tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54272614351302345902024-03-07T02:46:04.757-06:00Rejoicing in hope...Romans 12:12Hope: the expectation of good things.Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-3409155270795110262011-04-27T22:33:00.001-05:002011-04-27T22:35:37.928-05:00Recommended Read<a href="http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home/2011/04/free-copy-of-31-days-to-clean/">http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home/2011/04/free-copy-of-31-days-to-clean/</a><br /><br />Can't wait to read this book!Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-8515666735483767002011-04-01T09:21:00.002-05:002011-04-01T09:37:48.890-05:00April Fool's Day and Spring, Random ThoughtsI think nature is playing the biggest April Fool's joke of all--it's SPRING, no it's not....it's SPRING...not yet...ok, ready for a little sunshine now! :-) In other news: <br /><ul><br /><li>my 7 year old neice, Gracie, wants to take up yoga. </li><br /><li>Looking forward to revival service tonight with one of my college professors, Rev Mark Cravens. </li><br /><li>Just finished Week 5 Day 2 of the Couch to 5k plan. Should be day 3 but had to repeat one day. </li><br /><li>Daisy is suddenly certain that the boogie man resides in our bedroom ceiling fan. She cowers on the floor and barks at the ceiling. Nothing will dissuade her. </li><br /><li>A group from my alma mater Independence Bible School will be at church Sunday. </li><br /><li>I'm not a big fan of lace but I LOVE eyelet. Glad that it's spring (by the calendar, anyway) so I can wear my new eyelet skirt. </li><br /><li>Thankful for an abundance of blessings. </li><br /><li>Oh, and thanks to living with Mr. Bob for the past 13+ years, I am pretty well immune to April Fool's jokes--those who know him will understand. </li><br /><li>Happy Spring to all ya'll!</li></ul>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-12464136899226055932011-03-27T22:58:00.002-05:002011-03-27T23:23:58.214-05:00Rx for Church ProblemsAmbitious title, huh? Sounds bold, but I believe I have found the real cure for church problems. <br /><br />I recently started focusing on memorizing some scripture. I was drawn to Romans 12. I have always loved that chapter, even my blog name is taken from Romans 12. I've memorized bits and pieces of it through the years. Now I wanted to be able to quote the entire chapter as a unit. As I have pondered and meditated on it. I have come to realize that it has shaped my life in many ways. In fact, I think it sets guidelines for our conduct in the marketplace, at home and in the church.<br /><br />....focus on your own gift and appreciate the gifts of others.<br />....let love be without dissimulation (deception/ ulterior motives).<br />...not slothful (lazy, haphazard) in business.<br />...given to hospitality (entertaining vs. hospitality: entertaining focuses on the hostess and everything being just right. Hospitality can even be done in a messy house--is focused on the guest and their needs and comfort.)<br />...bless them that persecute you.<br />...weep with them that weep.<br />...rejoice with them that rejoice.<br />...be not wise in your own conceits. (hmmm.....)<br />...provide things honest in the sight of all men.<br />...as much as possible, live peaceably with all men.<br />...overcome evil with good.<br />...in honor preferring one another.<br />...instant in prayer.<br /><br />If every member of every church tried diligently to live by these guidelines, I think church problems would be obsolete. What say you?Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-55125089623040812922010-10-14T23:23:00.001-05:002010-10-14T23:23:49.168-05:00Untitled<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Trapped</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Alone. Darkness. Cold hard stone surrounds me. Darkness, the absolute darkness. Trapped. No way out. Scared. Hopeless. No solution. Voices. Voices taunting-you’ll never make it out. No one cares. Give up. No hope. Strength is gone.</span><p /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Tapping. Tapping. Tapping. Louder, louder. Desperate spirit, clouded mind. Struggle. To understand, to see, to hear. </span><p /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Silver cord, tiny beam. Pierces darkness. Reaching. Unable to move. Paralyzed by choices. Choice. My own. My forefathers. Longing. Desperate. Desperate for hope.</span><p /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">New voice. Kind. Gentle. </span><p /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Filthy pit. Meager rations. Darkness. Desperation.</span><p /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">God. Encapsulated. Human Flesh. Strong arms. Lifting. Impassable bridged. Pure love. Holiness. Light. Sweet light. Peace. Wholeness. Forgiveness. Hope. Mercy. Abundance. Rest.</span><p /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“When I could not come to where He was, He came to me.”</span></p></div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-48675776118214472422010-09-26T04:08:00.002-05:002010-09-26T04:11:00.528-05:00Revitalizationrevitalize: To impart new life or vigor to.<br /><br />Blog revitalization in progress. Stay tuned!Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-84295138909315375642010-09-26T03:57:00.000-05:002010-09-26T03:57:00.056-05:00Dad<a href="http://goo.gl/photos/gGbm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__YKyLlhz4bM/SGSosDHha6E/AAAAAAAAEVY/tNhBkfs80fs/s160-c/Dad.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-88197832795585275252009-11-21T01:06:00.000-06:002009-11-21T01:07:48.713-06:00Thanksgiving ABC'sA~Abba Father who is with me always, loves me unconditionally, and patiently molds me into His image.<br />B~Brothers and sisters making the effort to stay connected; giving and taking to make it work. C~Crazy about my honey.<br />D~Doughnut shop which I usually manage to avoid...except every other Saturday...<br />E~Evenings spent with friends and family, laughing and playing games.<br />F~Fruit, juicy and sweet. Especially strawberries....yummmmm...<br />G~Goals marking an accomplishment...hope to reach it soon.<br />H~Hope. Definition: the expectation of good things.<br />I~Icicles dangling from the eaves, twinkling in the sunshine.<br />J~Jokes told by my neices and nephews.<br />K~Kindness shown by friends or strangers.<br />L~Lingering over a spinach-artichoke souffle at Panera bread, savoring a visit with a friend. M~Music which expresses better than words at times.<br />N~Napkins which I like to always have in reach at mealtime.<br />O~Oven, stainless steel, double-oven. An unexpected blessing after starting our Total Money Makeover.<br />P~Photos that preserve special moments with special people.<br />Q~Quilts mulit-colored, hand-sewn by caring hands.<br />R~Reading which opens new worlds for young and old alike. Forges bonds between the same. S~Shopping for Christmas presents all year long. Finding just the right thing for each person on my list.<br />T~Talking with a friend, sharing burdens, jokes, experiences. Finding you are both strengthened for the journey.<br />U~Unicycles which fascinate me, but have no plans to ride!<br />V~Value. Learning what really matters in life.<br />W~Water delicious and nutritious to drink. Swimming, tubing, fishing, boating-relaxing recreation.<br />X~eXamples. Consistent, faithful lives seen lived in front of me. Through good times and bad. Y~Youth camp. Which helped form my belief system, build my foundation, establish friendships. Z~Zoo displaying God's great imagination and creativity.Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-57769940714712915892009-11-16T03:30:00.000-06:002009-11-16T03:32:09.785-06:00Random thoughts...1) Wingrove Taylor's advice that fits any situation: Humble yourself. (It's so counter-culture ,isn't it?)<br />2) I am a strange breed, but I LOVE all different kinds of weather--fog, rain, snow, ice, sunshine. I enjoy all of them. Especially if I don't have to scrape my windshield and if Bob will drive me to work when the roads are bad.<br />3) I have an insane habit of accidentally going in the men's restroom instead of the women's. Happened again this weekend. EM-barassing!!!!<br />4) 32 years ago I had a gash over my left eye and had to have stitches-left an annoying scar. <br />5) Saturday Bob and I were playing catch with some foam weight things. The metal end hit me. Gash over the left eye again, exact same place. Thankfully Victoria's a nurse and was able to clean and bandage it for me. I look kind of funny with two pieces of white tape over my eyebrow!<br />6) Thankful for friends who challenge, share, encourage. Friends you can laugh and cry with. "As iron sharpens iron..." Psalm 27:17<br />7) Black Friday shopping starts at midnight in Branson. The shopping centers will send shuttles to pick you up at your hotel! No thanks. I would rather be with my family.<br />8) STILL haven't heard from the dialysis job. It's still not closed in the computer. They are not returning my calls about it. I should hear either way. I am praying hard that I will be able to get off the weekend rotation and to be off night shift. But God's will be done--nights or days I will choose to be content.<br />9) Christmas shopping is about 70% done and pretty much on budget! Woohoo!!!<br />10) Really must get on a stricter diet. I have been trying to be careful but it's obviously not been enough. Another reason I think day shift would be better.<br />11) Can't even think of too much to put on my Christmas wish list.<br />12) Hoping we get the Suburban back this week--but it will probably be next week. It's costing the insurance company more to fix it than what we paid for it!<br />13) I doubt anyone will even read or care about this mindless drivel--my Momma! *waving* Hi, Mom!!!!<br />14) I will copy this to my blog. Some of my blog readers don't do facebook. I am thinking of starting a new blog because my current one won't let me add more photos--not sure why.<br />15) It was good to get away for the weekend. Jesus said, "Come apart and rest." He could have said, "Come apart and rest, before you come a part." We planned this weekend away a couple months ago. God must have known then how much stress we would have had this past week and made advance reservations just for us to regroup.<br />16) Thankful for our church family.<br />17) Blessed far beyond what I deserve.Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-24416522574611162242009-10-26T00:58:00.004-05:002009-10-26T01:02:24.212-05:00While I was surfing the internet......I found these links worth sharing. (Ever notice that I just love to do the little "..." thing? Hey, it's my blog, right? :-)<br /><a onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," href="http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/sins.of.old.age.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/sins.of.old.age.htm</a><br />Old age isn't for sissies. Very interesting and beneficial reading for anyone who loves or works with older people. At the bottom of the page is a link for comments, etc.<br /><br /><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div align="left">Also found this link that is full of interesting information and clean videos, etc. It's like Netflicks. <a href="http://www.christiancinema.com/">www.christiancinema.com</a> </div><div align="left"> </div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-48112472478172369032009-10-21T03:02:00.003-05:002009-10-21T03:09:47.336-05:00Perplexedabout pictures, Picasa, per cent of storage, programs, preferences....<br /><br />I can't load any more pictures to my blog right now. Guess I will have to investigate.<br /><br />I was hoping to post a picture of our new (to us) vehicle-a 1997 Suburban. Guess it will have to wait. I do want to say just how thankful we are for this blessing.Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-83823303645440368472009-10-15T00:26:00.001-05:002009-10-15T00:26:57.549-05:00Love this quoteFrom "One Night With the King" the story of Queen Esther- "Perhaps, instead of asking questions of our trials, our trials are meant to ask questions of ourselves. " <br />Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-5149958340732767832009-09-30T23:33:00.003-05:002009-09-30T23:39:23.503-05:0013 Ways to show you appreciate your pastor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mba3vUXu0f0H-nMBWndlEpO88GPo4nYlxHJs7TrJgO_cM1iSHvBqOgmrAOXtYsp5DWV_hW7-HpVvoJvf7G0hBf1rpSWI1Sy0A6EE7nvayCvXYbrbfS5K8h_dFZ_Gq6LW3LRAr0-tk1NL/s1600-h/Jason+Leah+Bob+Shar.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387486394209543138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mba3vUXu0f0H-nMBWndlEpO88GPo4nYlxHJs7TrJgO_cM1iSHvBqOgmrAOXtYsp5DWV_hW7-HpVvoJvf7G0hBf1rpSWI1Sy0A6EE7nvayCvXYbrbfS5K8h_dFZ_Gq6LW3LRAr0-tk1NL/s320/Jason+Leah+Bob+Shar.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>October is Pastor Appreciation Month. So I want to take a minute and say how thankful I am for the remarkable pastors I know. Pastors take on a lot of responsibility--and I'm not talking about cleaning the fellowship hall or plunging toilets. I am talking about the real work pastors are called to do--to teach us of God and how we are to live and to warn us of danger.<br />So, let's encourage our pastors and their families. Here are a few ways to start:<br />1. Say it! Thanks and we love you!<br />2. Refuse to gossip to or about them.<br />3. Assume they mean well. Put things in the best possible context.<br />4. Tell them something specific you learned from the sermon.<br />5. Pray for them.<br />6. Realize that they are human, not angelic beings. They may say or do things that they instantly regret. Unfortunately, we tend to judge them more harshly than we would others.<br />7. If you have disagreements with them, handle them in a biblical manner. Go directly to them. If it isn't resolved, go through the proper channels until it is resolved.<br />8. Don't destroy the positive influence they may have on your children. A few careless words can set a child's opinion forever.<br />9. Whenever possible, agree to do a task when asked. It is frustrating to try to fill positions.<br />10. Pay attention in service--you can balance your checkbook or clip your nails later.<br />11. Don't hold the pastor's kids to a higher standard than you do your own.<br />12. Put yourself in their shoes. Treat the pastor and his family as you would want to be treated.<br />13. Show up at church prepared to worship!</div><br /><div><br />So, Jason and Leah,<br />Charles and Leora,<br />Darrell and Lizzy,<br />Chad and Aimee,<br />Joe and Martha,<br />Uncle Jerry and Aunt Becky,<br />Uncle Albert and Aunt Della,<br />Joe and Susan,<br />Rick and Margaret,<br />and so many more....</div><br /><div><br />Thank your for your love and sacrifice and for diligently giving of yourselves on our behalf. May you be blessed abundantly beyond anything you can ask or think! </div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-1791027542005507922009-08-16T17:14:00.003-05:002009-08-16T17:48:42.248-05:00Kind words and a gentle spirit...Kind words and a gentle spirit are two key ingredients of true beauty.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBC26JpopnS2G3fsPUSs1_5Z8SFjzjGJsPk4c0aDeOG1t09ofU5VLoRicwPyNpMKA82t6GoGvGaKAD6PfZdLoF3j9NnC_dtJif1lWTARqHg_D60MWgMoJ9wB3sSEuZ4iy1-Xy2wDZz_Iw/s1600-h/Sis+Frankie+dave+Vashti+Goins+Madi.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370694543510476178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBC26JpopnS2G3fsPUSs1_5Z8SFjzjGJsPk4c0aDeOG1t09ofU5VLoRicwPyNpMKA82t6GoGvGaKAD6PfZdLoF3j9NnC_dtJif1lWTARqHg_D60MWgMoJ9wB3sSEuZ4iy1-Xy2wDZz_Iw/s320/Sis+Frankie+dave+Vashti+Goins+Madi.bmp" border="0" /></a>Sis Frankie Goins is a picture of this. She is positive, humble, pleasant and always happy to see you. Who wouldn't like someoone like that? She is loved and respected by young children as well as adults. She has a way of seeing the best in people.<br /><br />She is a good listener, can be trusted with secrets, and gives wise counsel and encouragement. She was my pastor's wife when Bob and I first got married. Once when I was going through a very tough spot, I talked to Sis Frankie. She became my accountability partner. I have confidence in her prayers. <br /><div></div><br /><div>Unfortunately, Sis Frankie fell and broke her hip the other day. Hope and pray that she is doing ok and that the pain isn't too bad. We love you, Sis Frankie!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In other news, I just discovered that my cousin Luke and his wife Sam have a blog: <a href="http://schaperpersuasion.blogspot.com/">http://schaperpersuasion.blogspot.com/</a> . Luke is Steve's son for all of you who are trying to remember our family tree! Drop by and say hello. I know, I know...it's been around for a while I just didn't know about it.</div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-88426440373021474002009-07-19T00:02:00.000-05:002009-07-19T00:03:06.455-05:00What are you holding on to? (One of my favorite stories.)<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> <b>The Pearl Necklace</b><br /><br /></span><p> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. <br /><br /> "Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!"</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents.</span></p> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> </span><p> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.</span></p> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> </span><p> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?" </span></p> <p> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> "Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> "Then give me your pearls."</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> "Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> "That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> "Daddy, you know I love you."</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> "Then give me your pearls."</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> "Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my babydoll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."</span></p> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> </span><p> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> "That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> "What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver,she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. <br /><br /> He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;"> What are you hanging on to? </span></p> <span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:-1;">--- <span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:green;"><b>Author Unknown </b></span></span>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-85236704794229556132009-06-19T21:41:00.001-05:002009-06-19T21:44:23.834-05:00And the World's Greatest Dad Award goes to....<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">MY Dad, of course!</div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://localhost:50764/d16f89857889ed970ffb0cbc63562415/image/3ee0848cb27d971c.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:50764/d16f89857889ed970ffb0cbc63562415/image/3ee0848cb27d971c.jpg?size=400" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Happy Father's Day to one of the greatest men I know. I talk to people all the time who tell me how much Dad has helped them in various ways. He always does it quietly--and I usually find out by accident! He is one of the most generous and giving people you will ever meet. He cares deeply about others. I'm honored to call him Dad and to continue to be the recipient of that generosity. I love you, Dad!</div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-772318951360562892009-05-19T14:33:00.004-05:002009-05-19T14:41:55.160-05:00Why, bloomin' cactus!<div align="center">Bob brought this cactus home from Lowe's or somewhere. He had fallen in love with the two little blooms it had. Just as I predicted, they wilted the next day. I sighed a resigned sigh--and figured we would never see a bloom again. Then yesterday it had two blooms open and then NINE today! Aren't they gorgeous? </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRSWly66AUyl2sEdFd8bBJ8urWJGKKxX2IiyqOnw24T8H9AZ0-rAhlIVYuANSQnaiYTzQ1j5p5wDUSwimucLSw2yneKvbS9YsRnCSX1youHMWe0uLG8ZbVFbMzi_1Toz406gSgNvSyiNH/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337621353365681506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRSWly66AUyl2sEdFd8bBJ8urWJGKKxX2IiyqOnw24T8H9AZ0-rAhlIVYuANSQnaiYTzQ1j5p5wDUSwimucLSw2yneKvbS9YsRnCSX1youHMWe0uLG8ZbVFbMzi_1Toz406gSgNvSyiNH/s320/015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDy1V6OG9oquQzewmPYI73t0c63xaKWc05JfWhMdmKN6stFti1-7ptaXjvjzqdkwV_P0RvLShpDu3ULvjD98J3ZKpt8SYNWVul-1ekxRuUQSnE9Rez6k_GVlr3g6VbNM0rYN5pgD1slKB/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337621351291868226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDy1V6OG9oquQzewmPYI73t0c63xaKWc05JfWhMdmKN6stFti1-7ptaXjvjzqdkwV_P0RvLShpDu3ULvjD98J3ZKpt8SYNWVul-1ekxRuUQSnE9Rez6k_GVlr3g6VbNM0rYN5pgD1slKB/s320/014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-45715664576730872582009-05-19T14:20:00.002-05:002009-05-19T14:25:06.075-05:00Landen and Sabryn's Visit<div align="center">Saby is quite proud of her latest gymnastics stunt.</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4djEi_BclSsch-5DcM7zJZEJOgbwpGRzzG6_5S1IibLccpS0T0OZAWTfURP98g2A4AtgWLSf4Hiln_sgLPEDH0g-bcsgktuPnBAeMDUXigL96ag3Rea-SCxhy8N32eVKQWBgU7ty1LS7/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337617564311128514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4djEi_BclSsch-5DcM7zJZEJOgbwpGRzzG6_5S1IibLccpS0T0OZAWTfURP98g2A4AtgWLSf4Hiln_sgLPEDH0g-bcsgktuPnBAeMDUXigL96ag3Rea-SCxhy8N32eVKQWBgU7ty1LS7/s320/012.JPG" border="0" /></a> Uncle Bob and Saby are shopping for miniature horses. They are still trying to convince Aunt Shar that it is a good idea.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMQc5EIIyhNzcYepc7_o8FHz4B8vfRc2MRBfbu-GCR4mLtP3I4Nm4sYdD3-ctq18x5X5Wm03Twnp4Due1HMiivSXxdsIxXlhoCPT8ZIc_UTYxmHtaU10I4baXe7hq4fKou4DM40U4Ew9Z/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337617562044848850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMQc5EIIyhNzcYepc7_o8FHz4B8vfRc2MRBfbu-GCR4mLtP3I4Nm4sYdD3-ctq18x5X5Wm03Twnp4Due1HMiivSXxdsIxXlhoCPT8ZIc_UTYxmHtaU10I4baXe7hq4fKou4DM40U4Ew9Z/s320/013.JPG" border="0" /></a> We have been doing some landscaping so we took advantage of the "free labor!" They both did a great job. It's hard to believe Landen is growing up so much.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVdDXrFnPQP_Y0K3CY6birT9ndpZv0zjvfpvXFA-znNYFW62WvyGNDS3RdQ6W7TuGA8UStwLgqIpc7FZXDlh9Ykak1ehyphenhyphenx9exrSP9YvTCy7rNv-yUQQBXPA7d_3hNqF644Sl3Qlavo8QF/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337617557566137842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVdDXrFnPQP_Y0K3CY6birT9ndpZv0zjvfpvXFA-znNYFW62WvyGNDS3RdQ6W7TuGA8UStwLgqIpc7FZXDlh9Ykak1ehyphenhyphenx9exrSP9YvTCy7rNv-yUQQBXPA7d_3hNqF644Sl3Qlavo8QF/s320/011.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /></div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-89192646836080519992009-05-09T02:34:00.004-05:002009-05-09T02:51:04.011-05:00Happy Mother's Day, Mom!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHq97V8dk7D7o9G5p-88eCgLkoU1A37ci6MFF52exd4XwuzKaEHBgQxkRG6fdAppWnTfFBh3B-0e6rDKGHxgQGLAjzUReOwyb5W-ysrJlaUxrwVcBLDZ6vTs9_PMgaXZ5Pc9soG8xnlXuN/s1600-h/IMG_0421.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333726045313200402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHq97V8dk7D7o9G5p-88eCgLkoU1A37ci6MFF52exd4XwuzKaEHBgQxkRG6fdAppWnTfFBh3B-0e6rDKGHxgQGLAjzUReOwyb5W-ysrJlaUxrwVcBLDZ6vTs9_PMgaXZ5Pc9soG8xnlXuN/s320/IMG_0421.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong><em>Mom with her four favorite kids!</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong><em> May 2008<br /></em></strong></span></div><div align="left"><em>A local radio station had a weekly contest for the "Hardest Working Woman in the 4-States." I wrote this essay about my mom and submitted it. I think it was about the time they discontinued it--maybe she blew the competition away...Anyway, I really do think she is the hardest working woman around--and here is why:<img class="gl_size" alt="Font size" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" /></em></div><div align="left"><br />Ruth is the hardest working woman I know. She gives tirelessly or her time, her knowledge, her finances and herself. Here are just a few ways:<br />1) Her parents are living with her right now due to some recent major health issues. Since Ruth is a nurse, she helps with a lot of her mother's personal care and helps co-ordinate her medical care. This means getting up early to bathe and dress her mother before going to her full-time job. It also means countless phone calls back and forth with physicians's office's and keeping the rest of the family informed.<br />2) She works full-time for schools from Labette County to the Missouri line. She oversees the care of children with special needs. She assesses what they need to progress, she obtains the equipment and trains the staff for it.<br />3) She has a 17 year old son at home and three adult children who all live out of state. She is available to help any of them at a moment's notice. When there is a major event going on--someone is having a baby or moving or just needs some TLC, Ruth is there. Her days off are used for her family, rarely for herself.<br />4) Ruth has a vast knowledge of medical resources available for everyone, but especially children. People frequently call her on her own time to ask about obtaining medical care for various conditions or illnesses. She is never too busy to share information with them.<br />5) Ruth and her husband have a big house and frequently have someone in need come stay with them for a few days, weeks or even months. These people are usually going through a personal crisis and will require a lot of support emotionally, financially, and sometimes medically. Ruth never hesitates to share her beautiful home.<br />6) One of Ruth's few leisure activities is shopping. Even then, she rarely buys for herself. She makes note of what others are needing and shops for fantastic bargains. She loves to find a great buy on something that just fits what someone needs. She gives just for the sheer pleasure of giving.<br />How do I know all this about Ruth? Because I have seen it first hand. I am her daughter and have benefitted from her generosity many times. I am proud to call her Mom and I believe she is the hardest working woman in the Four-States!</div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-13529062092500536972009-05-01T01:56:00.002-05:002009-05-01T01:59:07.345-05:00Ouch Ouch OUCH!<a href="http://www.cbmw.org/Blog/Posts/Not-Just-Good-Housekeeping-A-Case-for-Christian-Hospitality-Part-2">http://www.cbmw.org/Blog/Posts/Not-Just-Good-Housekeeping-A-Case-for-Christian-Hospitality-Part-2</a><br />My sister Liz linked to this blog. OK, I got work to do!Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-61686026922445288202009-04-30T03:55:00.002-05:002009-04-30T04:00:31.393-05:00One day soon...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmPM7tYYoMckZ_qUejIqbrBxaKlDAORKBKbX_CG_0vn3-UcjtVB7-JMH3zEdkhu55KdTwsoQ91MVzUZsFBrKlQnoujwpuADKj5l_DSGHmhXf0f9BEjElD1j03cPUs9xGXG1-KhRKZPi7L/s1600-h/morning+glories.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330406393646513586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 82px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmPM7tYYoMckZ_qUejIqbrBxaKlDAORKBKbX_CG_0vn3-UcjtVB7-JMH3zEdkhu55KdTwsoQ91MVzUZsFBrKlQnoujwpuADKj5l_DSGHmhXf0f9BEjElD1j03cPUs9xGXG1-KhRKZPi7L/s320/morning+glories.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrFrtnL_JCgfq3tnj8Sj48OoGaQqVHjlhXn8ow4ktD6GOrZDaV6fhiIRnkJgjCER3KqvmXKWChdSFlGAhtOMnlSWfgo2SsuqvZDM0Im2yYCy1DQOvoarjaSGHHe_bUS2ti0tBcmwTKAqC/s1600-h/clematis.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330406388906889506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrFrtnL_JCgfq3tnj8Sj48OoGaQqVHjlhXn8ow4ktD6GOrZDaV6fhiIRnkJgjCER3KqvmXKWChdSFlGAhtOMnlSWfgo2SsuqvZDM0Im2yYCy1DQOvoarjaSGHHe_bUS2ti0tBcmwTKAqC/s320/clematis.jpg" border="0" /></a> ....hopefully some morning glories and clematis will be blooming in our yard. Bob and I do not have green thumbs....so we will see what happens......<br /><br /><div></div></div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-68223380758342794772009-04-27T01:37:00.003-05:002009-04-27T01:43:26.276-05:00<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Let us hold fast the confession of our <span style="color:#ff0000;">hope</span> without wavering,</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">for He who promised is faithful. </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">-Hebrews 10:23</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">hope: the expectation of good things</span></div><div align="center"></div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-69909191321291912922009-04-26T01:59:00.001-05:002009-04-26T02:00:07.320-05:00Enter to win a Sleep Number Bed!!<a href="http://blissfullydomestic.com/blissful-home/win-a-sleep-number-bed-worth-1300/">http://blissfullydomestic.com/blissful-home/win-a-sleep-number-bed-worth-1300/</a><br /><br />We have a used Cal King Select Comfort and love it!Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-67730430842388910162009-04-26T00:21:00.000-05:002009-04-26T00:21:57.189-05:00Family<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4XMaj_TywqEX8OFnxznmFVBqT8DZfUuPEpRvoodqvGhHo5Y0KtpmIxBDKWf2JBLhKXsXgNgxSCxwKLJHhYgoK7q2AF21f-RuLF9bS5dzncRMf82wgF7tn5sGp3nVOFlEPuhEzzHagl5t/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4XMaj_TywqEX8OFnxznmFVBqT8DZfUuPEpRvoodqvGhHo5Y0KtpmIxBDKWf2JBLhKXsXgNgxSCxwKLJHhYgoK7q2AF21f-RuLF9bS5dzncRMf82wgF7tn5sGp3nVOFlEPuhEzzHagl5t/s400/013.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />It was a special treat to have my family visit last week. We have seven nieces and nephews ages eight and under. Love the fun and chaos.<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-40852005924983774892009-04-25T23:57:00.002-05:002009-04-26T00:59:38.632-05:00More Photos<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf8Iw9zykstalX5NzdmXr91g2WIVtRjWC1JzLDeu7CGhWkx_zTkdmHJYgEFQJtMKa6xCPEWjKMFGgSQYh_XUTRSXrpLMTZo4w767CvDTJYfnKrdIWaB0PVv4eL3j-rTVosIBE-4mt1WVL/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328868513169891330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOf8Iw9zykstalX5NzdmXr91g2WIVtRjWC1JzLDeu7CGhWkx_zTkdmHJYgEFQJtMKa6xCPEWjKMFGgSQYh_XUTRSXrpLMTZo4w767CvDTJYfnKrdIWaB0PVv4eL3j-rTVosIBE-4mt1WVL/s320/021.JPG" border="0" /></a> Landen dressing up as an African prince????<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIJaBRfz6j12BJVkxA1_bHCbKLqZYHi1AyFKeHz1EUhch_jxR5mDZ_JLgIA1N9esJ1SOJhhgf5EIGbdIcJEhe35ZkljUH5r2yHDpmBnp8F3XhLdHW2tXYxxX_UAynF-mfInRHFcQNPl2G/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328863502736653810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIJaBRfz6j12BJVkxA1_bHCbKLqZYHi1AyFKeHz1EUhch_jxR5mDZ_JLgIA1N9esJ1SOJhhgf5EIGbdIcJEhe35ZkljUH5r2yHDpmBnp8F3XhLdHW2tXYxxX_UAynF-mfInRHFcQNPl2G/s320/015.JPG" border="0" /></a> The little munchkins: Gracie, Sabryn, Darrell Lee, Baby Ian, Landen, Rylan, and Heath.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieu8qp_arCyrWeS-iyHe7YP7IFKdqIjpiG4fbSvmy4PoDyL1GmT2UmziavBWrEfqiM3EaWasxbISWziChapTV1FHpVGA4wM4lrxzWkrg6PKFLDIClESxS6u69oUuPo3UV7Cv_GPzFucg5/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328863498815316466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieu8qp_arCyrWeS-iyHe7YP7IFKdqIjpiG4fbSvmy4PoDyL1GmT2UmziavBWrEfqiM3EaWasxbISWziChapTV1FHpVGA4wM4lrxzWkrg6PKFLDIClESxS6u69oUuPo3UV7Cv_GPzFucg5/s320/010.JPG" border="0" /></a> Darrell Lee checking out Uncle Bob's new boat.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d9ewBpHUwaj-X36g4Nin87fnzy8uJW-NqEYUP4wtdU_N2Z87XVUQNNmjUZJ2fKNCRr5VLXu57gWr4BNdSWy9a6TM2NY_5Vfpa5uOEjrSYHxcCPKFdjciBohyphenhyphenqUL9-KAmVMITkgLKmRka/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328863495188398050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d9ewBpHUwaj-X36g4Nin87fnzy8uJW-NqEYUP4wtdU_N2Z87XVUQNNmjUZJ2fKNCRr5VLXu57gWr4BNdSWy9a6TM2NY_5Vfpa5uOEjrSYHxcCPKFdjciBohyphenhyphenqUL9-KAmVMITkgLKmRka/s320/009.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is from a few weeks ago, Rylan and Sabryn munching popcorn while watching Hogan's Heros.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxVqd5vOVu8mWQkvH-Zw1i01IxW6wCPpjqZE3mqgIFea3XmTDE6vdc_GVUBZ3dIiJkTysBv_ycy30C1w3B10E3kMTk4CcJXQBiZQItI3TTRphP1hR6ZCDWlCJUKC1awUK4kHZNYJNe7jC/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328863490335460802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxVqd5vOVu8mWQkvH-Zw1i01IxW6wCPpjqZE3mqgIFea3XmTDE6vdc_GVUBZ3dIiJkTysBv_ycy30C1w3B10E3kMTk4CcJXQBiZQItI3TTRphP1hR6ZCDWlCJUKC1awUK4kHZNYJNe7jC/s320/011.JPG" border="0" /></a> Aunt Lizzy meets her new nephew Ian.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FYEHFQhicJBASUGdVdlavHYtjotUW-TrF0zs3PyWlWOjj-pDhNTXjdKwH9J9xxXyGZ3zZctT_VQ8iwyaAN-7b1eAjatGQG2ORffcZFl5C3xc7-KW0CK47SQSdTROIDW1eeq5bn6pKgkn/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328863482158102354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FYEHFQhicJBASUGdVdlavHYtjotUW-TrF0zs3PyWlWOjj-pDhNTXjdKwH9J9xxXyGZ3zZctT_VQ8iwyaAN-7b1eAjatGQG2ORffcZFl5C3xc7-KW0CK47SQSdTROIDW1eeq5bn6pKgkn/s320/016.JPG" border="0" /></a> Rylan hunting Easter eggs.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5427261435130234590.post-29748954150468059772009-04-14T15:26:00.003-05:002009-04-14T15:35:01.133-05:00If you have a teen, know a teen, work with teens......this is a fabulous site. They have a lot of stats that I want to post but couldn't find them to post, I will try to do that later.<br /><br />www.futureparadigm.com<br /><br />Bob and I went to a meeting last night about teens and teen safety for our foster parent education. One of the speakers was from The Bridge which is a big youth activity place here in Joplin run by Christians. The Bridge has a full-time person whose job is to scan the internet and do research about current teen trends. They really have their pulse on what teens are doing right now.<br /><br />I know it is scary and overwhelming, but, let's face it, this is the reality that our kids are dealing with. Heads in the sand won't help anyone.<br /><br />The speaker ended last night on a positive note. She said that this generation has huge potential--they are more educated, less prejudiced, have more money than previous generations. I wish you all could have been there, but since you can't I'll share this resource and post those stats when I can find them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.futureparadigm.org"></a>Sharlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17451591309820266130noreply@blogger.com0