tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10112622291871052002024-03-20T10:14:29.590+00:00There's Something About MaryMary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-48412065275519738552020-03-14T22:06:00.000+00:002020-03-15T00:20:49.204+00:00The Virus that Unites UsWalking through the bare bones grocery store, you keep your eyes down-only to peek up once in a while with an ever so shy smile. Gone are the days of southern hospitality's way of greeting each other with a hug and a "How are you darlin?'". You simply want to get in and out.<br />
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These are strange days to say the least. There's a new virus in town and it's not playing nice. Unless you have been under a rock or in the middle of Kansas, as they jokingly say here in the States, you have heard about the Coronavirus Pandemic. We have been told to buckle down. Large scale events have been canceled. Schools across the nations are closing-some for the rest of the semester. Sports events are happening with no audiences allowed. Even churches are having services on line only.<br />
For the first time in my forty-four years of life the food is scarce in the stores and on just about every street corner you will see an officer of the peace. We are in a nationwide state of emergency. People are just shy of panic.<br />
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Yet even in the midst of such a pandemic...there is a growing sense of hope arising. Neighbors are checking on each other. Kids are <i>outside</i> running around-playing just like the old days-no electronic device in sight. Something that is supposed to keep us further apart (physically), actually has begun to pull us back together. No matter your race-whether you are a Democrat-Republican, Homosexual-Heterosexual, Rich-Poor, Born Again Christian-Atheist...the virus has no sides...no favorites...and we all know that. It's as if, for a brief moment in time, we're all on the same side, fighting the virus side by side. Its as if we now see each other as we were truly meant to...fearfully and wonderfully made. We are frail yet we are strong. We have gone back to our routes...We are <i>United</i>.<br />
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This picture sums up the spirit here in America in the midst of the pandemic. Two best friends playing a game of catch, under Old Glory. No worries, simply enjoying life. United we stand!<br />
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<span style="color: inherit; font-size: 1.55em;">Imitate Christ</span></h1>
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<i><span class="text Phil-2-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, </span><span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-CEB-29373" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other.</span> <span class="text Phil-2-3" id="en-CEB-29374" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.</span></i></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-4252516792694304902017-03-05T15:34:00.003+00:002017-03-05T15:42:43.490+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Health. Its such a hot topic these days, especially in the light of a growing younger population becoming ill with life threatening diseases more than ever before. You've probably heard the slogans, "Gluten is bad", "Sugar is killing your gut", or even, "Organic is the only way to go". I myself strive for more natural homeopathic ways to live healthier. I also take great consideration in what my Medical Doctors suggest. In all honesty, though, it can be a bit overwhelming to swim through the sea of advice and new findings.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Recently my health has taken a turn for the worse. I am, with all my being, crying out to God for Him to step in, as this burden has suddenly become so heavy. Not heavy from the actual illness as much as from the overbearing weight of "what can I do to make myself better?". Has anyone been there with me? In that place where you are so desperate that you look for answers everywhere. You tick all the right boxes as a Christian...praying, asking others to pray with you. You make yourself so vulnerable to the outside world, and with that, take the good with the bad. People mean to give well advice, but its been my experience that unless they have actually gone through the same or very similar situation, its just that...advice. I have taken years to dig through the pile of "you should try this" or "my cousin has a friend who tried this...". Now don't get me wrong, not all advice is tainted, and again, I truly believe most people mean well.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I also strongly believe God's word tells us to treat our bodies as the Temple of the Lord. However, something has struck a cord in me lately. Something that I think may be too tabou for some, especially those who are so engrossed in the health industry (both medical and holistic).</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What if God choose not to heal you? Even with all that you are doing to aid your temple, and asking people to pray for a miracle...what if God's answer was simply "No". Sounds harsh doesn't it? What kind of loving God would allow for such pain and suffering in our world anyway? Are we not healed by His stripes? Ive had a many conversations around each one of these questions, especially being a critically ill person myself.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I do believe God can miraculous heal people, I do believe we are healed by His stripes...however that healing may not come completly until we are in Heaven. Life is hard hear on earth. But do we just all run in a panic screaming "there is no good in this world, God has left me!" No! Although what complaining group of people have I heard that from before in the Bible? Hmm.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here's my challenge...would you still be able to love Him, have unbridled joy springing up in you...if He didn't change your situation? Would you even be able to be honest with where you are and say..."God you are enough for me and I surrender to your will". I don't think anyone will ever know that depth of trust more than Jesus in the garden, when He said "Not my will Father, but yours".</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Maybe as Christians, as just human beings made in the image of God, we should rest in the fact that He is with us, He will never leave us. That He is the Great I Am. Is that enough? Or do we sink into despair and hopelessness, or into the web of "our will" where we say, "I can get better if I only do...".</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Again, not suggesting we sit back and just let things happen, God gave us a brain, and He wants us to use it. Of course you should treat your body as a temple, but what if your body was not going to be healed this side of the veil? Could you still enjoy life?</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Let's quit putting so much confidence in ourselves and call it what it is...a lack of total surrender to God. We don't know what the future holds, so why do we act as if we do? Do your best with what you are given, remove sin from your life, and trust the path God made for you. Don't judge other's path or even compare your path with someone else's...trust me it always seems greener. But your path is beautiful, messy, and all together uniquely created for you. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What life situation has you recently gutted, searching for answers, solutions? Can you stop right now and ask God to speak into your situation and calm your heart?</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dear Father, we are so stubborn...we trump your mercy and your magnificent nature by our own dirty filthy rags. Help us to see your true heart for us, that nurturing "come here honey" heart. We all need that. Help us to completely surrender what ever is bound in us right now to you. Father...let your will be done. Amen</span></b><br />
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<br />Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-63783444010557086202012-06-06T04:18:00.000+01:002012-06-06T04:18:14.797+01:00How to Coupon Without Going Crazy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello friends. So many of you have asked me how I use coupons (without going crazy)...and no I am not a dumpster diver...so I thought I would do a step by step tutorial. Hope you like it and that it will save you lots of money...like us (we save on average about $200 a month on groceries/toiletries). </div>
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So sit back...RELAX...and here we go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUe1V_rtuZZ-vEKW3Bv9-RWFhLTyybjVe1EPdPfXFwF2DNEbiTddqauw5QmMTtum38ZfFucgutK9B7L9-jfXos7STSONAL86i4CqXYDO3gMZBAlnJf7Mgw2dFY_4tfeuiOzoyrgfbjhBy0/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUe1V_rtuZZ-vEKW3Bv9-RWFhLTyybjVe1EPdPfXFwF2DNEbiTddqauw5QmMTtum38ZfFucgutK9B7L9-jfXos7STSONAL86i4CqXYDO3gMZBAlnJf7Mgw2dFY_4tfeuiOzoyrgfbjhBy0/s320/IMG_0642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Above is a picture of my binder in action. If you want to get into the coupon-ing world...then you need to first create a binder. A binder helps you organize your coupons so that when in a store you can easily grab what you need. </div>
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<b>What You Will Need to Create a Binder:</b></div>
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<li><b>Zipped Binder so the coupons won't fall out. </b></li>
<li><b>A package of baseball cards holders for smaller coupons.</b></li>
<li><b>A package of larger sheet protectors...divided in 3 sections for larger coupons.</b></li>
<li><b>Several packets of dividers of your choice (I used about 25)</b></li>
<li><b>Label maker (optional)-or you can just simply use a sharpie to write on the divider tabs</b></li>
<li><b>Scissors</b></li>
<li><b>Red, Yellow, and Green Sticker dots for coupons expiring soon-I'll talk more about that below.</b></li>
<li><b>The Sunday paper or any weekly adds from your favorite stores. You can also sign up on line and receive them via email. </b></li>
<li><b>A small notebook to write out your weekly shopping list/deals </b></li>
<li><b>Sticky notes to separate your manufacture grocery section</b></li>
<li><b>Zipper pouches to keep small items like sticker dots and scissor in one place or the "grab and go" system, which I will explain below (optional)</b></li>
<li><b>Cart coupon holder clip (optional)</b></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdh3jhTfF_BPrldD3mA7rVzgWCAU0j9ZQBK6PQTjt-oeDA-5Uq02eHNa7NKueq7XDKvD52FtOMEnACZj4S0nbARYmZhN_L09WSe7OHPiBG5LD97vD-xkhdMmLnOks11G9UYEM451vtAKq/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdh3jhTfF_BPrldD3mA7rVzgWCAU0j9ZQBK6PQTjt-oeDA-5Uq02eHNa7NKueq7XDKvD52FtOMEnACZj4S0nbARYmZhN_L09WSe7OHPiBG5LD97vD-xkhdMmLnOks11G9UYEM451vtAKq/s320/IMG_0669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my binder that I purchased at Target for $14. Most important thing is to purchase one that has a zipper. Otherwise your coupons could easily slide out. </div>
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This particular binder also came with an according type filing system which I use to keep my weekly shopping list pad, and also any coupons I may have pulled and need to put back or for any coupons I may have collected at the store while shopping...that will need to be filed. </div>
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Below is my zipper pouch (optional). I find it easier to keep small things such as my "expiring soon" stickers", scissors etc in one place. I also purchased a coupon holder for the grocery cart from Publix. It simply snaps on your cart handle and I use it to hold coupons that I have pulled and will be taking to the check out. It makes it easier to have all of the coupons ready for the cashier. </div>
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Yes, some cashiers do seem to have a phobia when they see people approaching with huge binders...but are pleasantly surprised when they see me coming, and have told me how organized I am. The clip is key to this!</div>
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My first divider section I created was my award cards. I got tired of lugging them around in my wallet so thought...hmm...this will work well. And I can easily seem them versus being stuck in the back of my wallet. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5LZJ5_M-SReSSwMF0SUYffFVAwzq_JOrsc17O11irCjlmdd1mRR4-PpUszq68zOZFJB6CG6SBeFMhwN2rv34KijQUaymu_sI4yAuIy6n7-opBRJ10QKK8ck0Yub_BJ-H-qVYDBzwuNjS/s1600/IMG_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5LZJ5_M-SReSSwMF0SUYffFVAwzq_JOrsc17O11irCjlmdd1mRR4-PpUszq68zOZFJB6CG6SBeFMhwN2rv34KijQUaymu_sI4yAuIy6n7-opBRJ10QKK8ck0Yub_BJ-H-qVYDBzwuNjS/s320/IMG_0672.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My next section was food...as in restaurants. Me and the hubs like to eat out but I just can't swallow (no pun intended) if we don't use a coupon for it! There is no particular order to how I put the restaurants in the pouches. If you wanted, you could do it alphabetically. </div>
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The next section is the great deals section. These are any deals that I want to tag...for example Walgreens may be having a buy one bandaid item...and get a complimentary first aid kit. I know I have a ton of coupons for bandaid...so it will cost me very little. I pull the bandaid coupons as well as the clipped add from the Walgreens flyer. I also simultaneously write this store and deal down on my shopping list, which I will talk more about later. </div>
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Then there is my free section. Of course any deal where a store is using a promo and gives out free stuff. For example Aldi had a grand opening and gave away 2 free cloth shopping totes just for coming in the store. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvT8MoJnx-h3ipvjYOUOgV6dsVjPg2KiPRt79W-JkEyOzGlvYmeX5Q_ZLBMfHDULUBbYEBmB18OketfeCghyDNPU7ZNJ0WWfU0zhRiMOBXWfOvARYaPiuREdp70iwPJnTTlg18Yxv3TV2X/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvT8MoJnx-h3ipvjYOUOgV6dsVjPg2KiPRt79W-JkEyOzGlvYmeX5Q_ZLBMfHDULUBbYEBmB18OketfeCghyDNPU7ZNJ0WWfU0zhRiMOBXWfOvARYaPiuREdp70iwPJnTTlg18Yxv3TV2X/s320/IMG_0675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a picture of the baseball card holders sheet protector that I use. I got them at Walmart for about $2 for a pack of 20. I use these to hold my coupons throughout the binder.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgqsQddCLtnMkbjgQi-zYgWvxQW0dM4oa_NHcjUDYNa6q_JE_MgWEXzrcSIY-HwnPEnRxAaBs-0Biin_kS3EgsgQstW36RVizyqFUM-ojnbH2kNtxX3QAvFkf_cQS5q-0yEK_xqBBz_-F/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgqsQddCLtnMkbjgQi-zYgWvxQW0dM4oa_NHcjUDYNa6q_JE_MgWEXzrcSIY-HwnPEnRxAaBs-0Biin_kS3EgsgQstW36RVizyqFUM-ojnbH2kNtxX3QAvFkf_cQS5q-0yEK_xqBBz_-F/s320/IMG_0676.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the sleeves for larger coupons...that are divided into 3 sections. My hubs ordered these off line for me...for about $7 for a pack of 50. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWunOcgzS0BgMnWdMgMqjKaxLaoL-NUnbFEXzZk1YBaqicXapnGjSzQE4y2vwLHTE8FZhVP1dVlxHsKCxO79h4v5GbxO1aaznBQciKiMardYyusEvCHNOQkBlTv9R-C-9aKrVfyILZp7R/s1600/IMG_0678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWunOcgzS0BgMnWdMgMqjKaxLaoL-NUnbFEXzZk1YBaqicXapnGjSzQE4y2vwLHTE8FZhVP1dVlxHsKCxO79h4v5GbxO1aaznBQciKiMardYyusEvCHNOQkBlTv9R-C-9aKrVfyILZp7R/s320/IMG_0678.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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My next sections are Store Specific coupons...which are stores that I frequent often. Here's a bit of awesomeness for you...did you know that most competitor stores will accept each other's coupons on top of their own and any other manufacturer coupons? For example, here where I live in Atlanta, Publix, Kroger, and Target all take each other's coupons! The cashier will do this for you at the register. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hwg7H4fj1VZYrmdrlf_ovjuImb0Y-1Z-7qKvvBOEwZmOo52txvNPjR5gKzXI0EeerwWDNQeKsOqMgsH3rgQi0blp3IHFkMJLRn1LMiEOEIKSYyScglo3zVZe1ocQViuPLz9Ax0yibdcz/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hwg7H4fj1VZYrmdrlf_ovjuImb0Y-1Z-7qKvvBOEwZmOo52txvNPjR5gKzXI0EeerwWDNQeKsOqMgsH3rgQi0blp3IHFkMJLRn1LMiEOEIKSYyScglo3zVZe1ocQViuPLz9Ax0yibdcz/s320/IMG_0677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a picture of my expiry sticker dot system...a great visual for me to know which coupons are about to expire. Yellow means the coupon will expire in 3 weeks, green...2, and red...that week. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicu9eeGSGwXIUMDiw6oNOY4gAOIxJkK6nLOJf0i2_Bd9oV69sKzEORiSZpnzO1MlCM35EhQn9jc7cve7Q4sNGGzesFiGfrmdDoFkGsb2wkLlmnEWHJoWuSKzPEQxPdl7JqPhn2IgNWdc5c/s1600/IMG_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicu9eeGSGwXIUMDiw6oNOY4gAOIxJkK6nLOJf0i2_Bd9oV69sKzEORiSZpnzO1MlCM35EhQn9jc7cve7Q4sNGGzesFiGfrmdDoFkGsb2wkLlmnEWHJoWuSKzPEQxPdl7JqPhn2IgNWdc5c/s320/IMG_0679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They stick well just on the outside of the coupon on the plastic and I have reused them quite well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aMThpovDvFpiK1H6-6fG4QsFbPy1qdVXEtPhCfFwU7-vrejrxxr_2QI8ttzwquU_0ZyDkYTmHxoSa8XxxdUlgHXDpDp0yMggVyekfoCzuO9uS5ENiL17UFv_PLVre5v7K9eLc47cdqRi/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aMThpovDvFpiK1H6-6fG4QsFbPy1qdVXEtPhCfFwU7-vrejrxxr_2QI8ttzwquU_0ZyDkYTmHxoSa8XxxdUlgHXDpDp0yMggVyekfoCzuO9uS5ENiL17UFv_PLVre5v7K9eLc47cdqRi/s320/IMG_0688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My next section is for items that I use randomly. For example "apparel" is for things like running shoes, which I may get only once per year...and the "hair" section is for when I may get a cut/color...which I normally only do a few times a year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN43VpKBQqzTawCIuG3biXeg9_4oZahprZ3dtbGSxs7rSrVQknniUW1SuKWFUxpqkvFenBzI-Qh0s4EodmxC61C36ahiNAwrQabGa7YoPRmTcx4oo0chK2LSFeor1bRg3LBtkpuiwla2O/s1600/IMG_0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN43VpKBQqzTawCIuG3biXeg9_4oZahprZ3dtbGSxs7rSrVQknniUW1SuKWFUxpqkvFenBzI-Qh0s4EodmxC61C36ahiNAwrQabGa7YoPRmTcx4oo0chK2LSFeor1bRg3LBtkpuiwla2O/s320/IMG_0680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUNSWE9WXqkeBeTcUFjWDUucm9Fiw6ZJ0deijrqbyq0Hhj6kd0Mwyp29HzMhrUjj_OgjT7a0FHdEyjFjiRpVvf8QRbm2OGxKbJ2qCf5KhKt7DF3E-Y1G66JMPNtmr4_Teb_82qNcQQX6d/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUNSWE9WXqkeBeTcUFjWDUucm9Fiw6ZJ0deijrqbyq0Hhj6kd0Mwyp29HzMhrUjj_OgjT7a0FHdEyjFjiRpVvf8QRbm2OGxKbJ2qCf5KhKt7DF3E-Y1G66JMPNtmr4_Teb_82qNcQQX6d/s320/IMG_0681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Trick with this is to make sure they don't have a short expiry date. FYI...most hair salons don't have expiry dates. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVwvvfJXSyQg4eQ_YiOcNcCzGHRDixtyknRyWBRQmdpUXbNe6ZqwPEbQBpT0ZhfnuDwtIXiX1QhECAU8VqVRET_JHHX43LyJ8NsGHJFU-80gCnGXnH0cO4rRmh8UhDFSb-N6V7YJfWK6R/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVwvvfJXSyQg4eQ_YiOcNcCzGHRDixtyknRyWBRQmdpUXbNe6ZqwPEbQBpT0ZhfnuDwtIXiX1QhECAU8VqVRET_JHHX43LyJ8NsGHJFU-80gCnGXnH0cO4rRmh8UhDFSb-N6V7YJfWK6R/s320/IMG_0682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUJPpQ3v0K9gp98IYQvcgpUWkOxJHl8hkyIP2CN4mt-Rg48_hgN5XflX5fN9l4W9tja_KnXkvlq-WeQDWVnGLNRMJ_c96p3NvqfqIAvy7rAya6N58yw0tZI4obTnhn8J4QUfS1l4S-qpS/s1600/IMG_0683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUJPpQ3v0K9gp98IYQvcgpUWkOxJHl8hkyIP2CN4mt-Rg48_hgN5XflX5fN9l4W9tja_KnXkvlq-WeQDWVnGLNRMJ_c96p3NvqfqIAvy7rAya6N58yw0tZI4obTnhn8J4QUfS1l4S-qpS/s320/IMG_0683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My next section I called my Grocery section or what I like to refer to as my gold section! These are all my manufacturer coupons that usually can be used at any store in combination with other coupons. Of course you have to check with the store first. For example, Aldi does not take any coupons. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXTK-KkNy0QnG_lZbNIXS5r5PO0pibqP117bMPYKwDHRvQMRROqwTqRsQIWE00mgDQ2cRyc_zSCmyzQW2A4hAGxHXev4igCFvazqQPq2HZiW9vnEq_wwAffmEXfpNc4Fuxyy7fC0gBYOq/s1600/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXTK-KkNy0QnG_lZbNIXS5r5PO0pibqP117bMPYKwDHRvQMRROqwTqRsQIWE00mgDQ2cRyc_zSCmyzQW2A4hAGxHXev4igCFvazqQPq2HZiW9vnEq_wwAffmEXfpNc4Fuxyy7fC0gBYOq/s320/IMG_0684.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've sectioned this off by simply writing on a stick note the various sections in the grocery store and arranging them alphabetical. No genius here...just keeping it simple!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxuLa0tltByIOOcBAm_A96TKH0N_NEp8NM7jYmugCl6CY4OiqMBEtybkRUsW0vQmJfwUoQWS_TPCexHgCg6pi_caxIG4R6ApFGftd0UTjxiN8ZVvJH2TFyZ9uwEv-xk74Glzh7OwIp5QK/s1600/IMG_0685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxuLa0tltByIOOcBAm_A96TKH0N_NEp8NM7jYmugCl6CY4OiqMBEtybkRUsW0vQmJfwUoQWS_TPCexHgCg6pi_caxIG4R6ApFGftd0UTjxiN8ZVvJH2TFyZ9uwEv-xk74Glzh7OwIp5QK/s320/IMG_0685.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I literally just visualized in my mind the various sections of the store and wrote it on a sticky note. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aMThpovDvFpiK1H6-6fG4QsFbPy1qdVXEtPhCfFwU7-vrejrxxr_2QI8ttzwquU_0ZyDkYTmHxoSa8XxxdUlgHXDpDp0yMggVyekfoCzuO9uS5ENiL17UFv_PLVre5v7K9eLc47cdqRi/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNliDJGqjgAColQLbnq-d7dEK-cztqjWCgk5lrR3hDejunBF1cCPvSKJ3cE62lMh12mXvAvr6d7txAyWlr37A4sbXD3QJQYclhl9eMWUZUsKJ8dHaeYLQ0bj4L-w2ukDzjpaX72aXS_8ug/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNliDJGqjgAColQLbnq-d7dEK-cztqjWCgk5lrR3hDejunBF1cCPvSKJ3cE62lMh12mXvAvr6d7txAyWlr37A4sbXD3QJQYclhl9eMWUZUsKJ8dHaeYLQ0bj4L-w2ukDzjpaX72aXS_8ug/s320/IMG_0686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And that's my binder!</div>
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<b>So How Do I Find the Deals?</b></div>
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<li>Each Sunday afternoon I spread out my Sunday Newspaper adds as well as any I have printed from the internet throughout the week. I start by clipping only items I will use...especially items that won't go off such as paper items etc. At the same time I am also looking for store deals...not only the coupons. For example...Publix may be having a buy one get one free on toilet paper this week...and I already have several manufacturer coupons for the particular product. </li>
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<li>I will cut out the deal from the Publix add and then pull my matching product manufacturer coupons and paper clip them together and place them in my "grab and go" folder (smaller zip folder that I can pull and run into the store instead of taking the huge binder). </li>
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<li>I then write on my shopping list "Publix-Toilet paper" so I know I need to go that particular week to get the good deal. This normally takes me the longest...maybe an hour to do these above steps. </li>
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<li>Then I start my "piles". I have store specific coupon piles...for example...coupons that are only valid at a certain store. Then I start my manufacture coupons piles, which are accepted by most stores...and I categorize them by which section in the store I would find them. For example...I have a "dairy" pile for any coupon that is a dairy item. </li>
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<li>I then take a quick run through of all my coupons I already have in the binder to see if they are expired or expiring. I use the yellow, green, red sticker dot system...which are placed on the plastic sleeve that is holding the coupon and helps my eye focus on things that are about to expire. The yellow dots are for coupons expiring in 3 weeks...the green...2 weeks...and the red...coupons expiring in 1 week's time. </li>
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<li>Once I have gone through all the coupons in my binder to check the expiry dates/and or place the sticker dots...I then put in my new coupons. </li>
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<li>The final step before going to the stores is of course reviewing my list of good deals that week...that I mentioned above...and my own personal grocery list...and double checking my manufacturer coupons and competitor's coupons to see if I can get additional savings. I pull all the coupons and paper clip them together and put in my grab and go folder along with my list...and then I am ready to shop!</li>
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<b>Tips: </b></div>
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<li>Stores generally will have certain items go on sale every 6 weeks. For example, a certain cereal on sale at Publix will most likely not go on sale for another 6 weeks from that sale date.</li>
<li>Try to buy when on sale-not just when you need something...especially if it is an item that is non perishable and you have some great coupons for that particular item. Now don't go crazy and stock pile, but you can always use toilet paper, kleenex, etc. </li>
<li>Do pull all of your coupons BEFORE you get in the grocery line. Remember to be kind to the people behind you and the cashier by being organized!</li>
<li>Remember to ask your favorite store if they take competitor's coupons</li>
<li>Keep up with the binder once a week-not everyday...oh my word I think I would go crazy and we don't want that!</li>
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Hope this helps you and your family save a ton of money and please leave a comment of any nifty coupon tricks you may have. Happy shopping!</div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-289409711082063682012-01-31T23:58:00.000+00:002012-02-02T13:50:52.463+00:00To Catch Up...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Oh my word...its been way to long since my last update. Where do I begin? As I write this I am curious how all of you are doing...what you've been up to. Make sure to write me a note...I would love to hear from you. </b></div>
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<b>Now...let's get this party started...and speaking of...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJdBkSaWY5FqWkcfz3Jzw_QLDuxRDXYezHzJJS76P6N0vnzBIZv-KVIrU2Tuq4nJEHN0EwGWKx_QeF_Mre1vSVQ0cX3GGdP5jxhU8UjkzQHCDumkLlIBs26-gLWlhQZLl_qVTxhO75Ofr/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJdBkSaWY5FqWkcfz3Jzw_QLDuxRDXYezHzJJS76P6N0vnzBIZv-KVIrU2Tuq4nJEHN0EwGWKx_QeF_Mre1vSVQ0cX3GGdP5jxhU8UjkzQHCDumkLlIBs26-gLWlhQZLl_qVTxhO75Ofr/s640/IMG_0813.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></b></a></div>
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<b>I had a birthday since my last post. The honey took me out for a treat at the Fried Pickle...and I'll give you 3 guesses (the first 2 don't count)...as to what their specialty is. That's right yummy...not so good for you...but again I'll say yummy...fried pickles!</b></div>
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<b>And the weather for my special day couldn't have been better...71 F!!! That's 22 C for all my European friends. WOW!</b></div>
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<b>And the honey gave me a pair of shoes that I had been wanting for well over a year. See I gave away almost my entire shoe collection between moving international here and there...so I am slowly but surely beginning a new collection. These are so cute!</b></div>
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<b>Then we went for a stroll in the small downtown area of Roswell. This is such a picture of American life to me...what do you think?</b></div>
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<b>Then we visited Whole Foods for the first time. I LOVED it. Oh my...I could spend some serious money in there...so we have to be careful. I also love the fact that they offer coupons. Some great deals...check em out!</b></div>
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<b>For the rest of December we took some time to hang out with friends. We have been gone a while so we are very keen on building up existing and new friendships. Wanna be our friend?! :) </b></div>
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<b>We are very thankful that our friends for the most part are very well traveled and love ethnic food. So far we've been taking to the likes of Israel...</b></div>
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<b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-731PHJJjVAtS_tnrZNBj8raXI4YYhrC6Ukkqy2zcUTDAsgM0mxy4Y9Xr6Vsp7KReOEAnZwaj5dGyyUABLb5pIlp7jvhs2yuO5pBPyRSbdg8OzvseEETKwIZHQiDXG5eKMk3IWA7nmuMa/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-731PHJJjVAtS_tnrZNBj8raXI4YYhrC6Ukkqy2zcUTDAsgM0mxy4Y9Xr6Vsp7KReOEAnZwaj5dGyyUABLb5pIlp7jvhs2yuO5pBPyRSbdg8OzvseEETKwIZHQiDXG5eKMk3IWA7nmuMa/s400/IMG_0321.JPG" width="400" /></a></b></div>
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<b>...and India...well food places that is. And we couldn't be happier. YUM!</b></div>
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<b>Then it was time to spend quality time with one of my besties. She was a bridesmaid of mine in our wedding and continues to serve in Ireland as a missionary. When she came home for Christmas break we decided to treat her to a little Starbucks...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWzphPsyFVqM4Vx6W5JLuePtW9CwqyunDGAGZX7wLsHkDcsqpZkx0IVaSe5ReoRWpiddV1ZkELA1ZztFOtvCD8Hc9zGBrFcO_wm26JNs1XgnCq2BaMS9_qlurc6V_YNKrZAdlkTagP2ZQ/s1600/IMG_0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWzphPsyFVqM4Vx6W5JLuePtW9CwqyunDGAGZX7wLsHkDcsqpZkx0IVaSe5ReoRWpiddV1ZkELA1ZztFOtvCD8Hc9zGBrFcO_wm26JNs1XgnCq2BaMS9_qlurc6V_YNKrZAdlkTagP2ZQ/s640/IMG_0268.jpg" width="480" /></b></a></div>
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<b>...and what girl wouldn't want a pedicure? J and I just love this girl and it was our joy to bless her. We hope to do this more in the future for other missionaries home on furlough. We know first hand how special it is for someone to bless you like this. :)</b></div>
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<b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLAf_HRjo8f5lU4lJYbjDBTryX3vXB0b3HTuobSGPwnyHp04goJp0zUzFeIYZtvSpTFyWnj88Cl41os1SEqyD_jB_AAv1_Aa_egjk_uvX0Kn2zZMmT119U3OBmfQC7K1E-_KqxJgqauMQ/s1600/IMG_0269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLAf_HRjo8f5lU4lJYbjDBTryX3vXB0b3HTuobSGPwnyHp04goJp0zUzFeIYZtvSpTFyWnj88Cl41os1SEqyD_jB_AAv1_Aa_egjk_uvX0Kn2zZMmT119U3OBmfQC7K1E-_KqxJgqauMQ/s640/IMG_0269.jpg" width="480" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Then it was Christmas. I mean...it felt like it just snuck up on me. We spent Christmas eve doing our annual tradition of shopping for each other for stocking stuffers. Then Christmas day we went over to my brother's house for a meal. </b></div>
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<b>J really loved the tree with the McDonald's ornament. Welcome to America! :) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs5LVFsYdNobd079T6j0X6NdPdMMaq9kHeMBTbpH1SW8DgguYOVJ29R6eBE_eoSgnBB3k0IifEBwdcRK9cqIWc1pRg5WKLeZW66FrREHqG8P8kmDXkzIdHZuPSkCLVZKaw7HyxWr1ET_8/s1600/IMG_0828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs5LVFsYdNobd079T6j0X6NdPdMMaq9kHeMBTbpH1SW8DgguYOVJ29R6eBE_eoSgnBB3k0IifEBwdcRK9cqIWc1pRg5WKLeZW66FrREHqG8P8kmDXkzIdHZuPSkCLVZKaw7HyxWr1ET_8/s640/IMG_0828.JPG" width="480" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Although we were stuffed from our Christmas meal...there was no rest for the weary...as we headed out to Xtreme 2011 the day after Christmas. It is an annual Christian conference/concert for teens...simultaneously happening in several locations throughout the country. We were part of the organizing crew that went to Branson Missouri. And the best part...J got to ride on his very first "proper" tour bus!</b></div>
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<b>Here is a picture of our bus...from the back lounge...yes I said lounge. </b></div>
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<b>Then it was time to hit the road...and hang with some very cool peeps. We just fell in love with these people...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fasmbKM3p7Q6ETuRWRM94_1JJIf1fhJQP8w0dgTJ528lDHY8jK6zeo13_DUI2LChfpnNzx3TCfi8-lOOfy7BMY3X7EIzGjatpeHvk4VrgdvKhZ5V6Iiy-o550jFADBeSC_Vr8f_x2jQS/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fasmbKM3p7Q6ETuRWRM94_1JJIf1fhJQP8w0dgTJ528lDHY8jK6zeo13_DUI2LChfpnNzx3TCfi8-lOOfy7BMY3X7EIzGjatpeHvk4VrgdvKhZ5V6Iiy-o550jFADBeSC_Vr8f_x2jQS/s640/IMG_0301.JPG" width="480" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Here we are lounging on the couches watching the next great baker...and our friend Faith certainly was watching with excitement as she could very well be the next great baker soon! Check her out: </b></div>
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<b>www.freshbakedbyfaith.com</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpCAW_Scdfu2d0lSmFr7UZlbth6NHYddtolinYKc6aj4Nu4rPVNpD2-TCDCtd5iynV4L81JYSFlerviSkYa7DW-JYkenPMAlX03q4Mc4bfNK76LFzAJmGvWETd3jxbeRw2Hiu_iwjIEEQ/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpCAW_Scdfu2d0lSmFr7UZlbth6NHYddtolinYKc6aj4Nu4rPVNpD2-TCDCtd5iynV4L81JYSFlerviSkYa7DW-JYkenPMAlX03q4Mc4bfNK76LFzAJmGvWETd3jxbeRw2Hiu_iwjIEEQ/s640/IMG_0282.jpg" width="480" /></b></a></div>
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<b>And here is J getting all cozy in the bunk...we drove overnight to get to MS.</b></div>
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<b>When we woke...we were here...this BEAUTIFUL Hilton hotel...where the conference was being held. Oh my...needless to say...we were NOT suffering!</b><br />
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<b>Here is the conference center...we throughly enjoyed the speakers and getting a chance to hang around with Switchfoot, Toby Mac, and the David Crowder Band. </b></div>
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<b>And this was my view for most of the conference...and I LOVED it! See that iPhone...its hooked up to a wireless credit card machine...so one of my main jobs was to be in charge of the credit card sales...that and registration. Oh I loved it and want one of my own...although not sure what I would use it for...but its just so stinking cool!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tJ85YW9IDnZXuvbacYBb0HSPKKGDjOM6OWibnNM0Etvvn2vzXhSit5xttlnRtjtx2dPwBSroGfHsOV6lUuf0BgIF2wDqd6i119ycv5vHUk6FJrpMTpq0mY_i_6NBMxK6ob93jD-6MBBq/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tJ85YW9IDnZXuvbacYBb0HSPKKGDjOM6OWibnNM0Etvvn2vzXhSit5xttlnRtjtx2dPwBSroGfHsOV6lUuf0BgIF2wDqd6i119ycv5vHUk6FJrpMTpq0mY_i_6NBMxK6ob93jD-6MBBq/s640/IMG_0300.JPG" width="480" /></b></a></div>
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<b>We so loved being part of this...and "doing ministry" together...something that we as a couple had longed for since I had first been diagnosed in England...and had to stop working. So needless to say it was very special. </b></div>
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<b>Then it was time for the bus ride home...which turned out to be even more of a blessing when we had the awesome privilege to sit with our Pastor...just to talk with him and share our hearts of where we have been...and to be encouraged. It was just what we needed. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswBHUNgK-rXFs1UwmLqjw8V9wVe8Q7p5vDYEaUQKDyKVTlgQXX8IeqLMdkM8rgR-oQTntgZOxBLx2iBkzQJOfOVbkBH8gA3P1ZJ1nL5TiJ4pA4hfemqatwZA4Sou5Cfg-nEjmvuwbpB9s/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswBHUNgK-rXFs1UwmLqjw8V9wVe8Q7p5vDYEaUQKDyKVTlgQXX8IeqLMdkM8rgR-oQTntgZOxBLx2iBkzQJOfOVbkBH8gA3P1ZJ1nL5TiJ4pA4hfemqatwZA4Sou5Cfg-nEjmvuwbpB9s/s640/IMG_0303.JPG" width="480" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Then it was New Years Day...and what other meal would you fix but ham, collard greens, and black eyed peas (an American tradition)...but oh so good! Collard greens aren't pictured because they were already eaten!</b></div>
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<b>After the beginning of the New year...we decided to be more intentional with spending time with our family. </b></div>
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<b>We enjoy our "Monday Date Nights" with my niece and nephew. They are little stinkers and hard to beat at the Wii...here J is intently watching to see how they get those high scores...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cWAK7wzJc5OJ0eyBBkqR5lXVNXcerpnW67mgxyfCHNUPCaou7G5ED0iRTq417LQhtOmKBFy3azMZ_5g8BFGu_t8mTQ_Asop8Meb_KXupK8Ue-4tXGgC1zXOzZKausQDyLF9RSoRX3_Vw/s1600/IMG_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cWAK7wzJc5OJ0eyBBkqR5lXVNXcerpnW67mgxyfCHNUPCaou7G5ED0iRTq417LQhtOmKBFy3azMZ_5g8BFGu_t8mTQ_Asop8Meb_KXupK8Ue-4tXGgC1zXOzZKausQDyLF9RSoRX3_Vw/s640/IMG_0312.JPG" width="640" /></b></a></div>
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<b>...and later on in the week I will find him doing this...trying to beat their scores! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlVwMZ2FhdYi0-z9zqsOAY1VOultMz4lWeWqsImMlbJ0G_UttcONxfvn3KMI507UDD6jMt99HJxKz2O6OjVGdRD4QQTWgItr6kX0P6FWu1PBVyRV7t_tAkgwVHjxwXJDIemtagXqX-an-/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlVwMZ2FhdYi0-z9zqsOAY1VOultMz4lWeWqsImMlbJ0G_UttcONxfvn3KMI507UDD6jMt99HJxKz2O6OjVGdRD4QQTWgItr6kX0P6FWu1PBVyRV7t_tAkgwVHjxwXJDIemtagXqX-an-/s640/IMG_0330.JPG" width="640" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Sorry honey you are good...but they are just little experts. :)</b></div>
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<b>We also have enjoyed spending time with them on Wednesday nights at our home church. Below is a picture of FBCW middle school Pastor Rick Young...bringing a great message to the Kids from God's Word. Us adults were getting a lot out of it too!</b></div>
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<b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7MO6PNkC3fFl1RrrQ6Ay1LOmoAxp170dqm3EdJggkBAVDxKa3bS7KSt9eyrzgMt_wlPgQJerB40L3wRzLP8FbfhEGIE_vQHCAmv2fxhLiRA3iKvDoi8vE4zp6ObtC0Ob7Ba9xsLm3ENE/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7MO6PNkC3fFl1RrrQ6Ay1LOmoAxp170dqm3EdJggkBAVDxKa3bS7KSt9eyrzgMt_wlPgQJerB40L3wRzLP8FbfhEGIE_vQHCAmv2fxhLiRA3iKvDoi8vE4zp6ObtC0Ob7Ba9xsLm3ENE/s640/IMG_0315.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>We are settling in more and more to life here in America. We've been blessed and the Father is looking after us. These beautiful winter skies don't seem to hurt either!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiHg-9bDjphzXGaiYR5QtibU23WPi9eqSZXKArAuSAG2g8fwpcU9gTpdUaJ5KbWccliaJwM_edRVcmZzdW4R9iSgS61io5vi7-d9GrPvQ5UQgLU5L3LLg-mLQFxoZqU6KG5uKiLQsrnsX/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiHg-9bDjphzXGaiYR5QtibU23WPi9eqSZXKArAuSAG2g8fwpcU9gTpdUaJ5KbWccliaJwM_edRVcmZzdW4R9iSgS61io5vi7-d9GrPvQ5UQgLU5L3LLg-mLQFxoZqU6KG5uKiLQsrnsX/s640/IMG_0893.JPG" width="480" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Bella the cat is settling well also. Just these past few weeks she has started her old routine again of sitting on my lap while I have my morning quite time. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6t0oGk9UGqh7tqiPwoKNS-B_lezOYglli6dJR2E86J7vNUOb_CvItGxdMsLGakx4wFnnZLUfqe68cAuekmXbM3ZR_UuSnc_iUUyFYIGGG_jI7BhQ9FRGAZv6bETuFW5OOWWq2IIqVNHh/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6t0oGk9UGqh7tqiPwoKNS-B_lezOYglli6dJR2E86J7vNUOb_CvItGxdMsLGakx4wFnnZLUfqe68cAuekmXbM3ZR_UuSnc_iUUyFYIGGG_jI7BhQ9FRGAZv6bETuFW5OOWWq2IIqVNHh/s400/IMG_0333.JPG" width="400" /></b></a></div>
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<b>She is such a pretty girl!</b></div>
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<b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV_HJlJw7t8ZfNA1l0oDR1evClYhb7vqNQ0I8c5rfM-pQZWVgMJjSWG5gLatGBHNhHLfC2BMm_wJFidphEYp2kzGZajmHeN1edsMG1ymZnfQYyFHtiuyIT1pr8a1fPDbyRsxRHeJjOLbJ/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV_HJlJw7t8ZfNA1l0oDR1evClYhb7vqNQ0I8c5rfM-pQZWVgMJjSWG5gLatGBHNhHLfC2BMm_wJFidphEYp2kzGZajmHeN1edsMG1ymZnfQYyFHtiuyIT1pr8a1fPDbyRsxRHeJjOLbJ/s640/IMG_0318.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>And she has definitely gotten her frisky self back...she loves to play...especially with any form of string!</b></div>
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<b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OZMmFuDHIHpQa-CSwyVsjo7Xtrnzvsh1uejMYSyvD-2AiYGSUGQPJYcFZwwljBZRjZzm93KYz9e_BsluVobeLp057GNh1vHmBjkartLD35UpgTC5sdA4xUNZ-l8MAQDXfkCMrHVJq52N/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OZMmFuDHIHpQa-CSwyVsjo7Xtrnzvsh1uejMYSyvD-2AiYGSUGQPJYcFZwwljBZRjZzm93KYz9e_BsluVobeLp057GNh1vHmBjkartLD35UpgTC5sdA4xUNZ-l8MAQDXfkCMrHVJq52N/s640/IMG_0325.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>January was also a month for my honey's 31st birthday! Below is the snickers cheesecake I made for him...per his request...and yes all of that stuff on top are loads of snickers!</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefCcuSrbKhk6LXP1SMSENWWhzWW6X8dYmPreMkOxVf7o8rQCa13myvyN7h9GRS-95-HbYj4lPyem_KpFg9qMkWeWVnvf5BhPlxelWYv8tNMhWH10PVd_7BvAcDMsF8JBL5MpGpVfyw-F8/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefCcuSrbKhk6LXP1SMSENWWhzWW6X8dYmPreMkOxVf7o8rQCa13myvyN7h9GRS-95-HbYj4lPyem_KpFg9qMkWeWVnvf5BhPlxelWYv8tNMhWH10PVd_7BvAcDMsF8JBL5MpGpVfyw-F8/s640/IMG_0326.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Speaking of honey...he has been volunteering to run camera for church services...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7nM7WgyOwknPV4Pu-47NVVmu-NyDgDpLfCpVYcqNAp1ZDdeLQQDrQ3P33mupCLZUz8ct2S51_wX_0bm75LoVjUIblzoaqe_DpsJ5Y4LPopNFFZp7eF406aV0Fa_4PM4bghEvUA-4mMkl/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7nM7WgyOwknPV4Pu-47NVVmu-NyDgDpLfCpVYcqNAp1ZDdeLQQDrQ3P33mupCLZUz8ct2S51_wX_0bm75LoVjUIblzoaqe_DpsJ5Y4LPopNFFZp7eF406aV0Fa_4PM4bghEvUA-4mMkl/s640/IMG_0323.JPG" width="640" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Here is one of his shots...sorry its blurry from me taking the picture...but this is a great shot of him panning the crowd from a wide shot and then closing in on the stage. </b></div>
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<b>Now I am going to brag on him a little...this past week the director made sure to tell me that "he is Sooooooo good at what he does!". Yes he is...and I am so proud of him!</b></div>
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<b>We've both been volunteering to help with another ministry near and dear to our heart...iVOW...and just this past week wrote, directed, edited, and produced a short trailer for the ministry. We hope that it will air at church soon! More to come on this...but if you are a young couple who are engaged or thinking about becoming engaged and live in the Atlanta area...you need to check them out!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2Nuex8ZXCc5Osrj1Xw633C4pQwrASICYat76yVnhfiVD6hlPOA8buxxhDg_29DCXYaT4iLDUahAs9V-___kQpv8BjFkGqXkCs6NWdCHQ0FWX6PV7z4DzS9XnXBzhlWzGHw3qyIlFwEVn/s1600/screen-capture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2Nuex8ZXCc5Osrj1Xw633C4pQwrASICYat76yVnhfiVD6hlPOA8buxxhDg_29DCXYaT4iLDUahAs9V-___kQpv8BjFkGqXkCs6NWdCHQ0FWX6PV7z4DzS9XnXBzhlWzGHw3qyIlFwEVn/s640/screen-capture.png" width="640" /></b></a></div>
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<b>People ask how I am doing. I am doing well. I have been praying that I would get back into a pastime I used to love...reading. I've been reading a lot of books lately...but this is one of my favorites along with most challenging. </b></div>
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<b> Its called Safe People and it is an eye opener. I also have been loving Max Lucado's Fearless and the devotional book Jesus Calling. I just sense the Lord has said in my heart that this is the year of FREEDOM for me...in many ways...more to come on that later too...</b></div>
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<b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4p-2V3s4L8mXHL8OI9S_8SbK_HXss5t8o_tsmP7GL6d5-BJ8Oy3-MSmxEulPg1nKujFA9CM7Y3lXvz9YZPPDoCsIFIZ2WeOXlKtbXQZcR6yAr4zKMImEh9C12vDHEfHT-r5AZ07iF4xd/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4p-2V3s4L8mXHL8OI9S_8SbK_HXss5t8o_tsmP7GL6d5-BJ8Oy3-MSmxEulPg1nKujFA9CM7Y3lXvz9YZPPDoCsIFIZ2WeOXlKtbXQZcR6yAr4zKMImEh9C12vDHEfHT-r5AZ07iF4xd/s640/IMG_0331.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Physically I have good days...</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy6KxGlSO364bAOLzIMfHOjbpiUbPVHRjGvzhDxfd_iXmXo0ePc55pGTTAcLdfGdpo5autG6pSjEuHWiw4F-US4Vq1fyrObdYwFNR2Jt11xdHgv7ULAE_D_jBS9xM0oDtQ6Ka29G6XUy4/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy6KxGlSO364bAOLzIMfHOjbpiUbPVHRjGvzhDxfd_iXmXo0ePc55pGTTAcLdfGdpo5autG6pSjEuHWiw4F-US4Vq1fyrObdYwFNR2Jt11xdHgv7ULAE_D_jBS9xM0oDtQ6Ka29G6XUy4/s640/IMG_0337.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>...and not so good days. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1FfqBCAavkXZorZgy644BOXD1hn8yFGV7GGee2Y29KRWgzgkN-z4_SY704AMEhBJbX5CLYh9ZyU6xQOE7PekDS8CH1JJHgRkPsImeZegd6n2i2Qrgfv6Ph0rNV2khaZ2wXT2OaCsYEfo/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1FfqBCAavkXZorZgy644BOXD1hn8yFGV7GGee2Y29KRWgzgkN-z4_SY704AMEhBJbX5CLYh9ZyU6xQOE7PekDS8CH1JJHgRkPsImeZegd6n2i2Qrgfv6Ph0rNV2khaZ2wXT2OaCsYEfo/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" /></b></a></div>
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<b>I've been getting more and more settled with transferring all my medications Stateside as well as getting to know my doctors. I've been blessed that J has been right by my side!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1LIkmUT3IdxP6RUwLVDZLCUHC3Xs2mmtSNkHEN50sKOxFRMLcTyPQ5z87nOlThDp6_vDvL9vQHbacE29chXpm9EeK9fYCut86iKanseshmJiaEs81HSKJosaqjb40zAbR5kwzPFvxV_8/s1600/IMG_0262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1LIkmUT3IdxP6RUwLVDZLCUHC3Xs2mmtSNkHEN50sKOxFRMLcTyPQ5z87nOlThDp6_vDvL9vQHbacE29chXpm9EeK9fYCut86iKanseshmJiaEs81HSKJosaqjb40zAbR5kwzPFvxV_8/s640/IMG_0262.jpg" width="480" /></b></a></div>
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<b>I've also been asked to be part of an upcoming portrait book for patients on chemo. Its to share their story...so needless to say I am honored. Here I am getting my make up done for the photo shoot...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6SxNEFKB5GdV8Iaf_4oOhzmNM9QJ2cD6j6nwa5kRqUNIj3BfdcUFW_ekCRGTEvPJgDagb83O44nu2u7ESkP4anVu8lqg_xXI4aK7t-OuVbDJW1joQE7ZPuCr7RGy9xgj4UjpBeDeAx4V/s1600/IMG_0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6SxNEFKB5GdV8Iaf_4oOhzmNM9QJ2cD6j6nwa5kRqUNIj3BfdcUFW_ekCRGTEvPJgDagb83O44nu2u7ESkP4anVu8lqg_xXI4aK7t-OuVbDJW1joQE7ZPuCr7RGy9xgj4UjpBeDeAx4V/s640/IMG_0898.JPG" width="640" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Here I am again...and you can really see how my hair is thinning. I've not had total hair loss...as the chemo pill I am on does not tend to make people lose all of their hair...but it definitely thins it out drastically. I have bald patches showing up...thinking of going short...what do you think?</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcfmzabx1cZyNHuscwzYDW_57Ui67yw7QVu1_iFMCcievz9Gt8_yUTS5hWVtt-ugPoMedhSuOM7sgxU96OYJscoIOlx-PjprO423VqidKq3OduGZUOEaW9lLhbyVA9IcjmQ-BxxbR_Axx/s1600/IMG_0902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcfmzabx1cZyNHuscwzYDW_57Ui67yw7QVu1_iFMCcievz9Gt8_yUTS5hWVtt-ugPoMedhSuOM7sgxU96OYJscoIOlx-PjprO423VqidKq3OduGZUOEaW9lLhbyVA9IcjmQ-BxxbR_Axx/s640/IMG_0902.JPG" width="640" /></b></a></div>
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<b>And the coolest part is that we did the shoot at the Third Day Studio. Wow...it was amazing!</b></div>
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<b>Here I am sharing my story...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YP8QpMBTbHC_xW-kexGIn34wdO-WXvB6Vyz2M4jb5xSQIM_2IeABtHCxx3rX0QvBdVn_QIixDU7PtGlx75z6HiKXqbC3c4BqYvML6DLfEm7_JVSIN_kFTAthBRyRpn66EYKFWj9sKeAW/s1600/IMG_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YP8QpMBTbHC_xW-kexGIn34wdO-WXvB6Vyz2M4jb5xSQIM_2IeABtHCxx3rX0QvBdVn_QIixDU7PtGlx75z6HiKXqbC3c4BqYvML6DLfEm7_JVSIN_kFTAthBRyRpn66EYKFWj9sKeAW/s400/IMG_0913.JPG" width="400" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Smile pretty for the camera! Notice my cute new shoes?</b></div>
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<b>And J and I both decided we would love to have this urban look in our future home...I mean I LOVED the decor!</b></div>
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<b>Well that is about all...and I know you are thinking "all...I just read a novel!" Sorry...I will try to not spread the time out too far next time before I do another update. Hope you are having a blessed day...love you dear ones!</b></div>
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<br /></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-2114747114056099482011-12-10T20:06:00.001+00:002011-12-10T21:52:36.341+00:00Overdue...Um yes, yes...it has been a loooong time since I've updated a little something about us...but that can only mean one thing...life has been hectic to say the least!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVlx-z6_O9uqqHsDpMUX9tCq1rI6obvuk7dASc4OLnGyPHY_ZJQeomCEUQ_AMPKET2WoLA_EID2wMW3lYKadkfo3rsge18Q9FF2MFOBN7ciqUtV37mUM2Z3QKKbvMuJlPaWmx6KvV56YG/s1600/Photo+on+2011-11-01+at+12.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVlx-z6_O9uqqHsDpMUX9tCq1rI6obvuk7dASc4OLnGyPHY_ZJQeomCEUQ_AMPKET2WoLA_EID2wMW3lYKadkfo3rsge18Q9FF2MFOBN7ciqUtV37mUM2Z3QKKbvMuJlPaWmx6KvV56YG/s320/Photo+on+2011-11-01+at+12.04.jpg" width="320" /></a>As you know we made our trek to America this past October...and arrived at the most beautiful time of the year in Atlanta...where the fall colors were so bright that you could literally see a gold reflection through the windows. This picture does not do it justice but in my half stupor of walking up our first morning in America...I had enough wits about me to take this photo. <br />
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Then after only a short day of rest...we did a big no no...we took our "list" to Wal-Mart and spent the next 3 hours bewildered by the shear mass of the store and the overwhelming selection of things. Towards the end poor honey even had a manager come to him and ask if he was okay! We must have looked a mess and by the time we left...we were headed home to take a nap. I know...lightweights. <br />
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After our big fiasco in Wally world...we decided we needed to slow things down a bit and took it easy for a few days. I loved being able to sit out on the porch with my bare feet...soaking in the sunshine...all the while we are in the month of November! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcT19hge85Zn0avTB5bcZ0-rSlE4BGJZgVtUIZx_ZqmIue4jFbufK7mfi7BIR9eusU6gxbiUKrs172DQ4WJM_6kpwRd_wprH5UkmY7w5JrFamnOuR56Y-BWKfiNABNHgqhx2TzuwOA8FW/s1600/IMG_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcT19hge85Zn0avTB5bcZ0-rSlE4BGJZgVtUIZx_ZqmIue4jFbufK7mfi7BIR9eusU6gxbiUKrs172DQ4WJM_6kpwRd_wprH5UkmY7w5JrFamnOuR56Y-BWKfiNABNHgqhx2TzuwOA8FW/s320/IMG_0160.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The hubs quite enjoyed himself out on the deck as well. <br />
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Then it was time to head to church...oh how amazing it was to spend time with our church family again. <br />
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Our friends have really blessed us as well...by throwing us a re entry shower to replace some of the things we had to leave behind in England. We also had a lovely couple donate a couch to us! <br />
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However...it was quite the show to fit it upstairs in our apartment. But the finished product was worth it!<br />
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Then it was time for my favorite American holiday...Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for this year...in particularly...reuniting with family. They have blessed us by allowing us to stay in a one room flat in their home. <br />
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It was great to have 3 generations in the kitchen again!</div>
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Then it was time for a freakish event that comes only once per year...called BLACK FRIDAY. Its a one day mega sale for all the retail shops across America. For that one day only...stores open at crazy hours...like 12am...and for only a few short hours you can get crazy deals on items. <br />
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For example...Best Buy...an electronics shop...had HDTVs 42" for 50% off! But this was the line..yes those are people actually camping out 2 days prior to doors opening to ensure they got the deal. Crazy!<br />
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So we did get one Black Friday deal...but chose to do it on line instead of waiting in the insane lines. Honey got a battery drill 50% off and then we had a gift card from our re entry shower that we used...which brought the drill to over 80% off! Talk about a deal! Now if we only had our own home to use it on...<br />
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Then it was onto other matters...we had been in the country for over 4 weeks at this point...and STILL hadn't been able to get our cell phones sorted. My parents also were waiting on us to get home...because mom wanted herself an iPhone! Yes that's right...my little mommy is a proud owner of one...and I am so proud of her how quickly she has learned to use it. She's so cute!<br />
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Then we were just trying to get back into the swing of things living in a new country. But had to chuckle when we came across adds like these...<br />
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Or even better...just seeing the massive difference in size of things available here verses in England or Holland. Like this...<br />
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As overwhelmed as we were at the time...J received a letter from the US Government that helped us feel a bit more settled....it was his Permanent Residency Card. Woo Hoo! He can now legally live and work in the States. Now to just find a job...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFS0VLmoG8MKduPxbeXcbKsgLhXJCr_mhlcI8JtLx1MFdOPvGQXNxRzO8nyRA9juZH4cKzTMa6XRnbZ8KT1H8vRdpzHhMf0VBc7trYhSdFY-o4DisGgqGRYn8v9jgGz0Fx1g93g2azBNX/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFS0VLmoG8MKduPxbeXcbKsgLhXJCr_mhlcI8JtLx1MFdOPvGQXNxRzO8nyRA9juZH4cKzTMa6XRnbZ8KT1H8vRdpzHhMf0VBc7trYhSdFY-o4DisGgqGRYn8v9jgGz0Fx1g93g2azBNX/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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After some meetings and doctor appointments here and there...it was off to a time of rest and relaxation to a small town called Slapout Alabama...as we were going to visit one of our supporting churches and good friends. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNKRyoSb2yHGkYVFduhqhq0lXqYoM8XeDI8n_XWZW-DdX1txg6dkaLPJ2cta91LbNofIRyvkIeJm5s9cNl3KgIwXOMvqt9Ck62d1roM3PtwWDuoNp1XcrtpO-8yD1UQlV4SA3lP_z7fsr/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZHQO9v3QGO9_CDfntFstxeZ_wPg63U63HgHPH1P5Kp5FJidKA44MYqitJfkkFreMxJXKifacNmppNwz4dNwbaJGeS1E92UcRA9yAZsmQ3DZ0hO_lGRZZCrnqqx3QTIC6sn_kLldN2F99/s1600/IMG_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZHQO9v3QGO9_CDfntFstxeZ_wPg63U63HgHPH1P5Kp5FJidKA44MYqitJfkkFreMxJXKifacNmppNwz4dNwbaJGeS1E92UcRA9yAZsmQ3DZ0hO_lGRZZCrnqqx3QTIC6sn_kLldN2F99/s320/IMG_0209.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The town gets its name from the local town grocer who back in the day when asked if he had a certain food item...would famously say "I'm slap out of that!".<br />
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We were staying in a cabin on the lake that the sweet church provided for us. It was so peaceful. We loved waking up every morning to this...<br />
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We also enjoyed taking walks on a country mile road...nothing better. J really enjoyed just the peace and quite. I loved the sunshine...one thing I had terribly missed </div>
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while living in England...sunshine year round!</div>
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We also spent some time catching up with good friends and were able to take some sweet family pictures. We just love this little family!</div>
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Here we took some shots at an old abandoned farm house. Made for a very cool vintage backdrop...don't you think?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqUuIfnQYNHfI78FWrJ03lRpZ-vzU-Hd6e2vstoiPdeLBvUXQKmTy4DcPehvA4vaIsbjtgr7MG6hMYKbhotuUvsAGOkYjwdFSXB-VZIurS1Tl_w16RjIT06AJoEFJeCMsY7A7odAjkarS/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqUuIfnQYNHfI78FWrJ03lRpZ-vzU-Hd6e2vstoiPdeLBvUXQKmTy4DcPehvA4vaIsbjtgr7MG6hMYKbhotuUvsAGOkYjwdFSXB-VZIurS1Tl_w16RjIT06AJoEFJeCMsY7A7odAjkarS/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a>Then it was time to make our way back to Atlanta...and to celebrate a Dutch holiday...Sinterklass. Its a dutch tradition where kids fill their wooden shoes with hay and carrots for the horse that Sinterklass rides in on and in return he fills the shoes with candy...if they have been good.<br />
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That catches us up to date..and as I type this...the song that I am listening to sums this time up..."Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas"...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!<br />
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<br />Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-11607001380103803522011-10-27T19:28:00.000+01:002011-10-27T19:56:25.794+01:00The One with the "Stuff"...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj3wr7FJUcTaH70NXVzcSQlkGcZojQfham5oqUw6lxcaRj_zD7XA-CPNkEoS8aDMCIN0eDQ_IOMMJ2floEyRu2FJw1-BeFAyoqEMIfclqD7WYfRK-TCaO0excL_37yrWE3Kpuy8Dt8m-I/s1600/392787372_31Nif1bI_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj3wr7FJUcTaH70NXVzcSQlkGcZojQfham5oqUw6lxcaRj_zD7XA-CPNkEoS8aDMCIN0eDQ_IOMMJ2floEyRu2FJw1-BeFAyoqEMIfclqD7WYfRK-TCaO0excL_37yrWE3Kpuy8Dt8m-I/s320/392787372_31Nif1bI_c.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
Hello friends and family...is it time already for another week in review? Wow. Time is flying for us now as we prepare to move to the States in only 4 days!<br />
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This week started with final packing of our bits...and oh my word...how did we get so much stuff? I'm pretty sure that if we were moving our house in a truck...it would look like this. I love the cat in the picture...can you find it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LceYXkDOgaBiuG8jAhKE9gVczMyooWSGVxyLXNuvQQGINN7AXYpLiRw-nRnGAjvqYpShWLt7SY35_X79Gud6kLuAX03BZ_ZSW9xEXDoOMG-BasvrXuNV_Sn39vEcGA2i1IBzY5iqjcFG/s1600/Photo+on+2011-10-22+at+10.37+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LceYXkDOgaBiuG8jAhKE9gVczMyooWSGVxyLXNuvQQGINN7AXYpLiRw-nRnGAjvqYpShWLt7SY35_X79Gud6kLuAX03BZ_ZSW9xEXDoOMG-BasvrXuNV_Sn39vEcGA2i1IBzY5iqjcFG/s320/Photo+on+2011-10-22+at+10.37+%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Speaking of a cat...Bella the cat has been doing well...thanks to our good friend and vet Laura. She has been given a mild...all natural calming supplement that we sprinkle over her food in the mornings. I've seriously thought about taking some of it myself at times!<br />
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Like...<br />
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...when I became a little...how shall we put this..."upset" when I handed over my slow cooker to its new owner. I'm pretty sure I looked like this...<br />
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So after a few "it will be okay honey" from the hubs...I came back to my senses and was reminded it was only "stuff". After getting rid of most of our "stuff"...we began to pack what was left. Mainly our bare necessities we would need for the next possible 6 months to a year (our stuff when it arrives in the States will be going directly into a storage until we are able to get our own place). <br />
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And get this...we ONLY USED 4 BAGS for ALL of our stuff. So needless to say I thought it would be impossible to fit it all but we we were pushing and shoving to make it all fit. I'm pretty sure we looked something like this...<br />
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Then it was off to finish more things which included...collecting final medical records...closing accounts...cleaning...going to this appointment then that appointment...etc etc. By the end of each day I am pretty sure I was looking like this...<br />
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And I'm pretty sure I could have used a Starbucks injection like this in place of my chemo treatments. Wonder if the Docs would have gone for that?<br />
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Then it was on to say our goodbyes. We had a lovely send off with our office full with cakes and goodies...they must know me really well! We also had a great send off from our home church here in England. It was such a sweet time of the entire church praying over us! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeUE-h2cabZKluROJyo2JHnj7x5NNeizF2a7z6RChC4pNmATL0rTzYyBo6fdj0HpdyNncq2j3x2F76Au4EgCP6Gth2HgWJd8TbPpcZc1PVnX4K3DrdYKhvGjXRKflgzjZgfV9roFXpLZA/s1600/P1040339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeUE-h2cabZKluROJyo2JHnj7x5NNeizF2a7z6RChC4pNmATL0rTzYyBo6fdj0HpdyNncq2j3x2F76Au4EgCP6Gth2HgWJd8TbPpcZc1PVnX4K3DrdYKhvGjXRKflgzjZgfV9roFXpLZA/s320/P1040339.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY3YRgOH1ZsEQgKT0QQS-DXrr9scSm33xLZWMqUVOw-DzisM1W2i1_IDuOb_ZK3Hjrbl80U4Udtt10DeoZrrpyluAB8lNLMGet-CpW7N10W63RQcUL94zoLaojQMlAwN2mD_rTo3ka0AI/s1600/P1030914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY3YRgOH1ZsEQgKT0QQS-DXrr9scSm33xLZWMqUVOw-DzisM1W2i1_IDuOb_ZK3Hjrbl80U4Udtt10DeoZrrpyluAB8lNLMGet-CpW7N10W63RQcUL94zoLaojQMlAwN2mD_rTo3ka0AI/s320/P1030914.JPG" width="320" /></a>Speaking of...their prayers and your prayers must be working! The very next day we heard our final report from our docs here in England. My inflammation rate is down from 31 to 9! (Keep in mind a healthy person is considered to be at 5). WOW. I have noticed a bit more energy...which has been such a God send with all that has been going on with the move. So needless to say we are over the moon right now!<br />
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Then it was on to say goodbye to neighbors, who many of you will get to meet when they come to the ATL sometime next year! He is from England and she is from Hong Kong...so we both have a lot in common<br />
with the whole living in a country that is not your own thing.<br />
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They took us out for a final British meal complete with roast beef, roasted potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. It was so yummy. We love them and our little neighborhood...which...<br />
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...reminded me of when we first came here. It was around Easter of 2010...pictured above we are just out front of our house...<br />
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Here we are again with our first meal in our home. Sniff Sniff...I am going to miss it and have been told by many who have been married much longer than we have...that you will never forget your first place together. Sniff Sniff...<br />
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So many people have asked us just in recent weeks "How have you grown in your walk with the Lord throughout this journey with my illness.<br />
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The biggest thing has to be our level of TRUST with Him! Oh my word...I've<br />
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never been so stretched in my life...but He has shown me that if I just TRUST Him...He has a good plan. His plans are perfect and full of peace no matter the storm that is surrounding you. <br />
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And one more in particularly for me...I've learned to "LET GO"! Something this planner by heart never thought she could do. I've had to just sit back and watch Him unfold what all was going to happen. <br />
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Now it doesn't mean that I did nothing. I read something this week that sums it up..."Work as if everything depends on you. Pray as if everything depends on Him!" Enough said.<br />
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So many of you have also asked what we will do once we get to the States? Well...the first week or two...<br />
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A-B-S-O-L-U-T-L-Y nothing! Oh yes...I see some relaxation in both J man's and my future. <br />
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Soon after arriving in the States, however, we will begin our transition re-entry time with OM. This will last until the end of January 2012. During this time we will be re-acclimating to life in the States, debriefing with OM, finding permanent work for J, and getting me sorted with new Doctors. I'm sure it will keep us VERY busy! <br />
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Well that's about it for now. Hope to see you all very soon. We will, Lord willing, be home after October 31st. We'll see you a couple of weeks after that.<br />
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America...here we come!<br />
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<br /></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-29095430202575883032011-10-16T14:13:00.001+01:002011-10-16T14:23:42.069+01:00The One With the U.S. Embassy<br />
Well hello there friends and family. Welcome to another MOJO week in review. One HUGE praise happened this week...ready...drumroll....<br />
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J got approved for Permanent Residence Status to the United States of America!!!!! Whooo Hooo! After six long months of agonizing and seeming endless paperwork and red tape...we made it. Needless to say this was a huge relief to us so thank you for your prayers!<br />
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Many of you have asked if this means J will be a US Citizen and the answer is no...not yet. This Permanent Residency Status simply allows J to live and work in the States indefinitely. We will, however start the road to citizenship for J man just after coming to America...but the entire process will take about 3 years time. One thing we have learned with dealing with the government and visas...it takes a long time so you must be patient!<br />
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This picture was taken just as we were leaving the Embassy...oops...don't think they liked us doing that as we were escorted off the property by men wearing suits...meaning business!<br />
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We also used this time of being in London to reunite with two of my besties... Leena & Andrea. We all lived together at one time in Ireland as housemates and have made it our goal to reunite every few years...no matter where we all are. I just love these two girls and their heart for God!<br />
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J and I were exhausted from the Embassy interview so the girls continued on in the city site seeing (it was Andrea's first time there)...while J and I took a train back to rest for a bit. We had been up since 4am at that point! <br />
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So just as we were about to board our train we saw a glorious sign...a sign that said Krispy Kreme! If you are an American living abroad...this is a BIG deal...and you would stop for one as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVuKFL1pf2B_k5Vlmr3CNKELZi5NrI-xJVB4bpb7Mz5u09PGx409HfNpTJDM_T4At8TLn8fsv6x1VBuBCgersJUMBwrS1ClSGXSpaDmIncHUKWPcAO-UE7J9TJKng360udXnaPmLsZ4Yd/s1600/316486_10150335704424055_733024054_8159127_920641417_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVuKFL1pf2B_k5Vlmr3CNKELZi5NrI-xJVB4bpb7Mz5u09PGx409HfNpTJDM_T4At8TLn8fsv6x1VBuBCgersJUMBwrS1ClSGXSpaDmIncHUKWPcAO-UE7J9TJKng360udXnaPmLsZ4Yd/s320/316486_10150335704424055_733024054_8159127_920641417_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> We were good and only had one each...and score...they were giving away free hot drinks that day to go along with it! They were oh so yummy...and we both had to laugh as all we could think of while we ate it were the words of Christian Comedian Tim Hawkins when he refers to them as "little baby angels melting in your mouth." Oh yeah...that's about true!<br />
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Then later on in the evening we all gathered back together at an Irish Pub for dinner...and met up with our friend Orla and her fiance and little precious baby boy. <br />
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Orla was our neighbor in Ireland...who lovingly took us "immigrants" in and showed us the ropes of living abroad. Without her we would have been lost and certainly would have never learned how to make a proper "cuppa" (cup of tea)! We love you Orla!<br />
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Then it was back to reality only a day later as me and the hubs started the final stages of us departing...PACKING! Oh my word. Although we are taking as much as we can with us...there is still so much we are having to leave behind...mostly electrical items since they won't work in America. <br />
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But God is good and our sweet friends Kerri and Michael back in Atlanta will be hosting a "re entry" couple's shower for J and I to replace some of the things we had to leave behind. <br />
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It is going to be an amazing blessing and we are looking forward to it. Plus it is the first time we as a couple have actually registered somewhere...so we felt like newlyweds again!<br />
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We are having many mixed emotions now with getting so close to the end of our time here in England. Only 15 more days to go! So to offset what we will miss...we have been talking about what we are looking forward to in moving to one of the greatest cities in the world. <br />
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Where is that you may ask? ATLANTA!!!!!!<br />
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Our first stop will be here...Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Home of Delta Airlines and one of the word's busiest airports. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEGqSa0xiOEclapxlD56xq7MCS4mk-aMUYzN0UAzB8_qSG2U0NTdQsqbgi4XXALlPva9bAr9eaojTnEWLEVwEklnwN0h-2gtP5MjfK1QeIf9DUXZEw8eZCEn4UkRMdKyz5GIpW4_UUHzS/s1600/8E86F74EBF8ACB8243F8401B3571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEGqSa0xiOEclapxlD56xq7MCS4mk-aMUYzN0UAzB8_qSG2U0NTdQsqbgi4XXALlPva9bAr9eaojTnEWLEVwEklnwN0h-2gtP5MjfK1QeIf9DUXZEw8eZCEn4UkRMdKyz5GIpW4_UUHzS/s320/8E86F74EBF8ACB8243F8401B3571.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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This will be us in only a couple of weeks as we are herded like livestock into the immigration lines. Although we don't mind...I am thinking tears of joy will be rolling down both our cheeks as we hear "Welcome to the United States of America."<br />
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Now back to Atlanta...many of you may not be familiar with this great city so let me tell you a few things about it. Atlanta is the home of CNN Headquarters...here is a picture of the CNN building. People work, eat, shop, live, and even park their cars in this one building...it is huge!<br />
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Atlanta is also the home of the Coca Cola Headquarters. The hubs has not yet visited the World of Coke Museum...pictured here...so I have a feeling we will be making a visit soon to taste the over 100 different flavors of coke! Well J will be tasting them considering I haven't had a coke in almost 2 years!<br />
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And we will of course have to stop at a Chick Fil A! Can I get a witness. Oh my...my mouth is watering just thinking about this. Again...if you are an American...in particularly a southern American living abroad...you know what I am talking about. <br />
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And finally...what we are looking forward to the most is to be reunited with our family and friends at our home church in America...First Baptist Church Woodstock.<br />
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Oh how we long to be there. And don't be surprised that in the first few Sundays you see me and J man just busting it out in song...we've really missed the praise and worship team who do such an amazing job in leading us to worship Him. <br />
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But until then...we will wait for Him here a little longer and just enjoy our last 15 days in England. Great...there I go crying again...oh what an emotional time this is. Pray for us...and send loads of kleenex our way! :)<br />
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How was your week?<br />
<br />Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-84475015350017863152011-10-02T18:27:00.002+01:002011-10-02T19:42:09.499+01:00The One with the Beautiful Video...Well hello wonderful friends and family...glad that you are stopping back by. We are grateful that you take an interest in our lives and pray for us. A lot happened this week but we are choosing to focus on only a few highlights. So with out further a-dew...here is our week in review.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjfXdVLAvQpDRvAJVfeL8zr5kwmdlFwmO7dACosqca_dwarWKdB1iVtud91T2WGgQ4WiLb2BD6Tv3NK1ES2q8_7TF9vfEP_vlPwIjFZuvcOVeFy5xdawt7NuysxXjRAIoewPK5jtCmkcA/s1600/c22500501p_Cushman_%2526_Wakefield_-_Ambassade_des_Etats_Unis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjfXdVLAvQpDRvAJVfeL8zr5kwmdlFwmO7dACosqca_dwarWKdB1iVtud91T2WGgQ4WiLb2BD6Tv3NK1ES2q8_7TF9vfEP_vlPwIjFZuvcOVeFy5xdawt7NuysxXjRAIoewPK5jtCmkcA/s320/c22500501p_Cushman_%2526_Wakefield_-_Ambassade_des_Etats_Unis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One major thing happened this week...and that is...DRUMROLL...We have an appointment with the US Embassy in London for J's Permanent Residence Visa interview! After a long seven months, we finally got this great news! Our appointment is on October 12 and that is so incredible because...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJqsZS8RfXqQYK-XN7AqBURRGk2AsTiar2uf6xkO9QjwOAZPEqMWmGU3g3xsSF9iqUQH0fjK49SZovrZMEKCpgrxR_bYlEAcpq7JQKllmQty8KEuAaWxBoWrCypzsNxYioGISpMUm8bxN/s1600/68746_444659334054_733024054_5350491_7987282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJqsZS8RfXqQYK-XN7AqBURRGk2AsTiar2uf6xkO9QjwOAZPEqMWmGU3g3xsSF9iqUQH0fjK49SZovrZMEKCpgrxR_bYlEAcpq7JQKllmQty8KEuAaWxBoWrCypzsNxYioGISpMUm8bxN/s320/68746_444659334054_733024054_5350491_7987282_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />...that date will be almost exactly one year since when I received my residence visa to stay here in England. Of course a lot has happened since then...like my diagnosis...which has changed our plans a bit.<br /><br />Just goes to show you that you can NEVER <i>fully</i> anticipate the journey the Lord will take you on in this life. But we obediently and humbly choose to follow Him...and for now...He is leading us back to America!<br /><br />As we prepare for a new journey, I can't help but look at God's hand in our lives over these past almost 2 years. In reminiscing...one thing that has been so prevalent in my own personal life...is God's changing me from the inside out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqwJSKiL62dUEp4J8pgxCwq4ORk0FjGZ_aBg2LXQepAMYY6hyKwD_a4D05XH1gGOyBQLJMehyeHQyPjBu9BWxIgHIBDPwD6ozby-iaC2LC4sx0d2tuoJSGIZDD_X7r4iz6pjEprV_jMdI/s1600/DSC_9310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqwJSKiL62dUEp4J8pgxCwq4ORk0FjGZ_aBg2LXQepAMYY6hyKwD_a4D05XH1gGOyBQLJMehyeHQyPjBu9BWxIgHIBDPwD6ozby-iaC2LC4sx0d2tuoJSGIZDD_X7r4iz6pjEprV_jMdI/s320/DSC_9310.JPG" width="320" /></a>At first I was really upset that my physical appearance changed so much (due to part of the illness and also treatments). But God has been so good to show me that His Grace is sufficient when I am weak...and that He is TRANSFORMING ME INTO HIS IMAGE. And that is Beautiful thing!<br /><br />I have a real heart to share this with other women...in all stages of life. So many times as women we tend to compare ourselves to other women or think we don't measure up in some way. Sometimes we even do crazy things to try and make ourselves beautiful...without realizing what true beauty in Christ is. I hope to live my life as an example in this area.<br /><br />Below is a little video I've put together of my "Journey with Lupus". I hope it blesses you!<br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0yMdhMFoq0E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Till next week...keep being transformed into His image...because He and YOU are beautiful!Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-25965664223733762462011-09-25T19:28:00.000+01:002011-09-25T20:29:20.015+01:00The One With the Burnt Toast...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Hello sweet friends and family and welcome to another fabulous week in review with MOJO! This was a week full of many unexpected things...but also many beautiful things too! So lets get started...</i></div>
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First of all you may notice a different look to my blog...I changed it around just a bit and integrated the new interface...yes I did that all by my little lonesome...proud of me????<br />
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But had the biggest scare when I got a message from Google saying my blog had been deleted! Turns out it was a security measure as I was rearranging so many things...just goes to prove that this blogging stuff is tough!</div>
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Now a little update on J...you may remember he had a blocked mucous membrane surgically removed last week. He is doing much better after a round of antibiotics and his stitches are dissolving quickly. He'll be up to singing his heart out (in the shower) again real soon!<br />
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The beginning of our week we were so blessed to meet with this crazy Alabama man...Marvin. He is from the OM USA office and serves as our member care contact. We just love him and felt so encouraged by his visit! We even took him to see his very first castle and to eat some fish and chips. It was just what we needed and was great to hear a "hey ya'll" from someone else...other than from my own lips!<br />
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Boy of boy did we need that encouragement...as the week proved to be very difficult physically for me. But first the good news...we found out that my liver function had dropped back to normal and that my c-reation rate (the test done to show how much inflammation is in your body) was down from 31 to 21! <br />
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Now for some perspective...the normal healthy person's would be around 5. The amount of inflammation in my body at these levels (21 or higher) is the same as someone who has severe burns all over their body. Not a pretty picture but a good visual to explain to someone about an "invisible" illness such as Lupus. You may "look good"...but you could easily feel as much pain as a burned victim. YIKES!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TayY2sLy7dbEd5a7QPNGNKEuDQ1Ry7Vfid1KLV0djwMYlCm4ISiPo4YhDX5NNhd_wpkGbzldPH-6pBaj6m24yL4bjliznHfWU-iE7J0LBn3HfwHDa8Da66BWzJbuww_Xli-nwwPmJvOG/s1600/Chemo-Capsules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TayY2sLy7dbEd5a7QPNGNKEuDQ1Ry7Vfid1KLV0djwMYlCm4ISiPo4YhDX5NNhd_wpkGbzldPH-6pBaj6m24yL4bjliznHfWU-iE7J0LBn3HfwHDa8Da66BWzJbuww_Xli-nwwPmJvOG/s1600/Chemo-Capsules.jpg" /></a>So we were praising God that the treatments I have been on (for one month now) seem to be working! But then it was on to the hard stuff...we now were at the mark in my treatment...to start to increase the dosage. <br />
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Okay...so for those of you who don't know...yes...I am on a mild form of Chemo called 6-MP. The hopes are that this treatment will dial down my over hyper active immune system just enough to be "normal". Remember...with Lupus your immune system is in overdrive and starts to attack healthy tissue such as skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. <br />
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So this tiny little pill...was given at a bigger dosage which then led to me feeling the first negative side effects of the treatment. BLAH! Let's just say that it was good for me to be able to dress myself. The poor hubs was doing EVERYTHING. I am so thankful he is able to take care of me! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJJI73K87PRH0M0CDFi9p_fVeQM3je4yBni0CG9e8Ld1CsSvXYxRWEwD22T28G_fZWAHKeSVsZPtFtP4vgA9MP3jYSq_XW56SBJKPvINwDdo55BiPk_wntUKG4opVbugjlR5YFC9z3BV1/s1600/mr_mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJJI73K87PRH0M0CDFi9p_fVeQM3je4yBni0CG9e8Ld1CsSvXYxRWEwD22T28G_fZWAHKeSVsZPtFtP4vgA9MP3jYSq_XW56SBJKPvINwDdo55BiPk_wntUKG4opVbugjlR5YFC9z3BV1/s1600/mr_mom.jpg" /></a>One fun story to lighten the mood...J-man was making us dinner (tea and toast by my request). As I heard him scuffling around in the kitchen and the sound of banging pots and pans everywhere... I went in to see what all was going on. It was like a scene from Mr. Mom...without the kids. :) <br />
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Me: "Honey the toast is burning."<br />
J-man: "Yeah...I'm not the toast master like you...I'm more like the solar eclipse toast master. Sometimes I get it right but its rare." I love him for trying though!<br />
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So yeah...it was a rough few days as I was dealing with the phsycial and emotional side of things. And I did have some more than normal hair coming out in the tub. So needless to say I started to have a little pitty party...which was not made better for sure with looking for cute options to cover my head should things go that way. <br />
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I mean have a look below at what is called "Chemo head gear". But good news...the Doctors think that since I am on such a low dose that I most likely won't have substantial hair loss. PTL...I mean look at these things. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAcXHQk6RdYbg8HoPfeE2PtPl2GYrx3waMHC_biyFpdbDqzY-ll-cKlTTfmSdVRcIREHi9KFfnm6Cgwuzy3LkS1b22_zEC_mqUePyNUKPn-qXjMTRPYDa6eNaB_1bO0ixQvWVAUifVba5/s1600/175600872_yo7VTyfS_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAcXHQk6RdYbg8HoPfeE2PtPl2GYrx3waMHC_biyFpdbDqzY-ll-cKlTTfmSdVRcIREHi9KFfnm6Cgwuzy3LkS1b22_zEC_mqUePyNUKPn-qXjMTRPYDa6eNaB_1bO0ixQvWVAUifVba5/s320/175600872_yo7VTyfS_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Tt_M1SASTUrE1DqkjQflHlmBT_u1A-lEaWSI-vvs-I4wWfDlZjCE4th8LK_xuP_3QDoV5rCh80SFhyphenhyphen1Ee9wmKZ4etv3fJPWhyphenhyphen6oBEqFLuZ49PmXybQ5Z1jTOWUgqHjkvceL4KcmdR1AW/s1600/317497_10150330726837389_506882388_7899397_166393835_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Tt_M1SASTUrE1DqkjQflHlmBT_u1A-lEaWSI-vvs-I4wWfDlZjCE4th8LK_xuP_3QDoV5rCh80SFhyphenhyphen1Ee9wmKZ4etv3fJPWhyphenhyphen6oBEqFLuZ49PmXybQ5Z1jTOWUgqHjkvceL4KcmdR1AW/s320/317497_10150330726837389_506882388_7899397_166393835_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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So I did what any girl who wanted to feel pretty would do...I mustard up the energy and went and got a whole new do!<br />
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That's right...I went full fringe and LOVE it! Someone asked me how I could do such a drastic cut...I say...its just hair...it will grow back...I mean after going through so many drastic changes over these past 2 years...I figure I can do just about anything!<br />
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But ain't I cute?!?!<br />
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Then we had a fright of our lives when we woke up Sunday morning to the sound of something very loud and what seemed very heavy falling off our roof! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UNrS9U8u5bKG8oBPakYWv5uQrWEA64J6N_ZTda9-7MXJVgQsOLiJ9jBQa8hyphenhyphenklyR-sZrlT1C8JlMWKsiVnB8wOc1OiHwBzN3aakMTNsmUIsizxo3muQyA-KP6dhXldWesZBKYKvdfId1/s1600/315972_10150330461842389_506882388_7897551_812009785_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UNrS9U8u5bKG8oBPakYWv5uQrWEA64J6N_ZTda9-7MXJVgQsOLiJ9jBQa8hyphenhyphenklyR-sZrlT1C8JlMWKsiVnB8wOc1OiHwBzN3aakMTNsmUIsizxo3muQyA-KP6dhXldWesZBKYKvdfId1/s320/315972_10150330461842389_506882388_7897551_812009785_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>Yep...that's right...our chimney...that we have told our landlord about 4 times now...finally starting to come tumbling down.<br />
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And it came crashing down "like a ton of bricks" onto our bathroom's roof...breaking through the tile! Its all good and the landlord is coming tomorrow...but for now I feel like wearing a hard hat every time I go outdoors. </div>
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Thinking of making one for bella the cat too. Would that be cute or what?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZycB8mw0_VxenBjaq2C2ZD3sH5MADvEUZQ-Z40EQ4EAThBVOCJQUyeiGJUJQIKEXJPl15XrA1dTazHpfVRWDhz2_8CHsmjRX7oTClHuPqUm1lhVzWDb0H447jSXobeS2NnVN7oDBCp5R/s1600/142188904_lUH2mvyF_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZycB8mw0_VxenBjaq2C2ZD3sH5MADvEUZQ-Z40EQ4EAThBVOCJQUyeiGJUJQIKEXJPl15XrA1dTazHpfVRWDhz2_8CHsmjRX7oTClHuPqUm1lhVzWDb0H447jSXobeS2NnVN7oDBCp5R/s320/142188904_lUH2mvyF_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then it was on to watch the season premiere of Grey's. We've seen all 7 seasons so we were super excited to watch the 2 hour premiere of what we are hearing will be the final season. That was until...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq08W-2Hf9LUgizPjyPhwUgGqupsESOtaSyGTL61WtTyAlPCKvByr2hsvCx9RJYqBVbIlxnN4M4PxMcPkk61aTyalGXbUUQToGtQqU9hzVGnx9RNJcWqHrbwPxP24InkzSOAh4wB6rGEXP/s1600/125066_5488_pre_595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq08W-2Hf9LUgizPjyPhwUgGqupsESOtaSyGTL61WtTyAlPCKvByr2hsvCx9RJYqBVbIlxnN4M4PxMcPkk61aTyalGXbUUQToGtQqU9hzVGnx9RNJcWqHrbwPxP24InkzSOAh4wB6rGEXP/s320/125066_5488_pre_595.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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...until these peoples went all crazy and such! I mean come on Grey's...you got people stealing babies like they done lost their minds. And by the way...I'm guessing no one at Seattle Grace has ever read the book Boundaries. Just sayin'....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7r2jAi6-GtXU8oYSyJSNG3WVr-qwVhSa-xa1k9W0_hTZGA7w9I_3dW6Txk4bQaMEPfdzk4ZLeNl5xBXRp_RB2I-7B5TYYwyr_ds7av-2BjcJY8VZEGm5HGdrUiLPj2Ry0aq5Jg466XYc/s1600/293545_10150329665352389_506882388_7892134_607103566_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7r2jAi6-GtXU8oYSyJSNG3WVr-qwVhSa-xa1k9W0_hTZGA7w9I_3dW6Txk4bQaMEPfdzk4ZLeNl5xBXRp_RB2I-7B5TYYwyr_ds7av-2BjcJY8VZEGm5HGdrUiLPj2Ry0aq5Jg466XYc/s1600/293545_10150329665352389_506882388_7892134_607103566_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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Then it was off to take Bella for a little spin in her cute kitty transporter. I mean we have to get her ready for that 9 hour flight somehow. <br />
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This photo was taken at the beginning of our trip. By the end she managed to get herself totally underneath the blanket. Poor Bella boo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_Hqlv4EKZ9ag21d2b7qMdUi262abrHGsQAWtAIce9t__xVGqkuIhEeICsMeuoRV-BT2S8IKRMH-6KBV6ZKOa_QWkpg3DO2WwRimNKWY8knx9F9W1Kv7zQ8-B-oRIsFReqRf72R1NR_bg/s1600/301108_10150327094507389_506882388_7881137_942741129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Then I was feeling quite crafty...and was pretty much homebound...so what did I do? I made a 31 day personalized prayer journal for us. We had been using this poor system of sticky notes all over the place so I decided we needed to step it up a notch!</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_Hqlv4EKZ9ag21d2b7qMdUi262abrHGsQAWtAIce9t__xVGqkuIhEeICsMeuoRV-BT2S8IKRMH-6KBV6ZKOa_QWkpg3DO2WwRimNKWY8knx9F9W1Kv7zQ8-B-oRIsFReqRf72R1NR_bg/s1600/301108_10150327094507389_506882388_7881137_942741129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_Hqlv4EKZ9ag21d2b7qMdUi262abrHGsQAWtAIce9t__xVGqkuIhEeICsMeuoRV-BT2S8IKRMH-6KBV6ZKOa_QWkpg3DO2WwRimNKWY8knx9F9W1Kv7zQ8-B-oRIsFReqRf72R1NR_bg/s320/301108_10150327094507389_506882388_7881137_942741129_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_Hqlv4EKZ9ag21d2b7qMdUi262abrHGsQAWtAIce9t__xVGqkuIhEeICsMeuoRV-BT2S8IKRMH-6KBV6ZKOa_QWkpg3DO2WwRimNKWY8knx9F9W1Kv7zQ8-B-oRIsFReqRf72R1NR_bg/s1600/301108_10150327094507389_506882388_7881137_942741129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_Hqlv4EKZ9ag21d2b7qMdUi262abrHGsQAWtAIce9t__xVGqkuIhEeICsMeuoRV-BT2S8IKRMH-6KBV6ZKOa_QWkpg3DO2WwRimNKWY8knx9F9W1Kv7zQ8-B-oRIsFReqRf72R1NR_bg/s1600/301108_10150327094507389_506882388_7881137_942741129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">It's a 5/7' 3 ring notebook...and I added clear page protectors for the prayer (I typed out) and for pictures of people. We like to have a name with a face. So look out...prayers heading your way soon! </a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_SQEHfJOrGFnQOIgMoZ4KMVUq1J_XefYSeGNa84lrNxnTYL5OPK4O9M0QN5JrQW8jXSC869noAMV5S3pqNCFzlWsqr69Dgr0CpxlvwRmr1sdRpiozyK7TXbKgvGQkE1GXMs1gylyX9tu/s1600/netto-asda-bordesley-green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_SQEHfJOrGFnQOIgMoZ4KMVUq1J_XefYSeGNa84lrNxnTYL5OPK4O9M0QN5JrQW8jXSC869noAMV5S3pqNCFzlWsqr69Dgr0CpxlvwRmr1sdRpiozyK7TXbKgvGQkE1GXMs1gylyX9tu/s320/netto-asda-bordesley-green.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Then it was a big ole surprise (imagine me doing the happy dance) when I found out that "Getto Netto"...our local grocery store on the corner...was bought out by ASDA (Super Wal-mart) and is set to open next week!!! Before we had to drive like 20 minutes in traffic...yes I know this sounds so spoiled! :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPBoAO95sgcKOSpJsKseNIWubpSwwX0z8pb6_BA9v2yQAmIDmB4HLjSgQJssZ8mL0qAG5yaXA2i3CNaZLKlioHpllbnsO8FOBc7pZtTtjxgA9v0R0P3sUsxat_Jne40EAeYWgLYQdLScG/s1600/urges-Green-Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPBoAO95sgcKOSpJsKseNIWubpSwwX0z8pb6_BA9v2yQAmIDmB4HLjSgQJssZ8mL0qAG5yaXA2i3CNaZLKlioHpllbnsO8FOBc7pZtTtjxgA9v0R0P3sUsxat_Jne40EAeYWgLYQdLScG/s1600/urges-Green-Card.jpg" /></a>And in case your wondering...no word yet as to when J's appointment will be with the US Embassy in London. We are thinking it will be the end of October some time...but praying for sooner! As soon as we get his permanent residency approved (Green Card)...we can be in the States...Lord willing about 2 weeks later! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlEPuUMcPNeKCgSl8B3d2jHCcRD_rGElRFaUj-XSf1C3Tn3GA-MX8geSEgf9fjHKkZskPDbYH1PmIGHDvNtnl_U6EaL3eMHyXzjE5KUjzjwX5Ta6c_aY-n6qGcbUJyhZLQVWgQOqiUMyH/s1600/green_card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlEPuUMcPNeKCgSl8B3d2jHCcRD_rGElRFaUj-XSf1C3Tn3GA-MX8geSEgf9fjHKkZskPDbYH1PmIGHDvNtnl_U6EaL3eMHyXzjE5KUjzjwX5Ta6c_aY-n6qGcbUJyhZLQVWgQOqiUMyH/s320/green_card.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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And by the way...we laugh that they call it a green card...it actually looks like this...and most of them we have heard are pink. Does anyone know why they call it a green card? </div>
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Now its time to start wrapping things up. So I will end on something that happened today. I was and am so honored to be asked to share my testimony of how God has been my rock through my illness with a group of teenage girls from our church here in Carlisle! As soon as I was asked I knew what I would speak on...</div>
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"Don't Let Comparison Steal your Joy".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDPsANjjHOAQSZ1kC8PNFjtmAzGbgz15gm_E8W_R1JZ-WOK4xvw0Kprv_URCuvYbLa_pdEM2HkQI_htW1mf8J2xKKOMhId8DnEC834daVYdOXw_mkowrroulYMAj3vOwLe_T0SN0CqSd0/s1600/234443239_KpWGK3f4_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDPsANjjHOAQSZ1kC8PNFjtmAzGbgz15gm_E8W_R1JZ-WOK4xvw0Kprv_URCuvYbLa_pdEM2HkQI_htW1mf8J2xKKOMhId8DnEC834daVYdOXw_mkowrroulYMAj3vOwLe_T0SN0CqSd0/s320/234443239_KpWGK3f4_c.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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So often...especially as young girls...we tend to compare ourselves with other girls. This can get us into trouble quickly. One thing God has taught me through my illness is that even if you change on the outside...you are still SO BEAUTIFUL to Him. </div>
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So I hope to share that and encourage the girls to look ultimately to HIM for love and acceptance. I will let you know how that goes...it will be mid October...so please be praying over that!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F-2bsSX0Qm3hL-mlpYu8cDwhuQGr5VH9nEOqvoJB5DfoBHz194CCopIyWGpoym4_X03rEBYCUrv28uvaIndzoAPWWhuqMs19bqVbl4xYULMqDRJnNFGjSi43pKIlzaEUQXrBh2FGYqA2/s1600/broken+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F-2bsSX0Qm3hL-mlpYu8cDwhuQGr5VH9nEOqvoJB5DfoBHz194CCopIyWGpoym4_X03rEBYCUrv28uvaIndzoAPWWhuqMs19bqVbl4xYULMqDRJnNFGjSi43pKIlzaEUQXrBh2FGYqA2/s320/broken+heart.jpg" width="320" /></a>Well that's all for this week. Tune in next week to see how MOJO is getting on...and in the mean time...remember...whatever hurt you are going through as a person, a couple, or a family...God can take your broken-ness and mend it. Keep trusting Him because Life and all its quirkiness is truly <i>a beautiful thing</i>! </div>
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<br />Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-78266196039058451882011-09-17T16:01:00.018+01:002011-09-24T12:56:29.664+01:00Live for Today...Our week in Review<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Hello dear friends and family. We meet once again...and we are so happy that you are sitting down to spend some time with us. We want to give you a peek into our little lives in the hopes that it encourages you...makes you laugh...perhaps cry...but in all...show that we are just normal people living out this extraordinary life that our Father has given us hear on Earth. So thanks for stopping by and here we go!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aiD1-YltUTVvJm4s1FBmDKepHLHrsOaydxJkmkMk28Rjxt04bBwNInox9G1s9B1XVqZepgy8qY-t0graBjKN5kZsWlC2dJtcKspAhMXhxrZIaRrX_-Z4DG9VRhsj5AN3eLH3oZ4_QnR6/s400/twin-towers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653350592388504146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The week started off very somber as we recognized the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Seeing all the Facebook comments and youtube videos...the emotions came flooding back. It was a terrible thing that happened but God used it for good in so many ways. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">J and I were blessed to hear of one such story called "In My Seat"...the story of Steve Schibner, the pilot who was <i>supposed</i> to be on the flight that hit one of the towers. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUAx9CZaFLniKkz_zNMxmMuszxuS702swCb8Om1DEx5MGFKAhnIjhkDpJ_4h6o3bHUP4KfuDiF9KHVgHAxz3IvLCYVHvao6AuBRwrK_nr3Kfpom8LXl2qZfQck_E3WfON6XQI4qnEF7vJ/s400/steve.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653351665702231970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 283px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span">One thing he said that really struck a cord with me was "<i>Live everyday as if you are living on borrowed time". </i></span></span>Little did I know that this theme of living for today would be the theme for my week. No spoilers...but make sure you watch his testimony. POWERFUL!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cLj4akmncsA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Later on that day I began having good energy levels..something you take advantage of when you suffer from chronic fatigue. So we "lived for the moment" and called up some friends of ours to come round for some fellowship, food, and of course...some family photos! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNc54iEa9SOcrysj7QbimR5IS6L4Nj5I-kOuKHxBtWyusLSkPcfFLTudaMii80hR2-eARoKAAVvoHoRFQw3vmb5LFpLiBnk5K2fOLDo6O6jJnzvYhhJYwXsrenEes6gXt0FinR9jiRqoH/s400/DSC_3490.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653353070610914770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" >The MacKenna family have become such precious friends of ours. This is one of my favorites of the photo shoot. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMU7AOR8Il4nvPUBk41H9oioxHgA_vJ9m5ELFIe-phorGJ2DksP4WhanUKSxrL6DjX_iu_KGgXZqVuA-kRsKzKM5l4NOLWdxmjpRE8NgtpOxKr7aBmNIIbA-U1Oci_6IucnlPkkiHpCho/s400/DSC_3510.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653353075669804882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> Jenny and I, in particularly have become close as she is an American living overseas too! She has really helped me to settle well here in England...just in time to leave! Ha! We just love them to bits...but hope to see them soon when they come for a visit in the States! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf-JemugqfNFs32cXkS4I_NBHCqz87ZEW14Mqk1Gcw2D5ZgAej1aLKxzhJzYxqp3jAB4Yuos00d5dvjhQ9IV-DtNMC9_QvIs3ccHDvMXousRpzb1IAeAmEqNF4aU_ii6G-38pcXkzq6TS/s400/P1030075.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653357459918864594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The next day we were off to a prayer meeting at OM. When it came our turn to share...I just piped right up and started going down the list of where I'm at with my treatments etc. As I was talking it became so surreal that this is part of my life right now...and yes...I did have my pity party for a few hours afterwards. But then God reminded me that His Grace is sufficient for TODAY! Funny how God prepares your heart for what's coming next...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf8xVnjlV9HqWUoEGHlt5tqtGJ8cAlo9ONgi4kwWN0iL9IrCgQqRXIl-am-WQyN2uTbB96NrEJPP0WXyxzi_Y28bH4fO5qVThuboM7-jAvSbrU91dQ-0-WLQNjdd0kgcPbdC78BwAScDT/s400/IMG_0005.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653369401983969730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" >So they hubs...ain't he cute?...developed a lump on his lip about 2 months ago. We saw our regular GP about it...and after it not going away on its own...J was sent to see an Oral surgeon. I was super tired the morning of his appointment so J told me to stay home and rest...that "it will be fine". Hmm. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZ2yvCG49-velf52qRywdJy9eiIiSpEMEnc9IIj5oeQwUIQqXLqbc9ljPWTrISWMw0rtcUOtTqVtM9u1YnIm7F7rywI64Clx7X_NLPaf5PfT7uolY-be9g6496vOY_5MOXrJRNZYH_u4o/s400/300px-US_Navy_060522-N-9389D-149_Hospital_Corpsman_3rd_Class_Roland_Alferos_grabs_a_suture_from_a_dental_tray_while_assisting_with_oral_surgery_aboard_USS_Kitty_Hawk_%2528CV_63%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653369406551961458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 199px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" >They next thing I know...J walks through the door and says that he has a blocked mucous membrane that has to be removed pronto...like TODAY! So I got myself around and back we went to the hospital for his afternoon appointment. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" >What was supposed to be a small incision ended up being a deep one...needing 4 stitches. He is much better now...but it has taken him a few days of antibiotics and pain pills to get through it. Poor honey!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m0c_pqBHZJ0RUbBihHAw22J6wiVgmCRgi4JtazkuO1gptKrRJ6oZDLVUDstfKbMlgaTJM5tXoFqNzxu6aWrEKtuXYVpM2cFonVgtLl8Jreo4BozPQJvDvThpMMpkzso-hjoZw5_p4lq8/s400/blocksGrace3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653371549730674258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" >But him being sick made me realize two things. One...how much J does for me...and two how the Lord gives His SUFFICIENT GRACE when we need it! Praise the Lord I had abundant energy (not the norm for me) to be able to take care of my husband!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" >Speaking of Grace...I was going to still need more...as I went for my weekly bloods check the very next day. They were able to get the blood with no problems this time...unlike last week where it took many tries over a two day period. Part of the treatment I am on can do weird things to my veins...think of the movie Steel Magnolias and "Shelby are you driving nails?!" I know gross...welcome to my world. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdaZTXH_SZRzQg6PAMUz_RyVIj6Kpo2d9XHeJbOSytT9p4eP3Mxhh9uadvG0VaVML4PeUksl50wr4c3YlPUzZhBgdTdw_1k3aq0PZ2CIVD4v0YdfTPtFbT2EdJFj6wdb_hoXTS9dip5LJ/s400/51PU2V9B1EL._SL300_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653373382812069442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 300px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">But please be praying over my liver as my enzymes seem to be a bit high...which could just be a reaction to some of the treatments. Please pray its not permanent and that I can continue the treatments as scheduled. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We'll let you know more about that after our Doctor appointment next week. And on a more positive note: J thinks I may have a bit more energy than normal. I don't really see a big difference yet...but I am hopeful...and plan to keep on "living for today".</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> But putting the medical stuff aside... most of my week was full of wonderful things. Like...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKO6Aqy_m8Uiy31E3eJbhD0w2xMUfB1w_8SK4hHsaBHJEkoPvnCOUZ-BwKJkQqwdCyvIG-MfbmKw2sVqkCEh-eByusNpJYLXFF3KeQXj5gwLgSSyuMxmGwruHa8nkT0Llwp0wV4DgFPHp/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653373979421156562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" >I made my first Chocolate Cream Pie for a friend's birthday and it was a hit! And I was so good and only had 2 small slivers over the course of the week...I mean come on...should I deprive myself when we are talking about chocolate???</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrApX4ggjwzM8FvrqJ17XZt0G-rVGzWTJJizWhES-mVBu-I-76-3_j3KyWTpC2aPy8uOfmnh6nsth9sFoq2iPnB8wDdBvee1cvc_LxSJCkHj8gVEEa2TmBo_m_NCpTcQrB6QwqMoryAdfR/s400/parenthood.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653374750827949602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" >Also Parenthood Season 3 premiered. J and I LOVE this TV show...we laugh...we cry...and even though we don't have children yet...we relate with a lot of what is portrayed. If you haven't seen it...its worth a gander!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8zn5DLntIiZ5tYUYcw7kD4CA9AsT0jpiB9G06zSA3Rii3mehuVYo9R7HcMSPi6vQ3S8rZfvIKm-2Euns6E8NpXJhse5LRKC39lJvKejbmRhBFbKCYNGPAbDGHpJyviCHZu472C_62CLR/s400/business-blogging-notionscapital.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653375823874791810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" >And the highlight of my week came when I was blessed to teach blogging to a 65 year old precious lady on her birthday. Just goes to show you that you are never too old to learn. I am so excited for her!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Well that's about all for this week. I hope you are blessed and encouraged as you read this and remember to "<i>Live everyday as if you are on borrowed time"</i>!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-19180457779638981412011-09-03T18:24:00.017+01:002011-09-03T22:14:35.202+01:00London, Shipping Containers, Do You Remember...<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv64KapRPRYXIjAfxgchyphenhyphenGSRxb7fKHPcUDTtWa9hPENrAEXu4wijyNbqY_iQCJRN6dqJZvu44H-a3zkkTIQ2TZHJKuH0PQCtSd9-Akg4P-Nfqqsp-jOp_SVYz7Dug16ixovRlQ3Q2LDlnG/s400/IMG_0063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648196212534327426" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;"><b>Well back by popular demand...its our week in review. Hope you are doing well as you read this. Let me just say...I can't believe it's already September. </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><b>WOW. The</b></span><b> trees here in England are starting to sport their new colors. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">And on that note I thought I would start off with a little bit of music. I-E-I...dancing in September...I-E-I...do you remember... the 21st night of September... </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">Now that you have that in your head...your welcome...here we go!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSqqtxIa8_-4lSiBzUR7WpZ6cFcExVKUzv_hgs1xMqoBZ-6R5W4VdkRFLZuwmVPzQHgHVeNDknm2l3nB3-kVZXFDjI3WosHDepDqS12peZkk_Fi1gsNnu7EU1CS-iDY0V0H8waUnUdR8w/s400/IMG_0064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648187503835997682" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">Our week started in a frenzy with a trip to London. We had to go for the medical exam part of J's visa requirements. So we hopped on the train and off we went. It was so neat to see the beautiful country side and then the big city as we approached! Above is honey with our awesome luggage waiting for the train at Carlisle Station.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4OIQh43b1hNvqqv_xExBcannsh8ZQ68IjjSmgYTmRSoxthLnISD9tjlpSfit6OycYyx6B7dwgy7d7g99MvIDYZ1FOr51gPXnEsaIMktMujxpemLrf0AC1xEbP_uiWRWlER1lUIWlrQzR/s400/IMG_0071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648187496361097538" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>Me enjoying the scenery. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1XoYD2H1GO2vybuZp_b73D6SGUkHa736JagLvHMJlwFU0cK3JhOcV1_re9G1lh9z4LSnl-KP-r_BE5nO5M4IxtI3DqlTFth2NHMHhv8bU5Ydja4hMrKbvYaodhFxN5tF_WoLuPfm9j-W/s400/IMG_0065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648187506833210050" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>It was so stunning going through the Lake District.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>
<br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">While I was enjoying the sights, the hubs spent most of his time mixing...a new hobby he has taken up...and is really good at! We're working on his DJ name and will get back to you.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoCwm-VqVJ0bjHtaXNnyAJZQyqTr8YEQw4E6A6jqqT0QyxWsnqnNEGcAdVKbUcO-akldsO26-j0cU56iOUysjH_QQR2Gt7_K61G6Sd_Sd0J_MJq49k5flS4tFoDJTuvTFeGpFSZ7qIZKV/s400/IMG_0074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648187511937774930" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></b></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">So we arrived 3 hours later... safe and sound in London. It is so neat there with all the classic big red buses (and yes made me think of OM Ireland). </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qIn6ON2DVX6tQZAIzYej9lraxa76wa07jmatWUNPM5ik469rWcqAQHtAkYc43Jq5ESHBY2W2aArqQD4Kg5ryxweRg922HXhPO30hinNo0bwTKGpL4OAujgXcuSIicv4QNqAHNvGJI44J/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648190456256858194" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>We got unpacked at the B&B and then went out for some dinner. We were surprised to see a line of about 400 teenagers waiting to get into a club. Come to find out it was someone's sweet sixteen party. The cops were all over it though...rightly so with what had happened in the past weeks with the riots. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQayJUkpta9pR0s973dRSgberlrAjQbJBGHm9ucsxmGCJkwu8dL0SHeFrpdXCA46Ujxpol5NplmCbYboDZaZ9leZgJ2Zd8Z6J9tdQAFitTdzcyIODStSyTQ8lQnHC-McSg-b-mv3cDLHRJ/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648190461612252082" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">Notice the Evangelical Church in the background. As we past we were praying for the young people to come to know Him and not get swallowed up by the world. As I saw the girls dressed to the hills...it touched a nerve as I can remember back in the day... being all about keeping up appearances and not knowing a thing about my Heavenly Father. My heart went out to these young girls. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt-poLPRW966gUcyjIyeQBBN3KHQQsMtpkuld1ECQv17RWSdQEPgNTWytd9CcFMZYpGp7_fRgMTslWby3S2YrJAl4aCbtIbW_dg1L4lIkc4RV98enHDf7WsBK4Xen-tMxr0DRXZtxEOma/s400/IMG_0076.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648190456827113170" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><b>Then it was back to the B&B for a good nights rest...I was exhausted by this time. We woke early the next morning to take the train on in to the city for J's medical exam.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8ymf8fdHBA4XuoMXyBodBgCr9251Z4ZmSij492bkPRTpg3wJAmb1xLHCES4hXu2LLg2UuNVZKBHu3u_vwlF-crCPBy0DZ3B0lybNReFKhHZAoXutYUfYolKut76HmkgfdowYpCJ1uaNr/s400/IMG_0078.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648190465114952242" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>Little did we know we would be right in the middle of morning rush hour. OH MY WORD! This was the mad scene...where people were pushing their way onto the trains...at one point we even saw people being held inside the train by others so the door would close!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQkflXoEqM7bsr5uMBsW3f9KOSXF749tVqldmgPPd561CDtKBdMT-1OKS2fSr1ozvLhlfi4pWtikdZSxkDImyNcwMSU62QzY2f4RDWZgO4jWt0xQzA-sbXCvcMcpHOEgMFmpF16BPYQNq/s400/IMG_0079.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648190470650365314" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>So we finally made it to the medical exam appointment. As part of J's visa requirement for permanent residence to the US...he has to undergo this exam...and get a bunch of jabs (British term for shots). </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>I didn't take any pictures inside as the Embassy folks don't mess around. But as I sat waiting for J I was surrounded by all these people...hoping to become immigrants. I really imagined myself back in time at Ellis Island...and hearing all the new immigrants talk about how they were going to have a new life in America. It brought tears to my eyes...I know...I'm a sap. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>
<br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbsZMYwBHqdHkc88d2pBBwhCH_Y1aaPNULAtq_HIc51Tm9ckJpJGrpF-fZqWntjfLOPZDsAmw0m9JdHBZX_UK59-sizd-v80IfzvL9SaBmWqmiLhFwBW4_X-oxbgRAYv_gepmlMt4_b_8/s400/DSC_3437.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648200384577091490" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">After drying the tears it was off to do a little sight seeing. This was my first time to London so J was eager to show me around. I felt like a queen! Speaking of...</span></span></b></span></span></div><div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lJT610ji4FrhI06v5Zn6gUdp3qy99N30sYIqRE-E7UAD4XMF-u19E6V7yXKDWWoCRY2YlHe40DIjf1P-CpDHRH4V2qXjoxUzy1rUWs_GRdxe9RJKUzOUaFOjYVmxbpqZp7AAaNibWB2v/s400/DSC_3427.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648200392780064002" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">No...we didn't get to meet her like you may have been thinking...silly you! But we did get see where she lived. Here is us outside Buckingham Palace.</span></b></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMt32XNWqqaGVmqcB6I72r0089I_UJn4wIxEzX_pZAqfrUAOU3I6xPGOREk6uN0cEfEjWq5O3YePAuIzk_SK6x7u__7DDgvUeAmHC4gsQ6-5cOBMiQNWamK2UQYLTvrKvvuHkA5SfTEo94/s400/DSC_3446.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648200393311031202" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></b></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">Here is J at the Tower of London. Glad they didn't keep him! By this time we were both so tired that we called it a day and went back to the B&B. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">The next day it was a train trip home... where we kept the ball rolling...and we were off to about a billion and one medical appointments. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">Oh...and our cat Bella was super happy to see us again. She had a good kitty sitter to keep her occupied while we were gone though. Thanks Miss Helen!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfTRr6ODG1cOLcEpwdA8jF0l6_j7N1CcDk4MwW9ZiDikleyAFJVb2QZ7piZpaofkTxEep1rVkDjOHyBA9GaczIAo5QaC-3XqNqmQYq-t6HTyiuPUiP6zIw0KD_nmTqT523JQbEqkW5Qjr/s400/IMG_0062.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648196207194128434" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I think she loves her daddy...especially when she gets to lay on his laptop!</span></span></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf8PmAfr7uHSXVMbY-Yldv0EnmupegOYg0gb168bjzCGq9cHUsqNYo1y_cRgv9_HUdHpmwIZ3oowjwaf4pClZ_oOKUlskzwVPCzp3i8bqiqPujrpLrB1weYv_iqTwdbHGgFQ5L18beCMh/s400/DSC_3417.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648201116085220482" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><b>Kisses for mommy...or not...</b></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwauCg82mF2hvAZUKYLsj0n3hyphenhyphenGfFNJOHn4yRPs4MLx2zQz4YsfxiZUynIptOkvRonWvzWZtXo-WbPCYe-u6K2bK-JlYznm_4PVTDXx5g_NDfqkP0g658iPbxcsUVmFhxVY5uh5lCzRFB1/s400/Grinding+Teeth+Guard_4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648195827928986834" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px; " /></span></b></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;"><b>Then it was off to the Dentist for my final appointment. As I was saying my goodbyes I began to tear up...it was a </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><b>sad moment... a realization that many of the medical staff have become like family.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">So I kept a stiff upper lip as much as I could...remember me telling you I was a sap? </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">Also remember me telling you last week I now have to wear a night guard because I supposedly grind my teeth. The Dentist said it was due to stress. Speaking of stress...</span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2_UMihgL_NE3V15-9OVSUiIPPKzaVbO9MfCI8vd6YbJGKinEIS4FFyBDWr_nSceeMpwwfKUfG7giU_xM_HKsJHyTSP5oLIhtnDNs37L95MKn1UZWla8ZUP9E7Db1lTPdZ644uq1MmAwN/s400/IMG_0084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648194166576012402" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></b></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">We saw this photo while waiting in the Doctors office. I was there for a blood check for a treatment I started last week. When we saw this poster on how to avoid stress we had to laugh. If you can't read it...it says "Avoid too many changes at any one time-new house...new job...new partner." Ha!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj070_HkUibEun8NIV-GFY3Eb3aBMb5VIGu3e6hkepsk-kCMXsZc-oUJzKPUb9cmKjogiOiNduq0pN3yDIMbVqIfFagIMW1g7l9D-oS2N0PrdZUQkdakxtn5EFnZo8jBSvLiWWo96a-SdyU/s400/port-shipping-containers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648196214209949746" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px; " /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">We rounded out the week with several hours on phone calls and emails...trying to sort out some of our transitioning. One huge thing...being our shipping. We were able to share a container with another person...however it is still pricy. If you would like to know how to help with this...please let us know. :) </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMme9Zu0XmLKeL2Fpp1TkfpfBp-tWmJLS-7Ew9dzwrj_2cYsK3josZjqa6y2xh0GcgJvFKQgUsQANHAyO5XbobdPoSw8CEm-vXDER-bifJLT8Fl1lHbgdf3fxGQEND4815Cg3BEbz_Htq/s400/Debenhams-airbrush1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648196217600699618" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px; " /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>Then for a bit of retail therapy the hubs took me to Debenhams...its like a Dillards or Macy's compared to the US. The reason I REALLY REALLY wanted to go there was...they were having a 70% sale. OH MY WORD! And score...I got a really cool blazer...originally £50 for only £5! Gotta love a good deal like that!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwuXl7SkEW5kn5jJpaQEaRHOLG6QaRf1kzHNfnL87FNsPtijgDDrw17Cg28Alu40ZXo6p8W_KOz05orZv7oThKH9gwdYpKjcd9y_VnVE6v-Gsjvf-fV8ft1p0sGNN73Qnax0NJJdpaooz/s400/138239610_9Ogzakf9_c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648204614207494290" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 370px; " /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;" ><b>And yes...I envision myself looking as cool as this when I wear it. Speaking of cool...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlY4IME86WJ3voAd-sJCrklwmgNBNUfMLnrl1C4ccwJB3DKHDe5mL4W2NrVIt4J5ssw_NyUlyauhwaTf5bcksCuw91tL_6IBivE5kWnXZd3Fy9ZJvRTd-WkaBViZ937bw0TwDcA5j6frWe/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlY4IME86WJ3voAd-sJCrklwmgNBNUfMLnrl1C4ccwJB3DKHDe5mL4W2NrVIt4J5ssw_NyUlyauhwaTf5bcksCuw91tL_6IBivE5kWnXZd3Fy9ZJvRTd-WkaBViZ937bw0TwDcA5j6frWe/s400/IMG_0060.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648187493208439538" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></b></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how your week was...we are just as interested in cyber stalking others as they are us! :) Have a good week!</span></b></div></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-91468348654488007202011-08-21T09:27:00.019+01:002011-08-21T14:03:19.347+01:00Week in Review-Cold Water, Teeth, & Mustard Seeds...<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Well we had such a positive response to our last RANDOM update of our life's happenings that we thought we would do it again! Thanks for tuning in...and being interested in our totally crazy, sometimes funny, but lovely life...a little bit weird that people would like it so much...but nonetheless...here it goes...</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOatlbgBTgTG9fCidLGcQamUefQYqrltd_Y0ho2hldYPGWXngctLNezTVwrI4Kkb7GCB2MjQourWFgGVaY9SzAetdJmN9iyyfGeMH0JjNMcDo3LZfv89bBa6JGbR01Dru8KIKddKpyRnha/s400/pastor_johnny_hunt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643236574654370274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 367px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>The week started off like normal...getting our weekly church on. Well we had to tune in on line to FBCW because I (Mary) was a little unwell. Great sermon from Pastor Johnny Hunt on Kingdom Living...and even greater reminder how we are all called to be "Missionaries"...wherever the Lord puts us. That means whether living overseas like us or in your school or work. And by the way...we love us some Pastor Johnny!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp35eI7i7PLamJfT460ModN-RxuW2jZb6k9lijs4hlKmDKWxu3ilUl1Tk7R58OKCs-TbRZ3RFIc0PVduyNh6GSwdJu0ptnwSVWkqvMofkOtsuIK_MercXcinREYCZohkCy__TPHVLgQRr_/s400/peds068a2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643238312235202562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px; " /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Then it was time to begin a week long of test & check ups for me (Mary). We had taken a bit of a holiday (10) glorious days...and specifically stayed away from anything medial. First up we did a random check of my kidneys. I had been having some pain and with my illness (LUPUS) there sometimes can be some kidney involvement. But all was good...just some scar tissue from when I had kidney stones in the past.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbUO4pZkyK9DCzNLq13jwU2wC_DGWIU3VZ3_VSrpZqyEdMpeEnDSGpVdbWLgCtFK6c8mZ4YohNgTw7-sHzLctjHhTV00ecdHhgGhHnY2dTv56SwKM6rulfMCuZZVkWkyhuoa825Bglw7L/s400/Soul-Surfer-500x500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643239364062985586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Then it was movie night...where we finally got to watch Soul Surfer...based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton. It had a lot of positive Christian influences through out the movie. We really enjoyed it...well except the bit with the shark attack!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8qCXMlOfQXtzvcHlwl8s9ZhpP1myhSQuA-xoNAfuE-Ytb-m7H_trAfJ0Y83_3491We20Wt6hOJ7oNhd4We2laiqSrqlJPSA432OrICrMLKbzkV1BS35ImSSASiCBPvib96AR4yNZHD3H/s400/bethany-hamilton-acm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643245998975808322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></b></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>The Real Bethany Hamilton</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>The next morning we awoke to prepare for medical appointments for both of us. But we had a very unpleasant start to our day when our lovely hot water boiler decide to go wonkers on us! This is how it felt when I (Mary) got a blast of ice cold water every two minutes! J was much better at keeping his composure! :)</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UUoqbZpcqKAgXakg98ANJWnASVcbgdEJKmj6khyphenhyphenrvjcEx4-fji6s_M1IHbUr9zALvB5uYTJp17xD9hxsHX8usm08kInZOLI1Lke8s9MlLWo2guAoWQpHzitzETVP8P788KmAS7qiFyqd/s400/psychoREX0105_468x461.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643240077706099906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 394px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Next stop...the dentist for me (Mary). Well glory...come to find out a few weeks back at a previous appointment that I am a teeth grinder. So bad as a matter of fact that I am grinding them away to little nubs. The dentist said it is most likely due to stress...hmm...now what could I be stressed about? :) </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XXpWU_tPxaXhnbE-gNSpU3z6u91TvplsZOYqB5FJT6Qz-kr8RKfhqBsx-jNkdpn76Dgu2y15sZU1fBm4YfjV5SJls19ZiPzKxbe_kEyR1SayAR259b-vSoWOVUV-T1lAE3dHw90OjT4p/s400/teeth-grinding1.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643241289587006834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 250px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">So I am getting fitted for a night guard. For joy! But at least this explains why I wake up with a sore jaw in the mornings!</span>
<br />
<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSfIRmyDmxfunAeDDhtDYkgcoQrEqsCAxtFirwltwm7UO_xP9OJkCgD9YZS8Ha8s5_rXnL7rlnFhrSKihSNd3kJJR1QvgZy7OlWGMf1SgxoJvfnst-046Et4yNdzviMX30kPUC7lqvd_q/s400/Grinding+Teeth+Guard_4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643241116539541202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px; " /></b></span></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Then it was poor honey's turn and he had to get some jabs (British term for shots). He has to show proof of all of his inoculations as part of his visa process requirements...and because his childhood records are missing...he's going to have to get them all over again and have one sore arm! I did the proper wife duty and cuddled him with many "poor little bunny" comments. He said this was his version of the man flu. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipE3jE-BRQsm6MyuofUJyC_-V_yi7FRnC7WSzWy8E6HReeIoWPgprvHs5ab5eFU5QGkCvYDZZZmhXWtUvAP-Hqk6cbaJBQAbCPN64wWerLcraOdUyaFha-rfpXxh_GcGeTXJzy6-88bYhD/s400/immunization.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643243065539098162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 231px; " /></b></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Speaking of the visa process...we are a few steps closer as we booked our trip to London for the medical exam part of the requirement. Below is a picture of the US Embassy in London...J's been there before and says it looks like a fort!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBVYik9QskHvc8To4kNbh82wYB8umL6_txS3hlZ6ZIH45vqgbvNzASX3iZkelLXi2RB3eCuxJDHE-NaN-LBN0B1MMeCtWrltdrDbWGHsB5Fh_lX4XL6lhV8obxvCHlJKfeCGoOc9omrF4/s400/c22500501p_Cushman_%2526_Wakefield_-_Ambassade_des_Etats_Unis.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643242462879099970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>After a few days of running to appointments here and there I took a breather and began a new challenge...food journaling. I am trying to connect what I eat by how it makes me feel. Its already been a year since J and I have started down the road of better eating (more organic, natural...less dairy...less meat, etc). But we are wanting to step it up. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT_DylJYhYn7q0F23U2p1kL8AvGQdxYAK9Gt0NqrKKM3MlLTJ8MdC_Nrd835DLjX5-ycn13fL-Ugx9i350Nkr4fs5_i-nHlR_sFgWN3CX5aTc8p4TDDach3cv1W0Bxl3NDK2t0x2P5zTU/s400/istock_000001693653small.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643248002804931010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px; " /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>So this is the next step which will hopefully lead to some new foods...like more raw foods and different dairy alternatives to try. One of my favorites I have to say is Almond milk. It has tons of fiber and nutrients...low calorie (about 60 cal for 8oz glass)...and really helps the muscles to absorb protein for energy. Something I (Mary) desperately need!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvaL4Lp1opzpR33VUudmzGNZZXpwS6NgvfiquILcCzm-2I-e1TZUuA5jLWgS_B-x1z8yC-OZW1AfpcFU9AGDR7qq88d27Ddh95YH8zTCRM-Vh6QI0hVGdHoNWT4OJ2RmiSu7MHhUMrQt1/s400/How-to-Milk-an-Almond-fresh-homemade-almond-milk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643248003371802226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Also going to try for the first time diary cheese alternatives. Hmm. I will let you know how this turns out. One thing I've learned...just because it is healthy...if it taste like garbage I'm not going to stick with it! So our advice...take your time and find things that are healthy and that you actually enjoy! </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_8qVb2aaJZgcfklG-FqWv9OPmQmmU_Gan0IxbN_7zGGC8nQ5u8ZHD6LQjbEmk9dRw7EFBIkGsJABr7_mOMYM3mxzOpO9BGIKjab-2FL7QwwcgRUSMJqsV-98t32kvR_ujToVklzKEVbv/s400/sheese_smokedcheddar2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643247996017735026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>Speaking of food...really loved being reminded of having faith like a mustard seed. Not faith of a GIANT...but just small faith that is living and growing...is all you need to see God at work in your life. Don't know about you but we sure are praying in faith for a lot of things...sometimes we wonder if He hears us...but this week...we got that assurance again through His blessed Word! Read Luke 17:6. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vPhlYGcQp9PLaVSlMqYMNgCUkIH8Y8Qr3NfmvfQvimQ8y2IV-4EbT84r9SAmhQXn2C39DkiJ_ubhSz4RPJ5PGvvYAnTrzGhflvGwgv5mSwbt15IlapKYA_r8iQVjGUeEiqUO7oKeMPfV/s400/MustardSeed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643250009800050674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px; " /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>Look how tiny that thing is!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>We ended our week with a date night. It happened to be our 18 month anniversary! </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQDmE8XA_RZv0mQbLEYhJjGdWiAzmKirTlSQ6oFOXnJMQhi1akh34aRNhpk9a27XsvJoy1IUGyKdVMbx9Z17yBoDKYonWlfJANO3fox9RiwziUqYG7yDpnNcx8EVeNOSPYQ4wVyclSey0/s400/mary_022010_115952.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643250767815367010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>So we went out for a movie...a treat for us. I (Mary) was also having a good energy day so actually was able to enjoy myself...well kind of. Honey and I have been wanting to see Cowboys and Aliens. The hubs loves sci fi and I love westerns so we thought it would be a great choice for us. Hmm. Let's just say that it was about one of the goriest and violent films we've seen in a while...which didn't help my stress level...good thing I'm getting that night guard for my teeth! </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkXfWjDou165LFXtXUEZt4J_1hywVZOD-FkSL1DgrrUkkDHUH0ouRlmAP3IlTcXCT6oqGZnP-hNmW-dhcInQsEK8s6oG7vsvlcIaIiN_FtjVZrpw5D_xTx2KjzU2ngNOuPEUAhBmJRFUV/s400/cowboys_and_aliens.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643252022093315970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px; " /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>
<br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>But nonetheless...we enjoyed just being together. How was your week?</b></span></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-49066717014646366752011-07-30T09:12:00.016+01:002011-07-30T11:37:07.032+01:00Productivity...Our Week in Pictures<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99cGQpzyz0hTigGzKM5I2M_YjNZdJoD2W9q2RPT1If26ti15LQaO7ty_6R4mRg6KjWD3mhYD3IHrn_Kql9WrNG2LRpcBE_gLMOlCNLc3mekeV83dgRd39CLsqGmMWUJutbqpRIdemqjcO/s1600/TV20Guide2020003A235.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TFq5Evwi4ZeUpxdkAxiJ4o5_gJgws-fJNSHx9w5cGKH3x5CRYQKM7ZI08QGdpvpFxHSznfPZ2UbndliSslNzipttdDHztwP9Uqj1cAo5_WnwWFF9vxiNspl5hU1biKhq1CypHX4vQkVe/s1600/DSC_1954.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Whew! I don't know about you but this week has flown by for me. I'm just now sitting down to recap all that we accomplished/did this week and all I can say is that we certainly took on the motto "get er' done"!</b></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TFq5Evwi4ZeUpxdkAxiJ4o5_gJgws-fJNSHx9w5cGKH3x5CRYQKM7ZI08QGdpvpFxHSznfPZ2UbndliSslNzipttdDHztwP9Uqj1cAo5_WnwWFF9vxiNspl5hU1biKhq1CypHX4vQkVe/s400/DSC_1954.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635056272637025298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>The week started like any other...heading off to church. But this week was a little different as I delivered a promo DVD I've been working on for their Ladies Retreat. It turned out really good if I do say so myself and like I told them...they can use it for at least the next few years...or until the clothes go out of style!</b></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdhBBPRN-a9viscQpwmbt57THYXbMh23csElJqOC-8s_EhpnIaeF-IpXuVH_rHn2tutPD8c-ktdsJ8hQaNR-Mo5L3vS4FI-qXgv5EqRUIB_F8lO60ay6EVV_DPeL-Zh4sEPfjhEOa4pvz/s400/DSC_3304.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635062024055429250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>The next day we went on a date day to a nearby town called Penrith...such a quaint little town with really neat shops. My heart did overtime when we spotted this famous British print from the 1950's called Mother's Pride. And score...got it at a charity shop for only £3 ($5)! You can just imagine the two ladies gossiping while hanging their laundry and the little boy wanting some attention. This is a very common scene even today in our neighborhood!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWSgZops_3D4I5cXJR3-uLet5BE90aKwIbGgpHYfpza1uTKhiybgx6eyTTHoJMbHLUq1Rj2VhC9kryh9AUpshJpv4c-NAjroPkpV8VLbjoYCsRZjMHhrFyvgUUjUXwRyzG7LMR4KSRUP7/s400/r.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635063578885655362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Then came our normal doctor visits...this week they took what seemed like a pint of blood! And then we had to hand deliver it ourselves within 1 hour's time to the local lab. We felt like we were in a movie where the heros rush to deliver the life saving blood to the person in need. Yeah...we're cool like that...you have to make light of a heavy situation somehow! :)</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkTfVTR72rn2xWQxQpTyWdYOJqDzwPuN2PlOYlBx3fEQiBq095GJN2mvFmqB6E_0GmnCyX1cXcJZH94v70r7-b_RhoRhqf7AvyPEhehBuDoi6Ww7Xz_aWVX-6boj-8Jay8PxWw0_qD2X5/s400/cafe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635063875339166402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>Next stop was our town's grand opening of the new garden center...yes this is a big deal. We enjoyed the free wifi and sipped a fab caramel latte...and of course people watched!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePzG8L6Tj2mzf_psa8Iy1kJVWKJJducEDw8P2YRPwNRRLxzPlVyIxxjJag5pJXESWf5XIKs9qe3xP9tgsrnudutu_r3IXeosYTGGmhb4bmMaDMlCUoEJE8ZH-3ebMjuB9wxtgmnXYgshA/s400/DSC_3307.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635063881755178626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>Also bought this fab sign for only £5! Love it! Think it will look really good in our future hallway!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LxuwpiuEvZpjgF7l6J96Wu5Uc8HKylZoCv4S8e7x7QyT6e7ch2Xi8s1jNyht12FHCv6jFD2rdTqE21aElZ98F258Y-RC5ITF_-vt0V2JvEJmiU5Gw1oqQEFMkC5Cswp2YAmkVzkPbeZB/s400/England-Yorkshire-West-Liversedge-stone-house-in-summer-1-AJHD.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635064975912047378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 326px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>Also have enjoyed going for walks this week in the beautiful sunshine. Yes...it is this beautiful here! </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5p5I5kkoigeaJHLMP7vSHBeKwhc-kflMruDvC_26P9nte1QdKEFE5X7k7dLz7pKXmrYG-7uhuxDk0UfqWwq0BHJuPPJFMa8qWOCrdhY09Nss0mjmfkO114hyphenhyphenF4KkmZX6v8hvwCNjqaxu/s400/google_plus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635064979141981282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 400px; " /></span></span>Then my hubby invited me to the new google plus (like facebook but you can do video chats more easily). He has been using that more than me...while I have been getting addicted to...</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWdvrDhe49l5BuvbI1If7Xow2jaisWngBZB9NNiOjgRvVYdo2MX70BAzPGdq4t8ss3ewjPCxE8QoKzvqda9nNWrqlA6-ZtgJD3kIr177xX-v94ntL3OrCEW3aZKTcTUcPQKG2ROCC7v-L/s400/pinterest.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635064981156596210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>Oh yes...Pinterest! Warning...once you are on it you will spend HOURS researching. Within 2 days I've started 13 boards and have 89 pins! The idea is that it is like a virtual cork board that you pin ideas on...like menu ideas, decorating ideas, etc. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>You have to be invited to both of these so let me know if you are interested. Super fun! Check out the funny "truth" about Pinterest above! :)</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFug7mwc_gY6uaL7jdeEJnEo503gFWJ1uSfvnODrrPnMNmcihRi4rrmYvB2lnStw6NvClLdqun0XRfaa8FjwuT_0JZiKpr3AghLgreLJgYjRq9vsBwRp4HVIrSYhjeSmWiWmWAXy0Srz8B/s400/US-passport.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635064975924235410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>Then my passport came back! Yeah! I had to send it off to the US embassy in London to get extra visa pages as I only had 2 left. Supposedly you can be denied entry to the US if you only have 2 pages. Wouldn't that be something if J got in and I didn't! But all is sorted now!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11c0lNxXi3WpwFUPdIlHVVfmDGrkZinDCzlypR3t8ZfgVQ96Uvdc3VgjCtEY3ecQ4mxDa0etTqaAtEzrzwKdgEvDB42XkUTAgXGa_fHPRJWRa-xV-HdKrF6qVDGUavzfzB7UVRg-VvEju/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-30+at+10.04.45+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635069026786439282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 375px; " /></b></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>It was also time for us to update our newsletter and website. Something that has been on our to do list for a while. We got the newsletter out...hope you enjoyed it...and are almost finished with updating the website...we think you will like it too! Let us know if you are not signed up...and we'll sort it out. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Here is the link: </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=26ca2b03fd15b8067f189790c&id=2c78f1f149&e=[UNIQID]"><b>http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=26ca2b03fd15b8067f189790c&id=2c78f1f149&e=[UNIQID]</b></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99cGQpzyz0hTigGzKM5I2M_YjNZdJoD2W9q2RPT1If26ti15LQaO7ty_6R4mRg6KjWD3mhYD3IHrn_Kql9WrNG2LRpcBE_gLMOlCNLc3mekeV83dgRd39CLsqGmMWUJutbqpRIdemqjcO/s400/TV20Guide2020003A235.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635071599305109666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Then my hubby was called to save the day when his crew (who are at an event in Germany) called to say that they had forgotten a very important part of a specific camera...called the Jib (the tall thing that pans over a crowd). Anyhoo...he was able to help sort out getting it and shipping it to them just in time! Yes...he is a hero in many ways!</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JcmGC2kRN8uEVeFcMMN6WWx-DZ6nC7tv8aZaGj8CqkjpJqHG1NUbHKJmp8QcC3fzToaTkcJpNnU9cbayZcebcayWQIWDOGRcAxJBQyZ8SzC7l6DxNPKrO-d8o6gQ62Ci-2Ni_qpn2zy4/s400/DARTS.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635064985276348146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 331px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>Then it was off to our neighbors for dinner and darts night! We had such a great time...really going to miss them. I loved playing darts again...something my brother taught me many years ago. Guess I still have "it"...I won 2 out of the 3 games! J managed to split a dart with a second one...throwing it directly on the dart itself...that is not common! He has good aim! We have decided to buy a dart board when we move to the States. Anyone up for a game? </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko41kzvWJoZMG7huzJ8IevSGVCJ7ZCPGE7tfIs407HJZjgufTI589zhCFbztEeWcHZs9ffmJLC5Lqm9AnYMDO1QrLj4TTS9UpAgiwh7Prnz1W4X3FW5ImfHWkJySKa9Re6g2tVymJl8wR/s400/5+easy+2007+JPEG.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635067524816438194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px; " /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>Then we ended our week doing a little grocery shopping. My honey spotted this new pen and bought it for me! It is called the Stabilo pen and it is designed to allow you to have better hand writing...something I desperately need! Also is easier to use...especially when you have arthritis in your hands. I highly recommend it! Of course he bought me the pink one! </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;"><b>Over all it was a great week...productive...fun...and gorgeous weather to boot. How was your week? </b></span></div></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-29075213856699878172011-06-16T09:01:00.008+01:002011-06-17T10:51:15.534+01:00Sweet Words...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30TO4d6VWzHTO_Rk8sR-adaOORbrY4ECEECxOmXfbvvC1mF_p1opxY0bkVCMTX-85aovIg3WzKPhMDfBz4A-kX__YRihdGsDAU70GxykJG5yFzA1u8jQJX7FHCxyT2iD15_ndWTQ_RTEU/s1600/DSC_2959.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B3BO0_Z6OpKuV-xsc8lFsVP_qtfv5udl2IKKl308xjv7tsp_5sYmzW5k_Nf8j_l9eay3JjHvfb2lL6eCpIHeHtP5aGiEFpB-n-4hEJWnUJOJ9q2ES0BeArZllnu_hzeztMeNcw5KAINe/s1600/90806store3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B3BO0_Z6OpKuV-xsc8lFsVP_qtfv5udl2IKKl308xjv7tsp_5sYmzW5k_Nf8j_l9eay3JjHvfb2lL6eCpIHeHtP5aGiEFpB-n-4hEJWnUJOJ9q2ES0BeArZllnu_hzeztMeNcw5KAINe/s400/90806store3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618741252970057106" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Have you ever noticed how God is the ultimate sweet talker? He gives you just </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">what</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> you need...just </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">when</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> you need it. Every word that flows from His mouth to your heart is like stepping into a bakery shop and smelling that sweet aroma of all the goodies. Can't you just smell it?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This past week in particular...God certainly gave me some "goodies" while we were in Holland saying our goodbyes to family and our home church. It was such a unique time to have both our parents and extended families together on the same continent!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumuF5PI8QFGdHPtqZxoUNRYES_pNajj6VIHBxMP2TW_k-M1ePlF3lp7WSnH0kS1ZceUB7pHpg44hUnSevgMaNDcQZb0KGVocvthneOyJFYsUxa9NditZzHNmp5c8q_azjfQ7IOKH0NuMN/s1600/DSC_2810.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumuF5PI8QFGdHPtqZxoUNRYES_pNajj6VIHBxMP2TW_k-M1ePlF3lp7WSnH0kS1ZceUB7pHpg44hUnSevgMaNDcQZb0KGVocvthneOyJFYsUxa9NditZzHNmp5c8q_azjfQ7IOKH0NuMN/s400/DSC_2810.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618732747564215314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We had the privilege of sharing with the church about God's leading us to the States. We also took the time to acknowledge and thank our home front committee on stage.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4QdwOtHIjr10mK7lRwwSz0k5FdCar_hyphenhyphenqNQ8dspckWGeKCxsoY4wHYLdJRZeHT3GrbYFPSolOYlikesYBqROfdg5wO6OqzGdBaJwMyVCfcCJ8lxE8qCN3ijYQWHLNWkrcfSvbXITk_gR/s400/DSC_2913.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618735705801012194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was an emotional time...and once our team leader started the tears rolling...I don't think we saw one dry eye in that church. It was just a real precious time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></span><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04QowvaUvTRZaDMhUkYslIcjx-ystqGI_pJGpyxLNPbggwcfI2KLyhw7eaJRs4XIfLxd1mYILwnGRgw7GoHt5Ss0V_WP6uAtAngaipnh1ATGmpRAj7FJ5j3U6lmBduaZrvmTtgANanwlS/s1600/DSC_2917.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04QowvaUvTRZaDMhUkYslIcjx-ystqGI_pJGpyxLNPbggwcfI2KLyhw7eaJRs4XIfLxd1mYILwnGRgw7GoHt5Ss0V_WP6uAtAngaipnh1ATGmpRAj7FJ5j3U6lmBduaZrvmTtgANanwlS/s400/DSC_2917.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618735695820166242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As we stood there...reviewing our life in missions like a flash of a movie reel in our minds...we both felt so heavy...so sad...but also so excited because we know that God has a good plan for us in the States. There were many mixed emotions we were struggling to understand fully.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just when it was too much to take...the Elder came up to pray over us. Before praying he handed me a small note that said "voor Jacco en Mary Oldenkamp" (for Jacco and Mary O). Then he began to read what was written on that note.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The LORD bless you and keep you;</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-Numbers 6:24-26</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30TO4d6VWzHTO_Rk8sR-adaOORbrY4ECEECxOmXfbvvC1mF_p1opxY0bkVCMTX-85aovIg3WzKPhMDfBz4A-kX__YRihdGsDAU70GxykJG5yFzA1u8jQJX7FHCxyT2iD15_ndWTQ_RTEU/s400/DSC_2959.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618747017955239186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now you may say...well that's a nice verse and stop there. But let me tell you...that was the PERFECT verse...one that God knew would touch my heart! Why you may ask? Well...that very verse...was the same one that God gave me when I first went into missions.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBQjppROlu3OVKuvOZ8OVOtYJo3GAD1LJRJU3E3OPg9cWiiVllZ5nGLBV7Uq_3yzxDHOoO6uHC9PDCX1rTthngQE0GqDrPQCdghEIjJFAr7y24NBAhjUBtZegEF01jF8424VD4e5Rp-nW/s1600/P1010529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBQjppROlu3OVKuvOZ8OVOtYJo3GAD1LJRJU3E3OPg9cWiiVllZ5nGLBV7Uq_3yzxDHOoO6uHC9PDCX1rTthngQE0GqDrPQCdghEIjJFAr7y24NBAhjUBtZegEF01jF8424VD4e5Rp-nW/s400/P1010529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618739423489995666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We felt it was very appropriate...no PERFECT...that He would give us that same verse as we are leaving this mission and heading to our next.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrOhE0lqBy8T836T1di1xUA3SimikiNs5Wi8ibMabniB25NilJmiBN8vGvVQUKIcWu5qZFpYUwDJXQ4YN6L5hFPJ6n7akcze4lLtkrnkNPyl0KKQidQ_hOlipwxXSJe3MIlqMXWO4FU22/s400/IMG_0392.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618739430956466882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God is so cool like that...the Dutch word that describes it is "Prima"...excellent. He uses His sweet words...the Bible... to speak over us...to give us peace....to allow us to know that He cares. It just so blessed us.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I now have the note on a special place on our mantle...to remind me of the intimate relationship we have together. I know that no matter what is going on in my life...I can trust Him...He is reminding me by His sweet words!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Application:</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You may be in a similar situation...where your world seems upside down. Maybe you have had something unexpected to come into your life and are wondering if God has forgotten you down here. Take heart...remember that God is always watching and taking care of you. There is not one thing He doesn't know about...and there is no situation that He can't handle. TRUST in Him...get into your Bible and ask Him to reveal to you what you need to hear. And then wait for those "sweet words" to coming flooding over you. They will!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-13492949670618794722011-05-26T11:38:00.012+01:002011-05-26T12:25:10.953+01:00These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxa-L_LbGwbZnDfRcfkLDaWEFFFhlRTLaVRBAJUwWce_Lkjsj8htXdk81WyWNHdu2D77MnBd5pphD093CW-mqihJh6UUX2wf-ruVUfvObNhHYkw5TRnz3mj4Pehzzzneb3QFelWw179oyh/s1600/DSC_9897.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq0Vy5ZrXGBm1OjMnGSgXbqvkAjkTYrMIuzUrESLgtgvUIK9Fi7kFw5ai6cYrm0tObJGWR24lINMSwo8mdivulZUQ7DN25r-J7OP8YHR7NHdkuJSihzsQcGXbwZSyS4064kIULks2PR95/s1600/DSC_1208.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQESPb-52QvWKovgNFsEdP2iCXVW2wdK-mGpdmnt11i3XgAsFhwwt4SpwBJ0K4mWsmqX__Bmr3LOIOGI4S3esA7nIQnaEL4YTOCbfUnBiJ0WvjzuDmBUN4Y5d0n6fbw2UQc5rcSjRhnvbz/s1600/DSC_9235.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQESPb-52QvWKovgNFsEdP2iCXVW2wdK-mGpdmnt11i3XgAsFhwwt4SpwBJ0K4mWsmqX__Bmr3LOIOGI4S3esA7nIQnaEL4YTOCbfUnBiJ0WvjzuDmBUN4Y5d0n6fbw2UQc5rcSjRhnvbz/s400/DSC_9235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610973444255593090" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hello friends! So glad to be with you on this glorious day. As I write this I am reminded of a few of my favorite things...one of which is photography. Just this past year we were blessed with a fabulous deal on a VERY nice camera...which developed into a new hobby for me...of capturing "LIFE".</div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Every chance I get I am taking pictures of people...in their natural surroundings...doing the things they love...and being around the people that are most dear to them. Below are examples of my passion. Take a peak with me through my lens and see the world as I do...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq0Vy5ZrXGBm1OjMnGSgXbqvkAjkTYrMIuzUrESLgtgvUIK9Fi7kFw5ai6cYrm0tObJGWR24lINMSwo8mdivulZUQ7DN25r-J7OP8YHR7NHdkuJSihzsQcGXbwZSyS4064kIULks2PR95/s400/DSC_1208.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610974093882738354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Falling in Love</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdszydPqYiz4jNIJzhw1TYgqUJWdVdCqQ0TZ8TX4jBMz5cf5ozLN_fj4xLxMKNX8Emki7FuFLGX7gDBHi1CNwtFn96bCxzPPirrnI-Mlo3N4hyphenhyphenKGtRPsyJOPe95rpcl3mGEclDVjdx91j/s1600/P1040362.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdszydPqYiz4jNIJzhw1TYgqUJWdVdCqQ0TZ8TX4jBMz5cf5ozLN_fj4xLxMKNX8Emki7FuFLGX7gDBHi1CNwtFn96bCxzPPirrnI-Mlo3N4hyphenhyphenKGtRPsyJOPe95rpcl3mGEclDVjdx91j/s400/P1040362.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610975158477254466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Intrigued...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UJu6Y9ee8DF2693gBt_Jna0whNE1UZJMwm3sv5vjxNRhw105Iip6rrbmDjt21sAIJC2v1_Y8dMXm4Wbmuy2mYR2tgYSV0OqOBAK7UGffGy-6IOriV5QXmD5rRScqaHoTAgSi-IfeavVm/s1600/DSC_0344.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UJu6Y9ee8DF2693gBt_Jna0whNE1UZJMwm3sv5vjxNRhw105Iip6rrbmDjt21sAIJC2v1_Y8dMXm4Wbmuy2mYR2tgYSV0OqOBAK7UGffGy-6IOriV5QXmD5rRScqaHoTAgSi-IfeavVm/s400/DSC_0344.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610975152372187074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Belly Love...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zs7B-mGXqIg8QoqnFQVovu7YgQF4jfOlmjJfP3p40j2AXhxIU1PWjo47dHQPb6-xtQwF80QMiK4DSK_ysFEBHCcNH_J-739R3aSfr4B2g5xW28vlspbkAP1FxtMyPjDZHfja9dJPWLn8/s1600/DSC_9805.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zs7B-mGXqIg8QoqnFQVovu7YgQF4jfOlmjJfP3p40j2AXhxIU1PWjo47dHQPb6-xtQwF80QMiK4DSK_ysFEBHCcNH_J-739R3aSfr4B2g5xW28vlspbkAP1FxtMyPjDZHfja9dJPWLn8/s400/DSC_9805.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610975133944631458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Reading...</span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTviWnwnhTPUV4KjOwIlFffvWV3suIftmMHYeSGHoESORSnzSSaARzc8rBoT67QJnB5OKv0rNWpv2XS6yYlHrzUYSYKWZ843lmiuHI7OMmyLUB6ZCESsgdGBMkcOJKKaLKnTh7xg4_iLx/s1600/DSC_9699.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTviWnwnhTPUV4KjOwIlFffvWV3suIftmMHYeSGHoESORSnzSSaARzc8rBoT67QJnB5OKv0rNWpv2XS6yYlHrzUYSYKWZ843lmiuHI7OMmyLUB6ZCESsgdGBMkcOJKKaLKnTh7xg4_iLx/s400/DSC_9699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610975125810526754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pondering...</span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGtRJAnxm1nKzMHoltgpulIgSSSfY7QJLywBLByGQRdQINmkA74b43tzpXE2iYnaKHGXtxdc2U0W5vEuZmBlT7uDsxER5wCTun6BkDXIHGcVbd3uv7VhyphenhyphenEHeloZeRQNzWOg4_1mVvw-TK/s1600/DSC_9317.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGtRJAnxm1nKzMHoltgpulIgSSSfY7QJLywBLByGQRdQINmkA74b43tzpXE2iYnaKHGXtxdc2U0W5vEuZmBlT7uDsxER5wCTun6BkDXIHGcVbd3uv7VhyphenhyphenEHeloZeRQNzWOg4_1mVvw-TK/s400/DSC_9317.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610975115766305778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Standing out...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllqPqV2fjWBSLRCsUQ2ECs04sB1S06ZxGhn5QbBABWihbS56Q_KkvSMIvmUwj2nMMkG3S94XJRBQscOy4XLkJit-Cl-RuM2QMwfIRX32HS-M5ACZ-Or8DcRwzynSgI0dByNaT2afmJ2KQ/s1600/DSC_0930.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllqPqV2fjWBSLRCsUQ2ECs04sB1S06ZxGhn5QbBABWihbS56Q_KkvSMIvmUwj2nMMkG3S94XJRBQscOy4XLkJit-Cl-RuM2QMwfIRX32HS-M5ACZ-Or8DcRwzynSgI0dByNaT2afmJ2KQ/s400/DSC_0930.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610976078233719394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Heading somewhere...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERxeUE-X12Ya47frYa9-5m7_GbtYBPgc-dEe3PIaF5hPfX0lrj-fjbaK3LuRgDZswxjkADlAhaMlEMg7fsTxparw_pD2g3qmDZRBAdt-kudp0FvwWOj2ji-92Y5rQ60seUHlE2eiDyody/s1600/DSC_0822_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERxeUE-X12Ya47frYa9-5m7_GbtYBPgc-dEe3PIaF5hPfX0lrj-fjbaK3LuRgDZswxjkADlAhaMlEMg7fsTxparw_pD2g3qmDZRBAdt-kudp0FvwWOj2ji-92Y5rQ60seUHlE2eiDyody/s400/DSC_0822_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610976072770126258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Take on the World...</span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwM0I0n9w3ybAgN2LdleFSqLpoc7APeXLQ49TpPmLH6CEnpq7xFLlFHc8zSZ4zjViNu5Z0Fn2KtqvBkTBWTphhlTXEchyMZlSN5Z3Z01fpaM0N-3i4C8vMsdwmS1YUBp_4yeCByyMmxf4c/s1600/DSC_0674.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwM0I0n9w3ybAgN2LdleFSqLpoc7APeXLQ49TpPmLH6CEnpq7xFLlFHc8zSZ4zjViNu5Z0Fn2KtqvBkTBWTphhlTXEchyMZlSN5Z3Z01fpaM0N-3i4C8vMsdwmS1YUBp_4yeCByyMmxf4c/s400/DSC_0674.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610976067583705570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Father and Son...</span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvVXyqCBDSm66TqYvNFc7HX2oKnwdhieSxbmEeT1zzgEO_xQxBz99BZTwFn4MJZLGsmd95RQsINKxl0xi18XQR2O3Yb43J4kTZH3SYfjKz9v2j5EsKSgEZbf_6QNcyrfwtIcuPWGLyJb2/s1600/DSC_0524.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvVXyqCBDSm66TqYvNFc7HX2oKnwdhieSxbmEeT1zzgEO_xQxBz99BZTwFn4MJZLGsmd95RQsINKxl0xi18XQR2O3Yb43J4kTZH3SYfjKz9v2j5EsKSgEZbf_6QNcyrfwtIcuPWGLyJb2/s400/DSC_0524.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610976062059211586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If this bench could talk...</span></div></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaQ_biEscq9vOD-QbZz5jK4SWCKkmfGNsChqMUIFYOcrKtlyjjxb2jjsyHog7rijinOzL3QTR_Ko3D_3l_4NzCaXFn3gVM3lHDTqtuw7PM9XY_Qvb1VoRtvcE3zHPRjHKJLGUv57Qf5F8/s1600/DSC_0491.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaQ_biEscq9vOD-QbZz5jK4SWCKkmfGNsChqMUIFYOcrKtlyjjxb2jjsyHog7rijinOzL3QTR_Ko3D_3l_4NzCaXFn3gVM3lHDTqtuw7PM9XY_Qvb1VoRtvcE3zHPRjHKJLGUv57Qf5F8/s400/DSC_0491.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610976061025565202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cottage life...</span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8FWzQpPAKv6PtAUFeUflqyQem66fFWhJqwr-AzPTntGVCpNJgyKzTV7iSZ-jXL-lDepvc92AQ6iYXpRAHrsnyFryTxkv0CBf_41_WX1hx0Y4xBTnMP_5cVRnUnwecd1SztjAEdECqo9S/s1600/DSC_1365.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8FWzQpPAKv6PtAUFeUflqyQem66fFWhJqwr-AzPTntGVCpNJgyKzTV7iSZ-jXL-lDepvc92AQ6iYXpRAHrsnyFryTxkv0CBf_41_WX1hx0Y4xBTnMP_5cVRnUnwecd1SztjAEdECqo9S/s400/DSC_1365.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610976936960244770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A day out...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqmG-FAX1D0r7ms2Czg2NsxSxxAG7yotsaHB930F3PJtF3hnquQNv_y185wc1UsrBSttAmJyBtsrvDG7XK-e8-tQE1owc4Mccq6wLCW2OArYKDGSHkR9PBJZDcog-TS7K_yFUNtVU2ojp/s1600/DSC_1367.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqmG-FAX1D0r7ms2Czg2NsxSxxAG7yotsaHB930F3PJtF3hnquQNv_y185wc1UsrBSttAmJyBtsrvDG7XK-e8-tQE1owc4Mccq6wLCW2OArYKDGSHkR9PBJZDcog-TS7K_yFUNtVU2ojp/s400/DSC_1367.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610976931953189938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Little feet...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe48x5m2A1Z8I9HL2jdbvuUDXPI9uoPccIMOr-J9uXw5aN1IzVzDY-b-xKYYSw2pzjtsxbRtWGV7WKg72reduAUl44ipkm6RBv6T2i2P8Egxf-DVSLHIh86ZidB-ibiiyZFbN-kZq3X1x/s1600/DSC_1319.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe48x5m2A1Z8I9HL2jdbvuUDXPI9uoPccIMOr-J9uXw5aN1IzVzDY-b-xKYYSw2pzjtsxbRtWGV7WKg72reduAUl44ipkm6RBv6T2i2P8Egxf-DVSLHIh86ZidB-ibiiyZFbN-kZq3X1x/s400/DSC_1319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610976928445732706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All the kids...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzJFOqUemcnJOpoNHUCe63ao4RN4eMRTh82Q88qkkuxmHIVmVtsRmPOSuEO1deLcXYW5JB4DLJ56pgmHX53ChmjHB2tN48HFQ8Claoewn6OESIFjNXDpAV5U7qYxMWmwDTQEc7ePvnqbS/s1600/DSC_1216.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzJFOqUemcnJOpoNHUCe63ao4RN4eMRTh82Q88qkkuxmHIVmVtsRmPOSuEO1deLcXYW5JB4DLJ56pgmHX53ChmjHB2tN48HFQ8Claoewn6OESIFjNXDpAV5U7qYxMWmwDTQEc7ePvnqbS/s400/DSC_1216.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610976923923588002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A winter's walk...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPRW61-jSGcpngfri4hCQXW1dtNm7haMfGFwjUjGWLV5JS2WRjFFRScQkGwAv4Hz5UEMokZb9-0f2Ik4zYOntgeHK9chsj_ktdChJ0n0k8QnRk1ugHT7SuaP2cIzVzn5sHQTo14hWmJsy/s1600/DSC_1098.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPRW61-jSGcpngfri4hCQXW1dtNm7haMfGFwjUjGWLV5JS2WRjFFRScQkGwAv4Hz5UEMokZb9-0f2Ik4zYOntgeHK9chsj_ktdChJ0n0k8QnRk1ugHT7SuaP2cIzVzn5sHQTo14hWmJsy/s400/DSC_1098.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610976914367871090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Lonely...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdSFxMO8nBaj8buZ_QxBKYx2-NpHKi129mPIuTjnY0VYIUEIEPI4O8eIfFv48B6AOKOTeL30qhiqW8W8dF2knph7mua6j7pQuC0Ggzc7YCcP_a4ZYyED6IuWYGgS0V68yRxArNYcl1gt7/s1600/DSC_1954.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdSFxMO8nBaj8buZ_QxBKYx2-NpHKi129mPIuTjnY0VYIUEIEPI4O8eIfFv48B6AOKOTeL30qhiqW8W8dF2knph7mua6j7pQuC0Ggzc7YCcP_a4ZYyED6IuWYGgS0V68yRxArNYcl1gt7/s400/DSC_1954.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610977850524498242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I hear you...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6X-hJdnni5QMGz5Rv6C_gbQ_jJtVTUdeX39dfRK_pyxLScAlO0MXEc9L0ssFDWzme9TakTL6EuKs3545UcxNpB1vSA4LVKfJV76o2xXgnCkffpG5fSHFlvUkVLNZ5BDEPTGDMz6NWqF3/s1600/DSC_1646.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6X-hJdnni5QMGz5Rv6C_gbQ_jJtVTUdeX39dfRK_pyxLScAlO0MXEc9L0ssFDWzme9TakTL6EuKs3545UcxNpB1vSA4LVKfJV76o2xXgnCkffpG5fSHFlvUkVLNZ5BDEPTGDMz6NWqF3/s400/DSC_1646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610977842148841522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ride in Style...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKS5Xar2sTg93k_BftrrI97D34hrLlgPyfgurMxxLaa40brF5GC-FJPAdvn5gPnydIr2BQGoUwj2zsPsJHANfLh-zWgKMNGPGngdz0IX9XWHQrw0SlKasZAxcQuAP9mqbPW70dfQe_DkC/s1600/DSC_1538.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKS5Xar2sTg93k_BftrrI97D34hrLlgPyfgurMxxLaa40brF5GC-FJPAdvn5gPnydIr2BQGoUwj2zsPsJHANfLh-zWgKMNGPGngdz0IX9XWHQrw0SlKasZAxcQuAP9mqbPW70dfQe_DkC/s400/DSC_1538.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610977836885545522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Daddy love...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG14wOQdIgDRjMlfYcVJNtgbM7IcL0WYmG0dmrNcj7lnktwkqgPNjoV_mnzYhJu5bxLE_tnLrCiD7ZI9D_NHPgUFSj-3Lm1M4OE6qLhPlL-aPYiEP8WoHmouLk5EIcAJECpLDIHd_PwW_/s1600/DSC_1435.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG14wOQdIgDRjMlfYcVJNtgbM7IcL0WYmG0dmrNcj7lnktwkqgPNjoV_mnzYhJu5bxLE_tnLrCiD7ZI9D_NHPgUFSj-3Lm1M4OE6qLhPlL-aPYiEP8WoHmouLk5EIcAJECpLDIHd_PwW_/s400/DSC_1435.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610977833139134354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Walk a mile...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJsnlAJKXjHutTL0QdPoaaQ_Kst7yZDq6L9Ki9oqNz3bP4XkQYLEpY75oGHQjlN9j6YU6EAtbjtQNl_PSHBJzfAL8bMDcxkVbXB2LuFUEnaBYStwQh11RSYDGEMxcCzpm5KhdIyb_HJ4F/s1600/DSC_1422.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJsnlAJKXjHutTL0QdPoaaQ_Kst7yZDq6L9Ki9oqNz3bP4XkQYLEpY75oGHQjlN9j6YU6EAtbjtQNl_PSHBJzfAL8bMDcxkVbXB2LuFUEnaBYStwQh11RSYDGEMxcCzpm5KhdIyb_HJ4F/s400/DSC_1422.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610977829386076498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Family life...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7B2jxGQWNAVGqcPox3YNIxMU26GcIdNXVtcL6CndXXdqVwQ8-QqmBTBu-_XAbo1qmUb5G_vHedWu212Zh07rBGeY9X1oL6hTtOZaIh-jqhnbwRa0RcJQFj2B0gAyJzN_Wd2J__XJI7g7/s1600/DSC_2437+%25281%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7B2jxGQWNAVGqcPox3YNIxMU26GcIdNXVtcL6CndXXdqVwQ8-QqmBTBu-_XAbo1qmUb5G_vHedWu212Zh07rBGeY9X1oL6hTtOZaIh-jqhnbwRa0RcJQFj2B0gAyJzN_Wd2J__XJI7g7/s400/DSC_2437+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610978395601124130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pink...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBABJ8Kd8Fu2YaPEZ4eQ8h1K_BGoWj7awCHiQiQuIcT9zYY7qCPmG6o0Q0uOSQgZj8QAMYR1uRSO2QWUv3SrajNec-ajYPLN0mgi_Gsu29RHQkZLEime6F88hvIAPTXdk2Aci7_HSyHD_/s1600/DSC_2342+%25281%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBABJ8Kd8Fu2YaPEZ4eQ8h1K_BGoWj7awCHiQiQuIcT9zYY7qCPmG6o0Q0uOSQgZj8QAMYR1uRSO2QWUv3SrajNec-ajYPLN0mgi_Gsu29RHQkZLEime6F88hvIAPTXdk2Aci7_HSyHD_/s400/DSC_2342+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610978393896001090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Soft Beauty...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpE4wkFlaHraNoH9Gq7WWnHsHCgzWC3JkyK8h6JxS263TzJOBDgJaUkVNTetAemTH-HYB9n_54dWy_Fgq2B_w0JY595p2bW4fBXZiftmqtCVRiQdc3_dRHTyRVu3pN_9RBRP4N4S95bp2/s1600/DSC_2038.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpE4wkFlaHraNoH9Gq7WWnHsHCgzWC3JkyK8h6JxS263TzJOBDgJaUkVNTetAemTH-HYB9n_54dWy_Fgq2B_w0JY595p2bW4fBXZiftmqtCVRiQdc3_dRHTyRVu3pN_9RBRP4N4S95bp2/s400/DSC_2038.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610978388714956114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">His presence...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfIJtSMLRyECGQrKioQcl-5ZCNR3hO7x-g5if1MsiBkyc5xQSiY-Q2yljjb2sUYpR7PZ7uOQsMZLinKBfMeklsi5CfiUoMSEBXb5xGdZg1Uwf5k5sW1a5du_L-kp7qjh6VlFXysGH2Iac/s1600/DSC_2217.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfIJtSMLRyECGQrKioQcl-5ZCNR3hO7x-g5if1MsiBkyc5xQSiY-Q2yljjb2sUYpR7PZ7uOQsMZLinKBfMeklsi5CfiUoMSEBXb5xGdZg1Uwf5k5sW1a5du_L-kp7qjh6VlFXysGH2Iac/s400/DSC_2217.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610978384509893250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">British pride...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PK8BR6wjkGruaBO7zB2t70_qgWOQ56mVZ_M4YEmET4ud9z5EakBQSt70XTkyKBPcmpZZD48Z67XeXHk6qnDkZ5llctTHFYkJZIFTlO0fgWvq3eDWJ5daNXoMZBEc_iLDwfeGIrymrLYI/s1600/DSC_2522+%25281%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PK8BR6wjkGruaBO7zB2t70_qgWOQ56mVZ_M4YEmET4ud9z5EakBQSt70XTkyKBPcmpZZD48Z67XeXHk6qnDkZ5llctTHFYkJZIFTlO0fgWvq3eDWJ5daNXoMZBEc_iLDwfeGIrymrLYI/s400/DSC_2522+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610979437096440722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A day in the park...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UbPualVTSwU9C4fCws8T6rrhkGd3UfGQuVDCwT1Q6BOlTYFfgG2kB-i_ooRjHDEG0Su4REoz-HwRQlB7Th235j7EZUhHH9qoJ5NEY172DSTi6vfRimIG7mLfyZ7uz1zrbrD1Ab3FIgZ0/s1600/DSC_2488_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UbPualVTSwU9C4fCws8T6rrhkGd3UfGQuVDCwT1Q6BOlTYFfgG2kB-i_ooRjHDEG0Su4REoz-HwRQlB7Th235j7EZUhHH9qoJ5NEY172DSTi6vfRimIG7mLfyZ7uz1zrbrD1Ab3FIgZ0/s400/DSC_2488_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610979432219157906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mommy love...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7B2jxGQWNAVGqcPox3YNIxMU26GcIdNXVtcL6CndXXdqVwQ8-QqmBTBu-_XAbo1qmUb5G_vHedWu212Zh07rBGeY9X1oL6hTtOZaIh-jqhnbwRa0RcJQFj2B0gAyJzN_Wd2J__XJI7g7/s1600/DSC_2437+%25281%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxa-L_LbGwbZnDfRcfkLDaWEFFFhlRTLaVRBAJUwWce_Lkjsj8htXdk81WyWNHdu2D77MnBd5pphD093CW-mqihJh6UUX2wf-ruVUfvObNhHYkw5TRnz3mj4Pehzzzneb3QFelWw179oyh/s400/DSC_9897.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610979440508537890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fireballs...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And I end with this picture...as sometimes...as in life...you just have to laugh!</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8FWzQpPAKv6PtAUFeUflqyQem66fFWhJqwr-AzPTntGVCpNJgyKzTV7iSZ-jXL-lDepvc92AQ6iYXpRAHrsnyFryTxkv0CBf_41_WX1hx0Y4xBTnMP_5cVRnUnwecd1SztjAEdECqo9S/s1600/DSC_1365.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllqPqV2fjWBSLRCsUQ2ECs04sB1S06ZxGhn5QbBABWihbS56Q_KkvSMIvmUwj2nMMkG3S94XJRBQscOy4XLkJit-Cl-RuM2QMwfIRX32HS-M5ACZ-Or8DcRwzynSgI0dByNaT2afmJ2KQ/s1600/DSC_0930.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-7308054137697306042011-04-21T08:34:00.010+01:002011-04-21T09:32:00.122+01:00The ROYAL Wedding<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg3gkRPY3J96YasQEfd787GMY8syDwaqdvbbizOwZBvfbqru7hv08_qED62D0nunOXRhyphenhyphenHVdYK5sbmicGsrDZEfmwg8o04j4tROhun5FFOnefasvW2AuzXfaEGbx-Uz6VciOreHsaDe55/s1600/prince-william-kate-middleton-royal-wedding-details-update-april.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 296px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg3gkRPY3J96YasQEfd787GMY8syDwaqdvbbizOwZBvfbqru7hv08_qED62D0nunOXRhyphenhyphenHVdYK5sbmicGsrDZEfmwg8o04j4tROhun5FFOnefasvW2AuzXfaEGbx-Uz6VciOreHsaDe55/s400/prince-william-kate-middleton-royal-wedding-details-update-april.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597943169277033298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Photo curtesy of devrese.com</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Being in England at such a historic time to be able to witness the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is so exciting to say the least. Everywhere you go you find shop windows adoring pictures of the couple and the Union Jack is flying high on just about every street corner. With one week away the excitement is building!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_uaOz4kCwU-C8kXVDxiYk8hZYLJWPMHK9em1CfGmDMDf489HEfGgLu-rlnRP3Z6kMDyo5rm03EXWVii-PlDA-0rXNUzQU-Wl6pUxLsSk2sE2SLEgD47H-8Ca1jU47lc4v2uQm8f6RRaU/s400/cwukzwp8xi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597944005560385170" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Photo curtesy realradio-scotland.co.uk</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The people of the UK are welcoming this sweet couple's union with cheers of joy...and being that the public will be given a "bank holiday" (national holiday) every year from here on out on April 29th to commemorate the special event...that is just icing on the cake!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">People are encouraged to have street parties, as is custom here when a Royal is wed. Almost every grociery store has the Union Jack adorning just about everything from lawn chairs to paper plates! You can't help but become patriotic!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2F3wXMGHHCBgcNu5x80Qu3mhrnxP_bMKGMUbhhhV374tygCReUmJJMlIpEBp7OWQMMyLE_kzJlbZJD5GL160kgFPjWGGnQ7UH4EKajhQjqjM5wxwCsnZWA-DM_z28Q42cxuBOKmtuymm/s400/wedding-street-party1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597946307355544562" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Photo curtesy theroyalweddingwilliamkate.com</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHzsZ8DAvU9zhLpKd-BPTm_kmwQPuX8M23YKg35c9FbxRrZkJVlhr-JzrCHuw354RjJT9SPPiVQ4AjLTQ4sVFrZ8y9QDrWSFP7_K64WT7aBRFXzDiEcoD3jcRyLdthCy_IWicfo3fi08W/s400/royal+street-party.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597945936450198130" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Photo curtesy aroundtownwales.co.uk</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For us, we will be joining the all the crowds in the city centre to watch the couple tie the knot on the huge jumbo screen. Also we have heard there will be a Beatles tribute band to entertain us. Needless to say I can't wait!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPu7cv1b_GMHyPhootcNiXNyfbPvfE5EHiVli_iMMtwuS2-QmUfSJ-dVMdrHnGjoJD35KLW6nrokV2iWWm0T9om0gxFBMaWfJfcYsVNMyqkDA5dF8pmrIs1jbWL8l8R1DHAoJK5fdJ20p/s400/crowd.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597947510612610114" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Photo Curtesy apps.detnews.com</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But I can't help but think of "THE WEDDING"...the reunion one day I will have with the Bridegroom, Jesus. He is coming...and we are going to have the biggest feast you will ever see...the tables will be adorned with the most beautiful things you could ever imagine! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-bUD_ADDm_X3toPUm1cbpC_-IqJX-H7daUC3kg3WrY4jzPsmxVKO4b_fANkF4rmDMASNPYnIiGLdHJSn62lizH6hDCBVrE7Ha2jqcPoCH2FvscyP7Hp-9pmn_e2q9EcIRIwh_qAWIplh/s400/T13-14-Fleur-de-liz.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597948051521390658" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Photo curtesy tolucantimes.com</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i> My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></span><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i> -John 14:2-3</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thought to ponder...Do we anticipate Christ's return in our hearts with joy...adorning the shop windows of our hearts with excitement? Or do we simply acknowledge He is to come... but have made our choice to stay away from the crowds of "joy"...too wrapped up in our own little world to realize the excitement of what is to come?</span></span></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-46971963470709607942011-03-09T10:02:00.012+00:002011-03-10T06:42:57.923+00:00Too Late to Turn Back Now...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><h2 id="passage_heading"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKWxgys-hZs97UXazLEliTSKk6p8eTwXy-DVqTZPhnUNn5f72BI4PSwrtouhymSagcreymMdEIH32Rqf-Ks4RmsgxBv6r8-6KVMk5uMOdHC9GbV7-vmcFVlpHWkwBiSCqD0oq4RpIL0vh/s400/DSC_9310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582030128297514802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></span></h2></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">You've heard the phrase "If you told me I would be doing _____ five years ago...I wouldn't have believed you!". I'm sure you could fill in the blank with many things such as..."met the person I was going to marry"...or "working in this job"...or "living in this country". For me personally...I would have never guessed I would be married and living in a foreign country. I certainly wouldn't be able to predict that I would have been living with an incurable illness...that one still continues to shock me, but with the grace of God, I am learning to live with it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><h2 id="passage_heading" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkBp3UYOaYGvPdE1on3KdxhfUxibYNPbkuhYm46xHNCl_eJd_4AKEMEfrVqvW47O9bpZpV_iNdxQiOUaQUahgx8gXJFCUerywWl9p7Yj9M_HiBT12btO9QUKyJOR631V0t0eBSMFaPBRt/s400/past-present-future-sign1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582029861960415554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 300px; " /></span></h2><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">When you think about the future it can do one of two things. It can excite you or it can scare you. When you get into the thicket of life, when electronics tend to break, marriages go through struggles, children get sick, or even your own securities of a home and finances are stripped away you can tend to want to turn back. But for those of us who know Christ Jesus as our Lord, we must continue on the road He has paved for us...always trusting in Him, despite our circumstances. It is a CHOICE to BELIEVE that God has a good plan. Now that does not mean a bed of roses all the time, but it will still be good because He is good and He has a purpose for us (Romans 8:28). </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Pj5TVCP73TW3GN5Sn7UW229cEe-D29dRs6C8OF4KOSxysDsoCO-gyWGGuA7KkHaUiX2tjZBMc1-RtaJ9y7ErUBCFNpEkaQBxssFrd_zePkyPw6PW2XyPiwtdZYg3wskOIOZ5yGnTYPwf/s400/following-jesus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582027723205892258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I can so feel Peter's heartfelt words when he is asked if he too would walk away from Jesus. Can't you just imagine big ole Peter with tears welling up in his eyes saying... </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God." (</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Read below </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">John 6:66-69 (Amplified Bible)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">When we are going through struggles in our life...are we going to turn back and go our own way or are we going to continue on BELIEVING...that God has a good plan for us...TRUSTING...that even though we can't see where we are going...He is guiding? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P9l-twoAj5ogkJpDXR-rVkocHDuXgzxIzNmFbPIY65MqfgE7H6O6qqpf5iwrRkfllUAJAKljS6kuPZgAG-lhJ3zmYjAt1LALdvwtPIqNsy0sj0Cjw9SDBOJXQ4SrnPwGoH2jamnc79CI/s1600/PCH2547.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P9l-twoAj5ogkJpDXR-rVkocHDuXgzxIzNmFbPIY65MqfgE7H6O6qqpf5iwrRkfllUAJAKljS6kuPZgAG-lhJ3zmYjAt1LALdvwtPIqNsy0sj0Cjw9SDBOJXQ4SrnPwGoH2jamnc79CI/s400/PCH2547.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582027725435126066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I personally can learn a lot from this scripture and it is a great reminder that I've come too far to turn back now! I am trusting in Him to take me the rest of the way...and in 5 years from now...I pray that I will say "Father if you told me that I would be doing _______ I </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">DID</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">believe that!</span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span></b></div><div class="result-text-style-normal" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him. Jesus said to the Twelve, Will you also go away? [And do you too desire to leave Me? Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God. -</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">John 6:66-69 (Amplified Bible)</span></span></span></span></i></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div></div></span></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-8888668164404855502011-02-26T21:27:00.006+00:002011-02-26T22:46:12.982+00:00Bearing Fruit<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACuB4dkmYRZ4HsB0p_tOnQfMbDTwinl94sf0RnlKSgQDacky4IOdrCEICSv3JCy6cifEuAlgvH_iOy8h1A_sj5JC8qUuTmIi9Muyr_FY2k-13UQONSKgEMxmn-NtlqAgv2CGjvMfiBzTA/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-26+at+10.42.37+PM.png"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QUjpOJ1ZEhwaNPDUaVXwQvEkjvuH1WcndgVbVF19gj8TKlo65RuW4BkxQKJS8LQ8I35ePheOgaB-nb8B2wjJ6o-cyFgmDhVjSvMTz5JIul0WT3BXJT5KKn2HTgWHe2s78QO74R239m32/s1600/popsicle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QUjpOJ1ZEhwaNPDUaVXwQvEkjvuH1WcndgVbVF19gj8TKlo65RuW4BkxQKJS8LQ8I35ePheOgaB-nb8B2wjJ6o-cyFgmDhVjSvMTz5JIul0WT3BXJT5KKn2HTgWHe2s78QO74R239m32/s400/popsicle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578115035482226802" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Lately I've had the biggest craving for fruit popsicles. So my hubby being the blessing he is, drives me to the store and patiently waits as I pick out the perfect one...all natural and full of 100% fruit of course. Then as I unwrap that pretty little paper... a juicy, delicious fruit sickle is revealed and with one taste my craving is satisfied. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Its funny that I've been craving fruit...let me explain. The Bible tells us that if we "remain in Him we will bear much fruit". (John 15:5) This is a verse that is very near and dear to my heart as it is my life verse. No wonder it has been coming to light with recent difficult roads I've been forced to walk. Roads that could easily lead to discouragement and even a stinky defeated attitude that could totally leave my little tree dried up. So I've been asking God to show me the fruit that He has placed around me. In particular to the city...the country...the culture of England that He has called me and my husband to. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACuB4dkmYRZ4HsB0p_tOnQfMbDTwinl94sf0RnlKSgQDacky4IOdrCEICSv3JCy6cifEuAlgvH_iOy8h1A_sj5JC8qUuTmIi9Muyr_FY2k-13UQONSKgEMxmn-NtlqAgv2CGjvMfiBzTA/s400/Screen+shot+2011-02-26+at+10.42.37+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578133169955835858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This morning I read an interesting article on the front page of the BBC entitled "British Sangfroid: An Outdated Stereotype". (I had to look up the meaning of sangfroid...which means "coolness and composure, especially in trying circumstances.") The article talked about how the British culture seems to be changing from the "stiff upper lip"-mentioned in my last post...to a now more emotional based culture. I found it most interesting...as I do sometimes struggle with the lack of emotions people seem to have...but I do keep it in perspective that I tend to be just a bit over emotional...a bit I said! </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now back to the fruit thing...so I was asking God to show me the fruits around me. After reading the article I realized that it was an answer to prayer...you see I've been very open with many around me about my difficult roads...and in return many have been open with me as well. We have been praying that those around us would see us as different and be challenged and changed by that. What is more different than an emotional American girl who talks a mile a minute? Me and hubs have seen this just recently...that people around us are opening up...and emotions are flowing. I for one think that is a great thing! And then to read on the front page that it seems to be a general change in culture arising...it just sat well in my heart. People seem to be dried up in life here...but so yearning for some water...and eventually some good, wholesome fruit! I instantly praised the Father for showing me this. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Its been said that during times of famine tree roots are forced to drive deeper into the soil to find water. Let's pray that those that are lost and hurting here in England will turn to the loving Father...dig deep...and eventually bear fruit for Him! </span></b></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-61431908707691095922011-01-28T09:36:00.010+00:002011-01-28T12:24:06.751+00:00Keep Calm and Carry On...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTQMVah_Q9kx3Tns9bTjNLYV-kF-a2-JwlTJ2Easj8vrJ49tnVvQKyCDg2hdzRNnJaAN3B4LU9EvbJrvFTgqBSXE0aKst2XKftFcrnQ5BpH8YKjPjj-J2M1ltLes8KIk0URf32pJpL0lE/s1600/800px-LondonBombedWWII_full.jpg"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyUeoxCR1woVpvzSMFgYnQJEBTxNdPXs4TSrazS_B4VUQdqe4w92HBclmFzF5Hu9DNHphgOJThXkQCAVFHRD6LaGZq__jHcpoOFF3SHcvKZW3WWIQzavz8L0c-jiAQixWnCb2xAVinOTG/s400/KEEP-CALM-BURGUNDY-POSTER-WEB_medium.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567177753169168658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Photo curtesy of keepcalmandcarryon.com</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyUeoxCR1woVpvzSMFgYnQJEBTxNdPXs4TSrazS_B4VUQdqe4w92HBclmFzF5Hu9DNHphgOJThXkQCAVFHRD6LaGZq__jHcpoOFF3SHcvKZW3WWIQzavz8L0c-jiAQixWnCb2xAVinOTG/s1600/KEEP-CALM-BURGUNDY-POSTER-WEB_medium.jpg"></a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">During WWII a series of propaganda posters were created and distributed all over the UK. Just about every shop window proudly displayed them. The most famous being a simple 5 word phrase... "Keep Calm and Carry On". It was meant to encourage the British to stay calm and try to go about life as normal, despite the bombing taking place all around them from enemy forces. The British to this day seem to still have this attitude of "keeping a stiff upper lip" and carrying on through tough times. I must say in some ways it is inspirational and you can really see the strength and courage of the people. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBL4NQHCt0tRK5PkkzjMuj-_LYaRxw4dW3pKC2b87rNpw09S55Hku1QNr2jHWgYXWabM598Qyu13dhcEKlTxL7HF2mq9mpD36EBvkJ7uCtztNuT3g_HMZk8EK6DE2TN1aN5a77duF8xIc/s400/keep-calm-and-carry-on-british.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567178477160852258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 305px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Photo curtesy of decorativeliving.com</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Lately I have been humbled with the fact that I have a long ways to go before I am where Jesus wants me to be with my life. There are many "bombs" the enemy drops...especially that of discouragement. Many times I think to myself..."it would be so much easier just to give up and go into my bunker for safety and hiding"! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But I know that Jesus would want me to keep on "carrying on" striving with my entire being...to be more like Him everyday. I can so relate with Paul when he writes to the Philippians and says</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">" -Philippians 3:12</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul's goal was simple: Become more like Jesus. He did this by getting to know Him more, trusting in Him, and then being open and obedient for the choices He had made for Paul's life. We all know the difficulties Paul faced...but he "Kept Calm and Carried On". He was and is an example for all of us to follow.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One thing is for certain...there is a battle raging. It may not be something that we can see...but it is there...a spiritual battle! (Ephesians 6:10-18) But take heart...this battle is not ours and for those of us who are IN Christ Jesus...he is right there with us whispering every so gently "Keep Calm and Carry On!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Application:</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Is there something happening in your life right now that has you consumed? Remember "Panic is Manic" in the words of Beth Moore!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Maybe you have often found yourself wanting to know more of God but not sure how? His Word is a good place to start. (Those who seek me will find me... Proverbs 8:17)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Maybe you have trouble with trusting God...especially with the plans that He has for your life. Remember that He has "good plans for your life"...Jeremiah 29:11. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ask God to give you the courage and tools to" Keep Calm and Carry On"...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTQMVah_Q9kx3Tns9bTjNLYV-kF-a2-JwlTJ2Easj8vrJ49tnVvQKyCDg2hdzRNnJaAN3B4LU9EvbJrvFTgqBSXE0aKst2XKftFcrnQ5BpH8YKjPjj-J2M1ltLes8KIk0URf32pJpL0lE/s400/800px-LondonBombedWWII_full.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567184285622288514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Photo curtesy of Wiklipedia.com</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After a fierce attack from the enemies, Londoners soon were out on the streets "Carrying On".</span></span></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-18380642516851813222011-01-17T15:55:00.004+00:002011-01-17T16:34:16.327+00:00Friends Make a Difference...<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yesterday we had some new friends over for lunch. One of them asked me, "So is it difficult being away from the States...do you really like it here?" I could honestly answer "yes...I love it here!" Sure there are things I miss about the States (mostly convenience sake things and eating out more often)...and of course my family and friends. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But for the most part...I love that we are making new friends here...it really helps to make this our home! Below are some great friends...that are making a difference for Him over here!</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZZNMF3b3bCxeWPZOVjUmjurQ6Zf9FKI8XLNbxwMJdRVaGssKpfobTjwd92qjPxPJDZO7wbmmkoPlZICR6EzRYYDGxu6XmDdgAk9W4qvolxhRtEL8vkIEqmV2KsbIt8iDb-jqVkSvwvye/s400/8716_649603248331_61012568_39627622_7266113_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563189117037578850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul and Laura</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxGCeVIVL8vUClhokszpnmpJdom3bTIrbatQ4tsve7GONICap5NekQmnGNnypmRFArc4feFGtl0Q8j8EtCtH3ao_6gEaX2_UktDY6uFrP4wNgKRtfYf8mJ-W2LEe72B-xqTghH9vKUeUR/s1600/DSC_9699.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxGCeVIVL8vUClhokszpnmpJdom3bTIrbatQ4tsve7GONICap5NekQmnGNnypmRFArc4feFGtl0Q8j8EtCtH3ao_6gEaX2_UktDY6uFrP4wNgKRtfYf8mJ-W2LEe72B-xqTghH9vKUeUR/s400/DSC_9699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563189133320034962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Esther and Andy (A&E)</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Things have certainly changed since moving here almost 10 months ago...when I only knew a few people in the office and had no clue how to get around town. I now know where to walk on my own...I know the "English" way of saying things like dessert (pudding) or "I'm going to the surgery" (I'm going to the Doctors), and of course found myself naturally saying "trousers" now instead of pants (which is a really good thing as they are considered undies here). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Belly laugh time...imagine me saying "My pants are wet" to someone here. Oh yes I have done that! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My friend Jenny below (red head) is from the States as well (Arizona) and has really helped me with what to say and not to say! :) </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYupE6Eft9yxyNJ7R0iQDzx3kzeizZx16biVKv1K7PzxGxEXSruswTKdZ2zr8AbjdkKr9_01SO8PqUBaKK8qyxioSpeKQTBYABxWn2qrMD6v47kv2rzkvUWACi9sM7ovXp9Hjg5u8QxdDC/s1600/DSC_0319_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYupE6Eft9yxyNJ7R0iQDzx3kzeizZx16biVKv1K7PzxGxEXSruswTKdZ2zr8AbjdkKr9_01SO8PqUBaKK8qyxioSpeKQTBYABxWn2qrMD6v47kv2rzkvUWACi9sM7ovXp9Hjg5u8QxdDC/s400/DSC_0319_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563189129755233410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jenny and Davina</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Overall I feel that we are finally making this place our home...and I love where God has brought us. One of the main reasons is all the new friends He is bringing into our lives. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Below is a picture of our Bible Study group having a Thanksgiving meal. One friend brought an American flag to make me feel at home. :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wPdVkf2-qW87cwA4kfcuaxa6pQVaqMg13dFTQPttNMwOmZFEoDrib_6t_4aLfIm63_HS0aMEqc8SnHSzITTl9NfEjZm7DlKjBIUTpdrT_-iCADIHxsB6vH0SU0Z6J38JHNfqrvKcOUOU/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wPdVkf2-qW87cwA4kfcuaxa6pQVaqMg13dFTQPttNMwOmZFEoDrib_6t_4aLfIm63_HS0aMEqc8SnHSzITTl9NfEjZm7DlKjBIUTpdrT_-iCADIHxsB6vH0SU0Z6J38JHNfqrvKcOUOU/s400/IMG_0158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563189124192468050" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I recently read a quote from Andy Stanley. He said "Your friends have the ability to influence you...choose wisely". This is a wise word...and I pray that God continues to lead us in our friend relationships. We love nothing more than to hang out with fun loving people that just love Jesus as much as we do! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Below are Andy and Rho...he is the leader of our church...pray for them as they lead us in what God is doing here in the city!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtH0BWBD5zpM0AmlTbERGbUMTTnoX59Eg21X5pV5XGolJ2UIxinEro_nAjGckMbPrBLc3Etm0S87BqJwLspBIxfnkczUyNbdwdx_yyl60GNpSXSXAJZnfa8PitUOernLbjR3_mOla1T8r/s1600/64052_479164340254_663220254_7317984_1273889_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtH0BWBD5zpM0AmlTbERGbUMTTnoX59Eg21X5pV5XGolJ2UIxinEro_nAjGckMbPrBLc3Etm0S87BqJwLspBIxfnkczUyNbdwdx_yyl60GNpSXSXAJZnfa8PitUOernLbjR3_mOla1T8r/s400/64052_479164340254_663220254_7317984_1273889_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563189121199411218" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Question? Have you asked the Lord lately to continue guiding you in your friendships? Remember we all need friends in our lives for sharing, loving, laughing, encouraging, challenging, and helping to keep us accountable...</span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. -</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Proverbs 27:17</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-85416080294311759312010-12-31T11:29:00.006+00:002011-01-01T09:44:54.337+00:00Dear 2010...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk5IyIpnXiAfYLM0L_4dOvjivFoRrFMAhyphenhyphenBEWPqOA3dZYislsITHD6P2KcujhcOjLRrpv75YFXIrrXCYCvLhymUs0IewLhw3xf9SdHYJQEm6LKpdVNhj4FEZzFgddaPlbRa05dnE92k2t/s1600/mary_022010_144516.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk5IyIpnXiAfYLM0L_4dOvjivFoRrFMAhyphenhyphenBEWPqOA3dZYislsITHD6P2KcujhcOjLRrpv75YFXIrrXCYCvLhymUs0IewLhw3xf9SdHYJQEm6LKpdVNhj4FEZzFgddaPlbRa05dnE92k2t/s400/mary_022010_144516.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556851169207395522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Me and my love on our wedding day (Feb 20, 2010)</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKosypyPXX-gZ3ed1MJK76DTDXq-14DSY-_xq8qPFUmL4LAahJL0gfBUCI5q85wHC6KZIQVsk8xqd-xBQc_y8_rF2YUI5PSLDhOJCQ7M_Zjxti1EFlq93eYjM6LGq0KnH-2tzIJEim5sJS/s1600/P1030880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKosypyPXX-gZ3ed1MJK76DTDXq-14DSY-_xq8qPFUmL4LAahJL0gfBUCI5q85wHC6KZIQVsk8xqd-xBQc_y8_rF2YUI5PSLDhOJCQ7M_Zjxti1EFlq93eYjM6LGq0KnH-2tzIJEim5sJS/s400/P1030880.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556851166699897266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Me and my love being commissioned to our work in England</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Nnr1d7-IwMJu3fZojCd-p6G4_LWvgxSqYuqYBKajESCTRqvCD2WDV_ZAJun1mnBuFpPv5RUu3BVApGWzPGHA2NUBINJEWuNI2TN99UxjWJ4ksc-zIojNYKLTbFoGZ1cKwE-gBYTYkPE9/s1600/P1030914.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Nnr1d7-IwMJu3fZojCd-p6G4_LWvgxSqYuqYBKajESCTRqvCD2WDV_ZAJun1mnBuFpPv5RUu3BVApGWzPGHA2NUBINJEWuNI2TN99UxjWJ4ksc-zIojNYKLTbFoGZ1cKwE-gBYTYkPE9/s400/P1030914.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556851162949163250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Me and honey arriving in England to celebrate our first Easter. "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow..."</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCsR1424W7zwtbpWhbuJ3bQQ2zvC2g5sbEqEFzzflcNa37isOVvXH7B8c9k2w03EaoGZx5darYb-bO7Y4cjrhqe_GZDK4EZuhM9ljGGkoviSqjG35eLBH_ZGPnj50-zTKIM-OOazoKtWP/s1600/DSC_9853.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCsR1424W7zwtbpWhbuJ3bQQ2zvC2g5sbEqEFzzflcNa37isOVvXH7B8c9k2w03EaoGZx5darYb-bO7Y4cjrhqe_GZDK4EZuhM9ljGGkoviSqjG35eLBH_ZGPnj50-zTKIM-OOazoKtWP/s400/DSC_9853.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556851153279937282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Getting settled in married life and getting involved in the community. Excited for what God has in store!</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2xPEda6PCt2uIdcYbtyZceeUPiW2Oi9xa2CbbIM9hDClufG6D-bMmxpD4Sc6A3W9xhQ-o-Ud-ggZJdZWowPfhUXlv7I_JPkuOY6IkqhGYnO3W02AQTDy9biGmwSN4KW9dHFsStXvI9Ne/s1600/DSC_9310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2xPEda6PCt2uIdcYbtyZceeUPiW2Oi9xa2CbbIM9hDClufG6D-bMmxpD4Sc6A3W9xhQ-o-Ud-ggZJdZWowPfhUXlv7I_JPkuOY6IkqhGYnO3W02AQTDy9biGmwSN4KW9dHFsStXvI9Ne/s400/DSC_9310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556849598023720418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Started to feel unwell...and had to cut back from working. At the same time dealing with some very real hurts from the past. Thank you Father for allowing me to learn to forgive and that you are still teaching me this!</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6hC59FZtATYj0fNlu4Xd23Lc181DsH44E2mOisyKcSk0t73AdiSSzBbcIV-pwln_Ir3bWBY3d5uk_upoS5xvQIHYvvDk9ljqTdiXZQZJ58BuvaWNcT1k-2F3q4_gSutQACjsUz-Md0x_/s1600/P1040170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6hC59FZtATYj0fNlu4Xd23Lc181DsH44E2mOisyKcSk0t73AdiSSzBbcIV-pwln_Ir3bWBY3d5uk_upoS5xvQIHYvvDk9ljqTdiXZQZJ58BuvaWNcT1k-2F3q4_gSutQACjsUz-Md0x_/s400/P1040170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556849591275338290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In the thicket of my illness...but such a sweet walk with the Father! He was always there.One day in particular as I was crying out to Him to help me feel better...I felt Him saying "You are my child and I love you". It was like a wave of peace had come over me....and it was what I needed to get through that day!</span></span></b></div></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQa6u59CMgarkz1_QioGsfh1-RYjcdhrS3VDeX0b7o6xZUZQu6egpPeCVw8Vwn-gJqcgZcwEXgX_KBrRxzStcUjw58gllxsvnYN_xJgBLjdRZ6WIU8jfrN3ZOMj87Lc_qtqoPhYVgB5vQ/s1600/P1040150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQa6u59CMgarkz1_QioGsfh1-RYjcdhrS3VDeX0b7o6xZUZQu6egpPeCVw8Vwn-gJqcgZcwEXgX_KBrRxzStcUjw58gllxsvnYN_xJgBLjdRZ6WIU8jfrN3ZOMj87Lc_qtqoPhYVgB5vQ/s400/P1040150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556849579060344818" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Bella entered our life...such a blessing from God! And yes...this is the kitty I would "talk to" on my loneliest days...she was a good listener! :) </span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepRvWqIBZglm5sCo-eNHUwuR1YU3MBE-a8U4MGhVo6hEi5TG9jGCCQ2a-Rv8FQl5YaLUkCb9IrKoZaWKNlNieTw2Oj3xElpm_FuYj6MzSkW1OBEr2EsfPJAtyPzpYJfOMbETgxvoeYnpr/s400/P1040410.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556849573965839746" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Me and my love celebrating my remission. Now we can eagerly look forward to what God has in store for us. We feel so energized and on FIRE for Him!</span></span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iiLlwb9rILkcrhW0oEZpWQqmRc07OE7Ay9cUOCCF75lTPRZfKhMwtfUKnnuSwhgHPCWBU7RbCmUY1cqfUHF3fw5IhZKbXxX1KFNdOFlYrdfdpUHnvdOW_lsMyuYWrT6fF7AzRCveGKvR/s400/163884_480489724054_733024054_5886227_4333497_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556849576622044914" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Peaceful-happy to be coming out of what seems to have been a storm... and looking forward to 2011!</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">There is a song where the chorus goes like this: "Joy and Pain...Like Sunshine and Rain". If I had to only pick two words that described you 2010 it would have to be "Joy" and "Pain". In some ways I am sad that we are about to say goodbye but in other ways I couldn't be happier!</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">You have brought me incredible joy with the uniting of me and my love J. But you have also have brought your share of hard blows and intense pains. One in particular...even over an unexpected illness...has been the deepest pain I have ever felt. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to make it and feel whole again...but then I think of the sovereignty of God.</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">God knew what you would look like for me 2010...and He never left me on my own. Reading journals I see His hand guiding me and softly speaking to me to let me know that He knew my hurts...and He was dealing with them. He also showed Himself true in leading us to the right paths. For that I am so thankful!</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I must say that I have learned a lot...a lot about how things don't always seem fare and the fact that people <i>will let you down</i>, but also a lot about </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">who I am in Christ...and a deeper rich walk with Him. </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> I truly get what David is saying in Psalms 23...</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.<br /></span></span></b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14238" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">2</span></span></b></sup><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> He makes me lie down in green pastures,<br />he leads me beside quiet waters, </span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14239" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">3</span></span></b></sup><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> he refreshes my soul.<br />He guides me along the right paths<br />for his name’s sake. </span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14240" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">4</span></span></b></sup><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Even though I walk<br />through the darkest valley,<br />I will fear no evil,<br />for you are with me;<br />your rod and your staff,<br />they comfort me.</span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14241" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">5</span></span></b></sup><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> You prepare a table before me </span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> in the presence of my enemies.<br />You anoint my head with oil;<br />my cup overflows. </span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14242" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">6</span></span></b></sup><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Surely your goodness and love will follow me<br />all the days of my life,<br />and I will dwell in the house of the LORD<br />forever.</span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><i>Father may we continue to be surrendered to your will...and experience joy through the pain...looking up to you in the midst of it all for the comfort, and love, and direction only you can give. Thank you for 2010...and I am now ready to follow you into 2011! Amen.</i></span></span></b></p></span></div></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-87836924642223138242010-12-02T13:03:00.006+00:002010-12-02T14:05:25.403+00:00Reality Check for 2011...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94ok1FC5DvdFSe2FbJQiGCufjvW-yXFq-Auqo3CjorczhzEiI0yFyUAtqI5o8cBvVI-bUzHLKjQ2j29gP4UReQUcrkQbzlE2ohfinKHJcK08DnwQ4CmlA2klOoiMYSK6PnLjFOr7IRrn1/s1600/P1030221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94ok1FC5DvdFSe2FbJQiGCufjvW-yXFq-Auqo3CjorczhzEiI0yFyUAtqI5o8cBvVI-bUzHLKjQ2j29gP4UReQUcrkQbzlE2ohfinKHJcK08DnwQ4CmlA2klOoiMYSK6PnLjFOr7IRrn1/s400/P1030221.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546084793602245922" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Today I am staring out the window to a snowy wonderland. It has been snowing for the past few days...a rare occurrence this time of the year here in England. Each day the snow gets all sludgy with tire marks or shoe prints going through it. But through the night another layer drifts down from the sky...allowing me to wake to a beautiful new blanket of snow. Snow makes everything look so beautiful-and gives a "new" look to things. </b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>I've been thinking a lot this week about having a new look...not so much with my hair or make up.. but more so with my "outlook". You see this week has been a week full of ups and downs...from meeting new people (which is always exciting to me as I am a people person) to having to deal with physical pain after a procedure. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>As a matter of fact, this whole year has been full of ups and downs...from marrying the love of my life... to learning to forgive very deep hurts brought on by others...to struggling physically and emotionally through a difficult illness. So in many ways I can't wait for 2010 to be over and get a fresh new outlook in 2011. And let me just clue anyone out there that is wondering...my FAITH has never faltered and my walk has never been more sweeter than it has over this past year...to HIM ONLY be the glory!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>I look forward to the next year with excited anticipation...but am also ready for whatever may come our way. According to the Bible we are not guaranteed a prospering life in our health, our work or anything else for that matter. Can God bless us abundantly in anyone or all of this things if He chooses...absolutely...but stating that He is obligated to do it as if He was a geinie in a bottle is not what the Bible teaches. Nor does it teach that if you don't receive good things...that your faith is not strong enough. In the words of Job..."</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 19, 32); line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!" -</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Job 1:21</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>So what ARE we promised then? We are promised that one day...for those of us that know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior ...we will live for ever with Him in a NEW HEAVEN and a NEW EARTH. </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>(Rev 21:1-5).</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>(</b></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>btw-reality check: salvation is the greatest gift and if He gave me no other gift than that...I am blessed beyond measure!</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>) We will one day be free from pain and God will wipe every tear from our eyes. Talk about a fresh start! I look forward to that day, but in the mean time, I will still choose to praise my Heavanly Father...no matter what may come...good or bad in 2011. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>The question to ask yourself: are you </b></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>obligating </b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>God to do good things for you in 2011 or are you </b></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>asking </b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>God to do good things for you in 2011...prepared either way to PRAISE HIM? There is a big difference in the two questions. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>If you are struggling and find yourself on the "obligating" side (and I have to admit that I sometimes have done this)...ask God to forgive you and give you a fresh "newness" in His word that HE....no one else...not me...not some man who is great with words on TV...but GOD HIMSELF...that He will speak the truth of His Word into your heart. Only then can you really feel grace and have a fresh new look or "outlook". Did I mention I love snow???? :) </b></span></div><div><br /></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-90598143042912393272010-10-18T15:42:00.009+01:002010-10-19T08:17:16.219+01:00Heading Towards the Finish Line!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4ei-QadOugjsLYZAhBrw1j1FKxoLKmFAQ_pSEhox4pTiPZhcbz9cKWmmBFQSKUcIaJnfMkcKm7ohc4ySDkmJKWmqZxlHPkNhOuXkiU5vJIW_jkHYVWIAW-OB0d6WbyHXlXLFokuuALk-/s1600/securedownload.jpeg"></a><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Hello Dr. (P), this is Mary O. We wanted to call you and let you know that I seem to be having a lot less symptoms lately. We know that our next appointment we are to discuss chemo treatments...but we wondered if we could just do one more blood test to see if my markers are in deed showing some improvement with my disease." </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This was our desperate plea phone call to our specialist several week ago as we were about to face what seemed to be inevitable...months of chemo. We had been praying along with so many others that I would get better and not have to start the chemo treatments. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">GOD ANSWERED PRAYERS!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Well I'll just come out and say it: I'm in REMISSION!!!!!!! </span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4ei-QadOugjsLYZAhBrw1j1FKxoLKmFAQ_pSEhox4pTiPZhcbz9cKWmmBFQSKUcIaJnfMkcKm7ohc4ySDkmJKWmqZxlHPkNhOuXkiU5vJIW_jkHYVWIAW-OB0d6WbyHXlXLFokuuALk-/s400/securedownload.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529407534225045314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now is there anybody out there that is doing a little jig with me right now? Yep, after 7 long months...my doctors have informed me that they believe I am getting better. If all goes well I should be off all medications and showing no symptoms (total remission)...by the end of the year. I am already feeling much better and getting more strength and energy every single day.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The day we were to go to the specialist and discuss treatment options...we instead heard "Mrs. Oldenkamp...we believe you are heading towards remission. Your blood work shows remarkable improvement of your disease. So therefore, not only do we recommend no new treatments for your disease at this time...we also recommend that you start coming off all of your current medications." </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wow...we couldn't believe it. And as a matter of fact...we were a little shell shocked when we left the office. Instead of jumping up and down...we equate it to what it must feel like being a prisoner of war. For so long we were "locked up and in the prison" of my disease and finally we were being "set free". So we walked out of that room with a little apprehension of "is this for real...are we really free?" This lasted for a few weeks...but every day as I began to show improvement and from the loving nudge of our Father...our fears fell away...and now we are doing the happy dance!!! </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So what is next? If I am able to continue lowering my dosages of medications and my blood work and symptoms keep improving...I should...LORD willing...be in complete remission by the end of the year. What a wonderful Christmas gift!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We do have a little bit of not so good news...but hey wanted to share the really good news first. There are a few aftermaths with the Lupus...the lining around the retina of right eye was affected. They are looking to possibly do a minor operation with a laser to sort of "weld" the lining back to normal to prevent the retina from detaching. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So getting back to the good news...this couldn't have come at a better time as this is National Lupus Awareness Month here in the UK. The tag line with Lupus is "Everyone knows someone who has it." What used to seem a quite rare and deadly disease has now become much more prevalent...but also many advances have been made to give hope that a cure is on its way! </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There is currently no cure for Lupus and the main stream of medications available to treat are very harsh. RIGHT NOW there is a new medication called Benlysta that is currently being reviewed by the FDA in the States which looks to be the first medication specifically for Lupus that has been developed in over 50 years! If it is approved...it will be available the beginning of 2011!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is a personal photo journal of my journey with Lupus. I would not normally post such pictures of myself, but I think it is important for people to realize the devastation of the disease. </span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfn24mK4NctOLMRrJOMg52YNl0io3TKbkN73KdlIwbBsgbqQywJPLJLsZDKI83se_gHReFYvjuNGm6k-TH6Zm2xmyLZ20j2ppaouEtNaAWNekjRYKHBnHLOlVrdT8OCHSBFpArLEaYj-Mv/s400/DSC_9199.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529411552956137954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just shortly after being diagnosed-I was having severe joint pains and could sleep for 14 hours per day!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTuDgpLfXjmPztvkWYUOWr0JXKGH47ZClLdRj1ng3H1931k5AOJrkSXh0qILYAvrHL2kz-ObjQLqOC_SyG4N7piDFzdPS35zGRuDjkL2mK82Jr1Em4tbQQLY0TPpZJaHk_J8WUG9CMZsY/s400/P1040003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529411567484754114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then came the lovely swollen lips that would appear on random occasions, along with the famous butterfly rash across my cheeks and nose...a classic sign of Lupus. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy4UwW8-iz8X1aQVIvQcfOkTjqLVnBdwdAXRxsGcF-ywNgwtox6NLbj3azAxVb7J8ff3ZwiNuPwKw4aPa8K-R9jdGRVqGINCjMPJuuHXCc3ZzWtBQpXdoQEuddN3HscFHbV8UuxxrdhwC/s400/P1040156.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529411579585830754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The hives were more than I could bare at times...I would literally lay in the tub soaking in baking soda and just crying as I tried not to scratch! My hair also began to fall out rapidly. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxxy4LVUVWf3nBJrLmXhN7UvuIcKSHNeJ2JtLB3JuNO3LjfqXpYkkM4eRqhM3swaVDopUtqee1C9lQ95YajMChjCzztKNPSt7TRVFdnAxmgJhSvJsrd51-RrLnlX-TRzmZabSvx6xgVps/s400/P1040179.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529411597324679986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here there was a severe adverse reaction to a medication. J and I spent so much time in and out of hospitals. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjrx0Xjry_OBzaWWZ3xoBGKZex1pv0FyfHqEYO72oYRhbq8Jz8ldo0l6zxe55H3KK2sgzG6ih0LQRweR5JBGA4v4TacAVf108_zNUru8YyjkqbDj3yVU7eUs0OhQZMDkg0AVlzDkWgUKx/s400/P1040170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529411606622580498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This was definitely my low point. My kidneys were starting to take a hit and we were being informed that chemo was the only option. We were also told at this point that children in the future would most likely NOT be possible if I were to go on the chemo. But we both just kept crying out to God for help!</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What can YOU do to help spread the news about Lupus? Please follow the links to these two videos from St. Thomas Trust here in the UK. It will explain what Lupus is and share a story of a woman trying to start a family with the disease (something very near and dear to my heart).</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">PLEASE WATCH!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is the video telling what Lupus is:</span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/stthomaslupustrust#p/a/u/0/KdAFElp00ko"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">http://www.youtube.com/user/stthomaslupustrust#p/a/u/0/KdAFElp00ko</span></b></a></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is the video of a woman having lupus and wanting to start a family:</span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/stthomaslupustrust#p/u/8/CEQgfAVemfo"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">http://www.youtube.com/user/stthomaslupustrust#p/u/8/CEQgfAVemfo</span></b></a></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Please continue to pray over us:</span></b></div><div><ul><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pray that I will continue to show improvement</span></b></li><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pray that my energy will increase</span></b></li><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pray for the "aftermaths" that are showing up (my right eye)-that if surgery is the solution that all will go smooth</span></b></li><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pray for J and I as we have been informed to attempt to "get in the best shape as possible" while I am in remission to make my body stronger if/when the next flare comes. (the average remission time is around 3-4 years). </span></b></li><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pray for J and I, and OM Leaders to make decisions in regards to what I will be doing in the ministry-what capacity I will be able to maintain. (Lord willing shooting for January 2011 to start back). </span></b></li></ul><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We want to THANK YOU for all of your prayers, letters, emails, FB messages...it was overwhelming to know how many people have been lifting us up in prayer! You have blessed us so much! </span></b></div></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We look forward to telling you more exciting news in the near future...Lord willing! Keep checking back here and at our website (www.voicebehindyou.com) for blog and video updates. Also, if you live in the Atlanta area and would are interested in upcoming prayer meetings please respond to this update. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We love you all deeply and are so thankful that YOU are in our lives!!!</span></b></div></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-54052548183938119462010-10-03T07:38:00.008+01:002010-10-03T08:32:55.380+01:00Getting Restored in the Valley...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU6rP5QJjnwlYZHA2b1PS2jMPnzpPivUNvuSpMuR9PfK9ryWZ8hKQpB7U_OyLJ3Qq4uNr8ezXYx8IIjR1KhLSiH3UgCeAoP2TFVztU6TC7S6HbdJC1UuNCvITwU6knDls65B-NfM6iJ6g/s1600/DSC08891.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijklvWCiJbxM6YpxtRmQv0mf7nIP3Bubypk0Srfeim4lMSLE5Q5z3d4EURtMevBQ7jDDK0vFLSoaBI4l-egY38FFku0MUTlab_IIpWICtMC9YSJZ7q2FyuoJ2ZAWvfFLQr7evUlSNv_Lk0/s1600/DSC08857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijklvWCiJbxM6YpxtRmQv0mf7nIP3Bubypk0Srfeim4lMSLE5Q5z3d4EURtMevBQ7jDDK0vFLSoaBI4l-egY38FFku0MUTlab_IIpWICtMC9YSJZ7q2FyuoJ2ZAWvfFLQr7evUlSNv_Lk0/s400/DSC08857.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523707569881107202" /></a><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Most of us would say that "the view from the top is great"! You can see so much more...all the valleys below...and you feel great! You could stay there all day long. But what happens when you start your decent into the valley? Does your attitude seem to change for the worse? And is the view really better on the mountain top than down in the valley?</span></b></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU6rP5QJjnwlYZHA2b1PS2jMPnzpPivUNvuSpMuR9PfK9ryWZ8hKQpB7U_OyLJ3Qq4uNr8ezXYx8IIjR1KhLSiH3UgCeAoP2TFVztU6TC7S6HbdJC1UuNCvITwU6knDls65B-NfM6iJ6g/s400/DSC08891.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523708551417378754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>When we are in the valley...although we can only see what is in front of us...we can actually see things in so much more detail than we could looking down from the mountain...much more clarity if you will. What once looked like little spots...now come into full view as a beautiful flower patch or even cute wooly sheep!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lrHQ1YkQhHemSh2_l4bwLwqQAgl-K7fPqvWbItizEcE8DkGjrHYU2IUIk8F4vrZb7Cpt_hiLYVzhigYVCBEm82a8tDsjACVotDzr9zimDTwBVDwJRB6THM0a6pFnk9kteZ8F0jRJJtKR/s400/DSC08990.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523709485501844738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></b></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The valley forces you to keep "looking up" to see where you are going. If you only look down you could eventually hurt yourself by running into a wall or falling into a lake. </span></span></span></b></span>Sure there may be some obstacles to face once you are in the valley...some rock walls you must climb and you may injure yourself on some bob wire along your journey, but in the end...it leads to beautiful paths. The valley allows you to see things in detail that you most likely wouldn't have seen on the mountain top...it brings "clarity and direction...which can lead to the ultimate...RESTORATION. </span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTryUvXH4fgGKOIAoeaY2tKda9aDsARtMLLHXloXMi3AfInLVTE0s3aOQBJI5CbLcmp8SoS-wAbrnYz2wZK_xwKmnslMeeR1PSLEFsbvRMUmbxv0zWnHY8NH4UkHVc10kGGLpMh2JAzNwS/s400/DSC08961.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523713335959029394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You very well may have just come down from a mountain top only to be facing your own valley right now<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">...valleys of loneliness, discouragement...unexpected health issues...circumstances at work. Are you moaning and groaning and wishing you were back on that mountain? Did you know that our Heavenly Father is waiting to "restore us in that valley"?</span></span></b></span> </span></span></b></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The question to ask yourself is "what direction am I looking"? Are you looking down...grumbling the entire way? If so...be careful...you might fall into that lake pretty soon...and that could be very unpleasant...especially with winter coming! Look up...see your surroundings and ask your Father to show you beauty along your path...the fine details...and let Him restore your soul. You will be amazed by what all you will see!</span></span></b></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); line-height: 22px; "><blockquote style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0.786em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0.786em; border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">You restore my soul. You guide me in the path of righteousness for your name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:3-4</span></i></span></span></b></p></blockquote></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011262229187105200.post-83520230561572830682010-09-14T17:13:00.006+01:002010-09-15T12:18:45.958+01:00He Loves Me...He Loves Me Not...God's Real Promises...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2WPWArWZPuh9oD6C-MHDUYUw5ic-QY5VAl3GUfYh1D74SA7yXqBz8jixB0ll-HoCEa6L6uN6jFGDYQzn1CNcaVXqj_y6Wj6VU7MmIaEaxRBePwvJfYnm8QKlLSueI9sef-qD1pYaHJ0B/s1600/3347099776_2be6ed0708.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 344px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2WPWArWZPuh9oD6C-MHDUYUw5ic-QY5VAl3GUfYh1D74SA7yXqBz8jixB0ll-HoCEa6L6uN6jFGDYQzn1CNcaVXqj_y6Wj6VU7MmIaEaxRBePwvJfYnm8QKlLSueI9sef-qD1pYaHJ0B/s400/3347099776_2be6ed0708.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516811552659331010" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2WPWArWZPuh9oD6C-MHDUYUw5ic-QY5VAl3GUfYh1D74SA7yXqBz8jixB0ll-HoCEa6L6uN6jFGDYQzn1CNcaVXqj_y6Wj6VU7MmIaEaxRBePwvJfYnm8QKlLSueI9sef-qD1pYaHJ0B/s1600/3347099776_2be6ed0708.jpg"></a><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"He Loves Me...He loves me not"...I am sure at one point in our teenage lives we have all picked the petals of a flower until the last one was left...telling our fate of where our recent crush stood with us. If the one left was "he loves me not"...we would be so devastated...and if you were like me...you would just throw that flower out and begin again with a new one! :) </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But I wonder how many of us do this same thing with God...maybe you get that He loves you...but maybe some of you...like me struggle with God actually coming through on His promises. You have faith but in the bottom of your heart you have that flower...just a picking away and saying "He will do this...He won't do this". Ladies...if God gives you a promise...you can take it to the bank! All we are called to do is TRUST in Him...his Word...and His promises He gives us through His Word. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To be quite honest...I was almost to the point of started to doubt one particular promise God had given me through scripture with my recent illness. It had been a long and difficult road and the constant pain and struggles were getting the best of me. But God in His mercy didn't let me go flower picking all too soon...and stepped in just in the nick of time. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Just recently I was asked by my friend Shelley Hendrix to guest write a devotion for her ministry's blog site. It was a total honor and little did I know how it would bless my socks off. </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When I wrote the devotion...I had no idea when it would be published. The devotion was on how God has so sweetly spoken promises to me over the course of my illness...one of which I felt the Lord would "restore" my health...maybe not completely heal...but at least I knew that better days were coming! </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This past Monday I was scheduled to see my specialist about possible future treatments of chemo...as up until that point I had not been improving as they had hoped. When I arrived to that appointment...I had been feeling somewhat better the past few days...but did not know the official results of my tests. Needless to say...God's promise came through in a very big way...when the Doctor told me that my test show improvement...meaning that I did not have to start the chemo treatment!!!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As we drove home I was checking my email and saw that my devotion had been published that morning...and began to tear up. On the very same day that I was telling people about His promises...God decided to SHOW me His promise to me did come true! He is restoring my health...I am getting better! So if God tells you something...get ready...because it is going to happen. You may not know when...or exactly how...but it will come to be! It is all about TRUST people!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Okay...well...have a read (see link below)...I hope you enjoy it and I would LOVE to hear from you all on how God has revealed His promises to you! Love to you all!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.shelleyhendrix.org/2010/09/blog-party-continues-with-shout-shout.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">http://www.shelleyhendrix.org/2010/09/blog-party-continues-with-shout-shout.html</span></b></a></span></div>Mary Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448151064229155135noreply@blogger.com0