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Living to Tell the Story

I am praising God today for His faithfulness!

I have been sort of dreading the last couple of weeks  for some time...  mainly because I had  4 major doctor's appointments, 2 per week,  and  some of them for various reasons  were playing on my mind.

1. The first appointment was  for my 6 month eye exam... Since I have  glaucoma, and recently had  my cataract surgeries, I was  sort of dreading and sort of hopeful for this  appointment..  Dreading it because I detest the visual field test. Hurray, I passed that one with flying colors!  And my  eye pressures were  improving  greatly so I  came away  from that appointment feeling blessed and happy!

 

2.  The next appointment was   my yearly check-up.. and since I, also, have type II diabetes  I am always a bit  wary of  getting  the check... Praise God  my AC1  was  down  by some points almost to the normal range!!! And the glucose  test  was 89...  wow,  that was  something!!!

3.  This week hubs and I both had a dermatology  visit...  for body scans..  Both of us  got wonderful results..  I had some  items burned off, one of which I had been quite concerned about.. a mole that had changed in appearance quite a bit...    Hopefully,

 it will soon be a distance memory!

4.  My most concerning visit was with an opthamalogist/plastic surgeon to  confer about  a lesion my opthamalogist found  earlier in the month... It could either be  a skin cancer or  an abrasion caused by my  glasses that will not stay in alignment and the nose pads have  put  marks on my nose and inner  eye area.  At any rate, I am scheduled for a biopsy in two weeks...  but I am really believing in my spirit that it is not skin cancer...  It is not at all like the skin cancer I had before, and  my eye glasses have been bothering me so much  and I  just think it is related to them...  But  a biopsy will clear the air.. so  In all,  the doctor's appointment turned out well!  Praise God for His loving kindness and love!

How did God demonstrate His love for me during the appointment?  When I stepped into the corridor to  follow the nurse to the examining room,  there at the end of the hall stood my wonderful Bible Study teacher and previous mentor of all things spiritual!!She was waiting for me  at the room as she was in training to be  a nursing assistant.  She  held my hand while    I waited for the doctor and  prayed for me... and  prayed for God's healing touch and  I felt  then that  all was going to be absolutely fine!

5.  Other ways God has ministered to me since my appointment,  the very first person I saw    following my appointment was at the glasses adjustment place... There was a customer,  my good friend and Prayer Sista, Judy...who  has had her fair share of skin cancers as well. She looked at my situation and spoke   a word over me.. that it was not cancer,  but an abrasion..I have other  good friends who  have had skin cancer  speak encouraging words over me so  I am  edified to the max and all fear and trepidation is gone!

Skywatch Friday

Gorgeous late spring skies over the Shenandoah Valley!

For more skies visit Skyley.

Wednesday Medley~The Humble Paper Clip

A Clipped Together Wednesday Medley...

Hosted by  our friend, Terri.

Everything below this line is from the National Day Calendar website.

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NATIONAL PAPERCLIP DAY

National Paperclip Day is observed each year on May 29. Yes, even the paperclip has its own day of honor. It is about that well-known piece of curved wire that keeps our papers together and helps keep us organized.

While there are much earlier claims to the invention of the paperclip, according to the Early Office Museum, the first patent for a “bent wire paper clip” was presented to Samuel B. Fay in the United States in 1867. The original intention of Fay’s clip was to attach tickets to fabric. However, U.S. patent 64,088 recognized that it could also be used to attach papers together.

There were as many as 50 others that received patents for similar designs prior to 1899. One other notable name receiving a patent for his paperclip design in the United States was Erlman J. Wright in 1877. At that time, his clip was advertised for use in fastening newspapers.

The Gem paperclip, which was most likely in production in Britain in the early 1870s by The Gem Manufacturing Company, was never patented. It is the most common type of wire paper clip and is still in use today. It was introduced to the United States around 1892 and in 1904, Cushman & Denison registered a trademark for the “Gem” name in connection with paper clips. Paperclips are still sometimes called “Gem clips.”

Today, paperclips come in various sizes, shapes, and colors and can make your paperwork look more fun and lively.

Paperclips are not just for holding papers together. There are many other things that you can do with them! 

Replace a zipper tab 

Unclog a spray bottle 

Unclog a single serve coffee maker 

Hem holder 

Emergency hooks for broken necklaces 

The Paper Clip Project

During World War II this small, universal office supply provided a visual method of protest at a time when any outward signs of objection could be dangerous, even in familiar company.

Early in the war, Norwegians were particularly persistent in their development of symbols. The paper clip represented “sticking together” for a time until the Nazis caught on and banned the wearing of paper clips.

According to a March 5, 1941, Provo, Utah newspaper article (The Daily Herald), the Norwegians switched to new symbols as quickly as the bans could be issued.

In 1998, a group of middle school students led by language arts teacher Sandra Roberts and associate principal David Smith began a project through a Holocaust education class. The voluntary after-school class, Whitwell Middle School principal Linda Hooper’s idea, would be the foundation for developing tolerance and diversity.

Inspired by the story of the protesting Norwegians and their paper clips, the students began to collect six million paper clips – one paper clip representing one Jew who perished during the Holocaust. Adults today still wrestle with how the Holocaust could occur. Imagine middle school students trying to understand the magnitude of such an event on humanity.

The Paper Clip Project gained international attention and by 2001 the students collected more than 30 million paper clips. The school dedicated a Children’s Holocaust Memorial which displays an authentic German railcar filled with a portion of the paper clips.

For more information on this inspiring story, the book and film that followed visit www.oneclipatatime.org

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Everything above this line is from the National Day Calendar website.

1. Wow! Had you ever heard of the Holocaust project involving paperclips? I never had but I hail the school Principal for her insight and motivation for inspiring her students to become so enamored with this project.. I imagine that compassionate attitude toward the Holocaust will affect those students their whole lives!

2. Have you ever created a paperclip chain? I freely admit to creating a paperclip chain. How long did it get? I vaguely remember making one and it seems to me it was around 6 feet long.

3. I use paperclips as hooks at Christmas time to put ornaments on the tree. Works like a charm!! What is something you used a paperclip for, other than holding papers together? I used to unbend them and create an "L', tie them on a string that was connected to decorative posters or items the students made like, for example, Japanese lanterns, then by placing the L over the end of a yard stick I could carefully raise it up to the ceiling and hook the "L" over the metal strip that held the ceiling panels in place.. The students loved to have their artwork suspended above us!

reasonable facsimile

4. I am amazed at the shapes and colors of paperclips available. I found my favorite... share your favorite with us here!

I love these little piggies

5. Say goodbye to May on this last Wednesday of May. Be poetic if you will, or simply bid it adieu. 

GOODBYE, OLE MAY 

IT SEEMED YOU CAME ALONG TO STAY

SO TAKE YOUR HOT AND HUMID DAYS

AND MAKE WAY FOR JUNE SO WE CAN PLAY

OH, YEAH, THE TEACHERS CAN'T WAIT TO GET AWAY! 

6. Tell us something about your week so far, please! Hubs and I started the week well. I cooked side dishes to go along what my friend's delicious BBQ and Brambleberry Pie and then delivered the food to our Sunday school teacher's home after church. His wife is recuperating from a hip replacement, and we had a most marvelous visit...later that night hubs and I were invited to our friends' cookout . They live on the mountain and the view and the breeze was most exhilarating. The friendship was even better!

Last night we went to a local high school to attend a wonderful concert-a tribute to Memorial Day and honoring the 75th Anniversary of D-Day put on by the Community Band. A neighbor who plays the trombone invited us and I'm so glad because it was truly wonderful! 

A story the band leader shared.. as a brash, hotshot, young college student was talking to his dad, this song came on the radio. His dad said, "that is such a great song!" and the young man retorted, "oh, it really isn't that great musically."

At that dad replied," Well, I am not educated musically, but I do know this.. when our men, half dead,many wounded,so tired they could barely keep their feet under them were plodding down the lane toward a nearby liberated French village, upon hearing that song playing on a Victrola in town, they hitched themselves up and marched proudly into town because of how that music made them feel!"

Have a great rest of your May of 2019!

Homestyle Gathering~ Inviting Guest Rooms

JOINING ALONG WITH kIM AT SERVING UP SOUTHERN.

I have been researching hospitality ideas for setting up an inviting guest room.  I mean, the hostess with the mostest considers  things like this... 

so

 making your guests feel at home remember that love is in the details!

We have become so technical having the wifi password  printed on a card on the nightstand  is a  way to make guests feel really welcome.

Just like any luxurious hotel,  it is best to start with your very best linens..  A smart shopper  can find mark offs of fine 600 count cottons at fun  shops like Tuesday Morning and Home Goods. 

It is a thoughtful gesture to leave a stack of fresh towels in the room,as well.

A cosy knit or fleece throw  thrown over the bed or a guest chair is a very welcome site at our house because  being  hot natured  I might not keep the temps  as warm  as  others do..

and we do like it cool in summer..but I've found not everyone does!

A  few  devotionals or current magazines nearby is  always a nice touch, as well. 

Below is  a  great list of other thoughtful  reminders for  setting up  your guest room for summer guests.

Floor length mirror

Water and a few easy to grab snacks

Essential items in a basket- Kleenex, toothpaste, socks, eye mask, makeup wipes, Tylenol, Tums, lotion

Phone Charger with extension cord

Hooks to hang bags and or clothes

Luggage stand

Reading Lamps

Candle and flowers or plants
Box of tissues

Plenty of toilet paper and room spray

Plunger in bathroom
Cleaned off surfaces clear from personal items

Just some homestyle gathering tips for making your summer visitors so pleased, they will never wish to leave!!

Tuesday 4

Joining Toni for Tuesday 4.

Your Brand Is Showing

1. Food: ~ Do you buy brand names or go for the cheaper store name brand?

It is about half and half for us. It depends on the product and what I am using it for.. I may go store brand for a stew or soup.

2. Clothes: ~ Wear designer jeans/slacks with a brand name or regular department store jeans/slacks?

Definitely store brand... I am not a fashionista!

3. Handbags: ~ Buy a designer bag or look for a less expensive copy?

As a younger woman when In worked I loved Etienne Aigner handbags. I loved the look and they were durable.

But since retiring I love fun more fashionable purses, especially in various colors, so I go cheap! Well, I love a 20 dollar purse!

4. Shoes: ~ You got the drift, designer or a cheaper copy?

Hehehe, at my age, with these feet.. I just buy shoes that look good but more importantly feel good! Shoe shopping is a chore for me! But as younger lady, I wore Bass weejuns all the time... 

or

I have hardly ever worn heels.

Happy Homemaker Monday

To return to Sandra click here!

The weather:::

Too hot!

Very thankful for the  wonderful rain we got last night...  we  are getting dry!

On my breakfast plate:

Still wondering about that...  late morning

As I look outside my window...

A stroll through the yard revealed  some happy plants  who were still revelling from the rain!

       Lots of new  plantings  coming up!  down the

 way, as well as, a few weeds..uh, oh!

The basil plant is  doing well..  time to  snip some  to bring in for the week!

Angel wing begonia   looking  great!!

On my bedside table..

well, my meds have found their way back on the bedside table...  but I only have 3 bottles now.. I think  it is time to organize the top drawer of the night stand...    sounds like a job for today actually!

On my reading pile:::

Murder in an Irish Pub by Carlene O'Connor

Continue through the Bible readings from Psalms, Hebrews, and  starting Isaiah today.. a reread following our marvelous Bible Study on it  this past year... 

Movies or Shows I watched this weekend:::

When Calls the Heart...  pretty exciting last night!

Thank goodness for Contour tv

On my TV this week:::

Worst Cooks in America, Celebrity 

various vintage  game shows via You Tube

HGTV 

Food Network

Netflix   Republic of Doyle

On the menu for this week:::

Monday -Delicious rotisserie chicken salad and fruit

Tuesday- chef salad and  red  potato 

Wednesday- fried chicken, green beans ,mashed potatoes with tossed salad

Thursday-?

Friday-?

On my to do list this week :::
Marketing
laundry
check out that top drawer
read my book

Important church meeting 

2 doctor's appointments...
dermatology..  yikes  several  things removed
opthamologist plastic surgeon.. discuss and possible  remove a lesion on my eye lid.. yikes yikes

(Glad when this ordeal with my eye is behind me!)

Looking around the house:::

general cleaning, vacuum, dust

organize a few drawers downstairs as well.

Make a plan for reorganizing the linen closet...

What am I listening to:

Loreena McKennitt of Pandora radio

From the camera:::

Someone had a ball over the weekend!

What I'm wearing today:::

khaki and white check   cotton  Capri's and a loose  blouse ....going for comfort today!

One of my simple pleasures:::

We celebrated a simple pleasure last night... I  am always so happy when our friends invite us and another couple over for  a Memorial Day  cookout  to sit on their  screened in porch and  enjoy the mountain breezes and   and  enjoy their mountain view! Simple,fun conversation and  wonderful  buddies! 

Bible verse, Devotional, prayers::: 

Prayers 
Continuing prayers for our nation:

Pray protection over The President and his family.  Scatter the network of evil schemes that thwart 

the Constitutional flow of government

Pray against all division in our nation, that harmony and peace will reign supreme throughout the land. 

For the God's will to work its way through our Congress to promote a healing and a functioning environment.

Pray against delusion and lies of the enemy, protect the hearts and minds of the young, and especially the un-informed electorate!

Pray that pastors across the nation are renewed and re edified to preach the gospel using the whole counsel of God.

Please, God, take back our institutions of higher learning

Pray for the sick that they might be healed

Pray for the peace and harmony of Jerusalem ...also pray God's favor over Bibi Netanyahu ..I have some friends flying there for a tour of the Holy land today.. keep them safe, Lord!

Pray for our service men and women overseas who put their life on the line everyday to protect our freedoms. 

Pray for the lost who are bewildered and lost... they are hopeless in need of a loving savior