A Time to every purpose under the heaven...

We had a nice, but quiet, weekend.  Jessica had gone to Arkansas to be with her family.  Stephen and Mandy were spending the Christmas weekend with the Gaddys.  Ricky spent Friday night and Saturday with a friend's family...coming home only long enough to share our shrimp and crab boil.  Sheila spent Friday night with us.  We decided to do a TV marathon, so we rented a full season of "House" and started after supper dishes were done.  Saturday morn, we woke up and fixed pancakes for breakfast.  Dennis had gone hunting and got home just as we were finishing up (yes, we saved him some!).  I spent the rest of the morning working on our seafood feast:  shrimp, crab legs, corn on the cob, potatoes, sourdough baguette and key lime pie for dessert...happy bellies!  Dennis joined us in a few games of Bananagrams, where the wins were pretty well distributed among the three of us.  Then we spent the rest of the day on our marathon.

We had quite a few visitors at Highway Sunday:  Joe and Leanne's family and several of Jamie's family.  Jared P. was our guest speaker and did a really good job.  After evening services, we had a group of 20 go to Rosa's for more fellowship and food.  Good day!

Monday, I bought groceries, did laundry and ironing, and baked banana bread and kolaches.  (I like to keep kolaches in the freezer to warm up for breakfast.)  Been doing some cleaning and organizing yesterday and today, but not getting too enthusiastic about it.  The girls are coming over tomorrow for supper and our gift exchange.  Then they are having us and a few friends over Friday night for New Years Eve.  I usually have the party here, but this way Dennis can come home and go to bed if he wants.  He isn't much of a late night person.  The past couple of years, we've been in bed before midnight...all of our guests left early.  The girls and I are determined to make it all the way until the new year this time!

So sad about Koh and Michele's baby.  I kept hoping and praying that the doctors would be wrong.  My heart breaks for what they must be feeling.  On a happier note, Whitney, from our congregation, gave birth to healthy twin boys yesterday.  She is a very small lady and was pretty miserable during the last month or so of her pregnancy.  We are all excited and happy for her new blessings.

I hope that everyone has a safe and happy New Year!

Ec 3:1-8  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;  A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;  A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Colds and (Computer) Viruses

Ricky is still fighting his cold but is feeling better.  I came down with a very light case, but I'm pretty much over it now.  I didn't get much done last week though.

I've almost finished crocheting Sheila's shawl.  My plan was to make one for each of my girls to wear to the ballet this weekend (the Nutcracker Suite).  I have already finished and given Mandy's and Jessica's to them.  I was afraid I might not get Sheila's done, since it has been a slower pattern to work (and I haven't really been in the mood to crochet lately).  But I've redoubled my efforts this week and only have a few more rows to complete.  We have a group of 10 ladies going together Saturday night to Bass Hall.  We are really looking forward to our night out!

Our computer was attacked yesterday!  I was on facebook and tried to access an application and BAM!  Now we cannot access the internet or use any spyware program...this "bug" has taken our computer hostage...trying to get us to "subscribe" to their antivirus.  I worked on it all morning yesterday, and Dennis worked on it all last evening...no luck!  Guess we'll have to hire a computer expert to come see what they can do.  (I'm having to use the library's computer for all of my internet in the meantime.)

I went to my appointment with the ob/gyn in FW this week.  I need to have a hysterectomy and some bladder repair surgery.  I have an appointment with the urologist in mid-January and then we'll schedule the surgery for late Feb/early March.  I was hoping to get it done before the end of the year, but that is impossible.  I was concerned about insurance, because the hospital that they will use is still in contract negotiations with BCBS.  The doctor said not to worry about it, because BCBS is 20% of their business, so they WILL reach an agreement.  Even if they didn't, he said there is a 90 day grace period in which they will still cover expenses.  I'm sure I will be very ready to get it all over with by the time it happens.  (We couldn't do the surgery in February, because both the doctor and we have vacations around President's Day.)

Well my time on this public computer is running short, so until next time....Numbers 6:24
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

We had last minute guests for Sunday dinner.  Mike and Denice came over...first time in a long time.  We enjoyed getting some time to visit.  They couldn't stay all afternoon, since Denice and I both had to do some meal prep for the funeral on Monday.  Sister Merle's funeral was at 10:00, which meant an early start to the day.  I got my food ready and left the house around 9:00.  I sat with my aunts.  It was hard on my aunt Coez.  She just buried her son on the 5th of Nov.  I left right after the funeral to go help get things ready for the luncheon.  By time we got everyone served and then got the cleanup finished it was about 2:00.  I'm really going to miss Merle.  She was such a sweet, postive lady!  But she had lived 88 long, hard years.  Her passing was quick...she died 3 days after surgery for a ruptured appendix and bowel obstruction.  During surgery, they also found cancer, so I'm thankful that she didn't have to suffer through that.

Wednesday, as I was fixing some lunch, I glanced out my kitchen window and saw a 2 foot long iguana on the wall.  Took me by surprise, to say the least!  After making sure it was real, and not a joke someone was pulling on me, I called Rick.  He got very excited, but wasn't getting off for lunch for another hour.  So I called Dennis to see what I needed to do to catch it.  I got a net out of the garage, along with the lid to a rubbermaid tub.  Then I grabbed my camera and went out the back door and snuck around to the front.  I took a couple of pictures and then crept up for the capture.  I was afraid that the lizard would "bail" when I got close, but he just clung to the wall as I put the net over him.  I couldn't "scoop" him off with the net, so I grabbed him with my hand (net still in place) and pulled him free.  I put in the rubbermaid tub, put a baking rack on top and weighted it down so he couldn't get out.  Not long afterwards, Rick came in and started messing with him.  He was a beauty!  I knew that I didn't want to keep him, but I figured someone would like having him.  It took me a couple of days, but I finally found him a good home.  He was an interesting "houseguest" to have, but it is nice to have him somewhere else!

Doctor appointments and funerals

So much on my mind after the week.  My oldest cousin passed away last Sunday.  They had discovered that he had advanced cancer in his lungs and throat about 3-4 weeks ago.  His mother, my mother's oldest sister, lost her husband almost five years ago and now she has lost her oldest son.  I don't know if a mother is ever prepared for that.  He was a veteran, so they planned just a graveside service at the national cemetery in Arlington for Friday.  We planned a dinner for all the family for Thursday night.  I had booked the Cool Community Center, because they don't charge for using the facility for funeral related meals.  I was supposed to meet someone with the key at 5:30 that afternoon.  By 6:15, all the family was there, the food was all there, but no one with a key had arrived!  My cousin's son was able to find us another facility at the last minute, so we all changed location and quickly got things set up and started serving.  I had to leave at 7:00 to pick up Ricky and leave to go to Paris.  I was pretty frazzled by that time!  (It turned out that the lady with the key was running late and didn't have my phone number to call and let me know.)

Tuesday morning, we learned of Sue Avaritt's passing.  Such a loss!  Ricky and I drove up to Stephen and Mandy's Thursday night, and then the four of us drove to the funeral together.  I'm glad we arrived early, because there were many people left standing in the foyer.  Such an outpouring of love and support!  My heart goes out to all of the family for their loss, but especially to dear Kenneth.  Sue was the love of his life (after his love for the Lord) and he will be so lonesome without her!

Aside from the sadness of the occasion, I enjoyed mine and Ricky's trip.  He entertained me all the way to Stephen's house.  That boy can sure make me laugh!  I also enjoyed being able to spend the day with Stephen and Mandy.  After making it back to their house last night, we met up with Gary and Doris and Gray and Vicki for Mexican food.  I always enjoy our time spent with them!  The trip home was tough after that though.  Rick was exhausted and slept the rest of the way home, so I had to sing along with the radio for the next 3 hours to keep myself awake.  It was a struggle after having gotten up at 5:00 that morning.  We made it home at 11:30 with no mishaps, though.  I  was SO happy to crawl into my bed last night!.

Tuesday evening, we were invited to eat supper with the Browns.  That was a treat!  We always enjoy visiting with them and listening to Thiess' stories.  Gina always prepares a wonderful meal, too! 

I ended up back at the doctor on Wednesday.  My first treatment of antibiotics didn't clear up my urinary tract infection, so I'm on a second course of treatment.  I go back in two weeks to be retested to make sure it clears up this time.  If not, they will send me to a specialist in FW to see what is going on. 

James and Renee are having a cookout at their house tonight...using up the hamburger patties we had leftover from our meeting.  I look forward to a relaxing evening of fellowship and fun!  The weather is perfect for sitting around outside.

Rick has a few people from his work who are supposed to be attending Highway tomorrow with us.  They are wanting to come listen to him speak.  He is hoping that one family, in particular, will be interested enough to start studying with him.  The man used to attend the church when younger and has been wanting to start back.  The 13 year old daughter has also been wanting to start going to church.  Ricky has become pretty good friends with the family and is trying to be a positive influence towards them.  I hope that we can help lead them to the truth.

My verse for today is in memory of dear Sister Sue Avaritt:
Pr 31:10  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Getting ready for our meeting

Busy week!  I'm so glad that Dennis has had off these past two weeks.  I don't know if you can call it a vacation though...he's had so much to do!  He finished rewiring another circuit last week and got my range hood installed.  I'm loving it!  It looks so much better than the old one that came with the house (I think it must have been the original one from 1964).  I got the freezer defrosted and we butchered the deer that he killed with his crossbow.  So nice to have venison in the freezer again!

Monday we made a trip to the school where we'll be having our assemblies this weekend.  It is so nice!  We learned how to operate everything and got all the final arrangements taken care of.  I went to buy the paper goods and supplies that I'm responsible for...as well as my groceries for the weekend.  I was walking around WalMart pushing one cart and dragging a second.  I started my baking yesterday...did 3 batches of cookies.  Today I plan to bake some kolaches and put in the freezer for the guys' breakfast.  I also need to start getting my house cleaned up.  Tomorrow I have a couple of cakes to bake and then Friday I'll start fixing my meat and side dishes.  Dennis spent the day yesterday cleaning out the garage and working in the yard...as well as working on his lesson for Friday night.

I've had a minor cold this week, but thankfully, it hasn't been very bothersome.  I really don't have time to be sick right now!  I took off from my volunteer job on Friday.  They stressed, when I started, that they don't want anyone to come to work with any communicable disease.  There are too many children with compromised immune systems that stay there.  That will make my schedule easier, too!

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend!  Safe journeys, all!

Eph. 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is..

Jury Duty

Well, I ended up with egg on my face last week.  I went to report for jury duty and discovered that I was a week too early!  I guess that is better than being a week too late.  So I reported back on THIS Monday morning and was selected to serve on a jury.  The trial started and finished on Tuesday.  It was a criminal offense, but not a violent one...drug possession.  I learned a lot about the judicial and penal system in Texas.  Our district judge believes in educating his jurors, which I really appreciated.  It was pretty much an open and shut case.  The woman was obviously guilty and needed to be placed in custody, but it was hard to see her being lead away in handcuffs, crying.  I hope and pray that she uses this time to get herself cleaned up.  This was her 4th drug conviction.

We had our fundraiser for the Fistula Foundation on Saturday.  Our turnout was pitiful...just five people showed up, aside from the three of us.  However, we were able to broaden the awareness of this problem and raised some money.  We gave everyone a couple of weeks to tell their friends and family, hoping to generate a little extra income before we send in the donations.  Everyone who watches the video is deeply affected by the suffering of these young women.

The guys had another all afternoon study on Sunday, so I invited a few ladies to come over for lunch and visitation all afternoon.  Nancy and her kids, Anita and Jacob (her grandson), Linda W. (who drove over for the fundraiser), Karen, and the girls (plus Rebekah, who had spent the night with them) all came over.  We had a good afternoon of visiting, and the kids had a blast playing together!  Daddy and Bobbie showed up at Highway that evening, so they went with the group to Rosa's for supper.  We had over 30 eat together.  Since it was Layne's birthday the next day, we sang a energetic rendition of "Happy Birthday" to him at the restaurant.  Good times!

The weather is amazing!  Yesterday I carried a lunch with me to jury duty and ate it at a park.  It was so nice and cool.  Today I mowed the yard and barely broke out in a sweat at all.  I really enjoy the fall (even tho my nose and sinuses don't).

Our girls' weekend is this week...I can hardly wait!  Paula will be arriving late Friday night, Lord willing.  I think our plans are to visit the museums in FW on Saturday and then attend a play at Casa Manana.  We plan to attend services at Jarvis Heights (which isn't located in JH anymore) and then do some sightseeing in downtown FW that evening.  Monday will be zoo day.  Looking forward to fun times and much laughter!  I love spending time with my girls and Paula.

I finally got my "birthday present" in last week...my new range hood.  Dennis starts a 2 week vacation this Saturday and plans to install it for me during that time.  I'm looking forward to having venting capabilities again!  Dennis will also be bowhunting while he's off...and taking care of odds and ends getting ready for our meeting (the 24th-26th).  The time off from work will be really beneficial for him.  This has been a long, hot, difficult summer.

Bobbie has surgery on her right wrist next Tuesday.  There was a bone in her hand that was out of place and not healing, so they will have to insert a plate and two screws to repair the damage.  The good news is that she won't have to wear a cast.  She is getting better at using her left hand.  I know she looks forward to being able to do her normal activities again!  Please keep her in your prayers.

Isa 44:23 Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

I'm enjoying my new volunteer job.  I'm learning a little more about what I'm doing and am able to keep myself pretty busy.  I definitely learned that sheets are heavy last week!  I had 4 rooms to make up beds in and was going to try to carry the sheets for all 4 (each room has either 2 or 3 beds).  I couldn't even fit them all in my arms, much less carry them.  I guess that is why they told me when I was training that I could use a cart...good thinking!  One of my duties is to take care of the drink tabs that come in.  There must have been 9-10 gallons that had been brought in Friday.  Most were collected in milk jugs or other plastic drink bottles.  Those are great for fitting those small tabs in, but NOT great for getting them out.  So I ended up bruising up my knuckles, cutting open plastic jugs and bottles.   But it is all for a really good cause.  I really appreciate the good that this organization does for families with seriously ill children.

Jessica went to Arkansas for the weekend, so Sheila ended up coming over for supper both Friday and Saturday nights.  Then Sunday was another all afternoon study for the guys, so she and I went out to eat with Linda M. and Karen R.  Then we spent the afternoon visiting at Linda's house.  Such a pleasant day!  I love sitting and looking out the back windows at Linda's house.  Her backyard is so pretty and peaceful!  We watched a squirrel digging around in her flowers and several hummingbirds fighting over her 2 feeders.  After evening services, a group of us went to Rosa's for supper and had a very nice time visiting.  That along with two good lessons (one from Dennis on how our later days should be our best, and one from Israel on the book of Philemon) made for another wonderful Lord's Day!

Dennis is actually off today!  Hallelujah!!!  He hasn't been getting his days off this summer and it is really wearing on him.  It has been a nice, relaxing day.  He's been doing a little work around the house...working on fixing our old bed in the guest room (the box springs finally gave way), and has now gone to see the eye doctor.  He thinks he may have an infection in his left eye.  It has been red and tearing a lot lately.  He also went to talk to the superintendent at the Millsap schools to see if we could use their cafetorium at their new elementary school for our meeting.  It is looking very good right now!  We'd probably have both the services and the meals there if it works out, which will greatly simplify things for everyone.

Mandy and Stephen are coming Wednesday evening.  Mandy, Sheila and I are taking a little mini-vacation to Granbury while Stephen sets up camp at the state park here in MW.  The girls are taking me on this little trip for my belated birthday present.  We have reservations at a B & B that is located over a bookstore on the square.  We plan to play tourists for a couple of days and do some "bonding".  I'm looking forward to our time together!

Ps 90:12 ¶ So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Another Labor Day Weekend come and gone...

Josh came in Friday night.  I was hoping that he and Ricky would decide to go to Valliant, so I could bum a ride.  They talked about it, decided to go, and then changed their minds.  Dennis was forced to work on Saturday, so I drove to Valliant by myself Saturday morning.  It was a long drive, but other than getting turned around in Greenville, it was an uneventful trip.  I arrived at the Terry Building between 1:30 and 2:00.  The auction was fun, as usual, and it looked like a nice sum of money was raised.  Kyle does such a good job as auctioneer...he really cracks me up!  I was honored to be a judge in the Italian food cookoff this year.  The winner happened to be my dad...but I didn't vote for him (and yes, I knew which dish he made!).  He sure was tickled to be selected.  I can't wait to see him wearing the commemorative apron, when he gets it!

We left Valliant fairly early Saturday night, since Stephen and Mandy were both feeling poorly.  Stephen was still on antibiotics for bronchitis, and had lost his pill for that day.  Thankfully, he found it when we got back to their house...in the cat dish!  (It was in a plastic and foil dispenser pack, so it was still good.)  Dennis made it to Valliant just in time for the morning assembly.  We enjoyed a good lesson from Kyle on training up children in the way they should go.  After a short afternoon of good food, fellowship and fun, Dennis spoke on our relationship with God.  Then we all headed over to Kit and Ray's for sandwiches and homemade ice cream.  We really enjoyed our time with so many dear loved ones and greatly appreciate all the hospitality and hard work by the McLemore family!

We all slept in Monday morning at Stephen and Mandy's house and then Dennis and I started for home...in our separate vehicles.  I really hope we don't have to do that again...it makes for such a long drive.  We made it home about 3:30.  I made pizza for supper and the girls came over to share it with us and the boys.  Afterwards, we played some "Apples to Apples" and watched an old animated kid's movie until we all got tired and ready for bed.  All in all it was a nice little holiday!

What does the LORD require of us?

Mic 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

I've loved this verse from the first time I read it...so simple and direct - one of those anchor verses to keep always before our eyes.

Do justly:  give to all what is due them.  Give God the obedience and love that is due Him. Give our fellow man the kindness, love and service that is due him. Give our governmental leaders the obedience and respect due them. Give ourselves what is good and right...not being overindulgent.

1Pe 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Love mercy:  if we love mercy, we can't help but extend it to others...not as a duty, but willingly.    We know that without God's mercy, none of us is suitable for the kingdom.  As Jesus taught on so many occasions, we cannot receive God's mercy if we refuse to extend it to others.

Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Walk humbly with thy God:  humble ourselves before God in all that we do...always looking to His will rather than our own.  We can also extrapolate that we should walk humbly with our fellow man...following Jesus' example of serving others rather than trying to lord over them. 

1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time

I pray that I can live out this verse in my life.

Trying something different

Guess I'm going to get back into the whole blogging thing again.  I enjoy keeping a record of my life and I love the ease of keeping up with others through blogs.

This blog name comes from (obviously) Philippians 4:8, one of my alltime favorite verses.  All my life I have struggled with keeping my thoughts and focus on the right things.  I have, at times, suffered from depression...which comes from thinking on the wrong things.  I allow myself to get stressed from current problems and challenges.  I need a daily reminder to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.  I will try to focus this blog on such things.

Today, I just want to get this going.  I will try to update on a weekly basis.  I welcome you to come along for the ride!

~Linda