Heart Surgery

UPDATE

Praise God for His grace and mercy! Our wonderful Lord has brought my dad through! I appreciate all your prayers for him (and me). He is doing great. He is still heavily sedated of course, and won't be allowed to "come out of it" until morning. His breathing tube was removed tonight and that was good news. I know he will be able to rest a little bit better.
We were a little worried about his kidney function, as he is diabetic and has had a problem with this previously, but all is well. Thanks be to God! I also appreciate your words of encouragement. I would have updated sooner, but I didn't get home until late.
It is a blessing to have friends like you! I love you all....
Goodnight







My dad is having open heart surgery early in the morning.(Tuesday) I would appreciate your prayers for him. I was with him while he was in the hospital last week for a heart cauterization. The doctor told him he would try to put stints in if he found any blockages, but sad to say, it was not possible. We were told he has 5 to 6 blockages and surgery is the only option. My dad suffered several heart attacks a few years ago and God was gracious to bring him through. I am still believing God's grace to continue.

There are no words I can say to bring peace to him. He is scared. Only God can give him the peace he seeks. Please pray that he will accept it.

Napleon Speaks About Jesus

Yes, I know it has been a while! Upon my return, I wanted to share a fascinating quote from Napolean Bonaparte concerning my savior, Jesus. My pastor read this during his sermon a couple of weeks ago and I knew immediately I wanted to post this! Some of you may have read it before, but if not, I hope you are as touched by it as I was.



Napoleon:
"What a conqueror!--a conqueror who controls humanity at will, and wins to himself not only one nation, but the whole human race. What a marvel! He attaches to himself the human soul with all its energies. And how? By a miracle which surpasses all others. He claims the love of men--that is to say, the most difficult thing in the world to obtain; that which the wisest of men cannot froce from his truest friend, that which no father can compel from his children, no wife from her husband, no brother from his brother--the heart. He claims it ; he requires it absolutely and undividedly, and he obtains it instantly.

Alexander, Caesar, Hannibal, Louis XIV strove in vain to secure this. They conquered the world, yet they had not a single friend, or at all events, they have none any more. Christ speaks, however, and from that moment all generations belong to him; and they are joined to him much more closely than by any ties of blood and by a much more intimate, sacred and powerful communion. He kindles the flame of love which causes one's self-love to die, and triumphs over every other love. Why should we not recognize in this miracle of love the eternal Word which created the world? The other founders of religions had not the least conception of this mystic love which forms the essence of Christianity.

I have filled multitudes with such passionate devotion that they went to death for me. But God forbid that I should compare the enthusiasm of my soldiers with Christian love. They are as unlike as their causes. In my case, my presence was always necessary, the electric effect of my glance, my voice, my words, to kindle fire in their hearts. And I certainly posses personally the secret of that magic power of taking by storm the sentiments of men; but I was not able to communicate that power to anyone. None of my generals ever learned it from me or found it out. Moreover, I myself do not possess the secret of perpetuating my name and a love for me in their hearts for ever, and to work miracles in them without material means.

Now that I languish here at St Helena, chained upon this rock, who fights, who conquers empires for me? Who still even thinks of me? Who interests himself for me in Europe? Who has remained true to me? That is the fate of all great men. It was the fate of Alexander and Caesar, as it is my own. We are forgotten, and the names of the mightiest conquerors and most illustrious emperors are soon only the subject of a schoolboy's taks. Our exploits come under the rod of a pedantic schoolmaster, who praises or condemns us as he likes.

What an abyss exists between my profound misery and the eternal reign of Christ, who is preached, loved, and worshipped, and live on throughout the entire world. Is this to die? Is it not rather to live eternally? The death of Christ! It is the death of a God."

(Quoted in Hilarin Felder, Christ and the Critics, vol. 2, pp. 216-17)

Pictures!

Wow! Time sure passes quickly when you have a post that needs to be finished. I have been meaning to get this post together and it seems that everything else has captured my attention. I was also waiting for ANITA to put her brilliant spin on the pics. *grin*

Anita's camera is broken, so we didn't get as many photos as we would have liked. I think we were so busy talking that we forgot we had that option. As a matter of fact, I was so excited about spending the weekend with my Canadian neighbors that I forgot to take my camera on the way over to the hotel to greet them. Now, how sad is that?!

Anita called to let me know about what time they were to get into town on Friday the 18th. We had decided to meet at the hotel (and no, this isn't the actual one where she stayed. I don't won't to give away my exact location...*smile*) I had been patiently waiting up to this point and I was now ready to see them face to face.

We had decided to have dinner near the hotel of which they were staying since there was just about every restaurant you could name in the vicinity. We knew we were going to head out to the beach the next morning so we decided seafood was out of the question and Anita opted for Olive Garden. It was a great choice, Anita! The meal was delicious and the company wasn't half bad either! *smile*

After we finished eating, we decided to come back to my house for a little more fellowship.

This is the first picture I took, as my camera was home, ahem.... (alone)
Aren't they just the cutest!




The next morning we were off to the beach. We were blessed with a beautiful day full of sunshine. This is Ken and Anita going to "stick their toes in."








Next, we decided to walk down the beach and search for shells. We came upon this so cleverly disguised. I almost touched it while searching for small shells. YIKES!


Beach Buds!

My husband declared he is going on a diet after this photo!


This is Anita shaking the sand off her feet as we were getting ready to leave sandy coastline. Funny how we had planned to spend more time there, but didn't. We tried to pack too many activities into such a short period of time.


We rode around the area for a little while and then went to eat lunch at the Purple Onion in Shallote. If you are familiar with the area, but have never eaten there, please go and try it. Anita and I had salads that were very pleasing. The guys didn't complain either. I highly recommend this little restaurant for it's food, prices and cleanliness, which is a big plus. Oh, and I forgot to mention their homemade desserts. Yes, I know I am watching my weight, but after several weeks of being good, I let my guard down for a piece of their 7 layer chocolate cake. It did not disappoint. It was sooo good in fact, I could have eaten the plastic container it was served in, but I was trying to be on my best behavior in front of company and all. *smile* I have no pictures of this, as I left my camera in the car. *sigh*

Next we went over to Bath and Body Works so Anita could take a look around. Funny story here, but I will let Anita tell you if she so chooses. *smile*

We soon left the area to head out to Myrtle Beach. We had reservations for this. I have seen the Christmas show and absolutely loved it and I have seen Good Vibrations show, but I had never seen this one. Another funny story, but I again will let Anita tell this one also, if she chooses. After the show we went to where else, but Cracker Barrel. You can barely read the sign Anita is holding in the first pic.



You can read it very well in this one. I think this is my favorite one!!




Here's our chauffeur getting ready to take us back to the hotel where we would be spending the night. Thanks, honey!


Well I am going to end this for tonight. It is getting so late and I am tired. I didn't think I was going to get this far, but I am glad I did. Hopefully Anita will get something up soon. She has probably been as busy as I have......

Faabulous Weekend!

Pictures are coming! I just haven't had time to post them yet. Anita will probably beat me to it. We had a great weekend, but it was too short. I have sent the pics to her that were taken. For some reason, we didn't take as many as we should. Be patient with me, please. *smile*

Something Sweet

Could there be anything sweeter? Flowers for me from my son. He has stolen my heart. I hope this is something he will continue to do forever. Not just for me, but for the special lady that comes along later in life (much later) and steals his heart. Thank You, my precious boy.

Having A Made Up Mind

It started off as just an ordinary afternoon. I wasn't looking for anything adventurous at all. My lovely daughter was only working half a day and asked if I would go with her to the animal shelter when she got off work. Sure, I told her, BUT I am NOT going to get a dog! I knew I couldn't take her to the animal shelter without taking my son. He has asked me on several occasions to take a quick ride over and just "look" at the animals and I have turned him down each time. So, I waited until his dad picked him up from school and off we went. I reminded them once again while in the parking lot that we were just looking and we were NOT getting a dog.


The building which now accommodates the strays and others is newly constructed. It's much nicer than the former building that was very old and smelly. Upon entering, we had to sign in before we could be taken to the back to view the barking creatures. I could never work at a place like this. My heart would break too badly, not to mention that I wouldn't have one extra inch of space to keep all those poor babies. As we strolled in front of the cages, I still reminded myself that we were NOT going to get a dog. No, not today.......


While I was upfront filling out the adoption paperwork, *smile* my daughter was on her way home to trade vehicles in order to transport the newest member of our family. *sigh* I knew I shouldn't have agreed to this trip, but then again, we wouldn't have Roscoe. Roscoe had just arrived earlier in the day. Bless his heart. His previous owner was being deployed and had to give him up. I am sure it broke his heart to do so. I feel certain that he loved this beautiful dog, as he was well cared for. I wish I knew who it was just so I could let them know that he doesn't have to worry about him anymore.














Hmmmm.....he actually looks a little sad in these pictures, but I assure you he has jumped, ran, and played all afternoon. I think he might be a little sad that we had to come inside and leave him out.

My Seven

I was tagged by my friend Beth, to do a 7 things meme. She suggested tea cups for me, so..... I decided to go with it. *smile* I actually have mixed it up a little and added a few teapots. (I couldn't help it) Please forgive me for the dust and my neglect of not staging my items. I have been meaning to post this for a few days, and time has gotten away from me. I decided to go and ahead without the fanfare and show you what I've got. *smile*

I'll start with this tea cup. It was an unexpected find on one of my trips to the Biltmore. I always love finding treasures such as this.





This one is a little unique and very delicate.




This is another of my favorites and I was blessed to find the matching teapot. It's photo is coming up shortly.




This is my favorite green Royal Albert one.



My favorite Royal Albert, Old Country Roses in blue.

This is another Royal Albert. It is from an anniversary edition.








This is one like I gave to my dear friend Anita so we could share a cup of tea in spite of the distance apart.




Although I have more, this completes the 7 for the meme. I will now share a few random items from my collection.

This is some of my Royal Albert Old Country Roses. Ahhh....these are my very favorites! Can you tell?







I haven't been able to find a cup or the sugar bowl for this one.



A little something in blue......



The teapot I promised. Isn't it lovely?







The last set I am going to share with you is one that my dear hubby gave to me for my birthday this year. I haven't taken it out and put it with the rest of my collection just yet.


I have a few other things left, but will save those for another time.
I am not going to tag anyone, but if you are reading and would like to participate, please do.

After taking all these photos I am able to see a great need to dust and re-arrange. Thanks, Beth!

A Good Goodwill Day!

I have often read on other's blogs about finding great things at Goodwill. Usually there is a lovely picture with darling tea cups, teapots, and other fine china that have been scooped up and taken into their lovely homes. There are also pictures of beautiful table linens that have been abandoned. I, on the other hand, haven't ever found anything half as great as these ladies, until today. Nathan had his regular speech appointment and I impulsively decided to swing by my local Goodwill before going home. I really wasn't expecting to find anything. I am usually excited about treasure hunting, but since I have been disappointed in the past, I didn't hurry to the back shelf where the dishes and glasswares are kept. In fact, I think I was snubbing them for not having anything awaiting me before, so I casually strolled through the many racks of clothing acting as if I didn't care. Imagine my surprise to find not one, but two tea cups and the matching saucers!


I paid .49 cents each per cup and .39 cents for the saucers. Can you believe that?

As my eyes scanned the rest of the shelves, I found this lovely Noritake bread and butter plate. I don't have anything else that matches, but I couldn't leave it there all alone, could I?



I placed these pretties in my little "hand basket" and was ready to look for those table linens. I mean, after all, I was having a good day! I soon changed my mind about the linens. There was too much stuff all strewn together in that bin. Bed linens and table linens in one. I know, I know. There was probably linen treasure galore at the bottom of that heaping pile, but I don't think I was quite ready for that adventure. I will save linen hunting for another day!

Copyright Infringement

I am sad to say that I had to change my beautiful banner due to the fact of copyright infringement. I found it one day while "surfing" the internet and just loved it. While surfing a few days later, I found the rightful owner of the photo and felt the need to do the right thing and ask permission to use it. The owner was very gracious and thanked me for asking, but I am sad to report she could not grant me permission as it is pending magazine publishing. *sigh*


I am really sad about it because I felt the photo was so "me", :)
but this has forced my hand........

I have thought about taking pics of my own things and using it for my banner for a while now, but haven't gotten around to it. I haven't been too confident in this area, thus giving me an excuse not to try. Sometimes we have to be forced out of our comfort zone. I find this true in all areas of my life. Yes, even in my walk with the Lord. It is so easy to get comfortable right. where. I. am. Definitely not what God intends for us. He wants us OUT there turning the world upside down for HIM! And all the while we are sitting around thinking we are not capable of such a feat even after all HE has equipped us with. He wants us to answer the call.Lord, forgive me for letting you down.



Well, now you have it......my very own things and you know, I kinda like 'em!

Bloggy Birthday Giveaway!

Iris is having a birthday! Go on over and leave a comment for a chance to win some great items. Not only that, you will be encouraged while visiting her site. Hurry up, you only have till March 31.

He Lives!!

I want to share some pics of our outdoor Easter drama. I wished I would have taken more, but I was too busy. We worked very hard in a short period of time to pull this off. Hope you enjoy.


We tried something a little different this year by having "Jesus" walk with a crowd and explain his life story at each scene starting with his birth.



Jesus with the children.



Jesus with the woman at the well.




Here is Jesus breaking the bread and yes, I know, we had a very tallll Jesus.







This is where Jesus was taken before Pilate and then led away.



















We have Jesus portrayed in lovely garments, but we know this is not how it was at all.





















Jesus comforting Mary and John.





I think I posted a couple of duplicates, but it so aggravating to try and fix it so.......bear with me here... *smile*