Where have i been all of my August - keys to serenity

Keyboards – I mentioned that – in addition to mine, husband now has a Yamaha YPG-225 – no not the outboard motor. So, its hooked up so we can both play side by side silently or together or either/or. We acquired a nice selection of worship music and other favorites – I love songs from the 40s/50s and he also added some 70s. I find playing very relaxing. Dueling keyboards? Nope not us :-)

If all goes well we may have a Christmas lawn carols for the hood - now wouldn't that be something?

Practice! Practice! Practice!

A Hiro by any other name …

Another form of relaxation I’ve mentioned has been watching TV series DVDs – we’ve been catching up on Stargate SG-1 again and have now taken up a new one – Heroes. I didn’t know what to expect – figuring something along the lines of some heroic feat being featured every week. Wow – the show is a hit as R. Charles might say. We started it (a marathon of sorts) over the Labor holiday weekend and have been captivated. I particularly like all of the allusions superhero, sci-fi, and otherwise – the writer in me is quite pleased to now look for references to Star Trek, Superman, and the like. From IMDB, I’ve noticed a lot of the cast have cross paths on other shows ["Touched by an Angel", "Gilmore Girls", "The Guiding Light", "Days of Our Lives", "24", 7th Heaven", "Numb3rs", "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation", "ER"; among a quite extensive list] – possibly picked for someone having known them at a particular time and place. They have made very good character choices – the ones you lose you hate to see go – no one seems dispensible. A long ago "Dynasty" fan, I found that the Heroes character Mr. Bennet (Jack Coleman) was the young Steven Carrington back then – you can see it in his eyes! You’ll probably remember the little boy Micah from the delightfully mystical Lady in the Water. Anyway to say the least, Heroes is a pearl of a series! DVD sets for new seasons for Atlantis and Smallville are on the near horizon!

Steptember is here! Oh where o where has my August gone!

to catch things up ...

• I joined the Steptember challenge on America on the Move - taking the Oregon trail while the husband traverses the Pacific. You do 2 things - increase you average monthly steps by 2000 and decrease calories consumed by 100 daily. Began that the 4th.
• I've met my first fitness goal - 177 pounds. Saw the doctor near the end of the month and my blood pressure was 122/80; I'm off those medz. woo hoo! Still working on the cholesterol though.
• The youngest started third grade a month ago already; has already completed his first school sale campaign - thanks to all of you at the husband's job who always come through for him big time, mine, church and friends that supported him. He got all but the top 2 prizes (and the top one just wasn't going to happen anyway). He's thrilled! We've already 'been there and done that' Back to School night as well. He's doing really great in school too and has a wonderful teacher rather than military commander. He's testing well. We're proud of him as he works on focus focus focus! He was Student of the Week last week.
• Speaking of the military, the giant laid on me that he has joined the armed forces - now a member of the U.S. navy - the plan: qualifying for Seals or being a MA; expecting to have basic training in November - Lord keep your hand upon him.
• Planning to go to the Pomona fair again this year and to the Angel City Classic this weekend; the calendar is getting awfully full - I've got to go to traffic school before the vacation too.
• The trip to Hawaii is a couple of weeks away - ooo wee aloha!
  
• It'll be in celebration of our 8th anniversary - as we rushed to end up being the last to be married in the Old Orange County Courthouse. In August, celebrated the official marriage and in September we celebrate our wedding ceremony standing before God and man (friends and family close at hand). Sometimes things want to creep in and whisper its not as good as it has been. But I know where that talk comes from. God has been so good to us - blessed us with this child and our blended family and friends and purpose and the ability to stand hand in hand with a common vision sewn by a common faith.
• We have non-dueling keyboards and have been enjoying quiet evenings at home with the music - very peaceful and relaxing - more on those later.
• Congrats to the Holybees on the addition of Hezekiah to their family!

... And its my anniversary in blog too!

August things - Flash to back in the day

The husband took some Fridays off to have some of the one's I have off with me. I had to forego one week because, well, it turned out that the sister was in town, and it was going to be a good time to spend time with the brother and folx from where we grew up.

It seems that back in the day, people that moved to California migrated to areas with residents from nearby hometowns also lived– that was the way it was where we grew up – lots of the folx my parents hung out with were from similar Jersey areas – many still living now where we once lived.

At this time in space, the brother also lives in that area – so the sister made arrangements to spend time with him and folx we hadn’t seen for some time – some since mom had passed away and some even longer. It was great seeing the brother again (was beginning to think I'd never catch up with him)! And it was special too to see these people that knew me growing up and rehashing memories with the siblings and these folx. It was worth the drive in traffic both ways to spend the day to see the sister, the rarely seen eldest nephew, and the brother at last, and reminiscing with the family on days gone by.

August things - Bea Watson, Fontana and I will miss you!

She left us to be with the Lord the 12 of August

Bea Watson is home with the Lord. For the most part my experience with Fontana is Bea - full of heart and a ready smile. I’m happy she’s home, but she will be sorely missed. One of the articles I read referred to her as 'Mrs. Fontana" These Press Enterprise write-ups give light to who she was as well ...

Ex-Fontana Councilwoman Bea Watson dies
Article By MARY BENDER

Former City Clerk and Councilwoman Bea Watson, a tireless community volunteer who organized the city's Christmas and Fontana Days parades, died Sunday and will be remembered in a funeral service Monday.

She was 83.

Mrs. Watson was elected to two terms as Fontana city clerk, completing her eight years in office in December. She also served one term as a city councilwoman, from 1992 to 1996, losing her re-election bid to Manuel Mancha by 68 votes....

Mrs. Watson's successor, City Clerk Tonia Lewis, said she would recruit friends and colleagues to help out with civic events. "It's hard to fill her shoes because she was so active in everything," Lewis said. "She didn't take no for an answer."...
One of Mrs. Watson's passions was the Fontana Historical Society, which was established in 1974 but in recent years needed an infusion of volunteers to replace its aging roster.

"She got me involved with the Historical Society because the society was failing for lack of membership. She hated to see things fail, so she would gather together people she knew who could handle those things," Lewis said. "We had no choice."

Mrs. Watson was active in several other local organizations and events, including the Fontana Woman's Club, the Fontana Exchange Club; American Legion Auxiliary, Post 772; and the Fontana Chamber of Commerce.

She served on committees to commemorate Fontana's 50th and 75th anniversary celebrations, and organized the city's annual Community Prayer Breakfast since 1990. She also was an active volunteer for the Fontana Days Festival, the annual summer celebration of the city's 1913 founding by A.B. Miller, and organized the city's annual Festival of Winter.

"The Christmas parade was her baby. She felt like she was doing it for the kids in Fontana," Lewis said.

Born July 1, 1924, in Ashtabula, Ohio, Mrs. Watson came West in 1944, living in San Bernardino before moving to Fontana. She attended San Bernardino Valley College and was a retired telephone company administrator with Pacific Bell.

Recalling Busy Bea
Column by CASSIE MACDUFF

Fontana was a small, rough-edged steel town when Bea Watson moved there in 1960. By the time she departed on Aug. 5, it had grown to a city of 182,000 with sophisticated suburbs, a new freeway and big-city shopping centers.

Along the way, Watson served as an elected councilwoman and city clerk, Women's Club president and Historical Society officer, and organizer of the annual Fontana Days, Christmas parade and prayer breakfast.

As the city's unofficial mayor, goodwill ambassador and head cheerleader, she almost single-handedly got Fontana to retain its hometown feeling, even as it grew to the second most populous city in San Bernardino County.

I got to know Watson in the early 1990s when I was a reporter covering City Hall.

City officials can be impatient with the turnover in city-hall reporters every few years. They tire of breaking in newcomers they fear won't understand their cities.

But Bea Watson wasn't like that. With her kind, bespectacled eyes and grandmotherly smile, she greeted you as just the latest addition to the Fontana family.

She'd take you by the arm and steer you in the direction she thought you should go -- a signature Bea-Watson move.

At a memorial Monday at the First Assembly of God, Rep. Joe Baca, D-Rialto, described how Watson persuaded him to ride in the Fontana Days parades.

"She would wrap her arms around me and walk along with me," he said, and she wouldn't stop asking until he said yes. The remark brought laughter and nods of recognition from scores of dignitaries, clergy and residents paying their respects.

Watson was a tireless organizer and worker, earning the nickname Busy Bea, Baca said.

"In Heaven, she is organizing and getting the angels involved," he said. "And she'll probably ask God to be in the parade."

Until the 1990s, the city had sponsored Fontana Days. But after the recession hit, Watson took up the baton, recruiting volunteers and sponsors to keep the tradition going.

Former Police Chief Frank Scialdone, now a councilman, recalled that as her "assistant," he learned not to print the parade lineup until the morning of the parade, because Watson would keep adding entries.

She was happiest when 6,000 children were parading down Sierra Avenue amid floats, marching bands and equestrians. There was nothing she wouldn't do "for the kids."

You could tell your status by where Watson placed you in the parade, Mayor Mark Nuaimi told the gathering.

When they ran against each other for mayor in 1994, Nuaimi found himself behind the horses. As their rivalry softened over the years, he advanced toward the head of the parade.

Before becoming a volunteer, Watson was a career woman at a time when that was a rarity. She retired in 1982 after 36 years with Pacific Bell, where she helped develop the touch-tone dialing system, said her husband, Larry Watson.

Later, she turned her talents to community television, filming segments for KFON, the public-access channel, Larry Watson said. Before long, she was operating the cameras that televised council meetings. She was also instrumental in getting a performing arts center built.

Her loss will be felt dearly in Fontana for years to come.

trailer trash?

speaking of movies - based on the coming attractions we saw, there's a load of crap in store ... (a few mentioned here).

Outside of

• The Bourne Ultimatum - of which looks to be a good finale - even though Matt Damon, while more seasoned with age now, looked to be too boyish to be the notorious character of Jason Bourne). I enjoyed the previous two of the trilogy and also definitely the books which started me on the author Robert Ludlum (many of whose fiction has become film).
  

these were hard to sit through even as 'trailers'

• The Simpson Movie
• Hot Rod - appears to be a ridiculous comedy about a stunt guy
• Invasion - how many times will they redo Body Snatchers? There may be hope for this one considering it stars Nicole Kidman, but it wasn't apparent in the preview

With the cost of movie-going these days, I'm hard pressed to just throw money away nor to waste it on the home library should filmmakers not be embarrassed enough to release it. For those reflecting a mere glimpse of promise, I can always check them out first on satellite/cable or borrow someone else's. Hopefully something of redeeming value is down the pike as well.

Transformers

Okay it was loud and fast - or I am hearing and sight challenged, but it was quite the summer blockbuster! It had all the makings of a success - great cast and characters, story line, action, humor, suspense, tension, romance - whew! If you saw Small Soldiers and/or any of the Terminator films - it all seemed very familiar - oh to be caught up in somebody else's war! Be careful not to hold your breath too long! It'll be great to watch on DVD!

Anyway the husband, youngest and I went to see it - a delayed Father's Day activity (thank you ReggieA) and enjoyed it thoroughly! Closing the chapter on Father's Day now - speaking of fathers, Shia LaBeouf's (who is making quite a career for himself - you might remember from I, Robot, Constantine, and earlier Holes) character Sam had quite an interesting dad Ron Witwicky - Kevin Dunn, who has played interesting dad's before (Soldiers' Stuart Abernathy)!

water slide down!

The youngest wanted to go the Palm Springs timeshare for day use so he could go swimming. He has improved so much! This is a year of major strides for him. He's really gotten the hang of swimming, biking, and throwing. The last time he was in water here he stayed in the 3 foot area. This time he was all over the place - playing volleyball, keep-away, catch and, when he wasn't playing with others, swimming after me into deeper waters. Then he went faster and faster down the bigger water slide.

But by the grace of God, we were even there because the following day I discovered that the car vibrating badly at 80 mph when we returned was actually a very warbled tire. Thank God too the tire was still under warranty!

On the biking front now he bikes over to his friend's house to hang out. My little boy is growing up!

Happy Birthday Sis! To your health ;-)

Happy Birthday Sis!

Doing so well on my wellness program, I scheduled the labwork for the doctor, I'd been putting off until I made some improvements. I'd finally gotten that out of the way. But I got a call from the doctor's office saying that he wants me to schedule a physical - who knew? what gives? Well I scheduled that for next month. Hopefully in a month I will have improved even more only to find nothing ominous was hanging over my head.

Meanwhile I'll continue walking in the 'evening sun' with the one I love - feel so fine! Toodles.

Keep Walkin ...

that is a song from one of the early VeggieTales!

Anyways, I think I told you about WalkerTracker.com where I keep all my walking stats, but what I just found the other day is really a jewel! Want to find some places to walk? Want a particular kind of path? Wonder what the mileage is on a walk your doing? Map My Walk! Check out all it does! I was able to map out a 5-mile route in the residential area of my neighborhood. How kewl is that? Another useful site is: Pedometer Step Equivalents for Exercises and Activities.

Fitness and health (not just weightloss and crash diets) seems and needs to be more of a focus this year than ever before. My husband shared this CNN article with me: Sharon Twitchell Story Highlights barely fit into a size 22 as her weight peaked at 227 lbs. - An online weight loss program and regular exercise helped her lose 110 lbs. CNN is focusing on several such stories. I bought a jump rope just recently - whew, now that's a cardio workout - double dutch anyone?

Keep walkin' lyrics - think Walls of Jericho Bible event (you really kinda hafta hear it ;-))

What are you doing?
We are going to knock your wall down.
By walking around in circles?
Yes.
Ohhh. Thats a great idea. You go ahead and keep walking.

Keep walking, but you won't knock down our wall.
Keep walking. But she isn't gonna to fall!
It's plain to see, your brains are very small..
To think walking, will be knocking down our wall.

You silly little pickle. You silly little bean.
You think that walking round will bring this city to its knees?
The awesome power of this wall, we've clearly demonstrated.
Ah! But out here in this hot hot sun, perhaps your dehydrated?
I pity them Philippe.
Ah, Meh wee jean claude, meh wee..
Won't you join me in my irritating little song?
It would be an honor.

Keep walking, but you won't knock down our wall.
Keep walking. But she isn't gonna to fall!
It's plain to see, your brains are very small..
To think walking, will be knocking down our wall.

Keep walking, but you won't knock down our wall.
Keep walking. But she isn't gonna to fall!
It's plain to see, your brains are very small..
To think walking, will be knocking down our wall.

It's plain to see..That your brains are very small..
To think walking,Will be knocking down our wall!!

I'm knockin' down a wall of fat and the walls are tumbling down...

Dueling keyboards or ;-) Surrounded by Black and Whites

The husband has kept me in keyboards throughout our relationship - the first one very early on as a birthday gift. It was a Casio portable. I graduated to a Yamaha DGX205 (76-key Touch Response keyboard with 400+ voices) - what a difference in sound.

You may recall our visit with the husband's mentor. Well he had a keyboard I simply lusted after - the sounds he played were so jazzy and sweet and beyond what was in my possession. Balancing lust within contentment is a precarious occupation such that the husband decided to help me out – transpose the numbers and you get a Yamaha DGX520 (88 key portable grand)! I’m sounding better all the time - actually sounding way better than my skills; I hope to immensely improve with time!

We were able to bless the 16-year old gifted musical composer prodigy with my former keyboard. The Casio is in the youngest’s room. Next thing you know the husband was awash with lust himself – filled with a longing to master the ebonys and ivorys, having musical talent of his own! Now he is in the proud owner of a Yamaha YPT-300. We are on our way to enhancing the beautiful music we make together!

Surprise! A virtual reality

Jenn and the boys from Hawaii and Micah, Nicole and Kaitlyn visited our church on Sunday. When your friends become virtual, even ones who are not far away like the Leonards, its always wonderful to see them in person. We should be seeing the Hays' in their natural habitat of Hawaii soon - but what a delightful surprise to see them all Sunday and to be able to tangibly reach out and touch a friend!

Where's a camera when you need one! Oh well, I stole this picture from them ;-)

Women's Challenge

I did it! I finished the Women's Challenge! I don't usually take on challenges as I put too much pressure on myself - but I did this one and successfully! I'm a fitter person today than when I started and in addition to other forms of exercise I've walked 200 miles! The feeling is huge!

Happy Birthday BabyGirl!

I first gave birth 28 years ago - she had a birthday today ... over there in the rains of north Texas, fortunately not flooded out, in the hands of God with her blessing of a husband - homeowners, pursuing their goals, standing as a light in the face of this world and walking in the faith ... So, so proud of you - We love you Baby Girl!

Ooooh she's makin' me seem old! ;-)

It's Tuesday and I'm Ready for the Weekend!

I'm at Taco Tuesday enjoying some lunch and a moment to blog. It's my last workday this week. That's the beauty of 9/80 - with Wednesday being a holiday and Friday my regular day, I was able to take Thursday as a vacation day and have a 5-day weekend! I have errands to run, but I hope to see my brother!

7/5 UPDATE: I didn't get to see my brother yet but we did talk over the phone - we'll see each other some day.

Fitness Figures

progress: End of May / End of June difference
Weight 184.4 180.1 -4.3
Neck 13.50
Shoulders 43.0 42.0 -1.0
Chest 44.0 43.5 -.5
Waist 31.5 31.0 -.5
Abdomen 42.0 40.75 -.25
Hips 42.0 41.0 -1.0
Thigh 25.5 25. -.5
Knee 14.25 13.75 -.25
Calf 14.25 13.75 -.5
Ankle 8.25 8.25 0
Arm 12.00 11.75 -.25
Forearm 10.25 10.0 - .25
Wrist 6.5 6.25 -.25

My initial goal is 177 and I am almost there; my ultimate goal is to be close to 160. This month it will just be nice to be under 180. I'm enjoying summer clothes these toasty hot days and not feeling like a boat. What is really kewl is my blood pressure #s are good med-free.

July - already!

Look at the time!

I'm somewhat glad June has slip by - it was, not without its virtues, a difficult month. If I were doing a biometric thing I'd say 'whew, that emotional line is all over the place!"

The youngest was student of the month of May in his classroom. Yeah! Had a day off so I could enjoy that. Walked to his school and back home again, chatting with neighbors on the way. The weather is changing to the neighborly style where you have a minute for another person and can catch up with each other. It's a great time of year.

Visited Oasis Community Church, Moreno Valley, the first Sunday and afterward went to Sizzler for lunch. They just couldn't get the husband's order right! When he finally got his sirloin tips well done, they were scrumptious and my fish and chips were great. Overall we had a lovely sabbath.

The husband and I were going to attend a denominational discipling seminar only to find after driving through traffic to Norwalk it had been cancelled. They were very apologetic about not having gotten me the notice. So instead we leisurely slammed some breakfast at Denny's and visited his ministerial mentor. I hadn't met him and his wife - so it was a lovely day anyway. After all, it was another day off from work. I didn't get a chance to check-in on my brother, who didn't live very far away, but I have been able to get in touch with him this month and hope to see him the upcoming holiday weekend.

My hawaiian friend came through in a hayz - we should be seeing their family in two short months. The oldest of our two youngest girls turned 16 - woah and is learning to drive; look out world! Happy Birthday! My godchild, a lovely young lady, had a birthday this month - hey gyrl! My sister and brother-in-law (27) and my Ace and her husband (18 - and their son turned 4 too) had anniversaries - bless you all! I missed the renewed vows (25 years of marriage) of Compton (now living in Palmdale) cousin and his wife who I have yet to meet - I hope that gets remedied someday soon. My nephew, brother's son, graduated from high school - woohoo, very proud of him!

Happy belated Father's Day to all you devoted dad's out there, especially to the husband who is there for his mine and ours! It gets rocky at times movin' the one by one into adulthood - so glad the Lord helps us through! The youngest allowed me to join them for dinner out at Red Robin's - they have the best fish and chips - on a Friday night pre-celebration which I as the third wheel' thoroughly enjoyed.

I started a major campaign of regaining our retreat (the master bedroom) - some evil calamity ;-) seems to have had a hold over its appearance. I can now walk in the walk-in closet and found my desk; the husband has installed the new blinds; and it seems to have grown immensely as slowly I throw out , put, and give things away. I've been quite a busier bee around the house. My final stroke was to attack the hall closet - I actually know what's in there now.

Tyrtle has become quite comfortable in his new digs! What a life - eat, swim and sunbathe all day! You'd think he'd be grateful ;-0 - but he made a great escape again just the other day, only to be rounded up by one of the dogs (maybe there's some sheep/turtle dog in there somewhere).

The youngest has finished his school year - hallelujah! He achieved an additional attendance award at the end of the year - we're very proud of his perseverance in the face of adversity this year and overall academic achievements. Here's a Major News Flash! A couple of years ago, after falling while trying to learn to ride his bike the youngest was basically traumatized and vowed never to ride! Well , we gave it another 'go'! Now he's riding all over the place - and the three of us ride together.


The husband has just gone 'gun ho' on the fitness thing too - he's participating in a walk challenge at the work place, we walk down to the store and around the neighborhood together, with the dogs, or the youngest - rewarding ourselves with an occasional smoothie stop at Juice it Up! (they have double ticket clicks and Tuesdays and Thursdays which quickly gets us to some free ones), and now bike riding! Have a new spiffy pedometer -- the Omron HJ-112 the husband gave me - keeps track of steps, aerobic steps, aerobic minutes, miles, and kcal burn. Quite motivating. Let's see if my numbers go up. I'm doing really well, and in the women's challenge I've only missed one point so far and have already made that up with a bonus challenge. I missed a goal again at the end of the month because I had bashed my toe during the week (please, don't ask!) and in the next and final week I will be able to make that up and successfully complete the challenge! Overall I have increased my automatic daily activity to an healthy level and am enjoying the extra support, challenge, and companionship from the husband.

So though I started out the post on a low note - it is clear that the Lord works all things to the good of those who diligently seek Him. He is ever faithful!

And there you have it; June in July! Meanwhile keep the middle daughter lifted up as she begins new endeavors - may the Lord's grace and protection fervently rest upon her as He completes her - of course that applies to all of us!

fitness progress

progress: End of May End of April difference
body fat down -1.8
BMI down -.89
Weight 184.40 190.00 -5.60
Neck 13.50 13.75 -.25
Shoulders 43.00 44.00 -1.00
Chest 44.00 44.25 -.25
Waist 31.50 33.75 -2.25
Abdomen 42.00 42.50 -.50
Hips 42.00 43.00 -1.00
Thigh 25.50 26.00 -.50
Knee 14.25 14.00 .25
Calf 14.25 14.50 -.25
Ankle 8.25 8.50 - -.25
Arm 12.00 12.00 .00
Forearm 10.25 10.00 - .25
Wrist 6.50 6.25 - .25
keepin' on keepin' on

left only the power to pray

Being a mother isn't always a joy; sometimes it's painful. You have to let your children fly. You have to let them be at the bottom of a pile of bodies in a football tackle. You have to let them fly. Sometimes the direction you see them going in leaves you so utterly frightened, you are left only with the power to pray and thankfulness that God answers prayers. So, I'll keep praying.

Pentecostal Feast of Weeks

How awesome is Pentecost?_{Acts 2} Imagine being there in a foreign place and hearing the Word of God as you would understand it. On Pentecost the church was given birth and even today while we exist in this foreign place, ourselves, because of that very same Holy Spirit, the Comforter who Jesus promised, we hear His Word (Him) as we would understand it._{John 16} Now that is over the top by itself; but consider this - this wasn't something God said 'I'll do this today'. It was always part of his entire plan.

The hebrew people celebrate the Feast of Weeks (check it out). This commemorates God's giving them the Ten Commandments - His Word - the Law. Many of the people gathering on the Day of Pentecost had come to celebrate the Feast. Each event happened 50 (pente) days from Passover. The many parallels are mind boggling. On that day all believers graduated to having His Word written in our hearts! Now that's what I'm celebrating!

On this Memorial weekend, Feast on the promise of Pentecost - remember that Christ died for you and as He rose to be with the Father He is ever with us through His Holy Spirit. Have a great weekend.

Happy Anniversary Micah and Nicole

on life's journey, you sometimes come across some truly wonderful people you'll always be glad you met, have known and sometimes they are married to each other. Just wanted to say Happy Anniversary to two such people - here's to 5 years Micah and Nicole! May the Lord continue to bless you ever so richly! Kaitlyn, aren't they the best?! !

Weighing in on stuff

I've settled on FitDay.com - it fits where I am on my wellness program right now. It is easy to use, provides the feedback I want and what sealed it is that the calorie database of DietFacts.com feeds right into it. So, if I eat at McDonald's and had the new Angus Burger with mushrooms and cheese (why did I?) I can not only confirm that I shouldn't have eaten what amounted to 810 calories, but also it puts the data right into FitDay so I didn't have to input all the gory details, making foods to be added an easier proposition.

Since I see value in all the other programs I've checked out, I hope to some day do a comparison showing the differences in what they offer. I really think it depends on what you want to get from it - high to low maintenance, being informed, support/accountability, types of reports, and high on my list is what is available for free.

My best weight was last week. I've had people noticing - once last Tuesday by a lady I see ocassionally in a restaurant I a frequent weekly. It is beyond words to be aware of actual progress. The proof is not only in the scale but in the measuring tape, and former clothes I can wear, and feeling so much better physically and mentally. So it goes.

It's hard to be a sport about this year's NBA season - the Warriors are gone and too the Suns; this requires the label 'kleenex'. Who am I to root for. I'd root for the current underdogs but they've got to muster up what now seems like a miracle. If they don't its going to leave me with teams I don't like and won't care who wins! Worst case scenario the Spurs win? I've probably jinxed the whole thing now. *sigh*

I have a four-day weekend. To the extent possible, I'm including in my holiday celebration vacationing at the Spa of Normandy - a holiday weekend getaway at home. It'll begin with getting the hair done (with a side trip to the AAA for a car registration), acquiring some ribs, the makings for the famous beans and other delicacies (will have to work those into the food program), and then being jacuzzi bound. I'll work in appropriate mood music, watch some movies (watching Sleepless in Seattle - yes, again - right now) - there'll be no crowds or traffic! See you on the other side!

Oh, on another divergent note - have a friend that has been looking into his family history. When I have the time, which is rare, I dabble at this myself - to date unable to make that connection into the slavery/plantation time period. However he has been able to trace his latino heritage to someone who ran with Pancho Villa. He found too that the name changed to be safe from the authorities. Interesting to find your surname changes back in history. The giant will encounter that - his last name is not the same as his father's which changes everything for his future lineage. Of course in this day and age there are hyphenated names too - it's a whole new game!

Okay, well leaving Seattle to get the hair done!

Decoration Day?

Why do you celebrate Memorial Day? I used to confuse the purpose with Veterans Day - some how in my mind they were synonomous with people who had passed away and with those doing so serving our country. Too, heretofore, not many people I knew had passed away. I look at holidays more particularly now; when I grew up I took them for granted as a day off to have fun. I want to and for my children to understand the significance of what we commemorate and celebrate.

Answers.Com indicates "in addition to remembrance, this is also a time for picnics, family gatherings, and sporting events. Some Americans view Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of summer and Labor Day as the unofficial end of the season. The national Click it or ticket (CIOT) campaign ramps up beginning Memorial Day weekend, noting the beginning of the most dangerous season for auto accidents and other safety related incidents. The USAF '101 Critical days of summer' also begin on this day as well".

Here's where some confusion comes in - "some Americans use Memorial Day weekend to also honor any family members who have died, not just servicemen". In particular, "the Southeastern United States celebrates Decoration Day as a day to decorate the graves of all family members, and it is not reserved for those who served in the military." It is too a day of presenting American flags. "Christian Church services on the Sunday prior to Memorial Day may include a reading of the names of members who have died during the previous twelve months."

Well the United States federal holiday we celebrate the last Monday in May is Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day. Originally held (1868) in commemoration of soldiers killed in the American Civil War, its observance later extended to all U.S. war dead. The History Channel says "Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. To many people, especially the nation's thousands of combat veterans, this day, which has a history stretching back all the way to the Civil War, is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country."

The White House Commission on Remembrance has free songs at its Web site entitled the National Moment of Remembrance Home Page. One can download different renditions of the song "On This Day" by Charles Strouse, as well as Taps. Many others have contributed works for Memorial Day, including other famous songs and poems.

My father, who passed away in 1980, served in the Korean war - a defining time in his life being a springboard to the intelligent and multi-talented man I knew. One of his talents was being musically inclined - being able to play numerous instruments; while in the army he was a bugler. My mother passed away December 2005; I still can't believe she's gone - she must be at my sister's and I should call her, you know!?! The husband's parents passed in recent years, his father too a brilliant man who also served his country.

With understanding about this day now, personally I will remember these people this Memorial Day and I will give thanks to God for their being in my life and for the family that I have here with me. I will celebrate too, as we sojourn on this planet until we believers too go on to our heavenly home, that by the grace of God someone more may be going with me as I live to witness Jesus. Now that is really something to celebrate!

May you have a blessed Memorial Day celebration and reflection with the sweetness of recollection and the hope of a heavenly reunion and may God bless all those who put their lives on the line for their countrymen.

in honor of the armed forces ...

In 1949, "Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May, stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense." The purpose of Armed Forces day is to honor Americans serving in the five services - the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Because of their unique training schedules, National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May. These men and women perform in the service of our country to protect and uphold what it represents. May God keep them and guide their leaders.

annieshomepage does a nice job on many holidays - here's her armed forces day site.

the ascended

My appreciation for the GateWorld (Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis) genre has associated me with 'the ascended ones' which correspond with the ancient of days. Here you can get all lost into the purpose of the ancient ones - whether self-serving, hands-off, or benevolent. I find it all very interesting, considering Jesus, who was is and ever will be, is the ancient of days and the ascended one - while He and disciples were talking, "in the course of it He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. His body was uplifted till it disappeared, and while they continued to gaze up they saw two men who assured them that He would come back exactly as He had gone up" _ISBE. Today is the commemoration of Christ's Ascension, the 40th day after resurrection. As I prepare the lesson for children's church, I made personal notes.

Jesus shares about His leaving, for the most part the ascension covered in most of the Gospels Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16; Luke 24, John_14-16; 20; and in Acts 1, from which we have hope and encouragement:

• We have distress in the world; but He has overcome the world.
  
• we know where He is; He sits at the right hand of God! "That I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you".
  
• He prepares a place for us!
  
• for us, He will come back! - the same way He went into Heaven.
• He left us gifts
• to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift
• the Holy Spirit-the spirit of truth, a comforter - who Jesus said will "teach you all things and shall remind you of all things that I said to you"
  
• we have work to do - be His witnesses.
• and He is ever with us "all the days until the completion of the age"

RMR's lit'rary reviews

_{excerpted from RMRodriguez; christian daughter, wife,
student, writer, tyrtle expert, and cinema/lit'rary critic (of
the infamous RRod [Gable] & RNorm [Bogey] opposition)}

"i read a whole book in a day (approx. 350pgs). it was called kite runner, good book!--about a boy growing up in afghanistan and his relationship with his father and his servant whose the same age as him. and i read a lesson before dying, on friday and satuday. and over the previous two weeks before that i read the sin eater. which is by francine rivers. i think you'd like her writing (must reads--Redeeming Love, and the Mark of the Lion series). i do. but i must say the sin eater is one of my least favorite. in the end it was worth while, but it took 200pgs before it started to really grab me. oh, and b4 that i read Lying on the couch, fictional book about counseling, written by a psychologist. the title is a play on words layin down and tellin lies. and i learned 6 new words reading it-- skein, avuncular, nihilism (which i was vaguely familiar with), sophistry (i like that one), genuflect, excoriate (i like that one 2). i wanted to read another of his, but they don't have any at the library. so, now i'm starting A Map of the World. We'll see how that goes. I think you'd really like the Red Tent and the Time Travelers Wife too."

for your time of struggle

Daughter Dearest ...

buffeted against the wind, ever my child,
a wearied willow bent;
you'll still reach for the stars and sway.
for though fires and threats loom,
your watered and deeply rooted limbs
protect your bloom.
our Creator greater than they will help you to sway
when the air seems still

stretch out those roots
soak up stilled waters
you will survive.
beyond the surface, in the depths of your eyes,
and the innermost depths of your soul,
it's there that you know.

stand up little one
hear my voice call
I love you! I'm here!
It'll be a scraped knee is all.
Take my hand and lets once again stand;
you and I; yes we can.
Those stars won't be up there but around you everywhere!

with love from maumz
heart crying your tears
strength lent to your fears
hugz and kisses always yours
kneebent anguished prayers to Abba Father's ears
for you, precious, adored.

_{written by SRNorman}

There's no time like the present to make the best of the rest of this life!

the borne identity ...

From 'birth' to 'bearing and having borne' children goes from bringing them into this world to the concepts of ...

1. To yield fruit; produce: peach trees that bear every summer.
2. To have relevance; apply: They studied the ways in which the relativity theory bears on the history of science.
3. To exert pressure, force, or influence.
4. 1. To force oneself along; forge.
   2. To endure something with tolerance and patience: Bear with me while I explain matters.
5. To extend or proceed in a specified direction: The road bears to the right at the bottom of the hill.

Only one can birth, but a mother can be a force within and bear the lives of many. My quiver is full. The son I didn't birth had a lot of mothering over the years (as have all my children), specifically from his own and steps like myself who was at the end of that road. Joseph was Jesus' dad, but he too had an impact on the child he raised; too the woman who took in Moses as her child. Although knowing we are not initiator, we know that some plant seeds, others water, others sow.

This son presented me this for mother's day.

My Mother

Sometimes life just seems so difficult, if you know what I mean.
So much you have to do, for you maybe provide, cook, or clean.
There is something interesting about the way you've intervened in my life. When I was lost you held on believing even though I put you through much strife. As I look back on the way raising was put to play,
You somehow distinctly always knew what to say.
Even though sometimes I felt it was harsh or difficult in my own way.
I suppose I had to trust in you, believe that we would agree one day.
If you add two and two together they say you will get four.
If you add mother after mother I've had, I say you get a whole lot more.
I thank GOD for the way each of them had a special impact of their own.
When I see them look into my eyes there face tells me "Wow look how much he's grown."
I try to say sometime special, just a simple word or two.
But behind the tears I say secretly "Give honor to whom it is due."
Sometimes I wonder if you know how much I am in debt to you.
I could have simply gave you a card, but those words just don't feel true.
There is so much beauty and virtue of a woman whose life is awe inspiring art. Since I have some skill with words I might as well honor you with my heart. Thank you for your patience, discipline, and love.
I can look up in the sky and see my mom, a beautiful sky lit dove.
So much purpose and care she has, just me your son.
I compare a dove to you, so you can think of me the next time to see one.
Thank you once again for all that you do.
I know you know this but I'll say it again, "I love you too." _{RCN III}

The sentiment from our college middle daughter's card told me I always make her feel at home.

It was a day of hugs and 8 year old kisses; I am blessed to have committed so many forgeries ;-).

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her._{Pr 31:28}

Woman On the Move Across the Nation

At WomensHealthGov, I joined the Women's Challenge starting NationalWomen's Health Week, May 13-19, 2007 virtually walking across the pacific coast from Alaska to Hawaii - received a free pedometer too! The Challenge goes through the 4th of July weekend. Today, Mother's Day was a great day to start. I've lost 15 pounds and wore for the Day a teal summer dress with jacket I bought online about a year ago and I wasn't able to squeeze my hips into it, much less my bust. Well, today I wore it and I was looking sharp!

I'm four months away from my Hawaii vacation, and I'm just thanking God and looking forward to the me who will be going on that trip with the husband. I'm truly grateful not only for the husband's support, but also his encouragement and participation.

You may have noticed my walking tracker down at the bottom with my weight loss tracker - it is from when I first got the pedometer. I haven't done much yet, but will do my utmost starting tomorrow. The website itself is very informative about women's health replete with tools and information.

Let me list a couple of places to develop nutrition/fitness tracking and meal planning Lean Cuisine's Wellness and Kraft's Healthy Living (neither program dependent upon their food and some supportive of other programs like WeightWatchers and South Beach Diet) - the beauty of these tools is that they are free and are highly informative of the nutrients lacking and over abundant in your intake; its an eye opener into eating habits and food quality AND your overall daily and weekly progress - tracking weight measurements as well. The difference between them and Sparkpeople.com is these are less inclusive of 'forum' activity although that and journaling is available. I love the christian and overall support found on Sparx.

I took a day off today to enjoy the husband's barbeque ribs - oh and he made the most delicious smoothie! I'll be back on program first thing in the morning! I've had a great weekend - took care of a traffic ticket and was enabled to go to traffic school and spent Friday afternoon in the jacuzzi, where I was also Saturday after some gardening.

And now, if I have found favor in Your eyes, please make me see Your ways, and let me know You, so that I may find favor in Your eyes; and consider that this nation is Your people. And He said, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. And they said to Him, If Your presence does not go, do not cause us to go up from here. Ex. 33:13-15

Salud!

Appreciating Friends and Days in their Ways

You had a day or a week?

I sent this to my Ace for nurses week: where you'll find things like

"But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:"~1 Thessalonians 2:7~

There are 9 Bible verses with the word NURSE in them
Nave's Topical Bible offers this page: Nurse
Smith's Bible Dictionary offers this page: Nurse

and the the 12th was a day to remember Military Spouses - so this is for all of you, especially the wife of Chief Hayes!

THE MILITARY SPOUSE
Author unknown

There he stands in camouflage…yet he cannot hide from you.
You can pick him out in a crowd, and eye his stride among a formation.
There he goes, away from you again, off to do his part and be his best,
leaving you in his wake - never behind, yet always longing for his return.
There you are, amidst boxes and paper and confusion, creating a home, designing a household, transforming a building into a loving nurturing, comfortable environment.
Memories will be made here. Events will be celebrated.
Children will be born, graduate, grow, change. Your family will evolve. Your love will increase. Your marriage will improve. And then you will be asked to leave it all…again.
There are those who do not understand…
Who cannot comprehend what it takes to fulfill your role, to fill your shoes, to be all that you need to be.
They marvel at times, criticize at others, seldom appreciate, cannot imagine. There are those moments when you are where they are.
When you marvel, criticize, lack comprehension and are unable to muster understanding.
And then he appears at the door, or on the phone, or through a rumpled letter addressed to “My Love” and suddenly there is comprehension and understanding, affirmation and conviction.
For by his presence, through his voice, in his message you KNOW that you’ve been beckoned to a noble calling, when asked to be a military spouse.
Invited to support a soldier who allows freedom, who guards democracy, who instills leadership. And in your role you see a slice of life that few others have the privilege to experience…
Flags appear more brilliant to you…
Parades draw out more emotion for you…
A patriotic song is a musical message played just for you…
A hand-over-the-heart is as stirring as an embrace for you…
A parting kiss can hold you for months…
A welcome back embrace can fill you up from lonely months…
A grave marker is a stark reminder of the meaning of devotion…
A tear shared is a stark statement on the meaning of sacrifice…
A duffel bag on a baggage claim gives you pause and connection…
An eagle’s soar gives you inspiration. There you are…
The military spouse, the one asked to be strong, the one willing to belong.
The one who is often required to do it all.
The one who is privileged to stand beside a true American - day in and day out.
There are military spouses around the world, beside soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors.
They share a bond, a unity and a duty to be there, always for their hero.
There.
Said.
Done.
There are no better…anywhere.

Cheers to you all for all you do!

Meet Myrt the Sqyrt!

Well, this is Myrt the Sqyrt Tyrtle! I use Myrt, but the youngest likes the name one sister came up with - Sqyrt. Other name candidates were Spyke (from the Land Before Time) and Roddy (from Flushed Away). Fortunately we didn't go Teenage Mutant Ninja turtle - although Myrt's initial injuries might have qualified, nor did we go with Vyrne (it just seemed a little too Over the Hedge ;-)).

We moved Myrt the Sqyrt from temporary housing to the new permanent housing - like those makeover shows. But there's a basking rock anchored to the side of the aquarium that it doesn't like (they require basking time - so that will have to be changed. The husband and I shopped for turtle habitats the other day - and expensive proposition. Maybe Myrt should remain homeless? We ended up with an 'everything you need for your turtle' kit from Petsmart. We also went to Petco and the local pet store to get the full assessment of turtle habitat information. If you buy everything separately you go way over the kit cost. But with turtles, the filtration system is very important because keeping the water clean is a more difficult task - we may have to upgrade. So while we have blueprints for a grander home for Myrt the Sqyrt - complete with basking reef and all - this is home for now. Welcome to the family Myrt!

make time to serve!

Right now I am on the air bike. I wanted to put my mind to something to do, so I grabbed my PDA.

Friday, Fontana had its annual national day of prayer breakfast. The only recently retired city council clerk, Bea Watson (a wonderful lady), has been organizing this for several years now. It is held at Fontana Women's Club. This year the theme was 'make time to serve'. I always enjoy attending this event. I've been the last three years. It always remembers our country and its founding principles, our troops and most importantly that God is integral to these things and our very life.

In years past, they showed a film with Red Skelton about God in our Pledge of Allegiance - priceless!

The theme was taking time to serve, reminding that it only takes one person to make a change. The music was thought provoking - one should think about the words when they sing America the Beautiful. Pastor Dan of Crossroads Church, who I've always seen here, was the singer and there was also performances from a duet and a quartet. From the color guard and prayers, I enjoyed it all. Another annual event of note is the annual Inland Empire's breakfast.

With our ever so busy lives, think about all things you make room for and ...remember ... take time to pray - the easiest service of all! The life you change may be your own!

Time passes quickly on the air bike with a PDA in your hand.

by the grace of God, she brought you here...

my mother has passed - but I am a mother by blood and most importantly by love. I have loved my kids, their kids and those kids. For me this day is special to have touched a child's heart for a moment, a day, a weeks, months, years, a lifetime. It is of it's ownself a great reward!

Mother's day is a day we can re-kindle what that should mean in our own lives.

I was trying to come across activities:

Biblical Moms Quiz

2) has some nice activities Have a "Girl Power Trivia" contest! Write down questions about famous real and fictional girls, including Pippi Longstocking, Cinderella, the Power Puff Girls, and so on. You might ask, How did Pippi Longstocking wear her hair?" "What did Cinderella wear to the Ball?" or "Which Power Puff Girl wears green?" etc. Read the questions, see who guesses the answer first, and award a prize to the team with the most correct answers.

3) Arrange a dress up center with old clothes, hats, and accessories. Use a floor length mirror so they can see their creations and take pictures.

Happy Mother's Day!

Maydays!

Mayday Mayday Mayday! Where is the time going? The youngest has about 8 weeks left in the second grade (applause) - we did not like that teacher (military school for free).

A turtle risked life and shell to enter our yard this weekend. To its dismay, our dogs were very entertained when the kids came to its rescue. 'To keep or not to keep' now is the question - whether it is too costly or troublesome to give the youngest the pleasure of having a turtle and where did it come from anyway? I spent the lunch hour addressing such questions at PETCO. Of course a naming process has began -- turk? Slider? - anything but Shell!

The giant went to an Orange County auction and bought a car - yippee! We've been sharing mine of late.

Getting back to my blog title, the phrase, first used on May 1st, 1927, comes from Mayday which wiki says "is an emergency code word used internationally as a distress signal in voice procedure radio communications, derived from the French m'aider, meaning "help me." It is used to signal a life-threatening emergency by many groups, such as police forces, pilots, the fire brigade, and transportation organizations. The call is always given three times in a row ("Mayday Mayday Mayday") to prevent mistaking it for some similar-sounding phrase under noisy conditions, and to distinguish an actual mayday call from a message about a mayday call.

The holiday, May Day, itself is May 1, and refers to any of several holidays celebrated on this day. May 1 was a traditional summer holiday in many pre-Christian European pagan cultures, and many elements of these holidays are still celebrated on May 1 today, such as the Maypole. While February 1 was the first day of Spring, May 1 was the first day of summer: hence, the summer solstice on June 25 (now June 21) was "midsummer."

Besides the two major May holidays, Mothers Day and Memorial Day and Believer's Ascension Day (17th) and Pentecost (27th), also proclaimed for commemoration this month are Cinco de Mayo and Armed Forces Day (20th).

I've been struggling a bit with motivation which reminds me of a word from one of our daughters (and she knows who she is) - disencouraged. I like it! Thanks be to the Lord (not the lord that Sara called her hubbi) and the husband, I've been able to push past these feelings enough to keep on my program.

On the movie tip, we recently enjoyed 'Corpse Bride' - I liked it, 'Night at the Museum' - I loved it, and 'Deja Vu' in which it was great to see work from Erika Alexander from the "The Cosby Show". The movie was very captivating, in some ways reminiscent of Denzel's the 'The Bone Collector' and appears to have similarities to Cage's movie. We shall see. Meanwhile the husband bought me 'Beauty Shop ' with Queen Latifah and an 'old school' cast with people I haven't seen in awhile (from "Martin" Laura Hayes, 'the Cosby Show' Keshia Knight Pulliam, "The Jamie Foxx Show" Sherri Shepherd, and others)t o give a 'looksee'. Meanwhile we are so behind on '24' and all of our sci-fi regulars, not to mention movies we've purchased.

I'll try not to be a stranger. You too okay?

Look at the time...

Came back from vacation all rested and my mind and body totally rejects the idea of going into drive. This did not bode well with the workload waiting for me which was only exacerbated by an abrupt absence of #1, me being #2, this now made me 1.5 - where upon I was forced into overdrive.

However, having been summarily chastised by my huge (ha ha) following or as it is said 'back due to popular demand,’ I am here to blog.

• Celebrations - My dear ‘dahli'ng friend had her birthday and I hope she was blessed with a wonderful celebration. My brother's son had a birthday as well. He's a senior in high school. I'm very proud of him.
• Speaking of relatives! a cousin and her daughter, both of whom I haven’t seen in over 10 years, came from NJ for a visit. Her two brothers live out here, the youngest of which was getting married! She and her daughter, my youngest, and I spent a lovely day in Palm Springs. They and her brothers, the groom's son, and I spent another day traipsing around Victoria Garden's having lunch at Lucille's. Speaking of which! It is impossible to be nutrition conscious there! I enjoyed a hot link and ribs with greens. Yeah, I could have had chicken but c'mon!
• Second Chance - have you seen that movie? It is well worth the watch! It will make you think about how you walk with Jesus.
• I've been praying for a lot of people, of course including of course Virginia Tech and Johnson Space Center - and online especially. The weight of people’s woes seems particularly heavy right now. Please pray endurance for me.
• In case you haven't noticed I've lost 10 pounds!
• The giant had a car accident but he is okay; however the car was ‘put to sleep’.
• Sunday the 22nd was Earth Day – check this out ‘Gen 1: 26-31

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day.

• Err of Imus – I think the issue here that stands out above all most common obnoxious speech aired is this was directed at specific people who came to hear and their families and friends hear this awful talk – a total lack of concern about these ladies’ feelings.
• NBA Playoffs – I love this game!

Oooo, look at the time! There is just not enough time in a day! I'm going to try to get back here real soon; the month ain't hardly wrapped up yet!

Thanks to all of you who actually read this stuff and blessings to you all.

The Giant had a birthday this week and my mother's birthday would have been this week also. Just thinking about the both of them in the midst of this very busy week. The Giant requested my meatloaf and said the result was one of the best! There's a few things I make well, as attested to by my family - and meatloaf is one of them! Mom would have loved it too!

Too today my youngest cousin on my mom's side was married on a cruise ship - right now they would be asail to the Mexican Riviera. My oldest cousin is in town from Jersey for the occasion. Hoping to spend more time with her before she returns home the end of next week.

Hoping to catch up with my brother too; I haven't been too sucessful in doing that. His son will have a birthday the end of this week as well.

God bless us every one!

Being a film aficionado, Holy Week is not without some good watches. Here, in no paraticular order, is a list of possibilities (check the ratings for family viewing):

• Rugrats - Easter
• Easter Parade aka "Irving Berlin's Easter Parade" On the day before Easter in 1911, Don Hewes is crushed when his dancing partner (and object of affection) Nadine Hale refuses to start a new contract with him. To prove Nadine's not important to him, Don acquires innocent new protegee Hannah Brown, vowing to make her a star in time for next year's Easter parade.
• VeggieTales - An Easter Carol The theme is the founding of the state of Israel.
• The Easter Story Keepers
• Ben-Hur When a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.
• The Greatest Story Ever Told The life of Jesus Christ
• "Jesus of Nazareth" depiction of the life of Christ using the Gospel accounts
• King of Kings the Bible story unfolds through the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
• The Robe tribune in the time of Christ in charge of the group that is assigned to crucify Jesus wins Jesus' homespun robe after the crucifixion. Tormented after the event, still not believing in Jesus, he returns to Palestine to and learn what he can of the man he killed
• The Ten Commandments he Egyptian Prince, Moses, learns of his true heritage as a Hebrew and his divine mission as the deliverer of his people.
• Exodus The theme is the founding of the state of Israel.
• The Animated Passion Trilogy
• He Is Risen the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of Jesus (interactive)
• When Do We Eat? A family's Passover
• The Silver Chalice A Greek artisan is commissioned to cast the cup of Christ in silver and sculpt around its rim the faces of the disciples and Jesus himself.
• From the Manger to the Cross (1912) the life of Jesus Christ, based on the books of the New Testament
• I Beheld His Glory (1953) (TV) the centurion who presided over Christ's crucifixion
• Spartacus The slave Spartacus leads a violent revolt against the decadent Roman empire.
• The Passion of the Christ detailing the final hours and crucifixion of Jesus Christ - April 7th on TMC 8pm, 10pm)
• Quo Vadis (1951) a general meets a Christian and gets Emperor Nero to give her to him for services rendered. Meanwhile Nero's atrocities get more outrageous; when he burns Rome and blames the Christians, Nero captures them and all the Christians to throw them to the Lions
• Barabba (1961) Barabbas, the criminal they set free so that Christ could be crucified, is haunted by the ghost of the prophet for the rest of his life.
• Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus (1973) Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which was shot on location in Israel - Johnny Cash appears in, narrates and performs a number of original songs.
• The Prince of Egypt An Egyptian prince learns of his identity as a Hebrew and, later his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people
• Lilies of the Field - strict mother superior believes that someone has been sent by God to build a much needed church in the desert. (my favorite even though its relation has nothing to do with the week in particular).
  

I sense a marathon; hmmm...

the husband ...

Okay, so I had an appointment to get my hair done today. I thought it was at 12 or 1pm, so I call the stylist only to find out it was at 9am. I told this to the husband and he says "so what are you going to do?" I relayed that I am going to call back as the stylist suggested to see if there are any cancellations - but tomorrow being Resurrection Day, I don't really expect there to be any, so I'll do it myself. Then he says "well I liked the way your hair looked last night" (sweet, huh?). I said "well my hair is dirty and itchy so I need to wash it". He replies, "well how about some Benedryl?" Diphenhydramine (Benedryl) is frequently ordered for patients to aid in controlling nausea and itching.

The husband ... gotta love him. I'll be washing my hair!

¡Feliz Pascua de Resurreción!

The more I study spanish culture and language the more in large part I think they get things right with regard to christian celebrations and so this week ¡Feliz Pascua de Resurreción!

They seem more to make their faith part of their daily life rather than make their daily life part of their faith! Enjoy the link about their celebrations. I pray your holy week is blessed in the remembrance of Christ!

Twinkie, Twinkie, little triv...

this is so out of left field and have nothing to do with price of tea in China but I guess appropriate to the day! I learned what a twinkie defense was

"a derogatory term for a criminal defendant's claim that some unusual factor (such as allergies, coffee, nicotine, or sugar) diminished the defendant's responsibility for the alleged crime. The term arose from the trial of Dan White, who was convicted in the fatal shootings of San Francisco mayor George Moscone and city supervisor Harvey Milk.... (Compare Chewbacca Defense - here's an audio.)

and everything and more (or not!) you'd ever want to know about the Twinkie invented on April 6, 1930!

Hunting Season

I struggle with Easter eggs, bunnies, and the like (hunts) as they seem to be founded in Spring celebrations and such rather so much the Holy Week that culminates in the Resurrection.

So I looked a little more into the season of the hunt:

The Jewish celebrate Passover and during that celebration some have hunting for hametz - true to form, the traditions of Passover reserve a place for children as we ready our homes for the holiday. The cleaning culminates with a family search for hametz on the evening before the seder, and our children fall over each other to participate in this ritual.”

A part of the Jewish Seder is hiding the Afikomen - For most children the afikomen, which means dessert, is the highlight of the Passover seder. In fact, its whole purpose is to keep children awake, alert and attentive throughout the ceremony as they look forward to the game at the end.

I like these types of activities as it is important that the fun and games and activities help us remember the object of our celebration. Moses was hidden and then he was found. Because of Christ, my passover, while I once was lost; now I am found!

May your find blessing in your celebrations!

A friend's needle

Can I needle you for a minute? Listen (read)...

“Did I tell you about the needle story?”, she said. We agreed that she had not. She urged us on to finish with what we were doing and then she would tell us. But we knew her stories were always excellent and so we assured her we were done. “Tell us the needle story now!”, we said. So, as best as I can recollect, here is the story told to us by our friend who had not been with us in awhile because of the things going on in her life:

When I left you guys last Tuesday, I went home and got on my computer. I was on there for about an hour arguing with my ex, so absorbed I lost track of the puppy and you know how when its quiet they are up to something.

I went to get up to see what the puppy was up to and it felt like something was slicing around my ankles. I looked down and there was thread all around my feet. I had had a large spool of thread that I had used to repair the puppy’s teddy bear and the puppy had gone crazy with it! There was hardly any thread left on the spool. The puppy had been up and down the stairs and all over the house with the thread. He had run around the chairs wrapping my feet in the thread and he had it all over himself, some of it too tight. I had to cut it all off of him. But the darning needle was gone and I was suddenly afraid the puppy had swallowed it.

I felt awful, having been wrapped up on the computer arguing with my ex and not paying attention to what the puppy was doing and, now, he might have swallowed the needle. I had a cat that once had swallowed a needle, and only because it had gotten stuck in the upper part of his body, it hadn’t made it fatally to his guts. So I began to look all over for the needle, up and down the stairs. The thread was everywhere, but I couldn’t find the needle. I got very upset because I was worried the puppy had swallowed the needle and it was very late and I had to get some sleep in order to go to work in the morning. But I couldn’t sleep without knowing where the needle was – the puppy!

I felt I had to find the needle. This was not something you ask God. It was my responsibility. I was supposed to be watching the dog. I had to find it. And then I grew very upset! In despair, this became my life. I can’t find this needle and I can’t find my life – something in my life is lost! I wanted God to show me where the needle was; to find it! If He couldn’t find the needle, how could He find my life? That part of me that ignores that I know better kept saying God couldn’t find the needle, right? He’s not down here – He’s out there.

Early in the morning, I arranged with the veterinarian to x-ray the dog. But I had to go to work! How was I going to do all this? But I had to know where the needle was! I asked God please find the needle and I heard Him answer me, clearly, “Go upstairs, and stand by the window and wait.” “Right,” I responded and then immediately said “I’m sorry Lord”. I went upstairs and stood by the window. It was still overcast. All I could think about was that I had to go to work soon. How long was I supposed to wait? Why am I waiting? It is silly of me to ask God to find a needle. How long should I wait?

As I realized the sun was beginning to lighten the sky, I just had to get ready to go to work. I started to turn to do so, when a glint of something below caught my eye. It was the needle! Buried in the carpet with only a glint of it exposed by the sun showing, was the needle! God showed me where the needle was. God could do that. God did! God can find my life! How wonderful is our God!

The only thing God asked me to do was tell people. So I am telling everyone; I am telling you!

Thank you my friend for sharing God in your life; it ministered to us all. What a wonderful treat for our Tuesday Women's Study. So many messages to us in there. We serve a mighty, loving, unfathomable God.

So I’m sharing my friend’s story with you.

April in December for Fools!

What does christianity have to do with April Fool's Day - at least somewhere? I read this great bit of info - especially in regards to culture and to christianity - the counterpart to April Fool's Day (4/1) in Spain is in December. Check it out!