Sunday, May 17, 2009

I need a vacation...






In a little over 1 week I'll be heading back to my one time home; Sarasota, Florida. This has been a rough year and it's just mid-May. I'm really looking forward to getting away. I will get to see some old friends and enjoy this beautiful city with it's sunshine, beaches and the best fire department I've seen (I worked there; can you tell? Anyway it's true!).

So, I'll return to blogging when I return to Kentucky.


Thanks for reading my blog!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to the millions of readers of this blog! (OK maybe that is a slight exaggeration) I do miss my mother who died when I was 5 years old. Growing up without a mom is tough; I am a different person because of it. I struggle with depression, migraines and an obsessive compulsive personality. Now I can not say that I would not have these health issues if my mother had lived, but I'm sure that the lack of her influence on my life has had a negative impact.

If your mother is still alive, please take some time to tell her "I love you!" If your mother is still alive you are blessed. So to all the mothers out there that love their children and follow the leading of the Lord I say; "have a wonderful Mother's Day--- You deserve it!!"

Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than jewels... Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. Her sons rise up and call her blessed. He husband also praises her: Many women are capable, but you surpass them all! Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. ~Proverbs 31:10, 25-30

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

A friend in need... PLEASE PRAY NOW


I can not go into detail here but I will say I have a friend who is in urgent need of prayer. Please take a moment and pray now. Again this is an urgent request. Thank you for praying...

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Romans 8:28-31

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

John 10:10

Monday, May 4, 2009

Swine Flu...




Swine flu is spreading and the worst is yet to come! Is this a doomsday post? No... Let's talk a moment about this virus. "This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
    • Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Other important actions that you can take are—

  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures." (CDC)
If you want more information about the H1N1 virus go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm


I am concerned about this virus but I believe panic is not an option! For some this virus is causing tremendous anxiety. Lets put this into perspective; there are 36,000 flu deaths every year in the USA. If you compare the H1N1 virus deaths to the flu that occurs every year we should be less concerned about H1N1. Don't let this new virus be a "Storm in your life"!
Take care of yourself, wash your hands and cover your nose when you sneeze. STAY HOME if you are sick.

Now let's change gears... I believe people should show more concern about other things in their life such as... are you right with the Lord, are you a good husband or wife, are you a good parent?
Take each day as it happens. Don't worry about things out of your control. Trust the Lord in all things... including the swine flu!