Our Simple Journey of Faith, Family and Life

Friday, October 29, 2010

Simple Knitted Dishcloth

                                    Simply Dish-Cloth Measures 9 1/2" X 7"


10 1/2 needles

CO 36

Rows 1-3: Knit across

Row 4: Knit 2, YO, Knit 2 Together, knit across

Repeat Row 4 until cloth measures from beggining to needles 6 3/4

Row 5-7: Knit Across Cast Off


NOTE:
This dishcloth can be made bigger, but I thought it looked pretty big as is, KNOWING that all knitted dishcloths stretch when wet.
ALSO, I use larger needles because the bigger the holes the quicker they dry so you won't have a moldy or meldew smell

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Color's of Roses & their Meaning


Red Rose
Love & affection, Romantic & Abiding Love, True Love, I Love You, Desire, Courage & Passion, Congratulations, Job Well Done, Respect & Appreciation, Honest Beauty, Courage & Passion, Bliss to Marriage

Dark Red Rose
Deep passion, Readiness for a commitment, Unconscious beauty, Dying love


Light Rose
Gentleness, Joy & Grace, Admiration, Sympathy & Gentleness, Harmony & Warmth


Pink Rose
Grace & Elegance, Admiration for beauty and refinement, Sweetness


Bright Pink
Appreciation & Recognition, "Thank You", Gratitude, Admiration


Lavender Rose
Love/Enchantment at first sight, Regal majesty and splendor, Wonder & Impossibility


Purple Rose
Enchantment & Magnetism, Opulence & Majesty


Dark Purple Rose
Enchantment & Magnetism, Opulence & Majesty


Blue Rose
Mystery & Ambiguity, The impossible or The unattainable, "You are extraordinarily wonderful", Mysterious beginnings of new things


Turquoise Rose
Calm, Fertility, Abundance and Bounty, Constant rejuvenation of spirit, Self-respect and Well being


White Rose
Purity & Innocence, Reverence & Humility, Heavenly & Honor, Everlasting love, Marriages and New Beginnings, I am worthy of you, Beauty & Youthfulness, Remembrance


Yellow Rose
Friendship and "I care", Unbridled joy, Promise of a new beginning, Gladness, Delight, Warmth, Good Luck, Welcome Back, Remember Me, Dying Love


Gold Rose
Friendship and "I care", Unbridled joy, Promise of a new beginning, Gladness, Delight, Warmth, Good Luck, Welcome Back, Remember Me, Dying Love


Peach Rose
Modesty, Closing of a new deal, Great cheer, Sincerity & Genuineness, Sympathy, Gratitude and Thankfulness


Orange Rose
Fascination, Passion & Desire, Enthusiasm & Energe, Pride, "I am so proud of you"


Black Rose
Farewell & Sorrow, Loss & Mortality, Death of Old habits, Begining of new things or journey, Courage & Resistance, Halloween More details...

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Koffee Time - Sharing Thoughts with you

                                 ~ ~ ~ "Recipe for Miracles" ~ ~ ~

Ingredients:
1 part of knowing who you are
1 part of knowing who you aren't
1 part of knowing what you want
1 part of knowing who you wish to be
1 part of knowing what you already have
1 part of choosing wisely from what you have
1 part of loving and thanking for ALL you have

Instructions:
Combine ingredients together gently and carefully, using faith and vision. Mix together with strong belief of the outcome until finely blended.Use thoughts, words and actions for best results.

Bake until Blessed. Give thanks again
Yield: Unlimited servings


                              ~ ~ ~ Recipe for drama: ~ ~ ~
1 cup of gossip (from people who don't even know you, or you them) 1/4 cup of rumors, a pinch of green envy and best of all a tablespoon of attitude. Let simmer. You'll know it's done when it all boils over...


                             ~ ~ ~ Matthew 5 ~ ~ ~
Note the sequence of Matt 5... We recognize our need (Blessed are the poor in spirit), We repent, (Blessed are they who mourn), we surrender to God's control, (Blessed are the meek) We yearn for His presence (Hunger & thirst), We grow closer to Him and forgive, (blessed are the merciful) We change our outlook (Pure in ...heart) Love others, (blessed are peacemakers) enduring injustice. (Persecution)! ~adapted from Max


                                    ~ ~ ~ The Turtle ~ ~ ~
Taking their homes with them wherever they go, turtles remind us to remember our roots while still welcoming new places and phases in life. They teach us to appreciate life's simple, true necessities, shelter, food,drink and most importantly faith. The turtle's slow gait requires the animal to have faith that it will eventually get where it is going and that its needs will be satisfied along the way

Someone shared the Turtle with me and I thought it was great, so I'm sharing as well...JMSQ

                   ~ ~ ~  By: Karen Puff Rosenkrantz ~ ~ ~
"Calling Jesus "Lord" does not necessarily mean you have submitted to
His Lordship. The proof of His Lordship over you is not in what you call
Him; it is in the obedience to what He says." ~Chip Brogden~


                            ~ ~ ~ The Bible ~ ~ ~
THE BIBLE Contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners. Happiness of the saved. Here heaven is opened, hell disclosed. Your present choice will decide your eternal state.!Amen!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Friendship Oak Tree

                                          The Famous Friendship Oak


On the beachfront campus of The University of Southern Mississippi-Gulf Coast (formerly Gulf Park), overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, is a magnificent live oak tree 500 plus years old. The tree is loved by former students of Gulf Park College, revered by tree lovers, held in fond memory by those whose wedding ceremonies were conducted on the platform with its mighty branches, and viewed daily by tourist. This is the Friendship Oak.



   Friendship Oak keeps her majestic vigil on the Gulf of Mexico, a vigil which dates back to 1487.  If asked about the length of stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, she might reply: "I was a sapling when Christopher Columbus sailed the Caribbean, and had begun to bear acorns when Ponce de Leon reached Florida in quest for the Fountain of Youth.  In 1587, the year Virginia Dare, the first white child born at Roanoke Island, appeared, I had turned a hundred years...."


Current measurements show a 50-foot height; diameter of trunk 5 feet 9 inches; circumference of the trunk is 18 feet 7 inches, spread of foliage, 156 feet.  The average length of the main lateral limbs is 60-66 feet from the trunk; average circumference of limbs at the trunk is 7 1/2 feet; the tree forms almost 16,000 square feet of shelter and lateral roots go out 150 feet.

Her motto on the plaque reads: "I am called 'Friendship Oak.'  Those who enter my shadow are supposed to remain friends through all their lifetime no matter where fate may take them in after years."

Friday, October 15, 2010

The Thorn By: Beverly Lewis


Well I took Ron to the Dr's this morning, while waiting in the waiting room, I finished the book I started, By: Beverly Lewis Called the Thorn. Left me BEGGING FOR MORE, how on earth am I going to wait until April 2011 for book 2 of 3 to come out of the Rose Trilogy ..


I so love the writtings and story theme's of Beverly Lewis. I have so many of her books and love them all

Romance, mystery, and family drama intertwine deep in the heart of Lancaster County's Amish country. The Thorn is Book One in a stirring new sage from Beverly Lewis, "the reigning queen of Amish fiction"
                                               --Library Journal


This book is about two Amish sisters divided by one sister's impulsive marriage to an outsider... Hen longs for the Old Ways she left behind...

Rose is unsure of her own heart- devoted to the bishop's rebellious foster son Nick, yet courted by another

So, if your looking for a great book to just relax with, I suggest The Thorn, you won't be sorry

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Tribute To George W. Bush

                                          {Tribute To George W. Bush}       
                                            {Thank You Mr. President}

Story by: Bruce Vincent

For those of us who sometimes find ourselves having doubts about our former President, here is an excellent piece -- worth every minute it takes to read it. This story is from Bruce Vincent of Libby , Montana who had gone to the White House with others to receive an award from the President.

He writes:
I've written the following narrative to chronicle the day of the award ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release but the White House press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it. When the photo comes I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll understand the dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close friends.

Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk. When the President was told that we were from Libby , Montana , I reminded him that Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm thoughts about Governor Racicot.

I have to tell you, I was blown away by two things upon entering the office. First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The President later shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the room prepared to tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon entering, the atheist muttered his first words to the President and they were "Oh, my God."

I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged, disarmingly penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man. I think all of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country is worthy of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through our vote.

I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by the moment -- that the person and the place could not meet the lofty expectations of my fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem for President Bush but just my practical realization that reality may not match my 'dream.'

Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business and, standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy, informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group. He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office. It is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a sta tement about the President, and Mrs.Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect 'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with hard work and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of the Presidency on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around Laura, he said that he thought te place may be hard on weak marriages but that it had the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he was blessed with a strong one.

After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend. The President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees, shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my hand I said, "Thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family." He was already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly turned fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his handshake and said, "Thank you -- and God bless you and yours as well."

On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello and give him your regards."

I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr. President, I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you to be a man of strong faith and I have a favor to ask of you."

As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it." I told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell , Montana , having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it. I could tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it in your eyes.This explains it."

From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with his seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?" He then jotted a note to her while discussing the importance of family and the strength of prayer. When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier cancer and that, if it is, they can get it all with this surgery.

He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now. Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff that remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or leave. He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer."

As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared to do a traditional prayer stance -- standing with each other with heads bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand and pulling gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his left arm on my mid-back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace.

He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more. My body shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our president. I thanked him as best I could and told him that me and my family would continue praying for him and his.

As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to tell you that all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and believing. I so hoped that the man I thought him to be was the man that he is. I know that our nation needs a man such as this in the Oval Office. George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about the President praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting accounts. Each time I read them I hoped them to be true and not an Internet perpetuated myth. This one, I know to be true. I was there. He is real. He has a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day -- and yet he is tuned in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something heavy on my heart. He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek God's blessing for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father, son-to-son, husband-to-husbad, Christian- to-Christian prayerful embrace. He's not what I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so very, very much more.


NOTE: If you decide to share this story... please do not add to it. Let Mr. Vincent's encounter stand as he wrote it.

NOTE:
Thank You Mr. President, You were an AWESOME President and I have nothing but the utmost respect and love for you, as a man, as our President, as our Leader. I will continue to hold You & your family deep within my Prayers.
God Blessings Upon You Always... JMSQ 10/9/10

Woodpecker's May Have To Go

                                          The woodpecker might have to go!
                Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark .

One: Don't miss the boat.

Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.

Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

Six: Build your future on high ground.

Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.

Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.


NOW, wasn't that nice? Pass it along and make someone else smile, too.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Completed Baby Set

I finished this baby set last month, and just got around to taking a photo of it before I add it to the box for the hospital.

I crocheted the blankie using Mom's Special Lapghan pattern, With baby sport weight yarn, H hook, ch 66.  I also put a shell border completly around it;

I knitted 1 hat and crocheted 1 hat, and made a matching braided headband. Turned out to be a sweet set.

Daily Prayer


Dear Lord, I thank You for this day,

I thank You for my being able to see and to
hear this morning.

I ' m blessed because You are a forgiving God
and an understanding God.
You have done so much for me
and You keep on blessing me.

Forgive me this day for everything I have done,
said or thought that was not pleasing to you...
I ask now for Your forgiveness..

Please keep me & our family safe,
and from all danger and harm.

Help me to start this day with a new attitude
and plenty of gratitude.

Let me make the best of each and every day to
clear my mind so that I can hear from You..

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper over things
I have no control over.

And give me the best response
when I ' m pushed beyond my limits..

I know that when I can' t pray, You listen to my heart.

Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be
a blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak...

Keep me uplifted that I may have words of
encouragement for others.

I pray for those that are lost and can' t find their way.
I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood..
I pray for those who don' t know You intimately..

I pray for those that don' t believe.
But I thank You that I believe that you
God changes people and God changes things.

I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member
in their households.

I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes;
that they are out of debt
and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this
knows there is no problem, circumstance,
or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received into the
hearts of every eye that sees it . Amen!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Seniors in jail, Criminals in a nursing home???

The following appeared in the Tampa Tribune ....offered by a subscriber...

"Food for thought. Let's put the seniors in jail and the criminals in a nursing home.

This way, the seniors would have access to showers, hobbies and walk. They'd receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheelchairs etc. And they'd receive money instead of paying it out.

They would have constant video monitoring so they could be helped instantly if they fell. Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them.

A guard would check on them every 20 minutes and bring their meals and snacks to their cell. They would have family visits.

They would have access to a library, weight room, spiritual counseling, pool and education. Simple clothing, shoes, slippers , PJ's and legal aid would be available on request.

Each senior could have a PC, TV, radio and daily phone calls. There would be a board of directors to hear their complaints.

The criminals would be left alone, get cold food and lights would go off at 8 p.m. There would be a shower once a week and they would pay $5,000 a month and have no hope of getting out."

                          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ From: JMSQ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I went out last week to where my Beloved Ron works, I could smell smoke from a burn, whiteish stuff all over in the air,  because it is fall here in the Ozarks, I naturally thought it was pollen, I said if breathing get bad, don't forget to sit down and use your Nitro pills for tightness in your chest. He said, look behind you on over the bridge. There was our local sheriff sitting on a horse, with our local jail birds out cutting brush and burning it. The pollin was in fact ash from the burn.

As I studied the situation I have to admit I felt sorry for ( ? ). ---  So I asked Ron, what am I feeling the most sorry for at this moment in time, Ron looked at me and said the horse. I busted out laughing and said YES. Your correct. That poor horse is standing out in the blazing sun, with a saddle on, and a sheriff on his back breathing the fire and ash while our local law enforcement baby-sits the local MORANS / JAILBIRDS who can seem to live with-in our laws. Now isn't this a testomony to our wonderful society.

I say throw those jail birds back behind bars, give them balonga sandwiches, put them in pink stripes and take the AC, phones, tv & computers away from them and let them sweat out and be un-comfortable. Maybe then when they go back out into society they can learn to live within the laws because they won't be on a vacation behind bars...

And that my JMSQ's opinion... Now I feel like Andy Rooney

Friday, October 1, 2010

Find The Cure

It's October 1st - Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins today - do your part, spread the word, raise awareness and wear your pink!! You never know when you (or someone close to you) can be affected by it. Spread the word.....

Please remember how important we all are and take care of ourselves. Do your monthly exams (it's how I felt my first lump) and get those Mamagrams Ladies!!! (A Mamagram is how my other lump was found) Make your appt. TODAY... don't put it off...

NOTE:
Breast cancer is NOT a women's only cancer. Men also need to check themselves and be in control of their body's and health. If you men feel a lump, soarness, fullness or anything out of the norm, go to your Dr. at once and have it looked at. Do NOT be embarassed, you'd be surprised how many men are also going through Breast Cancer

Read the T-Shirt  BELOW, and PLEASE KEEP IT GOING! This is the cutest breast cancer email I have ever received.

All you are asked to do is keep this circulating. Even if it's to one more person..
In memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it.