A Heavy Heart

Hello Friends,


I received word yesterday that my physical therapist's husband was killed in a fire over the weekend. He was only 41.

I spent a lot of time with Trish last year. She came to my home every couple of days to do therapy. She spoke of her husband with such adoration. She said that Nick was the type of guy who would give you his very last cent and not blink an eye. She also said that he always put their needs before his own.

Wow.

Trish had taken their two little ones (ages 6 and 4) to visit friends in Chicago. It was an annual thing. Authorities still do not know what happened exactly.

I cannot stop crying. I can't even begin to imagine what she is going through. Not only did she lose her husband, but she lost her home filled with memories and pictures. Yes, furniture and clothes can be replaced, but I pray that she can somehow get copies of photos.

Nick knew Christ as his Savior. Trish and I spoke a lot about salvation and religion and God. She knows her loved one is in Heaven.

Please be in prayer for this family as they begin to rebuild their lives without their husband, father, son, brother, uncle.

We know God's timing is perfect in all things. It doesn't mean that we understand it though.

Thank you.

And please let me know if there is something I can be praying for you this week.

My Own Tuesday Top Ten

Since I post about Luke Menard so much it got me to thinking if there were any other famous people from Crawfordsville. So I looked up our hometown on wikipedia and this is what I found out:

1. Joseph P. Allen - Astronaut, served as mission specialist on the first fully operational flight of the Space Shuttle in 1982. He was born in Crawfordsville in 1937. He attended Mills School and graduated from Crawfordsville High School.

2. Dick van Dyke - In 1938, just before Dick was of high school age, the Van Dyke family moved to Crawfordsville, returning to Danville, Illinois in 1940.

3. Bryan James Hellwig - former professional wrestler known as the Ultimate Warrior was born in Crawfordsville in 1959.

4. Eleanor Lambert - head of NYC Fashion Institute; picked "10 Best-Dressed Women of the World" every year.

5. Henry S. Lane - One of the city's most prominent 19th century figures - a United States Senator and pallbearer for Abraham Lincoln, has a historical site dedicated to him in the city. He started a law practice in Crawfordsville in 1834.

6. James W. Marshall - A New Jersey native who had at some point called Crawfordsville his home, was the discoverer of gold at Sutter's Mill, California in 1848 and thus set off the California Gold Rush.

7. Pete Metzelaars - Professional football player, is a graduate of Wabash College. Currently on the coaching staff for the Indianapolis Colts. He has actually been to our shop and sat in one of our Mustangs. He didn't fit very well! He's a big guy!

8. Will Shortz - New York Times puzzle writer, was born in Crawfordsville in 1952 and grew up in the city.

9. Lew Wallace - the author of Ben-Hur, has his home made a historical site in the city. He attended Wabash College, moved back to Crawfordsville where he wrote Ben Hur, and died in Crawfordsville in 1905.

10. Susan Wallace - author and poet; wife of Lew Wallace. Born in Crawfordsville, Indiana to Isaac and Maria Elston in 1830.

Do you know of anybody famous from your hometown? If so, do tell!

For Today

For Today...

Outside my window...today is kind of overcast and a lot cooler than it has been....only 78 degrees this morning!





I am thinking...of all the families that need prayer this morning. My heart is heavy this morning. So many people facing such trials and hurting.





I am thankful for...my health! A year ago I had one hip replaced and was anxiously awaiting another one. I've come along way baby! I give all the glory to God!!





From the kitchen...leftovers. I made a huge crockpot full of sesame ginger chicken yesterday with brown rice and carrots. Even better the second day!





I am creating...a list of the Bible stories we want to make sure our Awana girls get taught this year. Most of the kids come from unchurched homes so this is a huge opportunity for us leaders to teach them about Christ and salvation!





I am wearing...the usual. Jeans, tennis shoes and a red tee shirt with the American flag. We don't dress to fancy around the shop. I'll probably end up getting grease on me somehow!





I am reading...no books right now, but a long e-mail from a new friend I have made! I am so excited and look forward to being able to witness to her. She is ten years younger than I am and also has arthritis. She's not handling it too well so I hope I am able to encourage her. Please pray for me as I do this!





I am hoping...to feel really well this week, especially my hands. I have lots of writing to do in some ledgers and I need my hands to work!





I am hearing...Chris Daughtry's cd playing. The guys out in the shop always have a cd going. Sometimes I torture them and make them play something I would like such as The Osmonds, The Carpenter's or The Bee Gees!





Around the house...things are moving and a shaking! My husband (PTL) wants to get rid of some junk!! And all the angels sang...Hallelujah!





One of my favorite things...a sense of accomplishment. It feels good when something gets done for a change and you can actually make a checkmark on your list. And that checkmark means...DONE!





A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...to try and keep my husband in the getting rid of junk mood! Can you say, "Hellooooo Goodwill!"





Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...






Once again, this is Luke Menard. He was on American Idol this year and made it to the top 16. He was diagnosed with cancer shortly after getting voted off. Our community has been so supportive and has had numerous fund raisers for him. On Saturday Luke gave a concert at the local high school. Read here and here if you are interested! Please remember to pray for this sweet young man as he seeks God's direction for his life.

1000 Blessing's Friday

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

This week my blessing list is a little different. While I've received many blessings this week I want to share some special people. I've said numerous times how much I love Blogville and the fact that we can share our prayer requests and know that our friends are praying for us. I consider it a blessing and a privilege to pray for these people. Will you please take a moment to visit them and pray for their needs?

281. Kimmy ~ She's my sweet, sweet friend who has recently broke her foot. She's likes to keep busy and this is slowing her down a bit. We all know that God's timing is perfect, so there is a reason for it. Please pray for healing.

282. Christine ~ This amazing family has adopted a precious little boy named Dennis. He faces some upcoming surgeries and needs pray. I have enjoyed reading and getting to know this family. And it's big one....full of love!

283. Luke ~ He was on American Idol this year and comes from my hometown. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin's. He's working hard to get his career started in christian music. He's a sweetheart and loves the Lord very much! Check out this clip from the tv show Extra. He was on it last night.

284. Kimmie ~ Another beautiful family that has adopted children from all over and are awaiting a child from Ethiopia. They are up to #12 on the waiting list and are anxious for their newest family member to arrive home! Again, we know God's timing is perfect.

285. Heather ~ Her father has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Things are grim right now. Please pray for healing, peace and spiritual needs. I know what it's like to say goodbye to your father. My heart aches for her and her family.

286. The Laurie Family ~ I do not know this family, but saw on someone else's site that their son had died in a car accident.

287. Nathan, Tricia and Gwyneth ~ Tricia has Cystic Fibrosis and sweet Gwyneth was born 15+ weeks premature. This is an extraordinary family full of love and most importantly faith in God.

288. Amy & Michael ~ Some of you may know them already. A sweet couple patiently awaiting the arrival of their daughter, LynnMarie, from China! It's and exciting time for them and I am sure they are anxious to have her home!

Thank you! And please leave a comment and share with me what's on your heart. How can I pray for you this week?

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Back To School Memories and A Giveaway!

Mary is giving away this awesome backpack at her place! All you have to do is mention the contest on your blog and leave her a comment telling her one of your "first day of school memories". How easy is that folks? Hmmm, I am quite forgetful in my old age so I am going to need to think hard, but I bet I can do it! I have one child left in school and he said, "Mom, I need you to win because those are my school colors!" Wish me luck!



The drawing is next Tuesday so you need to enter soon!



I just turned fourteen and was going into my freshmen year of high school. I was scared to death! I didn't like change. I was used to having the same teachers year after year and the same classmates too. They had grown up with me and knew the reason I limped, had crooked fingers, wore splints and sometimes used crutches. No explanation needed.

I started off my high school years on crutches. Back in the olden days we didn't have backpacks like kids do now. I wasn't sure how I was going to get around that big school carrying my books. I got to school early that morning and was determined to get three classes worth of books and folders so I wouldn't have to keep coming back to my locker which was quite a walk. I was stubborn and too prideful to ask someone new for help.

I was pleased as punch when I managed to get all my books and folders for those three classes. As I was walking with them I tripped and fell. All my things went flying everywhere! Because of my arthritic knees I could not get on the floor to gather up my stuff or even bend down to get it either.

I started to cry. What was I going to do?

A teacher walked out of his room and started collecting all my things. He got them all put together and called for a girl named Angie. He asked her if she would mind helping me to my class. She was quiet like me, but smiled and said sweetly, "Sure!".

From that day forward she helped me to every single class for the next four years. We became best friends and went through good and bad times together. We needed each other.

God's timing was perfect. Angie taught me to be humble and ask for help. And most importantly to accept it. I was able to witness to her and share the gospel!

It was a win/win situation for both of us for which I know I am blessed!