Angels Among Us

 

                      

 

Psalm 55:22 --- you really need to read this. "Friends are God's way of taking care of us."

Just a note:  I'm so glad you all think so highly of me,but this is not my good deed, but the one of the Denver Hospice Physician - I just passed it on.  Blessings, Penny

Written by a Metro Denver hospice physician.

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I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends:

I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a Gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay.

When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It wasa nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying "I don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"

This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hearthe flutter of their wings...

Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Please think now of family, friends, Internet friends and those you have seen or heard of that need a touch from the Lord.  Say a prayer for them now.  They need you most just now as they struggle through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's with their griefs and fears.  As we lift up one another, the song of Angels will surely pierce the heavens and call the Lord's attention to our petitions.

        Be blessed as you prepare for Christmas,

                     

received in a forward with minor changes - Pen

My Sister Char Sent This . . .

Isn’t it amazing that these things actually appear on packaging. I n Honor of Stupid People . . . In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions o n consumer goods.

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do not turn upside down." (well...duh, a bit late, huh!)

                    

On Sainsbury's peanuts -- "Warning: contains nuts." (talk about a news flash)

                         

 

On Boot's Children Cough Medicine -- "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication." (We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5 year-olds with head-colds off those bulldozers.

                    

 

 On Marks &Spencer Bread Pudding -- "Product will be hot after heating." (...and you thought????...)

                    

                      

On a Sears hairdryer -- Do not use while sleeping. (That's the only time I have to work on my hair.) 

                          

 On a bag of Fritos -- You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. (the shoplifter special?)

                                                      

 On a bar of Dial soap -- "Directions: Use like regular soap." (and that would be???....)

                 

 On some Swanson frozen dinners -- "Serving suggestion: Defrost." (but, it's just a suggestion.)

                              

 On packaging for a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body." (but wouldn't this save me time?)

                             

 

 On Nytol Sleep Aid -- "Warning: May cause drowsiness." (..I'm taking this because???....)

                           

 

 On most brands of Christmas lights -- "For indoor or outdoor use only." (as opposed to what?)

           

 On a Japanese food processor -- "Not to be used for the other use." (now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.) ??????

                                 

 On an American Airlines packet of nuts -- "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts." (Step 3: say what?)

 

                       

 On a child's Superman costume -- "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly." (I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)

                       

On a Swedish chainsaw -- "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals." (Oh my gosh..was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)

                               

and  . . .

                                    

Now that you've smiled at least once, it's your turn to spread the stupidity to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even chuckle)...

I chuckled a lot!

           

 

On to Christmas

 

        

With Thanksgiving over nearly a week, it's time for us to look forward to Christmas.  All over the Internet,  there are tags and snags, but none so wonderful as our own J-Land friends who are offering graphics to us free of charge.  Please check out their journals if you have not done so:

Cab's Creations

Missie's Magical Creations

A Derasta Creation

D's Designs - She made the graphic above

Sazzy Kreations 

While you are there visiting, thank these people for the wonderful work they do.  If you know of another talented graphics artist, snf the link here in my journal, The next tip is that my friend Krissy has set up a Christmas journal called Joy to the World.  This is a beautiful journal that Krissy and her sister Val have created.  Go by and check it out.  The first entry is now up.

I way over did on Thanksgiving day and the day before.  By the time we sat down to eat, my hip was hurting as well as my back.  Next morning I was unable to walk with out assistance.  I sit up in the living room now for a few hours then have to go to bed again.  It's been 6 days and I am better, but still in tremendous pain in my hip and back.  I'm getting depressed - those of you who suffer chronic pain know how it is -in the middle of it, you feel like it will never end.  I know it will end, but I feel like I don't have enough faith right now.  I would like to ask for prayer for myself and also for John who is in the hospital again and for his wife Krissy.  I qm thankful to all of you who support me and this journal.

Blessings to all of you as we prepare for Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Some of you celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.  Others celebrate Kwanza.  Honestly\y, I don't quite understand this one.  Bless you all.

In Christ,

                               =

The Big Day is Over

        

Well, we had the big blow-out yesterday.  I baked two pies on Wednesday, got up at 5 am on Thursday so I could have a cup of coffee or two to get the old engines going ( never did  get up a full head of steam).  By  6:30 Andrea and I had the pumpkin roll in the oven.

         

I had to take little breaks all day long because I just couldn't stand too much.  We had told Kayla's uncle that we were going to eat around 4 pm.  He showed up here at about 12:30 to see the girls and a couple of minutes later his brother Monroe showed up with his intended.  Hostess that I am, I wouldn't leave the room to work in the kitchen.  Oops! turkey delay.  Rob was watching football and the two uncles were lovin' it while my turkey was "patiently" waiting for me to return.   

                          

Uncle Eddie asked if he could take Kayla and Lupe to see the cousins, etc. while the turkey baked.  I looked at the clock and told him we would now eat at around 5:30 or 6:00 pm.  Smiling, I waved as 2 of the 3 girls were whisked away from the holiday madness.

The next thing that happened was that I found some stuff in the body cavity and put it to the side to use later.  I then stuffed the bird, had Rob help me load it buttered, slathered and slippery into a cooking bag and lift it into the oven.  I had cooked the giblets and added to the stuffing, so other than making "smashed" potatoes and veggies, there was a little down time.

I sat in the living room for a while, listened to football and played on my computer for a while.  It was a very nice diversion. Then I got up from my chair and ambled into the kitchen to check th progress of the turkey.  It was browning well.  Now was the time to start making side dishes.  Andrea scrubbed and cut potatoes while I cleaned up my workspace and started water to boil.  After we got the potatoes in the pan, we started to work on the rolls.  Silently, Andrea and I rolled the dough into little balls - tried crescent, couldn't do it - and placed them in the pan to rise a little on top of the stove along with the extra stuffing (it was baking on top) and the turkey neck simmering for broth.  Then it was time for another break.

                                      

After some time reading a couple of journals and playing a bit of Pogo, Andrea and I went back into the kitchen.  The turkey wasn't ready so I went online to look up an onion sauce.  Never found one. Went solo.  Mmmmmmm! scrumptious.  I whipped the potatoes, heated the vegetables and had Rob take turkey out of the oven.  Lupe, Kayla and Uncle Eddie come in while I am whipping the potatoes.  "Is that how you do it?  I thought they came in a box"  Thank goodness she went straight to the living room.  I wouldn't have been able to hold it back too long.  As it was, I nearly wet my pants.  I must be getting really old. 

We put the rolls in the oven, poured the onion sauce over the vegetables, finished making the gravy and set the table with fine china.  It was wonderful.

                  

After the main meal, Rob and I went in the kitchen to start the clean-up and prepare to give them pie and pumpkin roll.  Both went over well.  We finished up in the kitchen.  We ate a lot!  Still,  there were some leftovers . . .          .

 

 

 

                      

                            

                       

          

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

          

I finally get to say Happy Thanksgiving to you all.  I've been busy scouring J-Land to find your entries about the holiday.  Some are funny, some poignant, others full of gratitude.  I have a bunch of links to share with you and a few Thanksgiving graphic to share as well.  You may have read some of them already, but if you haven't, let's get on with it!

I'm not the only Penny in J-Land - enjoy her entry!                 Our friend Chuck talks about an early Thanksgiving

At Missie's house, the dogs are getting a bath and Missie is takin' a break

Tammy has been catching up all day with her journals, had time to send us a card

Not only that, but guess who's NOT coming to dinner at Tammy's house

Donna and Cliff are having a different sort of Thanksgiving

If you love Dad as much as I do, you will enjoy his entry.

AngelRose is wishing us a Happy Turkey Day

Our dear friend Marlene is spending Thanksgiving with her son

I am sure you have read Journal Editor Jeff's Thanksgiving Story - go again

Cathy has a special message for all of us

I love to read Joyce's treasures - today she tells us why she is thankful

Hop over to read Nightmaremom's entry, it's wonderful.

Mary had me in stitches by the time I finished reading this!

My friend Krissy made a comment in my journal this evening.  I think I will share it with you:  Penny, I left comments in the journals you mentioned above.  They were such beautiful entries.  You don't need to mention me anywhere, but I am thankful for my Lord first - for all the blessings He has given to me in my life, such as salvation, and keeping my beloved John alive this year.  Next I am thankful for my family, my friends, my J-Land friends (and J-Land Sisters ;), oh, and I can't forget my kitty, LOL.  Just everything!  

                   

I am so grateful to have made a home here in J-Land.  I've made wonderful friends here.  I am very close to a few.  Funny thing, across the miles we get to know each other.  In our most alone times, there seems to be someone here to talk to.  I'm glad for that. 

            

I love this graphic!  The little girls are so sweet.  Did you notice that the mouse is praying?  My mom loved mice.  I would have sent this to her.  What am I thankful for right now?  I am so happy to have completed the shopping for tomorrow.  The pies are made, I'll make pumpkin rolls in the morning.  We love them - if you want the recipe, I'll be happy to send it along.  Of course it's my sister's recipe so I will give her the credit.  For the first time since we've owned it, we will be using our china for a special meal.  The china was a gift to us while we were still in Mexico.  It's an old set, came packed in a big angel treasure chest.  Packed around the dishes were lovely old napkins and lacy things for the table.  They went into the wash tonite so I could use them tomorrow. 

            

The water in this graphic makes me feel peace.  Thanks, Missie.  Today as I directed, Andrea and Kayla cleaned the bathroom and kitchen while Lupe emptied the trash and cleaned up outside.  Rob cleaned the living room, picked up after the dog  He got up super early to start his work.  Soon we will be putting up a Christmas tree.  He moved the birds around to make room for it.  Yesterday, he made me a great sewing table.  I did more shopping . . . dirt cheap turkey if you spend $25.  Since we already have a turkey, today's went to the Salvation Army to feed the homeless tomorrow.  I received turkey and fixin's when my kids and I were without food or money.  We are grateful to God for His blessings back then.  I like to think that someday the men, women and children who will get a full Thanksgiving meal tomorrow will also be thankful for the blessing of enough turkeys to feed them all.

The Lord has continually blessed our lives.  His grace has kept us alive long enough to know Him personally and to be able to come back to him after a period away.  How can we really be grateful for anything else?  After we knew His love for us, everything else was taken care of.  Isn't that cool?  We don't have to worry (although we will) ever again.  We may be lonely, but never alone, sad but not forsaken and when the worst comes, He will cradle us in His arms and comfort us.  When it is time, He will call us to His side forever.  For these things, I am truly grateful.

                    

Gratitude Again

                    I'm back to add some links 

 

            

                         Thanks Missie for this wonderful tag!

I'll be back later to edit this and add some "grateful comments and links"  This is an exciting week to be alive . . .when we show our gratitude to our Father.  If you haven't made and entry or comment - this is the day to do it.  Make sure you send me your link.  I want to post entries through Thursday.  If I am able, to do so, I will send all your gratitude to you in an e-mail so you may share it on Thanksgiving Day.  If you leave a link to your journal, I will link back to your journal.   See you a little later.

I know it's been a long wait - nearly 12 hours, but I am back to share some gratitude of my own and some entries I have read today.  As well, a friend or two has dropped by to share gratitude. 

             

The first journal I visited today was Hi I'm Kara.  She had a wonderful teaching on true gratitude.  Click on the link above to see her journal entry,  I know she will be happy for you to visit.

Next, I stopped by Jessie's journal.  I liked what she wrote, so as with Kara, I asked permission to share her link with you.  Stop by and give her a shout.

Natalie came by my comments section and left this note:  I am grateful for my family and friends where I live and for my Jland frineds online. I am glad that they have the benefits of reasonable health and good  family support.Thank you Penny
love,natalie

Mandy left her link with me in the comments section. She said she would write it up by this evening.  Write she did - Thank you, Mandy.  Drop by to see what she wrote.

Now for my gratitude is this:  I am not alone in gratitude for family and friends.  My husband treats me like a queen.  Yes I am thankful for Rob and our daughter.  My deepest gratitude goes to God. My name was written on His hand before the world began.  He gave me life and the ability to love.  What more could could I ask for?

                 

I pray that each of you finds the true meaning of gratitude in your hearts. 

                          

                 Penny

LIVING VICARIOUSLY

What is "Living Vicariously"?  It means that rather than having a life of your own, you live by substituting what you think and do for the thoughts and actions of others,  living their lives as yours.

 

As an example I will go back many years - early 70's.  I worked at a small beer bar run by a person named Mama Jac.  She gathered young people around her and was excited by our enthusiasm and abilities.  She was a very lonely woman - she had no life of her own to speak of, so she lived her life through our actions and thoughts.  She even told people that our ideas were something she suggested. Unknown to us at at the time not only was she living vicariously through our lives, she was taking credit for our thoughts.  

Here's my next thought - and this is very important.  Plagiarism . . . what is plagiarism?  The dictionary describes it this way:

"	the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work. "

This is very important to us here in J-Land.  Recently I have been noticing that there is someone here that is doing something very similar to that.  The person gives credit to the original author, writes it up in their own words and asks others to leave a comment in their own journal.  It's possible that this person doesn't know how to link to another journal or leave their own link when making a comment in another journal.

I would like to ask this J-Lander to learn how to link to the original author and let the author receive the comments for their idea.  When you take another's writings and ask people to comment in your journal, you are plagiarising - stealing if you will.   We all work hard to make our journals a reflection of ourselves.  We are thrilled to have ourselves given credit in a peer's journal. If you don't know how to link go to John's journal and read his Journal Helps on the right side of the journal.  There you can learn journal etiquette, linking and a lot of other journaling tips.

Readers:  don't take this personally.  I pray you see how important this is to the cohesiveness of our community.

Many blessings in Christ,