Please pray for my Friend Emily

My friend just lost her 5 day old Daughter Miller Grace. Please pray for this family. At only 24 yrs. old Emily is the most astounding woman / Christian I have ever met. She has endure far more than any Mother should have to and I wanted to share just a glimpse of her heart with you.

You can see her journal entry's at: www.caringbridge.org/visit/millergracecassetty

SUNDAY, JULY 01, 2007 08:29 PM, CDT

Part 1 of 3

Tribute to Miller Grace

Some mothers spend years buying prom dresses, going to ballet lessons, and teaching their daughters to read. I hope to get the chance to do just that with my first two daughters, but I will never have that chance with Miller Grace. I selfishly rejoice in knowing that I had thirty five weeks with her that no one else got to have. The rest of you only knew my sweet girl for five days and those were amazing days. What boggled the minds of doctors made perfect sense to me.

The Lord was gracious enough to let Miller Grace stay with us in this world for five days, eight hours, and forty eight minutes. In that brief window of time, I learned more than I have in all my twenty four years combined. I learned what it is to rejoice during a painful birth, what it is to pray when that baby doesn't ever cry, what it means to truly lay one's child at the foot of the cross and to force oneself to find peace in whatever God decides for that child.

My first pregnancy was a normal one and I laughed when my mother told me that a healthy baby was a miracle when she was visiting us in the hospital. Then, just seventeen weeks into my second pregnancy, we saw our baby's intestines floating outside of her body. For twenty weeks, were never guaranteed another moment and the threat of death lingered over our heads. It was only when Matilyn Faith came screaming into this world, despite having most of her intestines and organs outside of her body, that we knew God was truly big enough to defy all odds. For twenty six days, we witnessed one miracle after another in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, and when we carried our girl who had beat all the odds home in her Easter dress on the day before Easter, we knew that God really does still move stones and resurrect lives. I've had the opportunity to share Matilyn's miraculous story with so many people since then and no one can hear the full story and deny the power of God in her life or the fact that without him, she would never be here. I've rejoiced that I am the only one that can tell that story to this world from my perspective. What I didn't know is that I was the one who would need the reminder of Matilyn that God really is big enough to fix anything He wants to, to sustain any life He sees fit, and to work miracles among us.

(continued...)
You see, Miller Grace and God had been gently preparing my heart for this day for many weeks. Even before she took her first breath, Miller Grace's body seized violently and she rarely found peace within me. At first, this scared me immensely and I begged for deliverance from it. Then, Matt helped me to realize that those movements were Miller Grace's unique movements and I should be thankful for each one. I learned to embrace Miller Grace for who she was and I learned how to hold my belly just the right way to bring her peace until the seizing stopped. I once was afraid of needles and yet, Miller Grace and God gave me the peace and strength to face not one, but four decompression amniocentesis procedures, where a needle much larger than I care to describe was inserted into my abdomen and invaded that sacred space where Miller Grace first came to be. Enduring this nightmare four times and spending weeks with my entire abdomen extended far beyond capacity made it difficult to breathe and often times nearly miserable to endure, but, again, Miller Grace and God gave me the strength to do whatever it took to buy time for Miller Grace in this world... and it worked for a little while.

SUNDAY, JULY 01, 2007 08:28 PM, CDT

Part 2 of 3

Now, I stand on the other side. I have watched in horror as my child never took her first breath, much less cried. I've stood at a hospital bassinet and realized my baby girl would not fight as I prayed she would. I witnessed a soul much more gentle than my own, much more willing to accept God's will for her, and I understood for the first time why we had chosen Grace to be her middle name. We thought it was appropriate because God was going to be gracious and send us a healthy baby this time, but what Miller Grace and God knew was that she WAS Grace. She was going to show us what grace is all about. She never left the hand of her mighty Creator and though she let us cherish her for a little while, she was never intended to linger here for long, and she was so peaceful in that.

It was my longing for her peace after so many months of uncontrollable movements and painful procedures that allowed me the strength to walk the long hallway to the room where I would wait for my husband to bring our girl to me, free from all wires and trying to breathe on her own. It was the peace of God that filled me as I unbuttoned my shirt and placed Miller Grace's little chest against her mother's for the first time and it was the peace of God and the joy that comes from Heaven that filled us as we released our girl to go to Heaven. She laid her little head under my chin and fell asleep. In the time it took to sing Jesus Loves Me two times, she found peace enough to stop breathing, though her heart continued to beat. In the time it took for me to tell her all about everyone who is waiting for her in Heaven and to give her specific instructions on who to play with and what to do until Mommy gets there, she stopped trying to make her heartbeat, too. She showed us true submission to God's will and she was graceful until her last breath. I danced with her little body at the same time that I know she started dancing with Jesus and I praised God for being the one who experienced this blessing.

I might not get to buy Miller Grace a prom dress or to ever teach her to read, but there is one thing I get to do. In the job description of Miller Grace's mom is the requirement to stand before you and tell you of all these ways that God has worked, to tell you that He took my worst nightmare and made into a dream come true, and to ask you if you've trusted Him enough to know the miracles I do.


SUNDAY, JULY 01, 2007 08:22 PM, CDT

(Conclusion)

I understood for the first time how our Lord must have felt when it was His ONLY Son that hung on the cross. I have heard people question why it was His Son and not Himself that was sacrificed for our sins. I know now. This would have been nearly as bad if it were my life that was lost. To watch my tiny, innocent child struggle to live and then to die, I did partake in the sufferings of our Lord. I continue to daily. Let me tell you, please believe ME, it could only be an immense love for you that would have led our Lord to willingly endure such heartache. This is no small thing. This is earth shattering and wrong in every way. Just as God the Father lost His Son in order that others might know Christ and have eternal life, I feel I have lost Miller Grace for the same purpose. So many of you do not know God… or you do and you've lost touch with him. I think I know how God feels about you, too. I ache for Miller Grace until there are just no words. Just to touch her, just to have her look at me, just to bury my face in her chubby little neck one more time… I would give anything. That's how God feels about you. That's why He pursues your heart as He does. He misses you. You are His child and He already paid the price to bring you back home. There is no price I can pay, except the years of life that stand between me and meeting my girl again in Heaven, to get her back. But the price has been paid for you. Please, don't keep Him waiting another minute. This pain is too much. As His child, you have no idea. As the parent, I'm telling you it's true.

Miller Grace was smaller than anyone here, but her strength was bigger. If you've been too stubborn or too proud or just too scared to give your life to God, think of tiny Miller Grace. Isaiah 11:6 says "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and a little child will lead them." If you thought it was impossible to have a relationship with God, faith that will move mountains, or the ability to be obedient even unto death, consider the impossibilities in this verse and then the truth that a little child will indeed lead us to make those things possible. Miller Grace set quite the example for us. She faced the impossible. Miller Grace never sinned as we have sinned. Miller Grace never had the chances we have known. Yet she was faithful even unto death. She never knew fear and she knew that no pain was too great to keep her from fulfilling her purpose here. The same can be true for you. Let her lead you home and find rest in the arms of your Savior just as she has.

2 Great Stories!

STORY NUMBER ONE


Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago . Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from boot-legged booze and prostitution to murder.

Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.

To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but also, Eddie got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.

Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.


Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.

And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.


Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.

One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done.


He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great.

So, he testified.

Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street


But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine.


The poem read:

“The clock of life is wound but once,

And no man has the power to tell

Just when the hands will stop

At late or early hour.

Now is the only time you own.

Live, love, toil with a will.

Place no faith in time.

For the clock may soon be still.



STORY NUMBER TWO


World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare.


He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.


One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank.


He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship.


His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.

As he was returning to the mother ship he saw something that turned his blood cold: a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward the American fleet.


The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.


Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now-broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.


Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly.

Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.

Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier.

Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet.


He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft.

This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor.

A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.


So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.



SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?


Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son.


(Pretty cool, huh?)

Knee Update!

I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THRILLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doctor said my knee looked "better" he felt the blood clot was much smaller and more pliable. He said my body is working to resolve it... thus no surgery! WHOOPIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He said I am off bed rest... and can start walking around house with no brace. He wants me out of the brace 100% in the next 2 weeks. I start PT on Wed. He did warn me once I start PT that the swelling and pain would increase for about 1-2 weeks. After that he thought I would have a major break through. YIPPEE....

He said he felt getting me moving would help the swelling and fluid to get moving as well.

I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! I actually drove home with no brace and stood during Alex's T-ball game.

Thank you for all your patience with me... I am obviously not 100% but just knowing I am going forward has my spirits up.

Meaning of Life!

What is the meaning of life
by my WW friend Rukasu!

Good question. In fact, this is the question. I believe that life is meant to be enjoyed, it is a wonderful gift and many people waste it by getting swept away in materialism. I know I do all the time, and it is something that I struggle with. To clarify, this world and the things in it are not evil in and of themselves, but they are not the way they are supposed to be either. Sin is a very real reality, and it taints every aspect of our life and the world around us. I am blessed to live where I do, for many other places around the world are much worse off: both in possessions and in freedoms.

But back on track: We are meant to enjoy life. Life, many times, is frustrating, disappointing and terribly sad. Man oppresses man, beast kills beast, time never stops ticking and each step we take is one step closer to the end of something. On the other hand, many of us live at a standard of living that would have been incomprehensible just a few hundred years ago. We can have it all, yet we still become depressed or bored and then merely push our troubles aside and look forward to the next big thing that will make us happy. And when that thing no longer excites, well then we can always look forward to something else. That is our curse: we live too much in the future and not in the now. We are too busy arranging for our future enjoyment that we fail to enjoy our current state. And when we do enjoy our current state, it eventually leaves us empty. That's it? That's all there is? We distract ourselves from the uncomfortable reality that we do not have all the answers, that we do not know what happens when we do take that final step and that our current obsession is really very small and insignificant in the large scheme of things.

So where does this leave us? It leaves many of us with a dull, meaningless existence that we escape from whenever possible via movies, books, T.V., video games or vacation. Escaping makes us happy for a while, for it allows us to forget our problems and to forget ourselves, and to be swept into a new world without our problems. Still, entertainment is more than escapism: good stories resonate with us on a very deep level, they speak to us about our life. They force us to reflect, to put things into perspective and give us tools by which we can judge our current situation. Usually this happens after the fact, as a good story holds our interest and forces us to turn the page or continue watching. It is the connection that we feel to the characters or setting or themes which keeps us involved and drives us to reflect--reflect on the nature of reality, the struggle between good and evil and sometimes situations that real people had to face.

Stories are an important part of life, and almost all stories revolve around a protagonist or hero. Traditionally, the hero is an embodiment of the ideals of a culture, and exhibits the qualities that people hold in esteem. The hero quests after immortality, and because it is impossible for humans to obtain this physically many times the hero must win it through kleos or fame, so that his name will live on and be remembered. Even though life is hard, the dream of never-ending life is attractive. Other than Norse fatalism or Neitzschian existentialism, it is hard not to hope for something more, something better. Why? Because we have tasted it. Life is not only hard, it can also be glorious, thrilling, full of pleasure and sport. This is the dichotomy of our present existence. We live through the highs and lows, the ups and downs. Even though we may sink to the bottom of the sea, the dream of the mountain keeps us kicking upward. And if it has always been this way, should not it always be? Death is an incredibly hard concept to understand, for it seems like the negation of all that we know. The opposite of what we are. It is unknown. Therefore, immortality is comforting, it gives us peace of mind.

Many people believe that religion is the opiate of the masses. That people believe in God because it is the easy thing to do; he becomes their security blanket. This is true, but it does not change the fact that we will never be able to fill the emptiness in our lives with the things of this world--all the cars, money, relationships and vacations we want will not satisfy. We remain the same: the same wannabe hero searching for immortality and happiness. We will never find it unless we look to something greater than ourselves, something that can wash away all of the emotional crap that denies us joy. We feel guilty, we feel small, we feel like we are failures and sometimes we hate the things we do. But we can't change. We are stuck in the futility of life, and will continue to spin around in circles looking for anything that can give us direction and peace. I believe that only God can give us this direction and peace, he is the one who created us and he is the one who makes our lives worth living. We were meant to enjoy living: living in his presence and in his world that he gave us. We screwed it up, and ever since a separation has existed between us. We can't fix this broken relationship, he has to. And he has, in a very real and historical event. Not only does this allow us to find peace and contentment in every aspect of our lives, and therefore enjoy them so much more, but this also gives us victory over death. Where now, o Death, is thy sting? Life was supposed to last forever, it was supposed to be good, it was supposed to be enjoyed. We cannot fully experience these things in this current fallen state, but the promise of a new heaven and new earth gives me assurance that it will be once more.

That is much longer than I intended, and I am afraid there are many rabbit trails that I did not need to follow, but I hope that this answered your question more than danced around it.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity."
-Maximus Decimus Meriduis, Gladiator

Surgery again?

Sorry it has been so long but things have gotten a little crazy here. Here is the latest of what is currently happening with my leg. Unfortunately healing hasn't gone exactly easy or as planned.

May 8th - Went in for surgery. It lasted 1.5hrs. (compared to slated 30 min.) Had to scrap out a lot of arthritis, old blood / fluid, fix MCL, PCL (in 3 places), ACL, and Meniscus. He said there was a lot more damage than the MRI showed BUT.. the ACL was in better condition than he expected. I was sent home and could start weight bearing when I was ready.

May 10th - That evening I was able to unwrap knee and shower. I was shocked at the swelling and bruising.

May 11th - Called doctor in regards to swelling / bruising. Told me to ice like crazy.. and call back if not better.

May 13th - I fell asleep while icing knee in my recliner and had a muscle spasm in my quad, my leg literally jumped waking me up and causing my knee to shift to outside again.

May 14th - Called doctor to explain what happened, major pain increase and swelling. Doctor said keep brace on (no shower - nothing) until he could see me, and ice and sit with leg up as much as possible.

May 16th - Saw doctor he agreed knee was FAR more swollen than it should be, but felt no damaged had occurred from muscle spasm. Took out stitches. Tried to drain knee in several places could not get anything and said I had a large blood clot in the outer left part of the knee. Blood clot was 1/2 under knee cap and wrapping to back of knee. We discussed options.... Put me on aspirin to thin blood, rest, walking with brace only as needed, ice.. ice.. ice... He gave me 10 days for my body to resolve the clot. He felt I was young enough that my body should be able to break it down on it's own. If it does not he will have to take me back into surgery for a much larger procedure. This would include an over night stay, and a 4" incision. I see him this Friday morning. Right now the swelling has not gone down. One of my incisions is contuining to drain old blood daily as well. Praying more surgery is not in my future.

Here is a link to some pictures also!!
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=157579389/a=15470245_15470245/t_=15470245

Always a Mommy...

All My Babies Are Gone Now
By Anna Quindlen, Newsweek Columnist and Author

All my babies are gone now. I say this not in sorrow, but in disbelief. I take great satisfaction in what I have today: three almost-adults, two taller than I am, one closing in fast. Three people who read the same books I do and have learned not to be afraid of disagreeing with me in their opinion of them, who sometimes tell vulgar jokes that make me laugh until I choke and cry, who need razor blades and shower gel and privacy, who want to keep their doors closed more than I like. Who, miraculously, go to the bathroom, zip up their jackets and move food from plate to mouth all by themselves. Like the trick soap I bought for the bathroom with a rubber ducky at its center, the baby is buried deep within each, barely discernible except through the unreliable haze of the past.

Everything in all the books I once pored over is finished for me now. Penelope Leach, T. Berry Brazelton, Dr. Spock. The ones on sibling rivalry and sleeping through the night and early-childhood education -- all grown obsolete. Along with Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are, they are battered, spotted, well used. But I suspect that if you flipped the pages dust would rise like memories. What those books taught me, finally, and what the women on the playground taught me, and the well-meaning
relations -- what they taught me, was that they couldn't really teach me very much at all.

Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay. No one knows anything. One child responds well to positive reinforcement, another can be managed only with a stern voice and a timeout. One child is toilet trained at 3, his sibling at 2.

When my first child was born, parents were told to put baby to bed on his belly so that he would not choke on his own spit-up. By the time my last arrived, babies were put down on their backs because of research on sudden infant death syndrome. To a new parent this ever-shifting certainty is terrifying, and then soothing. Eventually you must learn to trust yourself. Eventually the research will follow. I remember 15 years ago poring over one of Dr. Brazelton's wonderful books on child development,
in which he describes three different sorts of infants: average, quiet, and active. I was looking for a sub-quiet codicil for an 18-month old who did not walk. Was there something wrong with his fat little legs? Was there something wrong with his tiny little mind? Was he developmentally delayed, physically challenged? Was I insane? Last year he went to China. Next year he goes to college. He can talk just fine. He can walk, too.

Every part of raising children is humbling. Believe me, mistakes were made. They have all been enshrined in the "Remember-When-Mom-Did" Hall of Fame. The outbursts, the temper tantrums, the bad language -- mine, not theirs. The times the baby fell off the bed. The times I arrived late for preschool pickup. The nightmare sleepover. The horrible summer camp. The day when the youngest came barreling out of the cla$$room with a 98 on her geography test, and I responded, "What did you get wrong?" (She insisted I include that here.) The time I ordered food at the McDonald's drive-through speaker and then drove away without picking it up from the
window. (They all insisted I include that.) I did not allow them to watch the Simpsons for the first two seasons. What was I thinking?

But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them, sitting in the gra$$ on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night.

I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.

Even today I'm not sure what worked and what didn't, what was me and what was simply life. When they were very small, I suppose I thought someday they would become who they were because of what I'd done. Now I suspect they simply grew into their true selves because they demanded in a thousand ways that I back off and let them be. The books said to be relaxed and I was often tense, matter-of-fact and I was sometimes over the top. And look how it all turned out. I wound up with the three people I like best in the world, who have done more than anyone to excavate my essential humanity. That's what the books never told me. I was bound and determined to learn from the experts. It just took me a while to figure out who the experts were.

Support Mark!

Starting May 6, 2007, Mark Schultz will be riding his bicycle over 3,500 miles across the United States, in support of Family Christian Stores' The James Fund. The James Fund is a non-profit organization that exists to raise awareness and meet the needs of orphans and widows. Mark will be cycling from California to New Hampshire, stopping along the way to perform concerts at local churches. Check out www.markacrossamerica.org for more details regarding this tour, and see how you can get involved! Be sure to view Mark's eCard & Video About the Bike Tour Across America. CLICK HERE

www.markacrossamerica.org

www.MarkSchultzMusic.com

Ashleigh in my prayers!

What an incredible Easter gift for Any child you know! This is my friend's neice who I have been praying for since the day we learned of her illness. She is with Jesus now and I continue to pray for her. Please go to the website and order this amazing book!

WELCOME!

Ashleigh Marie Kieliszewski is the 4 year old who inspired the founding of Ashleigh Marie Books, LLC. One month before her third birthday, Ashleigh was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. During her 21 month courageous battle, Ashleigh inspired countless people and taught us the importance of loving and living.

We are pleased to offer the first book in a series, ASHLEIGH’S FAIRIES. This book demonstrates a child’s special openness to love that can come from things adults cannot readily explain. During the months prior to her passing in March 2006, Ashleigh spoke often about her fairy friends, inspiring this warm and touching story.

Ashleigh showed us that the most true and pure gift is love. And it’s story.

http://www.ashleighmariebooks.com/

"A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book will be donated to the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation."

It ain't easy being Green!

Happy Springtime! Yay! I'm sure you all have some old perscription glasses that you'll never wear again, but feel guilty throwing them away...And what about old cell phones that are hanging around, since you've updated ?! Well, good news...there are charity organizations around the country that collect these items and recycle them!

There are lots of websites, if you search these topics on google, but a few good ones I'm going to contribute my donations to are:

www.wirelessrecycling.com

You can type in your zip code and find all of the nearest donation drop-off centers.

www.neweyesfortheneedy.org

I saw an ad in RealSimple Magazine this month for this organization. They also accept donations of hearing aids, sunglasses, jewelry, watches, & silverware. The shipping instructions are on their website.

And if you'd rather just give these items to me, I'll recycle them along with my donations!

Thanks...hope you decide to contribute now or in the future! Spread the word to friends & coworkes & encourage them to join you in recycling & helping the community!

Easter Cookies

A fellow Mops Mom passed this on to me and I thought it was a great way to explain the Easter story to our little ones...

Easter Story Cookies

To be made the evening before Easter.

1 c. whole pecans
pinch of salt
wooden spoon
1 tsp. Vinegar
1 c. sugar
3 eggs whites
zipper baggie
tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300°.

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with wooden
spoon to break into small pieces.

Explain that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat Him.
Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. Vinegar into mixing
bowl.

Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given Vinegar
to drink.

Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar.

Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us
life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and
brush the rest into the bowl.

Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus'
followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27. So far
the ingredients are not very appetizing.

Add 1-c. sugar.

Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died
because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read
Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks
are formed.

Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of
those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and
John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie
sheet.

Explain that each mound represents the rocky tombstone where Jesus'
body was laid.

Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven
OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.

Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the
oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was
sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice
the cracked surface and Take a bite. The cookies are hollow!

On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb
open and empty.

Read Matthew 28:1-9.

If woman controlled the world..

If Women Controlled The World


IF WOMEN CONTROLLED THE WORLD...
































MAKE ANOTHER

WOMAN'S DAY,
AND SHARE THE SMILES

PLEASE KEEP HER GOING

This woman is walking the World for Breast Cancer. Please pass her on so that she can reach her destination. Say a prayer for all those who are affected by this terrible disease. She's walking around the world -- via e-mail!!

Pass it on so she can get there!

Kiss Me

Do you Believe?

Death is certain - but the Bible speaks about untimely death! Make a personal reflection about this.

It is written in the Bible (Galatians 6:7): "Be not deceived; God
is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

Here are some men and women who mocked God:

JOHN LENNON:
Some years before, during his interview with an American Magazine,
he said: "Christianity will end, it will disappear. I do not have to argue
aboutthat. I am certain. Jesus was ok, but his subjects were too simple,
today we are more famous than Him" (1966). Lennon, after saying that the
Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, was shot six times.

TANCREDO NEVES (President of Brazil):
During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500,000 votes
from his party, not even God would remove him from Presidency. Sure he got
the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then he died.

CAZUZA (Bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer and poet):
During a show in ( Rio de Janeiro ), whilst smoking his
cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said: "God,
that's for you." He died at the age of 32 of AIDS in a horrible manner.

THE MAN WHO BUILT THE TITANIC:
After the construction of the Titanic, a reporter asked him how
safe the Titanic would be. With an ironic tone he said: "Not even God can
sink it" The result: I think you all know what happened to the Titanic.

MARILYN MONROE:
She was visited by Billy Graham during a presentation of a show.
He said the Spirit of God had sent him to preach to her. After hearing what the
Preacher had to say, she said: "I don't need your Jesus". A week
later, she was found dead in her apartment.

BON SCOTT:
The ex-vocalist of the AC/DC. On one of his 1979 songs he sang:
"Don't stop me, I'm going down all the way, down the highway to hell". On the
19th of February 1980, Bon Scott was found dead, he had been choked by his own
vomit.

CAMPINAS/SP IN 2005:
In Campinas, Brazil a group of friends, drunk, went to pick up a
friend. The mother accompanied her to the car and was so worried about the
drunkenness of her friends and she said to the daughter - holding her hand,
who was already seated in the car: "MY DAUGHTER, GO WITH GOD AND MAY HE
PROTECT YOU." She responded: "ONLY IF HE (GOD) TRAVELS IN THE TRUNK, CAUSE INSIDE
HERE IT'S ALREADY FULL". Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal
accident, everyone had died, the car could not be recognized what type of
car it had been, but surprisingly, the trunk was intact. The police said there
was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their surprise, inside
the trunk was a crate of eggs, none were broken.

Christine Hewitt:
A Jamaican Journalist and entertainer, said the Bible (Word of God)
was the worst book ever written, in June 2006 she was found burnt beyond
recognition in her motor vehicle.

Many more important people have forgotten that there is no other
name that was given so much authority as the name of Jesus. Many have died,
but only Jesus died and rose again, and he is still alive.

JESUS!!!

I have done my part, Jesus said

"If you are embarrassed about me, I will also be embarrassed about you before my
father."

"What benefit does it have, if a man gains the whole world but loses
his soul? What can man give in exchange of his soul?" (Matthew 16:26)

AMEN

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http://www.walkamerica.org/MHocutt - Donate Today!

My Cousin ties her laces Again...

Alia is my incredible cousin with a heart for those with Cancer,
a memory of her Grandmother, and a love to run...........

Hello Everyone,

I, again, have signed up to fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a participant of Team in Training (http://www.teamintraining.org/) while I train for the Mayor's Marathon which will take place on June 23rd in Anchorage, Alaska. I gave myself a goal of $5000 last time and exceeded it thanks to the generosity of MANY donors. This time I plan to raise at least $6000. 75% of every dollar received will go towards research to treat and one day cure Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma, as well as family and patient aid while living with blood cancer every day. The other 25% goes towards funding the program and my travel and board in Alaska during the marathon weekend.

I will be training and completing my second marathon in memory of my grandmother Mama T, who my family lost last September to metastasized uterine cancer. It was a very difficult and long journey and I do not wish that struggle on anyone, no matter what type of cancer they are fighting.

Please help me help others. If you cannot donate, cheers and encouragement are just as welcome.

All donations are tax-deductible. Many companies have a gift matching program, please check if yours is one of them. You can donate online at my personal website

http://www.active.com/donate/tntgla/humaidhi, or mail me cash or a check made out to "LLS" to my address

314 W Micheltorena St, Apt 15,

Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

USA

Thank you all for taking the time to read this. I appreciate any and all support I receive.

Love,

Alia

Smallest preemie ever goes home...

A baby said by doctors to have been the most premature ever born will finally leave hospital today.

	Sonja Taylor with her 'miracle' baby Amillia

Amillia Taylor was delivered after less than 22 weeks in the womb, far less than a full 37 to 40-week pregnancy, and weighed just 10 ounces (284 grams). She was less than 10 inches long and medics gave her litte chance of survival.

Amillia, who was conceived by IVF, had trouble breathing and suffered a mild brain haemorrhage and digestive problems.

Her mother Sonja Taylor was not allowed to hold her for more than six weeks after she was born last October.

But her health has now improved after spending almost four months in an incubator and receiving oxygen at a neo-natal intensive care unit at Baptist Children’s Hospital in Florida, USA.

And today Amillia, which means resilient in Latin, is due to leave hospital for the first time and go home with her parents.

"We weren’t too optimistic, but she proved us all wrong," said Dr. William Smalling, who called her survival a "miracle".

"She’s going to be in a normal crib, she’s going to have normal feedings, she’s taking all her feedings from a bottle."

The University of Iowa, which keeps track of premature babies born around the world, believes she is the first baby ever to have survived after a gestation period of less than 23 weeks.

But Amillia still only weighs 4lb 60z (less than 2kg) and still needs extra oxygen and asthma medication.

PRAY THIS EVEN IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT!!

IT WILL ONLY TAKE A MINUTE.

You never know when God is going to bless you!! Good things happen when you least expect them to!!!!!!!!

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on
blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.

I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and who don't know You intimately. I pray for those that will delete this
without sharing it with others. I pray for those that don't believe.

But I thank you that I believe. I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in
their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to
fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.

Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves!

God, I love you and I need you. Come into my heart, please. AMEN...