My dedication to you Ray Bearden

When I first met you I was sad from losing my Poppa. It was like you & Joyce were sent to me and my nanny that October to make us smile.  When I first met you I automatically loved both of you.  That was over 15 years ago.  You both invited us to the Bearden Reunion.  I never knew Nanny had cousins and double cousins at that.  So I promised you from that day on we would come.  We came every year except for 2 years.

We wrote letters back and forth to each other about family and I have saved every letter you have sent me until you got where you could not write to me anymore.  My nanny just shared with me that you sang in church.  :) 

You got to where you were calling me your "Aunt Stella".  At first I didn't understand, and then I told my nanny and then I understood.  I looked at pictures of my "great real grandma" as I called her and I look just like her.  I was honored you thought I looked like her.  So I let you call me "Aunt Stella".  Every time you saw me you held my hand and stayed close to me and I loved it, it was like it was suppose to be this way.  I have never had a relationship with a dear cousin like this and I feel blessed. 

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Found out today my little man L. since he was born has had moderate to severe hearing loss in his left ear.  Something that happened while he was in the NICU. He had tubes in his ears cause he had numerous ear infections in both ears, I know I can't beat myself up about this but maybe I should have paid more attention to what ear it was in (left or right) and now he is four years old. 

Today we picked out a hearing aid, I let him pick out the color he wanted since it would be his and he would be wearing this little package. 

This little items are really expensive.  Just for one hearing aid is a price that I almost fell out of the chair for, but I know he has to have to be able to hear out of and I know he will have to have it  for the rest of his life. I just can't imagine what a difference this will make for him. 

Moths are everywhere!!

You are probably thinking this is nothing, but to us living down here in the Texas panhandle this is a lot of Miller Moths.  Or that is what I call them.  They are everywhere.  This picture is my cousin's garage and I would post one of how it looks driving through town but apparently I would be attacked by those crazy bugs.

I thought the rain, hail and high wind today would have lessened the crazy Millers but it didn't.  My eight year old stated a theory the other day "the reason why there are so many moss "moths" is because the Male follows the female and they have children".  I found this to be interesting since he is only eight years old.  How does he know that the male and female have children?  Who does he get his information from?

Our newspaper apparently gets their information from a local blog.  So I guess we shall see if Josh is right or not? 

Good Friday or Good Thursday?

Sabbath Day Devotion

March 31, 2012

Three Days and Three Nights –

Jesus said, "...the Son of Man (Jesus) will be

three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

Matthew 12:40

Jesus said he would be buried three days and three nights before his resurrection.   This has always bothered me because tradition led me to believe that Jesus was crucified on Friday and resurrected on Sunday.   Folks, this is NOT three days and three nights – no matter how you count.

Over the years, I have heard all of the possible explanations for this apparent inconsistency.   However, I have had trouble accepting any of them, because they simply did NOT make sense.   There is absolutely NO WAY that the time period from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning could ever be stretched enough to be interpreted as three days and three nights.   Has this ever bothered you?

Was Jesus wrong… when he said he would be buried for three days and three nights before his resurrection?   Of course not!   If Jesus wasn't wrong, then we must do our best to figure out what is wrong – and why.

Many years ago, I studied history and the scriptures to find out why this apparent inconsistency existed.   I soon discovered that I was not the first to ask these questions and to study this inconsistency.   Through this study, I discovered that our traditional beliefs about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus originated with Constantine (325 AD) and were propagated by the Roman Catholic Church.   It didn’t take long for me to conclude that these beliefs originated with man (NOT God) and that they are wrong.   They are off by one day.   Now, it all makes sense.

The following is a study outline that I have used to lead others through this study.   This is not an essay.   You will have to look up the scriptures to follow along.   I realize that this is not as easy as going through a study with a leader – but I am quite confident that you are up to the challenge – and that you will come to the same conclusions that I came to.

A Study of the Final Week –

SUNDAY:

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem – Mk. 11:1-11.   Why has this day come to be referred to as “Palm Sunday”?

MONDAY:

Jesus curses the fig tree and clears the temple – Mk. 11:12-19.

TUESDAY:

Jesus was questioned and tested by the so-called “religious leaders” of his day.   Jesus observed the poor widow’s offering, and then he predicted the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple – Mk. 11:20-14:2.

WEDNESDAY:

The disciples prepare for the Passover meal in an upper room – Mk. 14:12-16.   Eating of the so-called “Last Supper” or “Lord’s Supper” – Mk. 14:17-31.

NOTE: The Jewish day begins at sunset and goes to the next sunset.   For example, our Wednesday night would be the beginning of their Thursday.   Therefore, this meal was actually eaten very early on Thursday.   Was this the Passover meal?   John 13:21-30 and John 18:28-29.

After eating, Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane – Mk. 14:32-42.   Jesus was arrested and taken before the Sanhedrin – Mk. 14:43-65.

THURSDAY:

Jesus was taken before Pilate, who handed him over to be crucified – Mk. 15:1-20.   Jesus was crucified at 9:00 am – Mk. 15:21-32.   Darkness covers the land between noon and 3:00 pm when Jesus died – Mk. 15:33-41.   The body of Jesus was buried in a rock tomb – Mk. 15:42-47.   If this was the day before the Sabbath, what day was it?   John 19:28-31.

NOTE: The Jewish Passover is observed on the 14^th day of the month of Nisan, followed by the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread.   In the 23^rd chapter of Leviticus, God commanded that a lamb is to be slaughtered on the 14^th day (Passover) and the Passover meal eaten that same evening, which would actually be the beginning of the 15^th day.   The entire 15^th day is to be observed as a special Sabbath, no matter what day of the week it happens to fall on.

A careful study of the Scriptures contradicts the traditional (man-made) thinking that Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples on Thursday and was crucified on Friday.   Rather, it seems as though Jesus was being crucified at the same time the Passover lambs were being slaughtered – prior to the Passover meal.

FRIDAY:

Special Sabbath following the Passover meal.

SATURDAY:

Weekly Sabbath.

SUNDAY:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ.   Was Jesus’ prophecy in Mt. 12:40 fulfilled?

If Jesus was crucified and buried on Friday, as it has been traditionally believed, HOW is it possible to presume he remained in the tomb for three days and three nights as he said he would?   Was Jesus wrong?

Through research and study, I am fully convinced that Jesus was crucified and buried on Thursday – NOT Friday.   Therefore, our so-called “Good Friday” celebration should be changed to “Good Thursday.”   If you read the scriptures provided in this study, you will not be able to come to any other conclusion.   Isn’t it funny (not really) how our man-made traditions will eventually seem biblical – if we practice them long enough?

For those who are interested in knowing more about the whole truth and nothing but the truth, here are some other prophecies concerning Jesus rising on the third day: Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23, 20:18-19, Mark 9:31, 10:33-34, Luke 9:22, 18:31-33, and 24:7.  

It is impossible… for God’s Word to contradict itself.   If something appears to be a contradiction, then we simply do NOT have the correct understanding of what we are reading.

Don’t just GO to church; BE the Church

Kit Pharo

Pharo Cattle Co.

Cheyenne Wells, CO

Phone: 1-800-311-0995

Email: Kit@PharoCattle.com

Website: www.PharoCattle.com

True Blessings LLC

I have now created a page for True Blessings LLC and this is a place in which Seniors will be assisted in their daily assisted living care needs and I do hope this gets out to many in Amarillo that do want to help keep their loved one home as long as they can before going to a nursing home or assisted living.

Looking for the Gilbert's

So here I sit again early in the morning searching for my great x3 and I find a story about him on the internet in another person's blog on blogspot.  I was trying to find out where he is buried as I have been reading and I have an idea that he could be buried down around Eastland, Erath, or Lampasas, TX.  I hear you are a Texas Ranger and if I find out where you are then I can get you a great surprise at your burial site :) So Capt. Samuel P. Gilbert where are you?

Today is your 80th Birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Poppa!!  I found some pictures of you in my family tree stuff and I wanted to share some memories of you that I have. 

Excitement & Loss

Today was Luke's 4th birthday!!  Family showed up and the Velez's came as well.  Luke was so excited to see them :)  He received tons of gifts and then they all played outside and we then went to the park.  

Our family also experienced a loss.  This great man I met at a family reunion back in 2002 passed away.  He was in the Navy, and I am sure he did a many other great things, but what I knew is I loved him and will miss him.  I called him one night when I was at my nanny's house and told him I had a great lady there to hear his sweet voice and they are double cousin's.  Our last conversation with him, he told us many stories and made us laugh. 

 

Birthday Wreath

For the month of March I decided to make a Birthday Wreath.  Why? you ask..well a majority of everyone in this four part family was born in March so therefore..it was made out of floral pins, lots of balloons and a Styrofoam wreath..

I now feel blessed!!

The older I get the more people I love dearly are getting sick or deathly ill.  I know where we all will go, but this is so sad and makes my tummy hurt.  I am hearing stories about these loved ones and all the love they have had for me when I was younger.  I didn't know how much I was loved by each of these different people.  Makes me appreciate everyone I meet and to try to remember every detail about how we met much more.  I know how much I loved them and how much I would do for each of them, but when they get to telling me how much they love me; I am feeling blessed. 

I am going to miss my loved ones that I am talking about, but who wouldn't..you made me who I am :)

Remembering Mom's Clothesline

I got this as an email..but I don't recall some of these but I do recall my nanny putting clothes on the clothesline :) 

 

Remembering Mom's Clothesline

 

There is one thing that's left out.  We had a long wooden pole (clothes pole) that was used to push 

the clotheslines up so that longer items (sheets/pants/etc.) didn't brush the ground and get dirty.   

 

You have to be a "certain age" to appreciate this one.... 

(But you YOUNGER ones can read about "The GOOD ol' days"!!)

 

I can hear my mother now.....

 

 

THE BASIC RULES FOR CLOTHESLINES:

(If you don't even know what clotheslines are, better skip this.)

 

1.  You had to hang the socks by the toes... NOT the top.

2.  You hung pants by the BOTTOM/cuffs... NOT the waistbands.

3.  You had to WASH the clothesline(s) before hanging any clothes - walk the entire length of each line with a damp cloth around the lines.

4.  You had to hang the clothes in a certain order, and always hang "whites" with "whites," and hang them first.

5.  You NEVER hung a shirt by the shoulders - always by the tail!  What would the neighbors think?

6.  Wash day on a Monday!  NEVER hang clothes on the weekend, or on Sunday, for Heaven's sake!

7.  Hang the sheets and towels on the OUTSIDE lines so you could hide your "unmentionables" in the middle (perverts & busybodies, y'know!)

8.  It didn't matter if it was sub-zero weather...  clothes would "freeze-dry."

9.  ALWAYS gather the clothes pins when taking down dry clothes!  Pins left on the lines were "tacky"!

10. If you were efficient, you would line the clothes up so that each item did not need two clothes pins, but shared one of the clothes pins with

the next washed item.

11. Clothes off of the line before dinner time, neatly folded in the clothes basket, and ready to be ironed.

12. IRONED???!!  Well, that's a whole OTHER subject!

 

And now a POEM ...

 

A clothesline was a news forecast, To neighbors passing by,

There were no secrets you could keep, When clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link, For neighbors always knew

If company had stopped on by, To spend a night or two.

 

For then you'd see the "fancy sheets", And towels upon the line;

You'd see the "company table cloths", With intricate designs.

The line announced a baby's birth, From folks who lived inside,

As brand new infant clothes were hung, So carefully with pride!

 

The ages of the children could, So readily be known

By watching how the sizes changed, You'd know how much they'd grown!

It also told when illness struck, As extra sheets were hung;

Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe too, Haphazardly were strung.

 

It also said, "On vacation now", When lines hung limp and bare.

It told, "We're back!" when full lines sagged, With not an inch to spare!

New folks in town were scorned upon, If wash was dingy and gray,

As neighbors carefully raised their brows, And looked the other way.

 

But clotheslines now are of the past, For dryers make work much less.

Now what goes on inside a home, Is anybody's guess!

I really miss that way of life, It was a friendly sign

When neighbors knew each other best...  By what hung out on that line.

 

What the Church is not..

Sabbath Day Devotion

February 11, 2012

What the Church is NOT (part 24) –

Sadly (to me), we are getting close to the end of this series.   Although we have covered a lot of ground, I feel as though we have just begun to scratch the surface of “What the Church is NOT.”   Because GOING to church is so much easier than BEING the church, I am afraid most of our subscribers will not make any substantial changes in their spiritual lives.   As a result, they will never fully understand what the church is capable of.   I am even more afraid that many of today’s church GOERS will not enter heaven (Matthew 7:13-14 & 21).   They have been deceived – and they don’t know it.

See to it that no one takes you captive through

hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends

on human tradition and the basic principles

of this world rather than on Christ.

Colossians 2:8

The Church is NOT…

the only place you should act Christ-like.

There is a BIG difference between GOING to church and BEING the church.   I see myself as BEING a part of the church every hour of every day – NOT just when I am in a church building.   I do my best to walk and to have fellowship with God and with Jesus every hour of every day – NOT just when I am in a church building.   I do my best to worship and serve God and Jesus every hour of every day – NOT just when I am in a church building.

In contrast, many (perhaps most) who GO to church seem to go through some sort of transformation when they enter a church building.   They get all dressed up to GO visit God.   When the visit is over, they leave God in the church building.   I call these people Sunday-morning Christians.   Some seem to live a completely different life within the church building than they do outside the church building.   Folks, we need to strive to be Christ-like every day of every week – NOT just when we GO to church.

Christians make up the body of Christ, which is commonly called the church.   As Christians, we are disciples of Jesus Christ.   In other words, we are his followers and his students.   Our desire should be to become more and more like Jesus.

A student is not above his teacher, but

everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Luke 6:40

In closing, I would like to leave you with this thought, “People do NOT GO to church.   Rather, it is the church that goes to a building (or any other place) to worship, to study, to pray and to have fellowship.”

They devoted themselves to the

apostles' teaching and to the fellowship,

to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 2:41-42

The God who made the world and

everything in it is the Lord of heaven and

earth and does NOT live in temples built by hands.

Acts 17:24

I realize this series has caused some to feel a bit uncomfortable.   I don’t think that could have been avoided.   If we never lose our warm and fuzzy feeling, we never have reason to challenge our thoughts, beliefs and/or traditions.   If we never allow ourselves to be challenged, we become trapped in the box (paradigm) that we have put ourselves in.   Although that box feels comfortable (warm and fuzzy), it may not be the right place or the best place for us to be.   Worst of all, we may not realize that we are in the wrong box (paradigm) until it is too late.

Don’t just GO to church; BE the Church

Grandpa Kit

Pharo Cattle Co.

Cheyenne Wells, CO

Phone: 1-800-311-0995

Email: Kit@PharoCattle.com

Website: www.PharoCattle.com

comments:   I enjoyed this one from the Bible verse Acts 17:24 just because I have always thought God is with us no matter where we are and I have always enjoyed that thought :)

Rice Crispy Treat Trees

If you are doing something related to forestry, you can make these tree shaped snacks to go with the theme. Or make them for something related to family trees.
The “leaves” for these trees are pretty sticky when you work with them. They have extra marshmallow coating to make them green enough.
You can do this as  a family tree activity. 

Rice Crispy Treat Trees

Ingredients

• 2 bags mini marshmallows
• 6 tbsp butter
• 6 cups crisp rice cereal
• green food coloring
• 2 1/2 cups corn flakes
• Runts Fruit Candy
• cooking spray

Directions

1. Spray a 13×9 inch pan with cooking spray.
2. For the “tree trunks”, melt 1 bag of marshmallows and 3 tbsp butter in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute or so.
3. Stir in the crisp rice cereal.
4. Press the mixture into the pan and let cool.
5. Prepare two cookie sheets, by lining with wax paper or parchment paper, and spraying with cooking spray
6. For the “leaves”, melt the second bag of marshmallows and 3 tbsp butter in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute or so.
7. Add 15-20 drops of food coloring.
8. Stir in corn flakes until thoroughly coated.
9. Cut the pan of “trunks” into rectangular tree trunk shapes and spread them out on the trays. (You might not need all of the material.)
10. Spray your hands with cooking spray or give them generous coat of butter.
11. Spoon out some of the “leaves” at the top of a trunk and press into a round “tree canopy”.
12. Press some candies in right away.
13. Repeat with remaining “trees”.

If the corn flake mixture becomes to stiff to work with, microwave it for about 20 seconds.


When I make them I will get a picture made and post it :)

you will be missed...

You never said I'm leaving
You never said goodbye
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knew why

We don't know how to cope
Without you by our side,
We know that life without you
seems impossible in our mind.

Our hearts are broken, shattered to be true
Every breath we take cries to be with you.

At that moment when the nurse said you were gone,
we felt such a loss that we don't know how to carry on.

We know when you crossed over there are many others
that have missed you too,
Grandma and Grandpa just to name two.

I can only imagine the joy Dad must have felt for you to take your place,
and see you both with smiles upon your face;
For you are now at peace and living in God's
Grace.
~ Joy Wilson

A miss used quote, angel, and a poem

Sometimes in our daily life or on Facebook especially even I quote this one.."this is the worse day ever"..but it really isn't the worse day.  The day just doesn't go the way "I" wanted it to go.  Here in the past few days I have gotten some sad news for me as I have lost a loved one but God gained an angel.  I am broken for the family that lost this great person as I have been taught we are given a life, but when we are born our parents are not told how long we are given this life.

I admit I have been depressed a lot in my life and felt like life wasn't worth living but now I have felt better now then I have in fifteen years.  I have been down a long road but I have lost a lot of loved ones and grief had a hold of me and I wanted them to come back to me.  Yes, I know we all die and life goes on; but I am a better person now. I will see all my loved ones when I get to heaven!!

I have a great poem located somewhere on this great blog of mine called "If you could see where I have gone" my nanny received this from her best friend when my poppa died.  I can't wait until I reach those pearly gates and see Jesus and my loved ones, I do miss them I know our time here passes quickly although sometimes it sure doesn't seem like it.   I catch myself at holidays, birthdays and anniversary of deaths are the saddest but I think that is normal.  So here next month with be my poppa's birthday and I will celebrate.  

Smash

I did it.  I got me a "SMASH" book.  Actually its like a scrapbook/pinterest in ones hand on the go.  If that made sense at all.  So if you want to take a gander of what one looks like click on the linky.  Have a great weekend!!

4/49

Swimming at WTAMU

3/50

My double rainbow.  As I call it "God's smile" :)

2/51

I thought about this picture up until today...So here it is..as the week ends on Friday the 13th.  I will let your mouth water on what I got to enjoy from a friend.  This was really yummy and I must say it was the biggest strawberry I have EVER ate in my life. 

Think about this one!!

People are crazy and debate with each other all the time.  Every year there is something that occurs on I-40 and Hope Road.  Either someone wrecks or a bicycler gets hit and killed.  Yesterday afternoon around 4pm this occurred; a couple was hit the man was killed and his wife is in critical condition at a local hospital.  Then online at the amarillo globe news many a person has a right to leave their own comment and opinion about how they feel about this incident, so that is how I have come to write this one tonight.

So in Sunday's paper of the Amarillo Globe News there will be this article and more people are bashing all kinds of opinions..amazing the kind of crazy people there are in our society.  Almost like that song beer is good and people are crazy.. Everyone gets distracted when driving and no one is perfect.  I know I have been with the oldest of drivers and the youngest of drivers and no one really knows what is going on..so quit pointing and blaming. 

I know we all have a right to a voice and tell what we think..but many are quick to judge or blame..all from the sun, bikers, and the truck and now age; but what if this just happened for a reason..it was his time to go be with God? 

This is what I think..This couple needs our prayers, the driver needs our prayers along with his family to help him mentally get over this and to help him to get this out of his mind, because it will mentally be with him until he leaves this world. God Bless you all.

Wednesday

That is it..it was just a Wednesday...  I spent time with my puppies..yes, I know they are probably dogs by now but to me they will always be "my puppies".

 

Aww.  I know they are precious.  Although that tiny one she may look as innocent as life, but she is the "queen" of the castle.  Do let me tell you!!  The other one could care less about what is going on, she is laid back and loves everyone!!  (with the exception to the "queen") when she has had enough of the "queen" she lets her know.  It is like I am dealing with drama of two girls and then I have my two human children. 

My dear friend

Oh how I miss you and today I called your cousin Lara.  There was a post on facebook that prompted me to call her today.  Your grandpa just relaxed his body and his soul left his body and went to heaven to be with Jesus.  I bet you were waiting at the pearly gates with your grandma.  I then called your mama and she really appreciated me calling her, she said she loved me and that it was just time for your granddad to go to heaven.  Maybe you can be there at the pearly gates with my loved ones as well :)  I just miss you, Regina!!

Prayer Request

For my friend Mabel and her family: 

I have a prayer from across the sea..I came to you a few weeks ago asking you to pray for our little girl, Robyn. She had, what seemed to be a swollen gland. But it didn't shrink, it only got bigger. We had several tests: 3 blood tests, an ultrasound, X-rays from the lungs and a needle biopsy.Still they are not sure what it is that's causing the lymph nodes to swell like this.They think it's some sort of microbacteria, they still have a sample from the biopsy in breed,
if it comes out positive on a microbacteria, Robyn can get the right treatment.
She will have anti-biotics for several months, it's a pretty intense treatment,
it will have a lot of negative side affects ... and that for months!!!!!
If the result comes out negative, which means that there are no signs of a microbacteria,
they might have to remove the lymph nodes surgically. But ... there's a but, a BIG one;
the surgery is risky because of the cranial nerves. The pediatrician really doesn't want to do it.
But the lymph nodes are still growing. So they have to choice.

So what we need is a miracle from our Jehovah Rafa, as He is our Healer!
Please pray with us that the lymph nodes shrink miraculously.
Our next appointment with the pediatrician is next Wednesday, they will have the test result from the 2nd biopsy.
Please pray that the lymph shrunk down before our appointment.
God is so good and He will move when we pray in convenant.
My husband and I are fasting today, tomorrow and Wednesday.
We have Jesus by the tassel of his robe and believe in a miracle.

52 pictures a year

So I am going to try this and see how far this lasts and see what kind of pictures I get..I found my first picture tonight and it starts out with a toy..this toy speaks in all kinds of voices..tough, protection, power, anything you can imagine..

White Christmas!!

Woke up this morning and finally at the age of 37; I get a white Christmas!!  I am really excited and my oldest was excited it snowed so we went outside and played in the snow.