Jo's Journey of Joy

The Joy of Neighbors

2010-07-22T07:16:00.000-05:00

How nice to have a backyard fence

Across which neighbors chat,

Exchange a cookie recipe-

Or speak of this and that...

Someone who'll reach to hold your hand

When you are feeling sad,

Or double-twice your happiness

When you are feeling glad!

Today my neighbor called to me,

"Come see my summer rose!"

And as we chat her coffeepot

Boils up and overflows.

We laugh together and she says,

"Oh well, come in for tea."

We share a fence, a rose, a cup-

And, oh, how blessed are we!

Taken from: Quiet Moments for Women by June Masters Bacher

Eugene, Oregon

Used by Permission.

Yesterday, I got home from work, early, to find one of my dearest neighbors out in her front yard. Her husband came out, and we chatted in my driveway (as we were admiring my new-ish Ford Escape...I've had it for a couple of months, now), and stayed to chat with us for a while. As we chatted, my sons unloaded my car, another neighbor came and went, and her husband went inside. But, having not seen each other in person for a couple of weeks, we sat in the shade and visited for the better part of an hour. We have been neighbors and friends for almost 33 years. God has showered us with wonderful, Godly neighbors who have been blessings to us for all that time, and I can never praise him, nor thank him enough! One of my greatest joys in this life, is knowing that I will get to spend eternity in heaven, with these same people!

I use many poems written by June Masters Bacher from the devotional book cited above. This book was given to me by another very dear friend and neighbor, for Christmas in 1985, and I am rediscovering the messages found in this book. The messages that God clearly laid on Mrs. Bacher's heart. Thank you, Kathy B. for giving this to me, so long ago!

My prayer for you, today, is that you will find joy in your friends, neighbors, and community. That you will stick together in the good times and bad. That you will laugh and cry with each other. And, that you will love each other, and praise God together for all eternity. Thank you, Lord, in advance for answering this prayer!

Love, Hugs, and Prayers for All,

Special Request

2010-06-30T05:45:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I received the following request in my e-mail, from a sweet friend.

To whom ever recieves this note,

Almost 3 years ago I was priveleged with the opportunity to take care of a young patient while working in Houston at The Methodist Hospital. Casey was a 22 yr old newlywed, with an 8 month old baby girl when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Him and his family flew from Kentucky to Houston shortly after diagnosis to be treated. After chemotherapy, blood tranfusions, bone marrow biopsies, etc he went back home and did very well. In March he had a bone marrow biopsy that came back clean, he had been clean for 2 years, so they called him "cured". About a month later he got sick, and another biopsy showed the leukemia was back. Casey went to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. for treatment. The chemo he recieved was very hard on him. His immune system is completely wiped out and he has gotten pneumonia. The pneumonia became too much for his lungs, and it was too difficult for him to breath on his on. He is now in ICU on a ventilator, fighting for his life. With leukemia it takes a while to recover from chemo, their blood counts take a while to come up. It's a slow process, and very hard to watch and wait.

This is a very overwhelming time for Casey's family. They are out of town, in a hospital just waiting for things to get better. His wife Kristen texts me often with questions and updates. Not only is she worried about her husband, but having a 3 yr old who doesn't understand is tolling. I would like them to be overwhelmed in a different way as they face each day of unknowing. I ask that all of you write a personal note to Casey, Kristen, and Adlee Grace and let them know that you are praying for them. I would like for them to feel the presence of God and see the love of His people. In addition, I would ask that you enclose a one dollar bill for each person the note represents as praying for them. As they see the "prayer dollars" stack up, it will encourage them and give them a special story to tell. I don't mean for this to be a fund raiser; only for a unique way for them to realize how many people care for them. They won't have to "wish they had a dollar for everyone who is praying for them." Please pass the word (mail, email, text, etc.) and let's give them something good to remember when they look back on this tough time.

Casey Smithson
MICU Rm# 8641
C/O VUMC

1211 Medical Center Dr.
Nashville, TN 37232

ckarsmithson@gmail.com

Let me know if I can help you help them.

In Him,

Allison (Crowe) Breeding

tbab730@yahoo.com

281-797-2219

I have been praying for this special family, and am mailing my note, today!

Thanks, Allison, for allowing me to share this with my precious, prayer-warrior readers.

Love, Hugs, and Prayers,

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T13:36:00.000-05:00

To my Wonderful Mother, with all my love, "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!"

I got the following verse in my e-mail this morning. Thank you Janet! I hope you do not mind me sharing this with everyone!

Dear Lord
Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day

With little time to stop and pray

For life's been anything but calm

Since You called on me to be a mom

Running errands, matching socks

Building dreams with building blocks

Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes

And other stuff that children lose

Fitting lids on bottled bugs

Wiping tears and giving hugs

A stack of last weeks mail to read

So where's the quiet time I need?

Yet when I steal a minute, Lord

Just at the sink or ironing board

To ask the blessings of Your grace

I see then, in my small one's face

That you have blessed me

All the while

And I stop to kiss

That precious smile

Author: Unknown

Hope each and everyone one of you have a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day.

Thankful and Blessed!

Hey, Ma-an!

2010-05-06T08:25:00.001-05:00

A little over a year ago, I began this blog as a way to count my blessings. I had let the world crowd out the joy in my life, and was really stressed. It has been over 2 months since I last blogged. I have been spending time in reflection, serious thought, prayer, and reading. Jenny's passing was the last in a long line of friends and relatives that have gone to heaven over the last 6 months...or, so I thought.

Just as I thought that spring was warming the memory of the HARSH winter season, another has gone home to be with the Lord. During the 2 months that I have been in hibernation, I have been studying my Bible and reading several books on my Kindle. First, I read "The Shack" and then I read "90 Minutes in Heaven". I would recommend these books.

In "90 Minutes in Heaven", the author describes how people we have known and loved, throughout our lives on earth, greet us at Heaven's Gate. Today, the family and friends of Joseph Paul Lovell, Jr. (known as "Deuce"), will be saying goodbye. I have a special picture in my head of my sons arriving at the gates of Heaven, and an auburn haired, 5 year old boy, running toward them shouting, "Hey, Ma-an!" (yes, in Texas the word "man" is two syllables)

I am asking you to join me in praying for his family, in this most difficult of times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Joe, Cindy, Kristina, and Morgan. We love you, and wish that we were hugging you, now.

Deuce

Love, Hugs, and Prayers,

Clinging to Him

2010-02-26T07:38:00.000-06:00

I borrowed God's hand in my sorrow

and held it till tears went away;

I said, "I'll return it tomorrow;

Just let me hold on for today."

Somehow the time slipped thro' my

fingers

(I feel that's the way He planned);

Feel of His Presence still lingers-

I can't let go of God's hand.

Taken from: Quiet Moments for Women by June Masters Bacher

Eugene, Oregon

Used by Permission.

Jenny has gone Home

2010-02-22T19:01:00.000-06:00

This is the final post from Jenny's carepage:

Jenny Bizaillion

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your
sting?

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ!

Jenny Bizaillion passed from this world at 3:38pm.

She was the most beautiful, wonderful friend, perfect mom, devoted
sister, loyal daughter, and best wife a person could ever have.

We will see her again.

Thank you to all who have prayed for Jenny and her wonderful family. Please keep her family in your constant prayers, as they adjust to life, here on earth, without her.

Another Update on Jenny's Status

2010-02-21T19:12:00.000-06:00

The following is the latest post from her Carepages

Sun, Feb.21, 6:45pm Update

We trust that God is still involved in this. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. His ways are higher than our ways.
We are so desperate for him to speak a word, because his words do not return to him empty.
This situation is very serious…worse than we could imagine. Lesions (infected abscesses) are all over Jenny’s brain. She is still a very, very sick girl. At the time, the doctors do not know the extent of damage caused.
We are calling for our prayers warriors to beat down the doors of heaven tonight because we are in need of a serious Holy Spirit breakthrough.
1) Pray for the lesions to shrink with the new antibiotics.
2) Pray for the seizures to stop.
3) Pray for Jenny to wake up and respond. The reason she isn’t waking up is because of medicine issues, but we need Jenny to respond.
4) Pray that nothing has been affected by the lesions. Pray against long-term affects.
5) Continue to pray for the doctors to have wisdom and discernment because at this point the doctors are forced to think outside the box. Dr. Lester is bringing in more experts tomorrow to decide what the next step is. We need the new doctors to be able to understand this crisis.
Thank you to the 3 winners of ACU’s Sing Song for donating all their earnings to Jenny Bizaillion.

Thank you all, in advance, for honoring this family's specific prayer requests. If you leave a message on her Carepage, or on the Facebook group "Praying for Jenny Bizaillion", you can rest assured that her husband is reading the messages and prayers left on these sites to her. Please pray, also, for the strength, stamina, and comfort of her entire family. This roller coaster ride has been exhausting for all of them. Please continue to lift Jenny and her family up to the Father!

Praying for Jenny!

Jenny is once, again, Fighting for her Life!! Please continue to PRAY!!

2010-02-21T12:46:00.000-06:00

The following is this morning's update from her Carepages

Sunday February 21 11:20 AM

Jenny continues to have seizures this morning, after having gone quite a while without any. The infectuous disease doctor is changing to an antibiotic that has more success than penicillin at penetrating into the brain. He seemed more hopeful that she might recover than was the neurologist yesterday.
We so long for answers -- especially from YHWH-Rapha.

There have been over 8000 visitors to her carepage. Some know her, some do not...even those taking care of her, are checking in and leaving messages! Jenny and her family have been a blessing to countless numbers over the years, and are continuing to bless others, in the midst of this fight for her life! Please continue to pray without ceasing. Jenny needs the healing touch that only YHWH-Rapha can provide. Please pray that this new antibiotic will work, that her seizures will cease, that God will guide and refresh those attending to her daily...doctors, nurses, aides, family, and friends. Pray that they, and Jenny, will each feel the prayers that we are praying, and the Love of God, all around them in a very tangible way. And, that this will renew and refresh their battle-weary spirits, in ways that can only be attributed to God himself.

Praying for Jenny!

PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!

2010-02-20T17:38:00.000-06:00

Saturday February 20 5:30 PM

We have visited with a number of doctors today. Jenny has had an EEG and a MRI of her brain. It appears that some of the sepsis bacteria had clung to her heart valves, and has now released into her brain. The MRI shows a number of lesions, and the neurologist has not given us the rosiest of prognoses.
So we are asking you to pray for the cleansing power of Jesus to mend and heal Jenny's brain. They have removed her from all of her pain meds so that they can find out how cognitive she is. It may take a while for her to wake up, because her body cannot metabolize the medicines very quickly. The doctors are discussing the best anti-seizure meds right now, as some have adverse affects on the liver and others on the kidneys.
In summary: We are up against the wall. We are desperate for the healing power of our Savior to anoint Jenny's body right now.

PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!

If you have been around my blog for any length of time, you have heard me say before that there is no defense against prayer. It is the believer's most effective weapon, and I am asking all of you prayer warriors out there to wield this weapon now, with the power that is only found in the name of Jesus!

Thank you for being willing to pray for Jenny and her precious family! He is mighty to save!

Please Continue to Pray without Ceasing!!

2010-02-20T09:10:00.000-06:00

Saturday February 20 9:00 AM

Well, so much for the calm of yesterday. We received a call in the early morning hours that Jenny had a grand mal seizure. Since then, she has had another one, as well as a minor seizure. They are attempting to discover the cause of these. It could be a number of things, or a combination of things:
1. It could be related to her high bilirubin count.
2. It could be due to the level of her sedation -- so they are cutting back on that.
3. She is running a fever, which could be the cause.
They are going to do an MRI as soon as possible to see if it shows any problems. Dr. Lester is not expecting it to. Also, a hematologist has been called in to see what can be done about her bilirubin. She is also losing blood somewhere or somehow, but it is not showing up anywhere.
So we are calling on Jenny's prayer warriors to arm yourselves and go to battle once again.
On another note, a few days ago we had requested no visitors. We are now past that point if anyone would like to come by. Josh and his family have returned to Memphis, and Jonathan will be leaving today. So Beverly and David and I will be here at the hospital. If you do come by and there is no one in the waiting room, it will probably be because we are back with Jenny or gone for a bite to eat.

Please continue to pray for sweet Jenny and for her family!!

Blessings!

An Update on Jenny from her Dad

2010-02-19T19:40:00.000-06:00

Friday February 19 6:00 PM

Jenny has had a restful day today. She just finished having her hair washed. All her numbers except for her bilirubin are doing well.
The goal is to get her off the vent tomorrow, and get her a talk button put on her trach. Maybe by tomorrow we will actually get to talk to her!
The surgery is healing well. Her hands are not getting any worse -- thank the Lord! Occasionally when she does wake a bit, I (Rick again) have gotten a smile. And when Beverly told the nurses how much she loved a long bath, she raised her eyebrows -- just like Jenny!
The doctors and staff are talking more about her next step -- rehab. It is music to our ears! REHAB! Until just recent days, there was no talk about tomorrow!
So please pray for:
1. Her vent to be able to be removed
2. Her bilirubbin to come down
3. Her continued improvement
God is good! And we feel SO blessed to have our precious Jenny.

Please pray specifically for these requests!

Blessings!

Rainbows After a Storm

2010-02-18T07:08:00.000-06:00

"Oh, rainbow,that gracious thing, made up of tears and light." - Coleridge

This quote was at the beginning of my daily devotional this morning. It made me think of Josh's post about God crying with him, yesterday.

Our tears, mingled with God's, bathed in the light of love.

Have a blessed day!

Latest Update on Jenny

2010-02-17T20:02:00.000-06:00

This is the latest update we have on Jenny, written by her brother Jonathan:

Jenny's Carepage

Jenny is resting very peacefully right now following surgery. The family just met with the doctors and they are pleased with how she handled the surgery and how her vitals are now. They are beginning to talk about the future (which we have not heard much about yet). We are very blessed to have the doctors that we have here. They have been great and the Lord has moved through them. They believe Jenny will rest through the night due to the anesthesia.
For me personally (Jonathan) I viewed this day similar to that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I believe that God could heal her feet, but even if He did not, we will not bow down to any other god. He is good! He is faithful!
Here are the things that the doctors have told us we need to be in prayer for:
1. For her hands. The doctors are very hopeful that she will not lose much of her hands (probably only fingertips) but we want to pray against infection setting into her hands.
2. For her liver to begin fully functioning.
3. For the pneumonia to be healed.
4. For no other infection to be allowed into Jenny’s body.
5. For Malaya as she receives the news about her mommy.
David is planning to tell Malaya tonight. If you are friends with Malaya or know Malaya, please be sensitive to her as she begins this transition.
Thank you once again for joining us in prayer and walking with us through this road of suffering.
He is mighty to save!

And, her brother Josh posted his thoughts on his blog, Learning What It Means to Live, today.

Please pray for this family!

Jenny Update

2010-02-17T05:35:00.000-06:00

Surgery is scheduled for today, February 17, 2010 @ 09:30 a.m. Please visit her carepage below, for specific requests from the family. You will need to sign up, or log in as Jenny Bizaillion with the password friends.

https://www.carepages.com/carepages/JennyBizaillionUpdates

Praying!

Keep Those Miracles Coming, Lord!

2010-02-15T18:34:00.000-06:00

Latest updates from Jenny's CarePage

How Beautiful

This is my first time to write an update (Rick). The family is in a state of shock and numbness at the news we received this morning. The attending doctors have just decided to do some further testing -- so they have postponed the surgery until tomorrow.
It is incredible what happens in the mind at a moment like this. I keep hearing my precious daughter singing Twila Paris' "How Beautiful" at Jonathan's and Jennifer's wedding (she gives me goosebumps when she sings).
And while we preachers are taught to always preach in context (though we sometimes break that rule when it serves our purposes), I keep thinking about Romans 10: 15. "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news." Although my daughter is not a preacher, she is a vessel in which the gospel is carried -- as has been evidenced on these pages. And no matter what happens, I have confidence that she will continue to be God's ambassador, feet or no feet, perhaps in greater ways than ever.
Satan has delivered a severe blow. No doubt he wants to cripple our family. Gangrene and sepsis are only part of the Fallout from the Garden. But no matter what Satan delivers to us here, there is one thing that cannot and will not change. My daughter will be made whole again -- for all eternity. And all this makes me say with greater passion, "Come, Lord Jesus."
If my attitude is wrong about what I am about to say, I have already asked God to forgive me. But I cannot wait to see Satan cast into the pit forever and ever for all of the pain and suffering he has inflicted on God's children -- and in particular, my baby girl.
So while we are numb today, we do not lose hope. Victory has been secured at the cross. And we WILL rejoice in that.

February 15, 4 PM Update

(Rick again) The doctors have X-rayed Jenny's legs and see no gas, which means that for the time being surgery is not needed. They will go day-by-day. There is still some source of infection that they have been unable to pinpoint.
For now, she is stable, awakening occasionally and responding to our words.
So,please:
1. Be praying hard for her legs to get better -- taking talk of amputation off the table.
2. Pray that the doctors will be able to locate the source of infection.
Words will never be adequate to express our gratitude to you all. Your support and prayers have truly been evidence of the 2nd incarnation -- Christ in His people. We plead with you to be furious in your prayers for these two requests.

Keep praying, Prayer Warriors!

Pray for a Miracle!

2010-02-15T14:55:00.000-06:00

The following is the last update I have seen, today. It is almost 3:00 pm CST. Please continue to pray!

Mon, Feb.15, 10:50 Update

I don't know what to say.

We just received the news that they are going to perform surgery on Jenny at 3:00pm to amputate just below her knees.

They are a little concerned about performing such a procedure with Jenny in the condition she is in, but they are convinced that this is necessary.

Keep praying for a miracle.

Continuing to pray,

Again, I am asking you to PRAY!!! (As you have never prayed before!)

2010-02-14T13:00:00.000-06:00

To all Prayer Warriors out there, I am beseeching you to cover Jenny Bizaillion in prayer!! These are the 2 updates for today from her CarePage. We already know that prayer works and that God has moved mightily in this life and death struggle in which Jenny is embroiled.

Sun, Feb.14, 10:30, Update

Posted 2 hours ago

Jenny had a few bumps during the night with the dialysis machine. It was nothing major. The nurses didn’t even call the family to inform them.
The doctor did give us all 3 things to pray for today. You’ve got to love it when the doctor feels compelled to offer specific prayer requests, and he does it in the “3 point” style. I’m still a little skeptical, but I’m wondering if he has Church of Christ roots due to his "3 point" method.
Seriously, here are the 3 requests:
1) Jenny needs to get off the vent. If she isn’t off by Monday, they are going to put in a trachea. They’d rather not do this.
2) Remove the fluid. Jenny had over 6 pounds of fluid removed from her body yesterday, but there is still approximately 15 pounds of excess fluid still inside of her.
3) Pray against infections and complications. And this point in the game, bizarre things can happen.
He is mighty to save!

Sun, Feb.14, 11:05am, URGENT UPDATE

Posted 2 hours ago

A new post went up at 10:30am, so scroll down because there are 3 prayers requests.
This is an URGENT REQUEST and we need to enlist the prayers of warriors. Please call upon the power of God to work in Jenny's feet. Knock down the doors of heaven with this plea.
They are calling in a vascular surgeon tomorrow to look at Jenny's feet and determine if they need to be amputated. They are afraid that wet gangrene has set in, and if so, it can spread throughout the body.
Come, Lord Jesus, and get involved in Jenny's feet!

The family has asked us to "knock down the doors of heaven with this plea"! Let's show the world that "He is Mighty to Save"!

Thank you in advance for being willing to take this before the Father!

Praying Continually!

An Exercise in Faith and Trust

2010-02-13T10:16:00.000-06:00

I have not posted in a month. It has been a very busy month. I will share some of what has happened at a later date.

Right now, I will just ask you to pray for Jenny Bizaillion. If you search for "Praying for Jenny Bizaillion", you will see MANY bloggers asking you to do the same. There are many that list the details of her illness. If you want the day-to-day updates, please go to her CarePages site, and please know that her parents, husband, daughter, brothers, other family and all of her friends are grateful and thank you.

Thousands have been and are praying, donating (no insurance and the bills will be astronomical), and leaving kind words and wishes for the last 10 days.

If you want to know what kind of woman Jenny is, all you have to do is read the updates and comments on her CarePages or on the Facebook group "Praying for Jenny Bizaillion". If you want to know what kind of family she has, do the same. The one thought that I had when I read her dad's blog is this: This is a family who has Faith in a Living Breathing Active Lord, and they Trust in him Implicitly!

The following is a quote from Rick's Reflections (from last week) that provoked that thought:

" For updates on Jenny, you can go to the following link. The next 24-48 hours are critical. All her systems are shutting down right now. She has been given a 50-50 chance of survival.

Please continue to pray. But let me tell everyone: No matter what happens -- God is good and deserving of our praise."

AMEN!!

The link he is referring to is her CarePages link. It has the latest updates, links to a donation page to help cover medical bills, and some glimpses into Jenny as a wife, mother, daughter, and Woman of God. It also contains instructions on how to send an e-mail letting her know that your church is praying for her. There is a list being compiled for her, when she is fully awake. Reading these pages will bless your heart and soul. (Security dispersing believers to 6 waiting rooms throughout the hospital, her mom counseling and praying with others who had someone in ICU, and the local radio station calling to pray on the air with her family due to the volume of calls they had regarding Jenny,...just to name a few blessings.) Please visit and...

PLEASE PRAY!!

Blessings Come in Many Ways...

2010-01-13T07:11:00.000-06:00

"Blessings come in many ways, but the nicest come as friends."

I know you have seen this saying cross-stitched on a pillow, in a decorative plaque or (my personal fave) in a scrapbook. And, yesterday, I became aquainted with a new "blessing"!

There is a sweet lady that walks in our neighborhood. She always waves and says, "Have a blessed day!" She usually walks by my house, after my normal time to leave for work. Well, yesterday, I was running late and she was walking my way, as I was getting into my car. She gave me her usual greeting, and then asked if it would be o.k. to pray over my house, as she walks by each day. "Of Course!", was my enthusiastic response.

She then proceeded to tell me that she has made it her mission to pray over the neighborhood as she walks, each day. What a wonderful mission! She began walking for her physical health, and is now increasing her spiritual health...and, that of each of those she prays over! I am so inspired!!

I am not a New Year's Resolution type person, but this sweet lady has inspired me to find a mission in the daily tasks that I perform. Thank you, D.!

So, what daily tasks/habits can you turn into a mission? Pray about it, and let me know what God lays on your heart!

Meanwhile, please pray for:
   The Family of John Hausenpflug
   Brian Lemond

My prayer for you, today, is that God sends you many blessings, and opens your eyes and heart, to recognize them all!

Joyful Blessings,

Another Chance

2010-01-01T06:41:00.000-06:00

               Another chance to dream again;
               Another Trail to take;
               Another chance to start once more-
               New resolutions make.
               Another chance to follow stars
               That Christmas brought our way,
               To keep our aspirations bright-
               Renewing them each day.
               Another chance for greeting friends;
               There's no need for "Goodbye,"
               For old years end to bring, I think,
               Another chance to try:
               For God has plans for each of us
               Such as we never knew-
               Until we reach the Higher Things
               His love can lead us to.

Taken from: Quiet Moments for Women by June Masters Bacher

Eugene, Oregon

Used by Permission.

My prayer for this new year, is that each of us will experience the love of God, that leads us to "Higher Things". And, as in Philipians 3:14, you will "...press on toward the goal..."

May your 2010 be filled with God's Blessings!

Blessings!

The Reason for the Season

2009-12-23T07:01:00.000-06:00

I got the following e-mail, today, and wanted to pass it on to you. I was unable to post the photo that goes with it, so, I have just written the words "Jesus is the Reason for the Season". This is just a reminder...

This was such an inspiring message I had to pass it on... to YOU!

JESUS is the Reason for the Season!

As the season approaches - REMEMBER:

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa.

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO!!!

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry."

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys.

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but,

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree...

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about..

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the Reason for the Season.

Wishes and Dreams Winner

2009-12-17T06:12:00.000-06:00

And the winner is: angelfire!

Congratulations!

Contact me at: jo@josjourneyofjoy.com to claim your prize!

Wishes and Dreams Giveaway!

2009-12-12T16:06:00.000-06:00

When I was 8 years old, my mother was in a car accident that put her in the hospital for the entire summer. My brother and sister and I were passed back and forth between my Mom's family and my Dad's family, for that summer. We thought it was a grand adventure!

My cousin Hilda and I were only 6 weeks apart in age, and we had BIG plans for our future (together of course). We would be contestants in the Miss America Pageant, and it would be a tie, so we would reign together! We would move to San Antonio (pronounced Santone). And, we would both be secretaries, marry our bosses, and live in the same neighborhood, and do everything together.

We had life figured out! Or, so we thought. Until, Hilda was diagnosed with Leukemia. We were 13 at the time she was diagnosed, and she will be forever 13. She stayed mostly at M.D. Anderson in Houston, but, would sometimes be released to come out to our farm (about 50 miles away). In 1968, M.D. Anderson was the place that advances in cancer were happening...but, as advanced as they were, they were light years away for her. She lived for over 6 months from diagnosis, and at that time, the prognosis was much shorter. As much as I miss her, I will be eternally grateful for the time that we had together...every minute.

Today, this disease has a far better prognosis, but is no easier for patients and caregivers to bear. The cure is often as fatal as the disease. I am having a giveaway to benefit my friend Peggy, who is running a Marathon in Nashville for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Peggy's Page

Peggy ran the Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, earlier this year in San Diego. Here is her story in an excerpt from the Team In Training Newsletter:

Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

Cancer has touched so many peoples life’s personally and mine is no exception. My first memory of cancer was my aunt Cynthia, who died of Hodgkin’s disease when I was a child. She left behind three small children, who lived with my family for a short period of time, adjusting to her death. Four years ago in April, my sister, Jackie, called me; she was in the emergency room in Conroe. The diagnosis was leukemia and they were transporting her to M.D. Anderson in Houston. My reaction, there has to be a mistake, no way, but within one day, her life and mine were changed forever. She was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in blast phase, the worst possible scenario. I spent the next two weeks exploring all her options with her. This was my first exposure to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The literature provided by LLS was so helpful and the resources for helping families were accessible immediately.

Four months into Jackie treatment, I went in for my routine yearly exam including my mammogram. I was 49 and had perfect reports, this time was different. The radiologist came in to talk with me. She discovered 3 tiny micro calcifications (they looked like pin point size white dots) on my right breast. Her concern, that it was the early stages of ductal cell cancer, she recommended a biopsy. I scheduled my biopsy for August 30, and August 31, I got the call. It was malignant but in the earliest stages. I fortunately did not require chemotherapy but did have 6 ½ weeks of radiation because of the aggressive type. My last day of radiation was the day before Thanksgiving. Wow oh wow, what a Thanksgiving Day that was! In August I will celebrate 4 years cancer free.

The past three years, I have raised money for the research for all cancers with the American Cancer Society but nothing prepared me for the way I feel after joining Team in Training. Thanks to my friend, Donice Jones, who encouraged me to join, my life has changed because of the wonderful support from my coaches, mentors and team. I know that the journey just began this year with TNT and it won’t stop with this marathon because the race has not been won yet. Thank you for your contributions, Peggy.

Please consider a donation for Blood Cancers! I have signed up for another marathon in Nashville on April 24th!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ctx/cmc10/psharp

Cancer has touched most of us, in one way or another in our lifetime. I have only posted 2 stories here, but there are many more out there. Two more that have touched me can be found on the following blogs:

Elijah's Story

I miss this little guy! I miss his smiling face peeking over the pew in front of us at church...but, I will remember that smile, always!

Abby's Story

I have never met this little girl in person, but I feel as if I know her! Her family is very open about what she is going through on their blog. Always trusting God to get them through. They have a button with her story posted on their blog.

I know that this is a long post, but here is what many of you have been waiting for (because I promised to get this up this week...and this week is almost gone)!

Creative Memories Wishes and Dreams Products

12x12 Coverset

12x12 White Pages and Protectors

12x12 Kit - Wishes and Dreams

Stardust Maker

(This package is worth over $100.00!)

All you need to do, is click on Peggy's Donation Button (upper right hand corner) or follow her link (above), and make a donation! Then come back here, and leave a comment telling me how much you donated. You will get one entry for each dollar that you donate! It's that simple!! No entries after midnight Central time on Wednesday, December 16, 2009. Winner will be announced on Thursday morning!

Love, Hugs, and Prayers!

Do You Know How to Make Meatloaf?

2009-11-28T19:44:00.000-06:00

Not long after the Hubs and I were married, he asked me one day, "Do you know how to make meatloaf?" I had never made meatloaf in my life, but had seen a can of Hunt's Tomato Sauce in ~~his~~ our cabinet that had a meatloaf recipe on it. So, of course, not wanting him to know that I had never made it before, I said, "Sure!"

This meatloaf has become a family favorite at our house, and I eventually (after several years) told him that I had never made a meatloaf, until that day! I kept the can to use as a pencil holder, until I finally decided to write the recipe down on paper and recycle the can (we had small children by then). I hope you enjoy this meatloaf as much as we have through the years!

Dutch Meatloaf

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 C. soft bread crumbs

1 Med. onion, chopped (we prefer 1/2)

1-15 oz. can tomato sauce

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 C. water

2 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. mustard

1 Tbsp. vinegar

Lightly mix beef, crumbs, onion, 3/4 cup tomato sauce, egg, salt and pepper. Shape into a loaf in a shallow pan. Combine the remaining tomato sauce with the rest of the ingredients, and pour over the loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting with pan juices/sauce several times during baking. Makes 5-6 servings.

Now, you also need to know that every time I make a meatloaf, the Hubs begins quoting Jack Prelutsky's poem, My Mother Made a Meatloaf which can be read at Scrapbook.com

Meatloaf makes us laugh for so many reasons! And, we all need more laughter in our lives...remember when I posted the scientific study about optimists living longer? Eat some meatloaf, read the poem out loud to your kids, and have a laugh-out-loud good time!!

P.S. - It seems that every recipe I post has a story, or a tradition, or a special memory to go with it! What recipe do you make that has special meaning for you?

Blessings, Friends!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2009-11-26T07:04:00.000-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

My prayer for today, is that you all get to spend time with family and friends; thanking God for being sufficient!! He fills all our needs.

Have a Blessed Day, all!