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United States, Tennessee, Humboldt, English, Susan, Female, 36-40, Christianity, Bible Study, church, music, trumpet, CD's.

Katie's blogchalk:
United States, Tennessee, Humboldt, English, Katie, Female, 30-35, Christianity, Bible Study, church, mom with two kids, full-time student.

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:: Saturday, May 24, 2003 ::

Graduation

I went to a graduation ceremony this evening. I hadn't been to a graduation since my own way back when. Scratch that, I did see my youngest sister graduate from high school years and years ago. Anyway, I looked forward to seeing Nikki graduate, but I can honestly say I wasn't anticipating all the boring speeches I was going to have to sit through.

Hang on.....yummmmmmmmmm, *slurp* grape slushie! Had a hankerin'. I'm thinking that they need to put warning labels on slushie cups..."Warning: Accelerated consumption may cause brain to freeze"

Ok, now back to my regualary scheduled blog. The processional began with all the usual pomp and circumstance (whatever that means) and soon the superintendent was delivering is message to the graduating class. Next we heard from the class essayist and the salutatorian. Finally we were up to the last speaker who was this young man named John William Crawford.

Young Mr. Crawford began his speech thanking the superintendent, administrators and then his parents for loving him and providing support as he grew. He told of a story from two years ago when his older brother was giving his own valedictorian speech and how he set the goal in his mind to follow in his brothers footsteps and have the opportunity to stand before his class and speak to them.

He spoke kindly about his Godly parents and his brother and how they helped him in his spiritual walk. Wait a minute...back up! Did you say spiritual walk? Yes, I think he said spiritual walk. Mr. Crawford continued..."but no one has been a greater help to me in my spiritual walk than God." Ok, now it was getting interesting! Suddenly this valedictorian address was changing direction.

This is the graduation ceremony of a city school. Southside in Jackson, TN. Secular, and what I heard tonight from John William Crawford blew my mind. He shared the story of the missionaries going to Ecuador that were all killed, yet had missionaries return later and eventually accept Christ. This courageous young man presented the gospel! THE GOSPEL! at a SECULAR high school graduation! This was getting exciting!

He went on to share how God gives him hope in this dark world and God is his foundation when the world falls apart. His charge to the graduating class was to chose between heaven and hell. He encouraged the class to listen and respond to God's call on their lives. He pleaded for them to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Did you get that part about it being a secular high school?

I wondered as I drove home if I would have the courage to stand up in front of my peers, non-christian peers and/or co-workers and say what this young man did. I concluded that I don't believe I do, but then again, if the Spirit moved me..."I can do all things..."

I prayed that God would bless John William Crawford. The hand of God is obviously on this young man.

:: Susan 5/24/2003 09:14:59 AM ** ** [+] ::
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Nothing

I have nothing to blog about because I lack anything interesting to say. So, that's my blog. But, I'll have something interesting to say tomorrow. However, Sue will be home so I probably won't have much time on the puter. She's off Sunday too. So, I guess I'll blog something interesting on Monday. It has to be good since I'll have 3 days to think on it. Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

:: Katie 5/23/2003 09:26:04 PM ** ** [+] ::
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A Backwards World

Today on the news I heard that schools were dropping classes like baseball, band, music...etc... because of lack of funding. Teachers are getting laid off and class sizes are growing. Janitors are losing their jobs and teachers are having to sweep and take out the trash before going home each day.

Later today, another program was on. It was a sports program. A couple basketball stars were being interviewed. One of them had just signed a deal with some sneaker company. He is getting paid $100,000,000.00 for signing the contract. Now, I'm not a sports person at all. I may have misunderstood and that may have been his contract to play. In any case........I think America has things backwards. That could pay the salary for a few band teachers and sports programs in school. What will the kids do that want to go to college to major in music or sports? What kind of scholarships will they be able to earn if they have no experience from the highschool level? What about the lousy salaries that over-worked under-paid teachers get? I think every famous, multi-billionaire athlete should sponsor a school and donate to help that school educate children in the basics as well as the arts. It's the same way with big name actors and actresses. There are so many wealthy people who have more money than can be spent. So, why not use it to help public education? It's the future. What will it be like when these kids are running our country? Things in this world are so messed up. So unjust. So........backwards.

:: Katie 5/22/2003 09:58:51 PM ** ** [+] ::
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Knock and It Shall Be Opened

Do a cartwheel and it shall be holey. Tif just did a cartwheel in the house. Cartwheeling is forbidden in the house. She claims kidsanity I guess. Bragging about the award she got from the superintendent for good grades, she promptly demonstrated how smart she is! LOL

She did a cartwheel and put her foot through the door. She is okay. The door is not. It now has a hole about the size of a heel print in the middle of it. I mean middle. Couldn't have had better placement if we had measured and aimed.

I hung a sign I just printed over it. "This is a holy door".

I think they should offer kid raiser insurance for homeowners.

:: Susan 5/21/2003 09:17:23 PM ** ** [+] ::
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To Speak or not to Speak

Sometimes the Christian walk can seem defeating. I witness, share the gospel, try to live my life as an example and teach others to do the same. Yet, it has been years since I have had the opportunity to lead somebody to Christ. I can't think of a single time that anybody has changed their ways because of my example or the words I have shared. So, I get to feeling defeated and I begin thinking that this is all pointless. Nobody listens. Nobody cares. In fact, I think more people blow me off than ever heed a word I say. So, am I wasting my time? Why should I bother? Poor me. I'm a failure.

The truth of the matter is found in the Great Commission. God calls us to: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:19-20).

Nowhere in this commission does it say that people will listen, or that they will learn, or that they will obey. Nowhere does it say that we have to make them hear, see, or learn. We just have to teach and baptize those who believe. Then we should see to it that believers are discipled.

Sometimes I get this all out of whack. I feel like a loser and useless in my faith because I do what I feel I am called to do and don't get the results I expect. I feel so defeated. How arrogant! As if their decision to recieve Christ is based on anything I have done!!!

It is my job to present the truth and to pray believing that God will bring fruit. However, it is not my decision or God's decision to make them accept the Truth and live by it. It is the decision of that person. God gives us all the freedom to choose. He will not bring fruit from a seed I have planted if the seed falls among thorns.

The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22)

It isn't up to me to make anyone believe. I will not ever save a soul.

"For it is by GRACE you have been saved, through faith [alone]--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of GOD-- [alone] not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Eph 2:8-10).

By going into the world and proclaiming the good news and teaching others to do the will of God, baptizing those who believe, and following up with discipleship, we have fulfilled the Great Commission. So, what if they don't listen? What if they laugh? What if nothing happens at all? What if they get angry and rebuke me?

Matthew 10:14
"If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town."

Mark 6:11
"And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them."

Luke 9:5
"If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them."

Don't track the dirt around with you. Don't let it weigh you down and drag your step! Don't let it fester your mind and make you feel like you are useless. Shake it off and move on to those who will listen. There is somebody out there that will. There is somebody out there waiting on God to send ME! So, I will keep on keeping on for my Lord. I will tell of His love and teach others to obey His commands. I will hold my brothers and sisters accountable to Christ for the music they listen to, the things they say, the places they go. I will not force them to do anything. I will not judge them. That is not what I am called to do. But it is my responsibility to hold them accountable because they are setting an example of Christ. A lost world is watching........closely. We are to be witnesses with our lives as well as our words. It does no good to talk the talk if we're not going to walk the walk. Our life is how we witness without words. Our lifestyle is our greatest testimony. How we live sends a bigger message than what we say.

"What would Jesus do" should never be considered cliché. It should be a question we ask ourselves in every situation, every decision, every day.

I should not feel defeated if my words and example fall on deaf ears and blind eyes that are that way by choice. I should not consider it wasting my breath to speak to those who do not listen. I am not accountable to them. They are not accountable to me. We are all accountable to God. Therefore, I will speak even when they refuse to listen. My words may cause my brothers to hate me, but it is a sacrifice I must be willing to make for their sake simply because I am called by God to do so. Just as salvation doesn't come from anything I do, neither does the lack of it. However, the lack of a saved soul could be on my hands if I don't share the gospel with unbelievers. I also may be held accountable for not holding a brother or sister in Christ accountable. Whatever happens after my part is done is up to God and that person. I can not fail if I do what God has called me to.

(I bet I'll have to come back to remind myself of this many times in the future!)

:: Katie 5/20/2003 02:07:39 PM ** ** [+] ::
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Stranger for Prayer

Once, about a year ago, Katie and I were on "vacation". We were in Medina, OH visiting my parents and one morning, before heading over to mom and dad's, we ate breakfast out. Before the meal was served, Katie and I prayed. When we finished praying, a woman, who had been seated in the booth directly behind me, approached our table and asked if she could join us in prayer. She sat down beside me and she prayed a beautiful prayer. Then she went back to her seat and that was that. A neat blessing I remember still.

:: Susan 5/20/2003 07:28:45 AM ** ** [+] ::
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I Remember

I remember watching The Love Boat and Fantasy Island with my grandmother on Saturday nights. Sometimes we would crochet while watching. Mimi had a black Chihuaua named Chicky who would sleep under a blanket beside her anytime she was sitting down (she also had a Calico cat named Pinky and my grandfather had a white and black Chihuaua named Tiny and a tiger cat named Spit). I would spend the night at my grandparents house and Mimi would make a nice bed for me out of her couch. She would wrap the cushions in sheets and tuck me in really tight. I also remember watching Lawrence Welk with her when I was really young. At the end when they would sing "Goodnight, Sleep Tight, and pleasant dreams to you...." In my nightgown, I would stand up and sing along. Mimi would sing with me. We had such a special relationship. I miss her so much.

In the middle of the night I would always here my grandfather (Bumpa) in the kitchen for a late night snack. Sharp cheddar cheese and crackers. He would always tease me like he wasn't going to share. But after playing along and begging him for a few minutes, he would share a snack with me then send me off to bed. Oh, and Mimi's spaghetti was the best. On Thursday nights she had spaghetti and on Saturday nights it was steak and beans with a slice of sharp cheddar on the side. Bumpa cooked a mean steak. I wonder if there will be steak and spaghetti in heaven? If so, I want Bumpa and Mimi to cook mine!

:: Katie 5/19/2003 08:59:24 PM ** ** [+] ::
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Haloscan

I just want to plug Haloscan for the free service and great tech support. Sure, they've had some difficulties with server trouble and at one point I was getting seriously frustrated, but all has been running quite well for me lately.

I also recently added a new script to my page that allows readers to choose to have links open in new windows. Unfortunately that script conflicted with my commenting script and created troubles. I posted in the Haloscan support forums and within hours I had a reply from jtox and he helped me. I was so impressed! Then, thinking I was so smart, I put " marks around the "attributes" in the javascript code he gave me because I thought that is what is supposed to happen. I was wrong. I have since learned that html which calls for " marks and javascript are two entirely different coding procedures...I knew this, but didn't realize how different, so I had self-imposed trouble with my commenting. I posted again and received tech help almost immediately.

Now I am happy to receive comments once again! Wooohooooo! Thanks Haloscan!

:: Susan 5/18/2003 03:31:28 PM ** ** [+] ::
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How Old Are You?

Nostalgia is fun! I pulled some of these from a fwd. Normally I delete without reading, but this had me remembering things.

* Head lights dimmer switches on the floor I remember these! My best friend who taught me to drive in her first car had these.
* Ignition switches on the dashboard. My grandma’s car had this type of ignition switch.
* Heaters mounted on the inside of the fire wall. Only in the ancient school I went to.
* Real ice boxes [Ask your Mom about that] Mom?
* Pant leg clips for bicycles without chain guards. Yes! Used these to keep my pants from getting caught in the chain. What a dork!
* Soldering irons you heat on a gas burner.
* Using hand signals for cars without turn signals. Nope..unless someone is driving a clunker!
* Blackjack chewing gum yep...yuck! Licorice flavored gum....yuck *gag*sputter*phoooooey*!
* Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water oh yes...another gross, disgusting thing!
* Candy cigarettes thought we were cool...boy were we wrong!
* Soda pop machines that dispensed bottle it was the fascinating thing at the Hinckley Town Hall.
* Coffee shops with tableside jukeboxes at the L & K restuarant
* Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers I remember the "milk man" from Smith's Dairy delivering milk. We kids in the neighborhood would save up money and buy the cartons of popsicles and ice cream bars when he came around. Then we'd hide out under the willow tree at the end of the road to eat them!
* Party lines
* Newsreels before the movie
* P. F. Flyers I think...these the little wooden planes with rubberband "motorized" propellors? Nah, I don't think they are. Hmmmm?
* Butch wax
* Telephone numbers with a word prefix (Olive - 6933)
* Peashooters
* Howdy Doody from reruns...never liked it enough to watch it consistently though.
* 45 RPM records yep! and I sold most of them on Ebay! (I love Ebay!) Ever think that 100 years in the future there will be a memory list like this with "Ebay" on it?
* S&H Green Stamps
* Hi-fi's from going through my parent's record collection. Sold those on Ebay too!
* Metal ice trays with lever oh yes! and hands sticking to them when they are pulled from freezer!
* Mimeograph paper yep! the purple print on the paper and everything!
* Blue flashbulb yep
* Packard's
* Roller skate keys yep
* Cork popguns yep
* Drive-ins I miss Drive-Ins!
* Studebakers nope
* Wash tub wringers nope
* Dataman wow, early hand held games. Boring.
* ABC, NBC, CBS as TV station choices
* cooking in an oven and on a stove, not a microwave
* filming home movies (no sound), not video taping, and needing a projector and screen to watch them yep!
* Atari “Target Shoot” I'd play for hours!
* dial phones
* gas stations with FULL service
* banana seats and “sissy” bars I miss those!
* 8 track tapes never had them...I saw it for the dumb idea it was!

Got any to add?


:: Susan 5/18/2003 08:47:07 AM ** ** [+] ::
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Mailbox

One day grandma pulled into a parking place by the mailbox downtown. She asked me to get out and mail the letter she had. No problem, right? wrong.

I was in my early teens at the time and I had never used a mailbox downtown. You know, the big blue ones with the USPO eagle emblem on the side? I had been raised in the small, quiet community of Hinckley, OH and I had a rural route mailbox. One that sat on a pole at the end of the drive and when you open it, you place inside the letter going out, and then you raise the flag to let the driver know there was something being mailed.

Well, I said to grandma "sure!" and got out of the car. I went up to the mailbox looking for the slot to put the mail into. I didn't immediately see one so I went around to the other side. There wasn't one there either? So I investigated further going 'round and 'round the big blue box. Grandma yelled something from the car, don't remember what it was, but she was trying to direct me as to how to put the mail in the box! LOL I never did figure it out on my own. Grandma got out of the car, came over to the mailbox and opened a door to put mail in. The handles for those doors are hidden! LOL

That's my memory of the mailbox.


:: Susan 5/18/2003 08:18:33 AM ** ** [+] ::
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