tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38543980722377430902024-03-20T03:19:18.922-07:00God Whispers in My EarEncouraging poems, "slices of life" essays, and anecdotes about everyday living.Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-79039089177561678002012-10-14T17:14:00.001-07:002012-10-14T17:14:20.434-07:00Time Heals All Wounds?<span style="font-size: x-small;">There was a time I believed the line, "Time heals all wounds." But I am re-evaluating those words. It should read, "when the wound has been cleaned and antibiotics applied, then the wound will heal." If the wound is left as is, the bacteria will multiply and infection will set in. Also, whatever instrument was used to inflict the wound must be studied. The instrument was contaminated and whatever was on it, got into the wound.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I am applying this to relationships. When a person has been wounded, help is needed to restore that person back to good health. In most cases words are the instruments people use to inflict pain. The person causing the pain must ask for forgiveness while the wounded person decides he/she will forgive or not. Forgiveness is really the antibiotic that must be applied. If forgiveness is not applied, the wounded individual will be opened to more wounding as time goes on. Like an infection that spreads, not forgiving will have a longer, more lasting effect than the wound itself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Is there a wound you are trying to heal from? Have you applied the ointment of forgiveness? Try it and then see if "time does heal the wound more quickly."</span><br />
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Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-19125761746618733802012-10-11T10:45:00.000-07:002012-10-11T10:48:00.983-07:00<br />
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Seasons of Change<br />
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The seasons were given to help us with changes.<br />
Look at how the Lord lovingly arranges--<br />
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Each winter, spring, summer, and fall,<br />
Our Father is in control of them all.<br />
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The changes in our lives are like that too.<br />
Our Heavenly Father knows just what to do.<br />
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Welcome each change that comes your way.<br />
For God has your back each and every day.<br />
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No matter the season He holds your hand.<br />
It is on His promises that we can stand.<br />
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So embrace the changes that come about.<br />
Give God the praise with a mighty shout!!!<br />
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<br />Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-84300382956029392482012-08-26T16:17:00.002-07:002012-08-26T16:20:57.687-07:00Hurting Hearts<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had written the following poem some time ago before my new chapter, unaware that I would be able to identify with the content later on. This was an earlier post but i tweaked it to ft this theme. As I have begun to share with others, I am amazed at the stories I am hearing. As life would have it, each of us will go through something. It is what we do with that "something" that tells the story.</span></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://purplepen-barbsmusings.blogspot.com/2011/04/hurting-hearts.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hurting Hearts</span></span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watching people as they go by,<br />so many hurts and a silent cry,<br />could be heard if listen we dare,<br />to offer kind words to show we care.<br /><br />Why do we pretend all is well,<br />when deep down we're going through hell?<br />Do we really want to cry, but laugh instead,<br />to avoid facing what's in our head?<br /><br />We hide behind busyness or lots of TV,<br />to cloud the picture we don't want to see.<br />Avoiding the telephone when it rings,<br />keeping to ourselves, we don't say a thing.<br /><br />The longer we ignore the pain that we feel,<br />the greater the time we will need to heal.</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3854398072237743090-1928627285736558692?l=purplepen-barbsmusings.blogspot.com" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 0.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 0.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="3854398072237743090-1928627285736558692?l=purplepen-barbsmusings.blogspot" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\COMPAQ~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.gif"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So even though some marriages are slipping away,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Know that the Lord will still make a way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you find people are more willing to share when you have become transparent about something you have experienced?</span></span></div>
Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-33140306355691633592012-08-18T08:17:00.001-07:002012-08-18T08:17:36.241-07:00SteepingI am almost back. No, that's not correct. Those words imply that the same me has returned. Not so. Looking at the previous post about tea, I can definitely say I have been steeping in some extremely and long lasting hot water. As the days unfold, I will be sharing where I have been all these months. I have missed each of you and look with great anticipation on catching up with you.<br />
Enjoy these cooler temps.<br />
Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-3120394082414546352012-01-31T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-31T09:01:52.735-08:00We Are Like Tea<span style="font-size: x-small;"> I enjoy drinking tea. As I was preparing a cup, these thoughts came to mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tea steeped in hot water will have a full, robust flavor.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The heat draws out the tea’s richness.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For a light flavor, tea may simmer for awhile.<br />
As Christians, we are like tea.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In order for Christ’s fullness to be evident in our lives,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We will have to go through some heat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It may be for a short time. (simmer)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It may be for a season. (steep)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Whatever the duration of time,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We will gain the aroma and flavor of Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Most of the events in my life have been cause for simmering. Some recent life events have me in a steeping mode.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">At this moment are you simmering or steeping?</span><br />
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</span>Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-80400555118018864922012-01-19T19:11:00.000-08:002012-01-19T19:11:43.223-08:00Some Day <span style="font-size: x-small;">I have really been listening to people alot this week. I am hearing snippets of words that have caught my attention. The poem below is the result of hearing people talk about "some day". I know I have said those two words myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Some Day<br />
“Some day” many people have said.<br />
It’s about those dreams dancing in their heads.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The hopes and desires have gone astray.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The pressures of life show up each day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">But “some day” is right in our face.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Let’s take steps to find our place.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Revisit our dreams and map them all out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">That is what dreaming is all about.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">“Some day” may be words to keep us down.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">But the word “today” has a sweeter sound.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Has your "some day" come to pass? What is keeping you from saying "today"? Just something to think about.</span>Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-38340002166850251162012-01-17T10:17:00.000-08:002012-01-17T10:19:29.143-08:00Finding MeI was visiting with a friend who had lost her husband recently. She was sharing some struggles they had had all throughout their time together. My friend kept referring back to the phrase, "finding me". I asked what did she mean. Even as a little girl she had responsibilities in caring for others. She was the youngest child, but her mother told her that she was more mature than the others. Consequently, she was given more duties. This has been her path for as long as she can remember. So she was never able to be or do the things she wanted. Marriage was the same way. So between her husband and the children, she still never had time for herself. Now that the children are adults and with the passing of her husband, she is going to be on a mission to "find me". I told her that I would be checking in periodically to see what she is discovering.<br />
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Question: What have you done to "find you"?Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-27284143926164783412012-01-13T16:28:00.000-08:002012-01-13T16:32:49.159-08:00Sisterhood in the Hair Salon <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you walk into your favorite beauty salon, you are not just getting your hair done. You are entering a sisterhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On any given day there will be females from every marital status, career, and age. There may be an aunt, a grandmother, sister, daughter, and a mother. The women are in different seasons of their lives. Each one believes she is there to get a new “do”, but she will come away with so much more.</span></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes a few tears may be shed, but for the most part there is plenty of laughter. For an hour or two, you can hear or give advice. Usually it’s about children or the gal’s mate. You might also hear about a great movie that just came out or that fabulous book everyone must read.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whatever is going on in your life, you will probably meet a girlfriend who has traveled down that same path. It is a whole lot easier to share a struggle when you know someone else has had a similar experience.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s not forget the hair stylist. She or he is an artist. A wealth of talent and skill is at their fingertips. No pun intended. With a twist of the wrist or the flip of a curl, the client ends up pleasantly surprised. The other ladies give their approval with smiles and words.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each person who enters the salon is an automatic member of the sisterhood. The atmosphere inspires people to share hopes, dreams, and yes, their fears. For the time spent, the ladies are a lifeline for one another. A bonding takes place where one person is available to lift another one up. Many ladies keep regular appointments. Yes, this is good for their hair, but it is even better for their hearts.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in; text-indent: 0.5in;">Question: Can you say that you are a member of the sisterhood?</div>Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-34562153508325061552012-01-06T09:51:00.000-08:002012-01-06T09:51:34.303-08:00Kim's Fip FlopsMy local Christian radio station, JoyFM, 99.1 has wonderful announcers. One of my favorites is a young woman named Kim. She loves flip flops and is often teased by her co-host. I wrote this poem for her and she read it on the air recently.<br />
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Flip Flops<br />
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Kim loves her flip flops.<br />
This we all know.<br />
If she could, she would wear them in the snow.<br />
Are there flip flop boots for sale anywhere?<br />
Kim would certainly buy herself a pair.<br />
Flip flops come in many colorful hues,<br />
Such as reds, pinks, purples, and a variety of blues.<br />
When spring comes there will be a new selection.<br />
This will enable Kim to add to her collection.<br />
So continue your love for flip flops, Kim.<br />
And be ready to be teased by your co-host, Tim.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg1JUH2S_jDKF9WGTBjcmmPMg9KE2iO93cjJDpoIu_HY0TPIjSXTP3OgafqjMtqvbzSO4KDVz-X9rn-eiIWtVrlB8TsEj_OJMqWb09sfkzxRq9XXsGJiQZfnBqCXuMtGKaQ1uzj_2y_4/s1600/flipflops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg1JUH2S_jDKF9WGTBjcmmPMg9KE2iO93cjJDpoIu_HY0TPIjSXTP3OgafqjMtqvbzSO4KDVz-X9rn-eiIWtVrlB8TsEj_OJMqWb09sfkzxRq9XXsGJiQZfnBqCXuMtGKaQ1uzj_2y_4/s320/flipflops.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">illustration:Microsoft Clipart</span></div>Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-645411434233742542012-01-04T12:16:00.000-08:002012-01-04T12:16:26.103-08:00A Visual Reminder<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">I was in a parking lot recently and noticed the newly painted white lines. When we park within those lines, our cars are in proper order. I was reminded that God’s Word, is like those lines. When we apply scripture to our lives, then likewise our lives will have more of an opportunity to be in order. Have you noticed what happens when there has been a snowstorm? The lines in the parking lot are hidden and people park their cars every which way. There is no order. The same is true for us. If lives are not in alignment with the word of God, problems will result. We can hinder someone else, move in the wrong direction, or even cause damage. Those lines set boundaries and guide drivers into position. While we are planning goals for this new year, let us make sure our boundaries are in order.</span></div>Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-78528192820989427322012-01-02T16:35:00.000-08:002012-01-02T16:35:20.884-08:00Angiogram PoetryI was scheduled to take a treadmill stress test. I had one several years ago and it was not a pleasant experience. So I had that memory clouding my enthusiasm for another one. Well, I did not get to the level the doctor was looking for, so he ordered an angiogram to rule out any blockages. The poem below is a thank you I sent to the staff and doctor at the testing center.<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
Thank You<br />
Angiogram, angiogram, here I come.<br />
I’m not sure this will be fun.<br />
I arrived at the lab right on time,<br />
Despite the fact it was hard to find.<br />
The ladies at the front desk were very sweet. <br />
Then the rest of the team I did meet.<br />
Dr. Selke was waiting like he said he would.<br />
His stature was impressive when he stood.<br />
The procedure was explained clearly to me,<br />
To check that my arteries were clog free.<br />
I have tiny veins for IV’s to be placed,<br />
I tried to keep my composure seasoned with grace.<br />
I was wheeled to the lab and the test began.<br />
It was over quickly and went as planned.<br />
The doctor gave me the all clear and said to exercise.<br />
I was relieved and had tears in my eyes.<br />
The weight on my shoulders started to lift.<br />
What he said to me was like a Christmas gift.<br />
Thank you, thank you, I said, with a smile on my face.<br />
The Missouri Heart and Vascular is a very fine place.<br />
Keep doing all the great work that you do.<br />
A “heartfelt” thumbs up goes out to you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22P38o9caK0/TwEK7KU-AII/AAAAAAAAAJo/v71XrGmDYgs/s1600/book+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22P38o9caK0/TwEK7KU-AII/AAAAAAAAAJo/v71XrGmDYgs/s320/book+002.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-19360441736676091712011-12-31T17:26:00.000-08:002012-01-04T12:20:21.968-08:00The ButterflyI know that I have been away from my blog for several months. Like the butterfly in the poem below, I have been going through some struggles. They are indeed a part of life. May each of you see many blessings in this New Year<br />
as you stand in awe at God's power and His loving grace.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">The Butterfly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">O butterfly, O butterfly, how beautiful you are.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Your colorful wings allow you to soar very far.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">It is such a struggle to become a butterfly,</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Our Lord is equipping you as He watches you with His eye.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">When we look back and know the changes that took place,</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">we will stand in awe at God’s power and His loving grace</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Whatever struggle you may be facing, keep the image of a beautiful butterfly before you.</span>Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-91304376143529700992011-09-27T07:43:00.000-07:002011-09-27T07:44:46.863-07:00Seven Lines, Seven Words Per line<div style="text-align: center;">Writing touches hearts when nothing else will.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Words reflect inner thoughts when written down.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Words reach into the heart and soul.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hidden emotions will escape when given release.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The truth will be an unspoken witness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Writing down thoughts will free the spirit.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The author gives life to the words.<br />
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Which line resonated within you?</div>Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-37656152375040513312011-09-25T14:32:00.000-07:002011-09-25T14:32:30.340-07:00A Nutty Kind of DayI recently did a basket to be sold during a silent auction. The contents included goodies with nuts.I attached the following poem to the basket. <div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tire goes flat at work in the parking lot.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a nutty kind of day.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your child’s teacher wants to have a conference-NOW!</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a nutty kind of day.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An unforeseen bill shows up in the mail.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, it’s a nutty kind of day.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did that red light camera just take your picture?</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s still a nutty kind of day.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoy this basket and have a nutty kind of day.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">..........................</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When was the last time you had a nutty kind of day?</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">or</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is your favorite nut? (I did not say, who)</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-40157095974703130492011-09-18T14:09:00.000-07:002011-09-18T14:09:12.468-07:00Wow, It's September!How did I let this month get away? I am waaaay behind in my posting. Hello, is there anyone still there? Thank you for being patient with me. I'll do better in the days to come.<br />
I passed a car this morning and it reminded me of a friend with the same model. I must get in touch with her. I find that the Lord doesn't bring someone to our minds just for fun. It may mean we are to either send a prayer her/his way or get in touch. Who have you been thnking about lately?Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-61249409481399567852011-08-22T10:13:00.000-07:002011-08-22T10:13:01.856-07:00Wonders So Far This DayI stand in wonder when.......<br />
my letter to a friend arrives in one day<br />
unexpected refund checks are sent by the telephone & car insurance companies<br />
my 44 year old Kenmore sewing machine still works<br />
I look out my window and see the various shades of green<br />
there is no end to the amount of words we have at our fingertips<br />
I find something that I know only the Lord could show me where to look.<br />
These are just wonders in one part of my day. I look forward to the other wonders throughout the rest of this day and the days to come.<br />
What wonder has impressed you the most this day?Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-34847101448995730122011-08-13T11:05:00.000-07:002011-08-13T11:07:57.587-07:00Favorite Back to School Ritual or Supplies?I was at church this morning filling backpacks with school supplies. My church, along with many other organizations, has been collecting school supplies. It must be overwhelming for families, especially families with more than one child, to purchase school items. These backpacks will certainly help many children. I was thinking about my own back to school experiences as a child. Back then, before electricity, the schools supplied what we needed. But we could bring in our own crayons. Crayola brand was the bomb. The pretty colors were guarded so closely. Heaven help the kid who broke that first crayon. Have you seen the supply lists these days? There is everything on that list. A kid could have a major backache just getting that stuff to school. As a former elementary teacher, I remember we went overboard one year asking for tissues. Based on the previous year, we had gone through dozens of boxes for some reason. The following year, we ended up with an overload. You just never know when those allergies are going to check in.<br />
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What is your favorite back to school memory or your favorite item on the supply list?Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-91686684512101457312011-08-11T10:58:00.000-07:002011-08-11T10:58:48.937-07:00I'm BackLittle did I know that I would be part of the silence when I wrote my last post. Some family things have been going on, one of which was the passing of my mother. We were on the road to New Jersey, which is a very long, long drive from St. Louis. Despite the circumstances, the Lord's grace was very evident during our time there. Things are settling down now and I hope to resume blogging on a regular basis again. Thank you for missing me. I have missed each of you also.Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-67523200349829462252011-07-07T12:19:00.000-07:002011-07-07T12:19:14.510-07:00Can You Hear Silence?Stop for a moment. What do you hear? I hear the garbage truck just arriving. It is 2:15 p.m. Usually it comes early in the a.m. Now I hear an airplane. We are fifteen minutes from the airport. What's that sound? It's my apple shaped clock just ticking away. What else am I hearing? The computer's hum. What's that sound? Ice cubes dropping into the tray. The last batch of laundry is drying in the dryer. It is amazing all of the sounds you hear when you truly stop to listen. List the sounds you are hearing.Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-71063277689507395412011-07-01T17:38:00.000-07:002011-07-01T17:54:41.098-07:00IndependenceJust got back a few minutes ago after being at the grocery store. I had to stand in line for quite awhile. Not wanting my time to be wasted, I spent it being a people watcher. As I surveyed customers coming and going, I thought about each person. Everyone has a story. Wouldn't it be interesting to sit down with several of them to hear their stories? The human experience is similar no matter where one lives.Some of the stories could have threads of sadness running through them. Other stories could be ones of celebration. Just looking at faces, you could speculate what kind of day they were having. Most of the customers just wanted to get in and get out. No time for small talk. <br />
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Why is there always a crying baby? Probably the young mom did not have anyone who could babysit and she had to drag the baby out in the heat. Looking in her cart, most of the items were for her baby. <br />
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If an alien just arrived, he could tell by the contents of most carts, that a cookout of some kind would be taking place soon. Bags of charcoal, ice, hotdog buns, sodas, paper plates, and other miscellaneous items rolled down the conveyor belt. The alien wouldn't know that our country is preparing to celebrate our nation's independence and of course he wouldn't know about the traditions of cookouts either. He was probably looking for his own independence by landing here.<br />
Happy 4th of July everyone!!!!!Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-62398173358265962022011-06-27T21:30:00.000-07:002011-06-27T21:39:21.329-07:00O Happy Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMxJF0P2NVYC8ZTgcmY-GyamBLVdniXzpAFahQekd0idKPd-NABUwCUMO5CjYX0asNdC5JHm4CNciQIjsNoEjFfFzQWZTl-WRqFFc6R3h-s3tCoi7stJ8i42MCqXcpD_cwroheak_D9Q/s1600/earrings+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMxJF0P2NVYC8ZTgcmY-GyamBLVdniXzpAFahQekd0idKPd-NABUwCUMO5CjYX0asNdC5JHm4CNciQIjsNoEjFfFzQWZTl-WRqFFc6R3h-s3tCoi7stJ8i42MCqXcpD_cwroheak_D9Q/s200/earrings+001.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><br />
Such pretty silver earrings I had on that day. <br />
We had taken a trip that was far away. <br />
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Later that evening I felt my right ear.</span><br />
Sadly one of the earrings had disappeared.<br />
I looked high and low for the earring’s mate.<br />
I soon gave up since it was getting late.<br />
We started back home the very next day.<br />
Losing that earring bugged me all the way.<br />
A few days later my husband had a surprise.<br />
He was cleaning out the car when something caught his eye.<br />
The other silver earring he did find.<br />
It was in the car this whole time.<br />
I was very happy, this is true.<br />
I have my earring back and a poem too.<br />
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Question: What have you lost and then found again?Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-20756559570364360102011-06-20T18:12:00.000-07:002011-06-20T18:12:27.264-07:00Signs of SummerSummer will officially arrive on Tuesday. As far as the weather goes, summer had started weeks ago. I knew the calendar noted summer to begin on June 21, but for me, it was this past Friday. Why? I saw my first lightning bug. What memories! As kids, we would find a jar and try to catch as may bugs as we could, thinking we would have our very own flashlights. Of course this didn’t work because the fireflies’ lights would not be in sync. But what did we know?<br />
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Another summer time event is that old familiar sound of the ice cream truck. Children from near and far would come running to pay for an overpriced frozen treat. Where did all of these kids come from? They had not been seen at any other time of the day. It was if that red, white, and blue ice cream vehicle was the Pied Piper.<br />
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Okay, parents. Why weren’t those shorts your pre-teen daughters are wearing given away? The little girls are growing up, but someone forgot to tell the shorts to grow up with them. Granted, it is very hot, but help the daughters have some sense of acceptable dress.<br />
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Have you been to the local home care centers yet? A potential customer can hardly get in the door without tripping over bags of mulch, soil, fertilizer, and on and on of lawn care products. There are several weekend warriors buying that new tool. It promises to do everything. That’s right, just one tool and you are set for life. One better have a plan before entering these stores. Your lifetime savings can be gone in a flash and your home still won’t be on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens.<br />
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Last, but not least, another sign of summer is the door to door salesperson. His mission is to let the neighbors know about a special price for a state of the art alarm system. If we act right this minute, there will be a great deal, guaranteed for the next twelve months. What is this sign of summer trying to tell us?<br />
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Okay, your turn. What is your sign of summer?Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-41303676555198719642011-06-17T07:34:00.000-07:002011-06-17T07:34:12.653-07:00Fathers Are Special TooAs we approach Father’s Day, 2011, I encourage you to give thanks for the “fathers” who have been in your life. It has taken years for me to say these words : “I never knew my father.” I don’t have any idea what he looks like, what his mannerisms are, or how much like him I may be. This has been a mysterious void in my life. My hat goes off to men all over the world who have stepped up to the plate to fulfill their calling as a father. <br />
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I had the word “fathers” in quotation marks. Why? Even though I never knew my biological father, I had a wonderful grandfather and uncles who stood in the gap as I was growing up. I am sure there are others who have had people as surrogate dads for one reason or another.<br />
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Do we realize the importance of a father in a child’s life? It’s a given about the mother’s importance, but I believe we need to place just as high a value on the father’s place and not just on the third Sunday in June.<br />
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For whatever circumstance has occurred where the dad is not present, ask our Heavenly Father for someone to stand in the gap. He is the benchmark for the character of a father. He will provide people who can help fill the empty places as needed.<br />
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As you are reading, I’m sure some questions are in your mind. I have questions too. Perhaps the answers will come in another time or another place.<br />
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If you have been fortunate to have had a great father, thank the Lord. If otherwise, commit the lack of such a person in your life to the Lord. Our hearts were not meant to carry this burden alone. Let’s applaud fathers everywhere and not just on Father’s Day.Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3854398072237743090.post-58516399538982932302011-06-15T14:02:00.000-07:002011-06-15T14:04:06.373-07:00An Award<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OK20I1RQTXz_c94rLCSKSNPi4demABgCZyPS2ubwyUUnI9oQnVQxjyyQirEbtfIRCIzRqbk0yLt9c3LjLvSpCJesXiOQMpZRKLGvwYM61pBUb3pVN7iS3YzhveHEoWIkYN2Zr7JR6ao/s1600/versatile_blogger_award1.jpg" />Thank you to Linda from <u>Write From the Heart</u> for this award. (<a href="http://lindaoconnell.blogspot.com/">http://lindaoconnell.blogspot.com/</a>) I am to write 7 things about myself and then pass the award on to 7 other bloggers. Here it goes:<br />
1. I won an Edy's Ice Cream contest so I could have a party for up to 100 neighbors. I won this contest twice.<br />
2. I love Steak n Shake's french fries<br />
3. Jim and I will celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary on August 2.<br />
4. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college.<br />
5. I had my first paid published article in January 2009.<br />
6. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.<br />
7. My oldest grandson has not befriended me yet on his Facebook page.<br />
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I would like to nominate the following bloggers for The Versatile Blogger Award:<br />
1. Hannah, over at <a href="http://myangelbunny.blogspot.com/">http://myangelbunny.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
2. Buttercup, overat <a href="http://buttercupcountsherblessings.blogspot.com/">http://buttercupcountsherblessings.blogspot.com/</a><br />
3. Leslie, over at <a href="http://goodbyehousehellohome.blogspot.com/">http://goodbyehousehellohome.blogspot.com/</a><br />
4. Carrie, over at <a href="http://offeringhospitality.blogspot.com/">http://offeringhospitality.blogspot.com/</a><br />
5. Melody, over at <a href="http://melody-mae.blogspot.com/">http://melody-mae.blogspot.com/</a><br />
6. Sally, over at <a href="http://livelearnwithsally.blogspot.com/">http://livelearnwithsally.blogspot.com/</a><br />
7. Susan, over <a href="http://writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com/">http://writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Remember, complete only if you have the time and energy. (no obligation) Happy Wednesday to you all!Barb Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12192271482805073197noreply@blogger.com7