Surprise, Babies in the House

So last night and the night before I have been hearing alot of squeaks. At first I was like it is the male mice going at it, and it was. Well I fed the mice to the snakes last night, well two to Rylee, Mussler did not want to eat. So there should be no more squeaking right. Again last night I fed and watered all of the rats, heard squeaking again, thinking it was them fighting over food, then the morning rolls around. I kept hearing this squeaking, it was not the mice because they were dead, maybe it was their ghosts coming back to haunt me, you never know. Okay so I went into the kids room and checked on the rats, I started with Mr. and Mrs. Bigglesworth and that is when I saw it.....
Wait for it.....

And here we are. Mrs. Bigglesworth had a litter. SURPRISE!!!! I was in shock, I did not even know she was pregnant. I mean I was waiting and wondered if she would but this was so unexpected. I woke Chris up and dragged him in the kids room. He was asleep and the only thing he said was wait another 4 months and we will have another litter.

Momma is moving her babies because I went and cleaned some of the mess out of the cage. I laid down some new bedding, left some of the old around the nesting area. I gave her some paper towels and will check here in a minute on the status of the babies. The net said that soon after they are born you are to handle them so that your smell is on them. I petted Momma to see if she would bite and so far there is no biting action.

Momma posing with her babies.

Okay so I counted the litter first and told Chris that there were 8, but as I picked up the litter I found 9.

Look how small they are. Man this is amazing. One of God's creatures and it is here in my house. I love animals and to see this miricale it is touching and so exciting.

Momma was trying to escape, and Payton was looking for a snack. She likes to snap at the little animals.

Here they are trying to adjust to the messed up nest. Momma was trying to bury them.

Momma cleaning herself after being handled.

Here is the proud papa. He has been hiding in this almost all day.

He only came out for food and a little water.

Momma before she went back to her litter.

Pray

PRAY THIS EVEN IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT!!
IT WILL ONLY TAKE A MINUTE.
I started not to do this, but as I read it....
I understood God to say,
'You need a miracle tomorrow'
So here goes...Prov. 29:25You never know
when God is going to bless you!!
Good things happen when
you least expect them to !!!!!!!!

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day,
I thank You for my being able to see
and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because You are
a forgiving God and
an understanding God.
You have done so much for me
and You keep on blessing me.
Forgive me this day for everything
I have done, said or thought
that was not pleasing to you.I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe
from all danger and harm.
Help me to start this day
with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day
to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.
Please broaden my mind
that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper
over things I have no control over.And give me the best response
when I'm pushed beyond my limits.I know that when I can't pray,
You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be
a blessing to others.
Keep me strong that I may help the weak...
Keep me uplifted that I may have
words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost
and can't find their way.
I pray for those that are misjudged
and misunderstood.
I pray for those who
don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that will delete this
without sharing it with others
I pray for those that don't believe.But I thank You that I believe
that God changes people and
God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member
in their households.
I pray for peace, love and joy
in their homes; that they are out of debt
and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this
knows there is no problem, circumstance,
or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received
into the hearts of every eye that sees it
in Jesus' name. Amen!
If you prayed this prayer,
change the number in the subject box
before forwarding the message
so people can see how many
other people have done so.
God Bless ! ! ! ! !
Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves!!
God I love you and I need you,
come into my heart, please.
Know that you are already blessed

Lemons and Sugar

LEMONS and SUGAR
This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror Where one could read it every day. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true. 1. There are at least two people in this worldThat you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this worldLove you in some way. 3. The only reason anyone would ever hate youIs because they want to be just like you. 4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, Even if they don't like you. 5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about youBefore they go to sleep. 6. You mean the world to someone. 7. You are special and unique. 8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you. 9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,Something good comes from it. 10. When you think the world has turned its back on youTake another look. 11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks. So.........If you are a loving friend,Send this to everyone,Including the one that sent it to you. If you get it back, then they really do love you. And always remember.... When life hands you Lemons,Ask for Sugar and call me over! Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them,But you know they are always there. 'Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway' I would rather have one rose and a kind word From a friend while I'm here Than a whole truckload when I'm gone. Forward to all your friends. And don't tell me you're too busy for this.. Don't you know the phrase 'stop and smell the flowers'? Happiness keeps You Sweet, Trials keep You Strong, Sorrows keep You Human, Life keeps You Humble, Success keeps You Glowing, But Only God keeps You Going

NBC Poll

I'll bet this was a surprise to NBC. NBC POLL Do you believe that the word God should stay in American culture? NBC this morning had a poll on this question. They had the highest Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls, and the Percentage was the same as this: 86% to keep the words, IN God We Trust and God in the Pledge of Allegiance 14% against That is a pretty 'commanding' public response. I was asked to send this on if I agreed or delete if I didn't . Now it is your turn. It is said that 86% of Americans believe the word God should stay. Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a mess about having 'In God We Trust' on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why is the world catering to this 14%? AMEN!

What Would You Do

What would you do if for every moment you were truly happy there would be 10 moments of sadness? What would you do if your friend died tomorrow and you never got to tell them how you felt? So, I just wanted to say, even if I never talk to you again in my life,you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life. I look up to you, respect you, and truly cherish you. Send this to all your friends, no matter how often you talk, or how close you are, and send it to the person who sent it to you. Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will Remember, everyone needs a friend, someday you might feel like you have NO FRIENDS at all, just remember this e-mail and take comfort in knowing somebody out there cares about you and always will. In times of trouble, In times of need,If you are feeling SAD, You can count on me. I will give you a wink, Until you smile, give you a hug, And stand by your side. I'll be there for you till the end, I'll always and forever, be your friend!It's true, sometimes we forget to tell our special people that we love them

Looking Out the Window

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the youngwoman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside.
"That laundry is not very clean", she said."She doesn't know how to wash correctly.
Perhaps she needs better laundry soap"Her husband looked on, but remained silent.Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, theyoung woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see anice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:"Look, she has learned how to wash correctly.
I wonder who taught her this?"The husband said, "I got up early this morning andcleaned our windows." And so it is with life. What we see when watching othersdepends on the purity of the window through which we look.

I Am Thankful

I AM THANKFUL:
FOR THE WIFEWHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGERWHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHESBECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAYBECAUSE IT MEANSI AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTYBECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVEBEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUGBECAUSE IT MEANSI HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORKBECAUSE IT MEANSI AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXINGBECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAININGI HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENTBECAUSE IT MEANSWE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH..
FOR THE PARKING SPOTI FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOTBECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKINGAND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILLBECAUSE IT MEANSI AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY
BECAUSE IT MEANSI CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY
AND IRONINGBECAUSE IT MEANSI HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLESAT THE END OF THE DAYBECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEENCAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFFIN THE EARLY MORNING HOURSBECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVEFRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.
SEND THIS TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT. I JUST DID.
Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart!

1st Christmas Joke of 2008

2008's First Christmas Joke
Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates.'In honor of this holy season' Saint Peter said, 'You must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven.'The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. 'It represents a candle', he said.'You may pass through the pearly gates' Saint Peter said. The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, 'They're bells.'Saint Peter said 'You may pass through the pearly gates'.The third man started searching desperatel y through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women's panties.St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, 'And just what do those symbolize?'The man replied, 'These are Carols.'
And So The Christmas SeasonBegins......

Two Babies

Two babies were sitting in their cribs, when one baby shouted to the other, "Are you a little girl or a little boy?""I don't know," replied the other baby giggling."What do you mean, you don't know?" said the first baby."I mean I don't know how to tell the difference," was the reply. "Well, I do," said the first baby chuckling, "I'll climb into your crib and find out."He carefully maneuvered himself into the other baby's crib, then quickly disappeared beneath the blankets. After a couple of minutes, he resurfaced with a big grin on his face."You're a little girl, and I'm a little boy," he said proudly."You're ever so clever," cooed the baby girl, "but how can you tell ?" "It's quite easy really," replied the baby boy, , , , , , , , , , , , , "You've got pink socks and I've got blue ones."



SHAME ON YOU, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING???

The Final

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.He hoped his shoes were shining,Just as brightly as his brass.'Step forward now, you soldier,How shall I deal with you ?Have you always turned the other cheek ?To My Church have you been true?'The soldier squared his shoulders and said,'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.Because those of us who carry guns,Can't always be a saint.I've had to work most Sundays,And at times my talk was tough.And sometimes I've been violent,Because the world is awfully rough.But, I never took a penny,That wasn't mine to keep...Though I worked a lot of overtime,When the bills got just too steep.And I never passed a cry for help,Though at times I shook with fear.And sometimes, God, forgive me,I've wept unmanly tears.I know I don't deserve a place,Among the people here.They never wanted me around,Except to calm their fears.If you've a place for me here, Lord,It needn't be so grand.I never expected or had too much,But if you don't, I'll understand.There was a silence all around the throne,Where the saints had often trod.As the soldier waited quietly,For the judgment of his God.'Step forward now, you soldier,You've borne your burdens well.Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,You've done your time in Hell.'Author Unknown~It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of thepress. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom ofspeech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right toLife, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Military who salutes
the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped bythe flag.If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation forthe Military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who haveserved and are currently serving our country and pray for those whohave given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
Thinking of all the
Canadian
American
& British
Soldiers

Read With a Smile

One November afternoon when my daughter was in kindergarten, I picked her upAfter school. She bobbed out to the car and crawled into the back seat.
"What did you do today?" I asked.
She couldn't wait to tell me. "We learned that boys are different from girls" she chirped.

Looking into the rearview mirror I could just see the top of her head.
"My teacher told us that boys have a thing the girls don't," she added.
"Well, yes they do..." I said cautiously.

Then she piped up again. "That's how girls know that boys are boys," sheSaid. "They see that thing hanging down and they know that he's a boy..."
I mentally calculated the distance home. Our five-minute commute already felt like an hour.
"Did you know that when the boys see a girl they puff up?"
My palms were beginning to sweat.
"Um...well.." I was still searching for something to say, to change the subject,When she asked, "Why do the girls like boys to have those things?"
Well I didn't know what to say. I mean, what woman hasn't asked herself thatVery same question at least once? "Oh, well...um..." I stammered.
She didn't wait for my answer. She had her own. "It's cause it moves whenThey walk and when girls see that they know they're boys and that's whenThey like them. Then the boy sees the girl and he puffs up, then the girlReally knows he likes her too. And then they get married. And then they getCooked."
That last part confused me a bit, but on the whole I thought she had a pretty good grasp on things.
As soon as we got home she hopped out of the car, fishing something out ofHer school bag. "I drew a picture," she said. "...you want to see?"
I wasn't all that sure I did, but I looked anyway. I had to sit down.
There, all puffed up so to speak, looking mighty attractive for the ladies,Was a crayon drawing of a great big Tom Turkey. His snood, the thing thatHangs down over his beak, the thing that female turkeys find so irresistible, was magnificent. His tail feathers were standing tall and proud.
She was a little offended that I laughed so hard at her drawing. I laughed until I cried. But I told her I loved it - and I did - and she got over her pique.
That was the end of that... For her anyway.
But I'm not so lucky. Every year I remember that conversation, and to be honest I haven't looked at a turkey or a man the same way since.

If My Body Were a Car

IF MY BODY WERE A CAR
If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull .... but that's not the worst of it.My headlights are out of focus and it's especially hard to see things up close.
My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather. My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins.
It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.
But here's the worst of it --
Almost every time I sneeze, cough or sputter..... either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires!

Mary and Lucky

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.
It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact ,she was just sure it was fatal.
She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.
The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.
Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.
When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.
Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky?
He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure..
Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.
If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God .

Redneck Christmas

Nicest redneck email that I have read!!!
We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya' are.

You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God.'
You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a redneck if: You still say ' Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'
You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a redneck if: You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have.
You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag, nor intend to.
You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same.
You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
If you got this email from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email. God Bless the USA !
Keep the fire burning, redneck friend

Rosary

Jim Castle was tired when he boarded his plane in Cincinnati, Ohio, that night in 1981. The 45-year-old management consultant had put on a week long series of business meetings and seminars, and now he sank gratefully into his seat ready for the flight home to Kansas City, Missouri .. As more passengers entered, the place hummed withconversation, mixed with the sound of bags being stowed. Then,

suddenly, people fell silent. The quiet moved slowly up the aisle like

an invisible wake behind a boat. Jim craned his head to see what was

happening, and his mouth dropped open. Walking up the aisle were two nuns clad in simple white habits bordered in blue. He recognized the familiar face of one at once, the wrinkled skin, and the eyes warmly intent. This was a face he'd seen in newscasts and on the cover of TIME. The two nuns halted, and Jim realized that his seat companion was going to be Mother Teresa! As the last few passengers settled in, Mother Teresa and her companion pulled out rosaries. Each decade of the beads was a different color, Jim noticed. The decades represented various areas of the world, Mother Teresa told him later, and added, 'I pray for the poor and dying on each continent.' The airplane taxied to the runway and the two women began to pray, their voices a low murmur. Though Jim considered himself not a very religious Catholic who went to church mostly out of habit, inexplicably he found himself joining in. By the time they murmured the final prayer, the plane had reached cruising altitude. Mother Teresa turned toward him. For the first time in his life, Jim understood what people meant when they spoke of a person possessing an 'aura'. As she gazed at him, a sense of peacefilled him; he could no more see it tha n he could see the wind but he felt it, just as surely as he felt a warm summer breeze. 'Young man,' she inquired, 'do you say the rosary often?' 'No, not really,' he admitted. She took his hand, while her eyes probed his. Then she smiled. 'Well, you will now.' And she dropped her rosary into his palm. An hour later Jim entered the Kansas City airport where he was met by his wife, Ruth. 'What in the world?' Ruth asked when she noticed the rosary in his hand. They kissed and Jim described his encounter. Driving home, he said. 'I feel as if I met a true sister of God.' Nine months later Jim and Ruth visited Connie, a friend of theirs for several years. Connie confessed that she'd been told she hadovarian cancer. 'The doctor says it's a tough case,' said Connie, 'but I'm going to fight it. I won't give up.' Jim clasped her hand. Then, after reaching into his pocket, he gently twined Mother Teresa's rosary around her fingers. He told her the story and said, 'Keep it with you Connie. It may help.' Although Connie wasn't Catholic, her hand closed willingly around the small plastic beads. 'Thank you,' she whispered. 'I hope I can return it.' More than a year passed before Jim saw Connie again. This time her face was glowing, she hurried toward him and handed him the rosary. 'I carried it with me all year,' she said. 'I've had surgery and have been on chemotherapy, too. Last month, the doctors did second-look surgery, and the tumor's gone. Completely!' Her eyes met Jim's. 'I knew it was time to give the rosary back.' In the fall of 1987, Ruth's sister, Liz, fell into a deep depression after her divorce. She asked Jim if she could borrow the rosary, and when he sent it, she hung it over her bedpost in a small velvet bag. 'At night I held on to it, just physically held on. I was so lonely and

afraid,' she says, 'yet when I gripped that rosary, I felt as if I held a loving hand.' Gradually, Liz pulled her life together, and she mailed the rosary back. 'Someone else may need it,' she said. Then one night in 1988, a stranger telephoned Ruth. She'd heard about the rosary from a neighbor and asked if she could borrow it to take to the hospital where her mother lay in a coma. The family hoped the rosary might help their mother die peacefully. A few days later, the woman returned the beads. 'The nurses told me a coma patient can still hear,' she said, 'so I explained to my mother that I had Mother Teresa's rosary and that when I gave it to her she could let go; it would be all rosary in her hand. Right away, we saw her face relax. The lines smoothed out until she looked so peaceful, so young.' The woman's voice caught. 'A few minutes later she was gone.' Fervently, she gripped Ruth's hands. 'Thank you.' Is there special power in those humble beads? Or is the power of the human spirit simply renewed in each person who borrows the rosary? Jim only knows that requests continue to come, often unexpectedly. He always responds though, whenever he lends the rosary, 'When you're through needing it, send it back. Someone else may need it.' Jim's own life has changed, too, since his unexpected meeting on the airplane. When he realized Mother Teresa carries everything she owns in a small bag, he made an effort to simplify his own life. 'I try to remember what really counts - not money or titles or possessions, but the way we love others,' he says.


MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY, MAY MOTHER MARY

ASK HER SON JESUS TO SHOWER YOU WITH GRACES. Please feel free to pass this mail on, especially to all those in despair so that they might know that they are not alone in their hour of need. The reason I sent you this mail is because I know the power of the prayers of these simple beads and I wanted to share it with you.. Every sacrifice has a fruitful reward. Every failure has a second chance. We only have to be strong thru God's grace and persevere in life's many tests! May GOD bless you always.

Cell Phone versus The Bible

Cell phone vs. Bible
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat
our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
Trust in the Lord and *ASAP (Always Say A Prayer) Have a blessed and wonderful day!

Knock, Knock I knocked at heaven's door this morning. God asked me...'My child, what can I do for you?' And I said, 'Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message.' God smiled and answered...'Request granted'. 'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'
THIS IS PRETTY NEAT,

Happy Thanksgiving

Life is good, God is Great, The day was wonderful, And plenty of food I ate.

The kids ate what they wanted, They really had fun, Laughing and mingling well, And even played games in the sun.

It was time to go, Kisses were given, We all loaded in the car, And left the home where we had Thanksgiving.

On the ride home some of us slept, Some watched a DVD, A couple held hands, And had happy thougts of their family.

No matter where your family is, No matter if you are apart, Let this day be remembered, And may love fill your heart.

'Twas the Night

Please read this poem. It is beautiful.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE. I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE. I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE. NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS. WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND. FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY. THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME. THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER. WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ? CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED? I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT. SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY. THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE. I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME. THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY. THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, 'SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE; I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY! COUNTRY, MY CORPS.' THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP. I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL. I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT. THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.' ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. 'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,! AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.'
This poem was written by a Marine. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable..... PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending his to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed. Friends are like stars, you don't have to see them, to know they are there.

Veterans Day

A Friend Like You

Everyone should havea friend like youYou are so much fun to be withAnd you are such a good personYou crack me up with laughterAnd touch my heart with your kindnessYou have a wonderful abilityTo know when to offer adviceAnd when to sit in quiet supportTime after timeYou've come to my rescueAnd brightend so manyOf my routine daysAnd time after timeI've realized how fortunateI am that my life includes youI really do believe thatEverybody should have a friend like youBut so far it looks likeYou are one of a kind!

Phillipians 4:13

The strength to resist the nightThe strength to endure the dayThe strength to keep righteous paths in sightThe strength to take them without delayThe strength to find a purpose in lifeThe strength to find the truths it bringsThe strength to kick away from strifeThe strength to stabalize the rock it clingsThe strength to light a friend’s day upThe strength to resist wrathful foesThe strength to fill a stranger’s dry cupThe strength to shun sin when it opposedThe strength to feel a injured man’s painThe strength to hold a reject’s handThe strength to act against any gainThe strength to love without demandThe strength to understand that our KingHas blessed us with more than we can containTherefore regardless what time may bringThe strength will continue to reign

Portrait of a Friend

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears.But I can listen to you, and together we will search for answers.I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain,nor the future with its untold stories.But I can be there now when you need me to care.I can't keep your feet from stumbling.I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;Yet I can share in your laughter.Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;I can only support you, encourage you,and help you when you ask.I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship,from your values, from me.I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,room to be yourself.I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,But I can cry with you and help you pick up the piecesand put them back in place.I can't tell you who you are.I can only love you and be your friend.

A True Friend

Accepts you as you are

Believes in "you"

Calls you just to say "HI"

Doesn't give up on you

Envisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)

Forgives your mistakes

Gives unconditionally

Helps you

Invites you over

Just because

Keeps you close at heart

Loves you for who you are

Makes a difference in your life

Never Judges

Offers support

Picks you up

Quiets your fears

Raises your spirits

Says nice things about you

Tells you the truth when you need to hear it

Understands you

Values you

Walks beside you

Xxoxoxoxxxoooxxoxo

Yells when you won't listen and

Zaps you back to realityMay we always be "good buddies"

May we always be good friendsand may our friendship be the kindthat never ends...

Pretty

Got to Love Sundays

Got to Love Sundays!

Quote/Sarah Mclachlan

Friendship

May Our Friendship Last Forever

May our friendship last forever;May I sail upon your sea.May we go through life together;
May there always be a "we."
May I be your endless sky;
May you breathe my gentle air.
May you never wonder why
Each time you look for me, I'm there.
May we be for each a smileLike the warm, life-giving sun;
Yet when we're in pain awhile,
May our suffering be one.
May we share our special days,
The happiness of one for two;
And if we must go separate ways,
Let my love remain with you.
poem by Nicholas Gordon