Trust God's Grace

I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. Galations 2:21
This is today's scripture in my daily devotional (The Confident Women Devotional)Joyce Meyer.
She discovered years ago that every time she became frustrated it was because she was trying to do something herself, in her own strength, instead of putting her faith in God and receiving His grace (help). If I had a dime everytime I too said this! I always try to do everything myself, change myself, my family, my situation, my finances, whatever....and often am frustrated because things are not turning out like I want or expect, not my results. After struggling and struggling on my own, I finally give it to Him and only then do I see the results and and become free of the craziness of trying to do it all by myself. Why do I not just give it to Him in the first place? Thank goodness God is so patient. I'd like to say I'm learning, but daily I still try to do it myself. At least I have the wisdom now to know that nothing is done without Him, He is in charge. So give it up people, you can't go it alone, don't even try. Give it to Him, go to God in prayer and ask for help, for His blessing, His guidance, and then you will get answers, and peace.

All This Free Stuff is Destroying Us

I received this email forward the other day, I think it's brilliant.

The folks who are getting the free stuff,don't like the folks who are paying for the free stuff, because the folks who are paying for the free stuff can no longer afford to pay for both the free stuff and their own stuff.

The folks who are paying for the free stuff want the free stuff to stop, and the folks who are getting the free stuff want even more free stuff on top of the free stuff they are already getting!

Now... The people who are forcing the people who pay for the free stuff have told the people who are RECEIVING the free stuff, that the people who are PAYING for the free stuff, are being mean, prejudiced, and racist.

So... The people who are GETTING the free stuff have been convinced they need to hate the people who are paying for the free stuff by the people who are forcing some people to pay for their free stuff, and giving them the free stuff in the first place.

We have let the free stuff giving go on for so long that there are now more people getting free stuff than paying for the free stuff.

Now understand this. All great democracies have committed financial suicide somewhere between 200 and 250 years after being founded. The reason? The voters figured out they could vote themselves money from the treasury by electing people who promised to give them money from the treasury in exchange for electing them.

The United States officially became a Republic in 1776, 235 years ago. The number of people now getting free stuff outnumbers the people paying for the free stuff. We have one chance to change that. In 2012. Failure to change that spells the end of the United States as we know it.

September 11-10 Years Later

Wow, I have been watching the news and specials that have been on all week in regards to the anniversary of 9/11. Most of us will never forget that day, I know I won't...but on the other hand it seems like most of us have. Look where we are after that terrible day in history and only 10 short years ago. Who could have ever have imagined that people would be seriously arguing about letting any religious prayer be part of the memorial service? What's a memorial service if you are going to leave God out of it completely? We live in a country where the overwhelming majority of people identify as Christian or have a religion, and clergy were some of the first people to respond on 9/11 to minister to victims. Why aren't they welcome today? It's like I've said before, we are so busy being "politically correct" that we are leaving God out of everything. Are we better off today than yesterday? Are our streets safer, our schools better, our morals at a higher standard? I know what some people think, if you have one religion represented you have to have another, and that is where people are divided. But I think they make it much more complicated than need be. I am Christian. I'm okay with a Catholic Priest, a Christian Pastor, a Mormon Bishop, a Jewish Rabbi, a Protestant and yes even an Imam coming together and giving a blessing, saying a prayer, seeking God in this mess we have made of everything. After all, if we don't start leaning on God and putting it in His hands, how will we ever be a great nation again?

Greetings Bloggers and Friends!

Okay, so can't seem to keep up with the blogging thing....I love to write, but who has time? Just thought I would throw a few random thoughts out there for you to read:
The stock market-can 2012 get here soon enough?
Crime-no one even pays attention anymore...
30 soldiers die in helicopter crash....I pray for their families.
Summer blockbusters that I have actually seen:
Cowboys and Aliens-OK
Captain America-OK
Planet of the Apes-probably was good, I didn't like it, too sad and stressful.
Crazy, Stupid, Love- I loved it!
Fort Worth-HOT
Sidney-?
Looking forward to- UNC Football, Ryan's wedding, Kauai (hopefully) and winning the lotto.....Happy August People, more to follow. :)

Valuable to God

A certain rich man died and the question was asked at his funeral, "How much did he leave? "He left it all," was the reply.
Often, I hear someone introduced this way: "This is Bob and he works for....." as if where a person works or what a person does determines his or her value.
Yet God does not judge us by our success. He loves each person the same. Your value and mine does not come from what we do, the clothes we wear. the house we live in, or the type of car we drive. Our value comes from the fact that God made us and loves us, and Christ died for us. Our value comes from the fact that He adopted us into His family, and we are now His children forever.
Don't depend on possessions or position for your identity. Get your identity from Christ, for you are of infinite worth to Him.
I've been been reading Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham a daily devotional, this is what I read today.....sometimes I'm moved more than others...this was one of those days. So I thought I'd share.

Sidney

No one ever said getting old was easy. What the *&%$? Not sure this is what I had in mind.....stuck in Sidney, Nebraska. Do any of you even know where Sidney is? I didn't. But, here I am. Working to do my share in the economic crisis...yes we are all in it. I find myself working in small town America. It is a one horse town where everything revolves around Cabela's. Everyone here works for, is married to someone who works for, or is related to someone who works for Cabela's Sporting Goods. This is their headquarters. It's also farming country, lot's of farmers who most likely shop Cabela's. There is a Walmart, a Subway, an Arby's, Mc Donalds and a Perkins. Everyone shops Walmart, because it's the only place to shop. Unless of course you need a fishing rod or tent, then you would go to Cabela's. The people here are friendly, the women a little frumpy. Their fashion dated. But somehow when you look at them, you know they put God and their families first, love their country and your sure they can make a mean cinnamon roll. And Gravy, these country women can always make good gravy. As much as I don't want to be here, I think everyone should have to spend a little time in a one horse town. You learn that there are still a lot of hardworking people who aren't afraid of getting their hands dirty, people who don't sit behind desks in cubicles stuck to a computer. People who actually watch sunsets, make real lemonade, go to church on Sunday, and are proud to be an American. And yes, make killer gravy.

An Email Sent From a Friend of My Sister's, So Sweet

This was sent from a good friend of the family on May 30,I have been wanting to share it with you all, kind of puts things in perspective!

"Good morning,

Well, this must be heaven. Yesterday, as you may have heard , was to be the end of this earth as we know it.

Well. today is a very special day. The sun is shinning, the birds in the back yard seem to be singing a little louder, my wife is enjoying her sleeping in this morning a little longer, both dogs woke me with kisses, we paid all our Utility bills on time (I know because the coffee pot made a specially good cup this morning), plus, and the best news of all is our dear friend and former Long Beach neighbor Harlean appears to be on the comeback from a horrific heart attack and coma. Her friends and family have said she has opened her eyes and recognizes all and responds with requests to do various responses.

Isn't life wonderful? Jack"
=

Quotes from the World of Miracles!

Through out this experience (my sister's heart attack) we have heard over and over about what a miracle she is, and it's not that I don't think she is, anyone of our "Team Harlean" knows what they have seen this past month. But is someone really a miracle? I think what we really mean is-God has performed a miracle. He took my sister and healed her, it's that simple. He performed a miracle. There are stories of miracles through out the bible, Old and New Testaments. This is one of those stories. These are some of the quotes we have heard in the hospital she is in:

"She is the sickest person we have ever had"

"Most people do not survive a tear in the heart"

"Her kidneys have fail-best case would be if she survives this-she will probably have to have dialysis 2 or 3 times a week" (not!)

The Respiratory therapist came in & smiling from ear to ear, she said "You have broken the record at Long Beach Memorial for the quickest healing sickest person ever"

One of the doctors yesterday referred to her as "Memorial's biggest miracle"....ain't that the truth!! The doctor who was in charge of the Pt's came in and hadn't seen her for a week and was astounded. I told her there were lots of prayers said and she said to keep them going. Harlean is a shining example of the power of prayer & God's miracles at work.

Her friend Jackie reported "Wow, what a day in Room 302b........Harlean had the best day & birthday ever....lots of gifts, balloons, singing and cake from the nurses, the best part of the day is when her grandson's Cash and West came in.......you should have seen her face light up...we sang again...they brought her little gifts and loved being able to kiss grandma and hold her hand....so precious. When we left around 4:30 Harlean was pooped...needed to sleep after the wonderful day....She even lifted her hand to her eye and scratched it....what an accomplishment....Jim with his hearing aids could here her talk too....voice got a little louder as the day went on...she improves more each day....she wants to be home!!!! She knows she has to work real hard for that to happen......eating her own breakfast was great yesterday.... the more she works those hands the better she gets....lots of pictures were taken of everyone with Harlean....The way she has improved is that all of her friends are there with God helping her recover.......this has been quite a journey for all of us but I know it has helped her recover so fast....Good Work Prayer Warriors........"
The lesson in all this has shown me-never doubt! All things are possible through HIM....

God's Phone Number

Have you heard of God's phone number: 333

Jeremiah 33:3 (New King James Version) ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
Harlean's Room # in ICU is #333.
This special # has a very spiritual meaning, it represents the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Jesus died when He was 33, He rose on the 3rd day.....all the Doctors tell us my sister is a miracle, I know there is a reason she is in Room #333....
It was Bernadette who first told us of this wonderful number and it's meaning....I will tell you that story later...:)

My Sissy....

Wow, what a few days! 5/19/11
Harlean is fully awake, breathing on her own and starting to eat soft foods. She even had a frozen yogurt today! She is definitely on the road to recovery. She is still very weak and it is going to take time. They are going to move her out of ICU tomorrow, but she will still be in the cardio unit....one day at a time.
Again, thank you for all your prayers and keep them coming. She has a lot of work to do. Truly, we could not have gotten through this without all your prayers and support and without The Lord.
Love you all, diane

Greetings Once Again Prayer Warriors, 5/17/11
Sorry it has been so long, but it has been a very hard time, and with each day we have gone through every emotion you can imagine. While everything pertaining to her heart and vital organs are healing and doing well, she has been out and not coming around as soon as we would have liked, needless to say we were scared she was not going to come out of it, then yesterday she started to open her eyes and blink a little.
I was the first one there this morning, and her eyes were both wide open! She looked at me as if to say "where have you been" and "get me out of here" , she is still on a breathing tube, so cannot speak, but she held my hand and squeezed when I asked her to, wiggled her beautiful toes when I asked her to, nodded yes when I asked her if she knew who I was.....I cannot describe the joy I felt, it was like she came back to us! Through the day as each family member and friend came in she knew who they were by nodding yes. All the doctors and nurses were very happy as well, all agreed she is a miracle. She is very weak and has a long road ahead of her, but we are going to enjoy and wallow in the fact that we had her with us today....she may get the breathing tube out tomorrow.....that will be huge! Please continue to pray, but also remember to give Thanks! Love you all, diane

Harlean

Good News to report today,
After a stressful few days-today was a miracle! The heart pump the dr. put in was a temporary device which we knew....the longest they might leave it in was 2 weeks, but they really like to take it out 5-7 days. Today was day 4 and her vitals were good, the dr. saw a window of opportunity and removed it-we were so scared! But, all went well, it came out fine, heart is repaired and pumping on it's own! Yippeeeeeeee! Praise the Lord!
Her numbers are all good, of course as the dr.s remind us, she is still critical.....they will reduce meds and try to take her off the breathing tube, our next big prayer request is NO brain damage. We don't think there is, but we don't know....
As for now-we will continue to pray for healing. I am so in awe of her heart specialist, he is amazing and the staff at Long Beach Memorial, they are all angels. Can I say -I hate the word "critical",we need to get out of that phase and into serious, better, physical therapy, anything!!! :)
Keep the prayers coming-prayer warriors! God Bless, diane

Harlean Emails.....

God is good! Harlean made it through surgery! Everything went well. They put in a temporary heart pump without difficulty. Then they went to repair the tear and after clearing away the blood clots the dr. could not find it! He told us it probably healed itself! Yea right.....MIRACLE! She came out of this deal better than we could have expected. Her vitals are all good, no infection, lungs working, etc.
We are all exhausted, emotional and filled with hope. We know she has a long way to go, and we know there can be complications, "one day at a time".
I am not going to give a sermon.....but we have all been praying and asking God for miracles. Then when we get what we ask for we often don't look at it as a miracle, what is up with that? I KNOW that today was a day of miracles, and I am so grateful and in awe of this whole journey......so please keep the prayers coming, but today give THANKS-because HE heard them!
Love you all, diane

Hi to all....
Once again, thank you from all of us for your continued prayers for my sister. It is overwhelming and so appreciated. Comforting to know how much we are loved, especially my sister.
I wish I had good news to report, however so grateful we still have hope. She is stable but critical, her numbers (blood pressure, liver enzymes,dialysis) etc. are coming around, a little better-baby steps. She has to get all these much better so she can have heart surgery to repair her heart, she has a long road ahead. One we are all willing to travel with her. We all believe in miracles, as we have seen one already-she is still here.
Two cardiologists have said most people would not have survived this. We are allowed to go in and see her 2 at a time every hour. The staff at the hospital are so amazing and kind, they frequently break the rules for our family, often there are 3 or 4 of us in there.
Harlean and I have a motto that we say to each other almost daily- "one day at a time" I tell her that every time I go in to see her. I know she hears me, but once again I know it is all in His hands.
Thanks again for all your prayers and keep them coming,
Love, Diane and family

Hi to all,
The Dr. informed us last night that my sister has done all she can do on her own, her stats have gone up a little all week and she has leveled off, so he doesn't want her to slide down hill, he told us when she leveled off, he would do surgery.
That time has come. She will have open heart surgery this morning at 7:30, most likely a 6 hour surgery or more...This is it, this strong amazing woman is going to come out swinging, or not. I know 100% in my heart that it's in God's hands. And I know she is a fighter, I know she loves God, and I know she has hundreds who love her.....please keep her in your prayers this morning. I will let you all know when I can how the surgery goes. Love you all, so thankful for wonderful family and friends, diane

Harlean

Thank you for your Prayers!
As most of you know, my beautiful sister-Harlean suffered a major heart attack this week. She is lucky to be alive. She is heavily sedated, on dialysis for kidneys, and a breathing tube. We truly thought we were going to lose her yesterday and the Dr. basically told us there was not much else he could do. They had put in a balloon-pump and her heart rate went way up and her her blood pressure dropped way down, we called in the hospital chaplain and we all held hands and gathered around her bed and prayed (keep in mind, only close family members and only 2 at a time allowed in ICCU) there were 8 of us in there. Within minutes her blood pressure started to go up-God is Good! He gave us hope when we truly had none. Even the nurse told us she thought the prayers had worked.
I can't remember when I have felt so desperate, so scared, so shocked. She has always been there for all of us, our rock, my sister, my mother, my best friend, on Easter we had a huge family dinner and she was showing us her hula moves from the dance lessons she took on her last cruise. Then in the course of a few days and being sick-she is fighting for her life. A rug was truly jerked out from under us. But she made it through the night and her numbers are stable as I write this. Today they did another procedure called a TTE, where they put a camera down her esophagus and could check out the damage done to her heart, there was a significant tear and by a miracle the blood that leaked actually sealed itself, which is why she is alive. The Dr. said most people would not have survived this. The tear is in a very tricky spot behind the heart and they will eventually have perform heart surgery to patch the tear, which is scary, but we will cross that bridge when we get there. Right now the thought of her having surgery is good news to me-it means she will still be here and needs it.
I know God has a plan for all of us and as much as I believe that, I want this to by my plan. I want her to heal, get better and be here with me for the next 50 years! But I know it is His plan, His will, His decision. I think we have hundreds of people praying for her and I know they are working. I don't know what tomorrow will bring but I do know that she is here today because God has heard our prayers. Please keep them coming.
I will try to keep you all up to date,
love, Diane

Greetings Bloggers and Friends!

I simply cannot beleive I have not blogged since February! Wow, I miss it! Work, work, and work is the reason I have not been here lately. However, I think work is slowing down.....
I am in beautiful San Diego for Easter vacation at my daughter's house. I love her house, I don't want to leave! She and her husband are so great and fun. And they make us feel so comfortable and welcomed. The sun is shinning and everythings is always green. And the flowers! They are everywhere. Yesterday we had lunch in La Jolla, on the beach, and watched the seals frolic in the ocean, life is good!

Hot or Cold?

Life in Cheyenne has made me realize one thing...I am a warm weather person! I would rather be sweating than teeth chattering. Sick of being cold! Today at work, I kept my heavy wool coat on the whole day...inside a heated building. I cannot get warm. Give me sun, give me heat, give me warmth, NOW!
ps- if I complain this summer about the heat and humidity in Fort Worth...remind me of what I just wrote,
Freezing my cheeks off in Cheyenne....

Happy Superbowl Weekend!

Poor Fort Worth/Dallas....this ice is unreal! People sliding on the roads everywhere! And now sheets of ice are melting and falling off the stadium and actually hit and injured people below. Who would have imagined? But...the sun is shinning today and the game is inside, so no worries. Now if they can get people into the stadium without a mini avalanche covering them from the falling ice all will be good....
PS- Steeler's or Packer's? Who cares, not my teams.
But I will watch the game and maybe drink a beer or 2! Enjoy the day!

Sick of.....

I am so sick of the crap on TV! I cannot understand how these networks and their creators can sleep at night. Do they not see the negativity and moral corruption they are pushing on our kids?
There are no consequences...they glamorize sex, drugs, and never show the effects this kind of behavior have on kids...they make it all look like fun and games. What about the STD's, the sad feeling of being used these young girls wake up with, and what about teenage pregnancy? Good grief, doesn't anybody care?
Just makes me realize more than ever...Emmie's Hope is a small way I can try to make a difference...also boycott the sponsors. More later....

Random Thoughts

Cold here.
Sick of the news.
Sick of Snooki.
Sick of Joy Behar.
Sick of Reality TV...it is corrupting our youth and no one seems to care. They cross the line on a daily basis and no one says anything. I don't watch it...but you don't need to. The news and media gives us a dose every day...personally it makes me sick. And Sad.

Tucson Tragedy

Such a sad event...No words can even describe the tragedy that occurred in Tucson yesterday. Innocent people shot and killed, not to mention a beautiful little 9 year old girl Christina Greene. I cannot even begin to know what their families are going through, like I said, there are no words to describe it. My prayers go out to all the victims and their families.