HELL LOST OUT

Moore, Oklahoma is where my sister-in-law grew up.  Her Mom lives there now.  She's safe.  The storm passed her by.  I didn't know that two nephews of mine work very close to that area.  Safe.  

My son and his family lives in Shawnee.  They're safe.  His car windshield took a hit as he drove home from work on Monday.  A small price to pay considering all the devastation that happened in Moore.  

Since the Moore Tornado on Monday....checking frequently on the internet the rescue, clean-up and recovery.  Praying.  I cannot physically go there to help with clean-up, but will donate some funds to a Christian organization that can actually go there to help the wounded and helping with the clean-up.  Much to do.  Makes my chores look incredibly small in comparison to what these people who were in the path of the Tornado's destruction will go through in the coming days.  

Dear LORD,  Please touch and comfort the hurting right now.  The devastation from this Tornado...people need you.  Will need your help in the healing department.  Father, May those who don't know you, hunger and thirst for your righteousness.  May they turn toward you embracing your son and ask you into their hearts for salvation and comfort.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen. 

The Tornado experience that our family went through back in April 1990 was no way as destructive as Moore's in the physical realm, but it was LIFE CHANGING none the less.  Got my Husband's attention to GET RIGHT WITH GOD.  He cared to change....and change he did.  All for the better.  JESUS made all the difference.  The Son of God becoming Savior.  Becoming LORD.  Hell lost out.  Heaven will be his home when the time comes. 

If he had died on that day, there's a very huge possibility that he would have entered into ETERNITY a lost soul in which his eternal spirit would have been in darkness FOREVER.  Forever is a very long time.

There is a hell and he was headed for it.

Can I rejoice that he is heaven bound?  
Yes.  Yes, I can.  
d

Midst Of Storm

Tornado We Sat Through

We were sitting in a Hospital Storm Shelter as this one blew by on Saturday.  

Praying for safety.

Praying that the storm would dissipate.

Lord heard our prayers.

The Weather man said as we watched the Weather Channel, 
"The tornado has dissipated."

Thank you.   

Thank you.

Lord, hear our prayers,

d

Gathering My Thoughts

Estate Sale Find for a Dollar

Gathering my thoughts about the month of May and how busy it has become, I sat in a storm shelter on Saturday saying prayers for protection as tornadoes swirled about the area we were visiting.  

Aunt Ann, Mom and Dad

Earlier in the day, we ate birthday cake and sipped punch,  munched on some mints with nuts. Very common Kansas reception refreshments.   We left my Aunt's 90th Birthday Party celebration after giving well wishes to her then drove three hours to a Hospital where my oldest Brother is admitted.  

We were told that tornadic activity was taking place and away we were ushered to the storm shelter.   Spending a code red hour watching The Weather Channel broadcasting wild videos of what tornadoes can damage was a bit much.  As the storm came nearer...the prayers went up.  One of the young nurses did not care that others heard her say, "Oh Lord, protect my car."  

It was a long trip home in the rain with lightening burning up the sky.  Was so glad to spend the night at Parents safe haven. 

Son Storm Chasing

Sunday Night more stormy weather hitting our Prairie area.  One son was out storm chasing while his family took refuge in a underground storm shelter.  Their part of Oklahoma was hit.  He said that he was on the edge of town watching with a pit in his stomach as the destructive tornado tore through his town knowing his family was in the path of the storm.  Wife's phone was not working.  Gulp.  I think we all slept better knowing that this storm had passed and we were safe thanking God for His protection.

SO many wanted rain because we are in a drought.  The rain is here with a vengeance.  I don't mind gentle rains....gentle.  Hello.

OUR IRISES started to bloom!  With a sigh of relief, I admire them.  Some of the more beautiful things in this 'ole world. 

MAY:  May Day, 21 days of Bronchitis behind me, a Dance Recital to remember, a Spring Program, a Grandson graduated from Kindergarten with smiles, a Granddaughter crossed over from Elementary School to Middle School, an Estate Sale that I just happened across, 90th Birthday Party to celebrate,  Hospital visit that I won't soon forget, Hiding out from Kansas Tornadoes, an Eye Appointment, School will soon be out for the School Season, our long awaited Irises started to bloom....Sweet Dreams and thoughts...the month of May is here.

Dancing Lil Miss

   

Grandson Graduates

Getting Ready For Something New

How will this week go?  Not sure.  Hopefully it will be a productive one.  A few pieces of furniture must be moved about.  Seems to be a very common practice for Springtime around Home Haven.  The sooner this gets done the better.  All smiles and grins.  The day my whole house is in order and in maintenance mode will be a day to celebrate.  Hope it becomes a reality.     

Blessings,
d

Facial FUN!

~NATURAL THINGS TO ENHANCE YOUR BEAUTY~

Half lemon and add 3-4 drops of honey. 

Rub the lemon on your face, 

emphasize the blackheads prone areas like nose, chin etc. 

Leave the lemon and honey mixture on your face for 5 minutes, 

then wash it with cold water. 

You will see the results immediately. 

Additionally, lemon juice will also fade other marks/spots on the face 

and honey will moisturize!

FACIAL FUNN AND WORTH A TRY.

Have a sweet day. 

May you find time today to pray 

and play,

d

Genesis 1:11 

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” 

And it was so.

Genesis 1:12  

The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. 

And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:29

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. 

They will be yours for food.

Belated Mother's Day

Howdy.

It's Monday!

A HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY.

Not everyone is a mother...but what a great day to take some time to appreciate motherhood, moms and womanhood.  

I have learned so much from being a mom.

I learned so much FROM my Mom.

My Mom is my HERO.  

A fine example of what Moms are all about.

Hubby allowed me to sleep in on Mother's Day and I woke to the Family Room being tidied, vacuumed and dusted.  

This was a pleasant surprise to wake to.  

We've both been ill with Bronchitis and I had no energy to clean.

Having the Family room cleaned made me very happy.  

I have been so runned down.  Weak.

Bronchitis hit us hard and I am tired.  21 days of this was difficult.

We walked in pleasant weather to a Restaurant 

and I had a great Salad.

Heard from all of my Kids.

Smiles.

I just opened the window for fresh air and can hear the birds singing.

Sippin' coffee and figuring out my day.

Our Irises are getting buds on them.

Seeing green leaves on the trees refreshes my soul.

School is just about finished for the school year.

In a few days, I will return to full time babysitting for the Summer.  

I hope we can take daily walks, make cookies, go play in the park, talk and play dolls.  Watch Kiddy movies.  Library visits, swimming and drawing hopefully will be a part of our lives.  

Dust will settle.

There will be naps in the afternoon...quiet time.  

Gotta love 'em.

Blessings,

d

Dandelions

Gosh, I remember the day when I thought Dandelions were so beautiful....they seemed to be the first yellow flowers in bloom that would go to seed and be oh so purdee.  Blowing the seeds was magical and I would do this in my backyard where I was able to be a child in motion.

Just spreading the beauty......just spreading the joy.

It would be much later that I learned that blowing the seeds was a big NO-NO. 

When the WEEDS have not been sprayed with weed killer, the greens of the Dandelion make for a great Salad.

Will share this Dandelion Salad Recipe.
Perhaps this will nourish your body and bring some well needed smiles.

Found this old recipe in one of my books while going through my treasures.

Yummmmmm....can't wait to try it.
Sorry, no pic.  Will try to fix this and then will share pic.

Have a dandy day, 
d 

~DANDELION AND LETTUCE SALAD~
1 head lettuce, rinsed, drained and chilled
1 pint dandelion greens, rinsed, drained and chilled
4 small onions
1/2 green pepper
1/3 pound Swiss Cheese
Salt
Pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons vinegar
2 medium-size tomatoes, cut in quarters
2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced

Cut lettuce, dandelion greens, onions, green pepper, and cheese into small pieces.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper, tossing lightly.
Add the olive oil and vinegar;  toss lightly.
Gently mix in the tomatoes and eggs.

A Blast From The Past Childhood Bedroom

Oh my goodness.....i know these pics are blurry, but that's what happens when you have ancient film to look at.  I graduated from High School 40 years ago this May.  That's a chunk of time.  This was actually from October 1973 before I started dating my MISTER WONDERFUL that I would marry the following year.  

My Sister and I shared a French Provincial Bedroom Set and our Childhood Bedroom was in the basement of our Parents' Home.  Sis had already left home to marry her Prince Charming and I was preparing to celebrate my Folks 25th Wedding Anniversary in Liberal, Kansas.

I have such fond memories living in that house and in that Town.

Small Town Living has some advantages that I cherish and Thank God for.

Life goes on and I believe it becomes our duty to look for the good in life because sometimes the things that come our way need to be looked at from a different angle.  That angle may take some time to figure out what we are to learn from it. 

If I could go back in time...would I?  
I think it would be best not to,
d 

~18 and Feisty~
I was wearing my favorite blouse of the time.
My dress was extremely short.
Hardly anything there.
The next year the skirt hem lines would drop to mid shin.
Remember the day.  

Waiting On The Lilacs

The Lilacs are not in bloom yet.

Last year, Spring was 6 weeks early.

I loved it.

Such a pleasant and beautiful season for Lilacs and Irises.

This year our Spring is chilly and the Lilacs are just now starting to show 

blossoms on their bushes.

My patience has not been a virtue this year.

I ache for the blossoms to come forth with perfumed fragrance.

My Favorite.

The last two weeks have been rough on my health

with upper respiratory infection 

tormenting my whole body with a hacking cough

and asthmatic wheeze.  

I am counting the days until I am not bothered 

by this health issue.  It has been tough.

By the time the Lilacs bloom......I'm so hoping that my lungs have cleared up 

and I have regained my strength.

The month of May is finally here 

and I am looking forward to sipping Lemonade on the porch!

Isn't Lilac a lovely color?

I think so.

May you have a wonderful week-end.

Love you,

d

'Life Just Got A Little Easier' French Toast

'Life Just Got A Little Easier'
~FRENCH TOAST~

A favorite around here is to have Breakfast for Supper.

Dry out TEXAS TOAST in the toaster oven.

Dip toast in a egg and milk mixture sprinkled with cinnamon.

Skillet fry in 325 degree pan with vegetable oil.

Flip toast and toast the other side.

When finished, place toast on plate and add confectioner sugar.

Serve hot topped with Maple Syrup.

A side of scrambled eggs is a nice addition.

Thanx for stopping by.

Life just got a little easier and it sure tasted good
while Dining On The Prairie.

d

Joining FOODIE FRIDAY.
http://www.designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2013/05/foodie-friday.html

Under The Weather

This week has been occupied with much coughing and feeling very run down.  

Takes me by storm how quickly I can get ill 

with an upper respiratory infection and struggle to catch my breath.

I have fought off a cold most of this Winter and now....she caught me.  
With our temps going up and down as the pollen gets high,

I am praying that a nice Spring is in the forecast 
and I will be able to enjoy pleasant days a head.

Healthy

Wealthy

Wise

Organized

Joyful

Last night was rough and I woke to the sound of a train.  

Startled me.  
When I opened my eyes, the desk in my bedroom seemed to have transformed 
into an intruder with a hat on.  

I let out a scream to the point it woke my Husband. 

The blur that was my desk scared me.

I don't usually scream.

I chuckle about it now.

Just how serious was that desk anyways?

It seemed to be walking toward me.

My goodness....what's in that night time cold medicine? 

This morning having a sense of humor helps lift my spirits 
along with daytime cold meds and vitamin c.

I am not a good patient.

Seriously don't like being ill.

May your week-end be a good one.

d

Let There Be Hope

Do you suppose she's drinking Coca-Cola?

A Lady of leisure at the Soda Fountain.

Puppy at the knee and flowers in hand.

Every Homemaker deserves a break and this woman apparently knew that 
or at least the Artist who did this illustration knew.  
Perhaps the Artist knew that you can be beautiful.  

Let there be HOPE.

When was the last time you donned a hat like this one?

Never.

Missed out.

Shucks.

I'll find a lovely hat similar to that one.

Let there be HOPE.

We're not even close to the month of June, but wish it were so.

If I can just hold on another week it will be MAY and I will wonder where the month of APRIL went.  

Getting impatient.  

Sigh.

Let there be HOPE.

Today the interstate roads are iced packed with snow and Spring went back into hiding.  I am beginning to get stir-crazy.  Cabin Fever is trying to claim me.  The sniffles are coming on with a tickle in my throat.  Let there be HOPE.  

Taking Vitamin C.

Waiting for the fine fresh mornings where the window is open letting Spring air into the house.  When the birds will be chirping in the cool of the day.

Instead, it's cold outside and snow is falling as I drink Maxwell House Coffee and blog.  Should I day dream about something else?

Let there be HOPE.

Lil Miss is coughing and running a slight fever.  Stayed home from school.  She has had a Winter with 4 colds this year.  That's not good.  More Vitamin C needed.  I found some Emergen-C for children.  

Let there be HOPE.  
I pray that this perks up her immune system.

Some of this may be allergies.

I've been tidying up on the Family room.  
Sure needs it.  Vacuumed under the sofa cushions.  
How can this be so grungy?

Even when my 3 children were at home my family room furniture was never as groady as this.  

Don't get it.  

All better now and will finish sometime today with vacuuming the two chairs and carpet.

Let there be HOPE.

The house needs a lot of tender loving care.

Dusting needed so badly.

It's beginning to gross me out.

May that become a motivator to clean our HOME.

A BLESSING is about to take place.

Let there be HOPE.

A clean house is a healthier place to live and that should be enough to get me to tidy up and deep clean.

DUST

I could blame this part of Kansas...and in reality it is dustier than any place I have lived.  I have fallen short in the housekeeping department.  I am not keeping up with the demands of having a clean house to call HOME.

In prayer about this.

Let there be HOPE.

Is there a dust fairy or is that just a figment of my imagination?

There is a Jack Frost, but does he have a cousin named 'Aphar' Dust?

There will be NO dust in Heaven.

Can I hear a hallelujah?

I missed out on the excitement over the week-end.  Number One, the High School had their PROM.  
Number Two, Picketers were in Town.  
Only saw pictures.  

Missed the young adults/children dressing up in their finery.  The weather was pleasant enough, but didn't pry myself away from the house long enough to take a peek at Small Town America dressing up for a special social occasion.  Will try next year if I can.

Heard that all attending looked well put together on the Saturday Night OUT Event..........on Sunday morning the protesters were out.

Protesting and picketing isn't anything new to our country.....but in Small Town America?

Westboro Baptist Church from Topeka made their presence known as they picketed 
3 of the local Churches on Sunday morning.

I missed them as they walked the sidewalks not far from our house.

How could that happen?  Daughter stood outside and sang 'AMAZING GRACE'

I know they heard her.

Let there be HOPE.

God is LOVE, but

in Biblical truth and honesty, 

there are some things that God does HATE.

Proverbs 6:16-19

These six things does the Lord hate:

Yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

A proud look,

a lying tongue,

And hands that shed innocent blood,

A heart that devises wicked imaginations,

feet that are swift running to evil,

A false witness that speaks lies,

and he that sows discourse among brethren.

Psalm 97:10

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil:

he preserveth the souls of his saints;

he delivereth them out of the hands of the wicked.

With Christ there is HOPE and abundant life 

right now where you sit.

Ever lasting LIFE.

One of the things I have noticed about the WBC is there is no mention of God giving you the opportunity to become a Child of God through Christ.  They don't share how to do that.

So I will.

It's through accepting God's perfect plan of redemption for mankind for yourself through Jesus becoming one's Saviour.  

By accepting that he is the true son of God.  

Through his shed blood.  

His death, burial and resurrection.

Claiming him for yourself.

This is what is called dying to self.

This is when you are adopted into the family of God.

You become a child of God through this adoption.

Through Christ you can have newness of life.

Forever changed.

Spiritual.

Born a new.  

Born Again.

Thought I could catch up with WBC at the old Baptist Church.  We no longer have a Baptist Church here.  The name changed.  WBC did not picket there.  I missed the action.  Went home.  Hubby caught them at the Methodist, Lutheran and Church of Christ.  They avoided the Catholic and an independent church.

Out of town in a flash.

The WBC picket churches because they believe that the churches are not WBC.  I suppose that this is not their sole purpose for picketing.  It does turn some heads.  In my humble opinion, WBC believes that if you are not a member of their church, you're doing it ALL wrong and going to HELL.  

I believe that we can be a Child of God adopted into the family of God and be Heaven bound when Jesus is one's personal saviour and we are sealed for the day of redemption. We can be filled with God's Holy Spirit.  Blessings will come when we walk uprightly before the LORD.

Our present United States of America Military has helped allow us to have celebrated freedoms in so many ways.  Thankful.  Without a strong military presence to protect us in the world of hostile governments, our country would be weak for sinners and saints.  

Still, the WBC picket military funerals of those military forces that support this government of ours.  In my opinion The Westboro Baptist protests our Military Funerals because the dead were a part of the military of a government that supports many ungodly practices. WBC protest where they believe that the churches are not teaching God's truth about the sin of homosexuality.   

Let there be HOPE.
As AMERICANS we live in an amazing country where you can picket, protest, gather together in homes and public places.  Speak your mind, print a book or remain silent.  We can elect officials into office and vote.  Go from state to state without checking in at a booth and present papers.  Ride in a car, walk, peddle a bike, skateboard or run.  Schedule a vacation and go unannounced.  Drive the highways and byways without fear.  Spend our petty cash on junk and eat just about anything on the menu.  Worship and sing songs in just about any church you want or stay home and read your Bible without blinking.  Dress in old and new clothing alike that's store-bought, mail-ordered, borrowed or homemade.  We can own personal property, do without, have more than enough and run businesses of our own. Own real estate, rent or do both.    NOW THAT'S FREEDOM.

I'd like to keep it that way.

Let there be HOPE.

Oh, the beauty of the earth.......people planted these tulips in the ground, but GOD made the tulip bulb.  Aint this beautiful and orderly!

Speaking of BEAUTIFUL....the Kitchen is taking shape.

NOW that's a pretty sight.

Please cheer with me.

Life goes on.

Let there be HOPE.

Glad you stopped by.

God bless.

d