I haven't been able to get into the "blogging spirit" lately. I guess I'm just too tired from all of the goings on with the holidays, and also, this is a very busy time at the hospital. Everyone is SICK!!...so the hospital is full to overflowing, and then, because everyone is sick, that means the employees are calling in sick....which leaves the rest of us working short, to take care of a hospital overflowing with sick people!!! WHEW!! No wonder I'm tired!! LOL
But, since I will be at work for the last two days of the year, I wanted to take this moment to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!!
I was visiting another blog, and saw something that I liked, so I will borrow it. It is a wish to you, from me, for 2008.
"May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had, forget your home address!"
May you all be blessed abundantly in the new year to come......
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Single Adult's Christmas Party
Tonight we had our single adults Christmas party. It was held at Bro. Morton's house, and we had a BLAST!!
This was for the singles 30 years old and over. We had about 55-60 people there. That's more people than some home missions churches have!! LOL You would think with that many singles, surely some of them would match up, wouldn't you??? (It happens once in a while.)
First we ate. Then we ate again. After that, it was time to eat again. WHEW!! There was a LOT of food. When we finally finished eating, we played a game. We all had a wrapped gift and while Sharon read a Christmas story, every time she said the words "right" or "left", that was the way we passed our gift. For instance, if she said..."when they reached Bethlehem, they went "right" to the inn (we passed it right), but they found there was no room "left" in the inn (we passed it left). It was pretty funny, actually. When the story ended, we kept the gift that was in our hands. Then we played a game where we had to put the words to a song in order, and then sing it.
After we played some games, we presented Bro. Morton with a gift. Sandy and I wanted to give him a "gag" gift, so this is what we came up with. We gave him a real fishing license....this to a man who doesn't even like to fish!! LOL But, we had a motive....I wrote a poem that I read before we presented him with the gift. This is how it went.
"Twas the night before Christmas, and sitting right there,
the preacher was cozy, kicked back in his chair.
He had a red face, and a little round belly,
that shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was not relaxing, his mind was a spinning,
thinking about saints, revival, soul winning.
Then out on the lawn he heard lots of chatter,
he sprang from the chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the window he flew like a flash,
tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
He looked out the window, and saw women a plenty.
Oh, NO, he thought......I don't even want ONE, I sure don't want TWENTY!!
But being the kindly old gent that he is,
he opened the door hoping nothing's amiss.
The ladies were holding a gift in their hands.
"To help with soul winning throughout the lands".
God called us to witness and for souls to win,
Jesus even said He'd make you fishers of MEN.
So we are writing this poor little jingle,
In hopes that you'll make sure that those MEN are SINGLE!!!!!
He got a real kick out of that!! Especially when he opened the gift and saw the fishing license!! He threatened to have me read the poem at church tomorrow night, but I know he wouldn't be brave enough!! LOL
We sang Christmas Carols, then cleaned up and went home. It really was a good party and I am very tired, but I wanted to post this before I go to bed. Here is a slide show of some pictures.
This was for the singles 30 years old and over. We had about 55-60 people there. That's more people than some home missions churches have!! LOL You would think with that many singles, surely some of them would match up, wouldn't you??? (It happens once in a while.)
First we ate. Then we ate again. After that, it was time to eat again. WHEW!! There was a LOT of food. When we finally finished eating, we played a game. We all had a wrapped gift and while Sharon read a Christmas story, every time she said the words "right" or "left", that was the way we passed our gift. For instance, if she said..."when they reached Bethlehem, they went "right" to the inn (we passed it right), but they found there was no room "left" in the inn (we passed it left). It was pretty funny, actually. When the story ended, we kept the gift that was in our hands. Then we played a game where we had to put the words to a song in order, and then sing it.
After we played some games, we presented Bro. Morton with a gift. Sandy and I wanted to give him a "gag" gift, so this is what we came up with. We gave him a real fishing license....this to a man who doesn't even like to fish!! LOL But, we had a motive....I wrote a poem that I read before we presented him with the gift. This is how it went.
"Twas the night before Christmas, and sitting right there,
the preacher was cozy, kicked back in his chair.
He had a red face, and a little round belly,
that shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was not relaxing, his mind was a spinning,
thinking about saints, revival, soul winning.
Then out on the lawn he heard lots of chatter,
he sprang from the chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the window he flew like a flash,
tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
He looked out the window, and saw women a plenty.
Oh, NO, he thought......I don't even want ONE, I sure don't want TWENTY!!
But being the kindly old gent that he is,
he opened the door hoping nothing's amiss.
The ladies were holding a gift in their hands.
"To help with soul winning throughout the lands".
God called us to witness and for souls to win,
Jesus even said He'd make you fishers of MEN.
So we are writing this poor little jingle,
In hopes that you'll make sure that those MEN are SINGLE!!!!!
He got a real kick out of that!! Especially when he opened the gift and saw the fishing license!! He threatened to have me read the poem at church tomorrow night, but I know he wouldn't be brave enough!! LOL
We sang Christmas Carols, then cleaned up and went home. It really was a good party and I am very tired, but I wanted to post this before I go to bed. Here is a slide show of some pictures.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Season's in Life
The following was e-mailed to me by a friend, and I liked it so much that I am posting it here. Enjoy...
There was an Indian Chief who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest.., in turn.., to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the Winter, the second in the Spring, the third in Summer, and the youngest son in the Fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said 'no' it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful. It was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment. The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
He told them that you can not judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's Winter, you will miss the promise of your Spring, the beauty of your Summer, the fulfillment of your Fall.
Moral: Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come.
There was an Indian Chief who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest.., in turn.., to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the Winter, the second in the Spring, the third in Summer, and the youngest son in the Fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said 'no' it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful. It was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment. The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
He told them that you can not judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's Winter, you will miss the promise of your Spring, the beauty of your Summer, the fulfillment of your Fall.
Moral: Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come.
Monday, December 3, 2007
One Life
He was born in a stable
in an obscure village,
From there He traveled,
Less than 200 miles.
He never won an election,
He never went to college,
He never owned a home,
He never had a lot of money.
He became a nomadic preacher,
Popular opinion turned against Him,
He was betrayed by a close friend,
And His other friends ran away.
He was unjustly condemned to death,
Crucified on a cross, among common thieves,
On a hill overlooking the town dump,
And when dead, laid in a borrowed grave.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone,
Empires have risen and fallen,
Mighty armies have marched,
And powerful rulers have reigned.
Yet, no one has affected men as much as He,
He is the central figure of the human race,
He is the Messiah, the Son of God
JESUS CHRIST
--Kristone
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Scriptures for Me
Psalm 31:9 "Have mercy upon me O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea my soul and my belly."
Psalm 31:10 "For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth..."
Psalm 31: 12 "I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel."
Psalm 31:13 "For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life."
Psalm 31:14 "But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God."
Psalm 31:15 "My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me."
Psalm 31: 16 - 18 " Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord: for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence: which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. "
Psalm 31: 19 " Oh how great is thy goodness!!!!"
And then Jesus said:
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Psalm 31:10 "For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth..."
Psalm 31: 12 "I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel."
Psalm 31:13 "For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life."
Psalm 31:14 "But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God."
Psalm 31:15 "My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me."
Psalm 31: 16 - 18 " Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord: for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence: which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. "
Psalm 31: 19 " Oh how great is thy goodness!!!!"
And then Jesus said:
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Thursday, November 22, 2007
"Twas the Night of Thanksgiving
Twas the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep.
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.
The leftovers beckoned--the dark meat and white,
but I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation,
the thought of a snack became infatuation.
So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door
and gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.
I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.
But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees.......
happy eating to all---pass the cranberries, please!
~~Author Unknown.~~
I Ate Too Much Turkey
by Jack Prelutsky
I ate too much turkey,I ate too much corn,
I ate too much pudding and pie,
I'm stuffed up with muffins
and much too much stuffin',
I'm probably going to die.
I piled up my plate
and I ate and I ate,
but I wish I had known when to stop,
for I'm so crammed with yams,
sauces, gravies, and jams
that my buttons are starting to pop.
I'm full of tomatoes
and french fried potatoes,
my stomach is swollen and sore,
but there's still some dessert,
so I guess it won't hurt
if I eat just a little bit more.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
How to Observe Thanksgiving
HOW TO OBSERVE THANKSGIVING
Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.
~~Author Unknown.~~
This little poem reminds us to count our blessings!! This Thanksgiving, that is what I want to do. I do thank God for His goodness and mercy to me and my family. He is the essence of everything I am thankful for. Without Him, I would be nothing, and my life would be hopeless.
They do not close hospitals for the holidays...(imagine that!!) LOL (They could send the patients home and tell them to come back after the holidays, right??? HA! HA!) So, while you all are having a great time stuffing yourselves full of turkey and pumpkin pie with your families, please feel sorry for me, because I will be working!! LOL LOL That is why I am posting this a day early.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Have a very blessed and thankful day.......
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Happy 50TH Birthday, Sandy!!
My friend, Sandy Garrett, turned 50 last Thursday, November 15th, but her party was today. Her daughter Nancy, did a wonderful job at decorating. Lots of family and friends were there to wish her a wonderful birthday!! Happy Birthday, "Old Lady"!!! LOL
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
God is Listening!!
Lately, I've been very heavily burdened due to some very dire situations going on in two of my sons lives.
I was here at home, praying and crying out to God. When I stopped praying, I decided to fix myself some dinner. I put the plate of food on the table, and sat down to eat. I pulled my Bible close and started turning to Hosea with the intent to read the story of Hosea and Gomer again. I had no particular reason why I wanted to read that story again, but I did. As I was flipping through the pages to get to Hosea, I stopped in Isaiah and looked down at the scripture. This is what I read. Chapter 65
23 "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.
24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
!!!!!! I almost choked on my food!! Isn't God good??? His word is true and everlasting!!
P.S. I never did get back to Hosea........
I was here at home, praying and crying out to God. When I stopped praying, I decided to fix myself some dinner. I put the plate of food on the table, and sat down to eat. I pulled my Bible close and started turning to Hosea with the intent to read the story of Hosea and Gomer again. I had no particular reason why I wanted to read that story again, but I did. As I was flipping through the pages to get to Hosea, I stopped in Isaiah and looked down at the scripture. This is what I read. Chapter 65
23 "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.
24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
!!!!!! I almost choked on my food!! Isn't God good??? His word is true and everlasting!!
P.S. I never did get back to Hosea........
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
West Coast Conference
West Coast Conference starts tonight!! If you can, be sure to attend for a Holy Ghost experience!! You will be blessed beyond measure, and will be happy you attended.The West Coast Conference choir will be singing on Wednesday and Friday nights. The preachers are as follows:
Wed. PM..........Bro. Danny Perdew, Greely, CO
Thurs. AM.......Bro. Steve Marchbanks, Fortuna, CA
.......................Bro. Crawford Coon, Jena, LA
Thurs. PM.......Bro. Paul Bertram, Lakeside, CA
Fri. AM............Bro. Allen Picklesimer, Twin Falls, ID
........................Bro. Crawford Coon, Jena, LA
Fri. PM.............Bro. Ron Garrett, Glendale, AZ
Sunday, November 4, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATELYNN!!!
Happy Birthday to my beautiful granddaughter!! Katelynn is 13 today! I canNOT believe I have a grand child that is now a teenager. Oh my, oh my........
After having 3 sons, I was ecstatic to have a granddaughter as my first grandchild. She is very precious to me. I wrote this poem for her a little while after she was born:
To Katelynn
A mother was kneeling one night in prayer
And looked toward the gates of pearl,
"I thank thee, Lord, for my precious boys,
But won't you send me a girl?"
"I love my boys with all my heart,
And I thank You for them each day,
But it would be so nice, dear Lord,
If you would send a girl my way."
The Heavenly Father looked down on the mother,
From beyond the gates of pearl.
He said, "Be patient woman, wait a while,
And I will send you a girl."
"It will be a little wait, because
I have a special one in mind.
She'll bring you things like laughter and love,
And lots of joy sublime."
So the years went swiftly by, and,
Her little boys grew and grew.
She waited still, for God to send
The little girl He promised to.
Finally, the perfect day arrived,
Just like God said it would.
A beautiful, darling, baby girl,
And life was sweet and good.
The mother now, a grandmother, was,
And it was a wonderful thing,
To see the sunshine in her eyes,
That this little girl could bring!
Grandma loves you, Katelynn, dear,
Just how much you'll never know.
You are wonderful, you little doll!!
Oh, how I love you so!!!
I love you so much, Katelynn!!! Happy Birthday to my Big Girl, now!! Grandma Gayla
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!!!
Not only is it Dad's 88th birthday today, it is my parents 62nd Wedding Anniversary. This picture was taken at their 60th anniversary celebration. If you can see the "topper" on the cake, it is from a picture of them just before they married. It is SO cute!!
The story of how they got together is the funniest thing!! I didn't even know it until we were asking them questions for their 60th anniversary party.
Dad and Mom were on a double date to Yosemite, but NOT with each other!! Each of them was with a different person. All day they had been attracted to each other. During the ride home, both of their dates fell asleep. Mom and her date were in the back seat, and Dad was driving, with his date in the passenger's seat. Dad and Mom were talking to each other, but it was hard to communicate from back to front, so Dad said to Mom, "why don't you climb up here in the middle, so I can hear you?" That's just what Mom did......and as they say...the rest is history!!
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. I love you both very much!!!
Happy Birthday, Daddy
This is a picture of Daddy last Christmas with his 3 youngest Great-Grandchildren.
Dad is 88 today. His name is Jefferson Franklin Robbins, but has always gone by "Jeff". He is one of the world's finest men. He had to help on the family farm, so he never made it past eighth grade. He isn't "book smart", but he has an intelligence far beyond books. Dad worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a car repairman, but he wanted to do something else also, so he taught himself to be a locksmith through a correspondence course. He worked at the railroad at night, and was a locksmith by day for many years. I never remember a time when my Dad didn't provide for his family.
Before he became too old to get under cars, he was the best car mechanic. He could fix just about anything wrong with any vehicle. And that wasn't all....he could fix just about anything that was broken.
He loves to tell stories to my sons (and any one else that will listen) about World War II. He was in the army, and just the other day I heard him tell someone that he spent his 21st birthday in a foxhole. He fought all over the South Pacific during the war, mostly in Hawaii, the Marianna Islands, and Enewotok. (I don't know if I spelled that correctly...probably not :)) His stories are really interesting, and when you hear him talking about them, you wonder how he survived that war. I always feel that God knew that Dad would meet Mom after the war and come to know and serve Him, so He kept him from harm.
Dad is not as strong now, as he was just a few years ago. He had two heart attacks last year, and the small stroke just a couple of weeks ago. It is SO hard watching him age, knowing that his time here on earth is limited. I have always been my "Daddy's girl", and I know that I am blessed to have him this long, but it is still painful to watch him become frail.
Oh, the many things and stories I could tell about this wonderful man...but I won't do it here. It would make this post way too long. Just know this...I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, DADDY!! Have a very happy birthday!!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Are We Doing Our Best?
Most of the time I enjoy being a nurse. Sometimes I don't.
As a nurse, I take this perspective. I didn't cause the disease. I can't cure it. But, I can help ease the pain and give comfort to a patient under my care. I try my best to help ease any pain and discomfort of the patients I am caring for each day. I even pray for them. As I am doing my assessment of a patient, I quietly, under my breath, say a prayer for God to help them and their families through this, and to comfort them, and to give them another chance to know Him.
The part I don't like about being a nurse is the death of a patient. It is so hard to watch someone die and most probably be lost through eternity. When I hear the code blue alarm, I run to help save a life. Adrenaline is flowing as I am pumping their chest, or pushing medications into their veins, and always, I am praying for their soul. I don't know the life they have lived, or the paths they have walked, but I beg God to give them another chance. Sometimes it works...sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't, I always think....have I done my best to reach the lost? I don't think I like the answer to that question. Are any of us REALLY doing all we can to reach the lost???
Think about it, and ....reach out to someone today. Be blessed...Gayla
As a nurse, I take this perspective. I didn't cause the disease. I can't cure it. But, I can help ease the pain and give comfort to a patient under my care. I try my best to help ease any pain and discomfort of the patients I am caring for each day. I even pray for them. As I am doing my assessment of a patient, I quietly, under my breath, say a prayer for God to help them and their families through this, and to comfort them, and to give them another chance to know Him.
The part I don't like about being a nurse is the death of a patient. It is so hard to watch someone die and most probably be lost through eternity. When I hear the code blue alarm, I run to help save a life. Adrenaline is flowing as I am pumping their chest, or pushing medications into their veins, and always, I am praying for their soul. I don't know the life they have lived, or the paths they have walked, but I beg God to give them another chance. Sometimes it works...sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't, I always think....have I done my best to reach the lost? I don't think I like the answer to that question. Are any of us REALLY doing all we can to reach the lost???
Think about it, and ....reach out to someone today. Be blessed...Gayla
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Like a Fragrance After the Rain
JESUS, JESUS, JEEEESUUS....There's just something about that name. Master, Saviour, Jesus. Like a fragrance after the rain. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Let all heaven and earth proclaim. Kings and kingdoms will all pass away, but there's something about that name.
I keep singing that song this week, and it is going 'round and 'round in my head. Today, I am thinking about how good God is to me. When we need Him.... for ANYTHING... all we have to do is call on the name of Jesus. He is our answer. I love Him so much!!
Try Him, if you haven't....and be blessed....Gayla
I keep singing that song this week, and it is going 'round and 'round in my head. Today, I am thinking about how good God is to me. When we need Him.... for ANYTHING... all we have to do is call on the name of Jesus. He is our answer. I love Him so much!!
Try Him, if you haven't....and be blessed....Gayla
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME
Well, as Bro. Saiz said in an e-mail to me, today is the first day of the rest of my life. He didn't say this part, but, I'm starting the rest of my life a little bit older today than I was yesterday. I don't mind. I really do like my age....I just don't like looking it!!
And, hey....it beats the alternative, right???
And, hey....it beats the alternative, right???
Monday, October 22, 2007
Some Favorite Quotes
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above the price of gas these days .....King Solomon, Proverbs 31:10 (paraphrased!)
It was a man's world until Eve arrived....Richard Armour
God help the man who will not marry until he finds the perfect woman....and God help him still more, if he finds her....Jenny Moore
Sure, God created man before woman. But then you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece....Author Unknown
Women cannot complain about men anymore until they start getting better taste in them....Bill Maher
Women are always beautiful....Ville Valo
Can you imagine a world without men? No crime and lots of happy fat women....Nicole Hollander
Women get the last word in every argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument....Author Unknown
Every woman is wrong until she cries, and then she is right - instantly.....Sam Slick (Thomas Chandler Haliburton)
When men reach their sixties and retire, they go to pieces. Women go right on cooking....Gail Sheehy
Be to her virtues very kind,Be to her faults a little blind......Matthew Prior
They may talk of a comet, or a burning mountain, or some such bagatelle; but to me a modest woman, dressed out in all her finery, is the most tremendous object of the whole creation. ....Oliver Goldsmith
You see, dear, it is not true that woman was made from man's rib; she was really made from his funny bone......J.M. Barrie, What Every Woman Knows
If women didn't exist, all the money in the world would have no meaning.....Aristotle Onassis
Women are never stronger than when they arm themselves with their weakness......Marie de Vichy-Chamrond, Marquise du Deffand, Letters to Voltaire
All women are basically in competition with each other for a handful of eligible men.....Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966
A woman should soften, but not weaken a man......Sigmund Freud
Let us leave the beautiful women to men with no imagination.....Marcel Proust, Albertine disparue, 1925
It was a man's world until Eve arrived....Richard Armour
God help the man who will not marry until he finds the perfect woman....and God help him still more, if he finds her....Jenny Moore
Sure, God created man before woman. But then you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece....Author Unknown
Women cannot complain about men anymore until they start getting better taste in them....Bill Maher
Women are always beautiful....Ville Valo
Can you imagine a world without men? No crime and lots of happy fat women....Nicole Hollander
Women get the last word in every argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument....Author Unknown
Every woman is wrong until she cries, and then she is right - instantly.....Sam Slick (Thomas Chandler Haliburton)
When men reach their sixties and retire, they go to pieces. Women go right on cooking....Gail Sheehy
Be to her virtues very kind,Be to her faults a little blind......Matthew Prior
They may talk of a comet, or a burning mountain, or some such bagatelle; but to me a modest woman, dressed out in all her finery, is the most tremendous object of the whole creation. ....Oliver Goldsmith
You see, dear, it is not true that woman was made from man's rib; she was really made from his funny bone......J.M. Barrie, What Every Woman Knows
If women didn't exist, all the money in the world would have no meaning.....Aristotle Onassis
Women are never stronger than when they arm themselves with their weakness......Marie de Vichy-Chamrond, Marquise du Deffand, Letters to Voltaire
All women are basically in competition with each other for a handful of eligible men.....Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966
A woman should soften, but not weaken a man......Sigmund Freud
Let us leave the beautiful women to men with no imagination.....Marcel Proust, Albertine disparue, 1925
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Really Empty Nest
I've been trying to figure out why I've been so sad lately. I am not normally a sad or depressed person. I'm a pretty happy- go-lucky, easy going kind of girl, and I don't like this feeling of sadness. I thought maybe it was because I like summer when the sun is out full force, not these dark and dreary days. Or maybe, it 's because I'm at the undesirable age where female hormones are at a minimal, and emotions abound. Or, it could be that it is really difficult seeing my parents get old and feeble, knowing that they will not be here forever.
All of the above situations may play a roll in my sadness, but I think I figured it out. I am living alone for the first time in my life. My youngest son moved out October 1st, and I am now all alone. All alone...just me... all by myself. ( Are you crying for me, yet? LOL) Of course, I am not really all alone. God is ever present in my life, but I am talking in the physical.
Ryan actually moved out a few years ago for just a few months, but he decided to finish college, so he moved back in to keep his expenses at a minimum. He was working at a part-time job while going to school. He has, within the past few months, gotten a good paying full-time job, and is almost finished with school. I am pretty sure he won't be moving back home again.
Don't get me wrong....he's 28 years old. I'm glad that he doesn't want to live with his mother forever. I wanted my sons to grow up and make it on their own. That's how I raised them, but it doesn't keep my house from seeming empty.
I googled "empty nest syndrome" and found this:
"It's natural for a mother to feel some sadness when her child leaves home.It is quite normal to have a little weep now and again – or even go into the absent child's bedroom and sit there for a bit in an attempt to feel closer to him or her.We know of a successful, busy and confident woman - an agony aunt, in fact - who admitted she went into her son's bedroom to sniff his T-shirt shortly after he left to go to university for the first time.So don't be ashamed of your feelings - they are natural. "
Believe me....I don't miss him enough to smell his shirts!! I'm not THAT sad!! But, it is good to know that my feeling of sadness is normal. I'm sure it won't last for long. It even goes away at times....like when I come home from work, and my kitchen is still clean. And when I go into his bathroom, and don't have to pick his towels up off the floor. I'm also looking forward to turning his bedroom into a multi-task room for myself. One where I can place my computer desk, treadmill, and sewing machine, etc. I can now have my two guest rooms without other clutter.
Hmmm, I think I'm feeling better and a little less sad, already!!
Also I found out that I was right about the other factors playing a role in my sadness. The "empty nest" site also had this to say:
"When a woman is at the stage in life where her kids are leaving, she may also be going through other major changes, such as dealing with the menopause or trying to cope with increasingly dependent elderly parents. "
So, I'm glad to know that I am a normal person!! I'll get through this and be happy again soon. In the mean time, I know that I can still talk to God anytime. He is here and understands....
Have a blessed weekend.....Gayla
All of the above situations may play a roll in my sadness, but I think I figured it out. I am living alone for the first time in my life. My youngest son moved out October 1st, and I am now all alone. All alone...just me... all by myself. ( Are you crying for me, yet? LOL) Of course, I am not really all alone. God is ever present in my life, but I am talking in the physical.
Ryan actually moved out a few years ago for just a few months, but he decided to finish college, so he moved back in to keep his expenses at a minimum. He was working at a part-time job while going to school. He has, within the past few months, gotten a good paying full-time job, and is almost finished with school. I am pretty sure he won't be moving back home again.
Don't get me wrong....he's 28 years old. I'm glad that he doesn't want to live with his mother forever. I wanted my sons to grow up and make it on their own. That's how I raised them, but it doesn't keep my house from seeming empty.
I googled "empty nest syndrome" and found this:
"It's natural for a mother to feel some sadness when her child leaves home.It is quite normal to have a little weep now and again – or even go into the absent child's bedroom and sit there for a bit in an attempt to feel closer to him or her.We know of a successful, busy and confident woman - an agony aunt, in fact - who admitted she went into her son's bedroom to sniff his T-shirt shortly after he left to go to university for the first time.So don't be ashamed of your feelings - they are natural. "
Believe me....I don't miss him enough to smell his shirts!! I'm not THAT sad!! But, it is good to know that my feeling of sadness is normal. I'm sure it won't last for long. It even goes away at times....like when I come home from work, and my kitchen is still clean. And when I go into his bathroom, and don't have to pick his towels up off the floor. I'm also looking forward to turning his bedroom into a multi-task room for myself. One where I can place my computer desk, treadmill, and sewing machine, etc. I can now have my two guest rooms without other clutter.
Hmmm, I think I'm feeling better and a little less sad, already!!
Also I found out that I was right about the other factors playing a role in my sadness. The "empty nest" site also had this to say:
"When a woman is at the stage in life where her kids are leaving, she may also be going through other major changes, such as dealing with the menopause or trying to cope with increasingly dependent elderly parents. "
So, I'm glad to know that I am a normal person!! I'll get through this and be happy again soon. In the mean time, I know that I can still talk to God anytime. He is here and understands....
Have a blessed weekend.....Gayla
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Updates
Update #1...I got my phone call....Mystery Man is forgiven..:)
Update #2...I just took my Dad home from the hospital. He is doing very well, just tired. He has no residual effects from the stroke at all. Thank God, He is sooo good!! The doctor started him on a new medication that will hopefully keep him from having another (larger) stroke. The other tests they ran looked good. We thank you all for your prayers!!
Tell your family you love them while you can....Gayla
Update #2...I just took my Dad home from the hospital. He is doing very well, just tired. He has no residual effects from the stroke at all. Thank God, He is sooo good!! The doctor started him on a new medication that will hopefully keep him from having another (larger) stroke. The other tests they ran looked good. We thank you all for your prayers!!
Tell your family you love them while you can....Gayla
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Please Pray for My Father
Well, I just got home from Kaiser hospital. This afternoon about 3:40, I got a call from my Mother. She thought my Dad was having a stroke. I persuaded her to call 911, as I knew they could get there before me.
Being a nurse, I know that there is only a three hour window for a stroke. The patient needs to have a CAT scan immediately, and if the stroke is not caused by a bleed in the brain, then it is caused by an embolism. To break up the clot, a medication that is termed "clot busters" is given, but it won't do any good if given after 3 hours after the first signs of the stroke. That was the main reason I wanted her to call 911.
I actually got to their house just as the ambulance was leaving for the hospital. Dad was doing better, but still had some slurred speech, but it wasn't very bad. He had been having weakness on the right side, but that was already better, too. After we got to the hospital, it took them FOREVER to get him to CT for the scan. By the time they determined that it wasn't a bleed, (if it was caused by a bleed, then of course, they would not give the clot buster...that's why the CT)Dad's speech was worse, and very, very slurred, and the 3 hours was now up. We made the decision to give Dad the clot buster, even though there is a risk that it will cause hemorrhage and death. We felt that the chances of the stroke worsening were greater than the chances of bleeding.
By the time they got the medication from the pharmacy to ER and they were ready to start it, Dad's speech was better, again. He had no other signs of stroke at this point, and since he was getting better, the decision to hold off on the medication was made. If his stroke were to get worse again, though, he could not get the clot buster. What a decision!!....but I knew that they had prayer for Dad at church, so I felt confident of my/our final decision. I KNOW that God is a God who hears and answers prayer, and is the Great Physician. I thank Him for hearing our prayers one more time!!!
When I left the hospital, Dad was doing great!! No more slurred speech or anything. They were keeping him over night for a 23 hour period, and plan to run a few tests tomorrow. If everything looks good, they will discharge him tomorrow. Please pray that he continues to do well.
Dad will turn 88 on Nov 3, and he isn't very strong since his heart attacks last year, but he is still my "Daddy" and I don't want to see him suffer.
I'm very tired, so I think I'll hush and go to bed. Thank you for your prayers....Gayla
Being a nurse, I know that there is only a three hour window for a stroke. The patient needs to have a CAT scan immediately, and if the stroke is not caused by a bleed in the brain, then it is caused by an embolism. To break up the clot, a medication that is termed "clot busters" is given, but it won't do any good if given after 3 hours after the first signs of the stroke. That was the main reason I wanted her to call 911.
I actually got to their house just as the ambulance was leaving for the hospital. Dad was doing better, but still had some slurred speech, but it wasn't very bad. He had been having weakness on the right side, but that was already better, too. After we got to the hospital, it took them FOREVER to get him to CT for the scan. By the time they determined that it wasn't a bleed, (if it was caused by a bleed, then of course, they would not give the clot buster...that's why the CT)Dad's speech was worse, and very, very slurred, and the 3 hours was now up. We made the decision to give Dad the clot buster, even though there is a risk that it will cause hemorrhage and death. We felt that the chances of the stroke worsening were greater than the chances of bleeding.
By the time they got the medication from the pharmacy to ER and they were ready to start it, Dad's speech was better, again. He had no other signs of stroke at this point, and since he was getting better, the decision to hold off on the medication was made. If his stroke were to get worse again, though, he could not get the clot buster. What a decision!!....but I knew that they had prayer for Dad at church, so I felt confident of my/our final decision. I KNOW that God is a God who hears and answers prayer, and is the Great Physician. I thank Him for hearing our prayers one more time!!!
When I left the hospital, Dad was doing great!! No more slurred speech or anything. They were keeping him over night for a 23 hour period, and plan to run a few tests tomorrow. If everything looks good, they will discharge him tomorrow. Please pray that he continues to do well.
Dad will turn 88 on Nov 3, and he isn't very strong since his heart attacks last year, but he is still my "Daddy" and I don't want to see him suffer.
I'm very tired, so I think I'll hush and go to bed. Thank you for your prayers....Gayla
MEN!!! Who needs'em, anyway???
MEN!!! I hate them!!! Well, I don't really hate them all, just one "mystery man" in particular!! And, well....I don't really hate him, either...I don't hate anyone, since that's a sin. LOL I'm just kind of miffed at him, ok? Why does a man tell you he'll call you at a certain time, and then he doesn't? I have never figured that out. Does anyone else know why? "Mystery Man" always calls when he says he will, so what happened last night???? I guess I might give him a break until I find out why he didn't. One thing I NEVER do is, sit by the phone and wait for a phone call. I have a lot more things to do in life than that, but last night I was home anyway, and he said he'd call...so...!! ARRGGHHH
One thing I am sure of...I'm too old for this kind of thing. This is what used to happen in Junior High and High School!!! But, now???? No game playing for me, nosiree!! Not at this age, life is too short!!
You know what I've found out over the last 17 years of single-life? I don't NEED a man!!!.....but I sure do WANT one....!! I raised my 3 sons by myself during the hardest time of raising kids...while they were teenagers!! They didn't turn out so bad, they're awesome men, now. I put myself through nursing school while they were all at home, and have taken care of everything myself, from the yard, to the car, to the house, and the bills. Of course, I didn't always do everything myself, but I was the one to get it taken care of. So...I'm quite capable of handling life without a man. Then why do I want one??? For the companionship, the camaraderie, knowing that someone loves you just for being you, (besides my mother! LOL), someone special to share your day with, the hugs, and yes, the kisses...
So, where are all of the GOOD, single, men? I sure haven't found the spot!! Does anyone have any suggestions???
I know that in God's perfect time, the perfect man... for me... will appear. In the mean time, I do enjoy life. I don't just sit at home crying, waiting for him to knock on my door. I laugh a lot, travel often, and generally enjoy life while waiting for him to come along.
Ok, I guess this is quite a silly post, but that's how I'm feeling today............ :)
Be blessed and live in HIS presence!! Gayla
One thing I am sure of...I'm too old for this kind of thing. This is what used to happen in Junior High and High School!!! But, now???? No game playing for me, nosiree!! Not at this age, life is too short!!
You know what I've found out over the last 17 years of single-life? I don't NEED a man!!!.....but I sure do WANT one....!! I raised my 3 sons by myself during the hardest time of raising kids...while they were teenagers!! They didn't turn out so bad, they're awesome men, now. I put myself through nursing school while they were all at home, and have taken care of everything myself, from the yard, to the car, to the house, and the bills. Of course, I didn't always do everything myself, but I was the one to get it taken care of. So...I'm quite capable of handling life without a man. Then why do I want one??? For the companionship, the camaraderie, knowing that someone loves you just for being you, (besides my mother! LOL), someone special to share your day with, the hugs, and yes, the kisses...
So, where are all of the GOOD, single, men? I sure haven't found the spot!! Does anyone have any suggestions???
I know that in God's perfect time, the perfect man... for me... will appear. In the mean time, I do enjoy life. I don't just sit at home crying, waiting for him to knock on my door. I laugh a lot, travel often, and generally enjoy life while waiting for him to come along.
Ok, I guess this is quite a silly post, but that's how I'm feeling today............ :)
Be blessed and live in HIS presence!! Gayla
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
LOOOOONG Day
Today was one of the longest days of my life!! I thought it would NEVER end. First, I had a difficult time getting out of bed before dawn!! LOL Then, I got to work and we were short a nurse or two, and E.R. was filled to maximum capacity, so they had to give me a full assignment on my first day back.
I actually managed and my day wasn't bad at all. I had some really good patients to care for. I just felt like the day would never end, due to my not being used to being there.
My knee is sore, and my leg is really swollen now, though. I work 12 hour shifts, and am on my feet ALL day, so my knee got a real work-out today.
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I thank God every day for blessing me with a good job. I truly am blessed!! I have tomorrow off to rest up before I have to go back to work Thursday and Friday, so that will help.
YIPEE!!!.......Just 3 more weeks until West Coast Conference!!! Can't wait....it will be another awesome year!! Hope to see you all there.........
Blessings to you all.....Gayla
I actually managed and my day wasn't bad at all. I had some really good patients to care for. I just felt like the day would never end, due to my not being used to being there.
My knee is sore, and my leg is really swollen now, though. I work 12 hour shifts, and am on my feet ALL day, so my knee got a real work-out today.
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I thank God every day for blessing me with a good job. I truly am blessed!! I have tomorrow off to rest up before I have to go back to work Thursday and Friday, so that will help.
YIPEE!!!.......Just 3 more weeks until West Coast Conference!!! Can't wait....it will be another awesome year!! Hope to see you all there.........
Blessings to you all.....Gayla
Monday, October 15, 2007
The Cruelness of Alzheimer's
He is a gentleman in every sense of the word. He is soft spoken, and is one of the kindest people you could ever hope to meet.
I've known Bro. Orville Talsness for about 40 years. I was a young teenager when he first brought his family to our church. I will never forget that he has ALWAYS called his wife "his bride" and even though they are in the golden years of life, it is evident that they are still in love.
He was with his oldest daughter last Friday. She had gone with him to a doctor's appointment. He took her home and dropped her off around 6:00 P.M. that evening, and was headed for his own home which wasn't far. I got a call about 11:00 P.M. Friday night telling me that he was missing. The police were notified, and his grandkids were out looking for him.
On Saturday morning there was still no word. We were all praying that God would help him to be found. There was no evidence of foul play, but in this world now days, that was not to be ruled out. It was known that he had his ATM card with him, but not much else. He didn't take his cell phone, as he was only going to the doctor.
By Saturday night, his family was able to get some records from the bank, and it was apparent that his ATM card was being used. The last place was in Sparks, NV. (That's quite a distance from Fresno, Ca.....) With help from the bank, they were able to determine that the card was used at a towing company. Now, they realized it might be him, and that he had car trouble of some sort. A phone call to the towing company revealed that it was indeed Bro. Talsness, and that he had run out of gas. A Nevada Highway Patrol had stopped to help him, and is the one who called the towing company. The HP said he did not seem confused, but had said he was "trying to catch up with his family". The missing persons bulletin had only gone out in California so far, so the Nevada HP had no idea he was missing. Now, though, they were alerted to keep a watch for him, and that he was most likely still traveling on I80 headed for Utah. His family was praying that he would be seen before he reached Utah, though, or the process would have to start all over again!! (I don't get that!!!!!....)
Sunday morning, our Pastor, Bro. Morton was leading worship with the Sunday School workers. He announced that Bro. Talsness was still missing and instructed them to pray that God would help them locate him RIGHT NOW!! Ten minutes later, Bro. Morton got a phone call telling him that Bro. Talsness had been found. He was stuck in the sand in Winnemucca, NV!!! Bro. Talsness was allright, but confused and dehydrated. They placed him in the hospital to await the arrival of his family. He made it back home today, and is doing well. He doesn't remember anything about his spontaneous "vacation", though. Thank God!!! He DOES answer prayer!!
I wasn't aware that Bro. Talsness has early Alzheimer's. He still drives his wife and himself to church, and seems to be fine when I talk to him. Granted, I don't usually carry on a lengthy conversation with him, so that may be why I never noticed.
Alzheimer's is one of the most cruel diseases there is. A person that has been intelligent, kind, loving, etc. can be turned into someone who is just the opposite from what they have been. It is so painful for the family to watch a loved one slowly lose his/her mind due to Alzheimer's. I pray for the Talsness family for God to help them and give them strength.
Well.....tomorrow is my first day back to work in 3 months. (See previous blogs). I will let you all know how it goes. The hardest part will be having to get out of bed at 6am, again!!! LOL
Be Blessed... Gayla
I've known Bro. Orville Talsness for about 40 years. I was a young teenager when he first brought his family to our church. I will never forget that he has ALWAYS called his wife "his bride" and even though they are in the golden years of life, it is evident that they are still in love.
He was with his oldest daughter last Friday. She had gone with him to a doctor's appointment. He took her home and dropped her off around 6:00 P.M. that evening, and was headed for his own home which wasn't far. I got a call about 11:00 P.M. Friday night telling me that he was missing. The police were notified, and his grandkids were out looking for him.
On Saturday morning there was still no word. We were all praying that God would help him to be found. There was no evidence of foul play, but in this world now days, that was not to be ruled out. It was known that he had his ATM card with him, but not much else. He didn't take his cell phone, as he was only going to the doctor.
By Saturday night, his family was able to get some records from the bank, and it was apparent that his ATM card was being used. The last place was in Sparks, NV. (That's quite a distance from Fresno, Ca.....) With help from the bank, they were able to determine that the card was used at a towing company. Now, they realized it might be him, and that he had car trouble of some sort. A phone call to the towing company revealed that it was indeed Bro. Talsness, and that he had run out of gas. A Nevada Highway Patrol had stopped to help him, and is the one who called the towing company. The HP said he did not seem confused, but had said he was "trying to catch up with his family". The missing persons bulletin had only gone out in California so far, so the Nevada HP had no idea he was missing. Now, though, they were alerted to keep a watch for him, and that he was most likely still traveling on I80 headed for Utah. His family was praying that he would be seen before he reached Utah, though, or the process would have to start all over again!! (I don't get that!!!!!....)
Sunday morning, our Pastor, Bro. Morton was leading worship with the Sunday School workers. He announced that Bro. Talsness was still missing and instructed them to pray that God would help them locate him RIGHT NOW!! Ten minutes later, Bro. Morton got a phone call telling him that Bro. Talsness had been found. He was stuck in the sand in Winnemucca, NV!!! Bro. Talsness was allright, but confused and dehydrated. They placed him in the hospital to await the arrival of his family. He made it back home today, and is doing well. He doesn't remember anything about his spontaneous "vacation", though. Thank God!!! He DOES answer prayer!!
I wasn't aware that Bro. Talsness has early Alzheimer's. He still drives his wife and himself to church, and seems to be fine when I talk to him. Granted, I don't usually carry on a lengthy conversation with him, so that may be why I never noticed.
Alzheimer's is one of the most cruel diseases there is. A person that has been intelligent, kind, loving, etc. can be turned into someone who is just the opposite from what they have been. It is so painful for the family to watch a loved one slowly lose his/her mind due to Alzheimer's. I pray for the Talsness family for God to help them and give them strength.
Well.....tomorrow is my first day back to work in 3 months. (See previous blogs). I will let you all know how it goes. The hardest part will be having to get out of bed at 6am, again!!! LOL
Be Blessed... Gayla