prayer update and more

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone whose been praying for me and gettinga job. This past Friday, January 25, 2007 I had an interview. It was with a company called Stelter Partners. They produce desks chiars and stuff for schools and filing systems for doctors offices. It took almost 2 hours for the interview. I had to interview with 4 different people from the company. The way that this came about was they contact my Counselor withthe Michigan Commission for the Blind and stated that they wanted to hire one of her clients. Shen then contacted me. At the moment I am waiting to hear whether or not I have gotten the job. I hope that I do. Because you all know how long I've been searching. One of the interesting events before the interview was I found some cash in my suit jacket pocket. Don't know where it came from but the only thought I had was wondering if it was a sign as to the outcome of the interview. On another note while I am talking about prayer. Ruthann had gotten sore finger. she had apparently pulled a nail off and was bleeding. We got it banded and she was then put to bed for the night. She then as sweet and as confident as ever asked for me to pray to God for her finger. Goes to show you how we impact our children when we pray for others for healing. I told her I would. In fact I w3ent right ofver and prayed for her right then and there. she thanked me and not long after was fast asleep. As to my friend Harvey he is doing about the same as I lasted reported. he is in a wheel chiar and is talking some but has along way to go. anyway hope to post a new posting in a couple days with news of the result of my interview. please continue to pray.

the three trees

I got the following in my email and thought it was worthy of posting here. enjoy.

The Three Trees

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing
their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a
treasure chest. I could be decorated with intricate carvings and everyone would see
the beauty.' 

Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take
kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world.
Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.' 

Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and
straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to
my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am
reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember
me.' 

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of
woodsmen came upon the trees . When one came to the first tree he said, 'This
looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a
carpenter,' and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew
that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. 

At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I
should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy because he
knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship. When the woodsmen came upon
the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him
down, his dreams would not come true. 

One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from this tree,
I'll just take this one, and he cut it down. 

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box
for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was no t
at all what he had prayed for. 

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of
being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. 

The third tree was cut into pieces and left alone in the dark. The years
went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. 

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and placed
the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man
wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would
have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it
had held the greatest treasure of all time. 

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second
tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water,
a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep
the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and
the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King
of Kings in its boat. 

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the
streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a
stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of
the hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong
enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible,
because Jesus had been crucified on it... 

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way,
always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He
will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not
in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for
us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always be st. 

Where Mom's Brain ????????????????

Oh my!!!!!!!!!!!.Where will this ever stop???????????????????She just realized she has been signed into my blog and has successfully put one more strange message in for everyone to take knowledge.Please forgive her for she does not know what she dooeth,and send in the white coats quickly please.

Oops Closing Out Of The Double JJ 2007

Anyone wanting to view the remaining pictures I have put into the blog will need to peek into Dan's blog.For some reason after he had been into his blog on the main computer,he remained signed in on his blog.With my senior moment I never imagined the situation that would transpire.Go Figure,or not maybe not.I have successfully deleted my title from his post but not the pictures.They have stubborning remained in his blog.I can't seem to edit this post with putting the title back in,or say anything along with the pictures,or delete the pictures because it is no longer in his list of posts.I will now come into the current year with a beginning of new beginnings.Love one and all.

memories

Well, I was sitting here remembering back on some holiday memories. I want to share some. I remember a couple of Christmases that I want to share first and then a new years celebration. First christmas. I remember when I was about 10 may be 11 years old. I received an interesting gift from Uncle bill. It was a wooden tractor. This tractor could be taken apart and put together. He got it for me because I had lost my sight and he wanted me to have something that I could handle and enjoy thoroughly. he sent a letter with this gift. I still have said letter today. the tractor sad to say has long since been disgarded and is no more. but the memory will last for a long time. Next I remember a couple Christmases in Omaha. there was a family that helped me a lot with grocery shopping and taking me to church. they had me over for dinner and got me a case of diet coke. it wasn't much but then again it didn't have to be. they did this both years. then in 99 I came home for christmas. now for New Years. This recent ringing in the of the New year was cool. Ruthann stayed up with us and watched the ball fall. It was her first time and she seemed to enjoy it. today she has kept saying HaPPY! NEW! YEAR!!. she seems to be excited. it is good to see her smile. as many of you know she is getting bigger and such. she is doing well in school and she always makes sure we pray before she goes to school. and I read her a Bible story every night before bed and sometimes one before she goes to school. she loves these stories and it is awesome to be able to read toher. I hope that all who are reading this have a blessed 2008 and that you smile a little and let your smiles be contagious. love you all and sending warm smiles hugs and smiles your way.

harvey update and a few other comments

Well I have another harvey update. You'll see a picture this time of Harvey and his sons. The latest word is that he is actually speaking some. has some movement with is right side and they are working on his left. It is ont for certain whether or not he does actually recognize people when he sees them. One soursce says that she has asked him if he recognizes her and he responded yes. so please keep up the prayers. Other then that not a lot going on here. Ruthann is loving the Bible stories that I got for her and I to read together. The books have pictures and are in print and braille.

update on Harvey

well here is another update. Harvey has been moved to a long term facility. He has more or less come out of his coma. He is still not talking yet. before he was moved his daughter-in-law has been to see him regularly to hel shave him. he has opened his eye and she asked him if he could see her. he would respond by squeezing her hand. Hoever a friend from toast masters has visited him this past Saturday and told us tonight that Harvey wasn't responsive really. so please keep praying. I will see about getting a picture posted. so you can see who your praying for. but have no clue how to put it here on my posting at the moment so if anyone can help let me know.

harvey update

I have an update on my friend Harvey. He has had histreck tube has been removed and he is breathing on his own. He has opened his eyes. He seems to be moving it is as if he is reflecting and speaking but he isn't talking yet. his mind seems to be alert and he seems to understnd what is being said but not certain. he will be moved to a new facility soon. when I don't know. so plese keep praying. We serve an awesome God and one that answers prayers big time! You all can't understand and believe how excited and thrilled I am to hear this news. I had all I could to do to keep quiet late last night when I got the news.

additional information about Harvey

Harvey is a christian for sure. no doubt in my mind and no doubt he comes from a christian family his children are as well. this is sad they just lost his parents about 2 months go and tht was sad because he lost his mom first then his dad passed on about a week or so later. for more on his condition revisit the previous post. I will try and updte everyone as much as possible when i can.

please pray

I should have posed this sooner. but I am needful of you to please pray for my friend Harvey Moore and his family. Harvey is in the hospital and is in a coma. here is how it happened. On October the 3rd Harvey was on his bike on his way home from work. next thing is he is in the hospital. they originally thought he was hit by a car. he had some bleeding in the brain and a cut on his forhead. no other external injuries. it was later determined that it was probably due to untreated high blood pressure. he was edmitted to the hospital about 6 in the evening. at this point is still in a coma. Friday the doctors gave the family the word that they should probably consider to pull the plug. the family has chose not to but to trust God. On Sunday I got a email saying that he is in stable condition and that the bleeding has begun to clot. more good news on Tuesday I heard that he has what is refered to as command response. if they speak loud to him and tell him to move his toes for example he resonds and moves his toes. he is still unconscious but please continue to pray for him and his family. also pray for our toast masters club. he was our club president. also the area governor for toast masters. he is in spectrum buttworth hospital. also pray for me. Harvey is a dear friend and it is hard for me. I love the guy and want to see him back to normal again and there is a part of me that wishes that it was me in his place and not him. he has impacted my life in a lot of ways. thanks

Exciting news

Hey! I have some exciting news!! But first a little back ground. This past week Ruthann has been attending vacation Bible school at our church. A couple times or so this week she has mentioned about asking Jesus in her heart. I then would proceed if she wanted to and she would say no not today tommarrow. I didn't press the issue but prayed for her. The past several days or I should for the last 2 weeks or there abouts I've been telling her Bible stories. Well tonight was no exception to our usual routine before bed. Every night we always have a story and prayer. Well after the story "noah's Ark" be cause she wanted a story with elephants and dogs and other animals. She made the statement that she was to ask Jesus in her heart! I made sure she insisted she wanted to. so I helped her pray and she repeated after me. She is now a child of the King! it was an answer to prayer. because I've been praying for this day and asking the Lord that I be the one to witness the event. after we prayed she wanted to have me pray and be sure that I had Jesus in my heart she wanted to know if Grandma had Jesus I assured her that Grandma and Grandpa and she even asked about Great Grandma Strube and Walt. I assured her that Great Grandma Strube had asked Jesus in her heart. she then prayed for Misty and Buffy that the Lord would come in their hearts. so tonight is a awesome! night. My daughter is a child of God! Praise the Lord!!!

after church

This past Sunday after church Ruthann did something interesting. We had decided to go out to eat. My parents drove separte cars that day because I am helping with Sunday school and mom wasn't quite ready to go. anyway after church Ruthann led me to my dad out in the parking lot and stated "you go with papa, I go with grandma." it was done with a smile and so cute one couldn't help but laugh and agree with her. We then proceded to head for Red Robin and have lunch. I ordered a chil and got a order of cheese sticks. Ruthan tried one and a little while later schootched over a little and put her arm around me and asked me for another one. so I guess I've found another thing she likes.

what's up!!!!

Hey! All! I know it has been a log time since I've posted anything here. just haven't had much to say and quite honestly haven't felt like posting much. but I need to come in and give a update as to what is up. As many of you know I am looking for a job. Well that looks like it is coming to an end. Let me back up a bit. A couple of weeks ago I attended a picnic with our local nf support group. I was asked to speak at the last minute. Just to give everyone an update and let them know what is going on since my surgery. As a good toast master that I am I took the chance to speak. In the speech I spoke of a lot of things and added that I was still looking for a job. After the speech as I was leaving with my dad and Ruthann to go and pick up Bryan from work a gentleman approached me. His name is Matt Hanlon. He stated that he may have a position for me. He gave me his card. He works for Citadel Broadcasting. They are a company that owns several radio stations. anyway I took the card and emailed him my resume. He called me today and it looks like I'll have a part time position with them. Don't know for sure and all the details so stay tuned and continue to pray. Also Toast Masters is going well. Our club achieved 7 out of possible 10 points this last year. we then were awarded what they call select dintinguished club. Awesome!!! our club is growing. in fact at tonights we will be voting on a new member. so keep praying God is blessing my club. This year I am no longer president but am in charge of public relations. other then that not much going on here that I can tell you about. Oh before I forget I am helping co-teach 4-6 graders at church. God bless and will try and post more often.

elevator laugh revisited with added information

Hello! As many of you know I posted a deal about my trip to Chicago with my mom and my sister. What I negleted to mention was what made it so funny. So if you have read the post read on if not I will restate it here. April of 2005 my mom and I along with my sister took a trip to Chicago. The purpose of the trip was to visit Doctor Mckennen for consultation for surgery. After the appointment we decided to visit on of the malls. When we got out of the car it was starting to rain. Mom proceeded to pull out her beach umbrella and in the process of putting it up almost knocked someone over. My sister and I backed away and refused to move unless she had put the umbrella away. mom insisted it was big enough for all of us to be under but we stood our ground so reluctantly mom put it back in the trunk.We arrived at the mall.This place had many many floors with a glassed in elevator for traveling up and down to them.Mom saw a listing for a store she wanted to check out so in we stepped to travel up.She was on a mission to get an umbrella.Mom proceeded to push all the buttons so that we would not pass the floor that was needed.In so doing the elevator stopped on each floor.A couple of floors up a lady got on and patiently waited to get to where she needed to go.As the elevator continued to stop at each floor and open up suddenly a awful look came on her face and she said to us,isn't the elevator going down?Mom quickly turned around to stare out the back of the elevator.In dread of not knowing what to say and also trying her best not to go into hysterics,Annette answered no we were going up that we were only going up.She then also quickly looked out the back and flew her eyes over to mom in horror with the unsaid statement,Oh No.Mom at each floor would look out the door and step back and begin to laugh and asked alright who pushed all the buttons.My sister and I looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders.The lady had to travel all of the way up until it would begin its descent down because there was only one elevator.Mom did find her umbrella only to have the winds of Chicago break it. I just might have to use this story in our upcoming speech contest this fall.

toast master election update

Well it has been that time of year again. time for my toast masters club to hold our officer elections. I was not reelected President. I didn't run because according to our bilaws I could not hold consequetive terms. However I was elected to the position of Publc Relations. all ths menas is I get the word out about our club and publish our news letter and or web site. so I will be soon setting up a blog for our club so you'll see most of the goings on about my club there. it has been an awesome year and we are growing and are still in need of allyour prayers help us continue to grow and flourish.

real live elevator laughs

Well I saw Jeannie's post about elevator laughs and had to share this one. It really did happen. As many of you all remember I have had surgery in Chicago. Well it just so happend on day we were in Chicago. My mom, sister and I. This was for my consultation appointment with Doctor McKenen. Anyway we went to the appointment then decided to check out some of the sites. It was starting to rain a little before we got out of the car. So mom decided to pull out her beach umbrella to keep us dry. My sister Annette and I backed away and said no mom. no way. [put it back or we're not moving. MOm insisted we should use it. but reluctnatly she put it back. We then went into one of the Malls there I don't remember which one. Mom saw a store she wanted to check out. however it meant for us to take an elevator ride. Mom proceded to push all the butons to get to the floor she wanted. that was alright but it was what she did at every floor that drove one nuts. she looked out the doors to check to see if were had arrived at our floor yet so watching mom jump back and forth checking each and every floor drove us nuts. and she also then proceeded to laugh. we finally arrived at the store we wanted. she found an umbrella that she could use. only to have the wind of Chicago take it and ruin it.

toast masters conference and more

This last weekend was my District 62 Toast Masters Conference.It was an exciting weekend but much more was done,much more then just a conference.
Date line Friday May 4, 2007

We waited for my dad to arrive home from work so that mom and I could jump in the car and take off for Frankenmuth,Michigan,for my district conference.On our way there we talked about this and that,alot of gib gab.Three quarters of the way there we wound up coming upon road construction which slowed us up considerably.
At one point mom glanced over her shoulder out the window and remarked about how beautiful the sky had become with the sun going down.

We pulled into the Super 8 Motel about 10:00pm that evening and checked in.Upon getting into our room,we immediately got into our swim wear to stroll down to the hot tub that was awaiting us.From there we went to bed only to get up bright and early the next morning.
Date line Saturday May 5,2007,time 5:30am.

We received our wake up from the front desk and proceeded to struggle out of bed to get prepared for my Toast Masters Conference.But first things first,we had to get some breakfast.So mom and I left the room and went down the hallway to the breakfast room.Free mind you,so it was the best kind of breakfast food you could possibly want.We then went back to our room,ate breakfast and finished getting ready to get moving into Frankfurt.Did we say that the motel was in Birch Run? Yep,it was.
7:45 am
We arrived at the Bavarian Inn Lodge where the conference was being held and proceeded to get me signed in which included buying some raffle tickets.We also bought a book by Kathy Beaty, called Exhaggeration Aggrevation. With Kathy also being a toast master we hunted her down and askedif she would sign her book for us.

We then walked up the flight of stairs where all of the club banners were to be proudly displayed and placed our Words Of Hope along side of the others.As the call for the banner parade participants to assemble,I retrieved our clug banner and got ready with my mom to march in the parade.

The rest of the day was spent listening to exciting speeches and teaching being done on a variety of topics.They also had the evaluation contest that morning. In this contest you have what they call a target speaker and those in the contest evaluate that person. They have to speak for 2-3 minutes. We then adjurned for lunch about 11:30. Mom and I went out for lunch because I hadn't paid for lunch at the conference. We went to the Panda King Buffet, a chinese buffet restaurant,then about 10 to 1 drove back to the conference. I then heard some more great teaching. At about 3:00 we had the inteernational speech contest. These contestants had to speak for 5-7 minutes. They were all pretty awesome.
Time 4:30 pm

I was soon joined by my mom for the district council business meeting.


From there we went and had an awesome banquet.


A picture of myself,president of our club,Harvey Moore,who is soon to be our president,Joann Norman who is currently v.p of education until June 30 and her husband.
Date line Sunday May 6,2007

A drawing was held for the raffle.Mom was one number off from winning one of the prizes.I was no where near being close. We were entertained by an interesting group of german men and one lady playing the accordian and dancing and singing.

We woke up at our leisure, checked out of our motel and drove back over to Bronners. This is a 365 day a year Christmas store. When we first arrived we thought we would not be able to check it out but found that it just didn't open until 12 oclock because it was Sunday.So we drove over and got some early lunch and came back to browse for a couple of hours inside Bronners before leaving town.


We then departed from there to visit cousins Karen and Dennis. This was to make a special delivery of a rifle. We spent the night there and departed back for home the next morning.All in all I enjoyed the trip and plan on attending the District Conference in the fall which will be at Crystal Mountain,up by Traverse City.

toast master update and more

Well I thought I would come in and update you all about how things with my toast masters is going. It is going well. we have gained a few new members which is a good thing. Recently I participated in our Spring contest. Not competing but helping out. The spring contest is waht they call the internatiuonal speech and evaluation contest. the first one "international speech" is self-explainatory. the Evaluation contest is where people evaluate a speaker. they have 2-3 minutes to evaluate. I was the "target" speaker. that means I was the speaker that was to be evaluated. I will be doing this again on Thursday April 26 for our division level of the contest. it should be interesting. I did it because I felt I needed to give something back to the organization that has given me so much. We have elections coming up on May 8 for our club. so it will be then that we will see if I am reelected for President or if I am demoted to a different office. what ever happens is fien with me. I just wnat to help my club to succeed.

verse that has stuck for a while

THere has been a verse lately that has stuck with me and has been a great source of reminder to keep me going with my job search. But before I get to that let me rable a bit. I have has one job interview about 2 weeks ago. It was with Fifth Third Bank. It was for a Customer Service position at one of their call centers. At this point it doesn't look like I got the job. becaus classes would be starting next Monday and to date they haven't called me back to say one way or the other. Anyway as to the verse that I refered to in my Title it is Jeremiah 29 verse 11. For I know the thoughts I have toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a home. This verse means a lot to me. The above passage was taken from the New King James version. Anwya this verse means a lot to me because it gives me a great promise. it promises that the Lord's thoughts are peace and all good toward me. he promises that he has something in store for me. the following verses after that explain more. they tell me if I seek him he will be found. if I seek with my whole heart. now I am seeking him for a job and a wife. I know he'll provide these soomeday but I need to trust him and realize that he knows what's best. I just need to keep plugging away with senind out resume's and chatting with different ladies and taking steps to asking them out and seeing where the Lord provides and leads. I also realixe that I don't post on here often. I just don't have much to say from time to time. then I have something to put on and I have trouble loging in or don't have access. then when I dohave access I forget what it was I was going to post. hope that all of you are well. sorry for the long post but hey what can I say.