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 lighted ward, 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........."
The next time someone needs you ... just be there. Stay.
https://www.facebook.com/HitLikeIfAgreed?ref=hlt
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Who's On First?
Abbott: Well Costello, I’m going to New York with you. You know, Bucky Harris, the Yank’s manager gave me a job as coach for as long as you’re on the team.
Costello: Look Abbott, if you’re the coach, you must know all the players.
Abbott: Right, certainly do.
Costello: Well, I never met the guys, so you’ll have to tell me their names, and then I’ll know who’s playing on the team.
Abbott: Oh, I’ll tell you their names, but you know strange as it may seem, they give these ball players now a days, very peculiar names.
Costello: You mean funny names?
Abbott: Strange names, pet names. Like, Dizzy Dean, and…
Costello: His brother Daffy?
Abbott: Daffy Dean.
Costello: And their French cousin.
Abbott: French?
Costello: Goofe’.
Abbott: Goofe’ Dean, oh I see! Well let’s see, we have on the bags, we have Who’s on first, What’s on second, and I Don’t Know is on third.
Costello: That’s what I want to find out.
Abbott: I say, Who’s on first, What’s on second, and I Don’t Know’s on third.
Costello: Are you the manager?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: You going to be the coach too?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: And you don’t know the fellow’s names?
Abbott: Well I should.
Costello: Well then who is on first?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: I mean the fellow’s name.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy on first.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The first baseman.
Abbott: Who!
Costello: The guy playing first base.
Abbott: Who is on first.
Costello: I’m asking you who’s on first!
Abbott: That’s the man’s name.
Costello: That’s whose name?
Abbott: Yeah.
Costello: Well go ahead and tell me.
Abbott: That’s it.
Costello: That’s who?
Abbott: Yeah.
(Pause)
Costello: Look, you got a first baseman?
Abbott: Certainly.
Costello: Who’s playing first?
Abbott: That’s right.
Costello: When you pay off the first baseman every month, who gets the money?
Abbott: Every dollar of it.
Costello: All I’m trying to find out is the fellow’s name on first base.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy that gets the money.
Abbott: That’s it.
Costello: Who gets the money on first base?
Abbott: He does, every dollar! Sometimes his wife comes down and collects it.
Costello: Whose wife?
Abbott: Yes. (Pause) What’s wrong with that?
Costello: Look, all I want to know is when you sign up the first baseman, how does he sign his name to the contract?
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: How does he sign it?
Abbott: That’s how he signs it!
Costello: Who?
Abbott: Yes.
(Pause)
Costello: All I’m trying to find out is what’s the guy’s name on first base.
Abbott: No, what’s on second base.
Costello: I’m not asking who’s on second.
Abbott: Who is on first!
Costello: One base at a time!
Abbott: Well don’t change the players around!
Costello: I’m not changing nobody!
Abbott: Take it easy, buddy.
Costello: All I’m asking you, who’s the guy on first base?!
Abbott: That’s right.
Costello: Okay.
Abbott: Alright.
(Pause)
Costello: What’s the guy’s name on first base?!
Abbott: No, What is on second!
Costello: I’m not asking you who’s on second!
Abbott: Who’s on first.
Costello: I don’t know.
Abbott: Oh, he’s on third. We’re not talking about him. Now let’s get back to first.
Costello: Now how did I get on third base?
Abbott: Well you mentioned his name.
Costello: If I mentioned the third baseman’s name, who did I say’s playing third?
Abbott: No, Who’s playing first.
Costello: What’s on first?
Abbott: What’s on second.
Costello: I don’t know.
Abbott: He’s on third.
Costello: There I go, back on third again! Will you stay on third base and don’t go off it?
Abbott: Alright, what do you want to know?
Costello: Now who’s playing third base?!
Abbott: Why do you insist on putting Who on third base?
Costello: What am I putting on third?!
Abbott: No, What is on second.
Costello: You don’t want who on second?!
Abbott: No, Who is on first.
Costello: I don’t know!
Both: Third base!
(Pause)
Costello: Look, you got outfield?
Abbott: Sure.
Costello: The left fielder’s name?
Abbott: Why.
Costello: I just thought I’d ask you.
Abbott: Well I just thought I’d tell you.
Costello: Then tell me who is playing left field.
Abbott: Who is playing first.
Costello: I’m not…Stay out of the infield! I want to know, what’s the guy’s name in left field?
Abbott: No, What is on second.
Costello: I’m not asking who’s on second.
Abbott: No, Who is on first.
Costello: I don’t know.
Both: Third base!
(Pause)
Costello: And left fielder’s name?
Abbott: Why!
Costello: Because.
Abbott: No, he’s center field.
Costello: (Fumbles words loudly)
Abbott: Well that’s the fellow’s name.
Costello: Look, look, look, you got a pitcher?
Abbott: Sure.
Costello: The pitcher’s name?
Abbott: Tomorrow.
Costello: You don’t want to tell me today?
Abbott: I’m telling you then.
Costello: Well go ahead.
Abbott: Tomorrow.
Costello: What time?
Abbott: What time what?
Costello: At what time tomorrow are you going to tell me who’s pitching?
Abbott: Now listen, Who is not pitching. Who is on…
Costello: I’ll break your arm you say who’s on first! I want to know, what’s the pitcher’s name?
Abbott: What’s on second!
Costello: I don’t know!
Both: Third base!
(Pause)
Costello: Got a catcher?
Abbott: Certainly.
Costello: The catcher’s name.
Abbott: Today.
Costello: Today? And tomorrow’s pitching?
Abbott: Now you’ve got it.
Costello: All we got is a couple of days on the team. You know, I’m a catcher too.
Abbott: So they tell me.
Costello: I get behind the plate, do some fancy catching. Tomorrow’s pitching on my team and a heavy hitter gets up.
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: Now, the heavy hitter bunts the ball. When he bunts the ball, me being a good catcher, I want to throw the guy out at first base. So I pick up the ball, and throw it to who?
Abbott: Now that’s the first thing that you’ve said right.
Costello: I don’t even know what I’m talking about!
Abbott: Well that’s all you have to do!
Costello: Is throw the ball to first base?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: Now who’s got it?
Abbott: Naturally.
(Pause)
Costello: Look, if I throw the ball to first base, somebody’s got to get it. Now who has it?
Abbott: Naturally.
Costello: Who?
Abbott: Naturally.
Costello: Naturally?
Abbott: Naturally.
Costello: So I pick up the ball and throw it to Naturally?
Abbott: No you don’t! You throw the ball to Who!
Costello: Naturally.
Abbott: That’s different.
Costello: That’s what I said.
Abbott: You’re not saying that.
Costello: I throw the ball to Naturally?
Abbott: You throw it to Who.
Costello: Naturally.
Abbott: That’s it.
Costello: That’s what I said!
Abbott: Listen, you ask me.
Costello: I throw the ball to who?
Abbott: Naturally.
Costello: Now you ask me.
Abbott: You throw the ball to Who?
Costello: Naturally.
Abbott: That’s it.
Costello: Same as you!
Abbott: You just changed them around.
Costello: Same as you! I throw the ball to who. Whoever it is drops the ball, the guy runs to second, who picks up the ball, throw’s it to what, what throw’s it to I don’t know, I don’t know throw’s it back to tomorrow, triple play!
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: Another guy gets up, and it’s a long fly ball to because. Why? I don’t know, he’s on third, and I don’t give a darn!
Abbott: Oh…What?
Costello: I said, I don’t give a darn!
Abbott: Oh, that’s our short stop.
Costello: (Fumbles words loudly)
Costello: Look Abbott, if you’re the coach, you must know all the players.
Abbott: Right, certainly do.
Costello: Well, I never met the guys, so you’ll have to tell me their names, and then I’ll know who’s playing on the team.
Abbott: Oh, I’ll tell you their names, but you know strange as it may seem, they give these ball players now a days, very peculiar names.
Costello: You mean funny names?
Abbott: Strange names, pet names. Like, Dizzy Dean, and…
Costello: His brother Daffy?
Abbott: Daffy Dean.
Costello: And their French cousin.
Abbott: French?
Costello: Goofe’.
Abbott: Goofe’ Dean, oh I see! Well let’s see, we have on the bags, we have Who’s on first, What’s on second, and I Don’t Know is on third.
Costello: That’s what I want to find out.
Abbott: I say, Who’s on first, What’s on second, and I Don’t Know’s on third.
Costello: Are you the manager?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: You going to be the coach too?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: And you don’t know the fellow’s names?
Abbott: Well I should.
Costello: Well then who is on first?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: I mean the fellow’s name.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy on first.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The first baseman.
Abbott: Who!
Costello: The guy playing first base.
Abbott: Who is on first.
Costello: I’m asking you who’s on first!
Abbott: That’s the man’s name.
Costello: That’s whose name?
Abbott: Yeah.
Costello: Well go ahead and tell me.
Abbott: That’s it.
Costello: That’s who?
Abbott: Yeah.
(Pause)
Costello: Look, you got a first baseman?
Abbott: Certainly.
Costello: Who’s playing first?
Abbott: That’s right.
Costello: When you pay off the first baseman every month, who gets the money?
Abbott: Every dollar of it.
Costello: All I’m trying to find out is the fellow’s name on first base.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy that gets the money.
Abbott: That’s it.
Costello: Who gets the money on first base?
Abbott: He does, every dollar! Sometimes his wife comes down and collects it.
Costello: Whose wife?
Abbott: Yes. (Pause) What’s wrong with that?
Costello: Look, all I want to know is when you sign up the first baseman, how does he sign his name to the contract?
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: How does he sign it?
Abbott: That’s how he signs it!
Costello: Who?
Abbott: Yes.
(Pause)
Costello: All I’m trying to find out is what’s the guy’s name on first base.
Abbott: No, what’s on second base.
Costello: I’m not asking who’s on second.
Abbott: Who is on first!
Costello: One base at a time!
Abbott: Well don’t change the players around!
Costello: I’m not changing nobody!
Abbott: Take it easy, buddy.
Costello: All I’m asking you, who’s the guy on first base?!
Abbott: That’s right.
Costello: Okay.
Abbott: Alright.
(Pause)
Costello: What’s the guy’s name on first base?!
Abbott: No, What is on second!
Costello: I’m not asking you who’s on second!
Abbott: Who’s on first.
Costello: I don’t know.
Abbott: Oh, he’s on third. We’re not talking about him. Now let’s get back to first.
Costello: Now how did I get on third base?
Abbott: Well you mentioned his name.
Costello: If I mentioned the third baseman’s name, who did I say’s playing third?
Abbott: No, Who’s playing first.
Costello: What’s on first?
Abbott: What’s on second.
Costello: I don’t know.
Abbott: He’s on third.
Costello: There I go, back on third again! Will you stay on third base and don’t go off it?
Abbott: Alright, what do you want to know?
Costello: Now who’s playing third base?!
Abbott: Why do you insist on putting Who on third base?
Costello: What am I putting on third?!
Abbott: No, What is on second.
Costello: You don’t want who on second?!
Abbott: No, Who is on first.
Costello: I don’t know!
Both: Third base!
(Pause)
Costello: Look, you got outfield?
Abbott: Sure.
Costello: The left fielder’s name?
Abbott: Why.
Costello: I just thought I’d ask you.
Abbott: Well I just thought I’d tell you.
Costello: Then tell me who is playing left field.
Abbott: Who is playing first.
Costello: I’m not…Stay out of the infield! I want to know, what’s the guy’s name in left field?
Abbott: No, What is on second.
Costello: I’m not asking who’s on second.
Abbott: No, Who is on first.
Costello: I don’t know.
Both: Third base!
(Pause)
Costello: And left fielder’s name?
Abbott: Why!
Costello: Because.
Abbott: No, he’s center field.
Costello: (Fumbles words loudly)
Abbott: Well that’s the fellow’s name.
Costello: Look, look, look, you got a pitcher?
Abbott: Sure.
Costello: The pitcher’s name?
Abbott: Tomorrow.
Costello: You don’t want to tell me today?
Abbott: I’m telling you then.
Costello: Well go ahead.
Abbott: Tomorrow.
Costello: What time?
Abbott: What time what?
Costello: At what time tomorrow are you going to tell me who’s pitching?
Abbott: Now listen, Who is not pitching. Who is on…
Costello: I’ll break your arm you say who’s on first! I want to know, what’s the pitcher’s name?
Abbott: What’s on second!
Costello: I don’t know!
Both: Third base!
(Pause)
Costello: Got a catcher?
Abbott: Certainly.
Costello: The catcher’s name.
Abbott: Today.
Costello: Today? And tomorrow’s pitching?
Abbott: Now you’ve got it.
Costello: All we got is a couple of days on the team. You know, I’m a catcher too.
Abbott: So they tell me.
Costello: I get behind the plate, do some fancy catching. Tomorrow’s pitching on my team and a heavy hitter gets up.
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: Now, the heavy hitter bunts the ball. When he bunts the ball, me being a good catcher, I want to throw the guy out at first base. So I pick up the ball, and throw it to who?
Abbott: Now that’s the first thing that you’ve said right.
Costello: I don’t even know what I’m talking about!
Abbott: Well that’s all you have to do!
Costello: Is throw the ball to first base?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: Now who’s got it?
Abbott: Naturally.
(Pause)
Costello: Look, if I throw the ball to first base, somebody’s got to get it. Now who has it?
Abbott: Naturally.
Costello: Who?
Abbott: Naturally.
Costello: Naturally?
Abbott: Naturally.
Costello: So I pick up the ball and throw it to Naturally?
Abbott: No you don’t! You throw the ball to Who!
Costello: Naturally.
Abbott: That’s different.
Costello: That’s what I said.
Abbott: You’re not saying that.
Costello: I throw the ball to Naturally?
Abbott: You throw it to Who.
Costello: Naturally.
Abbott: That’s it.
Costello: That’s what I said!
Abbott: Listen, you ask me.
Costello: I throw the ball to who?
Abbott: Naturally.
Costello: Now you ask me.
Abbott: You throw the ball to Who?
Costello: Naturally.
Abbott: That’s it.
Costello: Same as you!
Abbott: You just changed them around.
Costello: Same as you! I throw the ball to who. Whoever it is drops the ball, the guy runs to second, who picks up the ball, throw’s it to what, what throw’s it to I don’t know, I don’t know throw’s it back to tomorrow, triple play!
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: Another guy gets up, and it’s a long fly ball to because. Why? I don’t know, he’s on third, and I don’t give a darn!
Abbott: Oh…What?
Costello: I said, I don’t give a darn!
Abbott: Oh, that’s our short stop.
Costello: (Fumbles words loudly)
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
How far must we go to Protect our Children?
First: Even though I do not have to explain myself, but I did not realize that we needed them for these kind of bikes at the time. I only found out later and we right away went out to buy one for her ... even though i don't understand the point
Second: we never wore them and we never ever had any even light injuries to our heads (and if you were to get hit by a car ... even with a helmet on ... you can and probably will get killed!!!)
Third: the only injury I ever had was when my foot slipped off the wheel and into the tire
Fourth: we will protect her from all harm as best as we can but we cannot protect them from everything
Fifth: it is a very rare occurrence that a child, or an adult even, has ever had any slight injury to their heads in their whole lives
Sixth: we will not raise our children being paranoid about everything
Seventh: in some of the schools here in Ontario here they have made it against their law to have any balls except those made of foam because a child might get hurt (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2011/11/16/toronto-school-balls.html)
Eighth: in Australia the schools there have made it against their law to allow any child to do headstands and cartwheels because the child might get hurt (http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/08/28/3577470.htm)
Ninth: the bike she is on does not go very fast. If she stops pedalling it will right away stop too. It operates kind of like a tricycle does.
Tenth: for Goodness sake!!! Let children be children!!!!
The “Professionals” have way too much time on their hands worrying about every "what if…”!!!
If we are going to raise our children paranoid then …
One: keep them inside because …
a. someone’s pet might attack them
b. they might get beaten up
c. they might cross a street at a green light and some idiot driver might not see or ignore a red light and kill them
d. they might trip on the sidewalk and break an ankle
e. a tree might fall on them
f. ……… I could go on and on and on and on and on and on and on
Or two: this one is better yet, keep them outside the house because what if….
a. the house caved in
b. they fell and hit their heads against the wall or broke their necks
c. they tripped on the floor or their own feet
d. fall down the stairs
e. got accidentally electrocuted
f. ……… I could go on and on and on and on and on and on and on
I guess what I am saying is that things happens and you can only do so and so much to protect your children
When you have done your best ... to God you must leave the rest because he knows how to best take care of everything.
And when things happen that are out of our control we can be sure that the children will be able to learn and grow from the lessons they learn.
And as every parent knows that children will be children and they will always find new ways of hurting themselves.
Remember when your Mom would bake and you got to lick the beaters without someone freaking out because it may contain raw eggs?
What a Mother does for her Child
Your mom carried you in her womb for nine months.
She felt sick for months with nausea,
then she watched her feet swell and
her skin stretch and tear.
She struggled to climb stairs.
She got breathless quickly.
She suffered many sleepless nights.
She then went through EXCRUCIATING PAIN
to bring you into this world.
She became your nurse, your chef, your maid,
your chauffeur, your biggest fan, your teacher,
and your best friend.
She's struggled for you, cried over you,
hoped the best for you, and prayed for you.
Most of us take our mom for granted.
But there are people
who have lost or never even seen theirs.
Hit share to let you mom know how much you love and appreciate her and what she has done for you. Also drop your Comment saying to your mom, Thank you Mom!!!!
I found this on Love and Relationship ZONE on facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=442769715816973&set=a.287483748012238.65195.287140394713240&type=1&ref=nf)
Monday, 22 April 2013
Parenting 101
A Few tips on Parenting from Above Rubies (https://www.facebook.com/AboveRubiesUS?hc_location=stream)
WHINING CHILDREN
Some mothers have written in and asked what to do about whining children. They share that they've tried everything and the children still whine!
This is certainly a habit we need to break in their lives while they are young. As mothers we are training our children for their future and for their marriage one day. It sure won't help them to be successful in life if they have a complaining attitude. It can actually destroy their lives, and their future marriage. Who wants to live with a complaining wife? It was whining that destroyed the Israelites and kept the Israelites out of the Promised Land (Read 1 Corinthians 10:9-10).
Here's a few things to think about.
1. Pray over your child or children. Every night when they are asleep, you and your husband go into their room and pray over them. In the power of the name of Jesus break this whining spirit over your child. Pray that God will pour into their heart a grateful and happy attitude. Prayer is powerful. Never use it as a last resort. Always pray first!
2. Choose some Scriptures about being thankful for Memory Verses. Are you teaching your children to memorize the Scriptures? I believe that God's Word has the power to fill up that which is lacking in our children's lives. Whenever my children had a weakness in their life, I would fill it up with God's Word.
WHEN I'M CALM, THE CHILDREN ARE CALMER
Recently we talked about sibling fighting. One of our readers wrote to me something that blessed her and I am going to share it with you, too. "Right now, we've got six children living in a hotel room, and we're crowded to say the least (we're relocating and looking for a new home). Sometimes, the fights break out faster than I can stop them, and the noise and chaos overwhelms me, at which point I lose it.
This morning, my husband prayed over me, and today has been SO much easier! The children's behavior is the same, it's MY heart that's at peace. When I'm calmer, the children are calmer. This morning started out the same old same old, but as we go on, they're calming down now that they see Mommy isn't going to be the she-beast she was yesterday."
Have you thought of asking your husband to pray over you each morning? He is your covering. Ask him to ask God, as your covering, to fill you with His peace, anointing, and power as you spend another day nurturing and teach your children.
THE SECRET WEAPON
I like to think of motherhood as being a secret weapon in God's army. While the world often disregards and disrespects Mother's work, she is quietly building, training, strengthening and sharpening future soldiers. It makes me think of 1Cor 1:25, because so often His wisdom appears foolish to the world. I smile all the more when I hear someone think a woman could have or should have done more with her life than stayed home for her family. It is all the more gratifying for me to know my work seems foolish to the world! We are secret weapons- worth more than the world will ever know.
IDEA FOR TONIGHT
Continuing our thoughts about whining children, here's a good idea for you tonight. When you sit together at your family meal table this evening, ask each child to share two things for which they are grateful. Go around the table, each one having a turn, including mommy and daddy.
Thoughts from friends of Above Rubies:
Barb: We actually do this quite often. It's also neat to ask the children to share one or two things we've studied that day. Mom is often astounded that they "heard" all that they share when it seems they were distracted by every little thing.
Amanda: If your children are whining all the time not just occasionally you might look at yourself. Children often copy what they see/hear :) This is a great tool to grow yourself, when my children are doing something I don't particularly like, I evaluate myself, that sometimes is where they get it, unfortunately! :)
Laressa: I used to do this frequently at the end of a school day when I taught school. The children enjoyed it and gave me a chance to get to know them a little better. Now that I have my own children I do it occasionally with them, but should do it more often. Thanks for the reminder!
WHINING CHILDREN
Some mothers have written in and asked what to do about whining children. They share that they've tried everything and the children still whine!
This is certainly a habit we need to break in their lives while they are young. As mothers we are training our children for their future and for their marriage one day. It sure won't help them to be successful in life if they have a complaining attitude. It can actually destroy their lives, and their future marriage. Who wants to live with a complaining wife? It was whining that destroyed the Israelites and kept the Israelites out of the Promised Land (Read 1 Corinthians 10:9-10).
Here's a few things to think about.
1. Pray over your child or children. Every night when they are asleep, you and your husband go into their room and pray over them. In the power of the name of Jesus break this whining spirit over your child. Pray that God will pour into their heart a grateful and happy attitude. Prayer is powerful. Never use it as a last resort. Always pray first!
2. Choose some Scriptures about being thankful for Memory Verses. Are you teaching your children to memorize the Scriptures? I believe that God's Word has the power to fill up that which is lacking in our children's lives. Whenever my children had a weakness in their life, I would fill it up with God's Word.
WHEN I'M CALM, THE CHILDREN ARE CALMER
Recently we talked about sibling fighting. One of our readers wrote to me something that blessed her and I am going to share it with you, too. "Right now, we've got six children living in a hotel room, and we're crowded to say the least (we're relocating and looking for a new home). Sometimes, the fights break out faster than I can stop them, and the noise and chaos overwhelms me, at which point I lose it.
This morning, my husband prayed over me, and today has been SO much easier! The children's behavior is the same, it's MY heart that's at peace. When I'm calmer, the children are calmer. This morning started out the same old same old, but as we go on, they're calming down now that they see Mommy isn't going to be the she-beast she was yesterday."
Have you thought of asking your husband to pray over you each morning? He is your covering. Ask him to ask God, as your covering, to fill you with His peace, anointing, and power as you spend another day nurturing and teach your children.
THE SECRET WEAPON
I like to think of motherhood as being a secret weapon in God's army. While the world often disregards and disrespects Mother's work, she is quietly building, training, strengthening and sharpening future soldiers. It makes me think of 1Cor 1:25, because so often His wisdom appears foolish to the world. I smile all the more when I hear someone think a woman could have or should have done more with her life than stayed home for her family. It is all the more gratifying for me to know my work seems foolish to the world! We are secret weapons- worth more than the world will ever know.
IDEA FOR TONIGHT
Continuing our thoughts about whining children, here's a good idea for you tonight. When you sit together at your family meal table this evening, ask each child to share two things for which they are grateful. Go around the table, each one having a turn, including mommy and daddy.
Thoughts from friends of Above Rubies:
Barb: We actually do this quite often. It's also neat to ask the children to share one or two things we've studied that day. Mom is often astounded that they "heard" all that they share when it seems they were distracted by every little thing.
Amanda: If your children are whining all the time not just occasionally you might look at yourself. Children often copy what they see/hear :) This is a great tool to grow yourself, when my children are doing something I don't particularly like, I evaluate myself, that sometimes is where they get it, unfortunately! :)
Laressa: I used to do this frequently at the end of a school day when I taught school. The children enjoyed it and gave me a chance to get to know them a little better. Now that I have my own children I do it occasionally with them, but should do it more often. Thanks for the reminder!
R.I.P.
Ray's cousin passed away in April 2013
May she rest in peace and may God be with the family in their time of need and give them his comfort and peace.
Rita ten Brinke June 1965 - April 2013
May she rest in peace and may God be with the family in their time of need and give them his comfort and peace.
Rita ten Brinke June 1965 - April 2013
Sunday, 21 April 2013
TRUE LOVE
Another Love Story I found on Facebook...
It was approximately 8.30 a.m. on a busy morning when an elderly gentleman in his eighties arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9.00 a.m.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat. I knew it would take more than an hour before someone would to able to attend to him. I saw him check his watch anxiously for the time and decided to evaluate his wound since I was not busy with another patient.
On examination, the wound was well healed. Hence, I talked to one of the doctors to get the supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.
We began to engage in a conversation while I was taking care of his wound. I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment later as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no and said that he needed to go to the nursing home to have breakfast with his wife.
I inquired about her health. He told me that she had been in the nursing home for a while as she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. I probed further and asked if she would be upset if he was slightly late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was and she had not been able to recognize him since five years ago.
I asked him in surprise, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"
He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."
I had to hold back my tears as he left.
I had goose bumps on my arm, and I thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."
True love is neither physical nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
It was approximately 8.30 a.m. on a busy morning when an elderly gentleman in his eighties arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9.00 a.m.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat. I knew it would take more than an hour before someone would to able to attend to him. I saw him check his watch anxiously for the time and decided to evaluate his wound since I was not busy with another patient.
On examination, the wound was well healed. Hence, I talked to one of the doctors to get the supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.
We began to engage in a conversation while I was taking care of his wound. I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment later as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no and said that he needed to go to the nursing home to have breakfast with his wife.
I inquired about her health. He told me that she had been in the nursing home for a while as she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. I probed further and asked if she would be upset if he was slightly late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was and she had not been able to recognize him since five years ago.
I asked him in surprise, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"
He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."
I had to hold back my tears as he left.
I had goose bumps on my arm, and I thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."
True love is neither physical nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Put the Elderly and Law abiding Citizens in Prison
I completely agree with this
we are forces to pay taxes which pays over $100,000 a year per prisoner and when a single mother is on social assistance she gets less than 12,000 a year for her and her child to live off of and pay rent and everything and has to fight every month basically to be able to receive it!!!
i know cuz when i was on social assistance with Aurora i had to do this monthly practically even though their policy is that anyone who has a preschooler gets it automatically ... yet almost every month they cut me off for one stupid reason or another
i say the prisoners should work for their meals (very simple meals) and for their upkeep. if they won't work they should not be allowed to eat either
it is not fair that law abiding citizens should have to struggle while prisoners get catered to
it makes me sick!!!!
we are forces to pay taxes which pays over $100,000 a year per prisoner and when a single mother is on social assistance she gets less than 12,000 a year for her and her child to live off of and pay rent and everything and has to fight every month basically to be able to receive it!!!
i know cuz when i was on social assistance with Aurora i had to do this monthly practically even though their policy is that anyone who has a preschooler gets it automatically ... yet almost every month they cut me off for one stupid reason or another
i say the prisoners should work for their meals (very simple meals) and for their upkeep. if they won't work they should not be allowed to eat either
it is not fair that law abiding citizens should have to struggle while prisoners get catered to
it makes me sick!!!!
found this picture on facebook
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Our Good News
Well yesterday was an exciting day!!!
We had an ultrasound and the technician told us that it looked to her like we are having a son!!!
We are excited about that!!!! We plan on naming him Manoah because it means … A Place Of Rest, peaceful, quiet.
Oh how I long for that day when I will go to heaven and have my permanent "place of rest".
But I pray God wait for decades before that happens.
:) we like to jokingly say ...
A Dutch and a Swiss
can make Irish twins
we shall make him a Scotsman
he shall be given a Hebrew name
We had an ultrasound and the technician told us that it looked to her like we are having a son!!!
We are excited about that!!!! We plan on naming him Manoah because it means … A Place Of Rest, peaceful, quiet.
Oh how I long for that day when I will go to heaven and have my permanent "place of rest".
But I pray God wait for decades before that happens.
:) we like to jokingly say ...
A Dutch and a Swiss
can make Irish twins
we shall make him a Scotsman
he shall be given a Hebrew name
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Marriage Box
I found this on Facebook and thought it was so true, yet not complete. It leaves out a very important element … God! We must daily go to God for help in keeping our marriage boxes full. He alone can give us the ability to do this. It won’t be a walk in the park. It is a dying to oneself everyday.
Marriage Box
Most people get married believing a myth that marriage is a beautiful box full of all the things they have longed for: companionship, intimacy, friendship, etc. The truth is that marriage at the start is an empty box. You must put something in before you can take anything out. There is no love in marriage. Love is in people. And people put love in marriage. There is no romance in marriage. You have to infuse it into your marriage. A couple must learn the art and form the habit of giving, loving, serving, praising, keeping the box full. If you take out more than you put in, the box will be empty.
-anonymous-
I have failed at everything I have ever done that God was not a part of. When I didn’t not go and inquire of God and ask for his help … I failed miserably. God alone has given me what I need to make my marriage and family life work. Without him I would be completely lost.
Marriage Box
Most people get married believing a myth that marriage is a beautiful box full of all the things they have longed for: companionship, intimacy, friendship, etc. The truth is that marriage at the start is an empty box. You must put something in before you can take anything out. There is no love in marriage. Love is in people. And people put love in marriage. There is no romance in marriage. You have to infuse it into your marriage. A couple must learn the art and form the habit of giving, loving, serving, praising, keeping the box full. If you take out more than you put in, the box will be empty.
-anonymous-
I have failed at everything I have ever done that God was not a part of. When I didn’t not go and inquire of God and ask for his help … I failed miserably. God alone has given me what I need to make my marriage and family life work. Without him I would be completely lost.
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Just To Ponder Not To Preach: Life Rules
Picked this up on a friends site and thought you may enjoy pondering on it . Would you agree with this view of life? What do you think of these statements?
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your
self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it’s not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters.. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
You can find this online at: https://www.facebook.com/sunshine.tenBrinke/posts/368137163303529
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your
self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it’s not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters.. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
You can find this online at: https://www.facebook.com/sunshine.tenBrinke/posts/368137163303529
WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE ROCK!
1. PRAY TOGETHER ALWAYS
2. PRAY FOR YOUR SPOUSE
3. READ THE SCRIPTURES TOGETHER ALWAYS
4. Go on regular date nights
5. Hide notes in secret places
6. Listen to music together-share ear-buds
7. Buy him gifts he will love
8. Revitalize the romance with intimate dates
9. Wear shirts that tell the world you love your spouse
10. Praise your spouse to other people
11. Read a marriage devotional
12. Sleep in his t-shirts
13. Renew your vows privately with whispers and memories
14. Renew them publicly with cake and bubbly
15. Go away together at least once a year
16. Make each other breakfast in bed
17. Do her chores for her
18. Get a couple’s massage or host your own privately
19. Dance together-soft music (both of you alone) or rocking music with the kids
20. Exercise together- hikes, bike riding, etc
21. Choose not to be annoyed by an irritating behaviour/disappointment from your spouse
22. Thank your spouse often even for the least reason or gesture
23. Lay in bed together and stare into each other eyes, without talking
24. Learn something new together-take an art class, cooking lessons, etc
25. Leave a sweet comment on the Facebook wall
26. Support each other’s goals
27. Bring her flowers/gifts (even when she says they are too expensive)
28. Wear something your spouse loves
29. Share furniture-sit in his lap
30. Fight for your marriage
31. Make a point to eat dinner together most days of the week.
32. Never let your spouse feel like they come second place to your career or any other thing.
33. Talk about your dreams and aspirations. Be supportive of each other and dream big together!
34. Maintain a united front as your motto: Meaning- “Me and you against the world.
35. Speak well of your spouse.
36. Go to bed at the same time
37. Hang pictures of the two of you around your house
38. Make his favourite dessert
39. Make sex a priority
40. Spend time apart occasionally
41. Learn to enjoy something your spouse loves
42. Surprise each other
43. Meet him at the door
44. Text each other from across the room
45. Set reminders on your phone to remember him/her throughout the week
46. Call him right now and tell him you appreciate him
47. Leave work on time and come home early
48. Engage every day in meaningful conversation
49. Compliment each other
50. Take one day a month to make your spouse your total focus
51. Argue fair: avoid these words “you always” and “you never”
52. Kiss every day
53. Find tangible ways to serve your mate without complaining
54. Forgive quickly
55. Be honest.
56. Respect each other at all times
57. Get on the same page: plan your budget together
58. Guard your marriage
59. Laugh together
60. When you are together-BE TOGETHER (take a break from phones, technology, etc)
61. Tell her she’s pretty, especially when she’s not feeling it
62. Send her a love letter in the mail (snail mail)
63. Look your best as often as you can
64. Dress formal when going out (church, date, visiting)
65. Be fully committed to each other especially in the bad times
66. Remind yourself and reminisce over the reasons why you fell in love, especially when you aren't “feeling the love”
67. Be a thankful person
68. Remember your Spouse Rocks … Even when they don’t at the moment!
(many contributors)
2. PRAY FOR YOUR SPOUSE
3. READ THE SCRIPTURES TOGETHER ALWAYS
4. Go on regular date nights
5. Hide notes in secret places
6. Listen to music together-share ear-buds
7. Buy him gifts he will love
8. Revitalize the romance with intimate dates
9. Wear shirts that tell the world you love your spouse
10. Praise your spouse to other people
11. Read a marriage devotional
12. Sleep in his t-shirts
13. Renew your vows privately with whispers and memories
14. Renew them publicly with cake and bubbly
15. Go away together at least once a year
16. Make each other breakfast in bed
17. Do her chores for her
18. Get a couple’s massage or host your own privately
19. Dance together-soft music (both of you alone) or rocking music with the kids
20. Exercise together- hikes, bike riding, etc
21. Choose not to be annoyed by an irritating behaviour/disappointment from your spouse
22. Thank your spouse often even for the least reason or gesture
23. Lay in bed together and stare into each other eyes, without talking
24. Learn something new together-take an art class, cooking lessons, etc
25. Leave a sweet comment on the Facebook wall
26. Support each other’s goals
27. Bring her flowers/gifts (even when she says they are too expensive)
28. Wear something your spouse loves
29. Share furniture-sit in his lap
30. Fight for your marriage
31. Make a point to eat dinner together most days of the week.
32. Never let your spouse feel like they come second place to your career or any other thing.
33. Talk about your dreams and aspirations. Be supportive of each other and dream big together!
34. Maintain a united front as your motto: Meaning- “Me and you against the world.
35. Speak well of your spouse.
36. Go to bed at the same time
37. Hang pictures of the two of you around your house
38. Make his favourite dessert
39. Make sex a priority
40. Spend time apart occasionally
41. Learn to enjoy something your spouse loves
42. Surprise each other
43. Meet him at the door
44. Text each other from across the room
45. Set reminders on your phone to remember him/her throughout the week
46. Call him right now and tell him you appreciate him
47. Leave work on time and come home early
48. Engage every day in meaningful conversation
49. Compliment each other
50. Take one day a month to make your spouse your total focus
51. Argue fair: avoid these words “you always” and “you never”
52. Kiss every day
53. Find tangible ways to serve your mate without complaining
54. Forgive quickly
55. Be honest.
56. Respect each other at all times
57. Get on the same page: plan your budget together
58. Guard your marriage
59. Laugh together
60. When you are together-BE TOGETHER (take a break from phones, technology, etc)
61. Tell her she’s pretty, especially when she’s not feeling it
62. Send her a love letter in the mail (snail mail)
63. Look your best as often as you can
64. Dress formal when going out (church, date, visiting)
65. Be fully committed to each other especially in the bad times
66. Remind yourself and reminisce over the reasons why you fell in love, especially when you aren't “feeling the love”
67. Be a thankful person
68. Remember your Spouse Rocks … Even when they don’t at the moment!
(many contributors)
Friday, 5 April 2013
Cranky Old Man
What do you see nurses? . . .. . .What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food .. . ... . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . ... lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man .
Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. .... . ME!!
Anonymous
What are you thinking .. . when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food .. . ... . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . ... lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man .
Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. .... . ME!!
Anonymous
Monday, 1 April 2013
A Trip Down Aurora's Memory Lane
I was going through my pictures and found this video of Aurora doing her bum scootching ... she never crawled just scooted around on her bum. Ray and I have been remembering and reflecting a lot lately on how time has flown. She is so big now!!! She is 3.5 yrs old already!!!
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