A Thanksgiving To Remember (Writer's Workshop)

We had many wonderful Thanksgivings.  My mom always made a great meal and we helped.  I remember helping with the pumpkin pie one year but mostly my job was to do the instant mashed potatoes using Potato Buds and chop up the nuts for the Waldorf salad.  I also remember going to visit my grandmas and aunts growing up. 

When it got to be just me and my parents, we started going out to a restaurant for Thanksgiving.  My most memorable Thanksgiving though was the last one with both my mom and dad.  My mom was quite weak and had been in and out of the hospital but was doing better.  Following is an excerpt from "My Funny Dad, Harry" which is about our last Thanksgiving with mom.  God was so gracious to allow us to have this happy day with her just a week before she died of congestive heart failure.

    My mom had been quite ill that month.  She was in and out of the hospital but was having a good day.  We all knew it meant a lot to her to have a nice Thanksgiving so my dad, me and Gerard all decided to pitch in and make it a good day.  Mom had made Waldorf salad and the turkey roll was in the oven when Gerard and I arrived.  (I thought about bringing the camcorder, but didn’t because I knew mom wouldn’t want me to take her picture.  She was always camera shy, especially when she didn‘t think she looked good enough.  This was the last time Harry‘s oven was used--as an oven, that is.)  

    Mom supervised the dinner preparations from her favorite comfortable chair in the living room, telling dad and me what to do next.  (I am deficient in cooking unless it’s heating up frozen dinners.)  We were going to put the stuffing in the oven next to the turkey roll and the rolls on top, but dad had the cookie sheet with the turkey roll turned the wrong way so he had to spin it around.  Then the lid on the stuffing was too high, so dad had to make the rack lower.  Mom’s wondering what’s going on because I am laughing by now.  Instead of taking the turkey out, dad tried doing it leaving it in and just lifting the rack.  The turkey started sliding into the oven!  Gerard was back from CVS by then, so he was laughing too.  I caught it with the potholders in time before it fell into the oven.  Dinner was good.  

    Mom was feeling good and seemed back to normal like before she went to the hospital, recovering nicely.  She ate good too.  It was a nice Thanksgiving and, as it turned out, was a very good last memory of our time with mom.  I really wish I had brought my camcorder that day!

For more interesting posts or to choose a prompt and participate yourself, go to Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop.  This post prompt was "A Thanksgiving To Be Remembered."

My Other Writer's Workshop Posts this week:

Our Dog's Most Destructive Behavior

Did I Really Want To Change My Life Forever?

I’m So Happy I’m Not Her --Or Him (Writer’s Workshop)

Looking at her in the embrace of her husband’s arms as the church leaders prayed for them at a special Tuesday night meeting to deal with a sensitive issue, my heart went out to her.  Her husband was the youth Pastor in the church who had just finished explaining how his adulterous relationship happened and asking for forgiveness.  He said he ended the relationship Saturday but it was going on for two and a half months.  He was confronted about it on Sunday and confessed that it was true and so was relieved of his duties 

I felt very sad for his wife but also for him because he had been very effective in his youth ministry for years, doing a fantastic job with them.  I was in shock that he cheated on his wife with another married woman who assisted voluntarily with the youth, ending his ministry with the youth at least in this church.  He certainly knew better and so did the other woman but I understood how it happened as he described the distance he was feeling in his marriage and the hectic summer schedule of youth ministry.  He was getting burned out which is exactly when Satan will attack when he sees an opening, a weakness, an opportunity.  (A word of caution:  Don’t allow yourself to get too tired, too lonely, or too hungry because then your are weak and more susceptible to give in to temptation.).    

He and his wife have two little girls.  His wife has forgiven him and they are going to counseling in the hopes of restoring their marriage.  I hope they can.  Only God knows what his future holds.  It is good to know God is forgiving and can restore and heal broken lives.  The congregation is forgiving too and is supporting all parties involved by prayer and words of encouragement.  We should have supported our youth Pastor more in prayer during those busy days of the summer so he didn’t get burned out.  Shame on me. 

It is very sobering to see that this can happen to anybody.  We have to always guard against temptation and cling to our mate.  If we feel distance, we need to communicate more and seek ways to put that spark back in our marriage. I am currently reading “The Love Dare” book to strengthen my marriage.  Marriage takes work, a good marriage doesn’t just happen—it’s a constant work in progress that should be a high priority!

Galatians 6:1  If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 

Cancer Journey Update--All Is Well!

I am now having radiation treatments which really are nothing.  I am in and out under 15 minutes and it's only a ten-minute drive from my home which I am very thankful for.  All I do is lay on a narrow table very still while a big round thing first aims from one side and then the other.  I hear a buzzing noise for 30 seconds on the one side and then 15 seconds on the other and I'm done.  The only slightly uncomfortable thing is that I have to raise my right arm above my head and grab on to something but it's only a short time and I'm out of there.

I have started back to work part-time.  I just go in the mornings, leave at 12:30, have a bite to eat for lunch and go for my treatment.  Then I come back home while it's still light and have three hours to enjoy my pets and go on the computer.  Some days I'll run an errand.

I feel good so far and have 18 treatments to go yet.  I haven't really experienced any side effects from the radiation but have been using the special cream I was given to help prevent redness and burning. 

I give praise and thanks to God and to those who prayed for me and are continuing to pray for my full recovery because I truly believe that is why things are going along so smoothly.

No Chemo--Thank God!

For about two weeks I've been waiting for the results of the Oncotype DX test which gives a cancer recurrence score that determines if one needs Chemo or not.  With some, Chemo helps lower the risk of recurrence but not with all.  If the score is low, Chemo is not recommended because it's been proven not to make any difference in that situation; however, if the score is high, then Chemo is recommended because it has been proven to help lower the risk of the Cancer returning. 

My medical oncologist went ahead and made arrangements with the radiation oncologist on the assumption that I would not need Chemo.  So, when I got a call from her office that she wanted me to come in to discuss my treatment plan, I was pretty sure it would be bad news.  I was very relieved when I found out that I don't need Chemo after all.  Even though my score wasn't in the lowest range, it missed by only a little bit which put me into the intermediate range where it really hasn't been proven if chemo helps or not in that range.  My recurrence was 12% but with radiation and the 5-year follow-up pill, that cuts it in half.  The doctor told me that MAYBE with Chemo, it could lower the risk by an addition 3-4%.  She let the decision up to me.

Of course, I chose not to have the Chemo.  A possible 3-4% benefit didn't sound like it was worth it to me so on to my radiation treatments!  Why did she scare me like that?

Got My Wish!

With work so slow I was often wishing I could be at home because there's so much I would like to be doing instead of just trying to look busy.  Well, now I got my wish!  Because there was some Cancer found in my right breast, I had to have a lumpectomy done and now I am off work for at least 6 weeks to recover from the surgery. 

I am fortunate that I have medical insurance and that my company is very nice about me taking whatever time off I need to recover and heal.  After trying to go back to work and becoming completely exhausted, I have decided to follow the doctor's recommendation and take the time off to heal.  I am enjoying this time off very much.  I love being with my cats through the day and walking my dog now and then, and being able to lay down whenver I feel tired.

I really thought I'd get more blogging in but haven't felt up to it too much.  I've cut way down on the number of blogs I read but am commenting on a higher percentage since I'm reading less.  I am hoping to blog more often as I regain more strength. 

The Lord has given me enough strength to be able to return to teaching my 5th grade boys Sunday School class which I absolutely love doing.  It gets me pumped up and is usually fun to do.  The last two weeks I also had the 6th grade boys while they tried to find another teacher.  Although it made for a bigger class, the boys were well behaved so it was a joy teaching!  Starting this Sunday, the class will be split because one of the boy's dads volunteered to teach the 6th graders. 

I'll be going to see the medial and radiation oncocolgists this week to find out what further treatment will be needed.  I'm praying I won't need chemo.

Surgery Success!

After church on Sunday, I had the deacons of our church pray for my healing and anoint me with oil as instructed in James 5.  I believe God is the great physician who does the healing.  The doctors are tools he sometimes uses.  God gave me peace going into surgery and continue to trust him throughout my treatments, whatever comes.  The really nice thing is having paid time off from work to take it easy and recover completely.  I am thankful I have a job at such a great place of employment and that I have medical insurance at this time.

After spending the whole day at the hospital on Tuesday, I finally had a lumpectomy done and was told they were able to get all the Cancer out and did not have to remove all the lymph nodes.  The surgeon only removed the first two to test to see if the Cancer spread and they didn't find any in them.  I was glad to wake up and get to come home the same day!

However, they have to examine the lymph nodes they removed more closely as well as two other tests that will determine if I'll need Chemo or not.  I will find out the final results next Wednesday but am very hopeful.  I thank everyone who is praying for my complete healing and quick recovery. 

I did not experience any pain during surgery or afterward.  So far I have not had any swelling or redness either which I praise the Lord for.  I feel good and have gone to the zoo, walked with my husband on the dog walks and today went to the park with our dog.  I am resting on and off through the day and went back to bed this morning after being on the computer from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m.  

I thank all who are praying for me and ask that you continue to remember me in your prayers.  God is good and I want to give Him the glory.  

Mammograms are a nuisance, but they certainly are useful in catching Cancer early while it can be treated fairly easily.  I would have had no clue at all that I had Cancer in my breast had it not shown something "suspicious" on the mammogram.  

For a detailed account from my husband's viewpoint of my surgery day, check out my other blog post:  I'm Alive and Well--Praise The Lord!

I Just Found Out I Have Cancer

How One Phone Call Ruined My Day

While on vacation the day after I had my ultrasound done I was enjoying my day with the pets and blogging when I got a call from my doctor’s office right before I’m ready to eat lunch. I’m thinking this cannot be good—they NEVER call me.  The receptionist told me my doctor needs to see me right away.  I get there in 20 minutes and am referred to a surgeon because the ultrasound place recommended a biopsy be done on “something suspicious” that showed up. I’m thinking, okay, I’m not going to worry that it’s cancer until I hear it is.  I went right away to find the surgeon’s office and make an appointment to see him.

When Gerard got home I went with him when he walked Abby to tell him about my strange afternoon.  We both tried to stay positive and hope it was nothing.

Well, It Was Something

Gerard and I were both off work for our annual doctor appointment so he came with me to 

my follow-up appointment with the surgeon to get my biopsy results.  My doctor hadn’t received the results yet!  I called the hospital and asked them to fax them over.  Why don’t doctors communicate with each other?  I feel like I’m a “doctor coordinator” here.  They came through and I could tell they weren’t good.  If they were, he would have told me.  Is it any wonder my blood pressure was up?

When I got to the surgeon, I had to wait an hour before I got to see him.   Finally, he told me I had some cancer in my right breast which by this time I already figured out.  Still, it wasn’t the results I was hoping for and I kind of went into shock as he quickly explained my alternatives and the risks.  The next day, I made an appointment for a lumpectomy on September 1. 

I am so appreciative of all the prayer support I’ve received from my blogger friends!  I just let a few know through personal emails the day after I found out and Mountain Woman at Red Pine Mountain  have both posted about my need for prayers (with permission).  I know I’m in good hands and God will see me through this.  Many people have had this experience so now I figure it’s my turn.  I am looking at this as just another life experience and know that God knows all about me and my body and I’m His child. 

The blogging community has really been wonderful to me!  Thanks so much for your prayers and well wishes!  I can’t thank you enough!

Should We Pray For Healing?

Why Doesn't God Heal Immediately?

Why doesn’t God heal immediately when we ask in faith like He did in Bible times?

This is the first tough question Pastor Dan addressed at Parma Heights Baptist Church on July 5th. 

Sometimes God does heal immediately, but it seems as though most of the time, he does not.  First of all, Jesus didn’t heal everyone back then either.  Why does God answer the prayers of some for healing and not others?  The answer Pastor Dan gave was that God is sovereign and that it just isn’t God’s will to heal everyone today, just as it wasn’t in Bible times.  There were many people who weren’t healed such as those around the pool of Bethesda when Jesus chose to heal the paralyzed man. 

We often pray for the sick and I can think of times when the sick were healed as well as when they weren’t, even though many people were praying for them.  I’m sure you can too.  Although physical healing is often what we seek, God is more concerned with forgiving sin and spiritual growth.  Also God is merciful and perhaps he wants to spare the individual from additional pain or harm.  Perhaps God wants to accomplish some plan through the death of someone.

God never promised anywhere in the Bible that Christians would have a life free of problems or pain.  In fact, just the opposite is stated that Christians should expect suffering.  The promise is that our suffering is small compared to the future reward: 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.     (Romans 8:18)

For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory:  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:  for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  (II Corinthians 4:17 & 18)

I think of King Hezekiah who prayed for healing and God granted his request, giving him an additional 15 years.  During this time his son, Manasseh, was born who was a very bad person.  In my opinion, it would have been better for Hezekiah not to have lived that extra 15 years and Manasseh would not have been born.  Yet, God created Manasseh in the womb.  I question why God would do this when he knows everything including the future.  

The bottom line is that God’s ways are mysterious and higher than our ways:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  (Isaiah 55:8-9)

The fact remains that God is the almighty, all-powerful and sovereign God who is ultimately in control of everything and who am I to question Him.  We must learn to surrender to His will as Jesus surrendered his will to the Father’s and look for what he wants to teach us through the experiences He allows into our lives.

God is not like a Santa Claus, giving Christians whatever they ask for if they follow His ways and are “good little children.”  He does love us and gave His only Son to die to pay the price for our sins that we can be in heaven one day with Him.  I John 4:19 is why we love God, because He first loved us!  Not because he is like Santa or a Genie who grants our every wish.

Part 2 on healing coming soon:  So Then Should We Pray For The Sick?

(Scripture is from the King James Version.)

Will God Forgive Abortion?

One of the tough questions that was submitted to Pastor Dan was “I had an abortion. Can God forgive me?”  My initial quick response was “Yes, how is he going to have a whole sermon on that?”  

He invited two women who have had abortions to come and share their story of how they found forgiveness and it was very interesting!  First though, he made the point that in God’s eyes, sin is sin and all sin separates us from God, whether it’s just a lie or a murder.  This is based on lists of sins found in Galatians 5:19 and also in Proverbs  6:16-19. 

Pastor Dan pointed out that abortion is a sin because life begins in the womb as indicated in Psalm 139:13-14.  “Do not kill” is one of the commandments (Exodus 20:13).  The penalty for sin is death, eternal separation from God but the gift of God is life through God’s Son, Jesus.  (Romans 6:23)  Jesus died for everyone while we were still sinners and paid that price.  If we accept Christ death on the cross was for us and repent of our sin, we can be forgiven!

These women shared that they felt guilty after the abortion and participated in self-destructive behavior such as drugs, alcohol, divorce and even attempted suicide which are all common among women who have abortions.  The one woman got actively involved in pro choice in order to help herself feel better.  Both these women had a hard time forgiving themselves for aborting their babies.  Both had different reasons.  One did it because after her first baby, she just didn’t want to go through the pain of having another so aborted her second child.  The other woman who shared was from a troubled home and looked for love in the wrong places.  When she got pregnant with a man’s child who she did not love, she did not want to keep the baby because she didn’t think she could love it.

Both these women shared that they found a workshop called Healing Effects of Abortion Related Trauma connection with The Cleveland Pregnancy Center.  Through this 7-week confidential, Christ-centered workshop designed for those who have experienced abortion, they found forgiveness.  I John 1:9 says that, “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.”  No exceptions!  It doesn’t say, “except for abortion or murder or lying.” 

By thinking God would not forgive them, they were told that they were ascribing more power to the sin than to Christ’s shed blood which really got their attention.  "Christ died once for all, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." --I Peter 3:18    

These women explained that most keep the fact they had an abortion to as few people as possible and really don’t want anyone to find out about it.  That is why this workshop is strictly confidential.  If you had an abortion and feel your life is messed up and there’s no hope, give the Cleveland Pregnancy Center a call at 440-243-2520 and just ask about the HEART workshop.  There is forgiveness and help for you available.  I hope this post will help someone find it.  

From Angry To Thankful and Back to Angry

I really dislike having to go for medical checkups, appointments and anything having to do with doctors.  It interferes with my life.  This past week when I was on vacation doing Sports Camp at church, I had to schedule a follow-up mammogram and ultrasound on Thursday afternoon which meant I wouldn't be able to do the afternoon session.  I wore my "Stressed Out" cat shirt, but went to the appointment with a good attitude realizing it wasn't the technical assistants' fault I had to go.

First thing I get called pretty quick but when I told them why I was there, they said they couldn't do the ultrasound because my primary doctor only ordered the mammogram.  This just got me angry because I didn't want to use anymore of my time of for work to fuss around with this medical stuff that was supposed to have all been done in this visit.  They called my doctor's office but it was already closed.  They asked if I wanted to reschedule then or wait until the doctor had a chance to review the mammogram results.  I didn't have a calendar with me and I was so mad over this that I just said let's just wait and see what the results are first.  I don't want to schedule an ultrasound if it's not necessary. 

Don't these medical offices handle appointments all the time?  I know I had told my primary doctor that the place that did the mammogram recommended both a mammogram and ultrasound to follow up.  When I called my doctor's office, they told me that the mamogram place said since it was a follow-up, an order for another mammogram was all they needed so that's what was faxed.  I did get back to the church early enough to help set up for the evening picnic and it did occur to me to just pray to express to God that it sure would be nice if I didn't need another ultrasound after all. 

Anyhow, the good news was that my doctor's office said they would call to see if the ultrasound was necessry and give me a call back.  I was very thankful and relieved that I don't need an ultrasound after all!  Yippee!  Also saved some money there too because of the miscommunication . . . or is it that God is looking out for me?

UPDATED 6/29/09:  Oops, today I got a call from my doctor's office now saying that after seeing the mammogram results, an ultrasound is recommended.  Arrrrgh!  I guess I'll have to go again now and waste more of my vacation time--boo!  I know God is still watching over me so maybe He just wanted me to get back in time to help set up and have some pizza with the staff.

Disappointment Turned To Joy

We met this sweet 10 yr. old Beagle-Basset Hound mix dog, Pearl, at the "Meet Your Best Friend Day' at the zoo and couldn't get her out of our minds and couldn't really enjoy the rest of the zoo.  She was the sweetest dog I ever met.  We went back to ask some questions, cost was $125.  This is the picture we took right before we left, feeling bad that we couldn't bring her home because we were going to wait for retirement before getting a dog. 

Then after we thought it over, we decided to go for it and if she was still available even though she was a bit smaller dog than what we had in mind. The next day we called the rescue group that she was associated with and filled out the online adoption application and anxiously waited for a call from them.  Unfortunately, Pearl has an incontinence problem so that just wouldn't work out for us since Gerard and I both work.  The woman told us to try looking on Pet Finder because there are many dogs available and she knew the perfect dog for us is out there, we just need to find it.  We were disappointed.  

The next morning when we prayed together, I told God how disappointing it was and asked that if we were meant to have a dog at this time, that we would find the right one that would be perfect for us.  Thanks to Pearl, I decided to actually look and see if we could find the perfect dog for us.  I went on Pet Finder and found two I thought may be possibilities and showed Gerard.  He said he'd like the one named Gabby so I emailed Barb, the contact person.

As it turned out, we could have her on a trial period for a week to see if we thought it would work.  She said she'd bring it over to our house Saturday morning and Gerard and I were so excited to meet her.  The description said she gets along well with other dogs AND cats which is a must for us.  She is 5 years old and about 10 lbs. overweight so needs a home that will take her for plenty walks to give her the exercise she needs to get down to a healthy weight.   This is no problem for us--Gerard loves to walk!

We fell in love with this dog right away and knew the second day that we wanted to keep her!  I am just amazed at how well-haved she is and how smart and eager to please she is.  I look forward to training her.  She is housebroken and we can leave her alone all day with the cats without any problem.  She had been in a shelter but it got overcrowded so was moved to a foster home to give her more time to get adopted.  Good thing--what a shame it would have been to have euthanized this great dog!  Barb only had her a week before I contacted her and said she just put her up on Pet Finder and that we were the first to express an interest. 

Some people may think this is just a coincidence, but I believe God is always working in our lives and as we delight in Him, he gives us the desires of our hearts.  (Psalm 37:4).  When we have disappointments, we must remember that God knows best, is in control, and continue to trust Him.  Oh, did I mention that this dog is only $70 and that she is exactly the size we've always had in mind of getting?  God is so good all the time!

Be sure to visit Abby's blog at (Abby--Woof Woof tab above).  Spunky and Manny share their reactions to Abby as well at their blog (Cat Corner-Meow tab above).  Be sure to take a look at "The Intruder" video where Manny and Spunky are discussing Abby.  Maybe you should check out Pet Finder too!  It's not just for dogs.  They have all kinds of pets available.

Aggravating Phone Call Results In Answered Prayer

Don't Tell Me God Doesn't Exist

God is so good! The morning I discovered my dad was dead on my way to work two years ago today, I had a very special devotional time that morning. Both my cats joined me which was very unusual. Usually, it would just be Spunky Doodle up on the table while I would read my Bible but that day, Gerard brought Moe up too and Moe stayed on my lap and let me pet him as well which NEVER happened before! At that point, I was expecting a nice happy Friday donut at work but then just an hour later, my world crashed.

I used to always stop by my dad's on the way to work, to visit a little bit with him and his cats. He'd be up and have the door unlocked for me. When it got there, the door was locked which triggered a bad feeling. I used my key and went in and all the lights were out. I looked for dad. I found him on the bathroom floor in front of the toilet with his head on the tub, dead. It was awful. It was the day I knew would come some time, not then! Not this soon! He was 89 and had lived a very good life, and died on his terms--at home, on his own. That's the way he wanted it.

When I went upstairs to feed and take care of his cats for him that day, they too acted strangely, as though they knew something was wrong. Normally, they came running to the kitchen and couldn't get the Whiskas fast enough. That morning, they just laid in their beds under the table. I cried with his cats. We shared our sorrow. Then everything got really crazy. It's a morning I'll probably never forget--the worst day of my life!

I wrote a little more about the other things that happened that day on my other blog, "My Funny Dad, Harry" which I won't repeat here. If you'd like to hear more, check out . Just a week later, during my quiet time, I decided to write a book about him in his memory. This is a excerpt from my journal just a week later:

I know this is all coming from the Lord, because I never planned on doing anything like this, but boy, I know I can do it. First thing I did was look up the reference of that verse in Micah that I want to include in my book. It is Micah 6:8, but as I was trying to find Micah, a verse in Nahum just “popped” out at me. Nahum 1:7: The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in Him.

Through the next few months, God was strengthening me and helping me through the difficult tasks that had to be done. I saw first hand how good God is. I took off that whole week from work and after that, only went in two days a week for about six weeks so I could focus on getting the house cleaned out and began my book right away. How God helped me through this time is included in my book as well.

I wanted to write it while everything was fresh so the emotions would come through and I believe they did. I wrote from my heart and was determined to get it published before the end of the year, which I did. I don't generally promote my book on this blog, but today is the second anniversary of my dad's death so this is naturally on my mind. He was a wonderful father and husband, a truly amazing man who I want the world to know. Here is the link if you'd like to order it: www.outskirtspress.com/myfunnydadharry. By the way, if you are a blogger and read my book, please let me know and I'll add your blog link to my list of readers.

God Is Working In Our Lives

WEDNESDAY:  NO BIBLE STUDY TONIGHT

This has been one unusual week for us.  I was looking forward to starting my new Bible Study at church on "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace when the snow came at rush hour.  My husband called when he got home 20 minutes later than usual to tell me how bad the roads were.  I knew he didn't want me going out to church.  He told me it would probably be canceled and I should call the church to make sure they were still having it before going. 

Having started reading the book, I read about how our husbands should be our first ministry.  That's right, even above Bible studies!  I also had just finished reading how important it is to show respect for our husbands by being submissive to them and that being submissive is a good thing.  God has placed the husband over the wife for the wife's protection.  So, naturally, when I was talking with Gerard on the phone, in the back of my mind, these words kept coming up. 

I called the church as he suggested and found that it was still on.  I asked the church secretary to give Nora the message that I wouldn't be there tonight because my husband didn't want me to go and I was being an "excellent wife."  I knew she'd understand.  As it turned out, my bus was very late and running very slow.  I got home at 7:15 and the Bible Study started at 7 p.m.  It took me two hours and 15 minutes to get home from work.  Even though I felt bad I missed the first discussion on this book, I had peace about it because I knew in my heart that I honored my husband and did the right thing.  Getting home that late just made it much easier to accept.  God is good!

THURSDAY:  WHEN THE LENS POPS OUT, IT'S TIME FOR NEW GLASSES

It was in single digits today, extremely cold out with snow all over.  When I was having my morning devotions, I heard my husband yell, "Oh NO!"  I came down to find that his lens popped out of his glasses.  He stuck it back in.  However, after taking the garbage out and scraping the ice off his car, he noticed it was out again when he came inside.  He was very upset and was determined to go to work anyway. 

Again, what I had just read in "The Excellent Wife" popped into my head.  Be a "Suitable helper" to your husband.  Tha is my calling.  So, I gently begged him not do drive with only one lens and said I'd go look for it at least.  He ate while I took the flashlight and looked in the snow where he had walked while asking God to please help me find it.  Well, I didnt find it. 

I gave Gerard to options:  (1) I would take off work too and we would go get him new glasses today and he could go in later if he wanted to; or (2) he could ride to work with his boss who lives just a few house up the street and wear his sunglasses all day and go get new ones for him that evening.  I was glad he had calmed down enough to choose the first option. 

He got new glasses and I didn't have to wait for the bus on this frigid cold day.  We both went to workout during the afternoon rather than having to go out at night.  He didn't go into work because it was well into the afternoon before the glasses were ready.  At least he got them the same day though and said he can see better now.  Things seem bigger! 

Perhaps this was God's way of getting us to finally spend the money for his new glasses.  Fortunately, he had the prescription he got just last summer so he didn't need an eye appointment.  I thank God that it happened at the beginning of the day rather than when he was at work or driving.  What a blessing!

FRIDAY:  FROZEN PIPES

When I went to give the cats fresh water from our bathroom off the den, no cold water came out, just the hot.  This happened before and after a few tries it worked, so I tried again . . . and again . . . and again.  Ooops, I'm thinking, oh no.  It must be frozen.  I hope our pipes don't break.  I called our regular plumber (we seem to have plumbing problems often) and he confirmed my fear.  He said there's nothing he can do until someone gets home, but he would come tonight if it still wasn't working. 

When Gerard got home from work, he called the plumber and he arrived just after I got in.  The bad news is that we need to get our attic which contains our upstairs pipes insulated this spring, but the good news is that our pipes didn't break.   He just turned off the water going up there so it wouldn't happen again and said when we want it back on to call him and he'd come over and get it back on for us.  We can easily manage without using that bathroom for a couple months. 

Praise God he watches out for us and for once, I did something right!

My Mistakes Turn Into A Christmas Moment!

It's so easy to make a mistake in my checkbook.  I do online banking now and both our checks are automatically deposited so I do not go to the bank every week like I used to.  When I got a nice cash Christmas/Birthday gift from one of my bosses, I went to the bank to deposit it in my checking.

First off, I gave the teller my deposit slip but forgot to give her my money . . . oops.  She was very nice and simply asked if I had the money.  I quickly pulled it out of my coat pocket and gave it to her, thanking her for being so nice and not saying, "Give me the money you dumb woman."  Then she mentioned that I had two overdrafts on my account.  I was shocked!  She was very nice, again not calling me stupid or anything and told me which checks were overdrawn, both I had written.  She said she'd waive the fees which were $35 each for a total of $70! 

Good thing I had some cash to deposit so I had to go to the bank.  Who knows how long before I would have found out about this otherwise.

I couldn't get back to the office fast enough to reconcile my checkbook.  It was longer than I thought that I had done this (time goes so fast) and I found not one, but two numbers that I simply copied down wrong.  One was the balance when I carried it forward to the next page which was a $100 error and the other was an incorrect amount for my phone bill which resulted in a $32 error.

I am so grateful to her for waiving the fees and today will be taking her a little gift to show my appreciation-an autographed book of "My Funny Dad, Harry" and a decorative Christmas boot with some chocolate covered pretzels and my PNN card letting her know where she can read about what a nice teller she is. 

Although I made stupid mistakes, which happen, because of them, I received a blessing and in turn can be a blessing to someone else.  Little acts of kindness can really make someone's day.  Look for ways to show somone kindness this Christmas season and all through next year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thankful Every Day! by Gerard

Today is Thanksgiving and what I'm most thankful for is my all-time Sweets--Karen.  She loves me so much, I'm overwhelmed by it!!  I don't always deserve it!!  An example--this week I had to work an extra hour at work to make up for being off today and tomorrow.  So, what did my Mrs. Wonderful do?  She got out of her routine and drove her own car to the bus stop in the morning so I was able to just come home and stay home.  She drove herself home and then pulled my car in the drive after she pulled into the garage.  Is that awesome or what??  So, Happy Thanksgiving, Karen!  You're the best!!  Love you so!! 000xx00xx000xxx  

(Normally, Karen walks or runs to the bus stop in the morning and then I meet her with the car at the bus stop when she comes home.)

Too Busy to Hear From God?

I found a very helpful post this morning, "Finding Time for the Bible" at http://proverbswife.blogspot.com/. I believe it's the first time I ever visited this blog but will definitely add it to my favorites.

When I think about how important the Holy Bible is because it is the inspired Word of God, it makes me want to read it every day. Compared to how much time I spend on other things, it seems like I just don't give it the importance that I should. Having a quiet time with God for prayer and Bible reading/study is key if we want to know Him better and let him guide and direct our lives. Even Jesus was busy meeting people's needs when he was on earth with crowds following him around all the time and yet even He, the Son of God, took time alone to pray to His heavenly Father.

The Bible is like no other book because the Holy Spirit of God speaks to our hearts through it and we learn spiritual truths that God reveals to us. We learn what pleases God and what doesn't. If you've never read the Bible, I suggest you start with the gospel of John because it is about Jesus life here on earth and presents Him as the Son of God. If you are Jewish and are very familiar with the Old Testament, I suggest you read the New Testament as well, starting with Hebrews and Galatians.

I've only read the Bible through once and even then, I did not go straight through from Genesis to Revelation. I used a paper that listed all the chapters in the Bible and started with the shortest books first. That way I made some fast progress and success breeds success so did not get blogged down. I jumped back and forth between the Old Testament and the New. Although I went to church from when I was a preschooler on through my adult years just about every Sunday, there were things that I never heard before. I found the Old Testament books of I & II Kings and I & II Chronicles to be filled with some really interesting history. My least favorite book of the Bible is Leviticus--that one did blog me down a bit.

There are some things that I do not understand, but that's okay. I follow what I do understand and trust that some day God will reveal the other things to me in His time. I don't get hung up on the mysteries of God or why he does what he does. My focus is in my Savior, Jesus Christ, and doing God's will the best that I know how.

The Bible hsa been referred to as a love letter from God to us.  You wouldn't be too busy to read a love letter, would you?  For great ideas as to how to spend more time in God's Word, please check out "Finding Time for the Bible" at http://proverbswife.blogspot.com/.

A Good Sick Day

Yesterday I had scheduled a vacation day so I could be home when Nature Stone came to finish off the rest of our basement.  When I got up in the morning, my nose was all full and I couldn't get it cleaned out.  Then I developed a sore throat and as the day went on, I felt worse and worse.  Although I didn't get near the stuff done that I had hoped, it was good I was off because I would have been miserable at work and spreading germs everywhere.  My nose was running about every 15 minutes!

Everything was moving along as planned.  The electrician came early to connect the basement phone jack to the wall, the floor got done except for the top coat which will be put on today.  I told them I'd leave the key for them (in a secret place which I'm NOT going to tell you) because I had to work.

A few things happened though to brighten my day.  I had comments on my blogs from two different people that they were going to read my book!  This always makes me happy to hear that.  Then, we got $800 Best Buy gift cards from Owens-Corning for having them install the basement system. 

Today, I woke up debating if I should go to work or not because I was tired from being up blowing my nose and drinking water all night long.  I still felt yucky, but at least my throat didn't hurt.  I called off sick but decided to try to function normal and if it went well, I could still go in for the afternoon.  Well, although I felt better than yesterday, I was still blowing my nose about every 20 minutes so decided to stay home and rest so hopefully I could go to the Bible Study tonight.  I told Gerard to put the key in the "secret place" for Nature Stone in case I was sleeping when he came.

Good thing I was home!  We forgot to unlock the deadbolt lock above the doorknob because we only left the key for the doorknob lock.  If I hadn't been home, we would have had to reschedule.  See how God looks out for me!  Now I'm going eat lunch and take a nap with my cats.

Whacky Wednesday Morning but God Is In Control!

Well, today has been very crazy unlike a week ago when I had a "Wonderful Wednesday"! The wackiness started this morning before I even got up. I had an early morning nightmare which is extremely unusual. I dreamed Gerard was leaving me and moving to California and even though all my friends were trying to talk him out of it, his mind was made up. So, anyhow, I woke up 10 minutes late then.

So, okay, I was very relieved when I realized it was just a dream. Yesterday we put out our 30-yr. old couch and love seat that was in the basement for the rubbish to pickup, but I'm hoping someone will take it who can use it. It's not torn or anything, just a bit worn and BIG. So I was running late because I decided to put the cushions on the porch to use for our puppet team to kneel on, but put a sign on the furniture that if someone wanted this, they should feel free to take the cushions from the porch. The lady from down the street stopped to give me a ride to the bus stop so I made it in time. (See how God looks out for me!)

I dozed off on the bus and didn't even wake up when it got downtown so missed my stop and got off at the next one. Fortunately, it's only a couple blocks farther. I believe God is so good that he knows I've been neglecting my Fit TV exercising session with Gilad so he's making sure I get some extra in!

Next, I return the call to Basement Systems, the company that remodeled our basement to find out my credit card had been declined. This was because it was over the limit. I wasn't familiar with what my credit card limit was because I just don't pay attention to it since we never charge that much normally, but now I know. Fortunately, I have two Discover cards so I just split the cost between them. I'm not big on having a lot of credit cards, but when my dad died, I just switched his account to my name instead of canceling it altogether to keep my book expense and ebay expenses separate.

I am really looking forward to attending my Bible study tonight, but praise God none of this got to me. Looking for God's hand in things and trusting that He is in control really makes a difference!

Good Deed Rewarded

Today Gerard and I played tennis at our neghborhood courts next to a couple basketball courts within walking distance of our house.  The basketball court was littered with a bunch of empty gatorade, water bottles, and some cups.  This really bugs me that people make such a mess when two garbage cans are placed right at the entrance to the basketball courts.  Why are people such slobs?  There are usually lots of teen boys playing but today no one was there.  Before we left, Gerard and I picked up all these abandoned bottles and tossed them out.  While we collect them, Gerard found an Ohio State tank top that was also just laying there so he took it.  I didn't blame him because it was obvious someone forgot it and hadn't been back for it.  Maybe it was wrong to take it, but since we were cleaning up the place, we couldn't just leave that clutter there, now could we?  It's not like there's a lost and found to turn it into.   

Breast Cancer 3-Day 60-Mile Walk

We are sponsoring Jan, one of my co-workers and a member of Team Kay, who is doing the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk to raise money for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for all women, and the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55.

Jan and her daughter, Elissa, did this walk last year too. They have to raise a minimum of $2,200 each in order to participate in this walk which involves camping overnight in a tent with all of the other walkers the weekend of August 22-24, 2008. If you would like to contribute to this, donate online at their website: http://08.the3day.org/goto/Elissa.Paul.  (Donations are tax deductible so you will receive a receipt for online donations).

Team Kay was formed in honor of their Aunt Kay who is a breast cancer survivor and in memory of Jan's mom, who did not survive. They are walking for anyone who has had this horrible disease touch their lives. My sister is also a breast cancer survivor.

(After the walk, the tents get donated to Girl Scouts.)

Almost Lost It!

Yesterday coming home from work on the bus I called Gerard on my cell phone as usual when I got close to home so he knew it was time to come meet me at the bus stop.  This way he doesn't waste his time standing there if the bus is late or if I miss the bus.  (This was the only reason we finally got cell phones for Christmas last year!) 

I was getting off at the back door and pulled the cord to signal the driver to stop.  I happened to look down and there on the seat was my cell phone!  Yikes!  I quickly grabbed it and put it back in my pocket.  I had dress pants on with the slit pockets on the side, and apparently it fell out after I had put it back after making the call. 

I love how God watches over me: (a) the seat I chose to sit in was right across from the back door where I was standing waiting to get off, (b) I looked back.  If I had been in any other seat, I wouldn't have noticed it!  What caused me to look back? 

I thanked the Lord as soon as I hopped off that bus for his help in avoiding what would have been another one of life's little hassles.

Oh No! Lost A Section of my Blog on PNN

Today I had a very aggravating experience which put me three hours behind.  I was going to set up another section on my PNN blog for TV shows, but when I added it, I lost my "What We've Just Read" section.

The ironic thing is that I had just drafted a post on my Karen & Gerard Zemek blog at http://www.zemeks.blogspot.com about how easy PNN is to use and how I especially like the navigation bar and the ability to create different sections and rearrange them easily.  HA!  It is easy, as long as you don't go over 11 sections.  I found out the hard way.

However, God is good!  Even at these stupid times, God watches over us.  I like my re-created page better than my original one!  Fortunately, is was one of the easiest pages to re-create because I had the book reviews posted in other places as well.  Whew!  What a morning. 

Could We Get A Dog Now?

Every year Gerard and I enjoy going to "Meet Your Best Friend" at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.  Many different shelters bring their adoptable dogs and cats all at one time in one place.  We enjoy seeing them all and it's always tempting to bring a dog home with us, but no one is home all day so we plan to wait until one of us retires.  We still enjoy visiting them all and rejoice when we see some get adopted.

This year when we went, we saw 5-6 medium sized dogs that we both liked and once again, were so tempted to bring one home with us, but ahh, we didn't bring any money along which is a good thing.  It kept us from making a impulsive purchase.  However, one of the volunteers did suggest that perhaps getting an older dog would work for us since it wouldn't be as active and need as much attention as a younger one.  Plus, not many people adopt the older dogs, they usually wind up dying in the shelters.  She suggested we get a big crate that it could go in during the day while we aren't at home.  Hmm.  something to consder.  It would be nice to let an older dog live out the end of its life in a loving home . . . like ours. 

The questions we must think about are:

1) will it get along okay with the cats?

2) do we really want to put ourselves through the hurt when it dies?

3)  do we want the additional expense and responsibility of owning a dog at this time? 

We'll have to think about it some more.

What do you think?  Should we get a dog now?  Please vote on the widget on this page.

Need to Walk More Than Ever Now

Yesterday I moved to a new cubicle which is closer to the attorneys who I work for, the copy room and the Friday donuts!  I used to be on the other side of the floor from the donuts so at least it was a bit of a walk.  Now they are only two cubicles away--uh, oh!  Although my new location is much more convenient, it certainly does not help my activity level any,.

Since I am a secretary with a very sedentary job and am addicted to the computer both at work and home, I must make a real effort to move.  Now more than ever, I'll need to do that, so perhaps I will try to take the long way around when I go for my donut.  That way I'll be able to let my friends from the other side of the floor know when they arrive and also keep up my same amount of walking, at least on donut days. 

I do take the stairs rather than the elevator and in nice weather force myself to walk outside on my 20-minute breaks.  I just made a doctor appoint yesterday and have a feeling that I may have to rejoin Fitworks to stay in shape.  I've really been enjoying my chocolate marshmallow ice cream and the fudge we got at Cedar Point lately. 

Having a Bad Day?

If you think you're having a bad day, watch this--It's the one called "stop for just a minute":

http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh289/Impish_Dragon/?action=view&current=Untitled.flv

My cousin sent me this link.  It's a very good video worth watching (even if you're not having a bad day).

Seminary Donuts--A Great Illustration

Sometimes certain emails stand out that I get and I can't forget about them.  One that was forwarded to me (I forget by whom) was titled "Seminary Donuts." 

It was long, but a very good read about a teacher of a Seminary class in Utah who used an object lesson that really illustrated God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, His Son.  I deleted the email, but looked it up on the Internet and found it in several places actually. 

Here is the link where you can find this great article:  http://www.billyspeer.com:

I Married Mr. Wonderful!

I was a very satisfied, happy single for a very long time.  Gerard and I didn't get married until I was 43 (he was 44), so we were both set in our ways by then.  Although our daily schedules were quite different, I am so thankful that God let us find each other through Great Expectations (more about that in another post).  August 30 will be our 11th anniversary and neither of us regret getting married.  When I was considering it, I really wish there was some sort of guaranty, but there wasn't. 

Gerard's been very supportive, patient and understanding about me spending so much time on the computer blogging, so I thought it's time I write about him and us.

I thought I'd share just why Gerard is my "Mr. Wonderful" so other husbands can pick up some tips:

1) He usually meets me at the bus stop when I come home from work and we either walk if it's nice or he brings the car if it's cold or rainy.

2) He lets me be my own person.  I let him know before I was married I didn't cook and he never expects me to.  (He said he's used to cooking for himself anyhow so he didn't mind continuing to do so.)

3) He always opened doors for me before we were married (car, restaurants, church) which at first I thought was silly, but it was nice to be treated so nicely.  He still does this if I don't rush ahead and do it myself.

4) He helps me with my jacket or coat when we're out together.

5) He does ALL the cleaning--some everyday, including the basement!  He has a weekly schedule that he adheres to no matter what--even if he is sick.  Once in awhile, I'll take care of cleaning the computer. 

6) He does the laundry every Friday.

7) He takes care of the yardwork.  Sometimes, if I get in the mood, I'll pull some weeds or trim a bush, but he really does it on a regular basis.  He lets me have the fun of picking out the flowers to plant in the spring, then he waters them all summer long and I watch them grow!

8) He helps me carry things.  Usually on Sundays since I teach Sunday School, I have a lot to carry and he'll load the car ahead for me.

9) He does the grocery shopping, usually alone.  Sometimes I'll go along with him but not too often since we got the computer.

10) He surprises me with unusual presents and has great taste in clothes for me.  Ninety percent of my wardrobe are clothes Gerard bought for me!  I let him know what I like and don't like in clothes and he remembers EVERYTHING! 

11)  He listens to me!

12)  He reviews the TV schedule and alerts me to shows that he knows or thinks interest me. 

13)  As he reads magazines and the newspaper, he'll share articles that he thinks I may enjoy or find interesting. 

14)  He lets me make out our budget and have complete control of our finances!  What trust he puts in me!  I'm so glad he doesn't like fussing with banking or investing, because I do.  (Before we were married, he was in some credit card debt--I never was in credit card debt so this was a concern of mine.  More on this in a future blog).

15)  He is a neat freak, which I prefer to messy.  He keeps our house in perfect order as much as possible with me in it.

16) He is kind to our pets and is just as attached to them as I am.

17) He is easy to get along with--as long as he has music or a talk show on the radio or is watching one of his Boston sports teams, he's perfectly happy. 

18) He lets me make decisions concerning repairs, decorating and social engagements.

19) He's faithful and a steady worker.

20) He loves me!

Blogging Is Fun

I have discovered the fun of blogging, since I like to write.  I am still amazed that people actually spend time reading what I write, but they do. 

I started here on PNN but since have also discovered Blogger and have set up two more blogs:  http://www.zemeks.blogspot.com (created by accident) and http://www.karenzemek.blogspot.com.  I am learning so much as I go along. 

One thing I discovered from one of the forums on blogger about increasing traffic to your is to get an EC card.  What is that you ask?  So did I.  Here's the answer:

In a nutshell, once you sign up for an entrecard, you can "drop" one on anyone who also has one. When you look at my blogs (I have 4) you'll see an advertisement for whoever happens to be advertising for a blog at that moment. Each time you drop one, (click on where it says to drop) you get a credit. Each time someone drops one on you, you get a credit. And, finally, if anyone advertises on your blog, you get a tiny percentage of the ad cost. The cost is determined by how many advertisers are waiting to advertise on your blog. The ad is just the little widget above the drop bar.

When you sign in, at the top of your dashboard (just click on it after you sign in) you'll see icons for anyone who has dropped on you. I usually go to them first, and return the favor. I find about a third of the cards I drop get someone to return the favor, but it doesn't matter, I get my credit for the drop no matter what. Sometimes, when I get bored, I'll click on campaigns at entrecard, and just find interesting blogs and drop a card on them. It helps me and them. 

There is an E-book which tells all about how entrecard works which I printed out and read through. Here's the link for it: http://entrecard.com/static/entrecardofficialebook.pdf.  I used one of my own pictures of my cat but didn't know how to get it to the right size, but the Creative Nerd did it for me. Thank you, Tina! For a nice selection to choose from (which I found too late) go to http://free125cards.com/main.php. 

I suggested to PNN that they make it possible for us to use Entrecard on here and was told they'd look into it.  I sure hope it happens.  I definitely has increased traffic to my blog.  

Check out my www.zemeks.blogspot to see what it looks like.      

Laying Down Your Life For Your Friends

During this Memorial Weekend, I want to recognize the following four soldiers who received the Medal of Honor in Iraq posthumously:

Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor

Marine Cpl. Jason L. Dunham

Army Pfc. Ross McGinnis (19-yr. old) 

When I read in the PLAIN DEALER about how Ross McGinnis jumped on a grenade that blew up and killed him in order to save his four friends, I teared up.  The following verse came to my mind:  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. --John 15:13 (KJV).  This is exactly what Ross McGinnis did and what all our soldiers did who have died serving in the military. 

We think, wow, what a great unselfish thing to do!  But do you know that someone laid down his life for you so that you can be delivered from eternal death?  Jesus Christ did that when he died on the cross while we were still sinners according to Romans 5:8 which says:  But God Commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  (KJV)

It's not enough to just know Jesus died for you.  Each of us must trust in his death and resurrection and call upon him to be our Savior according to Romans 10:9-13: 

Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses--declares openly and speaks out freely his faith--and confirms [his] salvation.  The scripture says, No man who believes in Him--who adheres to, relies on and trusts in Him--will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed.  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek.  The same Lord is Lord over all of us and He generously bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him [in faith].  For every one who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved.

For more about the soldiers who received Medals of Honor, go to:  www.history.army.mil/html/moh/iraq.html.

For more about Jesus, the Son of the Almighty God, go to God's Word, the Holy Bible and read the gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  (If you're Jewish, you may also find the book of Hebrews very helpful and interesting.)

Memorial Day/Weekend

Let's keep our troops in prayer.

Remembering Mom

Her name as Lenore.  She was a wonderful mother and I loved her so much.  Although I wrote "My Funny Dad, Harry" about my dad, I was actually closer to my mom.  We always got along well, even through those teenage years.  Growing up, I thought my parents were over protective, but looking back, I see they just couldn't help it--they loved me so much. 

It was my mom who encouraged me to try new things.  She got me a puppy to get me over the fear of dogs, paid for piano lessons because she never was able to have any, taught me how to do puzzles, play games (she especially liked scrabble and Canasta), shared her love for reading and baseball with me, and watched movies and Guiding Light together too.  She was my biggest supporter and gave me good advice about what classes to take in school.  I took business classes along with the college prep track and after trying teaching for a year as a sub, became a legal secretary which is what mom thought I should do all along. 

I remember we'd stay up late and talk and talk about everything (sometimes until 2 or 2:30 a.m.)!  She was very easy to talk to and always was a good listener.  She let me lean against her like a big pillow.  I wish I started reading books sooner because now as I read, I wish I could discuss them with her.  She never used a computer, but when I go on pogo or Shelfari, I always think how much she would enjoy those sites as well. 

She was always a Sunday School teacher as long as she was physically able and I saw her love for the Lord. We lived in a suburb and moved to the city to be close to the church so us kids could be active in the youth group since she did not drive and my dad worked second shift. I was on the reserved side personality wise but when the youth group started a quiz team on books of the Bible and quizzed against kids from other churches within our denomination, it was my mom who again encouraged me to participate. I loved it and was good at it! Later, when I was a youth group leader, I got quizzing going again and was the "coach."

She let me be her helper when she did crafts with kids in our hobby club at church and later when she worked with Jr. Highers, again she let me assist her.

We were different in many ways.  She was heavy set, I was always thin.  She was very emotional and sensitive, I was more even tempered.  She could sing, I couldn't carry a tune.  She loved to read, I only read what I had to for school, if that.  She sewed and did needlepoint, I wanted nothing to do with it. 

On the other hand, we were usually on the same wave length and would laugh at the same things.   She would have some fun with her false teeth by pushing them out sometimes, just to make me laugh.  She always talked about writing a novel but never did, I am the one who wrote the book.  I teach Sunday School now just like she used to.   

There's so much more I could write, but I don't want this blog entry to become a book, so I'll just stop here.  I still think of her often, especially on Mother's Day, but really just about every day. 

Mom died of congestive heart failure Dec. 2, 1999 at age 75 which I include in my book "My Funny Dad, Harry" to show what a wonderful husband he was.  I am truly blessed to have had such good parents and I miss them both, love them always.

Well, Happy Mother's Day!  Be sure to be nice to your mom and cherish the time you have with her. 

Trust That GPS

I got a GPS for Christmas and just started using it.  I started off by learning how to use it by setting it for a place that I knew how to get to, just to build up my confidence.  I used it for a strange place for the first time when I went to be baby shower a couple weeks ago.  I didn't take any map along and didn't look at it ahead to plan the route in my mind.  I just decided to trust my GPS to get me there one step at a time.

As I was following the directions, it dawned on me that trusting God should be like this.  We should put our total, complete confidence in Him to direct our life and not have a back-up plan "just in case" but surrender ourselves completely to Him and follow His will.  Maybe as I use my GPS more, I'll be able to really trust God more as well. 

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

--Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"

Family Video of Daughter Dealing With Cystic Fibrosis

On May 17, Gerard and I participated in the Great Strides walk to help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research at the Cleveland Zoo. A friend of ours has a daughter with this disease so we are walking on their team.  Much money was raised with our Cassidie's Crew raising almost $9,000!

View the video using the link below to find out about one child with Cystic Fibrosis.

A personal message from Trent:
Hi, here's a montage I created online. Click on the picture or link below to see it. You don't need to have an account.

See Cassidie's Crew Great Strides2008 online.

Bible v. Cell Phone

Bible vs. Cell Phone
> I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we
> treat our cell phone?
>
> What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
>
> What if we flipped through it several times a day?
>
> What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
>
> What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
>
> What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
>
> What if we gave it to our kids as gifts?
>
> What if we used it when we traveled?
>
> What if we used it in case of emergency?
>
> This is something to make you go....hmm...where IS my Bible?
>
> Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have
> to
>
> Worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus
>
> already paid the bill.
>
>
>
> And no dropped calls!

(this is not mine but don't know who original author is--copied it from an email I received)

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Praying is something that we are commanded to do and which is very important for developing a close, personal relationship with God. Since joining My Space, I've been overwhelmed at all the prayer requests that come up so decided to begin using this idea to be sure I cover everything and can easily add new ones.

In "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers, I found a GREAT prayer system that beats both the prayer list idea and the prayer journal idea which I'd like to share with everyone! It's much easier to manage and consequently, takes less time. Ready, here it is:

It's called a prayer box. Very simple, but oh, so practical and encouraging!

Write down specific things you are praying about, but only one per paper. (Optional: put the date you started praying and the date it was answered.)

When the request is answered, put the date of the answer (optional: and how it was answered), fold the paper up and put it in your "prayer box."

Once your box gets full, then just take them all out and type up a list and start over again.

Advantages:
1. You can take as few or many as you have time for and don't need to spend time reading over your same list looking for those that haven't yet been answered.

2. You have a great record of your answered prayers! It's very encouraging to go through them when you hit a rough spot in life and may begin having doubts.

I hope this helps some others improve their prayer life.

You're Invited

Our Mission:  To help people find and follow Jesus Christ.

8971 West Ridgewood Drive

Parma Heights, OH  44130

phone:  440-886-6100

www.phbaptist.org and

www.come.to/phby

Sunday Services:

8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m.

Adult Bible Fellowship small groups:  9:30 a.m./11:00 a.m.

Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. (all ages):

Including special needs children's "Treasure Cove"

Wednesday Family Night

(7:00 pm-8:30 pm):

• Pioneer Girls
• Boys Brigade
• Youth Group
• Adult Bible Studies
• Choir Practice

Favorite Verses

Give Thanks

In everything give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you.  (I Thessalonians 5:18)  I thank God for:

1) Life

2) Jesus dying for me!

3) Forgiveness

4) Salvation

5) Plentiful water

6) plentiful food

7) nice home

8) wonderful husband

9) pets

10) good church

11) friends

12) holidays

13) good job

14) technology

15) Answered prayers

16) good health

17) warm clothes

18) sleep

19) Christian parents

20) sunshine

21)  God's protection

22)  Eyeglasses

23)  Trash Collectors (http://www.junkdrawerblog.com/2008/07/god-bless-the-trash-haulers.html)

24) AAA for coming to our rescue when we have car troubles