Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Just Stay




A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.

"Your son is here," she said to the old man.

She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.

Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lightedward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile.

He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients.

Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her.

"Who was that man?" he asked.

The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.

"No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life."

"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed."

I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His Son was killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him. What was this Gentleman's name?

The Nurse with Tears in her eyes answered, Mr. William Grey..............

I know this was just a story but it made me realize how God can use even me to be Jesus with skin on ♥

Sunday, January 31, 2010

♥ SULLY ♥



Sully's mom and dad (Darby and Cheyenne) had photos taken the afternoon of a recent 4-D sonogram that I had the privilege to witness!
I love these photos - and can't wait for the phone call saying that Chey is in labor ... we're anxiously waiting for you Sullivan!
XO

Monday, January 25, 2010

Another tidbit worth passing on...


Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.
It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds, all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

I received this in email and thought it was worth passing on. Personally, I sleep with my very good friends, Mr. Smith & Mr. Wesson :)

Thursday, January 14, 2010

HOPE...


Hope is my first creation of 2010.
She will be making her preview tonight on the TDIPT Mercantile.

However, my heart has been so heavy watching the news from Haiti
that I have decided to give the proceeds from the sale of Hope
to help the orphaned children of Haiti through
The Global Orphan Project.

This is a very worthy and reputable charity that donates 100% of the funds to help the orphans.

If you are interested in purchasing Hope, please contact me - adoption fees are $80, which includes shipping in the US.

Keep the people of Haiti in fervent prayer.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Tragedy in Haiti


I'm sure you are aware of the devestation in Haiti after the earthquake they endured.

If you are asking yourself how you can help, I would suggest The Global Orphan Project, which provides care for just over 2,000 children throughout Haiti. About 200 of those children were in homes near the epicenter of the earthquake and although we don't know yet about the well being of those children, the remaining 1,800+ orphans appear to be safe, including the 120 children at our church homes in Cavaillon. The Global Orphan Project is assembling a team to get to Haiti by Friday to assist in relief efforts. We pray for their safe travel.

What can you do??? PRAY. Seriously pray. Pray often. Pray a lot. Pray that God will be more real than ever before during this time of desperation.

Please take a moment to check out the Global Orphan Project's website ... if you are able, please give from the heart. This very worthy organization commits to use 100% of these funds for the emergency relief needs and the fallout from this disaster. They will do so with care.

But most important than this is praying - for the help that is on the way, for the volunteers who will be working diligently around the clock and for God's protection to the People of Haiti. Please pray!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Daniel O and Minnie Lynch


Daniel and "Miss Minnie"Lynch
with their lil Cookie

Recently, my brother shared a box of miscellaneous things that belonged to my dad. In it were some newspaper clippings on our family members and one particular piece caught my eye. It was the obituary on my father's father - a loving man named Daniel O. Lynch, who passed away when I was very young. My grandpa was a hard working man - he worked many years and retired from one company, only to turn around and go to work for another company when he was 75 yrs young!

Well, I received an email today on grandparents that I just thought was so adorable and wanted to share it here... I hope it brings a giggle or two for you!

1. She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye....

2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"

3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice,"Who was THAT?"

4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like. "We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods."The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"

5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied.

6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story. "What's it about?" he asked. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."

7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these colors yourself!"

8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."

9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised "Mine says I'm 4 to 6."

10. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting." she said. "How do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."

11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked."Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child."

12. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties."They use him to keep crowds back," said one child."No," said another. "He's just for good luck."A third child brought the argument to a close."They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."

13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her. Then, when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."

14. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!

15. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over, you hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.


Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Census 2010 is beginning


With the U.S. Census process beginning, I have decided to make another public service announcment. BE CAUTIOUS!

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?

BBB offers the following advice:
If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have:
1-a badge
2-a handheld device
3-a Census Bureau canvas bag, and
4-a confidentiality notice.

Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S.
Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.

The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.
No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, The Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Made in America


I vote to start the new year making a CONCERNED EFFORT to buy AMERICAN!

I got this email today and found it quite interesting... hope you do too!


The whole world is afraid of China-made "black hearted goods".

Can you differentiate which one is made in Taiwan or China ?

If the first 3 digits of the barcode are 690, 691 or 692, the product is MADE IN CHINA .

471 is Made in Taiwan .

This is our right to know, but the government and related departments never educate the public, therefore we have to RESCUE ourselves.

Nowadays, Chinese businessmen know that consumers do not prefer products "MADE IN CHINA ", so they don't show from which country it is made.

However, you may now refer to the barcode, remember if the first 3 digits are:
690-692 ... then it is MADE IN CHINA .
00 - 09 ... USA & CANADA
30 - 37 ... FRANCE
40 - 44 ... GERMANY
47 ... Taiwan
49 ... JAPAN
50 ... UK

BUY USA & CANADIAN MADE by watching for "0" at the beginning of the number.
*This public service announcement has been brought to you by Curds-and-Whey ♥

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!



The best thing I can offer you is this

"Advice for All on New Year’s Day"

by Ann Landers

Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t find the time.

Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories.

Share a funny story with someone whose spirits are dragging. A good laugh can be very good medicine.

Vow not to make a promise you don’t think you can keep.

Pay a debt.

Give a soft answer.

Free yourself of envy and malice.

Encourage some youth to do his or her best. Share your experience, and offer support. Young people need role models.

Make a genuine effort to stay in closer touch with family and good friends.

Resolve to stop magnifying small problems and shooting from the lip. Words that you have to eat can be hard to digest.

Find the time to be kind and thoughtful. All of us have the same allotment: 24 hours a day. Give a compliment. It might give someone a badly needed lift.

Think things through. Forgive an injustice. Listen more. Be kind.

Apologize when you realize you are wrong. An apology never diminishes a person. It elevates him.

Don’t blow your own horn. If you’ve done something praiseworthy, someone win notice eventually.

Try to understand a point of view that is different from your own. Few things are 100 percent one way or another.

Examine the demands you make on others.

Lighten up. When you feel like blowing your top, ask yourself, "Will it matter a week from today?"

Laugh the loudest when the joke is on you.

The sure way to have a friend is to be one. We are all connected by our humanity, and we need each other.

Avoid malcontents and pessimists. They drag you down and contribute nothing.

Don’t discourage a beginner from trying something risky. Nothing ventured means nothing gained. Be optimistic. The can-do spirit is the fuel that makes things go.

Go to war against animosity and complacency.

Express your gratitude. Give credit when it’s due—and even when it isn’t. It will make you look good.

Read something uplifting. Deep-six the trash. You wouldn’t eat garbage—why put it in your head?

Don’t abandon your old-fashioned principles. They never go out of style.

When courage is needed, ask yourself, "If not me, who? If not now, when?"

Take better care of yourself. Remember, you’re all you’ve got. Pass up that second helping. You really don’t need it. Vow to eat more sensibly. You’ll feel better and look better, too.

Don’t put up with secondhand smoke. Nobody has the right to pollute your air or give you cancer. If someone says, "This is a free country," remind him or her that the country may be free, but no person is free if he has a habit he can’t control.

Return those books you borrowed. Reschedule that missed dental appointment. Clean out your closet. Take those photos out of the drawer and put them in an album. If you see litter on the sidewalk, pick it up instead of walking over it.

Give yourself a reality check. Phoniness is transparent, and it is tiresome. Take pleasure in the beauty and the wonders of nature. A flower is God’s miracle.

Walk tall, and smile more. You’ll look 10 years younger.

Don’t be afraid to say, "I love you." Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.

If you have love in your life, consider yourself blessed, and vow to make this the best year ever.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking...



When you thought I wasn't looking
I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator,
and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking
I saw you feed a stray cat,
and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.


When you thought I wasn't looking
I saw you make my favorite cake for me,
and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking
I heard you say a prayer,
and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.


When you thought I wasn't looking

I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick,
and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking
I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it,
and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking
I saw how you handled your responsibilities,
even when you didn't feel good,
and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking
I saw tears come from your eyes,
and I learned that sometimes things hurt but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking
I saw that you cared,
and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking
I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know
to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking
I looked at you and wanted to say,
'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'





Each of us influences the life of a child.
How will you touch the life of someone today?


Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God

Friday, December 18, 2009

Exciting News to Share!!!


I have been sharing with you for a couple of weeks now about the special challenge that I accepted at my church (Restore Community Church) to multiply my money.
I started with one $10 bill - and wanted to use it to help others!


Actually, my husband joined forces with me - he had a $20 and I had a $10 and
we accepted a challenge to multiply our funds during a 2-week period
in order to help others as the Lord directed us.
We are so happy to report that as of this morning,
together we have been able to collect $475!!
That puts us just $25 short of our goal of $500 -
but I know that the charity we have chosen,
Angel Tree Ministries and Prison Fellowship Ministries will use this money
to bring Glory to God and bless many children's during this Christmas season!


Many heartfelt thanks go to all of our dear friends that have helped us
multiply our money and may God Bless you in mighty ways!


Thank you for your prayers and your generous and giving hearts.
We love you all!!

~Cookie

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

So, it's officially one day beyond the deadline - but we surpassed our goal!!!
I just received another $35 and hubs collected another $30 this morning -
which brings us up to $540 total

God is So Good !

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

One Day Left to Make a Difference ....

I have been praying and waiting on God to show my hubs and me what to do with the money that we have been mulitplying for the Big Give ... I knew I wanted to help kids somehow and God shed some light on a ministry that provides Christmas gifts to children.
After discussing and praying with Darrell, we have decided to donate all of our funds - over $350 - to Angel Tree - a ministry that has partnered with Prison Fellowship Ministries.
This is a program for kids that have one or both parents in prison... a ministry that will buy and deliver gifts to children, along with a handwritten card from their parents to kids - and they will know that their mom or dad has not forgotten them and although they can't be together on Christmas morning, they will be remembered and loved - and will get a present on Christmas.
Due to the economy, there are over 50,000 kids in remote areas that have not been adopted for Christmas so the goal of Angel Tree is to reach those kids in remote and very rural areas and bring them some joy.

I feel very confident that our money will be used to bless some children that might have a bleak Christmas - without their parents and maybe even Christmas presents.
I would love to deliver - I called and talked to one of the staff at Angel Tree, but was told that it's too late to get to be a part of that, so I'll have to settle for donating the money to buy the childrens gifts.

That's ok... I can live with that and know that my money is going to help make some children's Christmas a little brighter!

I have one more day to multiply my money more... if you can help by donating just $10 to help a child's Christmas be a little brighter please, email me! You can send a paypal over before the deadline hits.

Merry Christmas to all ♥ May God be Glorified and Bless in a Mighty Way!