tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86628666949559102682024-03-04T23:38:31.696-08:00Hope, Humor, and Godly EncouragementA quick dose of humor and encouragement to brighten your day.Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-19346592127280019332021-05-02T17:23:00.008-07:002021-05-02T17:29:57.340-07:00<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Sometimes we need laughter to redirect our brains from the seriousness of our situations. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.chickensoup.com/" href="https://www.chickensoup.com/" target="_blank"><i>Chicken Soup for the Soul's</i></a> newest release, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://bit.ly/3fJBIsE" href="https://bit.ly/3fJBIsE" target="_blank">Read, Laugh, Repeat</a>, had me literally laughing out loud.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">My story, "What Goes Up" in included in this hilarious book. Here's a peek:<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Grandma,
watch this!” </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Our
ten-year-old grandson scrambled up our backyard maple tree like King Kong
scaling the Empire State building.</b> He stood on a limb, grabbed the one above
him, and bounced. Hapless young leaves dropped under his onslaught as the
branch bobbed up and down.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo5hbrdYpONr8HpMCPeFztsoDBI2VoPy6f0yIVh-pKVvT0m0qYDMRfTZWyWNouOinpvE1V8n_QozCuCZ9uScQj9u4RU-ACrb44VU4VCVO9drVAasaxkQQ89OtHi29nvzx00degCgDyaw/s346/chicken+soup+read+laugh+repeat.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo5hbrdYpONr8HpMCPeFztsoDBI2VoPy6f0yIVh-pKVvT0m0qYDMRfTZWyWNouOinpvE1V8n_QozCuCZ9uScQj9u4RU-ACrb44VU4VCVO9drVAasaxkQQ89OtHi29nvzx00degCgDyaw/s320/chicken+soup+read+laugh+repeat.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">My
breath caught in my throat, a regular occurrence for a grandparent of an active
boy. “Asher, be careful. You haven’t broken any bones yet. Let’s keep it that
way.”</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He
stopped bouncing and plopped onto the limb. My lungs resumed their normal
rhythm. “Grandma,” he called in a cajoling tone, “Climb up with me. Please.” </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
eyed the old tree. Asher and I considered it our private fortress, but the
branch I normally used to boost myself up had broken off in a recent storm.
Getting into that tree would take more upper arm strength than I possessed.
“Honey, I don’t think I can climb up there anymore.”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Asher’s
eyes widened as if I’d uttered a blasphemy. “But Grandma, it’s our special
place. You have to try.” His stricken look prompted me to grab a branch. An oversized
gorilla hoisting me up would have been more helpful than Asher’s verbal assistance.
<b>“Pull harder, Grandma. Boy, you should really start working out. You’re getting
pretty weak.”</b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After
multiple tries I hefted myself onto the lowest limb and lay panting against the
rough bark. Slow maneuvering brought me to a sitting position. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“See
Grandma, I knew you could get up here.” Asher grinned and scooted next to me. We
sat together on the branch, our feet dangling. A cool May breeze held the
insects at bay as Asher told me about his school day. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
silently thanked God for the opportunity to spend time with this beloved grandson.
My husband Jake and I relished our time with him. We’d forged a special bond
over the years with this child, so dear to our hearts.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As
sunset streaked the sky the breeze died down and mosquitoes began foraging for
victims. “OK Sweetie, let’s go in. Your grandpa will be home soon.” </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Asher
shimmied down the trunk like a competitor in a lumberjack competition. I swung
my leg lower, feeling for the limb I always used to descend. “Be careful
Grandma. Your climb-down branch is gone, remember?” </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
surveyed the hard surface below. The new river rock and brick landscape edging
mocked me. Several dismount attempts brought one conclusion. I couldn’t get myself
down safely.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Hurry
up, Grandma.” Asher bounced on the patio.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Sweetie,
I’m having trouble getting down.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Asher
stopped jumping and peered up at me. “Grandma, are you stuck in the tree?”</span></b></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
knobby bark bit into my protesting backside. I cautiously shifted my weight on
the branch. “I don’t want you to worry, but . . .”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Are
you REALLY stuck?”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Yes
Asher, I’m really stuck.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">His
eyes gleamed with excitement. “Can I call 911?” he asked hopefully.</span></b></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“No,
not 911. Call your grandpa.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Asher
ran inside for the phone. A tiny gnat, the size of a pin head, landed on my
arm. I jerked at its needle-jab sting, then fought to keep my balance. A red, dime-sized
welt appeared where the gnat stung me. I swatted away another Mutant Robo-Gnat that
was dive-bombing my face.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Asher
ran back, waving the phone like a prize. “Are you sure I can’t call 911?” he asked
again, anticipation written in his countenance. I could see his mental wheels
turning. A firetruck or two, perhaps a rescue squad on stand-by would perk up a
weekday. And make a great story at school.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Dial
your grandpa and put him on speaker,” I commanded.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jake
answered on the second ring. “Grandma’s stuck in a tree,” Asher announced
cheerfully.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“What?”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
rolled my eyes and swatted another gnat.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Grandma
told me to call because she’s stuck in a tree.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
heard a long pause before my husband asked, “Is Grandma really stuck in a
tree?”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Yeah,
and she wants you to come home and help her down,” Asher enthused.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jake’s
hysterical laughter flowed through the phone line.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“You’re
on speaker. I can hear you,” I shouted from my perch. ”Now stop cackling, come
home, and get me down.” </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Between
bouts of laughter Jake said, “Tell Grandma to hang on. I’ll be there soon.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Ok,
bye Gramps. I’ll take care of things until you get home.” Asher laid the house phone
on the patio table and ran back inside. I smashed a Robo-Gnat attacking my leg
as <b>Asher burst through the patio door, his new cell phone in hand. “My grandmother
is stuck in a tree,” he said in his best news announcer voice. </b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Who
are you talking to?” I asked.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Nobody,
Grandma.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Asher
resumed his spiel, “My grandmother is stuck in the tree. She can’t get down.
<b>Grandma, would like to say a few words?”</b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
splintery wood dug into my palms. I tamped down exasperation. “Say a few words
to who? <b>Who are you talking to?”</b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I’m
not talking to anyone. I’m recording you. See?”</span></b></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He
flipped the phone around and held it up for me to view. Sure enough, a video
played on-screen. A middle-aged woman wearing silver loafers, dark washed jeans,
and an exasperated glare hunched in a maple.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Give
me that!” I make a feeble swipe at the upheld phone. Asher pulled it back and
tapped buttons furiously. I wobbled on the branch before regaining my balance.
Asher peered up at me through the deepening twilight. <b>“Be careful! You almost
fell. Grandma, are you really, truly stuck?”</b></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>
</b></span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My
heart softened at his evident concern. “Yes Sweetie, but I’ll be all right. Don’t
worry.”</span></b></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>
</b></span><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Oh,
I’m not worried,” he said, “I just posted this online. The video already has
two ‘likes.’ You’ve gone worldwide.”</span></b></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-1777864173415132912020-11-14T18:40:00.003-08:002020-11-14T18:40:58.494-08:00Judge Slow, Love Quick<p> <span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Josh Wilson's song "<a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6glQdaQUZ1U" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6glQdaQUZ1U" target="_blank"><span style="color: #5040ae;">Revolutionary</span></a>" keeps spinning in my head.<br />Here's are the lyrics, in part:<br /><br />Maybe you're not like me<br />Maybe we don't agree<br /><strong>Maybe that doesn't mean<br />We gotta be enemies</strong><br /><br />Maybe we just get brave<br />Take a big leap of faith<br /><strong>Call a truce so me and you<br />Can find a better way</strong><br /><br />Let's take some time, open our eyes, look and listen,<br /><strong>And we're gonna find we're more alike than we are different,</strong><br /><br />Why does kindness seem revolutionary?<br /><strong>When did we let hate get so ordinary?</strong><br /><br /><strong>Let's turn it around, flip the script</strong><br /><strong>Judge slow, love quick</strong><br />God help us get revolutionary.<br /><br />I'm turning the TV down<br />Drowning their voices out<br />'<strong>Cause I believe that you and me<br />Can find some common ground</strong><br /><br />See maybe I'm not like you<br />But I'll walk a mile in your shoes<br />If it means I might see<br />The world the way you do<br /><br /><strong>What would Jesus do?<br />He would love first</strong><br />Yeah, He would love first<br />So we should love first...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">This is one of the most divisive times in US history. But those lyrics remind me to respond in love.<br /><br /><em>Love doesn't mean we necessarily agree with another person's point of view.<br />It does mean we show that person respect and compassion.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">When asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”</span><br /><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Jesus replied: “‘<strong>Love
the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with
all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the
second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.</strong> Matthew 22:36-39<br /><br />What would happen if we stood firm on our values, yet loved like Jesus loves?<br /><br />“You
have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:43-44 </span><br /><br /></p><p><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6glQdaQUZ1U" width="320" youtube-src-id="6glQdaQUZ1U"></iframe></span></div><br /><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6glQdaQUZ1U</span> <br /></span><p></p>Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-64189984096359338492020-08-25T16:16:00.004-07:002020-08-25T16:20:32.462-07:0010 second "Want vs. Need" Quiz<p><span><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p><span><span style="color: black;">Which is a need, which is a want? Take this highly scientific 10 second quiz to discover the answer!</span></span></p><p><span><span style="color: black;"><b>Q) Which of the following is a need? </b><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="color: black;">A) "My arm is broken. I need to go to the hospital."</span></span></p><p><span><span style="color: black;">B) "My outfits are lame. I need to go to the mall." </span></span></p><p><span><span style="color: black;">If you chose A, congratulations. You identified the need</span></span><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="color: black;">(Insider's note: both are actual quotes from a twelve-year-old family member.)<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfBWweXlU9VLDfXyfQlymKyqujPbQcw1-WRB3pqFThiTRAKegdOriLDJIst-VNvy4QHjzRJddYMfaJjiq2HIzsFRIw8N34IpZS8tXGNFS6kra9OwnTuiUf2DiPMj3RrWC1QJC_C55NQI/s400/Apolonia+%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="400" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfBWweXlU9VLDfXyfQlymKyqujPbQcw1-WRB3pqFThiTRAKegdOriLDJIst-VNvy4QHjzRJddYMfaJjiq2HIzsFRIw8N34IpZS8tXGNFS6kra9OwnTuiUf2DiPMj3RrWC1QJC_C55NQI/w205-h139/Apolonia+%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" width="205" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">My <i>want </i>list contains things like a unicorn, and a personal chef who turns chocolate desserts into a low calorie health food. But my <i>needs</i> list includes asking my husband to help with dinner so we don't wind up in the ER from my cooking.<br /></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">(Insiders note: my grandson swears I killed a squirrel who ate the burnt eggplant I'd set outside.)</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">So what do you <i>need</i> help with? Work projects? School? Child care? Cooking? Cleaning? Tending sick friends or elderly relatives? </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><b><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">Be proactive. Seek help from family, friends, neighbors, your church family, and coworkers. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">Sometimes a small break can make a major difference. Maybe you <i>need</i> a meal delivered, or a few hours without the children. Maybe you <i>need</i> a tutor, or a night out with friends or your spouse. Although that might be a picnic instead of dinner at an exclusive restaurant.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">(Insiders note: my husband would rather eat my lethal burnt eggplant than dine in a fine restaurant.)</span></span></span> <br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">We live in a constantly changing "new normal" with Covid-19, social unrest, and economic uncertainty. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">People have contended with plagues, fires, famines, political machinations, and wars for centuries. An ancient book offers advice t</span></span></span></span></span>o deal with it:</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." </span>Phil 4:6 NLT</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">Which lines up with 1 Peter 5:7, <span style="font-size: medium;">"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."</span> </span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">So, I might <i>want</i> to worry. but I <i>need</i> to pray. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;">What new--or old--methods are you using to meet your needs and those of others? </span></span></span></span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span class="p">By the way, if anyone wants or needs burnt eggplant, I'll gladly share my portion.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span class="p"><span><span style="color: black;">(Insider's note:</span></span></span> I actually burned the green beans while writing this blog. But I left the smoky pan inside this time to prevent squirrel deaths.)</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of apolonia@freedigitalphotos.net</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"> <br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span><span style="color: black;"> <br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="color: black;"></span><br />Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-46898916451590918902020-07-14T13:07:00.002-07:002020-07-14T13:07:41.138-07:00Who Cloned my Dog?<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: medium;">Chicken Soup for the Soul's newest release, "<a href="https://www.chickensoup.com/book/230918/the-magic-of-dogs" target="_blank"><em>The Magic of Dogs</em></a>" goes on sale today.<br />The book contains 101 stories about our canine friends. Some hilarious. Some heartwarming.<br /><br />I think mine, "Tundra's Clone," carries a bit of both. But you be the judge.</span><br />
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: medium;"> </span><br /> ⧫⧫⧫⧫⧫<br /><br />“Sheesh Dad, she’s bawlin’ again.” <br /><br />Patty’s voice echoed down the hall into our master bedroom. My Super Mom Radar detected a patented eye-roll accompanying our sixth-grader’s words. <br /><br />I rested my forehead against the cold window glass and stared at the weathered wooden cross in our backyard. A memorial for my dog Tundra, my constant companion. <br /><br />I closed my eyes and pictured the companion who’d spent so many years by my side. <br />Golden fur. <br />Alert ears. <br />Smiling muzzle. <br />Wise brown eyes shining with love. <br /><br />My husband Jake walked into the room and pulled me into his arms. “Honey, I’m sorry you’re hurting, but Tundra died last year. Maybe we should get a new dog.” <br /><br />I jerked back and wailed like a two year old throwing a grocery store tantrum. “No dog could ever replace Tundra.” <br /><br />Patty tip-toed into the room holding out a tissue box like a shield. “Mom, I miss Tundra too, but maybe looking at puppies will make us feel better.” <br /><br />Despite my protests, we drove to our local Humane Society. Inside the florescent-lit room a barking chorus blasted our ears, a veritable Mastiff Tabernacle Choir. <br /><br />A jeans-clad volunteer waved hello as she scrubbed the chain link kennels lining the long room. The scent of damp fur and fresh doggie poo competed with her pungent disinfectant. <br /><br />Patty dashed from one canine resident to the next. A monstrously large Akita, roughly the size of Jupiter, sucked my tall, weight-lifter husband into its gravitational pull. “Hey honey, the tag says he came from Japan.” Jake reached into the cage and petted the mutant beast. <br />
<br />I forced a smile, but my heart ached for my precious Tundra. To hide my rising tears I walked to the end of the row. <br /><br />There she stood. <br />My Tundra’s clone. In miniature. <br /><br />Same golden fur. <br />Same alert ears. <br />Same smiling muzzle. <br />Same wise brown eyes shining with love. <br /><br />“Lord, am I losing my mind?” I whispered. <br /><br />Tundra’s tiny double pawed the kennel door as I knelt down. The force of her wagging tail shook her entire body. I knew this wasn’t my dog. Still, I couldn’t help whispering, “Tundra?” <br /><br />The pup transformed into a bundle of canine craziness. Jumping, spinning, barking--the epitome of puppy joy. <br /><br />Jake hurried over to see the commotion. His eyes widened. “Holy smoke, it’s Tundra. Pint sized.” <br /><br />Patty ran over and screeched to a stop. “It’s a tiny Tundra!” She squatted next to me and gawked at Tundra’s replica.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBDE-Lwd6zG13pBxYL9DECn1nyfc5QR9MJGYyo79Q8WXOjRcO_lW7ZIV4qBH37NzvYeN2eV6sJdVuBtqYri8E-7TuJuBcfk7XjyPI6SrM9oFQhcsDLv0ib_r51cKvwZw6YIU_93wIXa0/s1600/Chicken+soup+magic+of+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chicken Soup for the Soul The Magic of Dogs book cover" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBDE-Lwd6zG13pBxYL9DECn1nyfc5QR9MJGYyo79Q8WXOjRcO_lW7ZIV4qBH37NzvYeN2eV6sJdVuBtqYri8E-7TuJuBcfk7XjyPI6SrM9oFQhcsDLv0ib_r51cKvwZw6YIU_93wIXa0/s200/Chicken+soup+magic+of+dogs.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><br /><br />The kennel attendant walked over, smiling. “Hi, I’m Francis. I’ll bring her out.” <br /><br />She grabbed a leash and opened the kennel door. I crouched down and the Tundra clone raced into my outstretched arms. A second later I sat on the chilly concrete floor with the exuberant puppy commandeering my lap. <br /><br />Jake watched the pup lick tears from my grinning face. My husband cast a longing glance at the planet-sized Akita, sighed, and pointed to the pooch in my lap. “Francis, we want to adopt this puppy.” <br /><br />Francis bent and tickled the pup under her chin. “We found this little girl crouched in a drainpipe, shaking and sopping wet. Her owners have three more days to claim her. If not, she goes up for adoption on Monday.” <br /><br />I cuddled the pup closer. “OK, we’ll pick her up Monday.” <br /><br />Francis shook her head. “We adopt out on a first-come, first-served basis.” <br /><br />Realization dawned with sickening clarity. I asked, “You mean, someone else might get her?” <br /><br />She nodded. “I’m sorry, but that’s a possibility. The new owner must meet our adoption criteria, of course.” <br /><br />Patty jumped to her feet. “My mom needs this puppy so she can quit cryin’ over her dead dog. This puppy is his clone!” <br /><br />Francis patted Patty’s shoulder. “I can tell your mom really likes this dog, but it’s out of my hands. This puppy is exceptionally popular. If her owner doesn’t claim her, the first qualified person here Monday gets her.” <br /><br />Francis lifted the pup from my lap and winked. “Fill out our paperwork, and check back Monday morning.” <br /><br />I’d already lost my Tundra. The thought of not getting this puppy transitioned my eyes to “Embarrassing Public Tears” mode. <br /><br />Patty groaned. “Sheesh, Dad, there she goes again.” <br /><br />The next day, Saturday, I risked a ticket speeding to the animal shelter. Tiny Tundra leapt up, pawing the chain link door when she saw me. <br /><br />Francis noticed, and brought the pup out. I spent the morning playing doggie-snuggle while rivers of people flowed past. When potential rivals ogled Tundra’s double, I tried projecting a, “This Dog is Taken” ray into their brains. <br /><br />Sunday after church I hurried back to visit my duplicate Tundra. A middle-aged woman cooed to her through the cage mesh. I sent up a panicked semi-prayer, "Lord, smite that woman with dog fur allergy. Or turn her into a cat lover.” Jerking out my wallet, I raced into the kennel’s office and found Francis. “I’ll pay extra to take her home today.” <br /><br />She lifted her hands. “I’m sorry, we have to follow protocol. The owner has until tonight to claim her. Call us tomorrow.” At my stricken look Francis said, “If this doesn’t work out there are plenty of other dogs available.” <br /><br />“Not for me.” <br /><br />Francis tapped her finger against her chin. “Get here tomorrow before we open. If you’re the first approved applicant, she’ll be yours.” Francis held up a cautioning hand. “Even so, you can’t take her directly home. We’d transport her to your veterinarian to be spayed. You’d get her from there.” <br /><br />Giddy with happiness, I rushed home to share the news, then called my boss to request Monday morning off.<br />
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<br /><br />He answered after multiple rings, his voice squeaking like a smashed party horn. I explained my dilemma. He said, “Half of the office is sick. I’m sorry, but we need you at work.” <br /><br />Panic set in. Someone else would get my dog. <br /><br />Jake stroked my back. “Calm down. I’ll go there tomorrow morning after work.” <br /><br />“You work nights. By the time you get there it’ll be too late.” I pictured tiny Tundra with the middle-aged cooing woman. My overactive tear-ducts sprang into action. <br /><br />Patty strolled into the room. “Sheesh, Dad, not again!” <br /><br />At her father’s, “Not now,” signal, Patty sighed and wandered out. <br /><br />Jake lifted my chin. “Everything will work out. You’ll see.” <br /><br />Monday morning found me performing agonized mental gymnastics. Would Jake reach the shelter before someone else claimed my puppy? I drove to work trembling. Jake called soon after, sounding cheerful. “Swing by the vet tonight to pick up your dog.” <br /><br />I choked out, “Jake, you’re the best,” before my eyes locked into “Uncontrollable Joyous Tears” mode. <br /><br />That evening we sat on the living room floor while Tiny Tundra romped across our legs. I snuggled against Jake. “Sorry for acting so crazy after Tundra died.” <br /><br />“You acted pretty crazy about Tiny Tundra too, Mom,” Patty chimed in. <br /><br />Encircled by the precious family who’d supported me through the challenging past year, tears welled. Patty scooped up Tiny Tundra and settled her in my lap. “Mom, enough blubbering!” <br /><br />Laughing, I kissed Patty’s cheek and cuddled our vivacious pup. “Happy tears, Honey. Only happy tears from now on.”<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2kR5SMBfqFvyrOgU6J0YbzF6Ljd-vmh0EbjshV38FjERprU9Mr-lgqlkvbzXGy4GNxakL2ZUKvkuI3QYnWdmSYeOQKHJwHhNSbPU8jCY5F3se5Qhjdg3HRRVa2lR_-ndUCM7ai3P_FU/s1600/asher-and-tundra-2009+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Young boy hugging dog" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="171" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2kR5SMBfqFvyrOgU6J0YbzF6Ljd-vmh0EbjshV38FjERprU9Mr-lgqlkvbzXGy4GNxakL2ZUKvkuI3QYnWdmSYeOQKHJwHhNSbPU8jCY5F3se5Qhjdg3HRRVa2lR_-ndUCM7ai3P_FU/s200/asher-and-tundra-2009+cropped.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br />Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-45380324806163088182020-05-12T09:37:00.002-07:002020-05-12T09:37:28.757-07:00Encouragement in the midst of adversity<br />
<br />
<b>Anybody need encouragement today?</b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3<br /><br />So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 14:10</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7<br /><br />Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.</span><span style="color: black;">1 Peter 5:7</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:11</span>Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-23239354042706285962020-04-08T15:30:00.000-07:002020-04-08T15:30:19.531-07:00Easter vs. COVID-19"Dad, it feels like Easter is cancelled. Has this ever happened before? Maybe during WW2?"<br />
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My eighty-five year old father replied, "Honey, this is a first. Even during wartime we always celebrated Easter. Services at church. The whole family together for dinner. Easter egg hunts for the kids." Dad paused for a moment. "We've never been in a situation like this, but we'll make it through."<br />
<br />
Dad's right. So hit the road, Easter Grinch. Celebrations may look different, but they will continue. Because the whole reason for Easter isn't colored eggs and chocolate bunnies--although I'm a major chocolate bunny fan.<br />
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Easter is a celebration of Jesus coming to Earth. Sacrificing His life so we can have new life. And He offers His love, hope, and encouragement throughout the toughest times.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vpr6evxbvGlKsvn7CbMS2iA5YcBCSVKSWMYfo-_ynHFBtNjxyPpkwlwcUQO2zFLienSJu6gMFL5ECI5m442tmimfcr0cidH-p1FLz-sBCxTBhh2ruu_tB6XTpcVu0piX1Qu8HZmMtzU/s1600/artur84+%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vpr6evxbvGlKsvn7CbMS2iA5YcBCSVKSWMYfo-_ynHFBtNjxyPpkwlwcUQO2zFLienSJu6gMFL5ECI5m442tmimfcr0cidH-p1FLz-sBCxTBhh2ruu_tB6XTpcVu0piX1Qu8HZmMtzU/s320/artur84+%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of artur84@freedigitalphotos.net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, we're in the midst of trying times. But Jesus said, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." </span>(The bible, John 16:33)<br />
<br />
The coronavirus pandemic will end.<br />
Jesus love and victory won't.<br />
So take heart! Celebrate Easter in creative ways. And snag a chocolate bunny for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-35439592026563707532020-01-15T21:01:00.001-08:002020-01-15T21:02:11.317-08:00Dear Diary, It's a BAT!Dear Diary,<br />
<br />
8:00 pm--Made foolish decision to drink Mountain Dew. Experienced extended caffeine rush.<br />
<br />
3:30 am--Went to bed. Got up 1.2 nanoseconds later to investigate noise in bedroom.<br />
<br />
3:31 am--Discovered black, wriggling, fist-sized object inside the window track.<br />
<br />
3:32 am--Utilized evasive maneuvers to avoid BAT swooping through bedroom. Evidently a bat's radar draws it toward pajamas. And human shrieks. Much ducking, flailing, and running on my part. <br />
<br />
3:45 am--Husband and I donned protective gear. Jake in coat and welding gloves. Me in fluffy pink robe and gardening gloves.<br />
<br />
3:55 am--Bat's concealment techniques rivaled Jason Bourne's. We searched possible hiding places, including clothes hamper, closet, bed, shoes, purse. Located intruder holed up in drapery fold.<br />
<br />
4:00 am--After much struggle, captured bat with 6 foot fishing net. Flung bat outside, where it fell lifeless to roof overhang beneath window.<br />
<br />
4:05 am--Looked for bat's body. Gone. So not dead.<br />
<br />
<br />
4:10 am--Began bedroom cleaning/disinfecting process.<br />
<br />
6:30 am--Finished bedroom cleaning/ disinfection process. Went to sleep in guest bedroom.<br />
<br />
11:00 am--Called parent and shared bat story.<br />
<br />
11:30 am--Received call back from Dad saying, "So the bat wasn't dead? Next time use a stake through the heart."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-32528775766106967012019-11-16T10:52:00.001-08:002019-11-16T10:55:03.140-08:00Turkey Day or Thanksgiving?<b>CAUTION: this message contains blatant subliminal messages. <i>(Happy Thanksgiving.)</i></b><br />
<b>Beware, intrepid readers.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is right around the corner.<br />
For some indefinable reason, lately I hear it labeled "Turkey Day."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HK5MxBZto4pTXrbjRrtpHrUjsIs1LTg97enCtNhyqCArIGqzo95I2uEjmNqBZC70iUCjK6NogoiLWTCamHOGAHZmvTr80XZNCPSQJ6SROtDfAgCk29cfrVMSH0HbgKFFeNDWiebRjbk/s1600/tiverylucky%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HK5MxBZto4pTXrbjRrtpHrUjsIs1LTg97enCtNhyqCArIGqzo95I2uEjmNqBZC70iUCjK6NogoiLWTCamHOGAHZmvTr80XZNCPSQJ6SROtDfAgCk29cfrVMSH0HbgKFFeNDWiebRjbk/s200/tiverylucky%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of tiverylucky@freedigitalphotos.net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i> (Happy Thanksgiving.)</i><br />
<br />
Let's
stop that insidious madness before it spreads. Okay, maybe that's too
strong of a term, but it's kinda' fun to say, "insidious madness."<br />
<br />
If you don't believe me, say, "insidious madness" out loud three times. Doesn't it roll off your tongue perfectly?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi420TUV_w9kpn-RGfK2qcEgsBPnrHeQA_eWU_ieNGPYmtOFqbT82GL3-F-eJqCaQ3oWiUQA7EnNPJGfzJE28mbraDZph4hMPKSwImC8pL2dSTDurIZDKCcwXa_Wli8XbMJtCDyX-Tqfv4/s1600/Apolonia+%2540+freedigital.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi420TUV_w9kpn-RGfK2qcEgsBPnrHeQA_eWU_ieNGPYmtOFqbT82GL3-F-eJqCaQ3oWiUQA7EnNPJGfzJE28mbraDZph4hMPKSwImC8pL2dSTDurIZDKCcwXa_Wli8XbMJtCDyX-Tqfv4/s200/Apolonia+%2540+freedigital.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of Apolonia @ freedigitalphots.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>( Happy Thanksgiving.)</i><br />
<br />
This is a day to give God thanks. Something that we should do every day anyway. <i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>(Happy Thanksgiving.)</i><br />
<br />
"Turkey Day" doesn't convey the meaning of Thanksgiving. The message of Thanksgiving. The joy of Thanksgiving.<i><i> </i></i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8LJJ908T5Z5pZVk3Z21jYg7nM5OTwpkv8Hubh8PBMncrkaKyYUpbrnj0OTjzyd9ccc5KbO_4m6OPMXkDrnQ4I8D8t3N0_w7bOZL_AmMTP7QoyskHajcAgRGDzonKAo2v7m3JU7WLhnc/s1600/craigslist+chickens.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8LJJ908T5Z5pZVk3Z21jYg7nM5OTwpkv8Hubh8PBMncrkaKyYUpbrnj0OTjzyd9ccc5KbO_4m6OPMXkDrnQ4I8D8t3N0_w7bOZL_AmMTP7QoyskHajcAgRGDzonKAo2v7m3JU7WLhnc/s200/craigslist+chickens.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chickens giving thanks that they aren't turkeys.</span> </span><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><i>
</i></i><i><i>(Happy Thanksgiving.) </i></i><br />
<br />
"Happy Turkey Day," is misleading to the poor turkeys. C'mon, how happy are they today?<i><i><i> </i></i></i><br />
<br />
<i><i><i>(Happy Thanksgiving.)</i></i></i><br />
<br />
Saying, "Lord, thank you for all you've blessed me with," makes better sense, doesn't it?<i><i><i> </i></i></i><br />
<br />
<i><i><i>(Happy Thanksgiving.)</i> </i></i><br />
<br />
Even
in the midst of sorrow, trial, tribulation, pressure, flat tires,
clogged sinks, and colicky babies, we can find something to be grateful
for.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoP5Khyphenhyphenn6VNSTxVWUsNQgSlf3UGrW5HvhbzelhH2mlK-C1JxNyfrqH3A299zQwteykxIFWJ95T8n070LvWz95uBYUCShewxJtldLUrRUGGZuB2fQmkh3AApHWLXPnWSrl33UkrhRJOtN4/s1600/Naypong%2540+freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoP5Khyphenhyphenn6VNSTxVWUsNQgSlf3UGrW5HvhbzelhH2mlK-C1JxNyfrqH3A299zQwteykxIFWJ95T8n070LvWz95uBYUCShewxJtldLUrRUGGZuB2fQmkh3AApHWLXPnWSrl33UkrhRJOtN4/s200/Naypong%2540+freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of Naypong@ freedigitalphotos.net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.</span><span class="p"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span> 1 Thes5:15 NLT </span><br />
<br />
So friends, whatever your circumstances, I pray you enjoy a blessed and <i><i><i>Happy Thanksgiving.</i></i></i><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span> Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-88592438798231982132019-08-01T11:32:00.000-07:002019-08-01T11:52:59.472-07:00Top 3 Ways God Beats The Bachelor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
God vs. The Bachelor?<br />
<br />
For the past twenty three TV seasons, women have vied to win The Bachelor's heart. The ladies resort to subterfuge and intricate ploys, fighting like Maybelline-coated wildcats to stay on the show.<br />
To win love.<br />
Those deemed worthy receive a rose; others are elegantly kicked to the curb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb__oIAMP43OOVlcJPCPUZ9pkNQ6d0bFB4JJMUrxxPwpwUkuKodmVxfrafZaS6jbu3aSmITu6hrvx-5wgbkPSnIRWgP16W6ewtt4Lt0eK1m8QnapJJDc64yRydgHORLUnXXIx8kXMOu5o/s1600/FrameAngel+%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="400" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb__oIAMP43OOVlcJPCPUZ9pkNQ6d0bFB4JJMUrxxPwpwUkuKodmVxfrafZaS6jbu3aSmITu6hrvx-5wgbkPSnIRWgP16W6ewtt4Lt0eK1m8QnapJJDc64yRydgHORLUnXXIx8kXMOu5o/s200/FrameAngel+%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
That's not love.<br />
So what is?<br />
<br />
An ancient text reveals, "God is Love." Because of that, here are <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Top 3 Reasons God Beats The Bachelor </span></div>
<br />
<br />
1) The Bachelor welcomes only gorgeous women.<br />
God welcomes all who come to him. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/John%206:37" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">(John 6:37)</span></a><br />
<br />
2) The women on the show battle for the Bachelor's love.<br />
God extends never-ending love to everyone. No fighting required. <span style="color: blue;">(<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/31-3.htm" target="_blank">Jeremiah 31:3</a></span>)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
3) The Bachelor offers a rose only to those women he deems worthy.<br />
God offers eternal life and love to all. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=ASV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">(John 3:16)</span></a> <br />
<br />
He proved it by giving His only begotten son, Jesus, to open a path to Himself. <a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/5-8.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">(Romans 5:8)</span></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
Now <i>that's</i> love.<br />
The best part? God's love is available everyday, all day.<br />
<i>There's nothing we can do to earn it, and nothing we can do to make God stop loving us.</i><br />
<br />
If you'd like to dive deep into God's love, pray this simple prayer<span style="font-size: medium;">:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />"Jesus, I welcome you into my life. Please forgive my sins. Be my Lord, savior, and friend."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">You'll experience true love like you've never known. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So yeah, God beats The Bachelor, but not in<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> a WWF smack-down way. </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Because true love, God's love, is what The Bachelor and all those lovely competitors need too. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Now that's a rosy picture. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-Hn7ZlGxoFHRsEMzru9qHjEpVkApk3p0ObzPqBtUhjoOFDJaO9m10Wfif2h-PRI3T08z0hipTqiBT_B6xNIlF4P0mDLw6FngZHeUI0hxFrRwDYwK9Jx-ncVZ7jzUS-dnw6BbFPddVCI/s1600/Rosa_Red_Chateau01--By+Hamachidori+-+Own+work%252C+CC+BY-SA+3.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-Hn7ZlGxoFHRsEMzru9qHjEpVkApk3p0ObzPqBtUhjoOFDJaO9m10Wfif2h-PRI3T08z0hipTqiBT_B6xNIlF4P0mDLw6FngZHeUI0hxFrRwDYwK9Jx-ncVZ7jzUS-dnw6BbFPddVCI/s200/Rosa_Red_Chateau01--By+Hamachidori+-+Own+work%252C+CC+BY-SA+3.0.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="col-md-12">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-md-12">
<div class="scripture verse-padding" lang="en">
<div class="verse font-helvetica" id="v-9">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="verse-9">"This is how God showed his love among
us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live
through him.
</span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="verse font-helvetica" id="v-10">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span class="verse-10">This is love: not that we loved God, but
that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">1 John 4:9-10</span><br />
</div>
<div class="verse font-helvetica" id="v-10">
</div>
<div class="verse font-helvetica" id="v-10">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Learn more about God's amazing love on the <a href="https://peacewithgod.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">PeaceWithGod</span></a> website. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos courtesy of </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">FrameAngel @freedigitalphotos.net</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">and </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hamachidori @Wiki commons</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-53412234036567034662019-05-24T06:33:00.000-07:002019-05-24T06:33:52.464-07:00Ode to May 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ode to May 2019</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There may be rain,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There may be snow,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There may be ice,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We just don't know.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Turn on the air?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Turn on the heat?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Flip flops or snowshoes for our feet? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">May bees lighting in the flowers</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">May be rebuffed by sneak snow showers.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Twisters, tempests, floods all plague us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lord, we pray for you to save us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Will a reprieve be coming soon?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe we'll find out in June. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-47032607004768446252019-03-31T20:05:00.001-07:002019-03-31T20:06:29.404-07:00What Goes Up<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">What's sillier than a grandmother stuck in a tree? Her sharing the story in the latest <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Grandparents-Generations/dp/1611599865/ref=sr_1_2?crid=S6HGRH4B5MKB&keywords=chicken+soup+grandparents&qid=1554085885&s=gateway&sprefix=chicken+soup+grandp%2Caps%2C385&sr=8-2" href="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Grandparents-Generations/dp/1611599865/ref=sr_1_2?crid=S6HGRH4B5MKB&keywords=chicken+soup+grandparents&qid=1554085885&s=gateway&sprefix=chicken+soup+grandp%2Caps%2C385&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #24678d;">Chicken Soup for the Soul release</span></a>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjNXCGXqlXCV-IMhhBTJGVLR1EpTjr66G8VmoDLXynAXqkqAT0Gkz6WoFW02wf-9olzGL_iuDA8bm-VnMrvUZpyIwN6EWe4J7HofOQdvWOFiJfCENdJKdMjfRBsltaPEpi9-sB9cH-Ho/s1600/Chicken+soup+Grandparents.+amazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="206" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjNXCGXqlXCV-IMhhBTJGVLR1EpTjr66G8VmoDLXynAXqkqAT0Gkz6WoFW02wf-9olzGL_iuDA8bm-VnMrvUZpyIwN6EWe4J7HofOQdvWOFiJfCENdJKdMjfRBsltaPEpi9-sB9cH-Ho/s320/Chicken+soup+Grandparents.+amazon.jpg" width="204" /> </a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-size: medium;">“Grandma, watch this!”<br /><br />Our
ten-year-old grandson scrambled up our backyard maple tree like King
Kong scaling the Empire State building. He stood on a limb, grabbed the
one above him, and bounced. Hapless young leaves dropped under his
onslaught as the branch bobbed up and down.<br /><br />My breath caught in
my throat, a regular occurrence for a grandparent of an active boy.
“Asher, be careful. You haven’t broken any bones yet. Let’s keep it that
way.”<br /><br />He stopped bouncing and plopped onto the limb. My lungs
resumed their normal rhythm. “Grandma,” he called in a cajoling tone,
“Climb up with me. Please.”<br /><br />I eyed the old tree. Asher and I
considered it our private fortress, but the branch I normally used to
boost myself up had broken off in a recent storm. Getting into that tree
would take more upper arm strength than I possessed. “Honey, I don’t
think I can climb up there anymore.”<br /><br />Asher’s eyes widened as if
I’d uttered a blasphemy. “But Grandma, it’s our special place. You have
to try.” His stricken look prompted me to grab a branch. An oversized
gorilla hoisting me up would have been more helpful than Asher’s verbal
assistance. “Pull harder, Grandma. Boy, you should really start working
out. You’re getting pretty weak.”<br /><br />After multiple tries I hefted
myself onto the lowest limb and lay panting against the rough bark. Slow
maneuvering brought me to a sitting position.<br />“See Grandma, I knew
you could get up here.” Asher grinned and scooted next to me. We sat
together on the branch, our feet dangling. A cool May breeze held the
insects at bay as Asher told me about his school day.<br /><br />I silently
thanked God for the opportunity to spend time with this beloved
grandson. My husband Jake and I relished our time with him. We’d forged a
special bond over the years with this child, so dear to our hearts.<br />As
sunset streaked the sky the breeze died down and mosquitoes began
foraging for victims. “OK Sweetie, let’s go in. Your grandpa will be
home soon.”<br /><br />Asher shimmied down the trunk like a competitor in a
lumberjack competition. I swung my leg lower, feeling for the limb I
always used to descend. “Be careful Grandma. Your climb-down branch is
gone, remember?”<br />I surveyed the hard surface below. The new river
rock and brick landscape edging mocked me. Several dismount attempts
brought one conclusion. I couldn’t get myself down safely.<br /><br />“Hurry up, Grandma.” Asher bounced on the patio.<br /><br />“Sweetie, I’m having trouble getting down.”<br /><br />Asher stopped jumping and peered up at me. “Grandma, are you stuck in the tree?”<br /><br />The
knobby bark bit into my protesting backside. I cautiously shifted my
weight on the branch. “I don’t want you to worry, but . . .”<br /><br />“Are you REALLY stuck?”<br /><br />“Yes Asher, I’m really stuck.”<br />His eyes gleamed with excitement. “Can I call 911?” he asked hopefully.<br /><br />“No, not 911. Call your grandpa.”<br /><br />Asher
ran inside for the phone. A tiny gnat, the size of a pin head, landed
on my arm. I jerked at its needle-jab sting, then fought to keep my
balance. A red, dime-sized welt appeared where the gnat stung me. I
swatted away another Mutant Robo-Gnat that was dive-bombing my face.<br /><br />Asher
ran back, waving the phone like a prize. “Are you sure I can’t call
911?” he asked again, anticipation written in his countenance. I could
see his mental wheels turning. A firetruck or two, perhaps a rescue
squad on stand-by would perk up a weekday. And make a great story at
school.<br /><br />“Dial your grandpa and put him on speaker,” I commanded.<br /><br />Jake answered on the second ring. “Grandma’s stuck in a tree,” Asher announced cheerfully.<br /><br />“What?”<br />I rolled my eyes and swatted another gnat.<br /><br />“Grandma told me to call because she’s stuck in a tree.”<br /><br />I heard a long pause before my husband asked, “Is Grandma really stuck in a tree?”<br /><br />“Yeah, and she wants you to come home and help her down,” Asher enthused.<br /><br />Jake’s
hysterical laughter flowed through the phone line. “You’re on speaker. I
can hear you,” I shouted from my perch. ”Now stop cackling, come home,
and get me down.”<br /><br />Between bouts of laughter Jake said, “Tell Grandma to hang on. I’ll be there soon.”<br /><br />“Ok,
bye Gramps. I’ll take care of things until you get home.” Asher laid
the house phone on the patio table and ran back inside. I smashed a
Robo-Gnat attacking my leg as Asher burst through the patio door, his
new cell phone in hand. “My grandmother is stuck in a tree,” he said in
his best news announcer voice.<br /><br />“Who are you talking to?” I asked.<br /><br />“Nobody, Grandma.”<br /><br />Asher resumed his spiel, “My grandmother is stuck in the tree. She can’t get down. Grandma, would like to say a few words?”<br /><br />The splintery wood dug into my palms. I tamped down exasperation. “Say a few words to who? Who are you talking to?”<br /><br />“I’m not talking to anyone. I’m recording you. See?”<br /><br />He
flipped the phone around and held it up for me to view. Sure enough, a
video played on-screen. A middle-aged woman wearing silver loafers, dark
washed jeans, and an exasperated glare hunched in a maple.<br /><br />“Give
me that!” I make a feeble swipe at the upheld phone. Asher pulled it
back and tapped buttons furiously. I wobbled on the branch before
regaining my balance. Asher peered up at me through the deepening
twilight. “Be careful! You almost fell. Grandma, are you really, truly
stuck?”<br /><br />My heart softened at his evident concern. “Yes Sweetie, but I’ll be all right. Don’t worry.”<br /><br />“Oh, I’m not worried,” he said, “I just posted this online. The video already has two ‘likes.’ You’ve gone worldwide.”</span><br />
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Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-53073562098826170972019-02-01T12:19:00.005-08:002019-02-01T12:19:56.125-08:00Reckless Love<span style="font-size: small;">I'm a sucker for romantic scenes where the hero sweeps in and rescues the heroine. The song, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc6SSHuZvQE" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Reckless Love</span></a>, describes the most awesome rescuer ever.<br /><br />The hero refuses to allow anything to come between him and his beloved. He leaves everything and everyone behind, and embarks on a search and rescue mission.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9auOEJHD1-qobAC7Dnhm0G3pb7AWGycIQSceMzWHn2yjbDMqEn79-P7RF8Ve8CceJ23SnEsHw_9lYHcJz6UTgbp7ZuyG7l9LyHhrtuFrr9wSHEnOm62N1BHnEK6yM_3HgvrUC3TQx46o/s1600/720th_Special_Tactics_Group_airmen_jump_20071003++2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9auOEJHD1-qobAC7Dnhm0G3pb7AWGycIQSceMzWHn2yjbDMqEn79-P7RF8Ve8CceJ23SnEsHw_9lYHcJz6UTgbp7ZuyG7l9LyHhrtuFrr9wSHEnOm62N1BHnEK6yM_3HgvrUC3TQx46o/s320/720th_Special_Tactics_Group_airmen_jump_20071003++2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />And he does it without any guarantee his devotion will ever be returned.<br /><br />The song says, "When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me.<br />You have been so, so good to me.<br />When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me.<br />You have been so, so kind to me."</span> <span style="font-size: small;">"And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God.<br />Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine.<br />And I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away.<br />Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God."<br /><br /><b>"There's no wall You won't kick down,<br />Lie You won't tear down,<br />Coming after me.</b></span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>There's no shadow You won't light up,<br />Mountain You won't climb up,<br />Coming after me."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Romantic books and movies take a backseat to the reality of true love. God's love. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because of that incredible love, Jesus left heaven and embarked on a search and rescue mission for us. He did it for </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">the young, the old, </span></span>the rich, the poor. For every person in the world.</span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">God is reaching out to you right now. <span style="font-size: small;">Do you desire His unconditional, never-ending love?</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Pray this simple prayer:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Jesus, I welcome you into my life. Please forgive my sins. Be my Lord, savior, and friend."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">And get ready to experience </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos courtesy Wicci Commons </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-77608458841430700932018-11-29T18:55:00.000-08:002018-11-29T18:55:07.963-08:00Holiday Perfection<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">One year I struggled to create a Hallmark-perfect holiday season. Instead, chaos ensued.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.chickensoup.com/" target="_blank">Chicken Soup for the Soul</a> <span style="color: black;">shared the story of my </span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">goofy failure in their </span></span>new release, <span style="color: blue;">"<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Christmas-Stories/dp/1611599822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543508196&sr=8-1&keywords=chicken+soup+wonder+of+christmas" target="_blank">The Wonder of Christmas.</a>"</span> </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Holiday Perfection</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<b>The kitchen’s mustard-yellow oven
mocked me from its 1970’s built-in perch. </b>I glared at the offensive appliance,
roughly the size of a child’s easy-bake oven. Next week our entire family would
arrive for Thanksgiving dinner in our new home. I wanted everything to be
perfect, but there was no way to fit a turkey in that tiny oven. <b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<b>Who lived here
before us? Elves? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
My husband Jake shuffled into the
room. “It’s midnight. What’s wrong?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
“Why did the builders put a
miniature stove in a large home?” I fumed. “I can’t make a perfect Thanksgiving
turkey in this stupid thing.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
Jake rubbed his eyes and yawned.
“Let’s replace it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
My heart did a momentary happy
dance before reality crashed in. “We just moved. We don’t have funds for a new
one.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
Jake wrapped an arm around my
shoulders. “We’ll buy a used one.” He gestured to my nemesis. “We can rip this
out now if you want.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<b>At midnight, the idea made
perfect sense. </b>We grabbed tools, removed the old built-in appliance, and
cleaned the decades of greasy dirt left behind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
The next morning we found an
online ad proclaiming, “New stove for sale. $60.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
Hopping into our pickup, we drove
over for a look. A friendly young couple met us at the door and led us around
back to large shed. The husband said, “We bought this stove back home in Iowa,
but there was already one here when we moved in last year. This one’s just been
sittin’ in the shed, so we figured to sell it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
I swiped a layer of dust off the
appliance with my finger. Underneath it the white stove gleamed. It looked
perfect. Since sixty dollars comprised our entire remodel budget, we bought it.
The two men loaded it into the truck, and Jake and I drove home congratulating
ourselves on finding a bargain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<b>Once we maneuvered the stove into
the kitchen, we notice an odd smell. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
“It probably just needs a good
cleaning,” I said. We scrubbed every inch we could reach, inside and out, but
the odor increased. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
As the stench permeated the
entire house, Jake shared his horrible realization. “I think a dead mouse is
stuck in the insulation, but I can’t get to it without ripping the stove
apart.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
“Holiday guest expect aromas like
pine boughs or gingerbread.<b> Our house reeks of rodent carcass.</b> We need to do
something,” I whined.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<b>So we ran the self-cleaning
feature repeatedly every day. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
By Thanksgiving the stink had
dissipated. Mostly. I felt confident that by the time our guests arrived, the
delectable scent of perfectly roasted turkey would cover any lingering odor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
Humming, I stuffed the turkey,
slid it into the new range and inspected the side dishes. Ruby colored
cranberry sauce, potatoes waiting to be mashed, pumpkin pies from the bakery
all passed the perfection inspection. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
The freshly cleaned house looked
perfect, so I dressed, put on makeup, and did my hair. <b>I wanted to look perfect
too. Or as perfect as possible despite wrinkles and acne.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
As family members arrived we
greeted them, gave the house tour, then sat together, chatting and laughing.
After a time Jake pulled me aside. “Honey, the turkey isn’t cooking.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
I hurried to the kitchen and
opened the stove door. <b>The huge raw turkey perched sadly in the cold oven.</b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agh! Had I burned out the stove with repeated
mouse cremations?</b> I stood paralyzed, dismay tap dancing across my brain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
My eagle-eyed mom glided into the
kitchen and within seconds pointed out the problem. <b>“Sweetheart, it will cook
faster if you turn on the oven.” </b>She tapped the knob, firmly fixed in the “off”
position. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
Panic set in. “What are we going
to do? There’s a house full of people and nothing to feed them except raw
turkey!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
Jake sauntered downstairs and
brought up large ham from the basement fridge. At my questioning look he
winked. “I wanted it on hand just in case.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
And he was perfectly right, as usual.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<b>That Thanksgiving our family ate
ham sandwiches. And ribbed me unmercifully </b>about not turning on the stove. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
Although far from what I’d
envisioned, <b>that Thanksgiving was perfect in its own way</b>. While munching my
sandwich, I realized I didn’t need to strive for magazine-perfect food
presentations or a picture perfect house. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<b>My focus didn’t need to be on
perfection, but rather gratefulness. I looked around the table and thanked God
for the people in my life.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
My husband who showed me love in
unexpected ways, like ripping out a stove because it bothered me. And having
the foresight to tuck away an emergency ham.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
My mother who still taught me
cooking basics--like flipping the knob to the “on” setting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
And our precious daughter and
grandson, siblings, cousins. <b>I silently thanked God for the perfect blessing of
having family together.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<b>We invited everyone back for
Christmas.</b> This time, rather than trying to make everything perfect, we decided
to skip the fancy turkey dinner and offer crockpots of soup instead. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
I even made sure to turn the
dials onto the “high” setting so the soup would cook in time for Christmas
dinner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<b>Only one thing would have made
those crockpots of soup more perfect. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
If I’d remembered to plug them
in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 35.3pt;">
<br /></div>
<br /><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<br />
<br />Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-18572489650475354952018-10-17T17:26:00.000-07:002018-10-17T18:08:44.133-07:00Miss America, Cheese, and True LoveHave you seen the Miss America parodies in the movies or on TV?<br />
A
cheesy host asks the contestant, "If you could have one wish, what
would it be?" The young woman simpers and answers in a sugary
voice, "World peace." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFoGM3LJJ4ptUoowz-ivunlVqP8jVLd0uN0ZKaTsh3KgpskY7CGEN7P8tVdrPVPqjXjQfHsWUlpAFA01o071Mqf9graFIm1gzv1uDt5lv1jv3Ah9gCyxjnRKwXSSBwMafJtNuAwxnIYI/s1600/blog+pic-beauty+contestant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFoGM3LJJ4ptUoowz-ivunlVqP8jVLd0uN0ZKaTsh3KgpskY7CGEN7P8tVdrPVPqjXjQfHsWUlpAFA01o071Mqf9graFIm1gzv1uDt5lv1jv3Ah9gCyxjnRKwXSSBwMafJtNuAwxnIYI/s320/blog+pic-beauty+contestant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not bashing the Miss America contestants. They're
intelligent, talented, and beautiful.<br />
I cheer for those young women...even with my
cellulite thighs and bat-wing triceps flapping.<br />
And even though I've experienced many times when I didn't feel intelligent, or talented, or beautiful.<br />
<br />
Or worthwhile.<br />
<br />
Or loved.<br />
Have you ever felt like that? <br />
<br />
Hold onto your Kraft American singles because this may sound as cheesy as the mock Miss America host.<br />
If I could have one wish, I'd want everyone, young and old, to know this:<br />
<br />
<b>You are special. </b><br />
<b>You are loved. </b><br />
<b>You matter. </b><br />
<br />
Since the Miss America Fairy won't be swooping by to grant my wish, consider this.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">You matter so much that God says to you, <span class="text Jer-31-2-Jer-31-6">“I’ve never quit loving you and never will. </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-31-2-Jer-31-6"><span style="font-size: large;">Expect love, love, and more love!"</span> </span></span></b>Jeremiah 31:3 The Message.<br />
<br />
May that truth bring peace to your world.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo of Mitzi Strother, Miss Florida 1941 from </i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/"><i>http://www.flickr.com</i></a></span>Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-9171735464667205432018-08-21T06:25:00.000-07:002018-08-21T06:40:05.647-07:00Thor at the DoorAfter a volatile marriage and an ugly divorce, I'd sworn off love. But the book, <span style="color: blue;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Miracle-Beginnings/dp/1611599806/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1534853995&sr=1-1&keywords=Chicken+Soup+for+the+Soul%3A+The+Miracle+of+Love%3A" target="_blank">Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Miracle of Love</a>,<span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span>reveals the true story.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMwBHJonO2GW5qtRobzVBOHhPmmn0krXY2ulh7EL4Dojtc7xbwttS-QrdSck0Q4fw4fQxpEP6917qjXZ6XK_Qj4bAxpyMIEt9BJ_BTVGOitFuvPz-qB1eDyCZn7-4h9DHKTcuE1ZqMqw/s1600/Chicken+Soup+Miracle+of+Love+June+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1037" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMwBHJonO2GW5qtRobzVBOHhPmmn0krXY2ulh7EL4Dojtc7xbwttS-QrdSck0Q4fw4fQxpEP6917qjXZ6XK_Qj4bAxpyMIEt9BJ_BTVGOitFuvPz-qB1eDyCZn7-4h9DHKTcuE1ZqMqw/s200/Chicken+Soup+Miracle+of+Love+June+2018.jpg" width="129" /></a><span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
judge banged his gavel, and I followed my lawyer out of the courtroom, past my
glaring now ex-husband.</span></span></div>
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<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">My steps
echoed down the polished marble corridor. Each footfall took me further from the
pain of betrayal, infidelity, and alcohol abuse. I almost danced with elation. The
attorney eyed me strangely. “Most people are distraught when they get
divorced.” </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Distraught?
I felt like I’d escaped from a horrible prison. Caring for my fifteen-month-old
daughter Patty was my top priority. Now she wouldn’t suffer growing up in a
dysfunctional, abusive home. We’d been set free.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A few weeks
after the divorce my best friend Debbi asked, “When will you start dating
again?” </span></span></div>
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<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Never,”
I replied. “My new mantra is, ‘Every man on the planet is a conniving sneak, existing
only to wreak havoc on unsuspecting women’s hearts.’”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Debbi
laughed at my irrational words. “You don’t mean that. Someday you’ll find true
love.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Love? No
thank you. I didn’t want a new relationship. I didn’t even want to look at a
man. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Until a
Norse god walked out of my neighbor’s home. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Tall.
Tan. Fit. Gorgeous. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A
modern-day Thor was visiting Frank, my middle-aged neighbor? I looked away from
the enticing vision and repeated my “all males are evil” mantra.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A few
days later Frank stopped by while I weeded the lawn. “Hey Jeanie, I’m letting
the neighbors know my buddy is staying with me for a while. He works night
shift. He’s a super guy.” OK, Thor was a super guy staying with Frank. Fine. It
had nothing to do with me. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The next
day I glanced out my bedroom window and spotted Thor standing next to a black
pick-up. He looked up and down the empty street, then hopped into the truck bed.
What was this guy up to? Thor removed his shirt and stretched out to nap in the
summer sun. His muscles seemed to reflect the light. I stared open-mouthed. Whoa,
did this guy pose for romance book covers? Yeesh.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
dragged my hormones away from the window and practiced my man-hating mantra.
Perhaps a bit overboard since this guy was way out of my league. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Still,
there was no harm in looking. Spying on Thor’s afternoon tanning sessions became
a daily ritual. I’d climb onto my mattress and peer out the small rectangular transom
window above my bed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">After a
week, guilt forced me to stop. I established Commandment Number Eleven: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Thou
shalt not ogle thy neighbor’s guest. </span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A round of deep house cleaning would take
my mind . . . and hormones .<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> . .</b> off
my neighbor’s virile friend. While Patty napped I threw on a ragged sundress
and pushed my hair into a messy ponytail. No sense putting in contacts or
using make-up. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">An hour
of scrubbing later, I grabbed the window cleaner and headed toward the bedroom.
“Just to tidy up,” I told myself, “not to peek at Thor.” Sure. Even I didn’t
believe myself. But Thor wasn’t in his usual spot. A knock on the door
interrupted my spying attempt. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Thor
stood at the door. Had he spotted me ogling him? Fresh sweat beaded my upper
lip. I wiped it with a sudsy glove and stammered, “Oh. Yes. Hi, um . . .”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When I fell
silent, Thor gave me a shy, easy smile. Wow, this guy put toothpaste commercial
actors to shame. “Hi, I’m Jake.” He pointed over his shoulder at my neighbor’s
house. “I’m staying with Frank.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Uh,
that’s nice.” I inwardly cringed at my inane response.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Frank talks
about what a nice lady you are.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Um . .
. thanks,” I said.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He looked
down for a moment, lifted his head, and blurted, “Would you maybe go out with
me sometime?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I stared
into his electric<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>blue eyes. It felt
like I’d touched a high voltage line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>I
glanced at his wide shoulders. Too tempting. I lowered my eyes. Bad move. His
shorts revealed his long muscular legs. I blinked hard and admitted, “Look, I
just ended a bad marriage. I’m not interested in dating.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Thor—Jake—blew
out a relieved sigh. “Same here. My girlfriend and I broke up last month. I’m
not ready for a relationship. I hoped we could go to the movies or something.
Just friends.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“I’ll go
out with you if my babysitter is available. But remember, just friendship.
Nothing more.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Jake lit
up like a Christmas tree in Times Square. “Great! Here’s my number. Call
whenever it’s convenient for you.” He waved goodbye. I closed the door and
wondered why such an attractive man would invite me out. A glance in the mirror
revealed my full bedraggled glory.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b> </b>I looked like a sweat-doused monkey in
rubber gloves.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </span>Yep, his line about “just
friends” explained the invitation. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">That
weekend Jake treated me to a movie and dinner even though it wasn’t a date. “Hey,
I appreciate you going out with me. I’m glad to pay,” he said.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Despite
his handsome appearance, Jake was endearingly humble.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>We talked non-stop. During dinner Jake said, “You’ve only eaten a
few bites. Is the food OK?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“It’s
great. I’ll take it home in a doggie-bag.” Paying the sitter would bite into my
limited budget. My leftovers would provide three delectable meals for Patty.
Since I wasn’t eating much, Jake politely stopped eating too.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He drove
me home and I invited him in. “Patty’s been asleep for an hour,” the sitter
said. She grabbed her pay and left. Patty awoke just as Jake and I sat down on
the couch. I walked her out and warned Jake, “Don’t be offended. Patty shies
away from men.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Patty
pulled her tiny hand from mine and toddled straight to Jake. He patted the sofa
and asked, “Want to sit with us?” She held up her arms. I froze, shocked. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Jake scooped
up Patty and sat her on the couch. She snuggled against him. Jake grinned at me
and patted the cushion again. “Are you joining us?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We spent
the evening chatting and laughing. When Patty grew sleepy I tucked her in bed
and returned to Jake. “I had a great time tonight.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Me too,”
he said.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I
scooted closer. “Just to remind you. I’m not looking for a relationship.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Me neither.”
He laid his arm across the back of the sofa.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I leaned
toward him, “Just friends.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He
brushed my cheek softly with his thumb. “Friends.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We gazed
into each other others eyes. He cupped my face like precious porcelain as I
lifted it toward his. Our lips met for a heartbeat of eternity.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The next
day Jake knocked at the door, his arms laden with bags. “You seemed to like the
restaurant’s food last night. I wondered why you didn’t eat much. When you
tucked Patty in I checked your fridge.” His gentle kiss eased my embarrassment
over the empty refrigerator.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Jake
spent the next months proving his trustworthiness. His honesty, generosity, and
love silenced my man-hating mantra. When Jake proposed the following year, I
don’t know who was more ecstatic, me or Patty.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="mainbody"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">After thirty-three
years of friendship, love--and unabashed ogling--I still thank God that “Thor”
came to my door.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1CDBDo7wFGJJ6ToiqWw5Uq3KH_V2lktZlOO2CqIyEHOZD832SqnFZbDyxj7hAJF-GvEUHO8G7E26byF3wtWK9yPowVMCNw1ZkhmzBtxgULjn0drs5zDT1c0fiAIA7-NOdKlkEDx9mWc/s1600/Christmas+2017+Jake%252C+Jeanie%252C+Asher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1CDBDo7wFGJJ6ToiqWw5Uq3KH_V2lktZlOO2CqIyEHOZD832SqnFZbDyxj7hAJF-GvEUHO8G7E26byF3wtWK9yPowVMCNw1ZkhmzBtxgULjn0drs5zDT1c0fiAIA7-NOdKlkEDx9mWc/s320/Christmas+2017+Jake%252C+Jeanie%252C+Asher.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake, Jeanie, and Patty's son</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-14359907445979970142018-05-23T08:53:00.000-07:002018-05-23T09:33:22.267-07:00Look Back and Move ForwardHave you ever felt like, no matter hard you try, you're not getting anywhere?<br />
That's where I've been lately.<br />
It seems that no matter how much I do, I fall farther behind.<br />
<br />
<i>And I'm missing the here and now because I'm fretting about what needs to get done. </i><br />
<br />
Last month our thirteen-year-old grandson was out of school for <b>two weeks</b> with a fractured knee. After a week and a half on heavy painkillers, he finally felt well enough to do some schoolwork.<br />
<br />
My husband brought home the books, worksheets, and report packets from each of our grandson's classes. We piled them in a towering stack next to his chair. His eyes bugged out. "That's Homework Mountain. How am I supposed to do it all?" he asked.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI7rhQq2w2h3iY1KmfpVjWPS554U70WU57XTbLHbkwH15RN0_6D7909N03o_V_r4U119Ayghvrr-7w3lCj_xq3WwhgulZGBQyJU2ebE_EsZypITY6AO3eR5F_l5WTeo2c-rJKedqZW4c/s1600/paper-pile+source+unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1280" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI7rhQq2w2h3iY1KmfpVjWPS554U70WU57XTbLHbkwH15RN0_6D7909N03o_V_r4U119Ayghvrr-7w3lCj_xq3WwhgulZGBQyJU2ebE_EsZypITY6AO3eR5F_l5WTeo2c-rJKedqZW4c/s200/paper-pile+source+unknown.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I told him, "Don't worry about doing everything. Just pick one subject and work on it when you feel up to it."<br />
He heaved a sigh and grabbed his science book.<br />
An hour later he put the book and completed worksheet packet on the opposite side of Homework Mountain. "One down, ten to go," he muttered.<br />
<br />
But after resting he picked up another book. This time it only took twenty minutes to finish. He plopped his work on the finished pile and crowed, "Oh, yeah!"<br />
<br />
<br />
For the next two days he chipped away at Homework Mountain. He'd glance at it, then look over at the work he'd done. <br />
He called me over each time he completed a subject so we could celebrate. Soon the pile of finished reports and worksheets reigned in middle-school splendor.<br />
<br />
He said, "Hey Grandma, I kept looking at what I needed to do, then looked at what I'd already done. And I finished two weeks of work in two days!"<br />
<br />
<b>Sometimes we need to look back to see how far we've progressed. </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Amazing-Appreciation-ebook/dp/B074ZLXGD6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527086508&sr=8-1&keywords=chicken+soup+for+the+soul+my+amazing+mom" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Amazing-Appreciation-ebook/dp/B074ZLXGD6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527086508&sr=8-1&keywords=chicken+soup+for+the+soul+my+amazing+mom" border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="322" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloYCQabU3M02xAa0yls5UdFnDKR5Q2WmDjM7Bqy_Pjrw-n5nzIUAPNX4WNOHrlvM2kgRk_Q3E69-Afx1Qn1PF3bfyjze5LfJZL05m19PW4HexrchyQ3potd-BfSFRPJ9jPvcrbkzbAKg/s200/Chicken+soup+my+amazing+mom+3.2018.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR6DWRuVBM4Qg16S_uwtmekAMooOZuMKZJ5zd3flEi2QHI9oM-DeMwBJWhpAjwpwGGk6PABUtW3W3s5xNEr3Fz-9ePZhCN7xXfsy5bdH3313JBocPjH2v4lPd1O5WhSIVJK7HMLlNx78/s1600/Chicken+Soup+miracles+and+more+Feb+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="322" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR6DWRuVBM4Qg16S_uwtmekAMooOZuMKZJ5zd3flEi2QHI9oM-DeMwBJWhpAjwpwGGk6PABUtW3W3s5xNEr3Fz-9ePZhCN7xXfsy5bdH3313JBocPjH2v4lPd1O5WhSIVJK7HMLlNx78/s200/Chicken+Soup+miracles+and+more+Feb+2018.jpg" width="128" /></a>I decided to take a cue from my grandson.<br />
<br />
I've been beating myself up for not writing more. But when I looked back
over the past few months, I see progress.<br />
<br />
My stories are in three of the latest <a href="http://www.chickensoup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Chicken Soup for the Soul</i></span></a> books.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Miracle-Love-ebook/dp/B078M5818N/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527086725&sr=1-3&keywords=chicken+soup+for+the+soul+miracles+of+love" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Miracle-Love-ebook/dp/B078M5818N/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527086725&sr=1-3&keywords=chicken+soup+for+the+soul+miracles+of+love" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1037" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1FasYQpRKjcQDaI64dfPa_xbFxkYYMkwvzRVJq4loTH4eCBRwwl8mXNfefqLVX1j4n9-jUgbO3adbSktWXJhLPqAaykXaB9qR9WFn7hlJiQUs-N0hXmIYvHsWw_DkS4_wuHK81JCnc4/s200/Chicken+Soup+Miracle+of+Love+June+2018.jpg" width="129" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgNrd1034xzlwOQVvbHb9ZgNi6xfdWhKoke_scZM_fdjcadsFcV9cf-RH-5KhfD-kPG1bE_yrsKY1CQ8Yk_rbbHcC9T3QcOYfnCCh4s4yzQ-b-vlnBi9vwcRURdVu6T00-S9f26kIQ_Y/s1600/Live+magazine+Terrier+Prayer+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="364" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgNrd1034xzlwOQVvbHb9ZgNi6xfdWhKoke_scZM_fdjcadsFcV9cf-RH-5KhfD-kPG1bE_yrsKY1CQ8Yk_rbbHcC9T3QcOYfnCCh4s4yzQ-b-vlnBi9vwcRURdVu6T00-S9f26kIQ_Y/s200/Live+magazine+Terrier+Prayer+2018.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
Another story is coming out in LIVE magazine, as well as an article at <a href="https://inspiration.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Inspiration Ministries.</span></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Instead of focusing on "I'm so Far Behind Mountain," I'm determined to look at accomplishments, no matter how small they seem, and give God the glory for it all.<br />
<br />
How about you? Where do you see forward momentum in your life? What will you celebrate?<br />
<br />
Even if we don't feel we've accomplished much, the bible offers this encouragement from <a href="http://biblehub.com/nlt/zechariah/4.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Zechariah chapter four:</span></a><br />
<br />
"Do not despise these small beginnings..."<br />
<br />
After all, even a baby step forward moves us in the right direction. <br />
<br />
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<br />Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-23090170849025369252018-01-25T14:45:00.001-08:002018-01-25T14:45:29.652-08:00TV, My Sweet Nemesis<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
Oh, my sweet, sweet nemesis--television.<br />
<br />
In March 2014 I publicly admitted my weakness. I'd created a late-night TV and junk food comfort zone. "Comfort zone" sound much better than "addiction," right? <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 196px; text-align: left; width: 247px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3iiCRWgtrrguPnJ5ykOf_JT1i8SyKiJOCSFDY_GhDmlLBF5-vUtS_BbZC1Gc7Fvo16vZg6ElqYtKi4RekY_NLOcVkIWYpL8EK9D6I3UM4v1mhoyMcRNQ2O8b6mxQnqVQ_6nypBMDGaI/s1600/vectorolie+freedigitalphotos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3iiCRWgtrrguPnJ5ykOf_JT1i8SyKiJOCSFDY_GhDmlLBF5-vUtS_BbZC1Gc7Fvo16vZg6ElqYtKi4RekY_NLOcVkIWYpL8EK9D6I3UM4v1mhoyMcRNQ2O8b6mxQnqVQ_6nypBMDGaI/s200/vectorolie+freedigitalphotos.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo courtesy of </span></i><a href="mailto:vectorolie@freedititalphotos.net"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">vectorolie@freedititalphotos.net</span></i></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I thought I'd conquered television's dreamy pull, but recent late-night reruns lured me back in.<br />
Shows from the past half century unfold before my delighted (and slightly glazed) eyes.<br />
<br />
The Twilight Zone. Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Perry Mason. The Rifleman . . .<br />
<br />
Midnight finds me ransacking the fridge like a rabid wolverine. After stuffing my face I fall asleep to the TV's lulling drone.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
The next day I wake bloated, groggy, and kicking myself for making such a foolish choice. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Again.</b></i><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
Last night I prayed for help. Instead of a sudden disdain for chocolate or a potato chip aversion, the Lord reminded me of <a href="http://biblehub.com/galatians/5-22.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Galatians 5:22-23</span></a>. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
</div>
One of the fruits of the spirit is self-control. <br />God had already given it to me, but I needed to exercise it. <br /> Say WHAT?<br /> <br />Late night TV offers a slew of workout DVD's promising to strengthen my abs and glutes. Unfortunately, none for exercising self-control. <br /> So I prayed, "OK, Lord, I need strength to exercise my self-control." Soon after I came across this passage,<br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />"As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength."</span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+138%3A3&version=NLT" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Psalm 138:3 NLT</span></a><br />And He did. Last night I snuggled in bed instead of the recliner, and held a book in place of a remote. <br /><br />You might be saying, "TV addiction? Seriously? That's nothing compared to what I'm facing."<br />Fair enough. So what are you struggling with today?<br />
<ul>
<li>Drinking?</li>
<li>Smoking? </li>
<li>Drugs?</li>
<li>Pornography?</li>
<li>Stealing?</li>
<li>Eating disorder?</li>
</ul>
<br />
The list is almost endless, but no matter what we battle, the bible offers good news.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."</span> <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/10-13.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT</span></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiwPp8huo5J50c8SN5dw4mFIYw2IuSuDEhMyTxc0mUqy1iexahg-o8yMUWK4ZayWnHPLt_wCYbJT5NZWqv-V_tw_0R0ZUKibUqykPXlnR2PBdvuZ0qsA0JbjN7YAIWtWwBw4z4dcfdKw/s1600/khunaspix+%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="368" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiwPp8huo5J50c8SN5dw4mFIYw2IuSuDEhMyTxc0mUqy1iexahg-o8yMUWK4ZayWnHPLt_wCYbJT5NZWqv-V_tw_0R0ZUKibUqykPXlnR2PBdvuZ0qsA0JbjN7YAIWtWwBw4z4dcfdKw/s200/khunaspix+%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo courtesy khunaspix @freedigitalphotos.net</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<br />
No matter what you're struggling with, it's not bigger than God. He's an ever-present help in time of trouble. <br /><br />Bring your situation to Him. <br />Dig into the bible to find answers to your issue. <br />Be accountable to trustworthy people.<br />Be honest with yourself.<br /><br />And I'll do the same with the TV/late-night food obsession. The trail of Nacho Cheese Doritos would give me away anyhow. </div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">
</span>Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-58655358009625421122017-12-06T10:14:00.000-08:002017-12-06T10:14:45.218-08:00Alleviate Christmas Pressure <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Does preparing for Christmas resemble a Hallmark movie or a horror flick?<br />
<br />
Years ago a TV commercial showed a
frantic woman scrambling to simultaneously deal with a ringing phone,
screaming children, barking dog, and a delivery person at her door. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioFOC7fvWEqP1PHpJstXIJzmuvilfKJgQWjjHknnwAnxyF0NGplwF7G1XnspZXbFyqqocIdwt4VI1wx4H7Vvj3NKm-AeRuB1fLMzgNylkR1nfVOyEuMGwTINTQ8_bCGFIAMlLummnMBM/s200/Blog+pic-stressed+woman.jpg" width="132" /></div>
Finally in desperation she throws her
hands up and cries, "Calgon, take me away!" Immediately she's luxuriating in her
bathroom tub, discreetly covered in Calgon bubbles from the neck down.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Evidently, behind the scenes in Happy
Commercial Land, the dog stops barking to answer the phone, the
delivery person baby-sits the children, and Betty Crocker and the
Keebler Elves get dinner under control.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
How about you? Do you feel overwhelmed? Could you
use a Calgon moment? I'm pretty sure the Fed-Ex man and Marie
Callender won't show up to help any time soon, but there's some good
news.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There's a God who loves you. He wants
to help you.</div>
Here's what He says:<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "And call for help when you’re in
trouble—</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I’ll help you, and you’ll
honor me.”</span> Psalm 50:15 The Message<br />
<br />
We can go nuts with Christmas tasks: shopping, baking, cleaning ... Or we can focus on Jesus, who truly is the reason for celebrating Christmas<span style="background-color: white;">. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so
that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."</span> John 3:16 NLT</span><span class="p"></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="p"></span></span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyXywbCLzYXTdLpWY34g3xe1zxi09rTMSaKXnOat1Hlgc3uZpzloeIHZxMXUTFxje-kv0l1F_ScEzu2Kjh1iyfhPzR5d3uvUzjZZ5zEryzyBoOBhOfV0mu572xY-HuEOPpBiyFSqnJWI/s1600/stockimages4+%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="400" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyXywbCLzYXTdLpWY34g3xe1zxi09rTMSaKXnOat1Hlgc3uZpzloeIHZxMXUTFxje-kv0l1F_ScEzu2Kjh1iyfhPzR5d3uvUzjZZ5zEryzyBoOBhOfV0mu572xY-HuEOPpBiyFSqnJWI/s320/stockimages4+%2540freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So when Christmas preparations start to bury us under a multi-tasking avalanche, we don't have to crumble under it. Let's call to
God for help. He's available 24/7.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Betty Crocker and the Keebler Elves are
already busy in my kitchen. <br />
<br />
<i>Photos courtesy of stockimages @ </i><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/"><i>http://www.freedigitalphotos.net</i></a>Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-47793431503866254342017-11-20T12:42:00.000-08:002017-11-20T12:42:02.384-08:00#1 Way to Beat Thanksgiving Blues<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Does Thanksgiving at your home resemble a Better Homes and Gardens feast?
Maybe, like us, it's closer to a Duck Dynasty free-for-all.</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHlCfbiG_yY8IKzRkzJcMPqD2M39CL2pcHpvXvONbvlfskBj8UOxXQVS4xBOnw8ZdACMs2ULSHVEnwMtmXCgPpzLDx81o-HaucreqQdTNPPJIx0QYEb6ql7ZiE2WDssbnO8a9MZ812Ts/s1600/tiverylucky@freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Thanksgiving turkey on platter" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHlCfbiG_yY8IKzRkzJcMPqD2M39CL2pcHpvXvONbvlfskBj8UOxXQVS4xBOnw8ZdACMs2ULSHVEnwMtmXCgPpzLDx81o-HaucreqQdTNPPJIx0QYEb6ql7ZiE2WDssbnO8a9MZ812Ts/s1600/tiverylucky@freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" title="Thanksgiving turkey on platter" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="mailto:tiverylucky@freedigitalphotos.net">tiverylucky@freedigitalphotos.net</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Each Thanksgiving my husband, Jake, and I host an open house for people who'd spend the holiday alone.<br />
One year we broke tradition and had a hot dog
grill-out in the back yard. (Yeah! Thankful for fewer dishes to wash.)<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Frigid Nebraska temperatures prompted us back
inside the following year. (Yeah! Thankful for heat.)</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Day proclamation
read, "They are the gracious
gifts of the Most High God..."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe this holiday it's hard to see
God's gifts. Perhaps you're grieving the loss of
loved ones, or struggling with illness. Maybe you feel alone.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If sorrow overshadows thankfulness,
here's some great news.<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You can have a friend who sticks closer
than a brother. Proverbs 18:24</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He'll never leave you. He'll never
forsake you. Hebrews 13:5</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
His name is Jesus.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you're lonely, hurting, or discouraged, this <a href="http://peacewithgod.net/god-so-loved-the-world/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">2 minute video</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">could transform your life.</span></span></div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBDv8URVDKlv1_WhVNsko7ibErupHh-OaA5OALAEx89Fg2F67WeAut_Lbds_vm5G2-WkyebZ6NOY0LqIIxmMECz9FgUkW7mMdrjDnVy8wvpMKBH2sClaMbBxo6Ouz_iFQXxV6MfJoyGw/s1600/stockimages3+@freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="joyful man with headphones" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBDv8URVDKlv1_WhVNsko7ibErupHh-OaA5OALAEx89Fg2F67WeAut_Lbds_vm5G2-WkyebZ6NOY0LqIIxmMECz9FgUkW7mMdrjDnVy8wvpMKBH2sClaMbBxo6Ouz_iFQXxV6MfJoyGw/s1600/stockimages3+@freedigitalphotos.net.jpg" title="joyful man with headphones" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="mailto:stockimages@freedigitalphotos.net">stockimages@freedigitalphotos.net</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wouldn't that bring a true day of thanksgiving?</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By the way, if you drop your
beautifully roasted turkey, rinse it off and carry on. It'll make a
great story for next Thanksgiving.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-8993858723139817432017-09-20T14:09:00.003-07:002017-09-20T14:09:45.627-07:00Oh, Mercy!<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A while back my husband, Jake, bought 2
dozen feeder goldfish for his afternoon of fishing. But some were too
cute to become bait, so I begged, "Please let me keep them as pets." <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d1D36aZkPRo0hRJTficZ-BeZExxVR9vdzRpARC7XnDmhgq-rcMitsaWXLMK_QDLnzfaxKWQYXYrBoD2RqiLasy005inn0wgADB-BY6kJoqfQU-wV7mPhElgiwvzk1rDiN6xqZ3Ql2T8/s1600/digitalart+freedigitalphotos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8d1D36aZkPRo0hRJTficZ-BeZExxVR9vdzRpARC7XnDmhgq-rcMitsaWXLMK_QDLnzfaxKWQYXYrBoD2RqiLasy005inn0wgADB-BY6kJoqfQU-wV7mPhElgiwvzk1rDiN6xqZ3Ql2T8/s1600/digitalart+freedigitalphotos.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">courtesy of digitalart @freedigitalphotos.net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Those three, named Faith,
Hope, and Love, remained. My long-suffering fisherman hubby even
bought them an upscale aquarium plant for their tank. A nice one, not
the cheap plastic kind I would have picked up. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #20124d;">The other goldfish became bait, </span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #20124d;">but we
showed these three mercy.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fast forward two years. Jake trapped a
possum, which we cooked and ate as related in a previous blog.
Seriously. <a href="http://jeaniejacobson.blogspot.com/2014/03/possum-anyone.html">(Click here if you don't believe me.)</a>
</div>
<br />
Side note: Anytime people eat
something unusual they say it tastes like chicken. "Rattlesnake? Tastes like chicken"<br />
"Ostrich? Tastes like chicken." <br />
"Possum? It tastes like a collision of ham and chicken." <br />
It's delicious...once you look past the fur and feet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufPTmTG9e2ryOI664JJwr9-QRxOjE38VJmnbr2HVjQLHq_2eeRuNagx0MurA5k7FZUqY22U9XQ7cjezo3uGxM674Qfm3agoRuiNsVKociudo5VCcf_ngdQQsQouejpc6w8_z3r4_8ykA/s1600/jiggoja+fredigitalphotos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufPTmTG9e2ryOI664JJwr9-QRxOjE38VJmnbr2HVjQLHq_2eeRuNagx0MurA5k7FZUqY22U9XQ7cjezo3uGxM674Qfm3agoRuiNsVKociudo5VCcf_ngdQQsQouejpc6w8_z3r4_8ykA/s1600/jiggoja+fredigitalphotos.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Courtesy of jiggoja@ freedigitalphots.net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Enter possum #2</u>. This little guy wound up stuck in the cage
without food or water for a day. Jake looked at its sad little face and
fed it a McDonald's hamburger.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Disclaimer: Fast food in not part of
an optimal diet for possums. Or humans.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nevertheless, Jake not only fed and
watered it, he released it. "Jethro" the possum ambled
away, safe from the stew pot.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<strong> <span style="color: #351c75;">Possum one became dinner. </span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Possum two
received mercy.</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_-PJEMc1dXgYTLah4PHgCoDsW4w2peQSvIvnajPPGn8PrwBd8MS2gn5x4fx8H_4WlLC-Nat8SqEreOo8cEeGDmTWRzLR95UvFk8cbuv5uGdru1giBLBBSY52RIUktxZHndmNismWV98/s1600/iosphere+at+freedigital.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_-PJEMc1dXgYTLah4PHgCoDsW4w2peQSvIvnajPPGn8PrwBd8MS2gn5x4fx8H_4WlLC-Nat8SqEreOo8cEeGDmTWRzLR95UvFk8cbuv5uGdru1giBLBBSY52RIUktxZHndmNismWV98/s1600/iosphere+at+freedigital.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> courtesy of iosphere @freedigitalphotos.net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Think about God's great mercy. Unlike
us, He holds out mercy to all. He doesn't grab anyone and say, "OK,
you're bait. I'm dumping you in the river to catch something better."</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He never decides, "Hmm, you're not
appealing enough. Into the oven with you."</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMihOcxMTnu75iiUnL0LeKMt6gHo1dsVR3_q_jACNZIEEJikHWquusW7LT0Zxumd2OK17zCWXaSi_5VX3W8Nv9URFOm7YuyAti6-pZDds7_neALIaqX9DSuACImfS2IXxbVMx9RZVeKeg/s1600/iosphere+2+at+freedigital.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMihOcxMTnu75iiUnL0LeKMt6gHo1dsVR3_q_jACNZIEEJikHWquusW7LT0Zxumd2OK17zCWXaSi_5VX3W8Nv9URFOm7YuyAti6-pZDds7_neALIaqX9DSuACImfS2IXxbVMx9RZVeKeg/s1600/iosphere+2+at+freedigital.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">courtesy of iosphere @freedigitalphotos.net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">God always extends his mercy to us. </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">He always gives us
another chance.</span></strong></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The faithful love of the Lord
never ends! His mercies never cease. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Great is his faithfulness; his mercies
begin afresh each morning."</span></span></span> Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oO73I5K9vvHAj-4GkJePsmH7OVdpXYfkmxNgG012wkRl7ENUyxx-ezmtDw30WWNhLLCL8ihPz_fkHuE_kgGGmRM_FChNxCspg5ugBySRcIgoIQFuAUD0Ioe-nTg5grGFMgZnb2efebQ/s1600/Sura+Nualpradid,+freedigital.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oO73I5K9vvHAj-4GkJePsmH7OVdpXYfkmxNgG012wkRl7ENUyxx-ezmtDw30WWNhLLCL8ihPz_fkHuE_kgGGmRM_FChNxCspg5ugBySRcIgoIQFuAUD0Ioe-nTg5grGFMgZnb2efebQ/s1600/Sura+Nualpradid,+freedigital.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">courtesy of Sura Nualpradid @freedigitalphotos.net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Have you seen God's mercy at work in
your life? <strong>It's new every morning, special for you.</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGHbMLHzGXvUChRYfp5Cqphns6WDkPyAUFUUggnA5kEitIIyhrPmzLNuH2EnITMRewCu3Ur67XgBpEj2po4qf8OFapVn4kQGaX-nZc74fFuwxAGt7JS5jfzVc__Oq7aUk-e1ns0iz0no/s1600/KEKO64+freedigital.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGHbMLHzGXvUChRYfp5Cqphns6WDkPyAUFUUggnA5kEitIIyhrPmzLNuH2EnITMRewCu3Ur67XgBpEj2po4qf8OFapVn4kQGaX-nZc74fFuwxAGt7JS5jfzVc__Oq7aUk-e1ns0iz0no/s1600/KEKO64+freedigital.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">courtesy of KEKO64 @freedigitalphotos.net</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since God has shown me so much mercy,
I'm heading out to extend some right now. Jethro the possum is asking
for his McDouble and fries.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-35201548036629389692017-07-20T18:00:00.001-07:002017-07-20T18:00:23.168-07:00Tornadoes and Trees and Inner StormsTwo tornadoes swept through our Bellevue, Ne community last month, two days before Father's Day. The aftermath made our neighborhoods resemble a war zone. Collapsed roofs, siding torn from houses, streets blocked with tree limbs and debris.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-mozilla-002&hsimp=yhs-002&hspart=mozilla&p=tornado+pics+bellevue+ne+june+2017#action=view&id=12&vid=8549bbbc4e9737406522d46b601bdf41" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKXX-BBqflxMXv6Fpd3_bSKndFSeo8aqNmL2xHU8FnsublkrxiuY4E1FfO2zXwlF1fZq-YOxVRGPGJyCzYz8WyMSQhbdBhOHo4AzdVmd76EvLpnOVosCgRfpB9-KXLRQZijljyq4Zlp8/s320/tornado+damage+kid%2527s+room+June+16+2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-mozilla-002&hsimp=yhs-002&hspart=mozilla&p=tornado+pics+bellevue+ne+june+2017#action=view&id=12&vid=8549bbbc4e9737406522d46b601bdf41" target="_blank">Children's bedroom in neighboring subdivision</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Branches snapped off the three giant cottonwoods in our backyard, wreaking havoc on our neighbors' properties.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSgkSaR19OXzXOHq5kPEdy0ofgqVvKgc5yX9xTcMsxN1WjY-WH2nsw2rgkQfczAJofxVhiM0fJ1CwDgKxZzTjpDmE3ppfqQ-_GMPzg4JKjx1yshGS0e8jTc62II8eO9hyphenhyphen5390xvPK6z4/s1600/2017-06-16+10.18.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSgkSaR19OXzXOHq5kPEdy0ofgqVvKgc5yX9xTcMsxN1WjY-WH2nsw2rgkQfczAJofxVhiM0fJ1CwDgKxZzTjpDmE3ppfqQ-_GMPzg4JKjx1yshGS0e8jTc62II8eO9hyphenhyphen5390xvPK6z4/s320/2017-06-16+10.18.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our smaller downed cottonwood limbs crumpled the neighbor's fence.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One huge limb smashed a hole into the backside of our next door neighbor's roof, punched another in the front of it, then crashed down lengthwise across his boat and Jeep.<br />
Enormous branches filled the other neighbors yards.<br />
<br />
Damage to our home? Zero. Nada. None.<br />
<br />
My husband surveyed the neighbors' wreckage and shook his head. "Our trees need to go."<br />
<br />
He'd been saying that about my beloved cottonwoods ever since we moved into our home eleven years earlier.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFVzDnerMtGjjo37K8_TaDLshj9tL04Qs2XDUhdjoNxTt61-L97aehs2D38pTnI4rU2XYyfhUfmPfbih1ZJzwng4l420shDP_ouIchQ5mVDBSsxT5E3V-xSeVJoKfLRPk-sMw1WebqVQ/s1600/2017-07-20+05.47.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFVzDnerMtGjjo37K8_TaDLshj9tL04Qs2XDUhdjoNxTt61-L97aehs2D38pTnI4rU2XYyfhUfmPfbih1ZJzwng4l420shDP_ouIchQ5mVDBSsxT5E3V-xSeVJoKfLRPk-sMw1WebqVQ/s320/2017-07-20+05.47.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day one of tree trimming. (Jake bought home 3 Symphony bars to sedate me.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Even though I love basking in their shade, I also know those trees are old, shallow-rooted, and potentially dangerous.<br />
<br />
Looking at them made me wonder what other potentially dangerous things I cling to. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Grumbling at my family?</li>
<li>Complaining about slow drivers blocking my path?</li>
<li>Grousing when things don't go smoothly enough to suit me? </li>
</ul>
<br />
Those things don't seem dangerous compared to a rampaging twister, but <br />
<ul>
<li>Murmuring and complaining keeps me focused on negative thoughts. </li>
<li>It causes storms to develop in my heart and mind. </li>
<li>My bad attitude affects others.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Who wants to be around a grouch who's thundering about, squalling if she doesn't get her way?<br />
<br />
The bible says,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Do everything without complaining and arguing,<span class="p">" Philippians 2:14</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="p">"...</span><span class="p">Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble
you, corrupting many.<span class="p">" </span>Hebrews 12:15 </span></span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">When inner gales are gusting, I use a praise break like this one to tame the tempest. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
Psalm 100<br />
<div class="poet1-vn-sp">
Shout with joy to the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span>, all the earth!</div>
<div class="poet2-vn">
Worship the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> with gladness.</div>
<div class="poet2">
Come before him, singing with joy.</div>
<div class="poet1-vn">
Acknowledge that the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> is God!</div>
<div class="poet2">
He made us, and we are his<span class="nltfootnote"></span></div>
<div class="poet2">
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.</div>
<div class="poet1-vn">
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;</div>
<div class="poet2">
go into his courts with praise.</div>
<div class="poet2">
Give thanks to him and praise his name.</div>
<div class="poet1-vn">
For the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> is good.</div>
<div class="poet2">
His unfailing love continues forever,</div>
<div class="poet2">
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.</div>
<div class="poet2">
<br /></div>
<div class="poet2">
Focusing on God's love and faithfulness calms my internal storms. How about you? </div>
<div class="poet2">
What settles you when the tempests are raging?</div>
<div class="poet2">
<br /></div>
<div class="poet2">
</div>
<div class="poet2">
Click on the links below to see photos of the twister's aftermath. By God's faithfulness, not one person was injured by the tornadoes.</div>
<div class="poet2">
</div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.omaha.com/weather/powerful-storm-splinters-homes-knocks-out-power-to-thousands-two/article_82eae136-52f8-11e7-849c-6723a3fae5b4.html">Omaha.com storm pics </a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://watchers.news/2017/06/17/omaha-storm-power-outage-june-16-2017/">Watchers.news storm photos</a></span><span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-73713711416304117432017-07-02T22:47:00.000-07:002017-07-02T23:21:29.370-07:00Jeanie's Three Quick TipsEach month I share three quick tips in my free monthly newsletter. <br />
<ol>
<li>To get organized</li>
<li>To simplify</li>
<li>To save money</li>
</ol>
Here's an excerpt from my July newsletter.<br />
<br />
Happy Independence Day!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 style="color: black; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;">
<b>Jeanie's Three Quick Tips</b></h1>
<div style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Tip 1: Organize</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Shh. I'm about to share the super top-secret tip to getting organized:<br />
<i>Get rid of what you don't need.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Last month author, editor, and all-around good guy </span><a href="https://webmail.east.cox.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.leewarren.info%252F" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;">Lee Warren</span></a><span style="color: black;"> hosted a </span><a href="https://webmail.east.cox.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.leewarren.info%252Fblog%252Fdeclutter-challenge-300-items-in-30-days" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;">300 items in 30 days declutter challenge</span></a><span style="color: black;">.<br />
If releasing 300 items sounds overwhelming, think of all the old
paperwork, unidentifiable blurred photos, and multi-piece toy sets
cluttering your space.<br />
To motivate yourself, count a pack of cards as 52 items. Plus jokers.</span><br />
<a href="https://webmail.east.cox.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.leewarren.info%252Fblog%252Fdeclutter-challenge-300-items-in-30-days" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: black;"> to see what Lee's participants are selling, donating, and tossing out.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I pulled this photo from a Craigslist ad.
The homeowner became fed up with the toy overflow, and posted them for
free to the first person who'd pick them up. Literally.<br />
<br />
<img data-file-id="2392601" height="150" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c43fac9ca86c1f2fc7e464ad7/images/5498f766-e5ca-447b-bcea-5a7c37c402a9.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border: 0px; height: 150px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 200px;" width="200" /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">So if your house is overstuffed with stuff,
take that important first decluttering step---preferably without crud
crunching underfoot.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Tip 2: Simplify</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Grounding is beneficial. No, not the type that sends your teenager stomping off to their room.<br />
Grounding, or earthing, is simple, free, and just might improve your health.<br />
The Wellness Mama website offers an interesting</span><a href="https://webmail.east.cox.net/do/redirect?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwellnessmama.com%252F5600%252Fearthing-sleep%252F" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;"> article about the benefits of grounding</span></a><span style="color: black;">, including </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">better sleep and reduced inflammation.</span>
<br />
<img data-file-id="2393633" height="108" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c43fac9ca86c1f2fc7e464ad7/images/eb2dad0e-e1f4-41c5-87ec-73021c3dcde1.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border: 0px; height: 108px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 163px;" width="163" /><br />
<br />
Science folks, </span><a href="https://webmail.east.cox.net/do/redirect?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%252Fpmc%252Farticles%252FPMC3265077%252F" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;">click here</span></a><span style="color: black;">
to read how the ground's free electrons enter the body, equilibrate
with the electrical potential of the Earth, and stabilize the electrical
environment of organs, tissues, and cells.<br />
<br />
Everybody else, go outside barefoot for 15 minutes and see how much
better you feel. Unless you step on fire ants, venomous snakes, or
rampaging mutant iguanas. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Tip 3: Save Money</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Knowing the difference between "Best by" "Sell by" and "Use by" dates can save you money on your grocery bill.<br />
Allstate's newsletter offers a </span><a href="https://webmail.east.cox.net/do/redirect?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.allstategoodhandsnews.com%252Flife-at-home%252F438-expiration-date-or-sniff-test.html%253Fcid%253DEMC-C-E-P_CUSTMKTG_CLNE_GOODHANDSNEWSLETTER_P-20170419" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;">quick guide</span></a><span style="color: black;"> to those sometimes confusing labels.<br />
<br />
My husband, Jake, eats meat that's so old Methuselah might have grilled
it. This photo shows the expression he wears when I tell him I'm
throwing out the three-week-old hot dogs fermenting in the back of the
fridge.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://webmail.east.cox.net/do/redirect?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.facebook.com%252FJeanieJacobsonWriter%252F" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img data-file-id="2300969" height="153" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c43fac9ca86c1f2fc7e464ad7/images/c61c3281-9d86-4a88-bfff-3c632a0d62d4.jpg" style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border-image: none; border: 0; height: 153px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 200px;" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Where do you push the borders on food safety? </span><a href="https://webmail.east.cox.net/do/mail/message/mailto?to=jeaniej%40cox.net" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: navy;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: black;"> to share.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">If you'd like to receive my free monthly newsletter, <span style="color: blue;"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.jeaniejacobson.com/" href="http://www.jeaniejacobson.com/" target="_blank">click here</a></span> to sign up. </span></span></div>
Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-82713005092283463502017-05-13T19:49:00.000-07:002017-05-13T20:12:00.974-07:00Foundation Stone Mothers<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Those precious mamas who laid strong foundations in our homes, and our lives. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxzTa3r7cVM_dvsrhWuGYqPTbfvYT9TKZ5rV7Mhipekp8m-5aLivokKmwO9bx9zVhkbHLdeBBzKy87weh3gR0KgVzUeucBabY9o9xPocE1GvrEdUul_bDqYAufO1JBH5ZCyBpm1DWsTU/s1600/Old+Becker+family+pics+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxzTa3r7cVM_dvsrhWuGYqPTbfvYT9TKZ5rV7Mhipekp8m-5aLivokKmwO9bx9zVhkbHLdeBBzKy87weh3gR0KgVzUeucBabY9o9xPocE1GvrEdUul_bDqYAufO1JBH5ZCyBpm1DWsTU/s320/Old+Becker+family+pics+%25281%2529.jpg" width="224" /></a>Those mothers remind me of how Revelation chapter 21 describes the New Jerusalem and its foundations. Verses 19-20 describe twelve precious stones inset in the foundation’s walls. <br />
Stones like sapphire, emerald, ruby, topaz, and turquoise. <br />
<br />
In the same way that those stones beautified the city’s foundations, our mothers beautified our lives by laying “foundation stones” for us. <br />
<b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Foundation stones of love, wisdom, perseverance, patience, courage, fortitude, steadfastness, compassion, diligence, self-sacrifice. </span></b><br />
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Ladies, your generation did it all without the help of modern technology. You had wringer washing machines and outdoor clotheslines. <br />
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No microwaves. No cell phones to call for take-out. No dishwashers . . . unless you counted your children. <br />
<span id="goog_1648191998"></span><span id="goog_1648191999"></span><br />
You sacrificed your time, energy, and resources to instill values and principles into your children. You worked diligently to make a home, doing the best you could with the knowledge and resources available to you. <br />
<br />
My mother, Barbra Sousa, exemplifies some of the best characteristics of the mothers of this generation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXmfR9Asc6Z-SDAdzNvjimNGXbtW680k3wZS_Ep1qrrM6iQ0M0MbXTftix0upmTOFP60dpjVT9782GQsODvfS5LSe9b1cpqMV_CLg3n1mXDhDMdR-Xfw8OSw3xD30_o8UHvQsDX-xLhg/s1600/Barb+A+Sousa+1949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXmfR9Asc6Z-SDAdzNvjimNGXbtW680k3wZS_Ep1qrrM6iQ0M0MbXTftix0upmTOFP60dpjVT9782GQsODvfS5LSe9b1cpqMV_CLg3n1mXDhDMdR-Xfw8OSw3xD30_o8UHvQsDX-xLhg/s320/Barb+A+Sousa+1949.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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When I was a child in the 1970’s, a horrific stomach flu epidemic swept through our South Omaha community. My three toddler brothers and I all fell ill. Our home looked like triage center. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMf04n4LA0mEf4OFsoXT8DnBDgqexWB9sDybIpr7yDMmG-HSIldZuddtkjjXpKBzLc632LcETQ1hX7QvafPkE7AJ-PV9YNJ81ffTqiI1N5ZjzWP7sVRPpYp1joSlP8o-Ez9lPxrGioOno/s1600/Joe%252C+tony%252C+chris+kiddy+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMf04n4LA0mEf4OFsoXT8DnBDgqexWB9sDybIpr7yDMmG-HSIldZuddtkjjXpKBzLc632LcETQ1hX7QvafPkE7AJ-PV9YNJ81ffTqiI1N5ZjzWP7sVRPpYp1joSlP8o-Ez9lPxrGioOno/s320/Joe%252C+tony%252C+chris+kiddy+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Mom went from child to child, emptying buckets, changing soiled sheets, wiping our faces with cold washcloths. After days of this endless cycle, Mom fell ill herself. Dad was the sole breadwinner at the time, and because the flu was so pervasive, Mom was on her own. </div>
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Horribly ill, she crawled from bed to bed to care for us. She’d stop to vomit, then crawl to the next child to tend to our needs. </div>
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Mom used every foundation stone in her arsenal. <br />
She gave her all to do the best she could for her children. <br />
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And ladies, so did you. <br />
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So a massive, “thank you” to my mom, and to all of you wisdom-filled, polished gem mothers who laid a strong foundation for us to build upon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42OhdnqVrwhx_CbRCmuuS57SwTzQiaIMYv4MLQsSzx3c5SjiV_WUFgd6bittdezfR7MvkKAwoFEdAzDht0QZy4ggunEimVNYHJazJwZSSKsZ-nhKw5TondxFKpQqgaEfgP_CPZ_THnz4/s1600/Old+Becker+family+pics+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42OhdnqVrwhx_CbRCmuuS57SwTzQiaIMYv4MLQsSzx3c5SjiV_WUFgd6bittdezfR7MvkKAwoFEdAzDht0QZy4ggunEimVNYHJazJwZSSKsZ-nhKw5TondxFKpQqgaEfgP_CPZ_THnz4/s320/Old+Becker+family+pics+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="text Prov-31-26" id="en-NLT-17287">"When she speaks, her words are wise,</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-31-26">and she gives instructions with kindness.</span></span>...</i></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="text Prov-31-28" id="en-NLT-17289">Her children stand and bless her. </span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="text Prov-31-26" id="en-NLT-17287">Proverbs 31: 26-28</span></div>
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<br />Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-44573397673620116812017-04-14T21:12:00.000-07:002017-04-14T21:12:26.276-07:00Love, Loss, and VictoryMy husband, Jake, looked at our kitchen clock and said, "It's 5:30. The closing must be done by now."<br />
<br />
"The closing" seemed to reference more than the sale of his late parents' house, the home Jake and his siblings had grown up in.<br />
<br />
Earlier that day, Jake had walked through the house for the last time.<br />
Instead of family racket, only the faint echo of his boots sounded on the bare wooden floor.<br />
Empty closets. <br />
Empty rooms.<br />
An empty space. <br />
<br />
It held no trace of his parents, or the family they'd raised there.<br />
Jake left the keys, and walked away.<br />
<br />
Did Jesus followers feel that emptiness when he was condemned to die?<br />
<br />
For three years they'd followed him--the preacher, the prophet, the healer, their friend.<br />
With Jesus' death, emptiness seeped in.<br />
Empty hearts.<br />
Empty dreams.<br />
Empty hopes left at a blood-stained cross.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55liuH69Uycs8FrwXDGwipQglyxoZ2KZE2UR8a1NvNEAFVK5hE93xHCV0hi3JV21hiBneZyeWOuL0PliceRpvVkegB6jMYniRIhMcfkBDgVPxGVLYe4CFBrRiSyF-qmy49NHNV2VdYfQ/s1600/dan+freedigitalphoto2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55liuH69Uycs8FrwXDGwipQglyxoZ2KZE2UR8a1NvNEAFVK5hE93xHCV0hi3JV21hiBneZyeWOuL0PliceRpvVkegB6jMYniRIhMcfkBDgVPxGVLYe4CFBrRiSyF-qmy49NHNV2VdYfQ/s320/dan+freedigitalphoto2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo courtesy of dan@freedigitalphoto.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />But victory came three days later.<br />
Jesus rose from the dead. <br />
He left an empty tomb.<br />
<br />
That empty grave equaled victory, not only for them, but for us as well. <br />
<br />
Jesus rose to fill our emptiness;<br />
to give us victory in place of despair.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Instead of an empty life, Jesus offers us a new life filled with his love.<br />
And it's available to anyone who'll accept it.<br />
<br />
<br />
New love.<br />
New life.<br />
New beginnings.<br />
<br />
If you're tired of the emptiness,<br />
If you want a fresh start, <br />
If you need a new beginning,<br />
Pray this simple prayer,<br />
<br />
"Jesus, please forgive my sins, and be my savior."<br />
<br />
Giving your life to Jesus is the start of your new life.<br />
A life of hope.<br />
A life of love.<br />
A life of victory. <br />
<br />
If you want to know more before taking that life-changing step, please go to <a href="https://peacewithgod.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Billy Graham's "Find Peace with God" website.</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">If you've just prayed that prayer, please let me know. We'll celebrate your new life, and your new victory!</span> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662866694955910268.post-86597583904992074222017-03-14T16:52:00.000-07:002017-03-14T16:52:33.318-07:00Happy Pi DayHappy Pi Day to all the math whiz kids out there.<br />
<br />
According to the <a href="http://www.piday.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Pi Day official website</span></a><br />
(No, I'm not making that site up)<br />
<br />
"Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “<span class="pi">π</span>”)
is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio
of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is
approximately 3.14159."<br />
<br />
<b>(Stay awake, non -math people, because the Pi folks gleefully add: </b><br />
<br />
"Pi has been calculated to <i>over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point</i>...<b> </b><br />
<b>Pi’s infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorize,
and to computationally calculate more and more digits."</b><br />
<br />
I don't think the Pi folks are pulling our legs. They're that giddy over Pi. <br />
<br />
<br />
In our home we're giddy over pie. Yep, pi with an "e" on the end.<br />
<br />
This year we celebrated Pi Day with our 2nd annual Pi Day Pie Eating Contest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcfDkPQZrW1xWXJaLY8KP4T2jhymu8HNzSojZOzQxrxTboInwUcl2SmiPcSQO20gL4F38gzLiZ5dqrUWvkfuTZUred1z_zERBh2hws-XJbfnYbTVTlRUKLjDVFWnYK3dBDTy9MjjSprc/s1600/1980-01-01+00.00.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcfDkPQZrW1xWXJaLY8KP4T2jhymu8HNzSojZOzQxrxTboInwUcl2SmiPcSQO20gL4F38gzLiZ5dqrUWvkfuTZUred1z_zERBh2hws-XJbfnYbTVTlRUKLjDVFWnYK3dBDTy9MjjSprc/s320/1980-01-01+00.00.05.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
And for the 2nd year in a row, my grandson wiped the floor with me.<br />
His pie eating skills are a family phenomenon.<br />
<br />
So go out and celebrate Pi as the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle.<br />
Or bag a bargain on pies--fruit, pizza, and so forth.<br />
<br />
<div class="line">
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-118-24" id="en-NLT-15870">This is the day the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has made.</span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-118-24"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;">We will rejoice and be glad in it.</span></span> Psalm 118:24 NLT</span></span></div>
<div class="version-NLT result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<div class="poetry top-1">
</div>
</div>
<br />
Hopefully with pie.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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Jeanie Jacobson, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037854681300810000noreply@blogger.com0