Month: September 2013

When I Grow UP

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

heathwhite

paisley1I was watching a video on Andrew’s Angels Facebook page. They posted a story about the whites. The father (Heath White) succeeded in every aspect of his life previously. And now he was told that the baby he and his wife were expecting was going to be born with down syndromes. Their little baby girl was born in 2007 and wasn’t prepared to raise a daughter with a disability. It took him awhile to accept this little baby. She wasn’t part of the plan? She wasn’t perfect? He was a runner and competed in marathons all over the world. He wanted his wife to have an abortion and now he runs races with Paisley. I will include the video of his story with Paisley. Check Out the Video!

Then my brain started rolling around ideas on what I wanted to be and what I would never be because of getting GBS and Myasthenia Gravis. When we are children or we have children we also have dreams. I had my idea of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to join the Air Force and go into the medical field. I also wanted to be a missionary in Africa.

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I read a book about these missionaries in Africa and the difference they made in lives of those they didn’t know. I wanted to make that kind of a difference to someone. My heart went out to these people who had nothing. And the missionaries spoke of how enriched their lives have been because of their experience. That was something I wanted to do and my heart was set on it. But that wasn’t in the cards.

Instead my life changed in a whole other direction. I ended up getting married at 17 and had my daughter when I barely turned 18. Originally my plan was to do the Air Force and Missions before I was 22 or 23 and then get married, have kids and live happily ever after. By the time I was 28 my life would be set in stone and all is well in the world. Now as an adult and parent, we all probably know that things don’t go as planned. I can’t actually say that my life turned out bad, because I have been blessed in many ways I never thought a person could be. As a child I couldn’t see what was real or what was part of a fantasy.

I never joined the Air Force. I never went on a mission to Africa. I got married at 17 and pregnant. I had my daughter at 18. If a stranger were to look at how things turned out, they would think I made a lot of horrible choices and that my life was ruined. That would be very far from the truth. If I wouldn’t have gotten pregnant when I did, I may never have had a child on my own due to medical problems. I ended up with Guillian Barre Syndrome while I was pregnant. From the outside looking in, you would think that my life would amount to nothing. Again, that is far from the truth.

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Beckiah (Red shirt) and Jessica (Black Shirt)

Because of my mistakes I had a beautiful daughter named Jessica. I am still married to her father. It has been 33 yrs this October. I did end up very sick and was told by my pastor that I made mistakes, but God can make something good out of the bad we do. And he was right. Since I never could get pregnant again, we ended up adopting a daughter that is just 4 months younger than Jessica. I wanted to stay home and be the mom and I babysat. I babysat for Beckiah and at the age of 7, she became our daughter.

Just like the father who had his life planned out. He was expecting a perfectly healthy child and a life that didn’t have bumps along the way. But that isn’t how life works. We are given bumps, trials, tribulations and what I find exciting is we are given grace and forgiveness. I would never have picked the life I have if I was given a choice way back when. But now, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My thought is that things may not be just like I want, but God knew and knows what I needed. And I still have that desire to go on a mission. But I have come to the conclusion that we all live in a mission field. We don’t have to go out of the country to be missionaries.

Heath White grew to love his daughter and eventually he looked at her and knew she was perfect. She had a future, even if it wasn’t the one he wanted for her. He is in the middle of writing a book to his daughter, which is awesome.

Basically, I will leave with this thought. Even the grandest plans and most perfect people will fail. That’s because we are human and we have human emotions. God has the perfect plan for our lives.

Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

I’m doing a re-post for; Mesothelioma Blog 

The information below is from Emily Walsh’s Blog. As the Community Outreach Director for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, Emily Walsh dedicates much of her time building cancer awareness through social media and blogging. She is passionate about helping veterans and their families learn more about the lesser-known health risks from military service.
Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/emily/bio.htm#ixzz2g1zhyh37

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Please check out her site and learn more about Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma — a long word you may have heard on a commercial or two, but do you know what it means? This rare and deadly cancer is sadly lacking awareness. In honor of Mesothelioma Awareness Day this September 26, read on for the top 8 things you don’t know about this cancer, but should. Then share them. The key to saving lives starts with education.

1.Mesothelioma M is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is invisible to the naked eye. Once inhaled, these fibers may infect the protective lining of the lungs, abdominal cavity, or cardiac cavity.

2. No amount of exposure is safe. Just exposing yourself once could put you at risk for developing the disease later on in life. If you were exposed today, you may not be aware until 2043, as the average latency period is about 30 – 40 years.

3. Asbestos was once used in more than 3,000 consumer products. These include household items, some of which may still be in use. Some of these even include hair dryers, crock pots, and cigarette filters.

4. It can be found in many older homes, schools, factories, and commercial buildings. Homes built prior to the 1970’s, along with a myriad of public buildings still could potentially contain asbestos because of the materials used in the original construction.

5. Asbestos exposure is still the LEADING CAUSE of occupational cancer in the US. Even after 30 years since the United States government issued stern warnings about the continued use of asbestos, many workers who were once exposed are now at risk of developing the disease.

6. United States Veterans are at the greatest risk. For many years, asbestos was used across all branches of the military. Many veterans and shipyard workers were exposed to high levels of asbestos from several different applications. US Navy veterans who served during World War II and the Korean Conflict unfortunately have the highest incidences of asbestos related disease, including mesothelioma.

7. Asbestos is still not banned in the US. Federal law requires the newly manufactured products contain no more than 1% asbestos. Although its use is regulated, roughly 30 million pounds are still being used each year.

8. Mesothelioma can be caused by secondary exposure. Family members of those who were directly affected by on-the-job asbestos exposure may also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/emily/8-things-you-should-know-about-mesothelioma.htm#ixzz2g1wpETwn

Flu Shot or Not?

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

ImageFor me this is a no brainer. I don’t take the flu shot, pneumonia or the shingle ones, Some people are die hard fans of the flu shot and wait in long lines to get it so they won’t get sick. Well, for me that flu shot caused a horrible shift in my health back in 1980. This may be the one time of the year that I talk about my experience with Guillian Barre Syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis and that is because the flu season is around the corner. I was living in Texas at the time and suddenly I started to not feel good. I have always been very healthy for the most part. Yea, I would get the cold or flu, but nothing major. I was already in Texas with my now and always husband. Chuck was stationed at Fort Hood, so there I am. I was only 19 at the time. Physically I was in great shape. I would run on the average about 10 miles a day. I was in track and field in high school, cross country and a guard. I’m kinda short, so I wasn’t too good at that though. I loved sports and I especially loved running. It was my escape from all the bad going on in my world. Once I got to Texas, I got the flu shot. I was planning on going back to school since I quite in the 10th grade and to register there, I needed to get the shots. I should point out that I ran away from home and moved in with my husband Chuck. Thankfully that worked out. What didn’t work out is the flu shot. I received the shot and about a week later I was walking into town. It was only a mile away, so not a biggie at all.On my way home, I had to sit down and rest. My legs felt heavy and I was having a hard time breathing. Back then there were no cell phones and I didn’t know anyone anyhow. I did finally make it home in about an hour and I was having my doubts on if I would be able to make it back up the stairs to get into the house. It took me a few minutes, but I made it. I layed down for a while. Mary, Craig Carlocks wife then came home. We were rooming with Craig and Mary. She started getting upset with me because I was laying down. Following the walk into town, I have found I needed rest more and more. She was thinking I was trying to get out of helping clean and cooking and stuff. But I just couldn’t get up. My feet burned and it was like needles going through them. My legs were heavy and it was all I could do to go to the bathroom. About a week later, Chuck took me to Scott and White Hospital in Temple Texas. They wouldn’t see me since we weren’t married and I was a minor. So they sent us home. Things weren’t getting any better. We did move out a week later and got our own place. It was a very tiny trailer that was about 35 feet long and 12 feet wide. That ended up being a good thing. But we moved into that trailer and a week later I was on the floor and unable to get up and walk or call for help. I was there all day long. I couldn’t raise my arms, move my legs or anything. So off to the hospital again. This time we went to a different one. Once we got to the hospital in Killeen, Texas, the Dr seen me and the first question was if I had taken any drugs. I found out this was a common question for people that were young. I told him no and that I didn’t drink or smoke. That wasn’t stuff I was into. Don’t get me wrong, I tried it, but that was about it. But he called a neurologist in to look at me and they immediately put me into the hospital. I was never in the hospital up to this point. They did a spinal tap and a bunch of other tests that freaked me out a bit. They asked me if I have been around anyone sick or if I took the flu shot. I had the flu shot about 2-3 weeks earlier and there was a little girl that was sick around me. But it wasn’t close enough to me. They came back into the room and told me that I had what is called Guillian Barre Syndrome. That alone is a mouthful to say. They tried to explain it to me. All I knew is that I was 17, was in perfect health and now paralyzed from the feet up to my forehead. I couldn’t even blink and people couldn’t understand what I was saying. Guillain-Barre-Syndrome

  • Guillain Barre Syndrome is a rare and severe disease. It occurs after an acute infectious procedure. Guillain Barre Syndrome initially affects the peripheral nervous system. Normally it is acute form of paralysis in lower body area that moves towards upper limb and face. Gradually patient loses all his reflexes and goes through a complete body paralysis. Guillain Barre Syndrome is a life threatening disorder and needs timely treatment and supportive care with intravenous immunoglobulins or plasmapheresis. Unfortunately many people lose their lives without proper and prompt medical treatment. Dysautonomia and Pulmonary complications are the basic reason for death other fatal complications.

plasmapheresis-1The hospital in Killeen transferred me back to Scott and White Hospital in Temple, where they immediately snapped into action. I had to be on a ventilator and was completely paralyzed. I couldn’t even pick up a pencil, raise my hand, blink my eyes. There was nothing. They called my parents for permission to treat since Chuck and I weren’t married. We were planning on it, but wasn’t yet. My parents did give permission. But they didn’t give permission for the Plasmapherisis (Description at End of Post) or the IVIG.  It takes out the unhealthy anitibodies and cleans the blood.  It is a very costly treatment. I think it was a fairly new treatment option back then. But they declined that. My Drs did say that over 80 percent of those who get GBS fully recover. I would like to have a chat with those Drs now and let them know they are wrong. After a long time in the hospital I was released. My husband and I decided to move up the date for getting married. We got married on Oct 30th, 1980. We were going to get married on December 14th so that family could be there. Our thinking though is that we had no insurance and I was going to be spending a lot of time in the hospital. So we pushed it up so I could get covered. Every month I was in the hospital for days or weeks at a time. I ended up also pregnant at the same time. So life was not easy for me or Chuck.

During the day time when I wasn’t in the hospital, I had to go to someones house and my husband had to carry me into Lona’s home and he would lay me down on her sofa and when she woke up, she would assist me in getting dressed, try to eat and it took her and her husband to help me get to the bathroom. It was a good thing that I weighed only 98 pounds at that time.  I still couldn’t walk. It was months before I could stand on my own and write my name. I had to totally relearn it. If I would have had the plasmapheresis at the time, it would have shortened the healing process by months and I wouldn’t have the problems now. Or a good chance I wouldn’t. That little trailer that Chuck and I lived in was a God send. I was able to teach myself and Chuck was able to help me relearn to walk because I could hold onto the walls. the rooms was small and if I thought I was going to fall, there was something I could reach easily. He did all the cooking, cleaning and stuff for close to a year. Right before Jessica was born, I was able to do some things on my own and walk a short distance. I still got tired, but I could do it. I was afraid at the idea of having to take care of her and have the strength at the same time. All of this happened because of a flu shot that I received three weeks prior. Some people carry an antibody and when they get this shot, the pneumonia and maybe some others, it reacts with the antibody.

si2012_maGuillian Barre Syndrome is an auto-immune disease that attacks the healthy cells in the body. I will provide a couple links for anyone can read more about it. If you remember, I mentioned that about 80% of those who get GBS fully recover. I was not one of those 80% people. I ended up having the CIPD variant of GBS. It is the chronic form and has returned 3 times. Not as bad as the first time though. Thank God for that. It ended up destroying my immune system. I have many medical problems now and am on disability. I also have a second auto immune disease and from my understanding it is because my body fights itself and it is a chain reaction. But I also have Myasthenia Gravis. What I find interesting and I would like to have a pow wow with the Drs that said you fully recover, is that there are alot of people who end up with the CIPD and Myastenia Gravis. I think someone is doing research on that and why it is becoming more common. Now GBS hits about 1 in 300,000 people I believe. Not sure if those numbers changed. I have more problems with the Myasthenia now then the GBS. My Drs told me it is because of both of them, but Myasthenia is causing the havoc with my muscles around my lungs and heart. And those are needed so they pump blood right and to make sure there is enough oxygen of which there isn’t. There is a lot involved. One last thing and the MOST IMPORTANT- When I got GBS, I was not impressed. I couldn’t do what I wanted to do and have living my whole life this way. But I’m grateful that I had this at the same time. You may think I’m nuts, but hear me out. I don’t know where my life would have gone. Most people in my family has had problems with the law or are very unhappy.

god-strenghtBecause of me getting this I had to stay clear of drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and such. I have also had to learn to lean on God and trust Him. Without Him, I wouldn’t be who I am now. I have met so many wonderful people because of GBS and Myasthenia. I don’t see it as a curse or anything bad. It isn’t easy, but I know that God is there. Now granted there are times I have to have some one on one time with God and I get upset. I’m human and sometimes I don’t understand. But I know without a doubt that He has always been there for me. I don’t fear what might and could happen. I have peace because of my relationship with Him. I have a daily Bible verse affirmation that I say everyday and that is Psalm 46:1… It says ‘ God is our refuge and strength and ever present in times of trouble. I truly believe this. I believe that everyone has something going on with them. It may not be like what I have, but all have something. And I know that if I didn’t have my faith in Christ, I would never have been able to make it through. Who knows what tomorrow holds. My Dr’s didn’t think I would be around to write this post and all I can say is that only God decides when our time is done, when we have finished the race. Until then, GBS and Myasthenia Gravis or not, I will have to keep going. God has put many wonderful people in my life to help me with my struggles. I noticed this since I was very young.

0christian16There was this sweet lady named Mattie Bennett, she taught me to write poetry. Her son Harry Myers was my pastor in Willcox. His family was like my second home and his daughter Diane and I were best friends. I would love to see her again. I have my church family here in St. George. So many of them went out of their way and I thank them. I think of Chris B. Even when things were hard and everything was going crazy, she opened her house and she helped out in so many ways. Pastor Dean and Ruth pushing me and making me go to the ER to get help. Once there was just minutes to spare. I am pretty stubborn, but God knew I needed them at that point. My daughters and brother in law have come in a moments notice. They have family responsibilities and young kids, so I try to find others to come and save the day. God always seems to place the right people at the same time. My church family is my family… For those at church that may be reading this. I do want to thank a few people for going out of their way and helping. Those people would be Shirly Morganti, Sheryl Shaffer, Evelyn Roam, Lisa L (Cant spell her name), Barb Antrim, Sue and JP and so many others. My friend Jenn is there at the drop of a hat. Because of GBS and Guillian Barre Syndrome, I have had to learn to let others help. I’m not good at that and I thank God for that experience. I thank Him for always being there even when I couldn’t see I needed him and others. I guess my point is that no matter how bad things are, God has a plan. We may not always know what it is, but He does. As I leave this topic, I would like to say on the notion of flu shot or not. I don’t take it and I won’t risk taking it. My daughters don’t take it and never will. There are an awful lot of people who have died from complications from the flu shot or they have been paralyzed from it. Everyone has to decide for themselves if the risk is too high or not. I can’t answer that for anyone else but me. I have been dealing with all these medical problems, hospitalizations and so forth ever since that one flu shot back in 1980. It changed my life forever. I guess on a positive note, I didn’t get the flu that year. Links to Sites about GBS and Myasthenia Gravis- If you or someone you know has GBS- CIPD or Myasthenia Gravis. The Guillian Barre Foundation and the Myastenia Gravis Foundation will send free information out to your family and Drs if you request it. And it is free to get on the mailing list. The newsletter I give to my Dr because they always include information for the Drs in case there in an emergency. This has literally saved my life a couple of times.

inful_a01One last thing. Not all people get GBS from a shot. They can get it from a virus and other ways. If you are sick, please cover your mouth when you sneeze. Please wash your hands and stay home if you are sick. A person like me who has these problems can end up in ICU and completely paralyzed and worst case scenario die from what may seem like a harmless cold or flu. It can kill someone or make them very sick because people like me can’t fight the flu like everyone else and our immune systems can’t handle it. So be respectful and cover your mouth and wash hands. Stay home if you are sick. You don’t know who’s life you could save. I was in the hospital for 6 weeks, and 3 of those was in ICU because someone had the flu and didn’t think about not coming over to visit.

Terms:

  • Guillain-Barre syndrome is a serious disorder that occurs when the body’s defense (immune) system mistakenly attacks part of the nervous system. This leads to nerve inflammation that causes muscle weakness and other symptoms.
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a neurological disorder characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. The disorder, which is sometimes called chronic relapsing polyneuropathy, is caused by damage to the myelin sheath (the fatty covering that wraps around and protects nerve fibers) of the peripheral nerves. Although it can occur at any age and in both genders, CIDP is more common in young adults, and in men more so than women. It often presents with symptoms that include tingling or numbness (beginning in the toes and fingers), weakness of the arms and legs, loss of deep tendon reflexes (areflexia), fatigue, and abnormal sensations. CIDP is closely related to Guillain-Barre syndrome and it is considered the chronic counterpart of that acute disease.
  • Plasmapheresis is a process in which  the fluid part of the blood, called plasma, is removed from blood cells by a device known as a cell separator. The separator works either by passing the blood at high speed to separate the cells from the fluid or by passing the blood through a membrane with pores so small that only the fluid part of the blood can pass through. The cells are returned to the person undergoing treatment, while the plasma, which contains the antibodies.
  • What is IVIG? IVIG stands for intravenous immune globulin; it is a sterile solution of concentrated antibodies extracted from healthy donors which is administered into a vein. IVIG is used to treat disorders of the immune system or to boost immune response to serious illness, and to treat immuno-suppressed recipients of bone marrow transplants.1Antibodies are responsible for defending our bodies from pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria.
  • Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body. The name myasthenia gravis, which is Latin and Greek in origin, literally means “grave muscle weakness.”

Sunday’s Best?

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment
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1950’s Sunday Best

What is Sunday’s best? This has been a conversation that has come up a couple of times and I have been thinking on what Sundays Best really is. 

Sunday best is just fancy clothes you wear to church.

It can apply to any clothes that are your best and most dressy. It originated because Sunday was the only day that many working people wore such clothes, and they always were their best. These days, the dress standard is often more casual in many churches.

As I got thinking on it and I know it is one of those weird topics. Not sure even why I put too much thought into it anyhow. But, as I was thinking on it, Sunday Best could mean something different to anyone. For instance at our church people come as they are. You can wear jeans, shirt and I’m sure if someone came in shoe-less, they would be accepted. they may get a funny look or someone offering to go out and get them some shoes after the service, but they would be fine. To that person, what they are wearing may be the very best they have.  For me, I don’t wear dresses and I don’t wear heels. I would fall and break my neck. There are days when I can barely make it to church and what I have on is what they get. I don’t think God cares. 

For some time now, I have been thinking about checking out what happens in a LDS (Mormon) church. I have never gone to one of the services and I like to learn what goes on at other churches. What always stops me from doing that is I know in the back of my mind that you have to wear a dress. Some may not say it is important, but out of respect I know that is their attire for church. That is their Sunday best. And, I don’t plan on going out to buy a dress. When it comes to funerals, I never wear a dress. I do wonder how many people that may want to go to a certain church or business and they know they have to wear what they term as “Sunday Best” decide to not go for that simple reason. 

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Pastor Steepek

There has been a story of a pastor that was dressed up as a homeless man. This pastor was new to the congregation. The Elders of the church knew him but nobody else did yet. As he entered the sanctuary he was dressed poorly. He had ragged hair, dirty, no shoes and pushing a grocery cart down the isle and pretty much what you would think a homeless person would look like. As he walked up to the front and looked for a seat people looked at him in disgust. Nobody would let him sit by him, he was shunned. He eventually found a seat and the Elders went up to the pulpit and told the congregation that the new pastor was here and they would like to welcome him to the church. They looked around and didn’t see the pastor. After a minute or two, the seemingly raggedly dressed homeless man stood up and took the pulpit. He introduced himself as the new pastor and many in the congregation were left in tears. The pastor taught them that you can’t look at what the person looks like on the outside. We should consider the person and be willing to accept anyone, no matter what they look like, smell like, rich, poor, homeless or whatever.

ImageI do think that whatever somebody considers their best, then who are we to question that. a long time ago and I don’t think it is happening as much now. But it use to be if we would see someone on a motor cycle they had to be horrible people. That is far from the truth. They are normal people and there are even riders that are Christian that ride all over. CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) is a servant minded interdenom-inational motorcycle ministry with a non-denominational message of hope and love through Jesus Christ.  They have helped over 11 million people accept Christ. They go and meet people that don’t always get a chance to hear the Word. 

Check out Christian Motorcyclists Associations Website 

Many Christian artists have long hair, in rock bands and if you look at them, you would think they were far from being Christians. Christians are suppose to be clean cut and presentable right? That use to be the case a long long time ago. Not anymore. We have groups that look like anyone else on the street. I think that is awesome. They don’t look like the Gaither Band or the quartets of old. I love to listen to many of these bands sing praises to the Lord. 

I will end this post just by saying that we can’t judge someone on what they wear, how they talk or smell. We need to look past that and find out who they really are and love them for them. We need to be example of Christ. Our Sunday Best may not be someone else’s Sunday best. 

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The Sheep and the Goats Parable-  Matthew 25:35-46

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Big Brother 15 and Lessons Learned

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

BBGbb15logoweek1aI don’t watch a lot of reality TV. But I do like to watch Big Brother. And this year Big Brother 15 has been the worse season of all times. But in some sick and warped way it had a way of teaching important life lessons. I don’t know if any other season was like this seasons. I very happy this season is over now because of the hateful nature and rampant racism remarks.

For those who don’t watch Big Brother it is about who can make it to the end and if they do, they win $500,000. To get to the end is based on strategy, alliances and backstabbing. For the most part each year they fill the house with around 15 or 16 complete strangers. Each year you will have a mixture of house-guests comprised of married people, singles, gays (at-least one), Christian (at-least one), African American (at-least one) and whatever else. So it is a mixture or melting pot of people. I’m actually surprised I like the show considering how these people act. For the most part I think it is because it represents people and the true nature in some weird and sick way.

I don’t think that throwing 16 strangers into a house for the summer is a true sense of human kind. But it does show what man will do for money and the high cost to get ahead. I loved it when Jordan won. That was a season where the right person won and played with her heart and was honest. She didn’t back-stab and treat people unkind. She stayed true. That isn’t always the case though.

la-et-st-big-brother-eliminated-ratings-up-in--001This year there was Howard, Candice, Jesse, Elissa and Helen who wouldn’t bow down and do anything for money. They stayed true to their faith, family and morals.

This year though was full of racist and hateful people. And they targeted those that are not white or gay. First off we have Howard and Candice that are either mixed races or African American. They are both strong believers in Christ too. Then you had Helen who is Asian and a mom. Andy was this seasons homosexual and then you had the Barbie Dolls and plastic guys. I say Barbie Dolls and plastic guys because they are all about image and what they look like. They were pretty on the outside and very ugly on the inside. Aaryn, Gina Marie, Amanda, Spencer and Jeremy were horrible people. If people were mad at Paula Deen, then they should get a load of these guys. Three of four of these people lost their jobs because of the remarks they said. I won’t go into them hear, you all probably get the idea.

3749220_lI want to bring up Aaryn and Candice though. The reason I do is that they are a perfect example of racism, education and forgiveness can coexist. Aaryn said some horrible things about Candice who is mixed race. Many times Candice would be in tears because of the hateful remarks that were being directed at her. Last night at the finale Candice showed me that if she can forgive Aaryn, then others should too.

When house-guests are eliminated they are sent to a jury house until the finale and then they vote on who will win. Candice and Aaryn got TheHelpto know each other outside of the house. There was a night that Candice got to choose to movie they would watch. She chose “The Help”. If you haven’t see it, you should. It’s a movie that is also a book about what it was like for maids to live and work for households that are white. I believe it was from the 60’s or so. But it is full of racist slurs and mean hateful people. I think it is a must see for all people. Back to Candice and Aaryn. As they were sitting there watching the movie Aaryn asked Candice about how this really didn’t happen like that. Candice then realized that maybe Aaryn isn’t racists like others see her, but she is ignorant. Aaryn was raised where it was OK to say things and didn’t see anything wrong with it. Until Candice opened her eyes and showed Aaryn compassion and forgiveness the lesson wasn’t and couldn’t be learned.

??????????????????????????They are now friends and Candice showed such kindness to Aaryn, so why shouldn’t we? These horrible things were said and done to Candice and Howard and they got to a point where they used that time in the jury house to teach instead of being angry. I would hope I could be like that. Now for the other players, I have no clue. Are they genuinely sorry? I don’t know. My thought is that they aren’t. I do believe that Aaryn is now. She wasn’t to begin with. There was many consequences for house-guests actions this year and that should show future house-guests that what you say and do can hurt others and yourself. You are accountable for your actions and you will be held accountable.

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Aaryn- Fired because of her ignorance towards other races

Aaryn was fired from her modeling agency. Gina Marie was working in the beauty pageant world and once her employers seen her true self, she was fired. Andy no longer has his job as a professor in speaking. Spencer who made comments about liking child porn and later recanted that saying it was a joke is being held accountable for those comments too.

For me this year was a lesson on how hurtful our words and actions can be. We may not have Big brother watching our every move. Even though I won’t discount that. But we are under watchful eyes from those around us. Our families, friends, 1-Corinthians-11-1-web-nivneighbors and strangers watch and observe. For example Casey Anthony. Most people don’t know her first hand, but she has been under the public microscope. She was just another person on the street until she made a bad choice and ruined her life when she killed her daughter. We all should make sure what we say and do is true to who we really are. This season like I said earlier showed me that forgiveness is possible because of Howard and Candice. I really disliked Aaryn and wanted her gone. But because of Candice, I no longer feel that way. I feel sorry for her now and hope she can continue on in life and learn from this.

andy-e1372113335871I should add that Andy won BB15… While I don’t like that he won, he did play the best game social game.

He was liked by all and kept his hands clean… Remember Big Brother is all around and we could all be under the microscope. I know those of us who are on social media and such are all the times. We put ourselves out there. What is it that you want others to know about you?

Thank a Truck Driver

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment
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My husband Chuck when he received his award from the Utah DOT

September 15-21st is truck driver appreciation week. My husband is a truck driver. He has been driving for many years. Each and every day he is out he faces obstacles and stupid drivers. An ongoing comment around our house is that if a plane went down in the middle of the ocean, it would be because of a truck driver.

Truck drivers get a bad rap most of the time. I know I have heard some pretty sad and inaccurate things about truck drivers. Some people think that a truck driver has a women in every port (truck stop), and that is far from the truth. Some people think that because the truck is so big that they are driving carelessly and without regard for the safety of others. When most times it is smaller cars that cause the accident by cutting off drivers and not giving enough time or space. Driving a big truck is not as easy as it may seem and the industry is highly regulated when it comes to the size of the truck, weights, hours driven and so forth. Each driver in this industry has to pass physicals and go through testing.

I will concede that there are some horrible drivers out there that never should be on the road. There are more good and honest drivers than bad. They are trying to make a living like anyone else. It is a job to them and for their families it is a difficult lifestyle. These families give up a lot of time with their spouses and families so everyone can buy the things they need and to keep the economy going. For the most part it isn’t just a day they are gone from home, it is weeks and months on end. My husband would be gone for weeks on end and he missed many family events and school things for my girls. But we knew what we were getting into before he chose to drive truck. It isn’t for those who can’t be both the mom and dad while the dad is working. 

Truck drivers are highly-skilled and bring to us the food, medicine, toys, household goods and equipment that we need to live. Think of the what is involved driving in varying conditions – through rain, fog, snow and scorching temperatures, black ice and whatever may come – it takes additional skills above and beyond driving to get the mail delivered that has to weather these conditions. Truck drivers do too! Not to mention having to interact with non-professionals in passenger cars and on motorcycles. It isn’t just the postman that has to drive in these conditions. 

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My husband has been working for Andrus Transportation for over 18 years now. Even though there have been a few glitches, but for the most part they have been great. Chuck was the driver of the month in August 2005 for the state of Utah. When I think of the good at Andrus, I think of the people that work there. When my husband first joined Andrus Lynn Shrum was the recruiter that hired him. She is still there and is very much on the ball. She has heard a number of my rants and getting upset. I adore Jim Black and Susan (no longer there). If I needed to know how to get a hold of Chuck or where he was, I could call them up and they were happy to help. Jim Black is still there and even though he is no longer Chucks dispatcher, I still call him. Jim and Mary Andrus are the owners of Andrus Transportation and they are wonderful people that value family and are strong their faith.

Speaking of dispatchers and recruiters. It takes these very important people to get the loads going and route the trucks. It takes the mechanics to keep the trucks running safely and efficiently. It takes payroll to keep us wives and drivers happy on payday. I had to throw that out there, lol. There is much to the trucking industry that others don’t see. It takes a whole lot of people to get us the things we need. Andrus goes out of their way to show appreciation to their employees and i want to thank them for that. It may not seem like you are appreciated, but you are.

Since I am mentioning Andrus a number of times in my blog, I thought I would put out there that if anyone is looking for a job, they are good to work for and mention Chucks name, lol. I would like to score some sign up bonus’s that Andrus pays out to drivers who sends others their way. If you are a crappy driver, I would stay clear 🙂 

A closing thought before providing some links is that there are good companies and drivers and there are bad companies and drivers too. 

Helpful Links; 

I put a couple of videos of actual drivers and what they experience on the road. I don’t know these drivers and they don’t work for Andrus. Just thought you would be interested to get a first hand look into the lives of a truck driver. 

Mormon Missionaries

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment
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This is Brandon… He served a mission and was super stoked and so happy when he got his call. He is a super nice kid that has a funny side to him. When I think of a happy missionary, I think of Brandon. So young and so happy…

I live in Southern Utah and when most people hear that I live in Utah, they think that I’m LDS (Latter Day Saints) or Mormon. Of which I’m not. I attend a non-denominational church. I do have many wonderful friends that are LDS and have been a blessing in my life. While there are differences I try to accept people for who they are and I think all my friends just accept me for who I am. There is a reason I’m writing about this topic though and that is because of the missionaries.

For those outside of our area and those who don’t know, missionaries in the LDS church get called to the mission field for up to 2 yrs. I guess there are exceptions depending on age, married or not and so on. The church sends them out a letter after they have turned in their papers and they are notified where they will be going to and for how long. Since I’m not LDS I have never been to a home when a Elder or Sister gets their call to serve. Here is a video (Zoe’s Call ) of what I’m talking about when they get their calls. But I have seen many videos that have been posted by others as their family member or friends get the call to serve. When you put in a search on you-tube for missionaries. Not LDS Missionaries, just missionaries. You will find 231,000 results and most of those are LDS. I don’t like seeing that. And that is because all Christians should be willing to be missionaries and wiling to serve others and serve God. Going to church shouldn’t be the only thing Christians should do when it comes to their walk and relationship with Christ.

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Jim- He has a pretty awesome blog too… When I think of a missionary that is following the call, I think of Jim. I hope he doesn’t get ticked I stole his picture, lol. Not cool stealing a missionaries picture, lol

I think it would be interesting for my LDS friends to post about what it was like to get their calls. There is one guy that my husband works with and I have nothing but respect for him. Jim Black is on my Facebook and when I read his posts and when he was called to teach, I could feel the joy and honor he had when he got his call. I even had some missionaries come to my house and they were as sweet as can be. It’s been awhile since they were last here, only because of me not answering the door and being in bed, lol. That’s another story for another time. My friend Jennifer served in a mission many years ago, but she is always happy to help anyone when needed. My dear friends Tom and Patsy are just the sweetest and they are willing to do whatever the Lord calls them to do. Shoot, I’m glad the Lord called them to bring me my tree and a pie from Veyo Pies… That is another story for another time too, lol. I see all these examples of befriending and going out of their way and still being overjoyed. But at the same time it is sad to me. You may be wondering why I say it is sad and let me take you there in my mind. Not sure how bumpy of a ride that will be though, lol

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The Fowlers (only white people) are missionaries to Ethiopia. Our church supports these missionaries among others. I don’t see most people serving these kinds of missions. But there are plenty in our own back yard.

The reason I say it is kinda sad is that all believers in Christ should be overjoyed and happy to be worshiping and spreading the Gospel. We all should be willing to go out there and do what God wants us to do. We all should be asking God, “Where do you want me to go, and I will be there!” We all should be out there meeting our neighbors and seeing if they need any help. We all should be willing! I know with myself I get a tad bit over zealous, but that is because I want people to know who Christ is and what He did for me. I feel very blessed to be able to worship God and to share my faith.

ImageI was watching a movie called “One Nation Under God” or should I say a documentary about these 4 college guys that was on break.  The link I provided is the trailer to the movie. Anyhow, they wanted to find out for themselves who God was to them. They were always told by parents, teachers, church leaders and so on who God was. They went to church and did everything they were told. But these four guys went into the world on a road trip to talk to people and visit people they never met before. They found themselves wondering where they would sleep and what they would eat. These guys got the prompting to go out and reach people and find out who God really is to them. They were able to serve others as we are told in the Bible.

Verses about Serving Others;

Blessed are the Givers

  • Acts 20:35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

Love Your Neighbor

  • Galatians 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

By the Strength of God

1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Showing Love to one Another

  • Philippians 2:1-4 If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

I can completely understand that not everyone can go out to all parts of the world and serve. It may not be physically or financially possible. But we live in an area where mission work is needed and can be done. All areas of this planet we call Earth is a mission field. We don’t have to go traveling all over the world to be there for someone else. We can show love and care to those around us.

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Members of my church serving in the community by helping out at the Steps for Hope. Hope Pregnancy Care center is always needing volunteers and help in raising awareness. Serving God while serving others.

Thankfully not all people at my church reads my blog, because I’m going to do some name dropping. I apologize for this, but not sorry really, lol. So here is the beginning of my name dropping. First we have my two sweet Miss Shirley’s. Shirley M is there at anytime and willing to do just about anything for anyone. She listens to what and where God is calling her. She is in her 70’s and doing whatever is asked. My other sweet Shirley is a true joy. She loves to talk to others and share her faith. Then we have those who visit shut ins and will call a person who needs to hear a voice of compassion or some hand holding. Sheryl is great about listening to Gods voice and being there for those who may not have anyone else or they just need a cup of coffee. My daughter Jessica loves to witness to others and share the Gospel and her love of music. My other daughter is the same. She and her family are willing to do what God asks no matter how hard. I have to mention Evelyn. She is such a sweet lady and even if it is sharing coffee or helping at the Hope Chest, she is there. Barbara is always there to serve goodies and home baked items and has a hug waiting for you. The list goes on and on.

The reason I mention these things is that we live in a mission field. All places are mission fields. Some of these people can’t travel and some may not be able to get out of bed. But they are still doing something. While I know many that are serving in our area. I know many at the same time that find it a chore. They find a lot of excuses for not doing or listening to Gods voice.

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This is my mother in law Marjorie and she was very sweet

My mother in law use to tell me that she is too old and frail to do anything. She can’t do anything for anyone because she doesn’t drive and she can’t hear God’s voice. She was over 80 when she came to live with me and one night she thought she was missing Gods voice. She was in tears. She never understood that it wasn’t the kind of voice in the way we talk, but its the kind that speaks to our hearts. His voice is there, just not in the way she was thinking. After an hour, she was feeling better. She wanted to do more with the church, but had a hard time. So mom did what she could do and that was to send a letter to those who are sick. She wasn’t someone that liked the phone, but she loved to write. Mom loved to pray. Now that she knew God wasn’t a voice like ours or the burning bush kind, she felt better. She would pray for anyone and anything. She was serving others through prayer. Serving and being on a mission doesn’t have to mean you leave. You can serve anywhere.

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  • Support those who are trying to serve Him such as local and international mission fields and missionaries.
  • Make sure what you’re doing is inline with biblical principles.
  • Show love to those who are not “godly” and don’t shun them for who they are.
  • Be helpful to those that need it and don’t expect anything in return.
  • Make disciples of those you come in contact with by sharing your faith.
  • Don’t hide your true self for fear of rejection.
  • Stand up for what you believe in, in a loving and heartfelt way.
  • Take time out of your day to pray for others
  • Never compromise biblical authority for anything.

Doing these things will not only help us to serve the community around us, it will effectively make us more like Christ. And it will help us to keep the distractions to a minimum. Being intentional with serving for Christ will effectively make us want to be more like Him in all areas.

If you don’t think you can be used by God, you are mistaken. We all can be used by God. We all have been called. Sometimes we listen and other times we run like Jonah did and he got swallowed by a whale. I don’t want to be a Jonah! I would love to see people in our community that go to non LDS churches excited and break down in tears over what God is doing in their lives. I would love to see more people willing to just say, “What do you want me to do Lord? And do it!” Maybe I expect a lot, but I think I should. As a Christian, my inner most desire is to witness to others and if I have to hit them over the head with a hammer to get them to listen, then I may have to do that. Besides God can heal a concussion. He is a great healer and the best physician ever.

I’m going to end this topic now, because I can tell I’m heading into the area of soap box preaching and knocking sense into people. Hopefully this didn’t offend anyone and it gives someone something to think about.

Blinking Lights and Machines

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

I try not to post things about my medical things on my blog, but I’m making an exception on this. Once in a while I do, but I try not to and I try not to complain about things medically.

Last night I think I was at the end of my rope with stupid machines. I had to do an overnight oxymetry test to see how my oxygen levels are when I’m sleeping.  I covered in another blog that I have a v-pap for the sleep apnea. So last night they wanted to also see how my oxygen level did with that and if it helped any. I think if I had an opportunity to reach out and touch the one who ordered this, I would have touched him by pegging him with something. I was not impressed.

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Sorry it is sideways. I was a bit ticket at the time…

When I picked up the small machine to test my O2, I already knew the receptionist was full of it. Because I have had these tests many times. A guy was ahead of me and I wanted so bad to tell him, ‘don’t believe her”, The reason I say that is that she said it is a painless test, which is true. But she told him a bold face lie about the light on that thing. The cord is only about 9-12 inches from your face. And every-time your oxygen gets below 88 here comes a bright red blinking lights. I’m not a person that likes lights blinking and such when I’m trying to sleep. And I most difinantly (?spelling) don’t like it in my face.

So I get the blasted little sucker turned on, put on the v-pap mask. Which is a chore in itself and here comes the noises and blinking lights ALL night long. I took a picture of my sats at one time and that was the time I was about to throw it out the window and let some strange animal or something carry it away. I was pretty much fit to be tied about 5am this morning and was having a bit of a anti-Christian moment when it came to what I was thinking about this whole thing.

But they picked the machine up today and I will see how it goes. If they make me redo it, I may have to have a bit of a discussion with them. If I got any sleep at all, it would be a miracle. I had to wait till after my Drs appointment to do that today.  I’m guessing by the readings I seen, they will be calling me tomorrow and all stressed out over them. I guess we will have to see what is next. But, oh my goodness, you would think they could find a way to not have blinking lights on alarms if they are wanting a person to sleep.

Then this morning I had to get up early for my Dr’s appointment. This is the same Dr that wanted me to go to the ER last week because my blood pressure was 240/147. I never did go, but since I’m on home health, they keep an eye on that and I called my primary. But today, my blood pressure was not that high, but close. So again, I hear the same thing. I think if I was able to get sleep and wasn’t so frustrated over blinking lights and beeps all night long, I would have been a tad bit lower. Not all the way, but not in the upper range like it has been.

But this is my vent for the day and such. I try to keep positive and I am positive on this post too. Just positive in a different way. I’m positive I hate blinking lights and alarms that sound off.

Introductions at Church

Published on by Sandie D2 Comments

ImageI have been working on our churches website lately and doing a lot of changes. We are in the middle of welcoming our new pastor and there are changes on the horizon. Changes are a good thing though and I look forward to seeing what changes there are and where God is leading our church to. But! I know, there is always a but. But, the other day at church I got thinking about our order or service and how some of our lay leaders or those making announcements welcome first time visitors.

Our church is a very huggy squeezey kind of church. I love the people there. Even though there are times when I will venture out and go to another service because they are doing something special or I have a need for contemporary music. I have long ago come to the conclusion that our church is meant to be more of a traditional style of service and that is OK. But back to my thinking about the way we greet newcomers.

One of our guys was doing the announcements and there were some newbies that walked through the door. They were new to the area and was checking out churches in the area. Now when I check out a new church, I don’t want a lot of fanfare. I want to sit in the back and listen to the sermon and see what the church is like on a normal Sunday. But that moment comes at some churches when the guy up front will ask if there are any first time visitors. I dread that moment and when I know a church does that, I make sure to stay clear. I don’t like being called out when I go to a new church or having to hold my hand up and everyone focuses on me. It reminds me of the times I had to start a new school and the teacher would have me stand in front of the class and introduce me to everyone. Then they would assign someone who didn’t want to be your friend for the day.

The other week when this happened at church, I wanted to tell the poor family to lay low. ImageDon’t raise your hand and move quietly. I could tell the people just wanted to be there. Their legs started to fidget and a couple of the kids was whispering about how they didn’t want to stand and introduce themselves. I think this time of welcoming and showering people with an over abundance of love and affection all within a couple minutes is old church. I think all the churches I have gone to are like this. And I have to admit that the friendliness of everyone is what drew me to St. George Community Church. That first Sunday I didn’t like when I had to stand up like I was in class. My girls and I had a talk on the way about if they do this, who will stand up. I got the loosing straw.

Now the part that I do like is that they have a meet and greet time. I think this is a good thing because it gives you a chance to welcome newcomers and say hi to those around you. Everyone is standing up at the same time, shaking hands and being friendly. It isn’t just one person or a family standing there with 120 sets of eyes watching your every move.

I went searching the ever reliable internet on what keeps them away from church. I know everything we find there has to be right, right? Well, I started a search on why people stay away from church or why they have a fear of going to church. And these are some of the things I found and I have to say that we are guilty of some of these things. Egads, does that mean I need to change my way of greeting others at church? Hmmm…

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The one that stood out the most was addresses. And this keeps me from going to new churches too. They hand you a packet and you fill out your name, address, phone number and whatever else that is asked for shy of signing your life away. So they fill out this nifty little card that gives information to the pastor and church leaders so they can call on the person later. Not that filling out a form is bad, because I have no issue with that. But what follows is kind of a pain. You have the bombardment of people asking where you are from, do you live in the area, are you a visitor and so on. I know I’m guilty of this myself. I think once the form is filled in it is nice to just introduce yourself during meet and greet and tell them you are happy to see them. No long stories or life time history is needed at that point. If they wanted 20 questions, they would go on a game show for that. Once that card is in the offering plate, then the pastor will call or visit, which I like. It’s much less intimidating to visit with one or two then 120.

ImageThis is one of my things I’m guilty on. When a newcomer finally makes it past everyone at church and given their life story, they have to find a place to sit. My eyes are darting back and forth and I know the only pew that would hold them all is the one I sit in each and every Sunday. Telepathically I’m sending a message to these newcomers that they are sitting in my seat and they need to move, lol. Now of course I would never voice this out loud, but it is bothering me to no end. So after church I huff and puff for a few and then calm down and realize I don’t own the pew and they needed to sit somewhere, lol. I’m pretty sure they were wondering where they would sit and didn’t realize that there is a magic sign on that one. When I go to other churches, I know I always hope I didn’t ruin someone’s plan to sit in their favorite place that was made for them. I wonder if their hearts jump out of their chest as the strangers enter the row and plop themselves down. Egads, that gives me a headache just thinking on that, lol.

I did venture out and onto the internet to check out why people don’t go and here are some reasons I found. When I ask some people why they don’t go to church I found it interesting that many times it is because of a bad experience that kept them away. And some may be like me where they wouldn’t go to church unless they knew they wouldn’t be singled out. Some of their reasons were that they didn’t have anything nice to wear and people would make fun of them. Or they would think that the church only wanted their money and was going to suck them dry. This is one that I hear all the time and that is that they aren’t good enough to go to church. Shoot not one of us is good enough and all are sinners, but that is a whole other topic. When I heard some of these reasons I made me think about the kind of message we are sending out to people outside of the church. I have to say that I was pretty happy that some even told me they hate having to stand up and introduce themselves. I felt like I wasn’t alone.

ImageIn closing, I guess I have to admit that I have a few church issues. I like my pew and I don’t like to stand up and be called on. But I do love the people. You won’t find a more loving and kind group of people then you have at St. George Community Church. I’m looking forward to see what is going to happen even though I am a creature of habit as some may know. I will close this topic before I go on and ramble more about other stuff. 🙂 Even though, Now I’m thinking I need a video to tell people that it is safe to go to church and they don’t have to stand up and introduce themselves if they don’t want too. And if they feel pressured I will hide them under the safety of my pew. 🙂 

Happy Grandparents Day – My Grandkids

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

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OK! Today is Grandparents Day… And I want to let everyone know that I have the cutest most adorable grandkids ever!!! I know others that have grandkids won’t agree with me, but that is OK. Because to them their grandkids are the cutest and most adorable too. 

Many know that I have a problem with the Grandma name and that is the truth. My grandkids call me either G-ma or GG and I’m perfectly fine with that. But I wanted to show the world who the most adorable, handsome and sweet my grandkids are. I am blessed to have them in the same city where I live. Even though I have a daughter who is thinking outside of my comfort zone box. 

I would like to thank both of my daughters and their husbands for giving us the best grandkids ever. I may not like the grandma word, but I will always love them and I am blessed to have them and you in my life. 

But here are my grandkids… 

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Tyson is my oldest grandson. His parents are my daughter Rebeciah and her husband Jason. He is turning into a wonderful young man. He is one of the best big brothers I have seen and he has the ornery side, but also the side that touches my heart. I was and am very proud of his dedication to our Lord and loved it when he was baptized.

 

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Jace is what I call a free spirit. He is funny and loves to try just about anything. I think out of all the boys, he is the one that will soar like the eagles and stop at nothing. I would say he is an adrenaline junky in the making, but a very sweet boy. Jace is the second son of Beckiah and Jason. Watch out girls, here he comes!
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Ashton is going to melt hearts. Ashton has a sweetness about him. But he is also a practical joker. He is the youngest of the boys that my daughter Beckiah and her husband Jason have. Ashton has the best smile and dimples. 
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Kora is my only grand daughter. She is so precious. Spoiling is going to be part of her future. It has been a long time since I could buy dresses and bows and now she gets them. Kora is a sweetheart and the three boys that are above her picture are her brothers. Good luck to any boys who tries to hurt her, date her or marry her, lol.
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JJ is the young man holding the sign that it’s his first day in kindergarten. JJ is supersmart. I like to say it is because of me, but I guess it is really that Jessica and Jason spend time with him. She is going into Elementary Ed, so he gets to learn with her. JJ has a love for cars, muscle trucks and whatever his daddy is doing. He is my youngest most handsome 5 yr old grandson. JJ is the only child of Jessica and Jason and I think with his energy level, that may be a good thing, lol. He is a love and has a love for the lord. His favorite character in the Bible is the Holy Spirit.