Oh, Have I Mentioned Recently...

 

...that Himself had shoulder surgery and has been home for four weeks?

...that I love being alone at least part of the day?

...that I get cranky when I don't get alone time?

...that I know God has a plan in all of this?

...that I know that plan is for my good?

...that Himself is planning on retiring?

...that my prayer life needs to be amped up?

blessings, g

Not Again!

Once again, I am behind at this point of the A to Z Challenge. It is not for lack of trying. Life keeps getting in the way.

Even with several months notice, I do not write my entries in advance; not my style!

Life is still crazy around here. Too much going on. Help! I'm drowning!

Music to My Ears

 

 Back in 2006 I felt challenged to make a list of what I consider to be the best rock songs of all time. This is what I came up with:

…..my top 10 plus greatest rock songs of all time!!!  (I couldn’t keep it to ten and I reserve the right to add to the list!)  Here goes:  In no particular order…..

 

Barracuda – Heart – These sisters are amazing!

 

Heartbreaker – Pat Benatar – One of the best voices rock was ever blessed with

 

Round-about – Yes – So, I am a child of the 70’s.  Sue me.

 

Aqualung – Jethro Tull – No, J.T. is not a person but the name of a band!

 

Immigrant Song/Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin – Stairway is everyone’s favorite but for rocking out I had to include Immigrant Song

 

Mississippi Queen – Mountain

 

Layla – Derek & the Dominoes – Eric Clapton – nuff said

 

Crossroads – Cream – Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker.  Need I say more?

 

Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

 

Old Time Rock & Roll – Bob Seeger – This might not quite qualify as "rock" but, once again, sue me.

 

Dream On – Aerosmith

 

Behind Blue Eyes/Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who – Once again, couldn’t decide which

 

Takin’ Care of Business – Bachman-Turner Overdrive

 

The Stroke – Billy Squier – Consummate rocker

 

Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top

 

Glad – Traffic

 

Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf – Classic.

 

Honorable mentions:

 

Rebel, Rebel – David Bowie – Not sure if this is rock or freak rock but I gotta love him!

On the Dark Side – John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band from the Eddie and the Cruisers Soundtrack – Love this but not sure it is rock as I have defined it.

 

Future Rock Classic:

 

The Kill – Thirty Seconds to Mars – One of the best videos I have ever seen.  Based on the movie "The Shining."

Law and Justice: An Update

 

 Last year I wrote: 

As I type this, I am sitting in the county court house waiting to be called as a witness in a child visitation case. The father wants unsupervised visitation with his child. The problem? The mother has a restraining order against him for harassment, stalking and physical abuse. Getting a restraining order in this county is a difficult thing.
Does this man deserve visitation? My opinion is not yet as the child is in need of counseling due to the trauma of the parents’relationship. Eventually, maybe.
Will justice be served? If not today, eventually. God is the final arbitor of justice. I pray that this father finds healing through the eternal judge. God’s will be done.

I am happy to tell you that, although it took nearly another year, the justice system finally worked. Through all the prayers that went up, a good judge was finally assigned the case and the child in question does not have to see her father.

God is good.

Blessings, g

Just a Quick One

 

 

 Just a quick note as I catch up. Due to circumstances beyond my control (funeral, taking care of granddaughter during her spring break, taking care of hubby after his should surgery), I am behind on the challenge.

Stay tuned for K, L, M.....

Blessings, g

I Am "N"

"In June 2014, the world watched in horror as Islamic extremists who had declared themselves the Islamic State (ISIS) overran the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, the former ancient kingdom of Nineveh we read about in the Book of Jonah. Christians had lived in Mosul and the Nineveh plains for centuries. Many Christians in Mosul were killed, and many others fled their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Members of ISIS went door to door identifying Christian families. They then spray-painted a red Arabic letter ن on the homes of our brothers and sisters. The letter ن stood for Nasara, a term used by Muslims to mean “followers of Jesus of Nazareth.”

A few days later, the Islamists gave the Christian families an ultimatum: convert to Islam, pay an exorbitant tax to the Islamists, or leave. If they refused, they would be killed.
More than 100,000 Christians refused to deny Christ and left everything behind.
Even as these persecuted believers were fleeing their homes, Christians around the world began adopting the Arabic letter ن to demonstrate that they, too, were followers of Jesus of Nazareth. The symbol meant to mark Iraqi Christians for exile or even death has become a symbol of hope and courage, as we commit to stand with our brothers and sisters facing Islamic extremists.

For more information visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Blessings, g

Happy Birthday!

 

 

 I just realized something: when we were at her cousin's birthday party yesterday, Isabella had no problem with a large crowd of people singing Happy Birthday and clapping and making noise.

Not a big deal, you say? Oh, yes, it is! Isabella is autistic. Many autistics have a problem with loud noises.

When Bells was about four years old, we were at another cousin's birthday party. I was in the ladies' room when I heard the birthday song start. I hurried to get out of there and my worst fear had come to life. One of my nieces was holding a bawling, scared Isabella. Guilt came over me for wanting to be alone to take care of business while, at the same time, I was so happy to have such wonderful family who loves and takes care of my precious granddaughter when I cannot.

So, you see, the fact that I was able to take for granted that Isabella was fine yesterday is big; very, very big. I am so thankful for her growth and for the people, family, friends, therapists, teachers, who have brought her to this point. 

Most of all, I am thankful for a courageous little girl, now ten years old, who has worked so hard to be able to live in a world that can be very unfriendly. I am so blessed.

gail

The Garden

 

Playing a little catch up here because I was at the College of Prayer for the last few days,

The campus I attend the College of Prayer in is also known as The Garden. I don't know what their intention was in naming it thus but I can use my imagination.

A garden is where seeds are planted. They are watered and weeded and, hopefully, they will grow fruit (or vegetables).

As Christians, we are to plant the seed of the gospel. After this seed is planted, we, or another believer or believers are to tend to the person, watering/growing them in the truth of the gospel of Christ so they will grow whilst weeding out the lies that the world and satan feeds them. Finally, the fruit of the gospel, once again, hopefully, will grow in the new believer.

Oh, there is so much more I can write about this! Maybe later on in the challenge. I hope and pray that you will be fruitful for the Lord Jesus Christ's kingdom!

Blessings, gail

Family Feud?

 

 

 Before I met Himself, I thought I came from a loud family. Compared to his, though, mine seems timid!

A discussion between them can sound like a brawl is about to break out. When I mention this to Himself, he blows off my concern and says that is just the way they are.

Where we live, I call "the town of last names that end in vowels." In other words, there are a lot of people with Italian last names. In my part of this great Atlantic Northeast, cultural ancestry is a point of pride. Personally, I just say I am an American.  I digress...People of Italian heritage tend to be, shall we say, er, passionate in the way they speak.

Both Himself and I were born with names that end in vowels. His heritage is half Italian and half Slovak; mine is half Italian, a quarter Puerto Rican, and a few other countries from one grandmother. Maybe there IS something to our "loudness" when we get together. 

Do we feud? My side, not so much any more. His side? A little bit.....However, we always, always, always are there for each other. Always.

Blessings, gail

Elf on the Shelf

 

What are your thoughts on the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon? Here is an article from the Huffington Post to describe it for you are in the dark.

Personally, I think it is Creepy (yes, with a capital "C"). I have had an elf doll since I was a little girl and I don't even put it out at Christmas any more!

Whatcha think of that?

Blessings, gail

Driving Mr. Himself

  

Himself, my husband, had shoulder surgery a couple of weeks ago. Part of his recuperation involves not driving. At all. Zilch.

Having one's husband home when one is used to being alone during the day can try the best of marriages. Being asked to go out a lot when one is a homebody, well, let's just say that "grace" is the order of the day; grace and prayers, lots of prayers!

Oh, please don't pray for patience for me! Once, years ago, when I told I friend I was praying patience for her she threatened she would start praying I would have many, many children. When people pray for patience, it seems God gives them things to be patient about! I have plenty on my plate.

Although I am a good driver, I much prefer Himself to drive most of the time. I enjoy looking around an observing the world around me. Oh, healing come soon!

Blessings, gail

College of Prayer

I am feeling the need for a break. Happily, the College of Prayer is conducting a module this week in a church not so far away.

What is the College of Prayer? I can't explain it. Oh, how I wish I could but it is more of an experience than a pen to paper, lecture time.Their home page states: "We’re here to train those who want to get back to the basics of where a vibrant Christian life filled with the presence of Christ starts. We’re here to mentor those who are working too hard, and praying too little. We’re here to equip those who desire tools to further their intimacy with the living God. All of this starts with a simple, but honest plea ... “Lord, teach us to pray!” (Luke 11:1)

When I am feeling drained, it means I need to spend more time in prayer; in God's holy presence. The College of Prayer states that it is for leaders but all are welcome. We will all, if we want to grow in Christ and in His Spirit, lead someone in some way.

Take a look and see if they have a campus by you. I promise you won't regret it.

Blessings, gail 

Books! I've Got Books!

In this age of E-Readers, there is nothing, and I mean nothing like holding a paper and binding book.

Truth be told, I am still a bit electronically challenged. I have had a tablet for a couple of years and haven't begun to understand all it might have to offer. Loading books is easy but just doesn't cut it for a cozy sit down. Oh, and it has to be charged! Not my paper and glue copies.

The love of reading is a legacy in my family. Some of my earliest memories are of my mom with her nose in a book. She gifted me with a membership in Reader's Digest Books for Young Readers. Jane Eyre was a favorite by the time I was around nine. Had I tried to read the unabridged version at that age I probably wouldn't have gotten through it.

Hardcover, paperback, e-book, magazine, cereal box, thrillers, mysteries, textbooks, anime....what is your favorite reading material?

Blessings, g

A = April and Autism

Of course! Autism is part of our regular life as our ten year old granddaughter is autistic. We spend time with her nearly every day.

You will hear a lot of talk of "lighting it up blue for autism awareness." May I ask that you don't? Light it up blue, that is.

You see, this campaign was started by a group called Autism Speaks. The problem with this group is that it does not speak for our girl nor does it speak for autistics in general. The blue is representative of the fact that the majority of the people with autism are male. My girls prefers pink.

Notice I did not say "children" with autism. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. Autism Speaks doesn't speak to that.

Also, Autism Speaks wants to "cure" autism.  Have they ever asked adult autistics if they want to be cured?  Where does their voice come in?

Jess over at A Diary of a Mom explains this so much better than I can. This blog post speaks specifically to the reasons why Autism Speaks no longer speaks for us.

Why don't we light it up purple? Doesn't blue plus pink = purple?

Blessings, gail

Xenophobia - A Product of Inadequate Immigration Reform?

Xenophobia, intense dislike or fear of people from other countries, seems to be growing in the United States. 

Our southern borders are porous.  Deported criminals keep returning to commit more crimes.  Citizens on the Texas border are disappearing without being heard from again.  Some groups are entering quietly and doing who knows what...

It is said that "good fences make for good neighbors."  What do you think?

What Are "They" Thinking?!

I learned today that cursive is no longer going to be taught in our schools.  Thank you very much, common core...not.

Cursive is an art.  It brings connection of thoughts.  Without it, one will never be able to read the writings of the founding fathers, grandma and grandpa's love letters, Mom's recipes, and so much more I am not able to think of right now.

Common core has some good points to it but it is going too far too fast.  My niece is a teacher.  When she and her fifth grade teaching colleagues took the practice tests, they each came up with different answers to the math questions.  Oh, by the way, my niece is certified to teach math.

Under the Wire

Yup, once again, I am under the wire in finishing this A to Z challenge.  Hey, I was doing well until I got sick!

Even in college, I was a last minute person.  I planned out a paper in my mind before I wrote it out.  I have read that this is one of two kinds of people.  The other  takes their time, writing it out as they go along with a lot of time to amend and correct.  I already amended and corrected in my mind.

One area that I have changed in this last year is in preparing for my small group.  Being a leader, it would be unfair to the people I am mentoring and discipling to cheap out on my preparation time.

It is true that people who teach learn as much if not more than those they teach.  Good stuff, eh?

Unbelievable

No matter how old I get I still can not believe the indecency of humans against other humans.

Bad things happen.  They have been happening since Cain killed Abel.  In what world does injustice make it right to hurt innocent bystanders?  To steal from your community?  To stop first responders from putting out fires?

When I went to Costco today, I wondered if I would be safe.  No, I am nowhere near any of the rioting and demonstrating going on around the country.  But maybe it is just a matter of time.  What else can you expect from a country that has murdered over fifty-six million innocents in the name of convenience.

As was mentioned by a friend of mine, if things don't change fast, it is going to be a long hot summer in the United States.  God help us all.

Training

This past year I stepped out of my comfort zone in faith to apprentice and co-lead a women's group.  Last night I attended a Leadership Training class that our pastor tries to hold monthly.

I could have sat it out.  I could have attended without leading.  However, God wants us to step out of our comfort zones and, yes, "walk on water" as Peter did. 

My group just finished a study on this very topic (water walking).  People talk more about Peter's failure to have faith to keep on walking.  However, as the book points out, Peter was the only one to get out of the boat!  Everyone else huddled in fear inside of the boat.

Yes, I attend leadership training.  My toes are feeling a little wet.

Singing and Obedience

Singing is one of the most beautiful ways God gives us to express ourselves.  We can sing of sorrow, joy, pain, delight, healing, longing, any emotion actually.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been singing since I was a small child.  We used to put on shows to raise money for charity.  Then choruses and choirs throughout my schooling and church.

This year I finally was obedient to God's call and joined my church's worship team.  It had been years since I was in front of a microphone and I was afraid.  However, I know that obedience brings revelation and blessings so, after fighting God for years on this issue, there I stood there, knees knocking.  It took a few Sundays but now it is comfortable and fun.

What has God been calling you to do that you have stubbornly be resisting?