tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77980882938865125792024-03-13T06:26:14.744-04:00stuckinindiana... being STUCK can be a real blessing... wouldn't you say? Join in the conversation...stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.comBlogger611125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-90308783690359952282022-12-12T12:00:00.000-05:002022-12-12T12:00:09.523-05:00PAIRINGS - Dreaming Dreams<div>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mVJ75Nc6WCc/VCxqDZW9zAI/AAAAAAAAJTc/8HEu0-pBn8k/s640/blogger-image--42898330.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mVJ75Nc6WCc/VCxqDZW9zAI/AAAAAAAAJTc/8HEu0-pBn8k/s200/blogger-image--42898330.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Candara;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I'm a big dreamer... a day dreamer AND a night dreamer :) Some of my dreams are hilarious. Others are other-worldly. Some are sad or scary. A few felt more like a glimpse into the future. I love DREAMS & DREAMING. One of my favorite things is waking up with the memory of a dream lingering.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">"There is nothing like a dream to create the future." ~ Victor Hugo</span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">When I looked in the Bible, this scripture about dreaming stood out to me:</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.</span><br />
</span><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://bible.com/116/jol.2.28-29.nlt" target="_blank">Joel 2:28-29</a></span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Keep dreaming friends!</span></span></div>
stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-47285396391923601822022-10-01T23:59:00.007-04:002022-10-05T14:33:21.909-04:00WALK #write31days <p><span style="font-family: Candara;"> Well... this was a SHORT experience. My 93-year old mother has dementia. She's recently fallen & broken a few teeth. She is also recovering from some minor surgery due to skin cancer. It looks like my "blogging" will be on hold for awhile. Maybe a few minutes of a sleepless night will give me another opportunity to post. Until then... here's a pathetic post I jotted in 5-10 minutes :D</span></p><p><u style="font-family: Candara; text-align: center;"><b>10-01-22 #write31days WALK - 5 minute challenge</b></u></p><p><span style="font-family: Candara;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2NG-biO_66jLRSxG0z5BLk03sN2m1Wh__K3vL9hzVCjGX3pWs5JJakDg9Xz4vPnuNe7qHwTWJWpvVvXwsv2AHYj8GQHFpLO8ZtK09EvDKPSUGfV1pxcQZjFSvaooIODpmvwBg7RkyvpUYIGFtW1bINJM_b41le7PyYze7-vGpcvC-5LHstp_dtcP/s3024/OPEN%20feet.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2840" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2NG-biO_66jLRSxG0z5BLk03sN2m1Wh__K3vL9hzVCjGX3pWs5JJakDg9Xz4vPnuNe7qHwTWJWpvVvXwsv2AHYj8GQHFpLO8ZtK09EvDKPSUGfV1pxcQZjFSvaooIODpmvwBg7RkyvpUYIGFtW1bINJM_b41le7PyYze7-vGpcvC-5LHstp_dtcP/w188-h200/OPEN%20feet.jpg" width="188" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Candara;"> <span style="text-align: center;">Today's word is "walk" and my 5 minute thoughts are below...</span><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Candara;">As I write this I'm soaking my feet in Doctor Teal's Lavendar scented Epsom salts. Yes... both of my feet! Last week, I was preparing to leave the house for a great 4-day weekend with the LOML (the Love of My Life - aka my husband) to spend time with family in South Carolina. I was rushing around and sideswiped a door frame with my left baby toe. It hurt but, not like I had broken anything. It was definitely sore though. I was a bit bummed that I would have to limp around at a golf tournament we were to attend instead of WALK unencumbered. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Candara;">Well, wouldn't you know it... the morning the 4 of us arrived at the golf tournament another "accident" happened. We </span><span style="font-family: Candara;">were going to be on our feet for approximately 8 hours that day. And...</span><span style="font-family: Candara;"> </span><span style="font-family: Candara;">I misjudged a step and walked straight out into the air - severely twisting my right ankle. It hurt like everything and I wondered, "Will I even be able to WALK today!?!" My left baby toe was sore & now my right ankle felt like it was on fire. Yet, I WALKed all over that course for almost 8 straight hours!</span></p><p>The remainder of our 4-day weekend was spent with my foot propped up and cold compresses relieving the swelling. I was prayed for in church on that Sunday morning while in South Carolina. I almost felt like the prayer had already been answered -- the day before when I was able to WALK with my twisted ankle. Both injuries left me with very colorful feet due to bruising. But, both injuries have gotten better so much faster than I expected. </p><p>We often take things as simple as WALKing for granted. But, what a blessing that simple thing is. Always give thanks for the simple things. Gratitude in the simple things goes a long way.</p><p>(Day 1 done... the next ones will be better, I promise.)</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></p></span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-30425756056200531342022-08-26T11:41:00.005-04:002022-08-26T11:41:45.697-04:00Worrying, Waiting, Watching... Believing!<span style="font-family: Catamaran;">Began this post on 9-6-12...</span><div><span style="font-family: Catamaran;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Catamaran;">I'm trying not to worry about tomorrow. I'm doing all I can do -- as far as planning. But, there are so many possible scenarios of what could happen. How do I possibly plan for each outcome? <br />
<br />
And, worry is something I saw too much of as a child. I don't want to analyze every possibility and then stress over what the best options. I want to constantly focus on the "what is" rather than the "what if".<br />
<br />
I believe God can bring GOOD from any situation. I continue to pray for that. I truly believe God will bring good from this situation. But, as we all know, God's timing often isn't our timing. <br />
<br />
How long do we have to wait to see the good. I believe <a href="https://www.bible.com/bible/116/PSA.27.13.NLT">I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living</a>. I wonder, does "land of the living" mean a.) our mortal lives here on earth? or b.) our eternal lives with Christ in heaven? Regardless... I believe I will see the goodness of the LORD. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Catamaran;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxcv-Z9YBauMwJt9p9-kvxFYNYCKm-IZ0EwFFplIi9FILqJ065_tc8R3FrUlzCW0sgWym7Vtj4sWCtleKfg2JKiDmgJSKElhEeCI7GuifwiOXltPKxfsp4fhJnTkn0BcR5WM8-xNCuKnL5zgtgypzfadS9iBVjSeGTjwznlKpWcxe8p5OpjyXkGT7/s1936/116526252_4107615005980019_5905035013096737582_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1912" data-original-width="1936" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxcv-Z9YBauMwJt9p9-kvxFYNYCKm-IZ0EwFFplIi9FILqJ065_tc8R3FrUlzCW0sgWym7Vtj4sWCtleKfg2JKiDmgJSKElhEeCI7GuifwiOXltPKxfsp4fhJnTkn0BcR5WM8-xNCuKnL5zgtgypzfadS9iBVjSeGTjwznlKpWcxe8p5OpjyXkGT7/s320/116526252_4107615005980019_5905035013096737582_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>How about you? I'm walking a tight rope these days. I have to keep my arms wide open just to keep my balance. I can't glance down but, must look straight ahead. The end is in sight -- but, oh so far away! But, with arms wide open & eyes focused ahead and above, we can all be perfectly situated for greatness in our lives! It's a promise given from our Heavenly Father!<br />
<br />
And... talk about sleeping when you're walking a tight rope... that's not easy. The trust in someONE & something supernatural will keep you from plunging to the rocks below. You can be quieted by God's love!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Catamaran;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Catamaran;">Regardless of what we face daily... there is help & hope. Hang in there friends! All will be well!<br /></span><br />
</div>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-86517372365574262322022-07-31T12:35:00.003-04:002022-07-31T12:35:57.017-04:00Remaining Open to New Possibilities<div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;">From one of my favorite authors...</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"YOU WAKE UPON a winter morning and pull up the shade, and what lay there the evening before is no longer there—the sodden gray yard, the dog droppings, the tire tracks in the frozen mud, the broken lawn chair you forgot to take in last fall. All this has disappeared overnight, and what you look out on is not the snow of Narnia but the snow of home, which is no less shimmering and white as it falls. The earth is covered with it, and it is falling still in silence so deep that you can hear its silence. It is snow to be shoveled, to make driving even worse than usual, snow to be joked about and cursed at, but unless the child in you is entirely dead, it is snow, too, that can make the heart beat faster when it catches you by surprise that way, before your defenses are up. It is snow that can awaken memories of things more wonderful than anything you ever knew or dreamed." </span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">-Sudden Snow, originally published in Telling the Truth by Frederick Buechner</span></div></blockquote><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;"><div><span face="Candara, Optima, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>I absolutely LOVE that post by Frederick Buechner! I had one of those mornings... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqjkhg0s9zE72pZLgHBjzk1TEeP1CaE2wlNC17owAfFRfae-hoOurV3w9Xwjy-Exi0Hap-GUJcUqkc3Pts8XHOUH-U8tj3LOPld57j7d9ZrCtOrXohStyN28StXd-K40INF1TZt3zYLUsCJhIsiBvpzFFBQ_927Z63I85myhivKrSIOTSislnHY3v/s4032/IMG_7328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqjkhg0s9zE72pZLgHBjzk1TEeP1CaE2wlNC17owAfFRfae-hoOurV3w9Xwjy-Exi0Hap-GUJcUqkc3Pts8XHOUH-U8tj3LOPld57j7d9ZrCtOrXohStyN28StXd-K40INF1TZt3zYLUsCJhIsiBvpzFFBQ_927Z63I85myhivKrSIOTSislnHY3v/s320/IMG_7328.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></span><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">I woke up worn out from the activities of the previous 3 weeks - helping our 92 year old parent transition from a home of 25+ years to a new apartment in a retirement community. We've all been trying to figure out and gently navigate the world of short term memory loss & dementia. That made this "time of changes" more challenging than we anticipated. Going through a home full of possessions from years & years filled me with joy one minute and left me emotionally drained another. BUT, when I awoke and looked out the window that one morning... the new fallen snow brought a special peace - the kind of peace that passes understanding.</span><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">Sometimes we just need something to distract us from the reality of this broken world. Sometimes we need to be reminded that each day holds a new opportunity... a chance to restart... a reminder of the faithfulness of God.</span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">Whether it's an unexpected new-fallen snow in the winter or the sound of birds heralding the rising sun in the spring, our hearts and eyes should remain open to new possibilities.</span></div>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-79477784621233177792022-07-31T12:07:00.004-04:002022-07-31T12:07:46.105-04:00We Remember You...<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfNK7wHMkvg/XQzkOLhLhLI/AAAAAAAAPbI/7pIO7S6xkfM3UBBIPZ0vON6mq0oYoE4wwCLcBGAs/s1600/IN%2BMEMORY%2BOF%2BTHOSE%2BGONE%2BFROM%2BOUR%2BLIVES%2BTOO%2BSOON%2B6-23-19%2BGRIEF%2BPintSize%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1295" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfNK7wHMkvg/XQzkOLhLhLI/AAAAAAAAPbI/7pIO7S6xkfM3UBBIPZ0vON6mq0oYoE4wwCLcBGAs/s320/IN%2BMEMORY%2BOF%2BTHOSE%2BGONE%2BFROM%2BOUR%2BLIVES%2BTOO%2BSOON%2B6-23-19%2BGRIEF%2BPintSize%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" width="259" /></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">"In Memory of those gone from our lives too soon... We remember you in the morning, in the night, when we look at the stars, hear a song, revisit a place, and catch a familiar smell. You are always with us in our hearts." ~ Unknown #quotes #stuckinindiana</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Do you miss someone and grieve for them? Grief and loss come in many forms. We miss those who have passed on. We miss those who once were cherished friends or family member but are no longer a part of our lives. Although not experienced in our family... I can imagine "missing & grieving" a child who passed prior to or at birth. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Love comes with some sort of expectation of what the future will bring. The absence of a loved one can be strongly felt at the most expected times -- clearly out of the blue. Love doesn't necessarily stop when a person is no longer a part of our day to day lives. One of the most wonderful things about love is that it lives on and survives and even thrives when the loss happens.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Hold tightly to those feelings of love. They will bring comfort in the most uncomfortable times. They will be an inspiration that love is worth the cost of losing it.</span><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-8868422304649357742019-06-27T04:00:00.000-04:002019-06-27T04:00:00.308-04:00TODAY... Chant the Beauty of the Good<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today... I'</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">m going to try very hard to CHANT THE BEAUTY OF THE GOOD.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Real life isn't a picnic. Neither is real love or... real "almost anything" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, today I am encouraging YOU (and me) to shout out about the BEAUTIFUL GOOD to be found around us. In the words of Emerson:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Don't waste yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good." ~ Ralph W. Emerson #quotes</span></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L-ds9L1u7I/XQ-6A27v7zI/AAAAAAAAPcU/T_NSSacrn6Q-1oKeIP3lxBMObPEhpMCpACLcBGAs/s1600/Emerson%2BDONt%2BWASTE%2BYOURSELF%2BIN%2BREJECTION%2Bx3%2B6-25-19%2BMORNING%2BTHOUGHTS%2BPintSize%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L-ds9L1u7I/XQ-6A27v7zI/AAAAAAAAPcU/T_NSSacrn6Q-1oKeIP3lxBMObPEhpMCpACLcBGAs/s400/Emerson%2BDONt%2BWASTE%2BYOURSELF%2BIN%2BREJECTION%2Bx3%2B6-25-19%2BMORNING%2BTHOUGHTS%2BPintSize%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">#stuckinindiana #MorningThoughts #AtTheENDoftheDAY </span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-62506592849136321522019-06-24T02:30:00.000-04:002019-06-24T02:30:00.315-04:00YET AGAIN... Waiting on the Porch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPo3nltBjxk/XQ-mG7frNnI/AAAAAAAAPcI/n8uUlLDemFMLfP-pc6xHAyXyYvT4qRb3QCLcBGAs/s1600/IVE%2BNEVER%2BMET%2BA%2BSTRONG%2BPERSON%2BWITH%2BAN%2BEASY%2BPAST%2B9-15-17STUCK%2Band%2B5-4-18LL2%2Band%2BGRIEF%2B6-23-19%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1600" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPo3nltBjxk/XQ-mG7frNnI/AAAAAAAAPcI/n8uUlLDemFMLfP-pc6xHAyXyYvT4qRb3QCLcBGAs/s320/IVE%2BNEVER%2BMET%2BA%2BSTRONG%2BPERSON%2BWITH%2BAN%2BEASY%2BPAST%2B9-15-17STUCK%2Band%2B5-4-18LL2%2Band%2BGRIEF%2B6-23-19%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last year... was especially a hard one for me. As a matter of fact the first half of this year hasn't been a lot better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We've experience loss, illness, death, injuries, sadness and a lot of trials! I'm reminded that my story isn't that unique when compared to the stories of others. LIFE is hard for all of us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The price of deep love might feel as though it will kill you. But, those feelings are usually just the "painful middle" in what will turn out to be a beautiful story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm a daughter, a spouse, a parent and a grandparent. My parent is aging and experiencing challenges that often seem surmountable. My grandchild has faced and will face many situations we had hoped would never happen. And... my children aren't really <i>"children"</i> anymore. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>SIDE THOUGHT: Did anyone else out there think that when your child turned 21 that the biggest part of your "parent job" would be over? </i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, I guess it is... the "parent job" is pretty much over by then. But, the love for each child never diminishes. The hopes & dreams you had in your heart as you held your infant have grown & flourished. You still hurt when your children hurt. And, their pain is no longer a skinned knee or bruised elbow from falling while playing. Their pain can be from loss of a job or a failed relationship or an unmet goal or a dreaded medical diagnosis or...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The list of things which we cannot protect our loved ones from goes on & on & on. How do we cope with that? What about the times when we can't really share what our family is going through out of respect for our loved ones? What do we do when our involvement is no longer desired from those we love? Life is full of times when we find ourselves "waiting on the porch" again to see an answer to unanswered prayers?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once again <a href="https://stuck-in-indiana.blogspot.com/2019/06/at-loss-for-words.html" target="_blank">I find myself</a>...</span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-51282918586583236012019-06-21T13:18:00.001-04:002019-06-21T13:18:59.562-04:00At a Loss for Words...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm finding myself at a loss for words... and the funny thing is... it's okay...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finding myself in the midst of Him, beyond the music - beyond the noise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Word of God speak; pour down like rain; washing my eyes to see Your majesty</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be still and know that You're in this place...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please let me stay at rest in Your holiness...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All that I need is to be with You and in the quiet to hear Your voice...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Word of God speak; pour down like rain; washing my eyes to see Your majesty</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be still and know that You're in this place...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please let me stay at rest in Your holiness...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm finding myself at a loss for words... and the funny thing is... it's okay!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4JK_6osCH74" width="459"></iframe>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-13332936996513108202019-06-21T10:36:00.000-04:002019-06-21T12:56:32.021-04:00question ... Five Minute Friday 6-21-19<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dETb7ExOqcU/XQzpmTWJqpI/AAAAAAAAPbg/tzfwd3IzKw8IUu63_ZaXnAS5SfW3TIxRACLcBGAs/s1600/OPEN%2Bquestion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="510" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dETb7ExOqcU/XQzpmTWJqpI/AAAAAAAAPbg/tzfwd3IzKw8IUu63_ZaXnAS5SfW3TIxRACLcBGAs/s200/OPEN%2Bquestion.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Five Minute Friday, 21 June 2019</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The word: <b>question </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the past 18 months, I've been battling a huge question...<b><i> "Where were you in all of this God... when things started to unravel."</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the first time that I can remember in my adult life, I've been thrown by a situation which occurred that was in direct violation with what I felt was the Lord's will. I did everything humanly & spiritually possible to make sure that I felt the Lord's hand upon this situation since mid 2012. And... I had a total peace about what was happening & what I felt was God's will to happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But then... in late 2017, it began to unravel. The process was pretty fast... but, felt like it stopped time. During that time, I continued to pray for the will of the Lord - feeling & believing that I knew what that was. But, when all was said & done... things didn't work out as I had hoped, prayed, desired...</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>"Where were you in all of this God..."</i></b></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Though my world was shaken... and continues to feel unsteady, I am not giving up on the faithfulness of the Lord. I am trusting that He sees down the road and that He is at work in all of this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">BONUS: A great video from Mercy Me and exactly how I have felt...</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74" target="_blank">Word of God Speak</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Love the quote below and have shared it several times over on the "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/stuckinindiana/" target="_blank">When You're STUCKinindiana Facebook page</a>".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>God is always present, always at work, so there are no God-forsaken situations, only situations that have been forsaken by His followers. God is answering our question with another one,</b></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>"I’m right here; where are you?'” ~ Mark DeVries #quotes</b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mVLNL1vzuc/XQzmLyro8OI/AAAAAAAAPbU/ltnH_HCF9Nso1_XNU81MosHGgZ_MnHVHwCLcBGAs/s1600/DeVries%2BGOD%2BIS%2BALWAYS%2BPRESENT%2Bx2%2B3-9-18BELIEFS%2Band%2BAUTHOR%2B8-27-18%2BAUTHOR%2BPintSize%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mVLNL1vzuc/XQzmLyro8OI/AAAAAAAAPbU/ltnH_HCF9Nso1_XNU81MosHGgZ_MnHVHwCLcBGAs/s320/DeVries%2BGOD%2BIS%2BALWAYS%2BPRESENT%2Bx2%2B3-9-18BELIEFS%2Band%2BAUTHOR%2B8-27-18%2BAUTHOR%2BPintSize%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">#FiveMinuteFriday</span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-78224521848858546812019-06-18T12:00:00.001-04:002019-06-18T12:00:46.862-04:00NEW BEGINNINGS in 2019...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPPSIOVNJ8w/XCpACmWbzWI/AAAAAAAAPWs/wZHI_3ozbzgRxVPhA6aLF3gD66NOqH2lQCLcBGAs/s1600/000000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1008" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPPSIOVNJ8w/XCpACmWbzWI/AAAAAAAAPWs/wZHI_3ozbzgRxVPhA6aLF3gD66NOqH2lQCLcBGAs/s400/000000000000.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">HOW DID I MISS POSTING THIS ONE :D</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">New beginnings are on the way in 2019...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;">Saying good-bye to 2018 and looking ahead to 2019! Giving thanks for family, friends, faith... and more!</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This has been as especially tough year for "mrs. stuckinindiana". There have been changes that were NEVER anticipated. There have been times of disbelief and denial. There have been questions about what God had spoken in the past years. There were questions about <b>what the future would hold</b>... <b>what the past has meant</b>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">AND there have been QUESTIONS: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Is this anything that is specific to only me... mrs stuckinindiana???</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">NO! Life holds disappointments & hardships & confusion for all! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How do we walk the days ahead?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RsDZvMU45m4/XCsdVwU6-BI/AAAAAAAAPW4/xClesXH74tcGq29OFdZe-idz_yl9gIxxQCLcBGAs/s1600/1-1-2019%2Bprofile%2Bpic%2Bon%2B12-31-19%2BPintSize%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1180" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RsDZvMU45m4/XCsdVwU6-BI/AAAAAAAAPW4/xClesXH74tcGq29OFdZe-idz_yl9gIxxQCLcBGAs/s320/1-1-2019%2Bprofile%2Bpic%2Bon%2B12-31-19%2BPintSize%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" width="236" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We must walk as if we are CONFIDENT in the HOPE of a brighter tomorrow. Because... we are CONFIDENT that tomorrow will show us that GOD wasn't surprised by what happened... and that God has been planning ahead for this... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">HIS HAND IN ALL OF THIS WILL BE SEEN! Nothing that was ordained by Him is forgotten... nothing that has been blessed by Him will be un-blessed! He is working for the BEST for each of us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here are a few posts shared by us from https://www.facebook.com/stuckinindiana/ </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1888471098"></span><span id="goog_1888471099"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-14285899468996222072019-06-17T16:53:00.003-04:002022-07-31T12:10:00.593-04:00Worst Year Ever!!!!!<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Have you ever looked back on a long period of time</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">(12 months or more)</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> and said to yourself.... That was the WORST YEAR EVER! </span><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">Have you ever been so very certain of something to only watch it implode in front of you? </span><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">Have you cried out to God and earnestly pleaded for what you felt deeply was His will - something of which you believed to be His will all along. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">Have you cried out to Jesus... for Him to restore what was broken... for Him to show up mightily on behalf of hurting loved ones... for Him to soften hardened hearts & heal injured souls?</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I was brought up in a "<i>Christian</i>" home. And, by that I mean... a family who walked the talk... a preacher's family where a daily, personal relationship with the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) was taught and lived out. The choice for me to be a "believer" was more so for my family in my younger years. But over time, I came to understand, choose and grow into my very own personal relationship with Christ. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Over the years I've experienced a peace that passes understanding through my faith (Philippians 4:7)... in times of death, disappointment, illness, hurt, loss of relationship, rejection, fear, and more. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> * I walked the road of cancer with my father believing fully that at any moment God would heal Dad's earthly body and feeling the perfect will of God as I sat by my dad and heard his body let out it's last breath. It was a very hard year. But, in the end, my heart knew that what had happened was in God's perfect timing. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> * I was lied to and betrayed by a person that I felt would always be a huge part of my life. It was years before I saw what a blessing that rejection had actually been for me & my future. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> * I've lain awake many a night wondering about the safety of a dear, loved one. I've cried countless tears over the choices and their consequences from decisions made contrary to what I would have suggested. I've felt bullied, badgered & belittled for my feelings & faith in many of those times. I'm still waiting for some of those things to be resolved. But, I believe that they will.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> * And, I could go on...</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">My story probably isn't any different than most others. However, I've had the peace and assurance that God was at work in all situations... working for the best --- our best! Often that peace has been painful. I'm still confused about how certain things turned out. I still wonder if some of my prayers are being sent up in accordance to His will or just to heal the pain I experience. Each day is a new beginning of trusting & believing that it will all be fine, in the end.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, for those out there who have had similar thoughts to... Worst Day Ever... Worst Week Ever... Worst Month Ever... WORST YEAR EVER, know that you are not alone in those feelings. Be encouraged that sometimes things are falling into place when you are certain they are falling apart.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">A scripture that I cling to is... </span><br />
</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT http://bible.com/116/rom.8.28.nlt </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHtt3osdJis/XQf1_tU2I4I/AAAAAAAAPa8/YczIq8CD_j0fKjIeHlZV8_h_siRTRCqPwCLcBGAs/s1600/Romans%2B8%2B28NLT%2BAND%2BWE%2BKNOW%2BTHAT%2BALL%2BTHINGS%2BPinterest%2Bsize%2Bpinned%2Bon%2B11-7-16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="1164" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHtt3osdJis/XQf1_tU2I4I/AAAAAAAAPa8/YczIq8CD_j0fKjIeHlZV8_h_siRTRCqPwCLcBGAs/s320/Romans%2B8%2B28NLT%2BAND%2BWE%2BKNOW%2BTHAT%2BALL%2BTHINGS%2BPinterest%2Bsize%2Bpinned%2Bon%2B11-7-16.jpg" width="255" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Some songs that have helped in times of struggle -- in the past year especially...</span><br />
</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">Alanna Story - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlnBLavUYCg" target="_blank">I Won't Let Go</a></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Casting Crowns - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjNZf878ISQ" target="_blank">Oh My Soul</a></span> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Mercy Me - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y" target="_blank">Even If</a></span> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Lauren Daigle - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI" target="_blank">You Say</a></span> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">Laura Story - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQan9L3yXjc" target="_blank">Blessings</a></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">Hillsong United - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfVd5x9W1Xc" target="_blank">So Will I</a> </span></blockquote>
<ul>
<li><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><div class="f hJND5c TbwUpd" style="background-color: white; color: #777777; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; height: 18px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-top: 4px; white-space: nowrap;">
</div>
</span></li>
</ul>
stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-70176588175903867552018-08-17T12:31:00.000-04:002018-08-17T12:31:11.737-04:00Five Minute Friday: LOVED<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">LOVED... there's a difference in KNOWING that you are LOVED and FEELING that you are LOVED.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a follower of Christ, I truly believe that EVERY SINGLE PERSON is LOVED by God, the Creator of the Universe.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7k_GPOUPxo/W3b2aQiZkAI/AAAAAAAAPWE/cuemJ447EsE7TEmOz7d2wbE_n2nniWFIwCLcBGAs/s1600/Matheson%2BO%2BLOVE%2BTHAT%2BWILL%2BNOT%2BLET%2BME%2BGO%2B8-17-18%2BBLOG%2BPOST-LOVED%2Bpinned%2Bstuckinindiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1585" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7k_GPOUPxo/W3b2aQiZkAI/AAAAAAAAPWE/cuemJ447EsE7TEmOz7d2wbE_n2nniWFIwCLcBGAs/s200/Matheson%2BO%2BLOVE%2BTHAT%2BWILL%2BNOT%2BLET%2BME%2BGO%2B8-17-18%2BBLOG%2BPOST-LOVED%2Bpinned%2Bstuckinindiana.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But, when it comes to the times in life which knock you off your feet or knock the wind out of you... those times which seem to have no rhyme or reason... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do YOU feel LOVED?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Knowing and feeling are two very different things. Knowing I am LOVED gives me hope. But, when I also feel LOVED, I have hope, peace, and strength. I feel as though I have POWER over the unknown. I feel as if I can handle any storm or failure or disappointment that crosses my path.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can rest in that feeling of being LOVED. I don't just have the head knowledge but, I have the heart knowledge too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My prayer for you today is that you FEEL that you are LOVED... just as you are, without fail, each an every moment of your day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of my favorite reminders that we are LOVED...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3HqN9spmhok/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3HqN9spmhok?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HqN9spmhok<br /><br />TEXT:<a href="http://hymnbook.igracemusic.com/people/george-matheson">George Matheson</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">MUSIC:<a href="http://hymnbook.igracemusic.com/people/christopher-miner">Christopher Miner</a><br /><br />1. O Love that will not let me go, <br />I rest my weary soul in thee; <br />I give thee back the life I owe, <br />That in thine ocean depths its flow <br />May richer, fuller be.<br /><br />2. O light that followest all my way, <br />I yield my flickering torch to thee; <br />My heart restores its borrowed ray, <br />That in thy sunshine's blaze its day <br />May brighter, fairer be.<br /><br />3. O Joy that seekest me through pain, <br />I cannot close my heart to thee; <br />I trace the rainbow through the rain, <br />And feel the promise is not vain, <br />That morn shall tearless be.<br /><br />4. O Cross that liftest up my head, <br />I dare not ask to fly from thee; <br />I lay in dust life's glory dead, <br />And from the ground there blossoms red <br />Life that shall endless be.<br /><br />©1997 Christopher Miner Music.</span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-22678252966516463122018-05-01T18:42:00.000-04:002018-05-01T18:42:09.373-04:00O My Soul...<div jsname="U8S5sf" style="background-color: white; font-size: small; line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="color: #222222;">DISCLAIMER: This post is 100% about the faithfulness of God (from a Christian perspective) in this imperfect world.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLp8S4d-pS0/WuiDLNfoiFI/AAAAAAAAPVE/PR0JYNraRawwQfzh7GxhCFUCiboJfJLzQCLcBGAs/s1600/Casting%2BCrowns%2BOH%2BMY%2BSOUL%2BBlog%2BDraft%2B5-1-18%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLp8S4d-pS0/WuiDLNfoiFI/AAAAAAAAPVE/PR0JYNraRawwQfzh7GxhCFUCiboJfJLzQCLcBGAs/s320/Casting%2BCrowns%2BOH%2BMY%2BSOUL%2BBlog%2BDraft%2B5-1-18%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div jsname="U8S5sf" style="background-color: white; font-size: small; line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<br></div>
<div jsname="U8S5sf" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have you ever felt like there were moments in life when you have been "punked"? Even to the point of wondering how God could let you be fooled like that?? Have you had something happen in your life or the life of a loved one that you could only have imagined in your wildest and scariest dreams? Have you questioned your faith or questioned the closeness of your relationship with Christ? </span></div><a href="http://stuck-in-indiana.blogspot.com/2018/05/o-my-soul.html#more">Read more »</a>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-56337421024959472782018-04-30T18:32:00.001-04:002018-04-30T19:03:02.482-04:00A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If one picture speaks a thousand words, how much is spoken as you pour over years & years of memories captured of a loved one who has gone on? </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just recently two pretty amazing people in our area went on to receive their heavenly reward. Both individuals had </span><br>
<a href="http://stuck-in-indiana.blogspot.com/2018/04/a-picture-speaks-thousand-words.html#more">Read more »</a>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-26095523511283329512017-11-29T22:40:00.000-05:002018-04-30T19:03:42.383-04:00The Struggle I'm Grateful for ... Depression & Anxiety<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes... you read that title right... I am grateful for depression and anxiety. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is our 4th year over on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stuckinindiana/">When You're STUCKinIndiana Facebook page</a> to participate in making one gratefulness post a day in November. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've tried to be very thoughtful with my answers for each day. If you want to see the daily posts, look over on Facebook on the stuckinindiana page & look at the photo album entitled, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/stuckinindiana/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1703310303077180" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">November 2017 #ourthankful30</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. The question posed for November 27th caused me to pause and think...</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What struggle am I grateful for?</span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There have been many</span><br>
<a href="http://stuck-in-indiana.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-struggle-im-grateful-for-depression.html#more">Read more »</a>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-48136886274104276762017-11-15T21:21:00.000-05:002017-11-15T21:21:31.970-05:00Transitions<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tonight, I sat on the floor beside an 8-month old pet chicken that I'd raised from when she was 2 days old... and I saw her take her final breaths. She was a gift for our 4 year old granddaughter last Easter. BUT, I had done the hard work to get that chicken to a healthy 8-month old pullet. She'd recently begun laying tiny little white eggs. She was our only "girl" to lay white ones. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last spring, I held one of our hens in my arms as she took some of her final breaths. It was late at night. I fed her water from a medicine dropper. I put soft food by her beak while she licked it. She didn't make it through the night. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She'd been my little buddy - who would always come to check in with me every hour or so while they were out free-ranging.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I sobbed when she was gone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A little over 15 years ago, I sat beside my father, kissed him on the forehead and whispered some words of comfort and promise. I held his hand as I listened to him exhale that last breath of air. In that moment, I was absolutely broken yet, at the same time absolutely certain that he was in a better place. I had watched his body be ravaged by cancer for the past 7+ months. I had accompanied him & my mother on multiple medical visits. I'd sat by him in a critical care room one night when we were certain the end was moments away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How can I possibly write about the death of two pets and my own father in the same post? It seems ridiculous... disrespectful... bizarre.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, tonight as I watched the life ebb away from my pullet, "Maggie", I thought of the peace that prevailed as my own father left this earthly life. And, I thought about how precious life is -- even for animals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When my father passed, I could do nothing to prevent what happened. I went into those last moments believing & knowing in my heart of hearts that God could have healed & restored his body in the blink of an eye. I knew that either his healing here on earth or his healing by passing into heaven would be quite a transition from where he was in those final moments. All I wanted to do was bring peace to the moment... the moment of transition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ik_snHnD6gc/Wgzw11X3qqI/AAAAAAAAPTc/XsBJBAbWFaAlzwQbwsaOb7PhaQ4z30RUwCLcBGAs/s1600/SOMETIMES%2BALL%2BYOU%2BCAN%2BDO%2BIS%2B11-20-17GRIEF%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="457" height="318" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ik_snHnD6gc/Wgzw11X3qqI/AAAAAAAAPTc/XsBJBAbWFaAlzwQbwsaOb7PhaQ4z30RUwCLcBGAs/s320/SOMETIMES%2BALL%2BYOU%2BCAN%2BDO%2BIS%2B11-20-17GRIEF%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And, tonight I was reminded once again that life is full of transitions. We transition from being young to being old. We transition from being child to parent. We transition from able-bodied to broken. We transition from being children to being adults. Some transition from being rich to being poor (and vice versa). Some transition from being single to be being married... to being single. My mother transitioned from being a secure, nurtured wife to being an unsure & somewhat scared widow -- as my father breathed his last breath.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Life is anything but stationary. It's full of transitions. Some seem happy. Others seem sad. May we walk with those around us... and help to make some of those transitions more peaceful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-9996270328872569262017-05-25T11:26:00.001-04:002017-05-25T11:26:10.885-04:00The Simple Joys - May in Indiana<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The SIMPLE JOYS surround us... no matter where we are. Savor the simple joys: like blooming trees in Indiana or lush mountain greenery in the Kentucky mountains or... those things that surround YOU wherever YOU are!!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We changed the cover photo on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stuckinindiana/">When You're StuckInIndiana</a> Facebook page today to this shot taken while looking east from our backyard in the "land of stuckinindiana"...</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w52Mv06F3Ho/WSbebsq7HFI/AAAAAAAAPR8/kUrtvz_QZ2oYhOFLqGsncU4KSEdkjzJ4gCLcB/s1600/00000%2BPROFILE%2BSpring%2B2017%2BIMG_8192%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1595" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w52Mv06F3Ho/WSbebsq7HFI/AAAAAAAAPR8/kUrtvz_QZ2oYhOFLqGsncU4KSEdkjzJ4gCLcB/s320/00000%2BPROFILE%2BSpring%2B2017%2BIMG_8192%2B2.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blooms on one of our ornamental trees -<br />a crabapple tree :)<br />Cameo by our NEIGHBOR, Eddy,<br />over by the white barn.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The old saying says, "April showers bring May flowers." It would seem that we got our fair share of showers in April and, we're getting an extra dose in May. In addition to a lot of rain, we've gotten some pretty strong winds. The wind the other day broke down and/or destroyed the blooms on all of our irises and many of our other flowers. It also continued to beat up on our fence out back:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jPgwRndHyAM/WSb05aKB0WI/AAAAAAAAPSQ/2h7l2Qh7efIyQfvvtWqb69BnZLG-QeQYgCLcB/s1600/OPEN%2BFENCE%2BFALLING%2BDOWN%2BIMG_8155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jPgwRndHyAM/WSb05aKB0WI/AAAAAAAAPSQ/2h7l2Qh7efIyQfvvtWqb69BnZLG-QeQYgCLcB/s320/OPEN%2BFENCE%2BFALLING%2BDOWN%2BIMG_8155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxG-JJxRM0w/WSb059zQgRI/AAAAAAAAPSY/mNBrwlflYDkBPk3b0UdlMfdd8afD8SrJwCLcB/s1600/OPEN%2BFENCE%2BFALLING%2BDOWN%2BIMG_8430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxG-JJxRM0w/WSb059zQgRI/AAAAAAAAPSY/mNBrwlflYDkBPk3b0UdlMfdd8afD8SrJwCLcB/s320/OPEN%2BFENCE%2BFALLING%2BDOWN%2BIMG_8430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qY-zaiTXebE/WSb05d0Xp4I/AAAAAAAAPSU/NbZBawLsAJoFmcteABCJwyDiFk7yoFZUACLcB/s1600/OPEN%2BFENCE%2BFALLING%2BDOWN%2BIMG_9011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qY-zaiTXebE/WSb05d0Xp4I/AAAAAAAAPSU/NbZBawLsAJoFmcteABCJwyDiFk7yoFZUACLcB/s320/OPEN%2BFENCE%2BFALLING%2BDOWN%2BIMG_9011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am choosing to "embrace the beauty in the broken" - ha ha! The hole in the fence makes a great frame for our wonderful open country view. It also makes this coming holiday weekend's fence tear-down and rebuild activity much easier :/</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There's a lesson to be learned there :)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>... and now to go outside in the rain to clean those clogged gutters...</i></span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-62339340771220171522017-03-08T12:36:00.000-05:002017-03-08T12:36:12.804-05:00Beware of ONLINE FRIENDS... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flrQOnUOSHs/WMBA7yBTGKI/AAAAAAAAPRU/gVvsXGhroJspn_7qYK6J7hXMj9yaSeq5QCLcB/s1600/OPEN%2Bstuckinindiana%2BDSC02076%2B%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flrQOnUOSHs/WMBA7yBTGKI/AAAAAAAAPRU/gVvsXGhroJspn_7qYK6J7hXMj9yaSeq5QCLcB/s200/OPEN%2Bstuckinindiana%2BDSC02076%2B%25286%2529.JPG" width="200"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I met someone online a few years back. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Isn't that a great beginning to a horror story!!!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This person is a woman - like me. And, we conversed pretty regularly for the next two and a half years. Through our conversations:</span><br>
<a href="http://stuck-in-indiana.blogspot.com/2017/03/beware-of-online-friends.html#more">Read more »</a>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-49234462183358019702016-12-18T10:31:00.000-05:002016-12-18T10:31:07.514-05:002016 August 1 of 3 ONE THOUSAND GIFTS<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Three Gifts A Day: AUGUST 2016</u><br />Based on the book, <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/one-thousand-gifts-book/">One Thousand Gifts</a>, (by <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">Ann Voskamp</a>) #1000Gifts #JoyDare<br />I took the 1,000 Gifts Dare for the year of 2012... continued in 2013... and 2014... and 2015. Going to hit 5,000 in 2016!!! GOD IS FULL OF BLESSINGS...</b></span><br />
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mon 8-1<br />4906 playing house - aka - making the new apt seem more like home</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9vBsABNNUg/WDcsgf6mmOI/AAAAAAAAPHI/qKHhDXnU1RIAHKnKqNU_rsQyUbz6ZZ1cQCLcB/s1600/4906%2Bplaying%2Bhouse%2B--%2Bmaking%2Bthe%2Bnew%2Bapt%2Bseem%2Bmore%2Blike%2Bhome%2B8-1-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9vBsABNNUg/WDcsgf6mmOI/AAAAAAAAPHI/qKHhDXnU1RIAHKnKqNU_rsQyUbz6ZZ1cQCLcB/s200/4906%2Bplaying%2Bhouse%2B--%2Bmaking%2Bthe%2Bnew%2Bapt%2Bseem%2Bmore%2Blike%2Bhome%2B8-1-16.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4907 meeting new people at UPike</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4908 deer sightings at the new apartment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tues 8-2<br />4909 getting familiar with new places</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4910 buying myself a happy ("glam gloves") for the new apartment</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtezKiohLek/V68gLkrszFI/AAAAAAAAOYY/I-DopRNc_h4SYak2dfeeUB0x34znbNWJACLcB/s1600/4910%2Bbuying%2Bmyself%2Ba%2Bhappy%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bnew%2Bapartment%2Bon%2B8-2-16%2B1000GIFTS%2B8-13-16%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtezKiohLek/V68gLkrszFI/AAAAAAAAOYY/I-DopRNc_h4SYak2dfeeUB0x34znbNWJACLcB/s200/4910%2Bbuying%2Bmyself%2Ba%2Bhappy%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bnew%2Bapartment%2Bon%2B8-2-16%2B1000GIFTS%2B8-13-16%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4911 liking my spouse - you know a lot of people don't :O</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wed 8-3</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 4912 shopping in jammies - well, covered up with a long sundress</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4913 reminders of the Little</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q84kpEDxMSE/WDct_csiQRI/AAAAAAAAPHQ/ERW_spg-BxU6YJkt4y7_8GnhztI5622lgCLcB/s1600/4913%2Breminders%2Bof%2Bthe%2BLittle%2B8-3-16%2Bstuckinindiana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q84kpEDxMSE/WDct_csiQRI/AAAAAAAAPHQ/ERW_spg-BxU6YJkt4y7_8GnhztI5622lgCLcB/s200/4913%2Breminders%2Bof%2Bthe%2BLittle%2B8-3-16%2Bstuckinindiana.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">PBS kids on TV</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4914 sneaking up onto the apartment roof for a quick the view</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1wTxjbpAbU/WEN6wqlgrUI/AAAAAAAAPMg/cRrDVY8vew8iPyNPrvK8WX30895vTXRNQCLcB/s1600/4914%2Bsneaking%2Bon%2Bthe%2Broof%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bquick%2Bview%2B8-3-16%2BIMG_4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1wTxjbpAbU/WEN6wqlgrUI/AAAAAAAAPMg/cRrDVY8vew8iPyNPrvK8WX30895vTXRNQCLcB/s200/4914%2Bsneaking%2Bon%2Bthe%2Broof%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bquick%2Bview%2B8-3-16%2BIMG_4032.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thurs 8-4<br /> 4915 early morning deer outside the window</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 4916 lunch with new girlfriends</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2bNtw55vEE/WEN7VoG7DuI/AAAAAAAAPMk/7tlv8FUC9K8zeDddRuUFqWTocQuSzt7AwCLcB/s1600/4916%2Blunch%2Bwith%2Bnew%2Bgirlfriends%2B8-4-16%2BIMG_4044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2bNtw55vEE/WEN7VoG7DuI/AAAAAAAAPMk/7tlv8FUC9K8zeDddRuUFqWTocQuSzt7AwCLcB/s200/4916%2Blunch%2Bwith%2Bnew%2Bgirlfriends%2B8-4-16%2BIMG_4044.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4917 cool color blends for the apartment</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-er6NhBlM6v0/WDcvQ736xfI/AAAAAAAAPHU/4VDf7p_MXo4xuuVpqJpzAIX-l3xpwj7bgCLcB/s1600/4917%2Bcool%2Bcolor%2Bblends%2B8-4-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-er6NhBlM6v0/WDcvQ736xfI/AAAAAAAAPHU/4VDf7p_MXo4xuuVpqJpzAIX-l3xpwj7bgCLcB/s200/4917%2Bcool%2Bcolor%2Bblends%2B8-4-16.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFFEv5L_1cM/WDc5Xt6ZGtI/AAAAAAAAPIM/B467wSNBcXYunXmTrjSZS45Jh0xc_ELZQCEw/s1600/4917%2Bcool%2Bcolor%2Bblends%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bapartment%2B8-4-16%2BIMG_4040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFFEv5L_1cM/WDc5Xt6ZGtI/AAAAAAAAPIM/B467wSNBcXYunXmTrjSZS45Jh0xc_ELZQCEw/s200/4917%2Bcool%2Bcolor%2Bblends%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bapartment%2B8-4-16%2BIMG_4040.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fri 8-5</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 4918 mountain air in the morning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4919 historical registry places<br /> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y421S7p12kk/WDcwVYgjtQI/AAAAAAAAPHY/aOkyCUNZh9gLN0fYbdPXJt2UNVohHcBswCLcB/s1600/4919%2Bhistorical%2Bregistry%2Bplaces%2B8%2B-5-16%2BIMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y421S7p12kk/WDcwVYgjtQI/AAAAAAAAPHY/aOkyCUNZh9gLN0fYbdPXJt2UNVohHcBswCLcB/s200/4919%2Bhistorical%2Bregistry%2Bplaces%2B8%2B-5-16%2BIMG_2073.JPG" width="150" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fLgBA8HdEA/WDcwV4jGS4I/AAAAAAAAPHc/5WqSIqebIuEp0ydcMIX-pgnIY19THLtfwCLcB/s1600/4919%2Bhistorical%2Bregistry%2Bplaces%2B8-5-16%2BIMG_2072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fLgBA8HdEA/WDcwV4jGS4I/AAAAAAAAPHc/5WqSIqebIuEp0ydcMIX-pgnIY19THLtfwCLcB/s200/4919%2Bhistorical%2Bregistry%2Bplaces%2B8-5-16%2BIMG_2072.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4920 pretty scenery along the road of life</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sat 8-6<br /> 4921 a happy helper for the household chores</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Xa1YWqV0w8/WEOAOb0oRHI/AAAAAAAAPMw/c0gZ919i26E/s640/blogger-image--991156651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Xa1YWqV0w8/WEOAOb0oRHI/AAAAAAAAPMw/c0gZ919i26E/s200/blogger-image--991156651.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4922 picking up the slack</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9igLvLEor10/WDcxkq2MvLI/AAAAAAAAPHg/ldDnIu4yEXcIvXTQzmLVXnIDZRHYXK6OACLcB/s1600/4922%2Bpicking%2Bup%2Bthe%2Bslack%2B8-6-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9igLvLEor10/WDcxkq2MvLI/AAAAAAAAPHg/ldDnIu4yEXcIvXTQzmLVXnIDZRHYXK6OACLcB/s200/4922%2Bpicking%2Bup%2Bthe%2Bslack%2B8-6-16.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4923 feeding green tomato-plant-eating demon-caterpillars to the hens</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sun 8-7<br /> 4924 the color of blue - sky, pool, etc.<br /> 4925 pool time with the Little</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pht9USu9nTQ/WDcyg3-QoeI/AAAAAAAAPHk/jUh3LuOC8NAFCatWUB0GtlF61OgKLTodgCLcB/s1600/4925%2Bpool%2Btime%2Bwith%2Bthe%2BLittle%2B8-7-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pht9USu9nTQ/WDcyg3-QoeI/AAAAAAAAPHk/jUh3LuOC8NAFCatWUB0GtlF61OgKLTodgCLcB/s200/4925%2Bpool%2Btime%2Bwith%2Bthe%2BLittle%2B8-7-16.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4926 summer free-style dinners</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Mon 8-8 - <i>school day off for the Little</i><br /> 4927 running errands with the Little<br /> 4928 visiting Great Grandma and Great Grandpa<br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8HISlgmAZs/WDc2LRxPvfI/AAAAAAAAPH0/Tw2y7CsKb2oNs_STjljumrU02dJKMqY0gCLcB/s1600/4928%2Bvisiting%2BGreat%2BGrandma%2Band%2BGreat%2BGrandpa%2BIMG_2112.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8HISlgmAZs/WDc2LRxPvfI/AAAAAAAAPH0/Tw2y7CsKb2oNs_STjljumrU02dJKMqY0gCLcB/s200/4928%2Bvisiting%2BGreat%2BGrandma%2Band%2BGreat%2BGrandpa%2BIMG_2112.JPG" /></a><br />4929 visiting a Great Uncle and Great Aunt</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_x-XzxnxHgM/WDc1Zj77h7I/AAAAAAAAPHw/vO8YuhQ2Pko/s640/blogger-image-803020877.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_x-XzxnxHgM/WDc1Zj77h7I/AAAAAAAAPHw/vO8YuhQ2Pko/s200/blogger-image-803020877.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tues 8-9</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 4930 a few hours of quietness<br /> 4931 some things never chang</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e (cat on the fireplace mantle!)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYPjXv3EBRY/WDc3mhjSI6I/AAAAAAAAPIE/AU658OIHER0zuPBp1BFfvjGt2MiUgSwUwCLcB/s1600/4931%2Bsome%2Bthings%2Bnever%2Bchange%2B8-9-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IYPjXv3EBRY/WDc3mhjSI6I/AAAAAAAAPIE/AU658OIHER0zuPBp1BFfvjGt2MiUgSwUwCLcB/s200/4931%2Bsome%2Bthings%2Bnever%2Bchange%2B8-9-16.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4932 evening cuddles</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiZTdbT_ox0/WDc3gDknoHI/AAAAAAAAPIA/A7UxZrIUTeoe27t6COM3VajhW_n2kvXPQCLcB/s1600/4932%2Bevening%2Bcuddles%2B8-9-16%2BIMG_2123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiZTdbT_ox0/WDc3gDknoHI/AAAAAAAAPIA/A7UxZrIUTeoe27t6COM3VajhW_n2kvXPQCLcB/s200/4932%2Bevening%2Bcuddles%2B8-9-16%2BIMG_2123.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wed 8-10</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 4933 a new vacuum cleaner that doesn't weigh 2 tons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(there's something to be said for inexpensive K-Mart appliances - ha ha!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4934 gorgeous sunsets played out on the eastern sky at our stuckinindiana home</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wytwM3OuTi8/WEN4LoVzRLI/AAAAAAAAPMY/F5ZUXEEh_0omQRKcDBv4ecd4rj_uzlL1wCLcB/s1600/4934%2Bgorgeous%2Bsunsets%2Bplayed%2Bout%2Bon%2Bthe%2Beastern%2Bsky%2Bat%2Bour%2Bstuckinindiana%2Bhome%2B8-10-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wytwM3OuTi8/WEN4LoVzRLI/AAAAAAAAPMY/F5ZUXEEh_0omQRKcDBv4ecd4rj_uzlL1wCLcB/s200/4934%2Bgorgeous%2Bsunsets%2Bplayed%2Bout%2Bon%2Bthe%2Beastern%2Bsky%2Bat%2Bour%2Bstuckinindiana%2Bhome%2B8-10-16.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4935 the blessing of having a view and a cement pond here in stuckinindiana</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCRVlOYLnZM/WEN3KfPEMZI/AAAAAAAAPMU/Nesp0BQ7f805ch-tb9mSA9BMOExbSJCNQCLcB/s1600/4935%2Bthe%2Bblessing%2Bof%2Bhaving%2Ba%2Bview%2Band%2Ba%2Bcement%2Bpond%2Bhere%2Bin%2Bstuckinindiana%2B8-10-16%2BIMG_2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCRVlOYLnZM/WEN3KfPEMZI/AAAAAAAAPMU/Nesp0BQ7f805ch-tb9mSA9BMOExbSJCNQCLcB/s200/4935%2Bthe%2Bblessing%2Bof%2Bhaving%2Ba%2Bview%2Band%2Ba%2Bcement%2Bpond%2Bhere%2Bin%2Bstuckinindiana%2B8-10-16%2BIMG_2127.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys9TS_Vc-aA/WEN3KZoeltI/AAAAAAAAPMQ/ARBlIROm_-wawthzAoRanmn0PU69OHj3QCLcB/s1600/4935%2Bthe%2Bblessing%2Bof%2Bhaving%2Ba%2Bview%2Band%2Ba%2Bcement%2Bpond%2Bhere%2Bin%2Bstuckinindiana%2B8-10-16%2BIMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys9TS_Vc-aA/WEN3KZoeltI/AAAAAAAAPMQ/ARBlIROm_-wawthzAoRanmn0PU69OHj3QCLcB/s200/4935%2Bthe%2Bblessing%2Bof%2Bhaving%2Ba%2Bview%2Band%2Ba%2Bcement%2Bpond%2Bhere%2Bin%2Bstuckinindiana%2B8-10-16%2BIMG_2128.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2016 AUGUST 1of3 ONE THOUSAND GIFTS</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman';">
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman';">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-weight: normal;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>There are more blessings to come! GOD IS FULL OF THEM! </b></span><b style="color: red;">Search for other daily blessings from us by searching for the blog labels of:</b><b style="color: red;"> #1000Gifts #JoyDare #1KGiftsJoyDare</b></span></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-286555940818160942016-12-16T16:22:00.001-05:002016-12-17T11:15:43.252-05:00Just One of Those Days<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zobHh8sELTA/WFRKFJF3BHI/AAAAAAAAPOQ/PAHMIaOjr78mPKd564ou8t_b0t0ANhRlwCLcB/s1600/12-15-16%2BPAJAMA%2BDAY%2BIMG_5471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zobHh8sELTA/WFRKFJF3BHI/AAAAAAAAPOQ/PAHMIaOjr78mPKd564ou8t_b0t0ANhRlwCLcB/s200/12-15-16%2BPAJAMA%2BDAY%2BIMG_5471.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yesterday was... one of those days! It was a day I'd love to forget. It was a day that I never want to forget. And hence... this post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The day began with a wonderful wiggly wake-up from the Little around 6am. That is one of the best ways to start out any day. The joy of young children is contagious! We had a bit of fun when we got the day mixed up & sent her to school in her jammies for Pajama Day -- which is actually today!! Thankfully the school provided her with a long top to go over her tights and the pajamas were sent home. The Little's Mommy made it to work safely - which is always a blessing. My loved ones driving in snowy, cold conditions isn't my favorite scenario.</span><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAC3EKXWDtc/WFRKXq55SjI/AAAAAAAAPOU/mNAeFibhX_IQUHDX42_aHnDOJk5FPZD5QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAC3EKXWDtc/WFRKXq55SjI/AAAAAAAAPOU/mNAeFibhX_IQUHDX42_aHnDOJk5FPZD5QCLcB/s200/IMG_5477.JPG" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The sky was clear & blue as the sun rose over the barren field adjacent to our yard. It was a beautiful sunrise. But, the temps were horrendous. At 8am the air temp was 3 degrees and the windchill was -15! Our seven chickens refused to leave their coop area in the corner of the barn. It was a toasty 14 degrees in there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74kFGMkDxgo/WFRR52jsfDI/AAAAAAAAPOw/hlCAgeXnQ1wehjTzdGIonemhRXFrocSHgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5475%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74kFGMkDxgo/WFRR52jsfDI/AAAAAAAAPOw/hlCAgeXnQ1wehjTzdGIonemhRXFrocSHgCLcB/s200/IMG_5475%2B2.jpg" width="134" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The chickens gobbled up the warm oatmeal mix I served them and then made a big chicken pile - cooing, fluffing their feathers and grooming one another. Three warm eggs were waiting for me in the laying boxes. Our new girls are less than a year old & laying every day so far. The older 4 each take about every other day off. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I returned inside from the barn, the madness began... as I rushed around getting things in order to head out for the 5+ hour drive to our Kentucky home for the LOML's Christmas party with the Prez and First Lady of the university. One of the projects that had to be completed before leaving turned into a huge challenge - involving a technology glitch and me possibly telling the LOML that I hated him. (Note to self: Even if there's a fine line between love and hate, some things should just STAY in your head!!!) I made it out the door over an hour behind schedule.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The first 4 hours of the drive went well with me singing along to SiriusXM The Message and the Carpenter's Christmas Album. The temps were low but, the roads were clear and dry. On a side note... people heading east from Lexington on the Mountain Parkway drive REALLY fast!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLRjAd0wRDo/WFRKyzCQNnI/AAAAAAAAPOY/kdk011CeGJUdMqyRoSjx_QLnraIhPTMSgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLRjAd0wRDo/WFRKyzCQNnI/AAAAAAAAPOY/kdk011CeGJUdMqyRoSjx_QLnraIhPTMSgCLcB/s200/IMG_5479.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">An hour down the road, the car traveling in front of me hit a pothole that I wasn't able to avoid. I hit hard - jarring my teeth. And, Mini Coopers with racing, run-flat tires don't handle potholes and bumps well. Immediately the alarms went off that the front right tire needed to be checked. I rounded a corner and pulled into a crowded gas station. Gas stations are few and far between on the Parkway. (Thanks God for the placement of that pothole.) I maneuvered my little car between all the trucks pulling giant horse trailers and was greeted by a sea of men in uniforms -- Carhartts for some & police uniforms for others. They checked my tire & put air in it & I was on my way. Their posse was transporting elk from Kentucky to West Virginia to introduce them to a new habitat. AND, the caravan of trucks, trailers & cars were about ready to head out. They said they would look out for me as they traveled east -- in case I had any issues with the flat run-flat tire.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGLj3BcgAVE/WFRL-kUrhVI/AAAAAAAAPOg/J__VUC0dbPAeD8OjRnhQkI0mhyL-T5aUACLcB/s1600/12-15-16%2BFirst%2BFamily%2BChristmas%2BParty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGLj3BcgAVE/WFRL-kUrhVI/AAAAAAAAPOg/J__VUC0dbPAeD8OjRnhQkI0mhyL-T5aUACLcB/s200/12-15-16%2BFirst%2BFamily%2BChristmas%2BParty.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was grateful to get back on the road until about 15 miles down the road when a semi decided to disregard his red light causing me to careen over to the opposite side of the 4-lane road toward oncoming traffic. I swerved back to my side of the road right in time to just miss colliding with a concrete barrier just beyond the intersection that separated the 4 lanes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I arrived to the holiday party well over an hour late and visibly shaken. The home was decorated beautifully & the conversation and laughter were genuine and healing. My mind & mood were quickly won over by the love & friendship of my new Kentucky family. What a blessing to have great people to share the journey of life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been thinking about how close I came to not being there that night or possibly ever again. But, I am so grateful that God protected me and provided for me from the moment I awoke until the moment I rested my head on the pillow. Some days are just too full to believe. And, this was a day that gave me a run for my money (as my mom says). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My day was FULL of reminders to cherish the moments we have here on earth. And I thought a lot about how glad I am that I know where I'm going when this life is over! Because in the blink of an eye... everything can change!</span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-21394113210558945662016-11-29T13:22:00.008-05:002022-12-12T11:53:07.107-05:00Abigail - Wise and Determined 11-29-16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYXOUr_wPY4/WD2u_pXudUI/AAAAAAAAPKc/LbsnxB8fMjkN9b1mtA4syef3-2bCQK3-ACLcB/s1600/BEING%2BWISE%2BIN%2BITSELF%2BMAY%2BNOT%2BBE%2BSUFFICIENT%2B11-29-16LL2%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYXOUr_wPY4/WD2u_pXudUI/AAAAAAAAPKc/LbsnxB8fMjkN9b1mtA4syef3-2bCQK3-ACLcB/s200/BEING%2BWISE%2BIN%2BITSELF%2BMAY%2BNOT%2BBE%2BSUFFICIENT%2B11-29-16LL2%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">She was beautiful & intelligent... She was wise and determined to take action... She prevented disaster from happening to good people... She set a great example for those around her... She was ABIGAIL, wife of Nabal.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">As some of you know, we became "backyard chicken" owners in the spring of 2015. We got 5 pullets (female chickens under the age of 1) when they were about 14 weeks old. Over the past 18+ months our 3.5 acre yard has become their home. I'd been advised by a friend who had grown up with chickens that I would be surprised by how much individual personality they exhibited. And... I was surprised.</span><br />
</span><div>
<div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">I'd decided early on that I wanted to name the girls based upon their personalities & actions. So, I began observing them. While others tried to name them things like "Big Booty Judy", my mind was set upon using women's names from the Bible. I thought this could be a great lesson in the years to come for our then 2 year old "Little" one. A few names came to mind - as I was more familiar with their stories in the Bible. I consulted with my favorite female scholar & sister friend, <a href="http://www.kimberlymajeski.com/">Aunt Kimmy</a>, for confirmation of my thoughts & additional name recommendations. I took notes of our conversation that day as we sat beside the cement pond. I still have those notes.</span></div>
<div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">As the weeks went by, the first one to be named was Abigail. She was the first to allow the Little to pick her up. She was the first to jump on top of their "Spa". She was the first to investigate the perches I'd made inside their chicken run. She was the first to lead them back to the run and into the chicken coop at dusk. She was the first of many things. She was beautiful -- with 3 dominant white feathers at the base of each wing. The others seemed to put her in a place of leadership. She would often call out for them when a hawk was heard screeching in the distance.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">We lost our Abigail to a predator the day before Thanksgiving. I was a bit surprised at how emotional I was over it. It was pretty traumatic seeing what that animal did to her. However, my sadness went deeper than that. I, an educated and most-of-the-time rational adult, had begun to see those chickens as more than mere wild animals.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I returned to the Bible to read the story of Abigail in the 25th chapter of 1 Samuel. And, I consulted a post from Bible Study Tools as I reflected upon the name I'd chosen for her in those early days. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">If you're able, take a few minutes to read the story in </span><a href="https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1sa.25">1 Samuel 25</a><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">. Also, here are a few excerpts from the </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/abigail-wise-and-determined-11633792.html">Bible Study Tools post</a><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">:</span></span></div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><i>Abigail (</i></span><i><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">"whose father is joy")</span></i><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><i> definitely belongs in the study of great women of the Bible. She is the one (in our study) whom most people are less likely to know. Scripture presents her as a beautiful, intelligent woman whose lot in life is one of being married to a rich fool. Abigail reveals how wisdom and determined action need to partner in order to save good people from disaster. Being wise in itself may not be sufficient in some situations. Without taking immediate action, it is possible to simply stand by and watch destruction that could be avoided. Abigail</i></span><i><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">She was both beautiful and intelligent. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Except for her intervention, the obliteration of her husband and his household would surely have been the result. She stood in the gap protecting both parties. Her decisive action allowed life to continue. She</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> seized the information given, understood what needed to be done, and then did it.</span></i></span></blockquote>
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">It appears that our Abigail lost her life in protecting the other 4 hens - who hid up in the branches of a thicket until I came calling for them. Although the outcome of our Abigail and the Abigail in the Old Testament are different, I see so many similarities between them. I am thankful that I felt led to name her ABIGAIL!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BS_u4abz2rs/WD2zNGrcswI/AAAAAAAAPKo/ZaBu5ITunaE/s640/blogger-image--303802762.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BS_u4abz2rs/WD2zNGrcswI/AAAAAAAAPKo/ZaBu5ITunaE/s200/blogger-image--303802762.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">11-23-16<br />RIP ABIGAIL</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hduXAdRp3u0/WD286u2BG5I/AAAAAAAAPLA/OWLFZuWJLLcoVbZoKn8MsN8WXc-6k3bcgCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B05-15%2B1st%2Bto%2Bperch%2BIMG_7776.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hduXAdRp3u0/WD286u2BG5I/AAAAAAAAPLA/OWLFZuWJLLcoVbZoKn8MsN8WXc-6k3bcgCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B05-15%2B1st%2Bto%2Bperch%2BIMG_7776.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;"> 05-30-15<br />1st to perch<br />each night early on</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg7K0u3XTLA/WD29OjgtXZI/AAAAAAAAPLM/g9dBgLNkFyAx98HmW1Rw8QrUP-NdXE4twCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-4-15%2Bbaby%2Bpic%2BIMG_8198%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg7K0u3XTLA/WD29OjgtXZI/AAAAAAAAPLM/g9dBgLNkFyAx98HmW1Rw8QrUP-NdXE4twCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-4-15%2Bbaby%2Bpic%2BIMG_8198%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">6-4-16<br />baby Abigail pic<br />5 days after arriving<br />at our home</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><br />
</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCmmlbju_zg/WD29R9JmOeI/AAAAAAAAPLY/f-9klxqELeU4Oke1kbFvcASZ1ieaNkxiwCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-6-15%2Bon%2Btop%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bspa%2BIMG_8270%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCmmlbju_zg/WD29R9JmOeI/AAAAAAAAPLY/f-9klxqELeU4Oke1kbFvcASZ1ieaNkxiwCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-6-15%2Bon%2Btop%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bspa%2BIMG_8270%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">6-6-15<br />first to check out<br />the "Spa" roof</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeJHu5rHnNw/WD29RFrPgdI/AAAAAAAAPLQ/3EOVtiEQtiMFQTbFUgwsH5KvxzVOWFUxwCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-7-15%2BIMG_8278.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeJHu5rHnNw/WD29RFrPgdI/AAAAAAAAPLQ/3EOVtiEQtiMFQTbFUgwsH5KvxzVOWFUxwCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-7-15%2BIMG_8278.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">6-7-15<br />hanging out with the Little</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aW8IIJ7c2-g/WD29Mi2c8oI/AAAAAAAAPLI/AS_hXUrd2Mslfo08Xu2pkux3r3TXoBgPACLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-13-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Beat%2Bof%2Bof%2Bour%2Bhands%2BIMG_8843%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aW8IIJ7c2-g/WD29Mi2c8oI/AAAAAAAAPLI/AS_hXUrd2Mslfo08Xu2pkux3r3TXoBgPACLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-13-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Beat%2Bof%2Bof%2Bour%2Bhands%2BIMG_8843%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">6-13-16<br />first to eat from<br />my hand</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2F4zer8M28/WD29RP7vGgI/AAAAAAAAPLU/KEkrpc3YSa83sUgcp2PLNid4sCYzwq2VwCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-13-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Beat%2Bout%2Bof%2Bour%2Bhands%2B%2BIMG_8845%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2F4zer8M28/WD29RP7vGgI/AAAAAAAAPLU/KEkrpc3YSa83sUgcp2PLNid4sCYzwq2VwCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-13-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Beat%2Bout%2Bof%2Bour%2Bhands%2B%2BIMG_8845%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">6-13-15<br />first to eat from<br />the Little's hand</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azsPiCEpkBA/WD29KjXB2AI/AAAAAAAAPLE/J041T4pj5R45yh9EGs39G_YYdM92h_mtwCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-14-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bheld%2BIMG_8881.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azsPiCEpkBA/WD29KjXB2AI/AAAAAAAAPLE/J041T4pj5R45yh9EGs39G_YYdM92h_mtwCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-14-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bheld%2BIMG_8881.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">6-14-15<br />first to let<br />the Little hold her</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Candara;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFzrJvtNOQU/WD2yOzUCItI/AAAAAAAAPK4/bIblKXSruRom55JlkVH67N_mZcllCWChwCEw/s1600/IMG_4595.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFzrJvtNOQU/WD2yOzUCItI/AAAAAAAAPK4/bIblKXSruRom55JlkVH67N_mZcllCWChwCEw/s200/IMG_4595.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">11-13-16</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">Abigail & Rachel<br />helping "rake" leaves</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: Candara;">
</span></div>
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Candara;"><br />PS In case you are wondering, the names chosen over those early months for the other 4 hens were:<br /></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara;">Esther </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara;">Elizabeth </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara;">Rachel </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Candara;">Lydia</span></li>
</ul>
</span><div>
<div>
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-8888921342431676822016-11-29T13:22:00.001-05:002016-11-29T13:22:36.578-05:00Abigail - Wise and Determined<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYXOUr_wPY4/WD2u_pXudUI/AAAAAAAAPKc/LbsnxB8fMjkN9b1mtA4syef3-2bCQK3-ACLcB/s1600/BEING%2BWISE%2BIN%2BITSELF%2BMAY%2BNOT%2BBE%2BSUFFICIENT%2B11-29-16LL2%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYXOUr_wPY4/WD2u_pXudUI/AAAAAAAAPKc/LbsnxB8fMjkN9b1mtA4syef3-2bCQK3-ACLcB/s200/BEING%2BWISE%2BIN%2BITSELF%2BMAY%2BNOT%2BBE%2BSUFFICIENT%2B11-29-16LL2%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She was beautiful & intelligent... She was wise and determined to take action... She prevented disaster from happening to good people... She set a great example for those around her... She was ABIGAIL, wife of Nabal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As some of you know, we became "backyard chicken" owners in the spring of 2015. We got 5 pullets (female chickens under the age of 1) when they were about 14 weeks old. Over the past 18+ months our 3.5 acre yard has become their home. I'd been advised by a friend who had grown up with chickens that I would be surprised by how much individual personality they exhibited. And... I was surprised.</span><br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'd decided early on that I wanted to name the girls based upon their personalities & actions. So, I began observing them. While others tried to name them things like "Big Booty Judy", my mind was set upon using women's names from the Bible. I thought this could be a great lesson in the years to come for our then 2 year old "Little" one. A few names came to mind - as I was more familiar with their stories in the Bible. I consulted with my favorite female scholar & sister friend, <a href="http://www.kimberlymajeski.com/">Aunt Kimmy</a>, for confirmation of my thoughts & additional name recommendations. I took notes of our conversation that day as we sat beside the cement pond. I still have those notes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As the weeks went by, the first one to be named was Abigail. She was the first to allow the Little to pick her up. She was the first to jump on top of their "Spa". She was the first to investigate the perches I'd made inside their chicken run. She was the first to lead them back to the run and into the chicken coop at dusk. She was the first of many things. She was beautiful -- with 3 dominant white feathers at the base of each wing. The others seemed to put her in a place of leadership. She would often call out for them when a hawk was heard screeching in the distance.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We lost our Abigail to a predator the day before Thanksgiving. I was a bit surprised at how emotional I was over it. It was pretty traumatic seeing what that animal did to her. However, my sadness went deeper than that. I, an educated and most-of-the-time rational adult, had begun to see those chickens as more than mere wild animals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I returned to the Bible to read the story of Abigail in the 25th chapter of 1 Samuel. And, I consulted a post from Bible Study Tools as I reflected upon the name I'd chosen for her in those early days. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">If you're able, take a few minutes to read the story in </span><a href="https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1sa.25" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">1 Samuel 25</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">. Also, here are a few excerpts from the </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/abigail-wise-and-determined-11633792.html" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Bible Study Tools post</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">:</span></div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Abigail (</i></span><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"whose father is joy")</span></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i> definitely belongs in the study of great women of the Bible. She is the one (in our study) whom most people are less likely to know. Scripture presents her as a beautiful, intelligent woman whose lot in life is one of being married to a rich fool. Abigail reveals how wisdom and determined action need to partner in order to save good people from disaster. Being wise in itself may not be sufficient in some situations. Without taking immediate action, it is possible to simply stand by and watch destruction that could be avoided. Abigail</i></span><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She was both beautiful and intelligent. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Except for her intervention, the obliteration of her husband and his household would surely have been the result. She stood in the gap protecting both parties. Her decisive action allowed life to continue. She</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> seized the information given, understood what needed to be done, and then did it.</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It appears that our Abigail lost her life in protecting the other 4 hens - who hid up in the branches of a thicket until I came calling for them. Although the outcome of our Abigail and the Abigail in the Old Testament are different, I see so many similarities between them. I am thankful that I felt led to name her ABIGAIL!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BS_u4abz2rs/WD2zNGrcswI/AAAAAAAAPKo/ZaBu5ITunaE/s640/blogger-image--303802762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BS_u4abz2rs/WD2zNGrcswI/AAAAAAAAPKo/ZaBu5ITunaE/s200/blogger-image--303802762.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">11-23-16<br />RIP ABIGAIL</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hduXAdRp3u0/WD286u2BG5I/AAAAAAAAPLA/OWLFZuWJLLcoVbZoKn8MsN8WXc-6k3bcgCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B05-15%2B1st%2Bto%2Bperch%2BIMG_7776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hduXAdRp3u0/WD286u2BG5I/AAAAAAAAPLA/OWLFZuWJLLcoVbZoKn8MsN8WXc-6k3bcgCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B05-15%2B1st%2Bto%2Bperch%2BIMG_7776.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 05-30-15<br />1st to perch<br />each night early on</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg7K0u3XTLA/WD29OjgtXZI/AAAAAAAAPLM/g9dBgLNkFyAx98HmW1Rw8QrUP-NdXE4twCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-4-15%2Bbaby%2Bpic%2BIMG_8198%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg7K0u3XTLA/WD29OjgtXZI/AAAAAAAAPLM/g9dBgLNkFyAx98HmW1Rw8QrUP-NdXE4twCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-4-15%2Bbaby%2Bpic%2BIMG_8198%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6-4-16<br />baby Abigail pic<br />5 days after arriving<br />at our home</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCmmlbju_zg/WD29R9JmOeI/AAAAAAAAPLY/f-9klxqELeU4Oke1kbFvcASZ1ieaNkxiwCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-6-15%2Bon%2Btop%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bspa%2BIMG_8270%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCmmlbju_zg/WD29R9JmOeI/AAAAAAAAPLY/f-9klxqELeU4Oke1kbFvcASZ1ieaNkxiwCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-6-15%2Bon%2Btop%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bspa%2BIMG_8270%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6-6-15<br />first to check out<br />the "Spa" roof</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeJHu5rHnNw/WD29RFrPgdI/AAAAAAAAPLQ/3EOVtiEQtiMFQTbFUgwsH5KvxzVOWFUxwCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-7-15%2BIMG_8278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeJHu5rHnNw/WD29RFrPgdI/AAAAAAAAPLQ/3EOVtiEQtiMFQTbFUgwsH5KvxzVOWFUxwCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-7-15%2BIMG_8278.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6-7-15<br />hanging out with the Little</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aW8IIJ7c2-g/WD29Mi2c8oI/AAAAAAAAPLI/AS_hXUrd2Mslfo08Xu2pkux3r3TXoBgPACLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-13-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Beat%2Bof%2Bof%2Bour%2Bhands%2BIMG_8843%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aW8IIJ7c2-g/WD29Mi2c8oI/AAAAAAAAPLI/AS_hXUrd2Mslfo08Xu2pkux3r3TXoBgPACLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-13-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Beat%2Bof%2Bof%2Bour%2Bhands%2BIMG_8843%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6-13-16<br />first to eat from<br />my hand</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2F4zer8M28/WD29RP7vGgI/AAAAAAAAPLU/KEkrpc3YSa83sUgcp2PLNid4sCYzwq2VwCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-13-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Beat%2Bout%2Bof%2Bour%2Bhands%2B%2BIMG_8845%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2F4zer8M28/WD29RP7vGgI/AAAAAAAAPLU/KEkrpc3YSa83sUgcp2PLNid4sCYzwq2VwCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-13-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Beat%2Bout%2Bof%2Bour%2Bhands%2B%2BIMG_8845%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6-13-15<br />first to eat from<br />the Little's hand</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azsPiCEpkBA/WD29KjXB2AI/AAAAAAAAPLE/J041T4pj5R45yh9EGs39G_YYdM92h_mtwCLcB/s1600/ABIGAIL%2B6-14-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bheld%2BIMG_8881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azsPiCEpkBA/WD29KjXB2AI/AAAAAAAAPLE/J041T4pj5R45yh9EGs39G_YYdM92h_mtwCLcB/s200/ABIGAIL%2B6-14-16%2Bfirst%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bheld%2BIMG_8881.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6-14-15<br />first to let<br />the Little hold her</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFzrJvtNOQU/WD2yOzUCItI/AAAAAAAAPK4/bIblKXSruRom55JlkVH67N_mZcllCWChwCEw/s1600/IMG_4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFzrJvtNOQU/WD2yOzUCItI/AAAAAAAAPK4/bIblKXSruRom55JlkVH67N_mZcllCWChwCEw/s200/IMG_4595.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">11-13-16</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Abigail & Rachel<br />helping "rake" leaves</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />PS In case you are wondering, the names chosen over those early months for the other 4 hens were:<br /><ul>
<li>Esther </li>
<li>Elizabeth </li>
<li>Rachel </li>
<li>Lydia</li>
</ul>
</span><div>
<div>
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-13587359198508330662016-11-11T11:51:00.000-05:002016-11-11T11:51:43.019-05:00Veterans Day THANK YOU!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On this day... on every day... WE THANK YOU for your service!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6P5FX358VnY/WCXza9DVRSI/AAAAAAAAPGw/Mrip5X3bWogWrTpPD9EoD4vM_3yD4KjSgCLcB/s1600/ON%2BTHIS%2BDAY%2BON%2BEVERY%2BDAY%2BWE%2BTHANK%2BYOU%2BFOR%2BYOUR%2BSERVICE%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6P5FX358VnY/WCXza9DVRSI/AAAAAAAAPGw/Mrip5X3bWogWrTpPD9EoD4vM_3yD4KjSgCLcB/s320/ON%2BTHIS%2BDAY%2BON%2BEVERY%2BDAY%2BWE%2BTHANK%2BYOU%2BFOR%2BYOUR%2BSERVICE%2Bpinned%2BFBstuckinindiana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There are many great things about our country.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are many things that we need to continue to work on in our country. YET, <b>we cannot forget or fail to honor the men & women who are no longer in active duty and those who </b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>currently serve in the Armed Forces</b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. I appreciate the men & women who made sacrifices for, not only a better country, but for a better world. In addition, a debt of gratitude is owed to the parents, spouses, siblings, children & loved ones who have sacrificed so that their loved one could serve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Veterans Day is specifically set aside to honor those who are no longer in active service. Many gave their lives. Many have gone unnoticed. Our veterans modeled a love and a life that has influenced future generations to step forward and take the mantle upon their shoulders.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For those who served and for those who serve now and for those who will serve in the years to come...</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>WE SAY THANK YOU!</b></span></div>
stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-68851004327646903042016-11-09T09:28:00.001-05:002016-11-09T09:28:23.064-05:00When In Doubt... Do or Don't?<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just a quick "morning after" share in the wake of our Presidential Election of 2016...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A personal friend shared some great words of advice this morning...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qaZOrDHFcg/WCMvrUp-tXI/AAAAAAAAPGg/sdb3mDe6UqsRiBfiEX78u90MywRt4Y30ACLcB/s1600/0000000%2BFletcher%2BWATCH%2BWHAT%2BYOU%2BSAY%2BAND%2BPOST%2BTODAY%2BFRIENDS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qaZOrDHFcg/WCMvrUp-tXI/AAAAAAAAPGg/sdb3mDe6UqsRiBfiEX78u90MywRt4Y30ACLcB/s320/0000000%2BFletcher%2BWATCH%2BWHAT%2BYOU%2BSAY%2BAND%2BPOST%2BTODAY%2BFRIENDS.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Watch what you say and post today, friends.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are a LOT of emotions flowing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy about it or upset about it,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's better to not say something than wish you hadn't."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">~ A. S. Fletcher #quote</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's great advice for every day really. If we could just hold our tongues until our heads & hearts got to weigh in and pair up with our words, how much smoother would life go?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a little girl my mom said this over & over & over again to me:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"If you can't say something good, don't say anything at all." </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(Apparently I was very vocal with my views, with my disappointments, with my expectations, with my disapproval's, etc. Hopefully I have gotten a little better with that!!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A great reminder was given to me again this morning through the words of a friend! Those words resonated with the very core of my being. And... when I see or hear words that resonate with me in a strong way, I share them... that's just what I do!</span>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7798088293886512579.post-1423726430928651502016-10-31T20:00:00.000-04:002017-10-20T11:22:36.688-04:00Us The Duo - Take Me Home / Finding God In The Ruins<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Trina won her heavenly reward today - cancer lost its battle against her body. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is a GREAT video for anyone who is hurting, who needs encouragement or wants to provide encouragement, etc. Make sure to read the script that goes along with the video.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Home is where the heart is... God will take you home to His arms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">RIP Trina! Prayers covering your loved one who are grieving your presence in this earthly world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C-ZQZQ3C1Ic" width="480"></iframe>stuckinindianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271019469826059867noreply@blogger.com0