End of 2008 - Soon 2009 - I Believe

This is my New Year message to you... BELIEVE in yourself!

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born

A Death Certificate shows that we died

Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And read this slowly....

I Believe...

That just because two people argue,

It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.

Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we becom e.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when
A friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in, I just did.

'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life.

Stores closing in 2009 ASL tape

A friend sent me this link that was posted at www.deafnewspaper.com.

This is a video in ASL about all the different stores around USA that are either in the process now or will be closing in January 2009. Really really sad to see this as it only adds to the number of people who will be losing their jobs soon.

If you don't understand ASL, still watch this video as you can see pictures of the stores that will be closing. Keep in mind these stores if you have any gift cards from them. You might want to use them now while you can.

Watch this video in ASL

Christmas Message 2008

It's almost Christmas. I didn't realize I haven't blogged in over two weeks. Where did the time go?

This has been a pretty laid back Christmas for me. No real stress. We are taking it easy. I didn't do any baking (but will today). I didn't send out any cards but will send out an email to family and friends tomorrow. I bought my gifts gradually over the past months so it wasn't all at once. I didn't overdecorate my house. I didn't even put up a large tree. I have three mini trees with lights that stay up all year long. My daughter did add some ornaments and we hung up the stockings. My new thing this year is a new nativity set I'm displaying for the first time.

My business on eBay has been steady. I am not nearly as busy as I was a year ago but I'm selling higher priced items. I know some of this is from the economy being weak right now. The Lord has blessed and all is fine. We have what we need and I cannot ask for anything more. I already have the best gift which I would like ALL of you to also accept. I have Jesus in my heart and that is the best gift in the whole world. Best of all... it's FREE! What can you give Jesus for Christmas? Your whole heart.

This is my Christmas thought for you....

This Christmas don't worship only a baby in a manger. Worship Jesus, our Savior and our God, who was willing to become a person, live a life without sin, and die on the cross to give us eternal life if we believe and accept His gift of salvation.

Jesus was here BEFORE he came to earth as a baby. Read Genesis 1:1, 26 and Colossians 1:16. Jesus created the world and everything in it. "Let Us create..." ("Us" includes Jesus before creation and before Jesus became a person.) Jesus is GOD, CREATOR.

"Joy comes not to him who seeks it for himself, but to him who seeks it for other people."

-H.W. Sylvester

May the joy you bring to others return to you in great measure this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas to each of you!

First voice I hear will be Jesus'

Two things happened yesterday that brought tears to my eyes...

First during the sermon, the guest speaker was sharing a story about Fannie Crosby who wrote many many hymns. She was also blind. A person once told her, I feel so sorry for you... you have never seen the sun rise or set. Fannie responded, "I feel sorry for YOU! The first thing I'm going to see when I can see again is Jesus' face!".

wow... that made me think. I'm not blind but I am deaf and while I can "hear" if I can see the person (my mind puts a voice in my head while I'm lipreading their lips), I can't hear anything that happens behind my back or out of sight. So... Fannie's comment made me think...

The first voice I want to hear behind my back would be the voice of Jesus calling my name. I will immediately recognize his voice and that he called me. Can't wait!

The second thing was a moment of being proud of my daughter.

She is 13 and has gradually over the past month became more involved with the youth and children's ministry at church. There is an 8 yr old deaf girl who attends. Now and then an adult will interpret for Halley but too many times she is left out. My daughter has complained to me before about how unfair it is that no one is interpreting for Halley during the puppet show or junior church. I suggested she make that her ministry and start doing that herself. Yesterday, she told me she did it! She interpreted for Halley during Jr. Church! I asked her if she was nervous? She said no. Wow... she just might end up being an interpreter or some how involved with the deaf when she gets older.

Very proud of you sweetie! Keep on signing. You are doing a great job!

12 Days of Christmas - Internet Marketing

If you are interested in learning more about marketing on the internet...check this out...

I just found a webpage that has lots of great free gifts given by some of the top internet marketers around. Mark Hendricks has put together his own version of "The 12 Days of Christmas", and has pulled in favors from his friends who are among the sharpest marketing minds on the planet.

I've already found some really great stuff, and thought you might want to take a look too.

Here’s the site: http://www.hunteridge.com/12days.htm

Christmas Shoes Video

A touching song of a son's love for his dying mother and the real meaning of Christmas

A Christmas Story

This is long but one of my favorite Christmas reads. May we all see opportunities to share the real reason behind the season! Merry Christmas to all of you!

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.

Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go." "Not without something hot in your belly." George said.

He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty, "Stew ... made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh."

Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken."

George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead. "You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

"But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new........" George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.

George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.

"Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.

As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."

George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."

The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.

He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."

George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain."

George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the offi cer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.

The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.

"That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.

"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."

The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"

The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. N ow put that pee shooter away."

George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week .."

George handed the gun to the cop. Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out."

The young m an had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer."

"Shut up and drink your coffee." the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.

"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"

"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.

Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."

George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.

"That guy work here?," the wounded cop continued. "Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"

Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."

George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."

The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."

"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours."

The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier.

"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said, "Now git home to your family."

The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

"Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?"

"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby."

The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George.
You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry.
The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.
The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists.
The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.

"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."

The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.

"You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas."

George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord."

~ author unknown

You Never Let Go

My family is going through some personal hard times with finances and job security right now which is making our future very "unknown". My friend Paula from Ohio sent me this song yesterday and I want to share it with you as the words are very comforting. Its a blessing and a peaceful feeling that there is no need to fear the unknown as God is already there and will be with us. Thank you Paula! Love you!



You Never Let Go

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back, I know you are near

I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear
*WHOM THEN SHALL I FEAR*

OH no You never let go through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go and every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see the light that is comin' for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be *AN* end to the struggles
Til that day comes, we'll live to know You here on *THE* Earth

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear
*WHOM THEN SHALL I FEAR*

*You keep on loving and you never let go*

And i can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
and there will be and end to the struggles
but until that day comes
*STILL I WILL PRAISE YOU
STILL I WILL PRAISE YOU*

by Matt Redman

eBay and Cleaning House

As regular readers know, eBay is my business. Been doing this for 8 years. So, what kind of things am I listing now? I have a high of 338 items up for sale (as of the time I'm typing this). As soon as I finish this blog, I'll be listing more.

I just listed a bunch of vintage cowboy shirts. I have assorted clothing listed for men, women and infant babies. I have Disney toys, military videos, pottery from Germany and assorted other items.

I'm taking a break from listing the Bible study related books. I'm concentrating on cleaning up my eBay storage room that is in my basement. The books can wait until after the holidays.

I'm in the process of trying to get rid of things in this house. Found a person on Craigs list who was looking for free magazines. Hey... I have two boxes for you! She is coming later today to pick them up. That's two boxes out of this house. Happy smile.

I have a bag of clothing for my friend's daughter so that's another bag out of my house and into her house (LOL). She'll get those tomorrow.

I feel an urgency of getting things out of here and not bringing anything new in. On Tuesday, I took two bags of clothing to a local church that has a clothes closet for the community. They give the clothes away free. I can probably come up with another bag very easily. I have at least two boxes that should be taken to Goodwill soon too. I keep debating on whether to do that or save for a future yard sale. I cleaned a closet out yesterday and found several things that I can pass on to other people.

In the meantime, I list on eBay everyday as every time something sells, that's one less thing in this house! If you haven't checked out my store, BienleinDesign Finds, recently, I hope you will soon. Maybe I'll have just what you've been looking for. If you mention that you read about my store in my blog, I'll give you a discount!

See you there!

Cats and Hearing Aids

Does anyone else have this problem?

I have two cats. Both males and both between 2-3 years old. The older one is laid back and the younger one is a troublemaker. The troublemaker's name is Chupa.

Chupa is a tiger tabby - gold colored. He is very sweet but mischievous. For some reason, he just loves my hearing aid... or more specifically, the hearing aid mold. I don't know if its the smell, the taste or the texture.

Last year my hearing aid disappeared.
I KNOW I had it on my dresser in the location I always put it at night with my glasses. The next morning it was gone. I turned my house upside down looking for it for months but never did find it. I gave up and for months I was totally deaf. Finally with the help of Michigan Vocational Rehabilitation, I was able to get a new aid last December. With the aid on, I could hear stuff.

All went fine.
I had a case and I faithfully put my aid in the case every night as I did not want a repeat of a disappearing hearing aid. But, one night I didn't. I don't remember why. Maybe I was very tired or not feeling well or something but instead of putting it in the case, I just put in ON the dresser. The next morning, I was walking to the kitchen and I STEPPED on my hearing aid...

Ummm... what is this doing out here? Why is it on the floor? Chupa is the only cat that jumps up on the dresser. The other cat had a leg injury and is not able to jump that high so I knew immediately that Chupa had taken the aid off the dresser and both the cats probably played soccer with it during the night. I also noticed that the mold was broken as if one of them had taken a bite out of it.

Oh bummer.... I vowed I would do better and put the aid IN THE CASE every night. Well... it didn't happen. One night my husband had gone to bed and it was dark and I couldn't find/feel the case on the dresser so I HID my hearing aid under other stuff on the dresser figuring it would be safe and I would find the case in the morning.

Bad idea.
The next morning the first thing I did was look for that hearing aid as I was very curious if Chupa found it. It was gone! That darn cat had found it!

I got on my hands and knees and looked all over my house. I went downstairs and checked the basement.. nothing. Where could it have gone? I went upstairs again and decided to make a cup of coffee and I stepped on my aid for the second time! Yeah... but... the mold was missing. Had it come disconnected during the soccer play? So, back on my hands and knees, I'm looking for the mold now which is hard to see as its almost clear.

Found it, I did.
but... this time it was in two pieces. the cats had taken another bite out of the mold and now there was no upper part. It was only the part that goes inside the ear. It still worked so it wasn't a total loss.

I did check to see how much it cost to make a new mold... ready for this? $100!!! oh geez. I will do without if its that high. So far, my mini mold is doing its job but I do not need to learn this lesson again. From now on, the hearing aid goes into my sock drawer which gets closed.

That darn cat can't get it there!

Are you letting your dream die?

I want to share something I read recently, It was written by Charles Garfield who shared a powerful story of a man who wouldn't let his circumstances stop him from living his passion:

"One day I was driving from my home in Northern California to the San Francisco airport, consumed with the talk I was flying to give. I found myself in early morning rush hour traffic and then a real Manhattan-style traffic jam. I wasn't going anywhere. All of a sudden I heard loud rock music. I looked up and couldn't believe what I saw - the toll taker I was approaching was dancing! I said, 'Please, Lord, not this morning. It's not a time for one of your tests.'

"Anyway, I got to the toll booth and gave him my dollar. He gave me my change with a backhanded slap, moving in time with his music. Now, I can't go through life pretending that these amazing things are not happening. So I asked the toll taker a standard, in-depth research question, 'What are you doing?' He said, 'I'm having a party.' I said, 'What about the rest of these people?' He said, 'They're not invited.'

"I thought, 'This guy is either nuts, or he's going to teach you something.' I couldn't find out then, but I made a mental note to find him again. A month later I did. It was during the middle of the day, so there was no traffic, and he was still dancing, the music was still blaring. He insisted he was having a party.

"I told him that I studied high achievers for a living and that I needed a certain kind of story. He said, 'You want to study me - great, take me to dinner.' After dinner, I asked him what kept him going. I explained the concept of mission. He said, 'You want to know my mission? I'm going to be a dancer someday. With what they pay me in that toll booth, I can't afford dance lessons. So I have the same two choices every other person has. I can let my dream die or I can dance in the toll booth.'

"Now here is the key issue. There are 16 other people just like him, with the same job - no special privileges - members of what I call the 'bitch and moan' school. These are the people who say, 'Oh, it's miserable. My boss won't let me do it. The organization won't let me do it. My parents didn't let me do it. The school system ruined me.' Yet one guy has managed to see a different world and a different set of possibilities.

"He was saying to all of us, 'I can let my dream die, or I can make it work anyway.' Peak performers are people who will make it work anyway. When everybody else is complaining or talking about the obstacles, peak performers will make it work anyway."

*An excerpt from Charles Garfield, Noetic Sciences Review 6 (Spring 1988) 19-20.

What to do if have a kitchen oil fire?

Today I want to show you something serious and I hope this never happens to you but now you know what to do if it does!

READ BEFORE YOU WATCH THE VIDEO!!

A family firefighter recently sent me the attached short video - and I would like to share the prevention information with each of you. It is well worth watching! And it could save your life.

This is very stunning - please read and then watch the very short clip.

I never realized that a wet dishcloth can be a one size fits all lid to cover a fire in a pan!

This is a dramatic video (30-second, very short) about how to deal with a common kitchen fire ...oil in a frying pan. Read the following Introduction, then watch the show ...It's a real eye-opener!!

At a Fire Fighting Training school they would demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer set on the fire field. An instructor would don a fire suit and using an 8 oz cup at the end of a 10 foot pole toss water onto the grease fire.

The results got the attention of the students. The water, being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated. The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast.

Inside the confines of a kitchen,................ the fire ball hits the ceiling and fills the entire room, Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup of either creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.

This is a powerful message----watch the video and don't forget what you see.

Tell your whole family about this video... or better yet, send it them.

Inspirational Thoughts

Just a couple of inspirational thoughts for today...

When you wholeheartedly adopt a 'with all your heart' attitude
and go out with the positive principle,
you can do incredible things.
- Norman Vincent Peale

Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.
- Thomas Carlyle

I Believe

This is a song that keeps going through my head. I thought if I blogged about it, maybe my brain will switch to another song? Regardless... this is a beautiful song and I love the words as well as the harmony. Enjoy...

I BELIEVE

I believe for every drop of rain that falls
A flower grows
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night
A candle glows
I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come
To show the way
I believe, I believe

I believe above a storm the smallest prayer
Can still be heard
I believe that someone in the great somewhere
Hears every word

Everytime I hear a new born baby cry,
Or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why, I believe


Written by: Erwin Drake - Irvin Graham
- Jimmy Shirl - Al Stillman)

God is in Control story

This past weekend was our November Deaf Cafe, Flint program. I have mentioned several times that my husband, daughter and myself are part of this ministry. Its an AWESOME group of dedicated committed Christians who love to serve the Lord.

Deaf Cafe is a monthly 2 hour variety type Christian program. We have drama, skits, music, videos, power-points, games and devotions. Its a great 2 hours of fun and laughter and serious learning about God's word too. Our purpose is to reach those - deaf or hearing - who might not normally attend a regular church. In everything we do, God gets the glory.

And God certainly got the glory this past Saturday. We had a special guest speaker, David, who planned to do 15 mins of magic tricks and also the devotion at the end of the program. His wife, Sharon who is wonderful with music, would lead the team in a couple of songs. They arrived Friday night and we practiced with no problems. Everything looked good for Saturday's program. Saturday at 11am, I received a VP call from the husband of a team member. David and Sharon were spending the weekend at their home. We were informed that there was a family emergency and David and Sharon had to immediately leave for home.

Oh my! Four of the other team members of DC just happened to be spending the weekend at my house so the majority of the team was there. We immediately said a prayer for David and Sharon (found out Sharon's brother had a heart attack and he passed away last night - our deepest sympathy to them). We then put on our thinking caps as we had to quickly come up with Plan B. We had 15 mins to fill in the first half, we had to come up with a devotion speaker and a new song leader. My husband John said he would take care of the devotion and Kirstan would do her best leading the song. As Kirstan is deaf herself, that is a big achievement for her. Sometimes she can hear the words on the CD and sometimes she gets lost. We knew it would work out. I found another video to show (my job is tech person) and we would extend one of the dramas.

We knew God was in control!
We practiced the main drama just one time an hour before the program started at 6pm. My husband, (it just so happened that he had many roles during that program) played a "Billy Mays" character by first trying to selling "Super Duper Clean" products that clean EVERYTHING. Later he meets Jesus and realizes that Jesus is the only thing that REALLY cleans EVERYTHING. He then becomes a spokeperson "selling" Jesus. The team sang "Nothing but the blood of Jesus" in the middle of this drama. It was VERY effective and one of the best dramas we have done. GOD GETS THE GLORY!

Kirstan also wrote about Saturday's program in her blog. Check out her version too! Don't forget to click on the google ads!

Are you a reason, season or lifetime friend?

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,
whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Standing up for my Faith

I wanted to share about a discussion I was a part of last week. I belong to a business forum and while I asked a different question, someone brought up the fact that I include the byline of Psalms 16:8 in my emails. That opened the door to discuss whether or not its a good idea to include religion with your business.

I decided I was going to do a little test.
On my eBay site, I sell a lot of Bible related study books. I also sell other items like military stuff, photography books and magazines, clothing, household items, etc. I know some of my buyers are Christians but not all.

I decided I would remove that Psalms 16:8 byline when I send emails to those who did not purchase a Bible related book. I did that for three days and I felt so guilty. Why was I hiding the fact that I am a Christian? Am I ashamed to admit that? Am I concerned about offending those who might not share the same beliefs? Am I afraid of losing business?

I couldn't do it.
I could not separate my faith and my business as my faith is who I am. I can't hide my faith anymore than I can hide the fact that I am deaf - although I tried very hard to do just that when I was younger! My faith is something I want to share. I want everyone to know that I am a Christian and I'm not ashamed to admit that.

I have since put back that byline and it goes out to everyone I respond to. If I offended someone, oh well.. they can take their business elsewhere. I know the Lord will prosper me for being faithful and not being ashamed. I am not of this world!

What does Psalms 16:8 say?
"I have set the Lord always before me because He is at my right side. I shall not be moved".

Therefore, no matter what the world says, I'm not moving and I'm going to stay firm with my Lord at my right side.

Be true to yourself today too.

Update 2 on Sad Situation - The result of drunk driving

Back on Sept 25, I wrote about a terrible accident that claimed the life of an unborn baby and seriously injured the mother. A drunk 18 year old hit their truck broadside. On Oct 1, I wrote an update about how the mother was doing. Yesterday I received another update on this girl from a friend of mine. This is what she writes...

I have a very good update on Angella. I went to see her today and she is now moved to the rehabilitation area. No more ICU... Yah!!!! and she can have flowers and balloons and magazines and etc... etc.... and real food. LOL!

She is so much better than my last visit when they had nicely taken her tubes out and she could only whisper and was still highly medicated. She can lift her right arm higher & can write or print her name (she's practicing because she has some limited mobility with it due to breaking her elbow) She has about an 18" scar down the back side of that arm that is like a zipper. Her right leg which was also broken is easier for her to move than her left leg. Due to the crushed pelvis she cannot move that leg yet and has to wear a boot because the foot wants to drop.

Her abdominal cavity is still not closed. They have packed it with some sort of a substance I have never seen before and covered it with clear tape. Due to infection I believe they have left it open, but tomorrow (Friday) they plan to go in and take a graft from her right leg and close her abdomen too, somehow using the graft in that. She did tell me that they did take her uterus. It was my understanding that because of infection they finally had to take it. They did leave her ovaries and so she hopes to at least be able to have eggs that may one day be used with a surrogate... (just her thoughts now).

She still has a very long road. They came in to turn her while I was there, because she is not able to move on her own. She hopes to be coming home in about 3 weeks. The doctors say she has made remarkable progress. Right after the accident she was given a 1% chance of surviving. Does anyone think this is a miracle? I told her how many many people had been praying for her and asking about her. People she does not know.

She never mentioned the baby, she only mentioned something about being pregnant. But she does know. I sensed a lot of depression. I tried to encourage her and get her to laugh. But she only smiled and I could tell she is very sad. But she is determined to walk and get better... and so I just encouraged her to take it a day at a time. That the Lord may have closed one door.. but I'll bet you he has another one open for her - I told her!

The hospital has given her a laptop to use, so she can e-mail. So I made sure I still had her e-mail so we can chat daily... I hope.

I CANNOT THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH for praying for her. Prayer changes things! The prognosis was grim... but now look ... she may get to actually go home in about 3 weeks. Please continue to pray for her, if you think of it... tomorrow is surgery for her. And I guess, (according to her Dad) her Mom is not so good, kind of depressed too. The finances, and working and then the hospital every day... it can take a toll...

Please continue to pray for Angella. At this time, I do not have an update on the drunk boy who hit their truck and caused this tragedy to happen. His life too will never be the same.

Fire on My Street

Yesterday a house at the end of my street went up in flames. I was working on my computer and I'm really not sure what made me look up or what exactly caught my attention that something was wrong but for whatever reason, I went to the windows at the front of my house and saw black smoke. I knew black smoke means fire so I immediately knew something was on fire. I grabbed my coat and ran outside to see what was on fire... and could see flames through the trees.

Cops started to arrive and soon after, the firetrucks. The hydrant is on the other end of the street so the firetruck backed up to hook up to the hydrant and let the hose out. The hose went down the middle of the street the entire block. That's a long hose! Of course, the street was blocked off as well. Neighbors started coming out of their houses and I also walked down the street a few houses to see what was going on and see if there was anything I could do to help.

Unfortunately, I do not know most of the neighbors down at that end of the street so I didn't know if that house was occupied or if it was empty. I found out later that the house was vacant. The house is a total loss and you can see the backyard from the front door (which is now gone). This was on local TV news. You can watch the video here.

Arson goes UP during Halloween week

The city is saying this fire was the beginning of the annual fires that happen every year just before Halloween. I don't know if that is a national problem but its a very serious local problem. Many many empty houses go up in flames during the week of Halloween due to arson.

With the high rate of foreclosures, etc, there are a lot of empty houses in this area. Many of the communities will be walking around their streets tonight and through the weekend in an attempt to keep the fires to a minimum. God bless them for their service and their time and keep us all safe.

Update on Avon Breast Cancer Walk

The other day I wrote about my youngest sister walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer walkathon. She did it! Yeah Marji! In honor of her and all us ladies, I had my annual mammogram done this morning.

Here is her account of the day.

I just wanted to thank you all again for sponsoring me for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this past weekend. It was a great experience and I was able to walk the entire 39.3 miles. Saturday started out rainy so I wore my old leather sneekers to keep my feet dry. That turned out to be good for dry feet but bad for blisters. By the time the rain stopped and streets dried enough for me to think it was safe to switch to my normal walking sneekers (about 10 miles into the walk), I had developed a large blister on my right foot. I had it bandaged and was fairly comfortable for the remainder of the walk but it will take a while to heal. I also developed a blister under my toe nail on my left foot. I didn't feel that until I finished the 1st day's walk. Again, I was able to walk on Sunday with appropriate padding on my toe to keep it cushioned. Evidently, I will end up loosing the nail and it is still pretty sensitive when I wear shoes. Oh well! That will all heal in time and is a small price to pay for the experience. When I think of all the money that was raised for such a great cause, I can't help but be humbled. There were 1350 walkers and over 2000 involved counting all they support crew. Over a million dollars were raised! Thanks again for the part that you paid in this success!

The Story of a Deaf Frog

Once Upon A Time...

Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs.... who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower. A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants.... The race began.... Honestly: No one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard statements such as: "Oh, WAY too difficult!!" "They will NEVER make it to the top." or: "Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!" The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one.... Except for those, who in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher.. The crowd continued to yell, "It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!"

More tiny frogs got tired and gave up....

But ONE continued higher and higher and higher....

This one wouldn't give up!

At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower. except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it? A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal?

It turned out....

That the winner was DEAF!!!!

The wisdom of this story is: Never listen to other people's tendencies to be negative or pessimistic....because they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you -- the ones you have in your heart!

Always think of the power words have. Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions!


There's life and death in the power of the tongue - Proverbs 18:21.

Therefore: ALWAYS be POSITIVE!

And above all:
Be DEAF when people tell YOU that you cannot fulfill your dreams!

Always think: God and I can do this!

Political Wizard of Oz

ok...
no matter what your political views may be or who you plan to vote for, I hope you get a chuckle out of this photo!

Many thanks to those who remember to click on the Google ads on the right side of this page!

I'm up to $27.00. Many thanks!

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

I want to write a special plug for my youngest sister, Marji. She made the decision to walk the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this weekend in Charlotte, SC.

You can read about Marji and why she is walking and her journal about her training. She will walk an incredible 26.2 miles on Saturday and 13.1 miles on Sunday. I wonder if she will have any energy to go to work on Monday!

She was required to raise $1,800 to participate in this walk. She reached 100% of her goal plus more! However, donations are always appreciated and needed to further the research for a cure for breast cancer. Either of the link above have information on how to make a donation.

Thanks Marji for giving of your time and your energy for all the ladies and their families out there who are dealing with breast cancer. YOU ROCK GIRL!

Top 10 Predictions No Matter who wins the Election

I’m not going to talk politics on my blog as everyone has their own opinion about the candidates and the issues. However, I have been giving it a lot of prayer… not only for who will get my vote but for the future of America and the world. One thing that is comforting to me is that God will remain in control – no matter who will win the election. I also have the peace of knowing should the world be destroyed tomorrow, I know where I’m going to heaven but I grieve for those who have not yet made the decision to follow the Lord. Those are the people who will suffer and be in deep regret. Don’t put it off… make a decision to accept Christ as your savior today. If you are not sure how… please do email me and I will walk you through the steps. Give yourself that peace of mind and it will change your outlook on the future. There is no need to be afraid when the Lord is in control.

Yesterday a friend sent me the following list and I thought it was perfect to include here.

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. 1.The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. 2. Prayer will still work.

3. 3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. 4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. 5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. 6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. 7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8.8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. 9. Jesus will still love you.

110. Jesus will still save the lost.

Isn’t it great to know who is still in control? AMEN!

My cup runneth over and I’m drinking from the saucer!

Sermons in ASL

I was doing some browsing and came across this site from, "Sovereign Grace Deaf Fellowship". This is a Deaf church in Colorado. What made it unique is that it offers its sermon in video so you can watch it in ASL. The pastor is Billy Krahl.

It has an interesting format with the PP (powerpoint) on one side and the video on the other side so you see the same thing as if you were there in person.

I have not yet sat through an entire sermon but I find him very easy to understand. This is also good practice for the ASL students out there! I don't know if there is voicing but if there is, TURN IT OFF and use this for practice - both in understanding ASL better and in understanding spiritual matters better.

Max Lucado Prayer for America

You Have Our Attention, Lord
A prayer by Max Lucado - October 2008

Our friends lost their house
The co-worker lost her job
The couple next door lost their retirement
It seems that everyone is losing their footing.

That scares us. This bailout with billions
These rumblings of depressions
These headlines' ominous thunderous -
"Going Broke!" "Going Down!" "Going Under!" "What's Next?"

What is next?

We're listening. And we're admitting: You were right.

You told us this would happen.
You shot straight about loving stuff and worshipping money.
Greed will break your heart, You warned.
Money will love you and leave you.
Don't put your hope in riches that are so uncertain.

You were right. Money is a fickle lover and we just got dumped.

We were wrong to spend what we didn't have.
Wrong to neglect prayer and ignore the poor
Wrong to think we ever earned a dime. We didn't. You gave it.
And now, tell us Father, are You taking it?

We're listening...and we're praying.
Could you make something good out of this mess?

Of course You can. You always have.
You led slaves out of slavery,
Built temples out of ruins.
Turned stormy waves into a glassy pond and water into sweet wine.
This disorder awaits your order. So do we.

Through Christ,
AMEN


God will always give what is right to His people who cry to Him night and day, and He will not be slow to answer them. (Luke 18:7 NCV)