My beloved is mine and I am his~

WilliamsWk2A1

2009-11-15T06:49:00.001-08:00

In Microsoft Word, you can save your document in a variety of formats, such as .docx, .rtf, .txt, and .html. Why do programs give you a variety of ways to save your files? Choose 2 of the file formats provided by Microsoft Word and explain the differences between them. In what situations might you choose to use one instead of the other?

Programs offer many ways to save a file so that the format needed is available next time you need the file. We can save the file depending on the intended use of it. The *.html file format is in important for web site designers because it saves your work in a way that it can be uploaded to the web and then be read by internet users.

ADDED NOTE: This post is part of a school assignment. I wanted to see if it was actually possible to make a blog post from Office 2007. Not only is it possible,it was easy to do.

I wish you well.

Great News~

2009-09-27T05:33:00.000-07:00

I am gonna start classes at The Art Institute-Online Division on September 5th! I will be taking Interior Design Course.

I qualified for all of the financial aid AND there is enough money left over to buy a kick-ass computer! My poor puter is soooo tired, it can't handle the software I need for classes.

Phyllis

Amazing Picture

2009-08-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

My Son found this here.

Phyllis

Scrapbook Page #29

2009-07-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

On February 29, 2008, my brother married Barb. This is one of their professional wedding photos. Considering I snapped the pic of the page in a chair in my living room...lol...it turned out well enough.

NOTE TO SANTA: I have been a good girl. Please bring me a scanner and a Cricut.

Love,

Phyllis

Scrap Book page:).

2009-06-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

Been doing a lot more scrapbooking. Now if I can just take decent photos of the pages.

Phyllis

Free Scrapbook Printables~

2009-06-24T08:27:00.001-07:00

Phyllis

The Shack...by Wm. Paul Young~

2009-06-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

I tend to read for enlightenment, although I do occasionally read just for the fun of it. As a child in need of escaping the world around me, I read voraciously. I devoured book after book after book.

This weekend I read a book recommended by my counselor: The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. What an incredible book it is! Mack, the main character, encounters God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit for a weekend that ultimately provides much needed healing, answers to many of his questions, and changes him for life.

My favorite line from the book? "Rights are where surviors go, so they won't have to work out relationships."

This book does not shove religion down the readers throat, in fact, it does quite the opposite.

Religious critics who bash this book have missed the message and attack the messenger. That is unfortunate, as their bashing may cause some hurting soul to miss the thrust and life changing information woven into the story.

This is a MUST-Read!

Want more info? Visit the website.

Phyllis

Psalms 62:8~

2009-06-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

Phyllis

Prayers for me and my family

2009-05-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow pray-ers. I am blogging to let u know of a current situation that I am facing and asking for you to pray that God moves in a big way on our behalf.

My husband and I have been estranged for over a year. He gets a Veteran's Pension check every month and until yesterday, he was giving me money to support me and our son, who is still in high school. He informed me that he has had me removed me from his check and will no longer be giving me any support.

I have a claim filed with Social Security for disability due to my arthritis and fibromyalgia. The lawyers have requested a court date for an appeal as my claim was denied twice. I filed in October of 2007. The court date could be as late as the fall of 2010. In the meantime, I have been living on the money my husband provided.

I am contacting the SSI lawyers to determine whether or not I can break the contract I have with them. Then my doctor will have to release me to work.

Please pray that God's will be done in this situation and that I am able to withstand whatever that is and that I will not grow weary. He promises to take care of us and I know this is in His capable hands.

It is possible that I will have to cut off my internet service for some time. If you do not hear from me for a while, then that it why.

I pray daily for all on the prayer lists and blogs that I am a member of...on Twitter, too. I will continue to lift all of you before our Lord. He knows what the needs are, even if I can not get online to read them!

In order to keep from sinning and hating my husband, I pray and ask God to bless him daily. The Bible says we are to pray for our enemies and this man qualifies. The Bible also says that a man who does not provide for his family is worse than a traitor. Please join me in asking God to bless him daily.

I thank you for your time and heart for those who need prayer.

Be blessed~

Phyllis

Prayers needed~

2009-05-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

Father, God in Heaven,

Our world is in such turmoil. There is pain and suffering everywhere. This morning I lift members, friends, and loved ones from all of the prayer groups on the Internet. Lord, you blessed us with this wonderful means of communication and I thank you for the opportunity to pray for your people.

Jeremy...bless and comfort him and his family during this time of loss. May they feel your presence as you hold them close to your heart.

Kenny and Carol(personal friends of my family)...Lord I know that you created us and that you intend that we walk in divine health and healing. I know that you do, indeed, work miracles on our behalf. Your will be done. I know this is doubly hard for the family as this is the second motorcycle wreck involving one of their daughters in 10 years. Comfort and guide them. Touch them, Lord.

In Jesus' name,

Amen
Phyllis

Take a moment to remember~

2009-05-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

Albert needs prayer~

2009-05-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

Just got a call from Jeffrey. A very dear and long-time friend of the family fell off a ladder this weekend and is in bad shape. Please pray for Albert's absolute and total recovery.

If you belong to any prayer groups, feel free to post this request there.

Thank you and Be Blessed,

Phyl

Phyllis

Pray for Amias and family~

2009-05-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

I am posting this to request prayer for Amias. She has a family emergency. Please keep her, her husband ,Robert, and the rest of the family in your prayers. Read the original request here.

Thank you~

Phyllis

Jesus Twitters???

2009-05-23T11:17:00.001-07:00

We all know that I love social bookmarking. Imagine my face when I got this notice in my email:

Of course, I am following...lol~

Phyllis

Party~

2009-05-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

Extravagant Grace is one of the blogs I follow faithfully. They are having a party to celebrate their 500th post! Check them out by clicking on the above graphic or the one in my side bar. While you are there be sure enter to win awesome prizes!

Please tell them Phyllis sent you.

Phyllis

The (Insert First Name Here) Needs...Meme

2009-05-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

My buddy, Mike, posted this meme on his blog and I decided it would be fun to play along. If you do this one, sign the Mr. Linky below so I can come see your answers. You can go see Mikes, too:).

Here is how this one works: Google 'your first name needs' and list ten of the answers that come up.

I came up with a total of 2,390,000 entries!

1. Phyllis needs to cut the apron strings.
2. Phyllis needs a lifestyle that allows her to be spontaneous.
3. Phyllis needs a hug.
4. Phyllis needs to get her own man.
5. Phyllis needs a new maid.
6. Phyllis needs to be with someone like Victor.
7. Phyllis needs to find a man who does not cheat.
8. Phyllis needs to work for it.
9. Phyllis needs support.
10. Phyllis needs a forever home in northern VA.

Thanks to a soap opera character with my name!!! I do like #2, #3, #5, #7, & #10:).

Phyllis

Law Of The Garbage Truck~

2009-05-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

Joyce has given permission for fellow bloggers to post this. It is wonderful!

The Law of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded , and missed the other car by just inches!

The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, “Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so . . . . .

Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a blessed, garbage-free day.

*****

Personal Note: This reminds me of the time I found myself driving the wrong way in a McDonald's parking lot with a car full of kids. My mother had recently passed on, my marriage was a shambles, and I was stressed beyond measure. All I wanted to do was get some lunch for the kids. Needless to say, the gentleman who was going the right way in the parking lot had little patience or understanding of my mistake and made hand gestures at me while also hurling ugly words at me. In response I hollered,"God loves you!" Years later, Navy Man, reminded me of that day and said he was amazed at how I repsonded to the man. I told him you never know what the other fellow is going through, maybe he had just buried his own mother, too. It's true...we do not have to continue spreading other peoples garbage-or our own.

Phyllis

Beautiful Prayer~

2009-05-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Amias posted this beautiful prayer. Thank you, dear friend!

You said to ask, believing, and it shall be given unto me. I come to you, with bowed head, a humble heart, asking once again for your tender mercy. I beseech you Father, not for myself, but on behalf of Jeffery, Ed, Allen and their families. Father, they need your strength, and we pray for their healing. Only you know the depth of their suffering. Only you can heal them, if it be thou will. Have mercy on them dear God, wrap your love around them and please send them and their families peace; protect them Father. In your son’s name, I humbly pray - Aman.

Phyllis

Prayer Requests for 5-17-09

2009-05-17T18:31:00.001-07:00

Here are the latest requests for prayer from The Prayer Hubs:

Please join me in praying for these dear ones.

Please pray for Cliff's brother, Allen, who is battling spine cancer.

Betty is a dear blogging friend and her husband has a blockage in his kidney. Please pray for his healing and that this is not cancer.

I also ask that you continue to pray for My Beloved who battling 2 potential terminal diseases. Pray for his strength and healing.

God bless each and every one of you. I thank you for your prayers.

Phyllis

Finally! First scrap book page:).

2009-05-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

I finally did it! I made my first scrapbook page. Now I am stuck. Not sure about the lil tags on the dark blue. Love the way they look, but am thinking I should journal there instead. Opinions?

The other day, during one of our phone calls, My Beloved mentioned that our cell phones are our lifeline to one another. That struck a chord in me as it is quite true. I already had made two collage photos of sets of pictures we had sent each other on our phones. I am a sap like that:).

Phyllis

Prayer is happening at Beloved Mama's~

2009-05-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

I found another site where prayer requests can be made...you can also find others to pray for!

Phyllis

Win a darling scrapbooking bracelet!

2009-05-14T05:07:00.000-07:00

The Hybrid Chick found a darling bracelet kit and has 8 of them to give away! It includes everything to u need to make it one of a kind...including an online way to minimize your photos!

Click on the link above and leave a comment for your chance to win.

Get more chances to win by posting links to their post.

Good luck~

Phyllis

Online Treasure and Prayer Requests

2009-05-13T06:56:00.001-07:00

"Ye have not because ye ask not." That was the response when I cried out to God that I needed help in carrying the burden of praying for healing for My Beloved. So...I asked!

Yesterday I was led to two incredible sites on the internet. The first one I told you about here.

Today I wish to tell you about an online treasure. The Prayer Hubs is an online group of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of prayer. I wrote to Amias and got a very quick response. After requesting additional information, he posted this.

I thank God that He is ever faithful. I thank God for Amias and the others at The Prayer Hub who have come along side me and now help carry my burden. I thank God that "By Christ's stripes My Beloved is healed!" I thank God that He has given me access to other people for whom I can now intercede.

Pray It-Say It~

2009-05-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

I love reading other people's blogs! Today one of the ones I visited had a link to Pray It-Say It which is an awesome site for those of us who believe in the power of prayer. You type in the name of the person you wish to pray for, then click a category for your prayer, and the script generates personalized scriptures and a model prayer. There is also an option to send the person an e-card.

I have been steadily praying for My Beloved and his health issues, so I put in "Jeffrey" and clicked "Health". Here is what I got:

SCRIPTURES:

"You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." Psalm 10:17 (NIV)

"For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help." Psalm 22:24 (NIV)

"O Lord my God, I called to You for help and you healed me." Psalm 30:2 (NIV)

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all." Psalm 34:19 (NASB)

PRAYER:

Father, You formed us in our mother's womb and established the number of our days before there was even one of them. You are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, and nothing escapes Your notice.

Jesus, You are the Great Physician, and there is nothing too difficult for You. So I bring Jeffrey before You now, and ask that you would touch them with Your almighty power. Your word says that "You hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." Hear Jeffrey now, as they cry out to You and answer them in this time of need.

Touch their bodies Lord, with the strength they need to fight this condition that they may recover quickly. Your Word declares that it's by Your stripes that we are healed, so I take hold of that promise for Jeffrey right now, and I proclaim Your provision for their healing. Let Your peace overshadow them, and Your presence be their comfort at this time. I pray in Jesus' mighty name, Amen!

I have added the script to my sidebar. I hope it blesses you as much as it has me.

Be Blessed~

Phyllis

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day~

2009-05-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Today is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day! Being one of the many who battle fibro on a daily basis, I think spreading awareness of what it is and how it affects not only those who are afflicted but those who love them is crucial.

In my other blog I have 2 posts about my own personal struggle with fibromyalgia.

1. Aches, Pains, & Naps. Oh my!
2. Turning Over A Leaf.

This site is wonderful in helping spread the word about fibro.

Thanx, Storm!

Candle for Cure of Cancer~

2009-05-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Pray this simple prayer:

Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer. Amen

A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle.

Send it on in memory of anyone you know who has been struck down by cancer or in honor of someone who is still living with it. You can do this by posting it in your blog, sending it in emails, using it as your siggie in forums. Got other ideas on how to pay this forward? Post them in the comment section.

If you are gonna pass this on, leave a link in the Mr. Linky:).

Graphic 4 Make Me Laugh Monday~

2009-05-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Storm,

Here is one option for the graphic you requested:). Lemme know whether it is what you wanted or not. Here is the code:

<a href="http://allthingscherished.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 198px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nHXlnyxE6nY/Sghc29w88CI/AAAAAAAAAKc/GHn7uvjNqm4/s400/mmlm1.jpg" border="0" alt="Make Me Laugh Monday"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334615857982926882">

Lemme know if it works for u. It did for me.
Here is a link that shows how to add code to your blog!

Hugs,

Free Backgrounds 4 Your Blog~

2009-05-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

I found the sweetest site for blog backgrounds! It is simple enough that even I can use it. LOL! There is no editing or saving your template. The background just goes behind your blog. It's as simple as adding code to the "add a gadget" option!

The one I chose looks like a page in a scrapbook and features two of my favorite colors!

Check it out. You will be glad you did:).

Happy Mother's Day~

2009-05-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

Grateful Gals~

2009-05-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

Mo is a wonderful gal. The Lord sent her into my life at a time when I needed someone to come along and pull me out of the muck-and-mire of depression. Mo helped change my perspective from self-pity to GRATITUDE. Wanna join us? Click the image!

Online Fun~

2009-05-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

Me and My Beloved...Minimized~

Wanna make your own? Go here. I did a print screen, saved the images, and opened them in PSP. I cropped them, added a 3 pixel border, and am gonna put them in collages at Walmart's Photo site. I am also gonna send them to My Beloved's cell phone:). I do love modern technology!

When a man loves a woman~

2009-05-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

He dedicates this song to her~

Click the link to hear it and read the lyrics.

Beautiful by AKon.

Then...the loved woman makes it his ringtone on her cell so she hears it everytime he calls or texts her!

Verification Post~

2009-05-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Link 2 Me~

2009-05-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

Making your presence known is important on the internet. Networking, networking, networking! Clicking on the image will result in a larger view. You can save the image to your hardrive and then upload to your blog-or-use the code provided below.

Here are some graphics you are free to use to link to my blog.

Here is the code for the smaller image. It will fit into the sidebar of your blog. Just highlight it and copy. Then add to your blog template under "add javacript".

<a href="http://jksbw36789.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332776169825343794" style="margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 72px;" alt="Link to me...I link back!" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nHXlnyxE6nY/SgHTrBUbmTI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/bZKOxRV04MM/s320/scraps-book-it-logo-small.jpg"/></a>

Put a link to your blog here...I link back!

Linky Hugs~

Palette Generator

2009-05-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

Need a way to get co-ordinating colors? Use an online palette generator!

The gals at Cherished Memories have links to 3 such generators.

This is the result I got when I used the one at Big Huge Labs and the pic of the flowers My Beloved sent me:

GORGEOUS~

Wise man!

2009-05-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

So many times when we are talking on the cell phone(which IS our lifeline) My Beloved describes the scenery where he is at. He tells me how beautiful it is and that he wishes I was there with him.

A few weekends ago he taught himself how to do text messaging so we would have another way of staying in touch.

Today he taught himself how to send pictures:).

This is what he sent me:

"Cause I am not there to bring you flowers..."

I do love a very priceless and wise man!

Blog Award:)~

2009-05-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Storm, from All Things Cherished, gave me my very first award for this blog!

Check out her blog where she shares all the things in her life that she cherishes.

I give this award to my 2 followers and Storm!

1. Mike
2. Linda
3. Storm

Sometimes...

2009-05-03T07:55:00.001-07:00

Weekends seem to be particularly difficult for me. Can you suffer Empty Nest Syndrome when there are still kids living at home?

I am so tired of being depressed, sad, and lonely. I get so down and miserable and yet I do have God active, alive, and well in my life. What must it be like for those who do not?

I try to blog often, but most days it seems it would be futile. Who wants to hear about my depression? Aches? Pains? Thank God that He does not tire of me. When depression kicks in I can not operate in the love, grace, and mercy that I have been called to share with those around me.

The never-ending underlying theme is that I miss My Beloved and long to see him.I do realize he is only a man and that he makes it a priority to make certain that I know he thinks of me often. But, dammit, this is hard. I get, sad, lonely, fearful, and mad. Sometimes I just need a hug. Sometimes I need an "atta girl". Sometimes I need to look in the eyes where I am dancing in the fire. God's grace is sufficient and yet there are times when I need a physical presence.

I believe that God put the love I have carried for over 25 years for this man deep in the innermost recesses of my heart. I am grateful for that. I believe He has prepared me for a time such as this. I am grateful for that. I believe He will restore the years that the locusts ate away. I am grateful for that. I believe that same restoration has already begun.

I have things now that I did not have for 24 years. I have new memories. I have lots of wonderful photos...proof that I have not only seen him, but proof that I have even touched and been touched by him. I have the knowledge that he, too, carried me in the innermost recesses of his heart for all those lonely years. I am grateful for that.

I have a much deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. I am most grateful for that.

I also have new expectations. Perhaps therein lies my problem.

More photos of loved ones~

2009-05-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

Pics from the weekend~UPDATE

2009-05-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

I get my pics developed at WalMart because I can upload them to their photo site and then go pick them up in an hour. Considering that I am old enough to remember having to send rolls of film off to be developed and then waiting 7-10 days for my cherished pics to come back, I do love modern technology!

I played around with some of my favorite photos from my last trip across state lines and love the new & improved versions.

Daffy Thucking Thunny~

2009-05-02T05:19:00.000-07:00

Daffy Duck on a dirty weekend calls hotel reception and asks for a condom.
The receptionist says, shall I put them on your bill?
Daffy replies...

Don't be thucking thupid I'd thufficate!!!!

White Deer

2009-05-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

The Bible says* "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

This video is an incredible testimony to more of His handiwork.

*Psalms 19:1

Love is...

2009-04-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

When My Beloved and I began talking on a regular basis two years ago, I felt the need to apologize for the hurt and pain my choices of 23 years ago had caused him.

I believe intent is everything and that all desisions we make affect those around us. What makes the diffrence in our sinning or not is whether we are honestly doing what is best for us or trying to hurt someone.

Becoming pregnant changed everything including circumstances that I could or could not live with while raising our child. I chose to leave Virginia and came home to Ohio. I know how this affected me so I also know how it affected him.

Leaving him was the hardest thing I ever did, but I did what I had to do. Knowing that I hurt him deeply was the regret I carried. When I apologized, he said, "I don't want you to be sorry. When you love someone, really love someone, you let things go."

For the first time in my life, I saw 1 Corinthians 13:7 in action. This man truly knew what the definition of love is~ The way he loves me inspires me to be a better person and causes me to trust him with my whole heart. It makes me love him back!

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

From Bible Gateway. The Message Bible.

Good Morning, Lord~

2009-04-26T04:56:00.000-07:00

This morning at 6:30am my phone rang. It was My Beloved! Just the sound of his ringtone on my cell phone causes my spirit to soar. Being 500 miles apart is hard for any relationship and it has been a long time since we could just talk. We both needed the other this morning.

It never fails to amaze me how important it is to this man to make sure that I know he loves me and thinks of me often. He knows I need that reassurance. God knows I need it, too.

This long distance relationship has caused me to run straight into the arms of My Heavenly Father on so many occasions. My Beloved is a man-a mere mortal-and although we love each other dearly, circumstances dictate that we can not wake up next to one another and share our days and nights together. Loneliness tortures me. Anger taunts me. Fear attempts to consume me. Hopelessness grabs at my soul.

I have often prayed to God that He would rise up in my spirit and that I would cry out to Him first and no longer as a last resort. Be careful what you pray for! He loves me and will answer my prayers. I believe the ones I pray that entail me being closer to Him are the ones He holds dearest. He knows my inner most parts, He knows the love He has placed deep within my heart for this man. He knows my every thing.

Once a scripture gets ahold of me, I hang on until the fruit of it is thriving in my life. I read Psalms 37:4 which promises: Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. First an action then a promise of reward. Smart Father, He is! I use the same principle with my children..."If and Then." IF I delight myself in the Lord, THEN He will give me the desires of my heart. Having battled depression most of my life, I didn't have a clue how to delight myself in any thing! I so desperately wanted to live out the desires of my heart....desires that He had placed there.

Finally, I cried out, "Daddy! I want the desires of my heart! Help me to delight myself in You!" Imagine the delight in a Father's heart when His child asks for what He has wanted to give them all along. Things began happening in my every day life. I became all the more aware of the wonderful things I often took for granted. The sun became shinier, the sky bluer, the breeze more refreshing. I grew in my understanding of Him and His ways.

He even tell us that His ways are not our ways and that His thoughts are higher than ours. Even as a parent I don't understand why He allows what He allows but this is where faith comes in. Faith, not blind disobedience but, a choice to trust in His wisdom and the knowledge that He knows what is best for me. It is not always easy to walk the path laid before me even knowing that not only is He there, but that He will even carry me when I can no longer move forward.

And even more amazing is the fact that regardless of how terribly I mess up, He is there to help me to my feet, brush me off, and restore me. He is LOVE!

Pics from the weekend~

2009-04-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hugs~

Happy Resurection Day!

2009-04-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

My Easter gift to you:

Listen to this beautiful song.

I will praise you Lord my God, even in my brokeness I will praise you Lord.

I will praise you Lord my God, even in my desperation, I will praise you Lord.

And I can't understand all that you allow, I just can't see the reason

But my life is in Your hands, and though I cannot see You, I choose to trust you.

Even when my heart is torn, I will praise you Lord,

Even when I feel deserted, I will praise you Lord,

Even in the darkest valley, I will praise you Lord,

When my world is shattered, and it seems all hope is gone,

Yet I will praise You Lord.

I will trust You, Lord my God, even in my lonliness I will trust You Lord.

I will trust You, Lord my God, even when I cannot hear You, I will trust You Lord.

And I will not forget, that You hung on a cross, Lord you bled and died for me.
And if I have to suffer, I know that You've been there, and I know that You're here now.

Even when my heart is torn, I will trust You Lord.

Even when I feel deserted, I will trust You Lord.

Even in the darkest valley, I will trust You Lord.

And when my world is shattered and it seems all hope is gone,

Yet I will praise You Lord.

Open letter to NapWarden~

2009-04-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Cynthia...this is Phyl from Scrappy n Happy in OH. Since I so loved the ladybug design you did for me last year you are the natural choice for a designer for my new blog:).

Life has brought some wonderful changes and the new blog is to reflect them. The short of it is this...I am head over heels in love with a man I had not seen in 23 years. God has healed me and made me whole...then I got to see My Beloved!!!! There is a story(just the beginning) on the blog u can read if u wanna...for background.

Here are the particulars: White woman curly hair-black man bald and sexy...still crazy for each other after all these years. Maybe her in a white guaze summer dress...him in cargo shorts and a white muscle shirt? The beach, wooded areas....he LOVES food, she smiles or giggles all the time...and is starry-eyed over this dude.(In fact, he curled my toes with a kiss...and I gotta tell u...that never happened before in 49 years of life:).

We have a 24 year old daughter together...he has another daughter and 2 sons...so do I! I am gonna be with him next weekend...and I am soooo excited...lol.

I want a blog set and maybe even a twitter page:). Possibly my own logo kinda thingie. Don't u love it when I talk technical?

Check it out. It's still basic cos I wanted to let u work ur magic before I got social-bookmarking and link crazy...lol. Three columns, plz.

Other Links:
Love story:)
See pics of us here.

I am excited to work with you again!

New Service~

2009-04-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

I just set it up so that I can blog from my cell phone~ The next post is gonna be my first attempt at doing so:).

Edited to add...having technical difficulties...lol.

Have u ever...?

2009-04-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in love? Is there still the littlest spark surviving deep in your soul...a spark that, if given some air, would consume both of you? Have you ever called his name out loud and he calls you on the phone immediately? Have you ever known someone who you can't see for years and as soon as you hear their voice, all of the time lapsed disappears? Have you ever wanted someone so badly that it caused your very soul to ache with longing? Ever have a connection that defied circumstances, time, space, logic, all that is holy? Can one note...the very first note of a song carry you back 25 years to a time when life was simpler and you were with him? Do you know the definition of "hungry eyes"? Ever have someone locked way down deep in your heart...kept there like a secret treasure because you know no one would understand? Does every true love song melt your bones? Has he ever been talking to you on the phone and his buddy drove up and says, "you are talking to so&so, aren't you?" This after 15 years of not seeing one another. How did his buddy KNOW? Seems I am the only woman who ever made him kick the ground out of nervousness. Now that's precious~

I won $250.00!

2009-04-03T05:02:00.000-07:00

Debt Goal sponsored a contast on Facebook and I entered. I had to write a 75 word essay on my best thrifty decision. Here is my entry:

The best thrifty decision I made involves traveling with family. We rent vehicles using the weekend specials, pay tolls, buy gas, food, and drinks for the road then split the total. Once there everyone covers their own motel rooms, meals, and spending money. We often qualify for family rates. We have reward memberships at Enterprise, Wyndam Motels, and various gas stations so we often get freebies plus we use coupons found locally.

This came in e-mail yesterday: Jacqueline sent you a message.

Subject: DebtGoal.com Thriftaholic Competition!

Hi Phyl,

I work with DebtGoal.com and would like to congratulate you as the winner of the first "Confessions of a Thriftaholic" competition on facebook!

I'm sure you're excited to receive your $250. prize! To issue you a check, we'll just need you to fill out a W9 form for us. I can email you this form, if you'll provide me with your email address. Then we can put a check in the mail to you!

Thanks for sharing your fun thrifty tip with the DebtGoal.com community! Let your friends know, and spread the word - April is financial literacy month, so it's a perfect time for people to check out DebtGoal.com.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
- Jackie
***
This is the announcement from Debt Goal's wall on Facebook:
Congratulations to Phyl Williams, winner of DebtGoal.com's first "Confessions of a Thriftaholic" facebook competition! Phyl's thrifty tip received the most votes by fans, and we at DebtGoal.com like the spirit of fun, family and collaboration at the heart of Phyl's tip! Just because the contest has wrapped up - don't let that stop you from sharing your best cost-saving and debt-reducing tips here.

The prize is $250.00 which I am applying to my portion of our next trip!

Fun Stuff

2009-03-31T07:26:00.001-07:00

Mixed Drink Recipes~

2009-03-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

Blue Candle Lighting at Navy4Moms~

2009-03-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to all Moms and we invite you to join us throughout the future Year to light a blue candle in honor of our sailors, past, present and future to honor the service and sacrifice they each give by being away from their families...We honor the Military for the sacrifice they make 24/7/365. Light a blue candle on Holidays, Birthdays, Memorials and celebrate the lives of our Navy and Military that keeps our hearts and lives free. In your own home, or wherever you are at. LET YOUR BLUE CANDLE SHINE. You can rsvp that you will STATE YOUR CITY AND STATE, then comment on Birthdays, honor to someone throughout the year.... Keep the Blue Candle Burning. visit the group too of Home for A Holiday/by the BLUE CANDLE MOMS. The start and end time will be changed weekly to keep it going.

Got a child in the Navy or thinking about joining? Get and give answers, support, and love to other Navy Moms here.

Buy awesome Navy Mom gear here.

Promises to live by~

2009-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:27-29 (King James Version)
27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Song of Solomon 2:16 (King James Version)
16My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Psalm 37:4 (King James Version)
4Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Love Story...How It Began...

2009-03-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

***POTENTIAL ADULT CONTENT***

Picture a young, beautiful woman just 23 years of age. Having left a bad marriage and moving out of state she finds herself managing the breakfast shift of a fast food restaurant.

Being accustomed to working long hours, she was not surprised when her boss approached her with a proposition. “Our supervisor has mandated that we now have a hostess during lunch hours to refill drinks and assist the customers in any way. He wants to make things a little cozier. Since you are my prettiest girl, I’d like that hostess to be you.” Flattery got him every where and she eagerly took on the new responsibility.

Every morning when she opened the restaurant for breakfast, she was sure to have a fresh urn full of sweetened tea ready for the fellows who demanded it daily. Secretly, she was thrilled to hear things like, “Wow! What are they doing differently? This is delicious!”

Two of the fellows came in every week day for both breakfast and lunch without fail. One was flirty; the other shy with an endearing smile. They loved it when she offered them refills and suggested she use the line, “Coffee, tea, or me?” She declined. Of course, the lemon wedge earrings she wore begged for more comments. She politely informed them that her boyfriend would not approve.

One afternoon, Mr. Flirty Pants asked our young heroine to meet up with him after work and she agreed. However, she regretted her decision within moments. Not having a way to contact him to cancel, she simply did not show up at the designated time and place. Mr. Flirty Pants soon became Mr. Sour Puss and stopped flirting with her.

In due time, her boyfriend opted to move onto greener pastures. One day after work, as she was preparing to walk home, she noticed our above mentioned fellows. Seems they had come in unexpectedly for their afternoon break. Immediately upon seeing her sullen face, they inquired as to the cause. Bravely, she sat down next to Mr. Shy But Smiley and explained. Both of them offered the sweetest condolences and then a surprising thing happened. Mr. Shy But Smiley wondered aloud how a man could let her go. She blushed and lowered her eyes.

Having been once bitten and now twice shy, she immediately put the thought out of her mind deciding he was just being polite. She did, however, walk home on cloud nine.

A few days later, she was surveying the dining room when she noticed that Mr. Shy But Smiling was staring at her. Now, why in the hell did he do that? She stared back…for what seemed like hours. Is it really possible to drown in someone’s eyes? After that day Mr. Shy But Smiley began flirting ferociously and even admitted to having a name. Jeffrey.

Well, Jeffrey and his cohort continued dining at the restaurant regularly and our heroine began to write him off as a harmless flirt. That is until THAT Saturday. Having never seen him in street clothes and only his work uniform, she was pleasantly surprised to see him standing in front of her. That man showed up wearing a white muscle shirt, cargo shorts, sandals, and the most dazzling smile she had ever seen. Now, why in the hell did he do that? She was mesmerized. A black Adonis stood before her. Whew~. How she ever got his food order straight is beyond me. As he collected his order and headed to his car, she found herself straining to not lose sight of him. When his car left the parking lot, she was saddened.

One of her cashiers who had noticed the exchange between the two of them many times before, smiled at her with a knowing smile. Our heroine then made a shocking confession. Whispering in the cashiers’ ear, she said, “I have got to get some of that!” The cashier giggled; never had her boss acted in such a brazen manner. Little did she know her boss was just as surprised as the cashier was.

The flirting continued, but now her heart began skipping beats at the very thought of him. Everyone in the place knew they were doing the “sweetheart dance”, you know, everyone loves a lover.

Christmas time approached and Jeffrey had made no move towards pursuing our heroine outside of the workplace and she was getting, shall we say, antsy. Thoughts of him invaded her mind constantly and she secretly hoped he suffered the same. Gathering all of her courage and wearing her best fitting jeans, she “accidentally” ran into him at lunch time on her day off. As he stood to leave, she invited him to the Christmas party she was having. Unknown to him, she had definite plans for him under the mistletoe!

He asked her to stop by his work later so they could talk about it. She did. After standing at their job talking to him and his buddy for a few minutes, she suggested they talk alone for a moment. An absolutely beautiful woman walked in and suddenly Jeffrey vanished into thin air. He was there one minute and gone the next. The look on his friend’s face told our heroine everything she feared to know. Jeffrey was married!?!?!?! Instantly she knew that, even though it was not the right thing to do, she still very much wanted to spend time with him. Hurriedly she scribbled her phone number on a piece of paper, handed it to his friend, and said in a disgusted voice, “Here. Give this your married friend.” She took her broken heart and went home.

Just when she felt relieved that he hadn’t called, the phone rang. Her heart stopped beating at the sound of his voice. She could imagine his eyes, his lips, his everything as they talked. He asked if he could come over to see her and explain, of course, she said he could. This was the first of many happy Sunday mornings. They spent many hours just getting to know each other. Time spent with him was time well spent.

One fateful Sunday morning things changed. Her father had sent her a ceramic koala bear he had painted for her. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, she had neglected to call and thank him. While relaxing with Jeffrey she decided to call home. It was during that phone call that their relationship took a sharp turn. Since she was occupied, he decided to tease her and playfully licked her ankle. Now, why in the hell did he do that?

Within seconds, the realization of what had just happened hit them both. He sprung for the door; she hung up the phone and met him in the doorway. Gently cupping his unmentionables in her right hand, she leaned very close to his face and whispered, “Either make love to me or leave and never come back.” Needless to say, they made love. They both cried. Some would say that was the beginning of the end.

Once the passion had been unleashed, it was a physical impossibility for the two of them to be in the same room and not touch. The bond between them deepened. She would call his name out loud and he would phone her and ask what she wanted. He would call and wake her on her mornings off because he loved the sound of her sleepy voice. One night while at her new job, she heard him audibly calling her name. She looked every where- even in the darkened stock room. He was no where to be found. She clocked out early and headed towards his house. Shaking, she drove up the hill, passed his house, and then down the hill on the other side. It didn’t make sense. She knew she had heard him and that he needed her. When she stopped at the stop sign at the bottom of the hill, he jumped into her car. Reaching for her he demanded, “What took you so long?” She could say nothing more than, "Don't even touch me. This is too weird!" They drove to a secluded place and did what couples do without uttering another word.

They met everyday for lunch and loving. After work they would go to the Parkway and make love in the trees, go get chicken wings at the yummy place by her house, or just go to her place. Sometimes she cooked, sometimes not. All that mattered was that they were together every possible minute.

One day, while working, she was surprised to look up into a face almost too familiar. She gasped, and said, “You have to be related to my Jeffrey!” The man chuckled and explained that “her Jeffrey” was his brother and that he had brought along someone who desperately wanted to meet her. As she numbly followed him around the corner she came face to face with the friendliest warmest eyes and smile she had ever seen, with the exception of Jeffrey's, that is. The woman smiled and held out her hands. Clutching our heroines’ hands gently, she explained, “I hope you don’t mind that I’ve come to meet you on your job. I just had to meet the woman who makes my son so very happy.” She then invited our girl to visit her home anytime. Taken aback, our girl inquired, “What about his wife?” Momma just smiled and said, “It’s MY house. I can have anyone I want there.”

After being sure that Jeffrey would be okay with her involvement with his family, the young lady went to meet them. She was welcomed with open arms and lots of laughter and felt right at home. Thereafter, she and his sisters became quite the trio. The sisters would insist that she walk between them whenever they went out in public. They were the cookies and she the cream-of a human Oreo. They even went on his job like that!

One night there was a party at Momma’s house and our love-birds were there. As a slow song played, they danced. Suddenly, the lights flipped on and in the midst of her giggles, Momma exclaimed, “Hand check, Jeffrey!” The whole party collapsed into giggles.

He had a 10 year old daughter who spent considerable time at Big Momma’s so it was inevitable that she and her Daddy’s friend would meet. The child had the most beautiful brown eyes ever seen, with the exception of her Daddy's, of course. One day, when her Daddy came to pick her up, he found her curled up in our girl’s lap and fast asleep. Luckily, by then, our heroine’s tears had dried up. Never wishing ill on the child’s mother, our girl secretly wished the precious child was hers. When she later learned that the little girl desperately wanted a Cabbage Patch doll, she happily surrendered hers. The thought of the doll comforting the child made our girl very, very happy.

In February of that year, both our hero and heroine had President’s Day off from work and she made plans to take him somewhere they had never gone. A dear friend had once taken her to the best kept secret in the entire area and she wanted to share it with him. Now, being the young and wild souls that they were, they proceeded to get high and drunk on the way. She had never drank gin from a bottle but she chased it with Sprite anyways. By the time the couple arrived at the deserted beach, they were, shall we say, feeling no pain. He kissed her in the car and the next thing you know, they are racing down the beach stripping of every stitch of clothing. Every single sensation from that day was etched into their hearts and minds forever.

She would never ask him to leave his wife and kids. In his own messed-up way, he was a good man, and though he loved her dearly, he would not break up his family. It was understood. Then it happened. She became pregnant. Now what? Of course she would keep the baby and his secret. Her heart ached, but she knew what she must do. Quietly, she took her daughter and headed back home to her mother’s.

He managed to find her via the telephone…he was devastated. She and the baby were his heart. She reminded that his heart also had other occupants. She cried often to soothe her aching heart. Even though he was every thought she had, she now had a responsibility to this darling little girl. Necessity demanded that she must move on.

He had often said that if they were, indeed, meant to be together that it would happen. The faintest hope lived deep within her, because she knew they would reunite someday. Her life took many twists and turns, but she never let go of that hope or the knowledge of the extraordinary bond that existed between them.

Over the years, she would call him just to hear his voice, to touch base with the other half of her soul. His voice would start screaming in her heart and mind, so in order to relieve the torture, she would call him. It was as though they had never parted. Many times when she called, he had been trying to contact her. After the conversation she would tuck him ever so gently back into the depths of her very being and go back to every day life.

One time when they were talking, 15 years later, his old buddy drove up and laughed at Jeffrey. He said, “You’re talking to that white girl, aren’t you?” It seems that every time Jeffrey had talked on the phone with her(and only her), he would nervously kick the ground.

It was during one of these calls that she learned that his wife had passed away. Her heart ached for him. He and his wife had separated prior to her death and now he was living with another woman. Leaving well enough alone, she wished him well and hung up. Her heart was crushed. The tears she cried that day were for him and his children.

Two men and 3 children later, our heroine still loved him. After her marriage ended, she decided to call him and demand closure. One marriage over-shadowed by him was enough. She needed to be free to live her life and finally put him in his proper place. As she often did, she phoned his job and asked for him. DAMN! He no longer worked there. As it had often happened, someone over heard the conversation and volunteered the number to his new job. She called, left a message, and waited…and waited. Every time the phone rang, her heart skipped a beat. Chiding herself for her silliness, she busied herself with thoughtless housework.

That evening the phone rang and it was him! His voice could still make her heart beat entirely too fast, but it was his words that made it stop beating. “Where are you? How are you? How soon can I see you?” Without even skipping a breath she uttered, “Ohio, wonderful, and how soon do you want to?” So much for closure and moving on with her life.

The phone calls came often now. One night as he headed off to work, he called. All she heard was, “Just wanted to tell you that I love you.” Now, why in the hell did he do that?

Soon, he asked to speak to his 22 year old daughter. The conversation made the 3 of them laugh and cry. Healing began to pour out. Not once in all those years had it occurred to our heroine to foster ill-will in their daughter for her Daddy. From time to time she would share stories of their love and how happy she was to have his baby-the closest thing to him she could ever have. The little girl grew up understanding the situation and try as she might, she could never bring herself to hate him. That very first phone call showed the father and daughter what the Mom had known all along: those two were very much alike even though they had never met. She remembered all the times that she had seen him in his daughter’s face and actions over the years. It is difficult to say who was happier at the reunion and plans were begun for the three to meet up in person.

Meanwhile, the couple spent many hours talking, sharing, reminiscing, and forgiving via the telephone, finding their bond as strong as ever. The daughter takes pride in being, what she calls, the product of the greatest love story ever in existence.

Life has a way of interfering with plans, and our young lovers wisely, but impatiently waited for the time they could lay eyes on one another again. Almost two years, lots of tears, too much heartache, many prayers and phone calls later their dream came true.

To be continued...

For Navy Man and his Wife!

2009-03-17T10:28:00.003-07:00

Dearest Son and Daughter,

Witnessing your exchange of vows and the Roses Ceremony meant more to me than words can say. This song is dedicated to you forever.

Hugs,
Momma

Click image to see this bottle afloat in Blogosphere Ocean.

To send your own Message In A Bottle click here.

Got a child in the Navy?

2009-03-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

Navy 4 Moms
See my page here.

Romans 8:28
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

My First Message In A Bottle

2009-03-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

My Beloved and I were talking on the phone one day while he was eating his lunch. Amongst other things, he asked me, "Do you really love me?"

This was and still is my response.

Click image to see this bottle afloat in Blogosphere Ocean.

To send your own Message In A Bottle click here.

My 2nd Message In A Bottle

2009-03-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Click image to see this bottle afloat in Blogosphere Ocean.

To send your own Message In A Bottle click here.

How to put your own Message In A Bottle~

2009-03-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

How to have your own Message In A Bottle:

1. Compose a message to place in your virtual bottle
2. Right click and Save the graphic above
3. Use a graphics program of your choice to place the message on the picture
4. Return your anonymous "Message In a Bottle" to me via email ~ sendmessageinabottle at yahoodotcom.

Your virtual bottle will remain afloat in the Blogosphere Ocean for all blogernity.You may post the virtual bottle on your own website as long as a direct link is placed back to this blog. The graphic may not be altered.

Your submission will be numbered and dated. Send in as many as you'd like. If you choose to remain anonymous, no identifying information will EVER be disclosed to anyone. You can also choose NOT to be anonymous in which case I will post the name and url of your website.

Violent, profane, hate-filled, sexually explicit message bottles or otherwise inappropriate submissions, as deemed by the blog owner, will not be posted. ©

2008 Mimi Lenox All Rights Reserved

The first day of the rest of my life~

2009-03-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

On March 6, 2009, my life began again. For the first time in 23 years I saw and touched the man I have loved for 25 years. It was as if we had never parted.

This blog will chronicle my rebirth and my new life. Welcome!