When my grandfather, Hugh Robert Etter (Bo), passed away many years ago we found a special treat...keep-sakes that he left just for my family.  So special!

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Sweet thoughts of us.  Priceless!!!

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Fresh Find:  I like a coffee mug that I can put my three fingers through the handle & grip for warmth.  Very few know how to make a real coffee drinker's cup/mug.  I found an artist to create me one.  I got it today.  It is beautiful!!!

Today I had to cut/saw down a small tree, well bush trimmed into a tree, that froze this winter.  Very sad.  Sawing wears me out.  Then, I had to redo the area; move some plants and plant a few new ones.  It was hot out!

Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the peach tree is dead.  No more sweet peaches.  A sad day around here.  Oh, in the scheme of sadness that so many are experiencing this is not even registering on the sadness scale.  I'm really not sure what I want to do with it.  I can saw, saw, saw it all down.  I can plant a climbing vine and hope it covers it.  I can leave a stump and sit a pot on it.  The one thing I can't do is remove the root system and plant another tree there...at least for many years.  Hmmm, what to do, what to do.

Speaking of sweet peaches...

This is Miss A after an Ushka visit.  She told her mommy that she was just resting her eyes!  Sweetness, sweetness!

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Miss D rode in the firetruck!

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Fresh Find:  If I were going to wear a swim suit...this one is very nice!

In reading in the book of Genesis the words rule over were impressed on my mind and heart.  What is it to rule over? 

Why did God give us the power to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every living creature that moves on the ground?  He goes on to give us every seed bearing plant on the face of the whole and every tree that has a fruit with seed in it.  Everything, he gave us the power to rule over everything.

The exercise of authority or control is the definition of rule that I'm looking at here.  To me there are two ways to rule over something or someone.  We can rule with love or we can rule with pride/greed.  I don't think we can do both.  I believe that God's creation was created out of the purest love for us.  When he says we are to rule over his creation, I do believe he wanted us to follow his example of unconditional love, pure love and respect. 

My momma always said you can get a whole lot more outa folks by serving them honey 'stead of vinegar!

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We had to move the bar up 6 inches.  Adelyn has really grown!

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Fresh Find:  Everyone loves beautiful marbles.  I came across an artist who creates amazing marbles.  Father's Day perhaps?

1 Samuel 17:46b-47 ... and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.  All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands.

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I'm one who worries.  I know that God sees me through every situation but I start by worrying.  I worry about everything.  I worry about everyone's heartaches and disappointments; tragedies and problems.  I take on every burden.  I carry them to the Lord in prayer but still they are heavy on my heart.  I am reminded in 1 Samuel that the battle is the Lord's.  I do find comfort in this.  For me it is a process of intake and output.  I am honored to take in opportunities of prayer and blessed to have a Father to give them to.  I'm so thankful and blessed to have a relationship with the One who loves me.  He has seen me through every trial.  He carries me through the rocky places and covers me in the fiercest storms, and loves me without reservation.

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Having a science lesson on ants, rolly-polly bugs, and carrying Amdro down the ant hole.

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I made a trip to see our precious grand-sisters.  Fun & tired.  That would be them and me, too!  What joys!!!

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Fresh Find: Like these shoes!

A little over a year ago Dr. Marrow of First Baptist Church Plainview taught a study on Frequently Asked Questions about the Bible.  The last in the series was, "What Happens When We Die?"  The lesson scripture was Hebrews 9:27.

I found it to be very good and wanted to give you the outline from it...

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What happens AFTER we die depends on what happens BEFORE we die.

1. Questions and Answers about death.

    A. Is there a "Second Chance" after death? ~ Hebrews 9:27

    B. What about "Near Death Experiences?" ~ Acts 7:55-56

    C. What happens to children/infants who die? ~ Romans 5:20

    D. Can we contact the dead after they are gone? ~ (Galations 5:19-21)

    E. What do you say to someone who has lost a loved one?

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2. What happens at the moment of death?

    A. For the SAVED ~ Luke 23:43; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

        *Our soul goes into the consious presence of the Lord

        *Our body is buried until the day of resurrection

        *When Christ returns, we will be raised bodily from the grave

        * Body & soul reunite; we will be with the Lord forever

    B. For the LOST

        * The soul of the lost is sent to hell where it is in consious torment. ~ Luke 16:19-31

        * Punishment is eternal ~ Mark 9:43-48

        *The body is raised at the Great White Throne Judgement ~ Revelation 20:11-15

        *The unsaved are cast into the lake of fire where they will reside forever eternally seperated from the presence of the Almighty God.

 ( ) is a scripture I have added

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Now, you can believe this or you won't.  It is a choice, everything is a choice.  I personally know what a difference accepting Christ made in my life.  Yes, there have been times that I have questioned what eternity really is, what it means, will we care, are we wrong, but you know what?  The eternity question is what comes after our work on earth is done. Our purpose as believers is to show others the difference God has made in our lives through his love (Jesus) for us enough so that they want it, too. 

I think we fail on a good day and miserably fail on the bad ones.  We are too self-centered to really care about what someone else might face when they die.  I'm as guilty as the next person. 

Our prayer should be:  God use me to bring others into your fold.

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Ecclesiastes 9:5 ... For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. I do not want you to be forgotten!!!

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Fresh Find:  I want this.  It is only 5" x 5" x 7" but I like it!!!  Art!

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I'm not super certain about this toilet. So, you can just kick the leg out from under someone?  Then you have a mess!  Add a wheel and wheeee, they can go side to side.  ;o)  Do you think this is there to support extra weight?  I don't know but it scares me!  LOL

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Love friendships!

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Loving her sherbet!!!

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Fresh Find:  I have seen it all now and I kinda like this...although I would never allow myself to use it!  It really is a great invention!!!  Tablet stand...late Mother's Day??? Father's Day???

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Bettye Givens was a woman of diversity.  The story of her life would take us around the world.  She was a creative soul and a sweet friend.  They are having her estate sale this weekend.  I have one of her special creations (plus her painting of me).  I'm not sure what the title of this sculpture is but I call it "Wading." ;o)  When I see it I am reminded of her kindness to me through the years.  Blessed!

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Fresh Find:  Fun glasses!!!

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The grand-sisters mom put their loungers together!  Pool time!!!  The pool should open next weekend!!!  They are ready.

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Fresh Find:  really love the beauty in the Phonofone lll.

In my mind...

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If you were held captive for ransom, would anyone be willing to pay it for you?  Satan holds us in our sin.  Jesus paid the ransom for our souls.

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Please be considerate of others when you pour on the fragrance.  For some of us it is 100% migraine causing!!!

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How can the wind blow one pot of three on the ground? Broken...

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I still hope to get a video of the squirrel running into the plexi.

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Losing friends reminds me of where my hope is.

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When we can't seem to get over ourselves and our pain...be reminded of someone that God shows you is hurting more. 

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Want to be in a exclusive & secretive club?  It is called ministry.

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Wow, God has really blessed people musically and some are using it for His glory!!!

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I'm sure other things went through this head but I value your time.

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Why don't I scare you?

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or you???

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Enjoying my Sunday view!

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Fresh Find:  Liking this concrete bowl!