been a favorite at our house.

(especially if you have picky eaters)

MACARONI AND CHEESE PIZZA CASSEROLE

Prepare -

4 boxes of mac'n cheese mix

(or 4 cups of cooked macaroni,

with 1 can of cheese sauce)

Butter the sides of a 2 qt. casserole dish.

Use half of mac'n cheese mix to cover the bottom.

Sprinkle-

1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over macaroni

Add -

your favorite pizza toppings

(pepperoni, olives, onions, mushrooms, etc.)

Cover-

with remaining mac'n cheese

Finish -

more mozzarella cheese and pizza toppings.

Bake -

at 350 for 1/2 hour

I hope it becomes a favorite at your house,

like it is at ours.

~ ~ ~

Do you have an easy favorite recipe?

Post it on your site and link it to mine below.

A New Ebook

2012-02-01T07:09:00.008-05:00

It's FEBRUARY!

It's a special February.

Why?

This special day only comes around every four years.

I have written a book for children,

explaining why we have Leap Year Day.

Read this narrative poem

about how a boy wishes he spent

this special day.

(CLICK HERE)

An Extra Day

2012-01-31T07:50:00.013-05:00

Do you know what is special about

the last day of February this year?

It is a catch-up day,

February 29th, Leap Year Day!

I've always felt sorry (and a tinge of jealousy) for those born on this day. They could only celebrate their birthdays every four years, but at the same time, that made them just a little bit more special.

There have been some interesting traditions and folklore centered on this day.

According to English law, February 29th was ignored and had no legal status. Therefore, it was the one day when women could ask someone to marry them. This practice was first documented in 1288, when Scotland passed a law that allowed women to propose marriage to the man of their choice in that year. They also made it law that any man who declined a proposal in a leap year must pay a fine, such as a kiss to money for clothing.

In the comic strip, Li'l Abner, Sadie Hawkins was the daughter of one of Dogpatch's earliest settlers, Hekzebiah Hawkins. The "homeliest gal in all them hills", she grew frantic waiting for suitors to come a-courtin'. When she reached the age of 35, still a spinster, her father was even more frantic—about Sadie living at home for the rest of his life. In desperation, he called together all the unmarried men of Dogpatch and declared it "Sadie Hawkins Day". Specifically, a foot race was decreed, with Sadie in hot pursuit of the town's eligible bachelors—and matrimony as the consequence.

"When ah fires [my gun], all o' yo' kin start a-runnin! When ah fires agin—after givin' yo' a fair start—Sadie starts a runnin'. Th' one she ketches'll be her husbin."

The town spinsters decided that this was such a good idea, they made Sadie Hawkins Day a mandatory yearly event, much to the chagrin of Dogpatch bachelors. In the satirical spirit that drove the strip, many sequences revolved around the dreaded Sadie Hawkins Day race. If a woman caught a bachelor and dragged him, kicking and screaming, across the finish line before sundown—by law he had to marry her! ( Sadie Hawkins Day )

When did you first learn about Leap Year Day?

I was just seven years old, and my father taught me about how the earth travels around the earth. He told me how it takes 365 1/4 of a day. Every four years, we put them together to make a special day. I remember thinking that I wish I had learned it that morning, so I could have enjoyed the special day that only happens every four years.

I have written a e-book for children

based on my childhood experience.

(CLICK HERE)

It is only $1.00 for the month of February,

sold at Full Sail Books.

(This will have to cover two letters,

D and E, for the A2Z Take 2)

All I Need

2012-01-30T07:35:00.007-05:00

Our pastor has started preaching in II Peter. I love how he goes through the verses word by word. He explains the meanings in Greek (or Hebrew in the OT) and takes us to other Scripture where the Bible speaks on the same topic.

Here are a few snippets of his sermon.

(CLICK HERE)

to hear the whole sermon

When you have to assemble something, isn't it frustrating when one of the necessary parts is missing? God never leaves any parts out.

(II Peter 1:3)

"His divine power has given to us all things

that pertain to life and godliness,

through the knowledge of Him

who called us in glory and virtue."

We have everything we need to live for God.

We don't always feel like we are equipped for the Christian life,

but if God calls us, He will enable us.

God does not lack sufficiency in anything.

This abundancy is based on the character of God, the Giver.

Godliness means to be committed to God.

We can't obtain life by only being committed to God.

He gives us the capacity to live for Him.

We should seek a knowledge of God by studying His Word.

I needed to be reminded of the greatness of my God. When I am feeling helpless, when I feel the job is too big, I need to remember that God has a plan for my life. He won't ask me to do more than I am able to do (with His strength and power).

That's the key. I need to get so close to Him, that He can work through me to accomplish His will. I cannot serve Him in my own diligence or persistence or self-control. It will all be empty and dry. He gives life to my ministry.

"Let God do something in you,

and He will do something through you."

Lord's Day

2012-01-29T08:59:00.002-05:00

GONE TO CHURCH

"Blessed be the name of the LORD"

A Polliwog Poem

2012-01-28T01:27:00.001-05:00

There something purring over at

Polliwog Pages.

Please leave a comment to encourage these young authors.

Friday Fiction - Pounding Rock

2012-01-27T07:44:00.005-05:00

I wrote this story (CLICK HERE)

for the Faithwriter Challenge

(topic - Commitment).

It is based on at time when I lived in the Bahamas as a child.

Easy as Pie - Jello Popcorn Balls

2012-01-26T07:30:00.007-05:00

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

This recipe has always been a favorite at our house.

Have fun!

JELLO POPCORN BALLS

Pop 6-8 quarts of popcorn. (1 cup of popcorn cooked in an air popper)
(I haven't tried microwave popcorn. If it works, let me know.)

Melt:
1 stick of butter or margerine (either in microwave or in heavy pan)

Add:
1 pkg of marshmallows

Stir well.

Add:
1 sm. pkg. of Jello (your favorite flavor or color)

Stir well, again.

Pour over popped corn.

Grease palms with shortning or butter.

Form balls (or other shapes)and place on wax paper (or greased cookie sheets) (It cools quickly, so work quickly.)

While cooling, wash bowls and pans and spoons with hot, soapy water.

EAT !!!!

Try different colors, flavors, and shapes.

Tell me about your ideas.

All About Action

2012-01-25T07:35:00.003-05:00

ALL ABOUT ACTION

Today's lesson on Polliwog Pages

is learning about

ACTION VERBS.

Calm, in God's Control

2012-01-24T07:47:00.010-05:00

CALM, in GOD'S CONTROL

Life is never easy. Sometimes, stormy circumstances cause me to fret and worry. I wonder what the future will be. I wonder what others think of me. As I learn... truly learn ... that God is in control, I find my heart resting in His plan.

I have a small sailboat, in which I have scooted about Searsport Harbor a little. Once time, I was having a wonderful time skipping over the sparkling waves, when the wind picked up. I began having a hard time controlling the sail. I was afraid. I knew that one wrong move could throw me into the cold dark water. I made it back to shore, but I was shaken.

Another time, my brother, an experienced sailor, suggested we go sailing on a blustery afternoon. Even though the waves were splashing over my back, I had no fear.

Why?

What was the difference?

I felt safe. I knew I was in good hands.

I didn't fear while my brother was in control.

As I learn to trust the Lord with my life, I find that I am not afraid of the waves in my life. My God is in control.

WHISPERS

I could not hear

His voice in the hurried

Rush of the day.

With frets and fear

Pushing to the front of

The wild fray.

Buzzers and gears

Clanging, honking, roaring

In frenzied array.

I could not hear

His voice in the hurried

Rush of the day

When moonlight clear-

Ly bathes the world with calm

Soothing sweet saches,

Gentle woodland deer

Feed in quiet pastures

Near their Shepherd stay.

I could now hear

His whispers in the quiet

Hush of the day.

For more A2Z, go to Ordinary Lives

Feeling Lazy

2012-01-23T10:58:00.005-05:00

When the adrenaline of a big event is exhausted,

(and you're not feeling well)

it's nice to be able to laze around

and let your body rejuvenate.

Let the world go by.

I'll be back on duty

when I can move again.

Wedding Day!

2012-01-21T06:42:00.008-05:00

The running "joke" of the day is the Altoid can.

Caleb proposed by offering Kim an Altoid,

with the diamond ring displayed among the mints.

In the wedding, the ring bearer, Carter,

will be carrying the rings down the aisle in an Altoid can.

(I hope they don't get the wrong can.)

(CLICK HERE)

for a few photos on Facebook

Walkin' in the Gloamin'

2012-01-20T07:23:00.004-05:00

Walkin' in the Gloamin'

Twixt day and night, ‘tis dreamin’ time,

When e’re the sun is hangin’ low,

And the rosy skies are glowin’

I ramble long over hill and dale

And wish upon the evening star

When I’m wanderin’ in the gloamin’.

The meadowlark chirps its lullabye

To springtime lambs and wild conies,

And o’er the purple heather bloomin’.

I hold a blossom to my nose,

Reminds me of my true love’s breath

As we’re wanderin’ in the gloamin’.

A soft wind tosses my auburn curls;

My flushed cheeks, it now caresses,

Across the moors, warm wind blowin’;

It carries th’air of the salty spray,

The same that brings my true love home,

To be wanderin’ in the gloamin’

Me thinks I hear my true love’s voice;

He promised oft, he’d marry me;

“Someday,” he sighed, “I’ll be returnin’.”

Tis not my name upon his lips,

But the steady wash against the shore,

Neath me wanderin’ in the gloamin’.

I gaze beyond the farthest isles

And shade my eyes against the glint

Mid white-capped waves a-billowin’;

My achin’ heart, it pines and yearns,

I cannae spy my true love’s craft,

As I’m wanderin’ in the gloamin’

Darkness threatens o’er the eastern sky,

Stinging drops mingle wi’ my tears;

Light from yonder window beckn’in’;

“I’ll ne’er forget, nor give up hope;

Goodnight, my love,” I whisper low,

“I’ll be wanderin’ in the gloamin’”

For more stories, go to Karlene Anna's new blog Voices

Easy as Pie - No Crust Apple Pie

2012-01-19T07:50:00.006-05:00

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

NO CRUST APPLE PIE

apples (8-10, or 1/person)
1/2 cup of white sugar
sprinkle of salt
sprinkle of cinnamon
(nutmeg/ginger/cloves, if desired)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter
vanilla ice cream

Peel and slice apples into a butter baking pan.
With each layer, sprinkle with sugar and spices
and a tiny bit of salt.
Fill with 3-4 layers.

Mix brown sugar with flour and butter.
Sprinkle over top of apples.

Bake at 300 deg. for a half hour
or until apples are soft.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

(This may be prepared earlier - frozen or refrigerated,
then warmed in oven before serving.)

Painting Pictures with Words

2012-01-18T11:08:00.000-05:00

You can paint pictures by using words.

Learn to be an artist on

(Lesson 3
of Polliwog Pages.)

B is for Brrrrrrrrrrrr

2012-01-17T07:17:00.012-05:00

It's winter in Maine.

Now that I don't have to drive every morning, I'm enjoying the beauty of the snow. I took these pictures because they are so symbolic of what winter is like.

It's a time of wishing . . .

and waiting . . .

for the time . . .

when life is renewed.

Yes, I look forward to spring,

but I don't want to miss the beauty and joys of this day.

For more photos and A2Z fun, go to Ordinary Lives .

"Walkin' On the Water"

2012-01-16T03:23:00.007-05:00

There are times when humans are given the ability to do the impossible. There are times when God gives us power to overcome seemingly insurmountable situations. When He lifts us above our troubles, we experience the glorious feeling of victory. It's then we know -

it is all of Him

and none of us.

WALKIN' ON THE WATER

Have you gazed upon your Creator,

Til that nothing else seemed real?

Did you forget the thundering and winds,

Crashing and whirling at your feet?

Did you step beyond the walls of safety,

Consciously trusting your Lord?

Have you ever felt the thrill of walkin’,

Walkin’ on the water?

Nothing is impossible when His power is within.

Have you stood faithfully for your Lord,

Doing the right amid the foes?

Did your heart beat with fear and faith,

Knowing others watched and laughed?

Did you bow your head humbly to your King,

Knowing He would see you through?

Have ever felt the peace of sleepin’,

Sleepin’ with the lions,

Walkin’ on the water?

Nothing is impossible when His power is within.

Have you spoken boldly for your Saviour,

And roughly tossed to the ground?

Did you feel the pain of stinging words,

Your name smeared with mud and scorn?

Did you wipe your cheek and try again,

Grateful to be worthy of Him?

Have you ever felt the joy of singin’,

Singin’ at midnight,

Sleepin’ with the lions,

Walkin’ on the water?

Nothing is impossible when His power is within.

Have you seen the things of this world

Through the eyes of your Redeemer?

Did pleasures, worries, and sins

Seem as dust as you looked to the sky?

Did you feel the power of His Spirit

Give you victory o’er temptations?

Have you ever felt the strength of soarin’

Soarin’ with the eagles,

Singin’ at midnight,

Sleepin’ with the lions,

Walkin’ on the water?

Nothing is impossible when His power is within.

Lord's Day

2012-01-15T08:06:00.002-05:00

GONE TO CHURCH

"His mercies are new every morning"

Polliwog Poetry

2012-01-14T03:17:00.000-05:00

"Floppy Floaters"

Whatever can that be?

Splash your way over to

Polliwog Pages

to see what this poem is all about?

Friday Fiction - Under Anesthesia

2012-01-13T01:23:00.002-05:00

UNDER ANESTHESIA

(a true story)

NO FOOD OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT was written on her charts. She was hungry, and she couldn’t sleep. The clock on the wall taunted her with its ticking. The street lamp in the parking lot shined through the pink and white striped drapes, showing that it was only three o’clock. Suddenly, the fluorescent light above her bed glared in eyes.

“Sorry, Dear, I have to get your vitals before the end of my shift. Hmmm… Your blood pressure is a bit high. Are you nervous about the surgery? It will be over in a few hours. Try to go back to sleep.”

It was dark and quiet again, with the street lamp illuminating the ticking clock. "Back to sleep?" she thought. "How can anyone sleep when they’re poking you every few hours?"
She must have dozed, because the next thing she knew, the curtain next to her clacked along its track, separating her from the other bed. Voices whispered, bed rails clanked, and starched sheets ruffled. Finally it was quiet again.

“Hello? Is someone there? I’m Dorcas.”

A feeble voice answered. “I’m Sally.”

“What are you in for? I’m having thyroid surgery in a couple hours.”

“I’m having surgery today, too.” Her voice sounded tight and strained. “My kidneys are failing. They have to remove one and hope the other one will be enough. I expect I’ll be in here for awhile.”

“My birthday is Saturday, but I doubt I’ll be going home by then.”

“Saturday? That’s my birthday too!”

“Really? How old are you, Sally?”

“I will be sixty-seven. How about you?”

“I’ll be fifty-three.”

A new friendship budded as the ladies chatted back and forth through the thin striped curtain. Meal carts and cleaning carts bustled back and forth in the hallway outside their door. Buzzers and footsteps were ignored by them as they shared stories and experiences.

A nurse in pale-green scrubs swished into the room holding a tray of syringes, gauze, and alcohol wipes. She checked the charts at the foot of their beds.

“Dorcas? I need to give you something to relax you before we take you to the OR.”

Her pale face winced at the prick of the needle which placed the IV port into her arm. She felt the sting of anesthesia flow into her vein.

“Just relax, now. It will be all over before you know it.” The nurse checked the drip bag and opened the drapes. The sun peeked through the fluttering leaves of the maple tree.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes to get you, Sally,” she added as she scurried back out into the hallway.

The medicine was making her mind fuzzy…sleepy.

“Dorcas?” came the small voice from behind the curtain. “Dorcas, are you scared? I am… I’m afraid I’ll die.”

“No, Sally, I’m not afraid.” Her mind was drifting. No…I can’t go to sleep. I have to tell Sally about Jesus. I can’t think! Lord, help me…

Her mind drifted into the cloudy land of nothingness. Consciousness seemed just beyond reach. She tried to focus on her words.

“… believe…”

“What did you say, Dear? Would you like some water? That will make your throat feel better. The doctor will come see you soon. Here’s the button if you need me for anything.”

A couple hours later, a hoarse whisper floated through the room.

“Dorcas?”

“Sally?”

“Dorcas, I did it.”

“Did what?”

“I believed, just like you said.”

~ ~ ~

For more stories, go to Hoomi's Pods and Ponderings

Easy as Pie - Cheesy Chowder

2012-01-12T04:33:00.004-05:00

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

What could be more heartening

on a cold winter's night than a bowl of hot soup?

Our family likes chowder. There are so many ways to make it for different tastes. I always start with boiling some potatoes. (about one/person . . . more if you have teenagers) I don't usually peel my potatoes. I scrub the skins and cut off any bad parts. I cut them into 1" chunks and add just enough water to cover them. Boil for about a half hour.

When the potatoes are soft, this is where you can get creative. Choose as many or few ingredients as you like.

Here are some of our favorite ingredients -

onions
celery
corn
peppers

bacon
fish

shrimp

clams

scallops

bacon

hamburger

chicken

ham

Cook until everything is soft. (It helps to cook the meat beforehand. This is a good way to use up leftovers.)

Add a can of evaporated milk and a jar of alfredo sauce.
Season with salt and pepper.

(If you wish to thicken it, stir in some instant powdered potatoes, about 1/4 cup at a time. )

Top with grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese.

Serve with hot biscuits or bread.

Polliwog Lessons

2012-01-11T08:35:00.003-05:00

Hop over to POLLIWOG PAGES to find

"What's it All About?"

A is for ACHOOO!

2012-01-10T09:05:00.009-05:00

My good friend Patty is at it again!

We're off on another series of blogs through the alphabet.

I like these because, although we are limited by a letter,

I can be funny, serious, or informative... Today, I'm sick.

I've been sneezing and coughing for the last couple days. Sneezes are funny. Just ask any baby. They're funny in any language or any age, but especially from animals or children... and even old folks, too. I usually don't like to sneeze because sometimes one sneeze triggers another, and I can't stop. That can be embarrassing sometimes.

A...A...ACHOO!

(baby elephant sneeze video)

Did I hear a "God bless you" ?

Thank you!

Do you know where that phrase came from?

Mostly, the response to the sneeze came from the superstition that a sneeze causes the soul to escape the body through the nose. Saying "bless you" (or something similar) would stop the devil from claiming the person's freed soul. Others believed the opposite: that evil spirits use the sneeze as an opportunity to enter a person's body. Some believed that the heart momentarily stops during a sneeze (it doesn't), and that saying "bless you" was a way of welcoming the person back to life.

I'm not superstitious at all, but I do want God to bless me and those around me with good health... so I will say -

(a double sneeze video)

Gesundheit! (Germany)

Salute! (Italy)

A te sante! (France)

Salud! (Spain)

Dia linn! (Ireland)

"May you live 100 years!" (China)

"May your dreams come true!" (Australia)

(the panda sneeze, by request)

For more A2Z, go to Ordinary Lives.

Monday Manna - Justice and Mercy

2012-01-09T07:43:00.010-05:00

What is God like?

"...Let thine eyes observe My ways."

(Proverbs 23:26)

Is He a stern ruler that requires man to measure up to His high standards? Are His ways so high that we cannot attain them? Does He punish those who go their own way?

God is holy. He is pure. His laws are right. He is the Creator and Designer of all things. He also has the power to destroy.

"Be not wise in thine own eyes;

fear the Lord, and depart from evil."

(Proverbs 3:7)

Yet...

there is another side of our God.

Like a light and shelter in the midst of an angry storm, we find that God is also gracious and merciful, and full of compassion. So sweet is that mercy in the midst of our sin and God's justice!

Jonah said,

"...for I knew that Thou art a gracious God,

and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness..."

A holy and righteous God cannot allow sin to go unpunished, so how can He also be merciful and gracious? It was at the cross that His justice met His mercy. Jesus, the sinless man, took the punishment for sin to satisfy the requirement of God's justice. Those who accept this wondrous gesture of love receive the gift of God's mercy.

"Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne;

mercy and truth shall go before Thy face."

(Psalm 89:14)

Add your link here, if you wish to join me on

Lord's Day

2012-01-08T07:31:00.003-05:00

GONE TO CHURCH

♪♫ "Grace, which like the Lord, the giver;

Never fails from age to age." ♪♫

Hooooooowwwwww!

2012-01-07T05:48:00.001-05:00

See what this Polliwog Kid has to say about wild dogs.

"Living in Forever"

2012-01-06T07:45:00.006-05:00

LIVING IN FOREVER

His name, the Great “I AM”

Creator of all time.

Beyond the highest wisdom,

Or knowledge of mankind.

Our days and minutes pass,

Just ticking, beating on;

As ages march by steadily,

Repeating never-- gone.

Imagine if there is no time,

Forever being now;

Could I comprehend it?

No— I don't know how!

For He has numbered all the stars

The hairs upon my head.

Arranged in sequence is our lives;

His pow'r in nature read.

Time even orders up our speech

With first and next and last;

For yesterday and tomorrow,

Adds future to the past.

Without the clocks of time,

We'd never have to wait,

No need to say, “Be patient,”

“You're early” or “You're late.”

He lives within forever,

Without limits or confined,

Yet works so true, precisely,

Minute details are refined.

We think in earthly terms

Of sometimes, then, and soon;

But when we are with Him

The night will be as noon.

Omnipotence, omniscience;

We cannot comprehend

How God already knows

Beginning to the end.

Great God and My Creator,

The King of Kings, Jehovah,

Far higher than my every thought

The Alpha and Omega.

Check out Sara's Fiction Fusion for more great stories.

Easy as Pie- Wheat Germ Oatmeal Crackers

2012-01-05T06:49:00.007-05:00

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

These crackers are so easy and delicious!

I want to try them with other seeds and flours - maybe even different cheeses. Perhaps I'll even get out the cookie cutters and let my grandchildren help me make some fun shapes.

WHEAT GERM OATMEAL CRACKERS

Preheat oven to 350*

Combine in large bowl -
3 cups of oatmeal
1 cup of wheat germ (CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO)
2 cups flour (white or wheat)
3 Tbl. sugar
2 tsp. salt

Add -
1 cup water
3/4 cup oil

Mix well, until ingredients clump together. Divide into 3 parts. Roll each part onto a cookie sheet to about 1/4" and cut into 2" squares. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

Bake for 30 min. Cool. Store in airtight container.

~ ~ ~

Have you ever made crackers? What is your favorite kind?

SPLASH!

2012-01-04T05:39:00.003-05:00

I am starting the new year with a

BIG SPLASH

Polliwog Pages!

Vlogging

2012-01-03T11:01:00.011-05:00

What new things have you dared to do?

If I never try anything new, I get stuck in my own little hole and never learn or grow. My mother taught me to "dabble" - to try new things, at least a little, to see if it's something you want to spend more time doing. I've realized that most things aren't as hard as I thought they would be. I just needed to try.

My good friend, Patty Wysong, has challenged a few of us to make a vlog (video blog). We were encouraged to introduce ourselves and tell a little about what we are doing. I know it's a good way to promote your writing, and that I'd have to practice sometime, but it took this group of friends to get me going.

I've been thinking about where to do the vlog, what to say, what to wear, etc. I even dreamed about it last night. It took a stack of books and a few dud attempts to finally make it, but I did it! (...although I forgot what I wanted to say - even with notes.)

If you would like to see more vlogs, go to Peej's blog,
Ordinary Lives.
(It's all her fault....smile!)

Are You Blessed?

2012-01-03T09:27:00.000-05:00

Monday Manna - Peace in Your Heart

2012-01-02T07:53:00.008-05:00

Each week, I hope to share what God is teaching me through His word. Feel free to join me each Monday. What have learned about God recently? Post your thoughts on your blog or website and link to mine at the bottom of this page.

(Mid's Pix)

With a new year comes the effort to make it a better one. Many people resolve to lose weight, spend less money, or accomplish some project. They hope that their lives will be happier and more peaceful.

Our pastor, Russell Bonin, gave a great soul-searching message yesterday about finding lasting peace in your heart using this Scripture.

(Philippians 4:6-9)

"Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received,

and heard, and seen in me, do:

and the God of peace shall be with you."

We will never find peace in life until we find peace with God in our hearts. Our attempts to change our life will not be successful until we have an inward change.

It starts with prayer. We must focus on who God is and worship Him. The closer we are to God, the more we will know His will and align our will to His. When we present our requests, they will be given in an attitude of thanksgiving and yieldedness.

Peace will rule in our hearts as we trust in His sovereignty. Our prayers will change, our hearts will change, our attitudes will change. We will become calmer, knowing that our God does everything best.

Changes in our hearts also comes from the way we think. We are pummeled by evil thoughts constantly. God says to think on things that are -

True

(not what we imagine things to be)

Honest

(honorable)

Just

(things that are upright)

Pure

(without stain)

Lovely

(beautiful, sweet spirited)

Good Report

(good news, not critical)

Virtuous

(moves us to do better)

Praise-worthy

(something worth telling others)

What we think is how we will act. When our minds and hearts are in tune with God's, then our actions and our lives will change. We will have true and lasting peace.

Lord, draw us closer to You. Teach us to pray. Search us for wrong attitudes. Fill our minds with good thoughts. May we feel Your peace in our hearts today. In Jesus' Name, Amen

The First LORD's Day of the Year

2012-01-01T01:12:00.000-05:00

GONE TO WORSHIP THE CREATOR OF TIME

"I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end,

the first and the last."

(Revelation 22:13)

A New Polliwog Kid

2011-12-31T08:10:00.003-05:00

Please help me welcome this new young author to

Polliwog Pages

by commenting on his imaginative story.

Signed,
Wiggles the Polliwog

Friday Fiction - Eternal Birth

2011-12-30T05:35:00.006-05:00

Eternity is an illusive thought.

Death for the Believer is not an end,

but a beautiful beginning.

Here is a story of what I imagine it is like on the other side -

ETERNAL BIRTH

Kelita flutters next to Shimron, the watcher, sitting on the city’s wall and peering through a golden scope. She strains to see what Shimron might be looking at, but can see nothing but blue oceans and green lands.

“Is it time yet?” Kelita asks.

“No, but it will be soon. The pains are stronger as the Preborn approaches the passing into eternal birth. Men call it death, but there is no death for the Preborns, the ones with the gift of eternal life.”

“Pains? What are those?”

“Very uncomfortable irritations of their nervous system... It’s hard for me to observe it, but there is often pain before eternal birth.”

“Is it always that way?” Her forehead puckers in puzzlement and concern. Poor Kelita… She seems to have so much trouble understanding the things about man.

“No, sometimes, it happens very quickly, and there is no pain.”

“But, why would the Father-.”

“No! You shouldn’t question the Father’s ways. He has his plans and reasons.”

Kelita squirms and fidgets. “Shimron, how long does it take for the Father’s children to be born? How long are they Preborns? I mean… after they get the gift of life?”

Shimron smiles to himself. He remembers asking the same questions ages ago, when he was first learning about men. “Each Preborn is different. There are not many who come home immediately after they receive the gift of life. Most must grow and develop characteristics like the Father. They also produce fruit, so that others will know of the life,too. This one has been a Preborn for over eighty earth years.”

“Isn’t it dangerous for them in the evil world?”

“Not really. They sometimes feel that they are in danger, but the Father is watching and caring for them. They also have the protection and care of other older, mature Preborns. The power of evil is strong in the world, but they shouldn’t be afraid; because the Father has given them all they need to withstand any of its attacks.”

“May I look through the scope?”

“I suppose, but not for long. I need to keep watching for the passing.” Shimron turns the scope and adjusts the focus. “Here’s something interesting. It’s a group of Preborns worshiping the Father.”

Kelita scrunches up his face and peers into the lens. “What are they singing? What do the words ‘sin’ and ‘redeemed’ mean? Who is the Lamb?”

“I’m not sure, but as far as I can tell, it has to do with the Son of the Father rescuing them from the Evil One and giving them the gift of life.”

Shimron squints into the scope again and turns it toward the birthing, “It won’t be long now! It’s so exciting to have a new child in the city.”

“Have you seen the new room?” Kelita giggles. “I peeked at it. I like the sparkly jewels in the ceiling. They look like stars.”

“Yes, isn’t it beautiful? The Father designs each one for the new arrival specifically.”

“Is this one a boy or girl?”

“A girl… She’s so beautiful!” smiles Shimron.

Kelita giggles again. “They are all beautiful; they look like the Father!”

Shimron peeks into the scope. “It’s time, time for the delivery!”

He clangs a string of silver bells, which alerts the gatekeepers. A crowd of greeters gather close to welcome the new arrival. The pearly doors swing wide and a gasp of awe ripples among the group. With excited rejoicing and singing, they follow the shining white robes of the deliverer until they all reach the feet of their Father.

Rejoice! A child of the King is home!

Gone is the time of suffering and sorrows;

Gone are the yesterdays, only tomorrows.

Forgotten fears, forgotten strife;

Eternal years, eternal life.

Rejoice! A child of the King is home!

A hushed silence pervades the iridescent arches. The multitude waits and watches as the newborn is placed in his strong, but gentle, hands. The Father’s eyes mist, as he looks down at his daughter. He holds her close, as a Shepherd cradling a lamb, and sings a quiet melody just for her.

Looking at her face, he says, “I name you, Michri, my Precious. I give to you eternal life, and you shall never perish. Neither will you know pain, nor sorrows, anymore. You will dwell with me, and I will dwell with you forever.”

~*~*~

Go to Anna K's new blog Voices for more great stories.

Shoving Furniture Around

2011-12-29T07:04:00.008-05:00

You know how you have to shove the chairs and bookshelves around to make room for the new coffee table? That's how I feel on my blog. I'm rearranging my schedule and trying to see where everything fits.

SUNDAY

...is the first day of the week, the Lord's Day

I will post one of church pictures and a line from a Bible verse or song.(By the way, if you would like to receive the words to an old-fashioned hymn each morning by email, let me know, and I'll add you to my list.)

MONDAY

... will be a devotional day,

when I post what God has been teaching me. Sometimes it will be about what I learned at church; sometimes will be about a Bible verse or something in my life.

TUESDAY

... will be my "spare room" day.

I don't know what I will post from week to week. I could join a friend's meme (rhymes with "cream", definition) or tell a joke or post some pictures.

WEDNESDAY

... will be my Polliwog Pages day,

when I talk about my other blog where I focus on teaching children about adventure of reading and writing.

THURSDAY

... will be my "Easy as Pie" day.

I will post some simple, no-fuss recipes and leave a place for you to link up with your own.

FRIDAY

... will continue to be Friday Fiction day,

where a few of us writers post our writing and link together, so we can hop from one blog to another.

SATURDAY

... is my Polliwog Kids Write day

when young writers shine with their own writing.

When I was younger, I despised schedules (and still resist them), but I have learned that I accomplish so much more when I do have some kind of routine. I like flexibility within a schedule, though. So if I decide that I'm in the mood for something wild and different, it's because I needed a break from my routine.

Also, as I get older (and not teaching at school anymore), I need something to remind me what day of the week it is. (Don't laugh! I know you forget, too!)

I hope to see you on My Back Door often!

Something is Happening...

2011-12-28T01:44:00.003-05:00

... on Polliwog Pages soon!

I hope you're excited,

because Wiggles the Polliwog is getting very excited

about the new things coming next week!

Easy as Pie - "Cranberry Almond White Fudge"

2011-12-27T07:17:00.025-05:00

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each week, (on Thurs. from now on)
I hope to share some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

I discovered this recipe about five years ago, and it's so easy... no standing and stirring and timing a bubbling pot! It's one of my favorite Christmas treats.

CRANBERRY ALMOND WHITE FUDGE

3 cups white chocolate (or vanilla) chips
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp almond flavoring
1/2 cup of chopped almonds
1 – 1 1/2 cups sweetened dried cranberries
Pinch of salt

Before getting started, grease an 8″ square pan generously with butter.

Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a glass bowl. Microwave in 1 minute intervals (stirring each time) until chips melt and mixture is smooth.

Stir in cranberries, almonds and flavoring, and salt.

Spread into prepared pan, chill until set. (about 1 hour)
Cut into 1" squares and serve.

Monday Manna Changes

2011-12-26T10:16:00.001-05:00

Usually on Mondays, either Joanne Sher at Open Book Blog or I would post a verse and then write a devotional on it.

It's been a great learning experience to see how God speaks to different people about the same Scripture. I have enjoyed it, but I found that I often felt that I wanted to write about something else God had been teaching me. I will still be posting devotionals on Mondays, only not on a pre-determined Scripture or subject.

Feel free to join me with your own devotionals on Mondays.

Happy Birthday, Carter

2011-12-26T07:15:00.003-05:00

Was it three years ago that this little cutie was born?

Time goes by so fast!

I love you, Carter.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Christmas Sunday

2011-12-25T07:59:00.002-05:00

GONE TO WORSHIP

THE NEWBORN KING!

"Immanuel - God With Us"

"Merry Christmas"

2011-12-24T05:30:00.003-05:00

Treasure each moment with those you love.

Reach out to those who are lonely and sad.

Take time to ponder the reason Christ came.

Christmas is for loving.

(Read this beautiful poem on

Polliwog Pages. )

Friday Fiction - Grateful Joy

2011-12-23T07:18:00.005-05:00

A Grateful Joy

(based on a true story)

Danny pressed his face against the front window. His breath steamed up the glass. Looking at the hole made by his nose in the middle of the cloudy circle, he drew two lopsided eyes and a crooked smile. He wrote D – A –N – N – Y, then rubbed it all away.

“Mommy, do you know what I want most for Christmas?”

Danny’s mother tousled his red curls and tapped his freckled nose. “What do you want?”

“I want a digger.”

“A digger?”

“Yeah, so I can dig in the dirt.”

His mother smiled. “As if you don’t get dirty enough already!”

He turned back to the window. Colored bulbs twinkled in the shrubs beneath him, turning his breath on the glass red and green and blue. Car lights pulled into the driveway and lit up his face.

“Grammy’s here!”

He ran to open the door, his blue eyes wide with wonder at the colorful packages in her arms. Following her to the living room, he snowballed her with childish curiosity. “Are those for Christmas? Did you know it snowed last night? Which one is mine?”

He picked up a flat, soft package. “J –E –S –S –I , nope that’s not mine. It’s probably a dress…yuck!” Each gift that Grammy set down, he picked up and shook and read the label.

Finally, he found his… a red, shiny box. He shook it. It doesn’t rattle; not Legos or a puzzle or marbles. It’s too skinny for a basketball. It’s too small for a new bike. Maybe it’s a digger!

“Danny, come give me a big hug.”

“Ooomph! You’re squishing me! What did you get me, Grammy?”

“I’m not going to tell you. It’s a secret!”

His mother sent him off to help clean up the playroom before the other guests arrived.

“What did you get him,” she asked her mother.

“You’re as bad as he is!”

“Oh, come on! I won’t tell him.”

“I made him the most adorable red sweater with a snowman on it. Wait ‘til you see it. He’ll look so cute in it.”

Turning away to hide her reaction, she thought," I hope so!"

Soon all the family arrived; aunts with food, uncles with packages, and lots of cousins. There were platters of cookies and candies and cakes. The women gathered in the kitchen sharing secret surprises, the men huddled in the family room talking about football, and the kids were everywhere bouncing from basement to the third floor bedrooms.

Each family that arrived brought more gifts to put under the tree. When Uncle Pete finally got there, everyone crammed into the family room. Danny tried to be patient as one by one they opened the mountain of gifts beneath the tree. Whenever he received one, he liked to close his eyes just as he ripped off the paper to reveal the surprise.

“Oh, a toy truck! I love it! It’s just what I wanted. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Not really knowing who gave it to him, Danny flitted around the room, hugging and thanking everyone.

It felt more like two weeks instead of two hours for the pile to shrink. Anyone going to the kitchen for more snacks waded through layers of colored paper, boxes, and bows. Various types of music and beeps competed with the buzz and laughter of different conversations. Danny parked his gifts in a corner, gazing at them while he waited.

Finally, the last package under the tree was the red, shiny box from Grammy. He wiggled with anticipation as his mother placed it in front of him, with a sigh. He yanked off the bow and tossed it over his shoulder. With squenched eyelids, he ripped off one side of the paper. Peeking a bit, he saw pictures of a machine with bananas and strawberries. “I love it! It’s just what I wanted!”

His Grammy laughed. “No, Danny. I didn’t give you a juicer. Open the box.”

He closed his eyes again and pulled open the top.

His mother took a deep breath of anticipation as he stared at Grammy’s gift to him. For an instant, the sparkle left his eyes and a frown tugged down on the corners of his lips. Then with a squeal and a spring, he pulled out the sweater and lifted it high.

“Oh, I love you, Grammy! It’s just what I wanted. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he squealed, as he scurried around the room, filling it with the grateful joy of Christmas.

For more great stories, to to

Pod Tales

My Christmas Baby

2011-12-22T07:34:00.013-05:00

Today is my son Micah's birthday!

Our doctor asked if I wanted my baby before Christmas, on Christmas, or afterward. Thinking that all the excitement of the holiday would overshadow his special day, I opted to have my baby beforehand, while everyone was full of anticipation and hope.

Now ... seeing how much he loves Christmas, he probably would have loved being born on that day. He celebrates it on the 25th of every month by singing Christmas carols.

I wanted to give him a Christmas name. Some of my options were Joseph, Simeon, Judah, David...but I chose Micah - thinking of the verse:

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose going forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2, KJV)

He has grown to confident man, great husband and father, and has just made a CD "All For Him" with songs he has written and composed. See his article about this Christmas song, "He Has Come" on Journezine today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICAH

(I love you)

Poetry - "God With Us"

2011-12-21T06:49:00.003-05:00

God With Us

Shekinah glory shining so bright,
Filling the temple, pillar by night.
Secure with God’s presence leading the way,
Guiding, protecting day by day.

Do not fear,
Our God is near.
With us to dwell,
Immanuel

O, weary hearts, crying “How long?”
Be of good courage, only be strong.
Humble your hearts; turn from your sin,
Behold your Messiah, God’s promise to man.

Do not fear,
Our God is near.
With us to dwell,
Immanuel

Born of a woman, Christ came to earth;
Almighty joined Adam in holy birth.
Sing “Glory to God,” ye angels on high,
Wonder of wonders, God is nigh!

Do not fear,
Our God is near.
With us to dwell,
Immanuel

Comforting Spirit, dwelling within
Giving the faithful vict’ry o’er sin;
The trumpet shall sound, with Him we’ll dwell
Forever and ever, Immanuel

Do not fear,
Our God is near.
With us to dwell,
Immanuel

Sing Hosanna!

2011-12-20T08:06:00.012-05:00

Our church ministers to the residents at Tall Pines Nursing Facility each fourth Sunday of the month. We sing lots of old fashioned hymns and give a short devotional. It is such a blessing to worship with these older saints.

At Christmas time, we go from hall to hall, singing carols. I remember once when my youngest could barely talk, he and another Sunday School friend went from room to room singing -
"Sing Hosanna!
Sing Hosanna!
Sing Hosanna, to the King of kings!"

(I hope to get some pictures our group this Sunday.)

This year, Christmas is on the fourth Sunday of the month. Many of these people don't have family nearby that visit them. They love the Christmas carols and the attention. What a wonderful way to spend Christmas Day! I can't wait!

Each year, our church also has a special gift project for a needy family or missionary. This year, we have decided to purchase new large print hymn books for the nursing home residents. The old ones are falling apart and missing pages. I can't wait to see their faces when they see the new books!

For more Christmas thoughts and traditions,
go to Ordinary Lives.

Monday Manna - "Come Unto Me"

2011-12-19T07:29:00.009-05:00

Today's Monday Manna

is hosted by Joanne Sher

at An Open Book.

We are focusing on this verse -

"But Mary kept all these things

and pondered them in her heart."

(Luke 2:19)

Mary was an ordinary girl. Every Hebrew girl knew the promise of the Messiah to be born of a virgin. Mary was not a perfect girl; she was a sinner, like anyone else, but she had a humble and submissive heart. God had a special job for her to do. It was very difficult right from the start. Even her intended husband did not believe her at first. She was made an outcast, so that God could be glorified.

I'm reading a new book that tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of Mary. Laura Davis puts the reader in Mary's sandals -all the emotions, fears and joys, of this wonderful honor bestowed on her.

(excerpt from Come Unto Me )

"Quietly, the shepherds shuffled into the warm, cozy stable. As soon as they saw the baby in the manger, they fell to their knees in worship. Mary watched in silence, struck numb by the sudden clarity of who the baby in the manger was. 'I just gave birth to the Son of God! Blessed be the Lord!'

She looked around the stable. What a contrast! Cows, goats, and sheep surrounded her. She sat in a bed of hay while the king of the world slept in a feeding trough at her side. And wonder of wonders, the shepherds were kneeling in the hay worshiping her son. She looked at Joseph, who had fallen to his knees. What a night! What a joy! Her heart overflowed with thanksgiving for Yahweh's provision and she wept with happiness."

Interview with Laura Davis

Lord's Day

2011-12-18T07:17:00.004-05:00

GONE TO CHURCH

"Worship the King"

(CLICK HERE)

(to hear good Bible teaching sermons)

Polliwog Pages Adventures

2011-12-17T02:04:00.001-05:00

Where would you like to have an adventure?

See where this new Polliwog Kid wants to go.

If you know a child, between the ages of 4-14, who likes to write, send me an email. I'd love to post their stories or poems on Polliwog Pages.

Friday Fiction - Heart Lights

2011-12-16T06:36:00.007-05:00

HEART LIGHTS

“Mommy, if Daddy isn’t coming home for Christmas, are we going to have a Christmas tree and stockings and presents?”

Swish, Swish…the windshield wipers smudged the red and green traffic lights.

Jennifer sighed. “Yes, Honey, we will have presents and a tree and stockings at Grammy’s house.”

“Will Daddy have a Christmas tree and presents?”

“Yes, remember? We sent him a box of presents.”

“But what about a Christmas tree? Do they have Christmas trees in Iraq?”

The headlights looked like a string of popcorn and cranberries.

“I don’t know, Hon. Maybe he’ll get one somehow.”

My dear Jenn, I really hoped and prayed that I would get home for Christmas, but I’ve been called on another mission before going on leave…

“Is there snow at Grammy’s house, Mommy?”

“I don’t know, Cindy. Probably not, but maybe it will snow soon.”

“Is there snow where Daddy is?”

“No, Cindy, I don’t think so. It’s a desert, but it gets cold at night.”

“Mommy, how far is it to Grammy’s house?”

“Cindy, why don’t you look at the pretty lights? Look at that snowman on the roof.”

“Oooooo… Look at that one, Mommy!”

Her little voice blended with the jingling music from the radio, but Jennifer didn’t hear either.

Do you remember our first Christmas together? I gave you that vacuum cleaner and you gave me socks. Neither one of us knew too much about giving gifts back then, did we? I wish I had some new socks this year.

The red and white car lights blurred. Jennifer wiped her cheek. Cindy was singing “Away in a Manger” with the radio. The rain finally stopped and left the world glistening wet.

“Mommy, what is a manger?”

Jennifer sniffed and wiped her other cheek. “Huh? A manger? Well… a manger is a box where the cows eat.”

“So, why did Baby Jesus sleep there?”

“Because there wasn’t any other place for him.”

Why?”

All of a sudden, Jennifer wasn’t sure of the story of Baby Jesus. Wasn’t there something about an inn and shepherds? It had been so long.

“I’m not sure, Cindy. We’ll ask Grammy tomorrow.”

Jenn, when I get home, I’d like to go to church sometime. I’ve been thinking a lot about God over here. Do we have a Bible?

“Mommy! Mommy, look!”

Jennifer gasped. The traffic had thinned, and as they passed the last steet lamp, the stars sparkled in the black sky. A row of lights outlined each street, up and down… block after block.

“Mommy, can we stop?”

Jennifer pulled into a parking lot, circled by the row of lights. They marked a pathway to the door of a church. The arched windows glowed. When she turned off the motor, she could hear chimes.

“Mommy, where is everybody going?”

“It’s a church, Honey. Maybe we can look inside.”

Jennifer trembled as they stepped through the doors. A man smiled and handed her an unlit candle. Another escorted her to a long bench. A woman scooted over. She whispered, “Welcome,” and smiled at Cindy. Soft organ music filled the room. Soon the ceiling lights dimmed and two young boys walked to the front row. They lit the candles of those nearest the aisle. The flickering flame passed from candle to candle down the row. Soon the boys came to their row. Jennifer lit her candle and passed the flame to the woman. The room filled with little lights. Jennifer wiped her cheek.

A man stood up behind a podium. “And his name shall be called Jesus…”

Like hot cocoa on a cold night, the old words sank deep and warmed her heart.

A young girl in a white robe stood beneath a white spotlight. Her hair glowed like a halo. Her voice sounded like an angel.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head.

“There is no peace on earth,” I said,

"For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep,

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men."

“Mommy, are you crying because we don’t have a real Christmas?”

Jennifer held her close. “No, Honey. I’m crying because THIS is the real Christmas.”

(Pray for the families, who won't be together at Christmas.)

For more stories, go to

Sara's Fiction Fustion.

("I Heard the Bells" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

A Favorite Christmas Book

2011-12-15T08:10:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite Christmas books is

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Read about this heart-warming story in the

Polliwog Pages Library.

Poetry - Nature's Ornaments

2011-12-14T07:38:00.002-05:00

NATURE'S ORNAMENTS

Ever

Green boughs

Wearing white muffs

Shivery, silvery secrets keep

Knee deep in a soft, blue-tinted skirt.

Dark

Branches shrug

Winter’s heavy shawls

Ice dripping and hope renewed

Life flowing, sap spreading, new birth

Misty

Falling Tears

Jewel-like droplets

Clinging, sparkling in the gloom

Sweetening the air with breath of springtime

Neon

Green growth

Hiding twittering nests

New life shielding, revealing

Surrounded by pale-minty leafed trees.

Tall

Pointed spire

Reaching arms to heaven

Adorned by bright feathery wings

Sheltering the least and smallest of His creatures.

Silky

Wispy webs

Draping like garlands

Morning dew in sunlight sparkles

In silence breathes a thankful prayer to God

Round

Fruitful cones

Hanging and dangling

The promise of life and harvest

With spicy scent in the warm autumn air

Crisp

Blowing winds

Whispery needles wafting

Carpeting ground with golden threads

Fluttering ornaments of gold and scarlet leaves.

Silver

Frosted tinsel

Tinkling, shimmering ice

Worshiping, singing their praises

Perfect harmony with the soft moonlight.

Monday Manna - God's Shopping List

2011-12-12T01:33:00.004-05:00

I am hosting Monday Manna today, where we meet to together to study a portion of God's Word. You may link to your blog with thoughts on this verse (with the Linky at the bottom of this page), or you may add a comment.

"Buy the truth and sell it not;

also wisdom and instruction, and understanding."

(Proverbs 23:23, KJV)

'Tis the season for shopping. Anyone who has ventured to the malls in the last few weeks will experience the crazy experience of people spending their savings (or going into debt) on gifts for Christmas.

When my children were young, we gave them $10 and let them loose in the dollar store. They loved it! They could buy something for everyone in the family all by themselves. As they got older and got jobs, they realized how hard it was to to earn money. They were able to buy more valuable gifts, and they became more particular of the quality and durability of their purchases.

Today's verse is talking about buying some things much more valuable and durable than video games or leather coats. We can't buy them with money or even credit. We buy these with our time and hearts. We buy them with our lives.

TRUTH

(eternal facts about God)

"All things were made by Him." (John 1:3)

"The LORD our God is holy" (Psalm 99:9)

"For God so loved the world." (John 3:16)

"I will come again." (John 14:3)

WISDOM

(applying God's will to our lives)

"Love your enemies" (Luke 6:27)

"Forgiving one another" (Eph. 4:32)

"Take no thought for tomorrow." (Matt. 6:34)

"A soft answer turns away wrath." (Prov. 15:1)

INSTRUCTION and UNDERSTANDING

(lessons from God's Word)

"Search the Scriptures" (John 5:39)

"Thy Word is lamp unto my feet." (Psalm 119:105)

"Obey them that have the rule over you" (Heb. 13:17)

"Observe to do according to all that is written therein" (Joshua 1:9)

Have you been looking for

TRUTH and WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING?

God said,

"Ask, and ye shall be given you,

Seek, and ye shall find,

Knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

(Luke 11:9)

Lord's Day

2011-12-11T06:08:00.003-05:00

GONE TO CHURCH

"Come and worship, come and worship,

Worship Christ, the newborn King!"

In the Bleak Mid-Wiinter

2011-12-10T07:23:00.004-05:00

take a warm summer walk to

A Forest Pool

written by a young author

Polliwog Pages.

Please encourage her with a comment.

Friday Fiction - Tony and Tisha

2011-12-09T06:27:00.004-05:00

I have the privilege of hosting Friday Fiction today. If you wish to join us, post a story on your blog or website and link it at the bottom of this post.
Have fun reading other stories, and be sure to leave some encouraging comments along the way.

TONY AND TISHA

Tony pulled his long legs up to his chin, as he sat on the window sill. He liked to watch the sun wake up the city, reflecting like a thousand beacons on the glass panes of the high risers. A flock of pigeons fluttered from one fire escape to the other.

“I’m hungry,” whispered Tisha, dragging her tattered favorite blanket across the bare floor.

“Here’s some toast and milk.” Tony brushed a curl from his little sister's eyes. “It’s Christmas, and I have a surprise for you.”

Her eyes lit up. “A surprise?”

He helped her find her sneakers and coat, and they hurried down the stairwells, into the crisp winter air and freshly-fallen snow.

As they passed the dumpster, Tony peeked inside out of habit. “Hey, I found a princess sleigh!” He pulled out a shopping cart, with a plastic liner. It had one wobbly wheel, but that didn’t matter.

“That’s not a sleigh,” said Tisha.

Lifting his little sister into the basket, he shouted, “Fly away, my Lady!” There was hardly anyone on the sidewalks, already edged with dirtied snow. Tisha squealed as they whizzed block after block.

Tony stopped to catch his breath. Chimes from a nearby church rang through the morning air. Tisha asked, “Can we go look at the Baby Jesus?” Up close, the figures looked much taller and faker. Tisha touched the hands of the plastic baby.

They peered into one store window after another, looking at the displays of Santas and toy trains. Tony started a favorite game. “I spy a little doll with a blue dotted dress.” When Tisha found the item, she would spy one for Tony.

At the park. Tisha gasped at the wide expanse of white snow. At one of the stone arched bridges, Toni stopped and lifted Tisha out. She looked down at the crystal stream gurgling beneath them.

Toni dug out his little bent harmonica and began playing Christmas Carols. Tisha didn’t know the words, so she swayed and pirouetted in time to the music, pretending she was a princess. An older couple walked by and dropped some coins into Toni’s hat.

“Thank you,” Tisha called after them.

There weren’t many people in the park today either. After playing for an hour, Tony said, “Let’s go sledding!” He pushed her cart up and down the pathways until he found just the right spot. Stopping at the top of a hill, he lifted Tisha out and pulled out the plastic liner.

“Come,” he said, “Sit on my lap.” With a yell and a whoop, they swished down the sparkling slope, again and again until they were tired and wet.

Continuing around the park, they came upon a woman, wearing a man’s hat and overcoat. She sat on a bench tossing cracker crumbs at her feet. Dozens of birds and squirrels surrounded her, some even eating out of her hand.

“Hello,” said Tisha. “Can I feed them too?”

The woman smiled a one-toothed grin and patted the bench next to her. She poured some crumbs into Tisha’s hand. She giggled when a little chickadee landed on her finger.

Tony shivered in the cool breeze. “Let’s go, Tisha.”

“Can we give her a quarter?” she whispered in his ear.

Dropping the coin in the lady’s hand, she said, “Merry Christmas!”

Sitting in her sleigh again, she asked, “Where are we going now, Tony?”

“We’re off to the royal dining hall!”

After buying some big sweet rolls and cups of steaming chocolate at Pete’s bakery, cheaper because Toni worked for him, they rattled back toward home.

Looking once more in the dumpster, Tony found a branch of a fir tree.
“Look, Tisha, a Christmas tree!” He dug around and found some shiny foil and a magazine. Leaning way over he wiggled his fingers to get one more thing.

Climbing up the dingy, crumbling stairs, they hurried past walls decorated with graffiti and yelling voices behind locked doors. Tony was glad for their little room on the sixth floor, away from the noise and grime.

Standing their little tree in a crack between the floor boards, they draped its needles with foil circles and a bright paper chain.

“Tisha, look at what else I found.”

“Oh, Tony, a real doll! Thank you; thank you!”

Later as night filled the room, they watched the foil reflect the blinking neon lights, and Tisha asked, “Toni, are we poor?”

“No, Tisha, we’re not poor. We have everything we need and each other.”

Monday Manna - New Verse Dec. 12

2011-12-08T06:33:00.002-05:00

I will be hosting Monday Manna this next week. Take the time to find this verse in your Bible. Read the other verses before and after it to get the context, then next Monday, write what the Lord has taught you about Himself. Post it on your blog, and link it to mine, or just write your thoughts in the comment section, so we all can learn from it together.

"Buy the truth, and sell it not;
also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."
(Proverbs 23:23, KJV)

Micah's on Journezine Today

2011-12-07T08:06:00.002-05:00

My son, Micah, is featured on

Journezine - Daily Manna

See the story behind this song.

Poetry - "God's Christmas Child"

2011-12-07T07:20:00.003-05:00

God's Christmas Child

Evelyn Bryant

The Babe of the ages, quietly lay,

Warmly snug in the manger hay;

Out in the night, the bright star shines,

Announced the birth of this Babe Divine.

Hosts of angels from on high,

Chorused the message across the sky;

The shepherds watched, in awe, that night,

The star that glowed, wondrously bright.

Heavenly music surrounded their way,

As they came to the place where the infant lay;

There in that manger, the Hope of the world,

God's gift to mankind, lay sweetly curled.

Closer, still closer, the shepherds pressed,

Gazing in wonder at the marvelous guest;

The angels still herald the news of the birth,

Of the One, who brought salvation to Earth.

Still today we can list to that wonderful song,

For the news from then has carried long;

Now it rings in the hearts of men,

As true today as it was then!"

~ ~ ~

(We miss this dear saint, prayer warrior,

and mother to our church family.)

Deck the Small Cozy Home

2011-12-06T07:00:00.025-05:00

As in many houses, especially with children, our home is decorated with years of various objects and styles at Christmas. We add things that catch our eye or have been given to us.

We have a ceramic nativity set

that I painted early in our marriage.

I have a tiny village that I've just collected recently.

I have some Hawaiian straw wreaths,

given to me by a classmate.

I have a paper star, that my father taught me how to make. When we lived in the Bahamas, we made most of our decorations from a paper. Last year, he made sure I didn't forget how to do it.

I love this personalized snowman family!

The branches of our Christmas tree are laden with a mixture of homemade treasures and various objects that reflect our different personalities.

I leave a few Christmas knick-knacks around

on a shelves or windowsills

to give me a smile throughout the winter.

Do you?

~ ~ ~

Join us at Peej's Blog for more decorating fun.

Waiting for God's Springtime

2011-12-05T06:34:00.015-05:00

Today's Monday Manna
is hosted by Joanne Sher
at An Open Book.
We are focusing on this verse -

"For as the earth bringeth forth her bud,
and as the garden causeth the things
that are sown in it to spring forth;
so the LORD GOD will cause righteousness and praise
to spring forth before all the nations."
Isaiah 61:11

When I moved from the Bahamas as a child, I couldn't understand why the other children drew pictures of the trees like naked sticks. I thought the barren, winter trees looked ugly and dead. I stubbornly drew tropical palm trees in my pictures.

Even after living in New York and Maine through my teen years, I still preferred evergreens to the spindly deciduous trees. It wasn't until my husband taught me to tell which ones were still alive (sleeping and waiting for spring) that I learned to appreciate the shape of their trunks and branches.

When the leaves begin to appear on the trees, it's a joyous time of celebration. The long wait is over! Life has come back to the earth. The birds sing; flowers bloom; even the gurgling streams are happy. The tiny peeper frogs fill the night air with their praises. The earth is full of His joy.

Our world is approaching the dark wintertime. There will come a time when the light of the Holy Spirit will be taken away. It will be a cold and dark time, a time of wickedness and death.

But it will not last forever...

God has also promised a blessed and fruitful time. He will return to earth as King. The long wait is over! The earth will be filled with "righteousness and praise." The whole earth will celebrate the return of life and joy.

There will be peace on earth.

(www.wallacepathwaysart.com)

Lord's Day

2011-12-04T07:32:00.007-05:00

"With God, nothing shall be impossible."

An Unusual Birthday Wish

2011-12-03T06:59:00.004-05:00

A Polliwog Kid is wishing for a reindeer for her birthday.

Read her story and leave an encouraging comment.

If you know a child between the ages of 4-14

who likes to write stories,

I would like to post their story on Polliwog Pages.

Send me an email. I love children's stories!

Do You Have Power?

2011-12-03T06:32:00.001-05:00

(CLICK HERE)

Annual Christmas Fruit Cake Bake-Off Gala

2011-12-02T07:13:00.007-05:00

“Good evening. This is Cheri Bing, reporting for WHIP, in Quince Valley, Florida. I am standing outside the Capitol Convention Building, where we are expecting much to be happening here tonight. The Annual Christmas Cake Bake-Off and the State Christmas Gala are being held in the same hall because of a scheduling dilemma.

“Tables are loaded with exquisite displays of culinary creations: a Black Forest Cherry Cake, a Festive Eggnog Cake, an Orange Marmalade Noel Cake, a Chocolate Yule Log, a Jewel Fruit Cake, and even a Coconut Cookie Tree. Band music is filling the air, and dignitaries are arriving by limousines. What a grand event this will be!

“Here is Miss Linda Emmon, wife of Senator Meringue, arriving now, dressed in a yellow chiffon gown, topped with fluffy white stole.

“Hello, Miss Emmons, could you tell us what you think of the Bake-Off and Gala occurring at the same time?”

“It’s an outrage! To think that we have to mingle with restaurant chefs and ordinary cooks. It’s enough to give me the shivers!”

“Thank you, Miss Emmons. Let’s go inside to get some other opinions. Here is someone in a dark plum outfit near the food tables.

“Excuse me, Ma’am. Could you tell me your name and what brings you here, tonight, the Bake-Off or the Gala?”

“My name is Candace Dumpling. I’m just here for the excitement. I love Christmas puddings, but I think any kind of cake or pie is scrumptious. I could just sit in a corner and eat one all by myself. Oh, this is so much fun! Did you know that because of the double scheduling, anyone can come…no invitations needed?”

“So, do you know any of the Cake Contestants?”

“Oh, yes, there’s George over there. He’s a peach, but a little young for me to date; still got fuzz on his chin…hee, hee!”

“What’s the name of the band?”

“That’s The Concords! Aren’t they great? They’re whining, though, because they are squeezed into the corner and have to share the stage with The Pomegranate Ensemble, a foreign group for the Gala.”

“Well, thank you, Miss… oh, there she goes… Well, let’s talk to one of the cake contestants, Chef Ping Apple.

“Hello, Sir, what do you think of the competition tonight?”

“It’s quite a crowd all right! I hope things stay organized. I’ve spent twenty-three full hours working on my nine-layer cake. ‘Twould be a shame if anything happened to it.”

“So you think you’ve got a good chance of winning?”

“Yes, Ma’am. I even brought my Granny, Ida Smith. It’s her recipe, and when I get the blue ribbon, I want to share it with her.”

“Well, that’s very considerate of you…and you, Ma’am, do you think he’ll win?”

“Hi, Dear. Yes, I think he has a good chance. My grandson may seem prickly on the outside, but he’s got a sweet inner core.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ping Apple and Granny Smith. Now, I hear the music changing. It sounds like the Holiday Mixer Waltz. The floor is filled with swirling dresses of all colors: raspberry, cranberry, lime green, tangerine, and blueberry.

“The Pomegranate Ensemble is now playing the Mango Tango. A couple dressed in black is strutting shoulder to shoulder across the floor, amid flickering specks of light. Wow! Look at them dip! What a pair!

“Anna Chiquita, dressed in a cream-colored skirt and satin slippers, is now singing ‘Feliz Navidad’, with The Pomegranates playing and people singing along.

“Now the Concord band has started playing ‘Holiday Hoe-Down Cobbler.’ The crowd is really getting into a party spirit. I think I better back out of the way. I can hardly hear myself, with all the clapping and foot stomping.

“Oh, no! Percy Simmons, with his sequined tuxedo, has backed into Mandy Rin, in the orange Chinese kimono. With her arms flailing, she’s trying to catch her balance, but grabs the edge of the tablecloth instead. Oh, no! There goes Chef Ping Apple’s nine-layer cake! It’s falling! It’s upside-down on the floor. He’s not too happy. Oh, I hope this doesn’t end in people throwing punches. I think it’s time for me to sign off.

“This is Cheri Bing, from station WHIP, in Quince, Florida. Merry Christmas!”

~ ~ ~

For more great stories, go to
Words are Timeless.

"Tap, Tap, Saw, Saw"

2011-12-01T10:25:00.008-05:00

I'm working on Christmas stuff today...

Be looking for a new winter look for my blog

and

a new schedule for my posts

and

a surprise on Polliwog Pages for the new year.

besides

decorating my house

and

making cookies

and

working on gifts.

Poetry - "Is It Time Yet?"

2011-11-30T07:28:00.002-05:00

IS IT TIME YET?

“In the beginning…”

God promised a Savior,

To redeem this sinful world,

From its wicked behavior.

“All nations shall be blessed…”

Through the seed of Abraham,

The Messiah will someday come,

It was God’s perfect plan.

Almighty God, “I AM”

Did set His people free,

His angel of Death passed over,

He separated the sea.

“Be strong, and of good courage!”

The cry rang out that day.

“This is the land God promised you;

Trust in His strength; obey.”

“Thy throne shall be forever,”

To King David, it was said.

An everlasting kingdom,

In peaceful pastures led.

“Bethelehem, Ephratah,

Out of thee shall come…”

This simple little village

Would bring the Promised One.

“And the days were accomplished…”

The time was drawing near,

Son of Man and Son of God

Heavenly hosts prepared to cheer.

“Unto you is born this day..”

The choir of angels sang,

“Glory to the newborn King!”

The rafters of heaven rang.

“A light to lighten the Gentiles,

A glory to Israel.”

The spotless Lamb of God,

His wondrous plan revealed.

“Today thou shalt be in Paradise,”

“It is finished!” he cried.

They knew not what they did,

The Messiah was crucified.

“That hour knoweth no man”

When the trumpet will sound.

A triumphant call to His own,

In whose heart, He is found.

“The Alpha and Omega,

The beginning and the end.”

Our King, our Lord, our Savior,

To Thee our knees we bend.

Genesis 1:1, Genesis 26:4, Exodus 3:14, Joshua 1:6, Psalm, Micah 5:2, Luke 2:6, Luke 2:11, Luke 2:32, Mark 13:32, Luke 23:43, John 19:30, Rev. 1:8

Tradition, Tradition

2011-11-29T06:37:00.009-05:00

This week on Jolly Daze

we are sharing our Christmas traditions.

We have quite a few traditions, but the that usually starts the season is finding a tree. We live in the woods, so we cut our own. But there's a problem with trees growing closely together. They are not usually symmetrically shaped. Often, the tops of the tall ones are better shaped than the smaller ones. So... we walk through the woods looking up at the tops. A nimble boy climbs up and saws off the top 8' of a tree and sends it tumbling to those watching.

Because we have only heat by wood, we find a spot for the tree far from the stove. We cover it with lots of home-made decorations and other ones that reflect each person's character or interests - everything from Charlie Brown to an Alaskan dog sled. We also string popcorn, intermingled with wrapped candy, which is eaten throughout the holiday season. The finishing touch is a beautiful angel at the top.

The whole month of December is filled with parties and programs, shopping and caroling, but Christmas Eve is my favorite day. It begins with waking early and heading to the "big city" of Bangor to do any last minute shopping. First we have breakfast at Dysarts, a truck stop with delicious food. When our money and energy runs out, we head home to finishing wrapping presents, cooking pies, and cleaning the house for any Christmas guests.

All preparations stop by 6 o'clock.

It is time for our Christmas Eve Candlelight service.

Whatever isn't done won't get done.

It's time for Christmas.

The church is decorated with greenery, red velvet ribbons, and lights in the windows. Everyone is dressed in their Christmasy clothes. Children scurry about in robes and halos. Each person is given a short little candle as they arrive. The sanctuary is dimly lit. The pianist is softly playing. Ushers light the candles of those sitting near the center aisle. The flame is passed from person to person. (battery operated ones for small children)

The service progresses with the men and boys taking their turn reading Scripture, followed by a carol. Poetry, children's plays, and special music are woven between. Time seems to stand still. Hearts are filled with holy wonder.

Too soon the music stops and the lights turned on. Gifts and cards are exchanged, and joyous laughter fills the room as people wish each other good tidings of joy. The rest of that evening and all of the next day is filled with family and food and gifts, but it is all an aftermath of the beautiful holy time.

I want to hold that hushed awe of God with us.

That's Christmas.

What is God's Light?

2011-11-28T06:43:00.009-05:00

"Where is the way where light dwelleth?

And as for darkness,

where is the place thereof?"

(Job 38:19, KJV)

What is light?

According to the dictionary, it is "electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength in the range from about 4,000 (violet) to about 7,700 (red) angstroms and may be perceived by the normal unaided human eye."

We considered the most basic form of light to be the sun, but it wasn't the first light. On the first day of creation, God said, "Let there be light!" and there was light. What was this light? It wasn't the sun, for that wasn't created until the 4th day. It was God's light.

Light travels at 186,000 miles a second. I looked up the explanations of how scientists discovered this, but my small mind couldn't comprehend it. I only know that even though light is moving, God made it already here when it was created, giving it age at its conception.

"Where is the way where light dwelleth?

And as for darkness,

where is the place thereof?"

(Job 38:19, KJV)

God showed Job the wonders of creation that only He could know. Physics, biology, and astronomy, which were "discovered" later in time, are all discussed in these chapters. (Job 39-41) We learn of dragons and other creatures that are not around any more.

In thinking again of light and darkness, it brings to mind the times when the Bible describes unnatural forms of darkness. God plagued the Egyptians with a strange darkness.

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt, and Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven, and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They saw not one another, neither rose from his place for three days, but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings." (Exodus 10:21-23, KJV)

Two more times, God used this "thick darkness" in the book of Exodus. Darkness is also mentioned in Revelation, in the time of the Great Tribulation and in the everlasting punishment of Satan and those who have followed him.

"God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all."

(I John 1:5)

Every time, God gives man a glimpse of heaven, of angels, or of His glory - a very bright light is the first sensation of being in the presence of something supernatural. God's glory shows His presence.

"Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation,

and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

(Exodus 40:34)

Heaven is always described as being filled with light - brighter than the sun, brighter than anything we can imagine. It is filled with God's light.

"And the city had no need of the sun,

neither of the moon, to shine in it;

for the glory of God did lighten it,

and the Lamb is the light thereof."

(Revelation 21:23)

I think God's light will surround us like the air in heaven. I wonder if the "white robes" are really light. Perhaps Adam and Eve were clothed in light before they sinned.

We think we can control light with electrical power, but we can only simulate real light. God creates His light with only a word. He can withhold it with thick darkness. He can reveal glimpses of it to mankind. There will be a day when we will see Him as He is, in all His glory!

Lord's Day

2011-11-27T07:45:00.004-05:00

GONE TO CHURCH

Lighthouse Bible Church

"Let all that hath breath, praise ye the Lord!"

Polliwog Pets

2011-11-26T07:40:00.005-05:00

Our Polliwog Pages Pet Parade is still going strong.

Today's story is by a new Polliwog Kid.

She'd love some encouraging comments.

Sarah's Story

If you are between the ages of 4-14,(or know someone who likes to write stories)I would like to post your story here. Send me an email. I'd love to read your story!

Friday Fiction - Mary Dear

2011-11-25T07:10:00.005-05:00

This story is dedicated to those taking care of loved ones.

Mary Dear

A teakettle whistles softly on the kitchen woodstove. A man pours the steaming water, stirring in milk and sugar. He sets the two rattling teacups on the red checked tablecloth and chooses a pill bottle from the lineup against the wall. The mantle clock announces seven o’clock.

“Time for your pill, Mary Dear.” He helps her sit straighter in her wheelchair and adjusts a pillow behind her left shoulder. “I hope the tea isn’t too hot.”

With a towel under her chin and a teacup in his gnarled fingers, he slowly, gently gives her a sip and wipes the corner of her mouth. The clock ticks away the minutes as he takes a sip from his cup and gives her one.

“The leaves are starting to turn red already. It will be winter soon.”

She twists her neck toward the window. “Un-n-n.”

“The pastor’s wife brought some banana bread. She’s such a thoughtful woman. Would you like some with your tea?”

“Un-o-oh” Mary jerks her head and knocks the cup from his hand, sending it shattering across the linoleum floor. “O-o-oh!”

“Don’t worry about that. It was almost empty anyway.” He fetches the straw broom and sweeps the broken pieces into the dustpan. After washing his own teacup in the big enamel sink, drying it, and putting it away; he hobbles to the back door to let the cat out and puts another piece of wood in the stove.

“Are you warm enough, Mary Dear?”

“Unh-oo” She looks toward the living room and swings her arm wildly.

“What? Do you want to listen to the radio?” He pushes her chair across the braided rug and pulls the light chain, giving the room a golden glow. He wipes a dribble on her chin and straightens her up again.

“Unh-oo” Mary focuses on the bookshelf.

“Oh, you want to look at the photo album?”

Side by side, they peer at faces of long ago – mothers and brothers already passed on. They remember the old farm house and pudgy babies. They puzzle over all the faces in the wedding poses and try to remember the names of all the grandchildren and their babies. The mantel clock chimes eight times.

“Time for bed, Mary Dear.”

Sounds of splashing water, thumps, grunts, and rustling cloth are heard beyond the bathroom door. At last they emerge. Mary is wearing a white flannel nightie and pink fluffy slippers. A waft of liniment and talcum follows them down the hallway to the bedroom.

Facing the tall vanity mirror, he straightens her back, adjusts the pillows, and wipes her chin again. With slow gentle strokes, he lovingly brushes her soft gray curls. She closes her eyes; the hint of a smile shows on one side of her lips.

Carefully, he lifts her small frame onto the cotton sheets and tucks her in. He brushes the droplets from his balding head with his shirtsleeve and readies the house for the night.

Finally, with a sigh, he lies down beside her and turns to see her clouded blue eyes watching him.

“Unh –uv-oo.”

He kisses her forehead and whispers, “I love you too, Mary Dear, and I always will.”

~ ~ ~

Today's Friday Fiction is being hosted by Anna Karlene

Dancin' In the Rain.

Is It Fair?

2011-11-24T01:35:00.001-05:00

Is It Fair?

We never forget to say "give me,"

When needy how quickly we plead,

But how oft we forget to say "thank you"

When the Lord has supplied every need.

It seems that we only say "thank you"

Each time that Thanksgiving draws near;

Is it fair to say "give me" so often,

And "thank you" just one time a year.

We never forget to say "help me;"

In trouble how quickly we pray,

But how oft we forget to say "thank you"

When he's chased all our trouble away.

It seems that we only say "thank you"

Each time that Thanksgiving draws near;

Is it fair to say "give me" so often,

And "thank you" just one time a year.

We never forget to say "spare me"

From sorrow, from sickness, and tears,

But how oft we forget to say "thank you"

To the One who has kept through the years.

It seems that we only say "thank you"

Each time that Thanksgiving draws near;

Is it fair to say "give me" so often,

And "thank you" just one time a year.

Monday Manna - New Verse Nov. 28

2011-11-24T00:30:00.002-05:00

"Where is the way where light dwelleth?

And as for darkness,

where is the place thereof?"

(Job 38:19, KJV)

Are you a Happy Lexophile?

2011-11-23T02:18:00.001-05:00

A Lexophile is a lover of words - puns, cliches, idioms, etc.

Here is a little fun with words that I found.

A bicycle cannot stand-alone; it is two tired.

A will is a dead giveaway.

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

A backward poet writes inverse.

In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.

A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.

With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.

When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.

A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.

You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

Local Area Network in Australia : The LAN down under.

He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.

A calendar's days are numbered.

A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.

A boiled egg is hard to beat.

He had a photographic memory, which was never developed.

A plateau is a high form of flattery.

When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.

If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine .

When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.

Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.

Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.

Acupuncture: a jab well done.

Marathon runners with bad shoes suffer the agony of de feet.

The roundest knight at king Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

If you yell through the screen window, you'll strain your voice.

A rubber band was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.

No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

A cabbage and carrot rolled down a hill. The cabbage won because it was a head.

I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said, "Keep off the Grass."

A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, "No change yet."

The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

~ ~ ~

Do you know any one-line jokes like this?

Jolly Daze - Bee Thankful

2011-11-22T07:12:00.008-05:00

Can you find something to be thankful for

in every situation?

"In everything give thanks,

for the is will of God

in Christ Jesus for you."

(I Thessalonians 5:18)

Over the next few months, I plan to participate in

Our family's most memorable Thanksgiving was when a squirrel got in the house. I gathered the kids on the couch while my husband opened the bedroom door. I said, "Watch Daddy jump." ...only there was a large window right behind us. The squirrel ran right up over our heads, and we all screamed. I jumped up before the person sitting on the edge of my skirt. (the one that snapped all the way up the front...I'll leave it at that.) The frightened squirrel and stampede of kids raced for the kitchen door. Lydia, age 5, tripped over a chair and lost a tooth. My husband had the biggest laugh, between me losing my skirt and mayhem of the kids. Poor Lydia had to restrict her meal to mashed potatoes and gravy, but we'll never forget that Thanksgiving.

Go to Peej's Blog to see more.

Do You Know God?

2011-11-20T16:15:00.007-05:00

Today's Monday Manna
is hosted by Joanne Sher
at An Open Book.
We are focusing on this verse -

"But let him who glories, glory in this -
That he understands and knows Me,
that I am the LORD,
exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth -
for in these I delight."
(Jeremiah 9:24, NKJV )

I know a lot of people.

My family teases me because I have many more friends on Facebook than they have. My husband asks me, "Do you know all those people?"

Some of them are in my writing group. We share an interest. I only know their names. I have acquaintances - those I've met through my children or a mutual friend, people who live in my town. There are others I know a bit more - students, teachers, extended family, and neighbors. Of course, I know my family and closer friends. I know their birthdays and their interests. I know how to make them laugh and when they are feeling low. Best of all, I know my husband. I know what is thinking without him saying a word. I know how he feels about things. I know how he will react to certain circumstances.

It's been said, "It's not what you know, but who you know."

I can brag that know the author of the "Left Behind" books and the president of Bibles International Mission. Some people brag that they know a movie star or sports celebrity.

God says,
"But let him who glories, glory in this -
That he understands and knows Me,
that I am the LORD,
exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth -
for in these I delight."
(Jeremiah 9:24, NKJV )

God wants us to know Him - to know His will, to know how He feels about things, to know His lovingkindness and righteousness.

Do you know God?

~ ~ ~

Lord's Day

2011-11-20T01:00:00.001-05:00

GONE TO CHURCH

"Come before His presence with thanksgiving."

Dragons in a Parade?

2011-11-19T01:35:00.001-05:00

We are soaring high this week

with a flying dragon.

(CLICK HERE)

to read the next story in our

POLLIWOG PAGES PET PARADE.

Friday Fiction - Zeke

2011-11-18T07:28:00.010-05:00

I'm not doing NaNo this year,

(and I miss being part of the fun)

but I'm revising my Phoebe novel

with a more focused point-of-view.

Here is one section I just worked on -

(photo from Little House Memories)

(Zeke is younger, but I haven't found a picture of him, yet.)

Zeke

Zeke took off his hat and rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I had a look-see at that there wagon this morning. It doesn’t look so good. The wheel is twisted, and the axle is cracked. I nailed a patch on it, but it won’t last very long. Now, I know this fella’ in Poestenkill, the next town over. He can fix just about anything. I can pull your wagon behind mine and see what he says.”

Maseppa focused on the stream of milk and didn’t speak. She untied Lolly and led her to another patch of tall grass. Zeke followed her. She finally said, “I not have money, but I find berries, apples, mint, roots. My mother show me how to find them.”

“Hey, that’s a good idea! I know folks who would want those things -maybe the doc or the gen’ral store. We can ask around.”

Maseppa strained the fresh milk through a thin cloth. She poured some for Phoebe and handed the bucket to Zeke. “How much you like?”

“M-m-m, I ain’t had fresh milk in a long time. I have a tin pail in my wagon. Thank you much!” He sprinted away on his long legs.

Maseppa looked at Phoebe’s wet clothes and frowned. She found another dress and hung the soggy one on a nearby bush in the sunshine. After a breakfast of pan-fried cornbread and Lolly’s milk, they folded the bedding and packed up. Zeke returned with an empty milk tin, which he washed in the stream before Maseppa filled it.

“I see you’re ready to go. I’ll help you carry things up to the road. I hitched your wagon to the back of mine. Looks like one of those new fangled locomotives!” He gathered up some bundles as he talked.

Maseppa saved a few coals and covered the fire with dirt. She handed Phoebe a sack, while she carried the bedding and kettle. Zeke tied Lolly in back and hitched Ginger beside a big black horse.

Maseppa walked slowly around the strange wagon. There were pans, kettles, tools, and things she never saw before hanging on the sides. At the back was a door that opened at the top. Inside, she could see bolts of cloth, kegs, wash tubs, and hundreds of little boxes.

(Maybe Zeke is more like Danny Kaye.)

“A regular gen’ral store on wheels! Anything you want or need… I have it. Needles, buttons, tubs, and pans… jewelry and fancy perfume, too!“

Phoebe tip-toed to see over the edge. “There’s a bed in here, too! Is this your home?”

“Yep, I live anywhere my wheels and Ol’ Sam can take me.” He patted the big horse’s rump.

Maseppa grasped Phoebe’s hand. “Ondàs, come.”

Phoebe skipped to the front and climbed onto the seat. A roof extended over their heads, and a little window with a sliding panel was behind them.

Zeke sat on one side, and Maseppa held Phoebe on her lap. Zeke arranged the long leather reins and clucked his tongue at Ol’ Sam and Ginger. The horses snorted and tugged the heavy load. They strained for a few steps, but were soon clip-clopping along.

The peddler’s wagon rattled and jangled over the bumpy road. Phoebe giggled and squirmed trying to see everything at once. Zeke began whistling in time to Ol’ Sam’s feet. Maseppa sat silently, looking straight ahead.

They soon entered Poestenkill, a quiet village on the bank of the Hoosick River. A sawmill, store, and a few houses huddled close together. Zeke pulled their wagons close to the mill and stopped. Jumping down, he disappeared in a wide open door.

A couple men sat in rocking chairs on the store’s porch across the road. They stared at the strange caravan and the two sitting on the seat. Phoebe whispered, “Why do those men keep looking at us?”

“Pizàn…Sh-sh.”

Soon Zeke returned with a man in a red flannel shirt covered with sawdust. They ambled toward the broken wheel and axle, discussing what would be needed to repair it. Maseppa climbed down from the wagon.

Zeke said, “Ma’am, this here is James Morgan. He says he can have it repaired in a couple days.”

Maseppa nodded.

Mr. Morgan didn’t look at the wheel anymore. His face darkened and his eyes squinted. He crossed his arms and stared at Maseppa as Zeke rambled on about finding them beside the road last night.

“I ain’t going to fix it,” the man interrupted.

“What? You just said it wouldn’t take long.”

“This your woman?”

“No, this is her wagon. It slid off the road, and I’m just helping her.”

“I ain’t helping no Injun!”

“I’ll pay you,” insisted Zeke.

“I ain’t helping no Injun lover either!” He pivoted away. ”I wouldn’t trust a cheating peddler and a thieving Injun any farther that I can spit!” He shot a stream of tobacco juice at Zeke’s feet and stomped back to his mill.

The two men on the porch chuckled.

Zeke turned to them, “Go ahead and laugh. We’ll just go somewhere else. Don’t come crying to me the next time you need something!”

He swung himself up next to Maseppa and Phoebe and flicked the reins at Ol’ Sam and Ginger a little harder than usual. The horses jumped at the sharp treatment, but trotted away as fast as the crippled wagon train could go. Maseppa stared straight ahead. Zeke growled under his breath. “I’m sorry I put you through that, Ma’am.”

“It not be your fault.”

“It was all I could do to keep from giving him a bloody nose.”

“It not be any good.”

“Maybe not, but I would ‘a felt better!”

~ ~ ~

For more NaNo excerpts and other stories,

go to Joanne's Open Book Blog

The Canaan Years - Leaving

2011-11-17T08:13:00.013-05:00

I haven't continued the posts of my memories for awhile

...for a reason.

(This one is a hard one for me.)

Despite the up-and-down emotions of being a teenager, I was basically happy. I loved Canaan and its people. I loved the small town atmosphere where I felt safe and comfortable. I loved the farmlands and fields and woods around us. It was a great place to be a teenager.

I knew something was bothering my father. There is so much a pastor has to bear, which he can't share with others. One evening, he announced that he wanted to move to Bucksport. He wanted to be a part of the church there.

I was shocked and angry. I didn't want to move! I didn't want to go to a new school for my senior year. As much as I despised being different, as pastor's kid in the public school, I didn't want to start over in a new school. I wanted to graduate from Skowhegan High School.

...but I submitted. I knew the routine

and packed up my clothes, books, and memories.

In the middle of packing, my long-haired calico cat, Michelle, had kittens. I had made a "nest" for her in a box, but she didn't want that - she wanted me. I was doing dishes, and she started having them right in the middle of the kitchen floor. I put the "nest" in my bedroom, but she insisted on being on my bed. So I put an old sheet on my bed and let her have them there. I remember a black one being born on the stroke of midnight, so I named him Minuit. Since we were moving, a neighbor offered to take all of them, Michelle and her 4 kittens.

I still had about a couple month left of classes, including my finals, when my parents moved in April. The Ouellettes, a family in our church and my teacher in the Christian school, asked my parents if I could stay with them until the end of the school year. It was such a touching gift to me. They took me in and made me part of their family. Their son even gave up his room and slept on the couch. (I still call them Aunt Nancy and Uncle Norman.)

Harvey was the big brother I never had. Harvey liked teasing me about my boyfriend, who attended Bangor Christian School with him, and I got him back by spraying him with a hose.

Debbie let me tag along like a little sister. Once I could hear her call me, but I couldn't find her. She said she was in the attic, but not the attic I knew of. Finally, by her voice, she directed me to a trap door in her parents' closet. I thought that was so cool and imagined it as a good place to hide runaway slaves. Like a big sister, she listened to my tears and complaints of moving. She read my poem -

Gypsy

As a gypsy I wander; a pilgrim, I roam;

Searching for a common face, yet all alone.

A stranger's a friend, and a friend, a stranger;

Flitting, restless butterfly, all decisions waver.

Oh, to stop and drop my pondered load!

Trudging, stumbling, never pausing, on my endless road.
~ ~ ~

I didn't get as close to their second daughter, Julie. She had been away at college and was only home a couple weeks at the end of my stay. I do remember one time that she nursed a bite on my leg from a dog that chased me on my bike.

I got in "trouble" like one of their kids, too - for leaving a phonograph record out, for forgetting to wipe out the tub, for eating the last date when it was being saved for Uncle Norman's supper, etc.

During my high school years, I used to wait for the bus on the porch of our neighbor across the street, but they were the ones who adopted my cat Michelle. Now I couldn't stand having her look at me through the window. I couldn't make her understand that I was sorry that she couldn't be with me anymore. So I didn't wait for the bus there anymore.

Going to church was strange without my father and my family there. The church called a retired pastor to fill in, until they got a new one. Pastor Victor Dow was a superb preacher. He never went to school past the fifth grade or went to Bible school, but he loved the Lord and knew his Bible. I really enjoyed getting to hear him preach God's Word.

Staying with the Ouellettes was a fun few months. We hung may-baskets and rode bikes to the fire tower. I went to an all-night teen time - candlepin bowling, rollerskating, and singing around a campfire. Aunt Nancy even made a long yellow dress for me for a banquet.

I treasured those last weeks with my few friends and classmates at school. I put my heart into my studies and ended the year with great grades. Our English teacher gave us a final writing project and I wrote three children's stories. (I don't know where they are now.) I hadn't bought a yearbook, but wished I had. One boy in my class let me take his home to sign. I noticed no one else had signed it yet. On the bus home, someone told me that he never lets anyone sign his yearbooks. I would probably be the only one. Wow! I don't even remember what I said, and I wished I had gotten to know him better. It was hard to say good-bye to my classmates and teachers. I didn't want to start making friends all over again.

My very good friend, Debbie Haney, was going to live with our family for awhile. Her family would be driving us to Bucksport. I thanked the Ouellettes for their love and hospitality, climbed in the Haney's truck, and started the next chapter of my life...the Bucksport Years.

(This is when God led Randy into my life!)