Truthful Tidbits - Bits and Pieces of My Life

John's Heart Cath Update...Living our "New Normal"!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:59:00 +0000

Life has been kind of hectic since April 2017, when my husband wasn't feeling well, and he went to the doctor and found out he was in AFib. Of course you become concerned,... and want to know what is causing it..and why his heart rate has become so irregular???? But our family doctor took precautions by giving him medicine so that a stroke wouldn't happen, and or a clot brain, or to his heart...and he arranged for an immediate appointment with a heart doctor.

In a previous post I have told of the processes, and the series of tests that he has undergone since that day in April, and how he received a pacemaker in July,... but I am posting again to say that we have a much better handle on the situation now...and have decided to move forward in our "new normal",...and we are choosing to let go of the fears and uncertainties and start enjoying life again.

The recent heart cath did not show any blockages, or abnormalities, and although he still experiences pressure on his chest and sometimes feels short of breath, the heart doctor has given him the ok to go on with his regular activities,..and has told us we can even do some travelling if we want to. After nearly 5 months of taking it easy and hardly doing anything as they explored his health issues, he has lost strength and energy...but we are working on building those back up, and the main thing is our mental stresses kept us tense and on edge, and we are freeing ourselves from those, and just going to trust the doctor..and his findings, and trust the Lord to take care of us, and move forward!

Isn't that what life is like for all of us? Each day requires faith and trust...and hope! When we start to fear, and worry, and lose our faith and trust, life starts to crumble!

Health is important...and we should all take care of ourselves and strive for good health and well being. But as we have gone through this, we realize how important it is to have our minds focused on the right things...and to not let our fears take over! Worrying gets you nowhere...fast! Ha!

So after tests, meds., a pacemaker, and a heart cath...we are choosing to take his doctor's advice and move on past the worries...and fears, and live our lives! Cautiously and wisely...but choosing to walk by faith, and trust!

We feel blessed to have a new day, (each and every day)...to live in our "new normal", and to appreciate the joys of life! His mercies are new every morning...great is His faithfulness!

Have a blessed day everybody! :)

Our Baby Girl Turns 45!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 21:46:00 +0000

Today is our youngest daughter Lonna's 45th birthday! Isn't she pretty? She has a fun and ornery side...which you can kind of see by that twinkle in her eyes! But she has a kind, and loving heart too, and has always wanted to help people. She's that way about pets too, and has always taken in strays.
She has 4 kids. The boys are now 21, and 20,....and her girls are 19, and 17! Yes, she had them close together, so she was a busy mama when they were young, and when they were little she would have to load up 4 car seats everywhere she went! She amazed me...and still does, at how she can handle 4 kids, and all that goes on in their busy lives, and also hold down a full time job, and manage a home.
She loves Jesus and serves Him by loving others! I'm proud of her, and I love her so much.

I can't help thinking of this as my special day too...since I was the one who brought her into this world!
(It doesn't seem possible that is has been 45 years since I had my last baby! Ha! That time of my life was so special to me when my babies were born. I loved being a mommy to my three girls!
I have also loved being a grandma. Children are a precious gift from God into our lives!

Hubby Has Heart Issues...Heart Cath Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Since the middle of April, my husband John has been dealing with heart problems. We went to our family doctor because he just wasn't feeling well, and they said he was having A-Fib, so they gave him some medicine and they got him into the heart doctor the next day. The heart doctor did an exam and gave him some tests, and told him to stay the on blood thinner and blood pressure meds, and scheduled him for an echo and a nuclear stress test. He didn't pass the stress tests and they made an appointment to shock his heart back into rhythm. He went into the hospital one morning so they could do the shock procedure, and he was hopeful that it would fix his issues. After time passed while he was on the meds his heart rate got really low and once or twice his pulse was only 37. He also was having low blood pressure, so they cut his medicine in half and that helped, but he was still fluctuating and just not feeling well.

John continued to feel tired, and was still having chest pressure and weakness, so after awhile the doctor decided to give him a pacemaker, to keep his pulse from going lower than 60. That was a month ago...and the procedure went well, but he has continued to not feel well. They are going to do a heart cath to see if he has blockage. If he does have blockage they will put in a stent...or maybe more than one. Tomorrow morning he will go in for that procedure. Please pray for him...and for me too please. These last few months have been hard, and we have just been taking one day at a time...and praying for God's protection and direction. John is 71 and has always been in pretty good health, so this has all been new to us...and kind of hard to deal with. We know it is common for people in their seventies to have some of these issues, and we are thankful for the doctors, and their abilities. It is amazing what they can do these days.

The Lord has been very good to us, and we feel extremely blessed. We have placed our faith and trust in "The One" who made the heavens and the earth! We are also thankful for the love, care, and prayers of our friends and family!

Hopefully I will have good news to report after the heart cath procedure! :)

God is good all the time...
Linda

Blogging Has Taken A Backseat In My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 15:49:00 +0000

There was a time when I loved blogging. It was a fun way for me to express my feelings, tell stories from my childhood, share events that were happening in the lives of my kids and grandkids...and I enjoyed it so much! Somewhere along the way blogging took a backseat in my life...and I didn't even see it coming!

When I joined facebook in 2008, it seemed like it was a quick way to post pictures and a short review of things that were happening on a day to day basis, and a place where I could keep up with friends and family. I guess it seemed more simple...and just easier for me. But all of that said, I think I do miss my blog friendships and all of their stories and decorating posts and meme's. So the other day I tried to sign into my blog...and couldn't find it on my new computer! It seems when we got set up, somehow I was blocked out of my blog...and I couldn't figure out how to get back in! So, when my adult granddaughter Abigail recently visited from California I asked her to help me...and here I am again!

The problem with my new computer is that I don't know how to use it very well...and also there are no pictures in this computer yet. It stores things in a cloud...and I have no idea what that means...or how to do it! Ha! This poor 66 year old isn't tech savvy at all...and I always have to ask for help! Are any of you in the same boat? It is just so hard to teach an old dog new tricks! At least that is how it is with me!

I did discover how to put this picture from my blog at the top of this post a little bit ago...
but when trying to add another one here in the middle, I can't quite figure it out. So the Birthday balloons are for my granddaughter Adelynn Rose who turns 17 today! :) Yup...she can get her license now! She has loved driving with her mom with her permit...but now she can actually drive on her own!

Isn't it wonderful when each new stage of life brings it's blessings?! I do enjoy seeing each of our grandkids reach new goals and in fact, our oldest grandson just got married last Saturday to his beautiful and precious Maria! We rejoice with them as they start their new life together in California.

Oh hallelujah...I got a picture to post here in the right place! Wonders never cease! Ha!
This is a picture of Jared when he went to a movie premiere to celebrate his music compositions that were in the film. He is a wonderful composer. But as I said there are no recent pictures stored in this computer yet, so only ones from previous blog posts are available, and so I can't post the ones of his new bride!

Here's Adelynn in the black sweater! And her sister Julia too.
Happy 17th Birthday Adelynn Rose! This picture is from a few years ago. Grandma loves my kiddos!

Ok...well I guess that's all for today! I hope I will find my way back to blogging at some point!
Have a great day everyone!

Counting our Blessings! (Our Grandson made it through tragic shootings at his workplace!)

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 21:52:00 +0000

What a scare we had last Thursday when a gunman opened fire on a lawnmower factory where our grandson was working in Hesston, Kansas. There were a couple hundred men and women in there doing their jobs, when one of their own, burst into the shop with guns and went on a rampage killing and wounding people as they frantically ran for their lives. Our grandson heard the bullets flying past him and the guy behind him got shot in the leg as they were running.

It was a call from our daughter that alerted us to the danger our 20 year old grandson was in. She wanted to call us before we saw it on the news. She quickly told us that her son had fled to a back part of the building with everyone else that was being told to run for safety because there was a shooter. He called his mom and told her he was ok...but from where they were hiding, he had no idea if the shooter was still in there shooting, or if he had been brought down. We turned on the news and held our breath as we watched the chaos on TV. Then we started praying and begging God to help the police to capture the shooter so that our grandson, and all of the others would be safe.

The brave chief of police went in on his own and was fired upon, and as the bullet exchange went on, the shooter was hit, and killed. It was quite awhile before everything was checked out, and figured out by the police as to whether there were anymore shooters etc., and eventually the wounded were taken to surrounding hospitals and medical centers...and some were taken there by helicopter.

I sat in a daze as we watched for several hours and heard the details of how this all came about. (The man had shot people along the road and in the parking lot before he got inside the factory.) People were telling the stories of what they saw and heard, and how people were lying in the ditch along the side of the road, and in the parking lot. The workers were so shook up and all they wanted to know was if their co-workers and friends were ok. It was such a nightmare.

People like us were glued to the TV hoping to see our loved ones walk out unharmed.
It was such a terrible thing...and our hearts go out to all of those who lost their loved ones...and to all who found out that their loved ones had been injured.

A few days have passed now, and I am still counting our blessings that our grandson and his friends are safe. But we still can't believe that such a terrible thing has happened in small town Kansas. It seems that no place is safe from harm...and we just never know what can happen do we?

I tell you what though...it sure makes you want to let your loved ones know how very much they mean to you, and just how very much you love them. This grandson of ours had been living with us since he was 18, and we saw him on a daily basis, but he got his own place a few months ago, and so we have been missing him...but we are happy that he and a couple of his buddies have been able to get a place of their own. We pray for them every day. We pray for good things in their lives...and for God's protection. We are so thankful that God did protect him on this tragic occasion. And now I pray that the terror he went through will fade as the days go by, and that peace will come to him. This grandma wishes she could make it all go away...and that I could erase it from his memory...but of course I cannot.

Each day we have to trust, hope, and pray, that all of the people who have been through this will lean on God, family, friends and each other...and get through this together.

Home Sweet Home

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 21:34:00 +0000

It has been ages since I have written anything on my blog! I have been busy the last several months moving and settling into our new home. It's not "new"...just new to us! It has been a real experience moving this time, since I am now 65, and my husband is 70! We don't have the energy and stamina that we once had, so this process has been a long one. (And it is still going on really!) But we are getting through it...and even having fun along the way.

We are downsizing, as many seniors do at this stage of their lives. I call our new place "Sandhill Cottage"...since Sandhill is the street we live on. Our place is smaller, but not really small, as we do have 2100 sq. feet...but our last home was nearly 3400 sq. ft., and it had lots of places to store stuff, and this home doesn't. But we are purging, and making room with under the bed storage containers etc. We have been collecting stuff for nearly 40 years of marriage...and it is time to dwindle things down, so that life is more manageable. But once again, that is a process.

One thing for sure...we hope we don't ever have to move again! Ha! We did have helpers, with a couple of our sons in law, and some adult grand-kids... and their friends, and our daughters. Plus with all of the additional help we hired for carpet cleaning, painting, and repair work...we really haven't done it all ourselves or anything. No, we have been blessed with helpers, and with the Lord's provisions. He has always provided for our needs...and also for many of our "wants"!!!! God has been so good to us...and so faithful! We praise Him for His many blessings!
We had a lovely Thanksgiving...and now here we are looking towards Christmas in our new home in just a couple of weeks! And we are having fun decorating our cute house, and we enjoy looking out to our backyard, which is much larger than the yard at our last home. We have a tree row behind this house, and lots of squirrels running around. We have also seen a lot of birds. My husband and I love cardinals...and we have seen some here. I think when you get older you take more time to enjoy the beauty of nature! :) We have enjoyed a rainbow recently, and many beautiful sunsets together. I am saying that we are entering our "sunset years"...and I say that with a happy heart...not a sad one. :) We have nearly 40 years of marriage behind us...and we look forward to reaching 50 and beyond if the Lord wills! We enjoy our life together...and we treasure our three daughters and their spouses and our 11 grand-kids. (Also fondly remember our three grand-kids that went to be with Jesus and the miscarried grand-babies too, even though we never met them.)

Yes, life is an adventure...and we thank the Lord for each and every day He gives us! This time of year reminds us to be thankful for all His gifts...especially for the gift of Jesus!

I'm not sure when I will blog again, since I have been out of the habit...and spend most of my time on facebook these days for quick updates, and for keeping up with family and friends who live far away, or those we don't see. But I do have fond memories of writing, and reading blog-posts over the last several years. It was a place where I could share my heart, and also my poetry and stories, and it has been a good outlet in the past. Perhaps it will become that again...who knows?!!! I still read a few blogs and keep up with several people I have on my prayer list. I feel like prayer is a ministry to those who have special needs. God has been so faithful...and he hears our prayers and sends many answers to our requests for others, as well as ourselves. Yes, our God is an awesome God.

Have a blessed Christmas...and a Happy New Year!

Love, Linda

Jared Kraft Composed Music for "Luiseno"

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:37:00 +0000

Proud Grandma moment...please forgive boasting.
These are my six words this Saturday

Click on the button above and add your Six Word Post! :)

Our composer grandson Jared Kraft, attended the Premiere of the new film "Luiseno", last night in Beverly Hills. (Jared composed all the music for the film.) He was accompanied by his artist sister, Abigail Kraft.
Click below for info on the film, "Luiseno"

http://www.theclause.org/2014/11/apu-capstone-film-luiseo/

Our oldest grandson Jared is looking so handsome in his Tuxedo! (Proud Grandma)

Jared and his artist sister Abigail have always been close. They are like twins born nearly 3 years apart! Ha!

Quirky, beautiful, and talented Abigail enjoyed her evening out, and loved attending the Premiere with her older brother Jared.

God has greatly blessed these young adults with many talents, and we look forward to seeing how the Lord will use them to serve others as they put their talents to good use!

Happy Saturday everyone!

Six Word Saturday...99 Cent Find at the Goodwill

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 17:56:00 +0000

I found this adorable little basket at the Goodwill the other day for just 99 cents! So my Six Words for today are:

99 Cent Find at the Goodwill

Click on the link below and add your six words


It has a lovely cloth liner and a plastic protector


It looks lovely sitting on my clock shelf!

Yes...it is a miniature Longaberger collectible!


So tiny and cute!

It is a miniature Peony Basket

Don't you just love it when you find a bargain?
I know I do!
Have a great Saturday!

Happy Valentine's Day My Fellow Bloggers! (Six Word Saturday)

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Well, it seems I am just a Holiday blogger these days! Since my last post was around Christmas, and now it is Valentines Day already!!! I do still enjoy reading blogs...but just don't seem to get around to doing new posts. Ugh! I do keep up with my friends on facebook on a regular basis, and that keeps me quite busy and content. I can do that on my i-phone and it is so easy. But when I do any typing at length I find that I like to sit at my computer!

Since I posted last, we have taken our house off of the market...at least for the time being. We intend to list it again for the spring buyers. Winter just wasn't bringing us many lookers! :) And we needed a rest anyway, since it had been listed for over 8 months. That is a long time to keep it looking spotless! We needed some time away from it...and did go to Kansas City for a week, and it was very relaxing. We were looking to buy down in size and price to simplify our lives since this year hubby will turn 70, and I will be 65. If it doesn't sell, then we will just put it off for awhile and see what happens next! The market is supposed to be picking up around here...at least we hope so. We have lived here for 8 years and loved every minute of it.

Our middle daughter Lynnette, and her husband Kyle and six kids are moving to Fresno, California this month...and since we live in Kansas, it is hard to see them move so far away! However, we do feel this move is a blessing for them, so we will accept it with grace, and wish them our very best! Of course our prayers will go with them...and we fully intend to visit as much as we possibly can! :) Here is a picture of the daughter with the six kids. We spent time with them last week in Kansas City. They are a fun bunch!

Last night we went to the movies with the family in the second picture. Those three live a mile away from us. We saw the movie "Old Fashioned" and it was good. Then out for a snack and then on to a local coffee shop. We had a great time. They had live music at the coffee shop!

The bottom picture is of our youngest daughter and her four kids. We are meeting up with some of them today for lunch and a movie. So glad we can do that, and catch up with what all is going on with them. It is fun to be around teens...they keep you young! :)

Yes...two daughters and their families live close by and we feel greatly blessed! All together we have 11 grandkids, and 6 of them will be moving to California though,...so things will seem different at our family gatherings for sure. But we will continue to enjoy ourselves and perhaps face-time with them when the rest of the family is together. Thank heavens for technology! :)

In the last few weeks our weather has been up and down, but we have had some simply marvelous temperatures for it being the middle of winter in the mid-west! My husband John was even able to pay golf a few times during the warm spell! We certainly can't complain. I know the people in the north-east have had quite a bit of snow...and I know they will enjoy spring when it arrives next month! I love springtime don't you? Spring and autumn are my favorite seasons...but each season has its own beauty and blessings and purposes! We do need to look for the blessing in everything that comes our way and be thankful.

I am wanting to do some spring clean out and get ready to list the house again. Purging and organizing can be quite freeing...and really should be done at least once or twice a year to keep life running smoothly don't ya think?!

Ingrid is my daughter Lynnette's book...available on Amazon! :) Young adult fiction I know you would enjoy! My daughter wrote it, her adult daughter Abigail Kraft drew the cover and illustrated it, and her adult son Jared Kraft composed a companion cd to go with the book. I am quite proud of their accomplishments!

I have been quite the reader this winter. I do so enjoy a cup of tea or two, and a good book! How about you? What are your winter past-times? I actually love to read anytime and anywhere...I find it so relaxing.
Hubby and I also read devotional books each morning as we sit with each other and open the Bible and have quiet time and prayers. One of my favorite parts of the day is the time spent together like that. It just seems to make the whole day go better for us. :) We couldn't do that before he retired...not in the morning at least...but it has become a routine for us now and we so very much enjoy it together.

I am writing this on Friday, (the 13th) but I will add it to the Six Word Saturday link. If you would like to join in with your six words then click on the link below and join in the fun. We have a group that has people from all over the world...and I find it quite interesting. (I am one who only joins in on occasions, but they still welcome me...and I am thankful!)

Six Word Saturday: Happy Valentine's Day My Fellow Bloggers!
Click on the box below to join in with Cate at SWS

Happy Saturday Everyone...and may love of God, friends, family, and acquaintances reach you on this Valentines Day 2015! I also hope you have had a good start to the New Year!

A Little Bit Of Christmas Decorating...and Quiet Reflection!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:10:00 +0000

This morning I got up before daylight...and I went around taking some pictures of the decorating I have done so far. Nothing real fancy or complicated...just some of the stuff I put out each year.

It was so peaceful and quiet as I snapped pictures and thought about that first Christmas morning when the Christ Child arrived!

Quiet reflection is good for our souls sometimes.

If you want to join in the fun and link up your blog today...click on the button below!

It's Saturday Again...So that means Six Word Saturday!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 13:43:00 +0000

Once Upon A Time... I Blogged!

I never blog anymore...never...ever...EXCEPT for Six Word Saturday occasionally! Tee hee I never intended to stop blogging...it just happened. It is kind of like life...it just happens!

I kind of like the idea of dropping in on occasion...when I want to...and not having to feel obligated to do a regular post. It is like my Six Word Saturday Friends are just so easy, and they still accept me even if I haven't hung out with them for awhile! :) And I like to drop by now and again and read their posts and catch up with what is going on "in their neck of the woods!" They are a varied group who live all over the world. I like to see the pictures they post from their trips or their tours...and like to hear about their lives. I guess I also like to tell them my problems once in awhile too, so they can give me a pep talk and some encouragement! :) Like right about now I could use some...because our silly house still hasn't sold, and it has been on the market since May 6th. It kinda brings me down sometimes...because even though it is a wonderful home, and we love it...we feel like we NEED to sell it for several reasons. But since fall has arrived and that means winter is just around the corner...we may have to give up for awhile and list it again next spring. (sigh)

People seem to make their plans and take steps to make things happen...but sometimes...for whatever reason...things do not always go "as planned"....(sigh) Ya know what I mean? I am not a pessimist....I usually am more of an optimist...and I do have faith in God...and in His plans for me...I really, really do! BUT, I am also human, and I grow weary at times. My husband is the same way....we try to be there for each other to encourage the other when one is "down in the dumps"...as they say. Today we are both feeling a little bit discouraged...so there is nobody to pull us up from the pit! (sigh)

Maybe we should play today...and go out for a ride in the country to look at all of the beautiful trees that are changing color. Maybe we should splurge and go out to lunch...or browse an antique store or two....what do ya think? :) Last weekend we took a quick trip to Kansas City to visit our middle daughter and her family and that was fun....and while we were gone our realtor held an Open House. We had about 6 families browse through our home, and she was encouraged, but it brought no call backs this whole week, so our hopes have been dashed...once again. (sigh)

What's that you say?... Stop complaining...and (sighing)...and leave it to the Lord? Ok...you're right! Thanks....I will try! :) He is always faithful...and has never let us down before. We have an abundance of blessings in our lives to be thankful for!!!

So, hey...this blogging thing has made me feel better today!

I am hoping you all will have a good Saturday...and a great week ahead!

Thanks for listening SWS friends! :)

Six Word Saturday...Still Waiting For House To Sell

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 13:47:00 +0000

Click on the link above and share your six words. Our hostess Cate has a place for you to join in!

My six words for today:
Still Waiting For House To Sell!

Here is a link to our home:
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2418-N-Fairway-Ln_Derby_KS_67037_M78414-58627

Hello friends,

Life has been a tiny bit stressful since May 7th when we listed our home. Yes... five months of house showings makes one weary! Really the hard part is that everyday we tidy the house just "in case" someone wants to come and view it...and so many days nobody calls for a showing. Ugh!

We have had several people view it over these 5 months, but not nearly as many as we thought. The market has been slow for re-sale homes in our area. We seem to get the most people through it when our realtor holds an open house, and we have had 4 of those so far. At our first open house we had 6 families come through, then the next time we had 14 families, then 6, and at the last one we had 8 families. We have 2 more open houses planned for October. (Our realtor is an absolute angel and she works hard for us.)

We have had a couple of serious lookers, and they really liked our house, one couple came back a couple of times, but then they decided to build one in our area instead. In fact there is a surge of new homes going up in our area....,so that seems to be our issue. If someone is in our price range, they think they can build and have everything just the way they want it. But I don't think that is true, because as we found out, it does cost a lot to add a sprinkler system, and landscaping bricks, edging, rock, mulch, and trees etc. (trees are costly and ours are 7 years old so they have some maturity now)...and then there are window coverings (also very costly for custom), and people don't think about all of the expenses "after" all of the building is done! And they may not be considering that....plus the fact that the building process takes about six months.

We have lowered the price a couple of times and now it is lower than we paid for it 7 years ago when it was new! If it weren't for the fact that we feel led to move to the town that our youngest daughter lives in, to help her with her 4 teenagers that she is raising alone, we might feel like giving up and just taking it off of the market. We do feel like we need to be closer to them to help, so we will continue to hang in there!

Who knows...maybe today will be the day that someone who can appreciate this lovely home will call for an appointment! After all...we do want someone to live here that will love it as much as we have.
We just need to quit worrying, and keep on trusting in God's perfect plan for us! We have been in this position before, (seven years ago) when we built this house and had our other house listed for 8 months before it sold. It worked out fine in the end though, six months to build and then we only had double house payments for two months...so that wasn't too bad, and it allowed us those two months to move into our new house at our own pace! (Which was really kind of nice!) Now we are 68 and 64 and moving at our leisure would be even nicer!

We have loved our beautiful home...and we have thoroughly enjoyed living in our town for 35 years now, and we wouldn't be moving if it weren't important to us to help our daughter and the grandkids. There is a time for every purpose under heaven! It is just that we humans don't like to wait! Ha! But God has to teach us patience, (it is a virtue), and we must remember that good will come from this! God has never let us down. He always provides for our needs. We have abundant blessings and we are so thankful for God's provision.

Today we are having a family gathering at lunch time, and we are excited to just relax and be together with all of our kids and grandkids. It is such a blessing when we can all be together to count our blessings, and to share in each others lives. Things are just things, and even houses are nothing compared to the love of family and friends.

Well, this is my post for this Saturday. I trust you will all enjoy your weekend!

I feel better after sharing my concerns! Thanks for listening friends! (Everyone needs to get things off their chests once in awhile!) :) Prayers appreciated!

It's that time again! Time for Six Word Saturday! Birthday time!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 23:49:00 +0000

Here are my Six Words:

Another Birthday Has Come And Gone!

If you want to join in with your Six Words Post just click on the link at the top of this post and join in the fun!

We went to Kansas City on my 64th birthday, August 19th, to celebrate with our middle daughter Lynnette and her husband Kyle, and their 6 kids whose ages are nearly 24, down to age 7. The 7 year old...(the baby of the family), Harrison, (blue shirt) turned 7 in July, so we also celebrated his birthday, and our grandson Jonas, (orange shirt) turns 11 tomorrow so we did his too. It was fun to spend this special time together!

We had fun playing games together!

Abigail (21) She isn't in these pictures, so I added one of her. She is such a sweetheart!

Jared 24 (on Sept. 12th) and his sweet momma Lynnette!

We used to get our whole family together for almost every birthday so we could celebrate together, but since this daughter and family have moved three hours away, we aren't able to do that very much these days. Our oldest daughter Lisa, and her husband Brad, and daughter Bailey were on their way home from their vacation in Estes Park Colorado. We went there with them last year and it was so much fun!

These are the vacationers who couldn't be with us! Lisa, Brad and Bailey...and below are Brad and Bailey, (21) on their trail ride in Estes Park.

Our youngest daughter Lonna (picture below), was working so she couldn't join us either. Her oldest son, William was headed to Colorado with some friends, (first road trip in his new '07 Impala.) And the other three kids, Julia, (16) Adelynn, (15 in Sept.) and Caleb (17) had school and work since it was during the week. We missed each of them.

Will took his '07 Impala on his first road trip to Colorado to a Red Rocks Concert

Jonas singing Happy Birthday to Grandma! Lynnette made me an eggless, gluten-free cheesecake and it was so good!

This was our first road trip in my husband John's '08 Cadillac! He just got it so we wanted to take it...and it rode really nice! (He has driven a mini-van for so many years, so I was happy that he could get something that he likes.

These are the pretty flowers John bought me for my birthday! I love flowers! Aren't they pretty? (He let me pick them out!)

All-in-all, I would say it was a wonderful birthday this year...and it made turning 64 not so bad after all!!!

Have a great Saturday everyone!

Six Word Saturday! Anniversary Time Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 15:28:00 +0000

Wow...Saturday is here again already!
These are my six words. :)

Another Anniversary Has Come And Gone!

Click on the box below and share your Six Words

It seems like every day goes faster and faster at my age!

Yesterday was our Anniversary again. The years seem to be flying by quickly too!
Seems like it was just yesterday that it was 1976!

Me and my Afro Hairstylin' Man! Back when we got married. I look way different these days too. But the love we share is stronger all the time...and just keeps changing with the decades! :)

And this is how we look today in 2014. (Well, basically... this picture was taken a while back!)
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before! :)

Six Word Saturday...A beautiful performance!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 15:19:00 +0000

Six Word Saturday! :)

This performance really touched my heart!

Those are my six words for today.

Click here... to hear something so beautiful! A 16 year old Autistic girl singing the National Anthem with all of her heart and soul!

Have a blessed Saturday!

Love, Linda

Six Word Saturday...July 12th

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:48:00 +0000

My Friend Is Visiting From Arizona

Those are my Six Words for this Saturday!

This is a picture of Toni and her family from many years ago.

Toni and I at a memorial service for Max.

Our friendship has lasted 35 years! I count it such a blessing to have such a great friend in Toni. She was raised here in Derby, Kansas where I live...but she moved to Arizona over 25 years ago. Even though we live so far away from each other, our friendship has remained strong.
She visits here regularly to see her sister, and so we have been able to see each other a lot over the years that we have been apart...and we have also taken vacations together over the years. Occasionally we go to Arizona and visit with her also. And of course these days we have email, and facebook to keep us up to date on each others lives.

I feel like our friendship has been a gift from God. Toni was the first friend I made when I moved here from Colorado 35 years ago. She was so warm and friendly...and was always ready with a listening ear and a cup of tea when I was in need of a caring friend.

We care about each others family too. She has two daughters who we are very close with...and now they are grown, married women and each of them has a child. We were there for their weddings...and like-wise Toni has attended our daughter's weddings also.

Toni's husband Max was our very dear friend too...but he has moved on to heaven. John and I always did things with Max and Toni...and as I said, we even took vacations together. It has been such a blessed relationship over the years.

As I am typing this and counting my blessings when it comes to Toni, she is sleeping in the guest room. We stayed up late visiting and catching up. We have a week, so I am sure we will do a lot of that.

Anyway, today for Six Word Saturday I just wanted to share my excitement of having my long-time friend here with me!

I hope you all will be having a great Saturday too. One that is filled with many blessings!

Click below on the link...and tell us your six words today! :)

Six Word Saturday...After a Two Month Absence!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 14:50:00 +0000

Hello...I'm Linda. I know some of you may not know me...and some may have forgotten me since I rarely blog these days!

Where does time go? It has been over two months since I have done a blog-post. I have always enjoyed Six Word Saturday...and I am glad to see that Cate is still hosting it! Thanks Cate. :)

Well let's see...I guess my "Six Words" would be:
I Know God's Timing Is Best!

Why is it that we humans get so impatient? We always want things to happen lickety-split...and we dislike having to wait! A couple of months ago when we were listing our house I had the misguided assumption that our house would sell quickly and that we could be moving soon. This was my plan anyway...But God's timing is always perfect...and I do know it is way better than ours.

Price is... $289,900.

There must be a reason...or maybe many reasons why the house has not sold yet. Perhaps the house we need to buy isn't even on the market yet. Perhaps the people meant to live in our house haven't been able to sell theirs yet? Who knows??? Our last house took nearly 9 months to sell...but everything worked out fine. I just need to learn to rest in Him! God has never failed me. He has always been there for me in all situations...and He has gotten me through every time. Even the death of three of our grand-children...and many other serious situations. I know He will not fail me now!

We are wanting to move so that we can help our recently divorced daughter who is raising 4 teenagers on her own. She has to work full time and there are times that the kids need to go to appointments or activities during her working hours. There are times when one of the boys needs rides to work and back...and other times when emergencies happen...and we are about 30 miles away, so it is hard to get up there in traffic. We feel that we should just move up that way and be close enough to help out when needed. And it would be a joy to be close to our daughter and the kids anyway because we love them all so much! The kids are all growing up so quickly.

Only God knows what the delay is...and why. As a human I wonder...and sometimes worry, but as a Christian I know that I should just leave it to God's timing, which is always the best! Pray for me that I will trust in the Lord and wait patiently on Him.

I find little joys each day of my life to be thankful for...and BIG JOYS too! There is always a blessing around the corner! God has been so very good!

I will post a link with our listing in case you know of anyone wanting to buy a house on a golf course in Derby, Kansas...in the Middle of America! :) We built it 7 years ago and have enjoyed living here so much. Our town has been on several lists...and one of them was "Family Circle's (magazine) 10 Best Towns to Raise a Family!" It really is an awesome place...close to Wichita...and yet it has a small town feel. We have lived in Derby for 35 years now. Moving will be an adventure too...and I am sure we will meet new people and make new friends. I know that I can make a home anywhere that God calls us to move. I have been blessed to be a homemaker for most of our marriage...and it is something I enjoy. We have had 14 grandchildren over the years. It has been my pleasure to be a part of their lives. Three of them have passed on to heaven...and we know we will join them one day. But for now we are loving life and counting each blessing.

Click to view our listing:
Our Home

Have a Delightful Saturday Everyone! Join in by clicking on the link below and adding your post!

Six Word Saturday...Looking Forward to Good Things Ahead!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 14:56:00 +0000

It is Six Word Saturday time again!

My six words are: Looking Forward to Good Things Ahead!

Life is good...and we are thankful for all that the Lord provides in our lives. He has never forgotten us, or forsaken us. We have always had food and raiment and provisions....and so many blessings we could never count them all.. We have 3 daughters who are grown and we have had 14 grandchildren. Three of those 14 grandkids now live in heaven...but we are thankful for each and everyone...and for the truth and the fact that we will see those three again when we reach heaven!

The 11 grandkids that still live with us on earth are the joy of our lives...and we love them all so very much. They range in age from 6 to 23. There is nothing we wouldn't do for them if it is within our ability. And of course we lift all of their needs before the Lord in prayer each day. We want them all to have good lives...lives that are blessed by God!

There are always uncertainties in our lives and we have to simply look to God and trust Him to guide us through the daily pathways. But we are embarking on a new adventure very shortly. We will be listing our house and if it sells for the price we need, we will be moving to a different town to be available to help one of our daughters more. She has 4 teenagers and is going through a divorce. Life is hard sometimes...and we all need help at one time or another. We just want to help where we can....and we have felt that God is prompting us to move that way. We shall soon see if this is indeed the path we should take.

If it is in God's plan for us...then we are..."Looking Forward to Good Things Ahead!" If not then we will trust Him to help us find other ways to help.

Happy Saturday everyone. :)

Love, Linda

Each Day is a New Beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 14:33:00 +0000

Each Day is a New Beginning

The darkness fades and the dawn appears

A brand new day is here for you

Yesterday’s mistakes are laid to rest

And the Lord’s mercies are fresh and new

Yes, mercy and grace, sufficient for each day

Thank the Lord, bow your head, and humbly begin to pray

Count those blessings, and ask Him for strength

He’ll lead you to still waters where you can freely drink

He is the Living Water so why do we refuse

To drink Him in and be refreshed, and have new tools to use

He supplies our every need, gives us above and beyond all we can ask or even think

Yet some of us are stubborn and refuse to take a drink

He fills us with His Spirit, our comforter and friend

Someone who is with us until the very end

So do not be discouraged…each day is a new beginning

We can bury all those failures and get on the road to winning

He does give us the victory when we run the race with Him

Say good-bye to yesterday and let the new day begin

Because each day is a new beginning!

Written by Linda Hogeland

March 2014

Six Word Saturday...March 8th 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 14:18:00 +0000

Hi y'all...Happy Saturday to Everyone! Those are my six words! :)

It seems like blogging has taken a backseat in my life. I do miss reading blogs and keeping up here in blogland though...so I thought I would join in on Six Word Saturday today.

I hope that life is treating you well. I am keeping busy since two of our teenaged grandsons have moved in with us. One came in October, and the other one in December...and now here it is March already! I have been enjoying them a lot...and even cooking for them has brought me much joy! Here's Caleb with Grandpa.

And Will with Grandma

Last night we all went to our 15 year old granddaughter Julia's high school for their yearly talent show. It was so good, and Julia had a blast singing, dancing and having little parts in the skits. At the end their last song was "We are Family"...and they got the audience standing up to sing and dance and clap along with them! This 63 year old grandma and her 68 year old grandpa hubby enjoyed acting young again and joined in with vigor! :) "We are family....my brothers and my sisters and me!" Fun, fun fun!!!

Here's Julia on the right, with her sister Adelynn.

Here's one with our youngest daughter Lonna and all of her kiddos. Hangin' out with teens keeps ya young! :)

Here in the Wichita, Kansas area we are watching the Shockers win, win, win! 32 games now without a loss! Go Shocks!!!! There is another game this afternoon. Our boys and grandpa have been watching the action! Here's a picture of our son-in-law Brad who was the WSU mascot at one time. Just thought I would say that as a Shocker grad he is really enjoying all of their victories and so is his wifey Lisa...our oldest daughter, who also went to WSU! (At all of our family gatherings Brad is the official meet carver!)

I just wanted to pop by to say hello and let you know I am still kickin'!

Oh...today is my niece Sandy's 52nd Birthday...so I wish her a lovely day full of fun surprises ! (Love you so much Sandy Lynn!)

Enjoy your Saturday everyone!

Random Post...Just a few things on my mind!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 16:31:00 +0000

I seem to never be in the mood to blog anymore. Maybe it is because I am keeping busy lately since two of our teenage grandsons moved in with us! :)

It seems I am always shopping for food, cooking, or doing dishes or laundry...But I love them so much and it is a pleasure to have them here with us. They are always appreciative...and they give Gramsy lots of hugs and always tell me everything was yummy! Grandpa loves having them here too. The boys enjoy sports together. :)

This weather is always keeping us guessing these days isn't it? One day it is super cold and windy and then we will have a day where it is nice enough for my husband to go golfing! He went out for awhile yesterday and played a few holes, and he enjoyed it.

I couldn't find a picture of him golfing...but here is one from the time we took the grandkids bowling! :)
Yup...he is a wonderful husband, father, and grandpa!!!

On the cold days we stay inside a lot...or venture out to go to a movie. Saving Mr. Banks was one that we enjoyed recently. Have you seen any good ones lately?

Let's see...what else is new? Oh I know...I sent away for one of those Perfecter Hair Stylers and have been enjoying it. It is basically a heated styling brush, and it smooths and curls your hair in just a few minutes...leaving it soft and shiny! They say it pulls moisture from the air and adds it to your hair, and I have found that to be true. One of the reasons I wanted it so badly was because my curling iron pulled a big chunk of my hair out the other day and I decided I needed something a little more gentle. Because at age 63 my hair is thinning on its own, and I couldn't afford loosing any extra! :)

I got a free travel case with my order!

This styler doesn't burn people like curling irons do.

Well, the Super Bowl is coming right up, and I know my boys will be enjoying it. I am not much of a sports fan...at all, so I will find something else to occupy my time while they are cheering their team on. I will make them some snacks...and enjoy some myself I guess. (We did live in Denver once upon a time, and so my husband is a Broncos fan..and so is our youngest daughter Lonna.) What are your plans for that day...and what team do you cheer for?

Our middle daughter's new book will be coming out soon. I can hardly wait.

It is her first work of fiction, and the book will include her adult daughter Abigail's artwork on the cover and at the start of each chapter.

The book will contain a cd of her adult son Jared's compositions that he composed to be listened to while reading the book!

It is a wonderful project for their family...and I am sure it will be well received.

The name of the book is "Ingrid". I will be sharing more about that when it comes out.

Here's the rest of my family...Our oldest daughter Lisa and her Pastor husband Brad, and their adult daughter Bailey. We live about a mile away from them, and it is such a blessing because they are always so available and so willing to help us out at any time. For instance, not too long ago my car conked out at the gas station and one quick call to Brad and he came and jumped it and we got safely home. It was absolutely freezing, but he came in a matter of a few minutes to help us! They are such a great family...always serving others, and we love them so much! Lisa has a heart for teaching children about Jesus and she runs an After School Bible Club at one of our local elementary schools. Brad and Bailey often help her when they are needed.

Here is our youngest daughter Lonna and her kiddos! They are a fun bunch. We love them to the moon and back!!! Lonna works as a medical coding and billing specialist at a Urology Clinic for 9 doctors. She keeps busy with that, and church, and running kids to activities. It's Lonna's boys Will and Caleb that have been living with us for a few months now. Her girls are Julia and Adelynn. Julia is a high school cheerleader and Adelynn plays the flute and really enjoys band, and she is a basketball manager this year too.

Here's middle daughter Lynnette's entire family. (I have already shown you Abigail and Jared) but we need to include her husband Kyle, and the rest of the kiddos...Cecily, Silas, Jonas and Harrison too. They live in Kansas City now...and we sure miss having them close-by...but we have enjoyed trips up there to see them.

Well this was just supposed to be a random post...and of course it centered mostly around my family...which is usually what I post about anyway! Ha!

I will say that I am looking so forward to the arrival of Spring this year aren't you? I like Valentine's Day to arrive...and then I start dreaming of Spring!

Tulips are some of my favorite Springtime flowers!

What flowers do you enjoy?

Six Word Saturday...June in January...Hallmark Movie Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 15:35:00 +0000

Time for Six Word Saturday again! My six words are:
June in January... Hallmark Movie Tonight

If you'd like to join in the fun...just add your six word post on the link below. Cate is our hostess and she has a link for you.

I haven't joined in for awhile. I hope all of you SWS friends are doing well in this New Year.

It looks like a Valentine kind of movie to share with your honey pie!

Happy Saturday Everyone!

Wednesday's Walk...Special Memories...at Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 18:26:00 +0000

Jenilee is hosting Wednesday's Walk ...click here to link up your special memories

Last week I was busy with life and totally forgot to join in on Wednesday's Walk with Christmas Memories. You see I have a very special friend who recently found out that she has stage 4 cancer that has settled in her liver and other organs. I have been walking down Memory Lane, re-living special times that I have had with my special friend over the past 34 years of our friendship. Here is a picture of my friend Myrna from when we went to lunch one time for her birthday at the Rib Crib. We always celebrate special times together.

So, this Christmas is hard to think of it being our last Christmas together. I really can't stand the thought of not having her in my life, BUT... I know she is a Christian, and that she will soon be face to face with Jesus...and that makes me happy for her. Myrna's husband went to heaven 7 years ago and she has missed him so much! She will get to see him soon too...and that will be wonderful for her. Here is a wedding picture of Myrna and her husband Lonie. They were married for 40 years.

Myrna asked me if there was something that she had that I might like to have to remember her by...and I couldn't think of anything. She has given me so much over the 34 years of our friendship. I just told her that I would treasure her family...and be there for them. After all, she is so much like a sister to me...and that makes me Auntie Linda to her kids and grandkids.

Christmas is all about love...and we do need to remember to share Christ's love with others. This is something Myrna has done for many years! She has always helped people and loved them...and displayed the love of God in her everyday living. She is one of the kindest people I know. As a matter of fact...the fruits of the Spirit flow from her so easily. And isn't that how we all should be...especially at Christmas time.

Here is an article that I wrote for the local newspaper when my special friend opened a new antique store a few years back. Many years ago Myrna had a resale shop and that is how I met her...and we just hit it off so well, and we became fast friends!

Myrna's illness came on so quickly and we really haven't had time to adjust. This morning she asked me if I would be able to speak at her funeral. I told her that I don't think I would be able to get through it because we are so very close. But my husband said if I write it out, he will read it for me. I pray that God will give me the strength to even put all of my feelings down on paper, so that I can honor my special friend. Please pray for all of us as we go through this very hard thing.

The picture above is from the day Myrna was leaving the hospital to be moved to a care facility. My three daughters and three of my granddaughters went with me to see Myrna and she was just leaving so we all walked down to the parking garage with her and one of Myrna's daughter's Jill and Jill's young friend.

Through all of this that Myrna is going through she has remained peaceful, and she is still gentle and kind and she is still concerned for everyone around her. She now has 7 grandkids and they have been visiting her in the care facility. Myrna is going to do Christmas with them there this Saturday and Sunday. I know this will be a "bittersweet" gathering. I pray that God will give them all strength and peace as they go through this last Christmas together.

Six Word Saturday!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 16:12:00 +0000

Six Word Saturday!

My six words: Will You Help Sufficient Grace Ministry
(With your votes not your money)

Here is the link, click here

This link was working...but it gets bogged down with so much activity...so if it doesn't come up, please try again later. :) Thanks

This is a worthwhile ministry who helps grieving parents. They are in a contest to get votes so they can win 5,000.00 to help with ministry expense. This is a non profit...and your votes will be appreciated. :)

Vote in the green vote box on the site as many times as you can...it all adds up to help them.

Thanks!
Linda

Adventure in Kansas City with Family!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 14:27:00 +0000

(I wrote this last week...but I am going to use it for this week's Six Word Saturday! :)

Adventure in Kansas City with Family!

Last February our middle daughter Lynnette and her husband Kyle and their 6 kids moved from the Wichita area to Kansas City. Even though it is only a 3 hour trip...it sometimes seems like they have moved very far away, and we miss them a lot! We have been there 3 or 4 times already...and they came here once, so it is really working out fine...and they will also come here for Thanksgiving.

This is the country house they moved from. They had lived there for 14 years, and hated leaving it, but they are adjusting to living in the suburbs of Kansas City, Mo.

This picture below is from our last trip this summer to see the Kraft's for Jonas' 10th birthday. (He has on the camo shirt!)

We took our 18 year old grandson William with us on our last visit, and he enjoyed the time with all of them, but also liked hanging out with his 20 and 23 year old cousins Abigail and Jared. We all went to the Farmer's Market, and then we went down to the River-Walk.

Will and Grandma

Jared and Abigail gazing at the river

Outside of the Farmer's Market before we went on the River-Walk (Lynnette was there too...but she was taking the pictures!)

We saw a few trains, and one went over this bridge when we were standing there

Our beautiful daughter Lynnette and her husband Kyle!

Their sweet 6 year old son Harrison!

It was chilly and quite breezy...as you can see from my messed up hair...and from how I am all bundled up in my shawl!

The boys liked exploring the area

Their kids range from 23 yrs. old, down to 6 years old!

Grandma with 7 of her 11 grandkids

"Fly time" for Harrison!

17 year old Cecily standing by the elevator that took us down by the River-Walk

Cecily and Harry

Abigail buying some Ghost Peppers

Kyle is such a great son-in-law

A good day in Kansas City!