Phone call

Good morning everyone.  I hope you all had a good night’s rest and are ready for another day. 

 

A few weeks I sent out an email and I think I  typed the same thing in the subject line.  I want to tell you about another phone call.

 

Twenty-two years ago today, about 2:30 in the afternoon, I got a phone call from the woman my children were staying with.  It was a Friday and had been snowing since about 10:00; the kids got out of school early and they got off the bus at the sitter’s.  TJ was really old enough to go home by himself, but since the weather was getting so bad, I didn’t want  him to do that.  I was up to my eyeballs at work and I remember Melvin, my boss, was standing by my desk helping me with a tax return.  The phone rang and the other lady in the office answered it.  She told me it was for me and I asked her to see if I could return the call in a few minutes.  Then she said it was my babysitter and she needed to talk to me right away.  Well, naturally my heart just jumped right up into my throat.  I took the call and her words scared me to death…..she couldn’t find my boys.  TJ, Raymond and one of their friends, that also stayed with her, had gone outside shortly after getting to her house.  This was not unusual.  The neighborhood had several houses, everyone knew everyone else so she wasn’t too worried about them playing outside, sometimes they even played in the woods across the road.  When she went out to call them in for lunch, she couldn’t find them.  She called her husband, who was working about a mile down the road, and he came home, looked all around and couldn’t find them either.  By then,  she was getting really concerned, called the sheriff’s office  and called me.  I told her I would be there just as soon as I could get there.

 

I told Melvin what had happened – he said GO!  I made a phone call to my Pastor and told him what had happened and he said he would meet me at my house.  I really don’t remember much about my trip to Manns Harbor, but I do remember as I went across the bridge that I was praying.  I asked God to please save the boys. I didn’t make promises that I would do this, or that , I did not try to make any deals….I just asked Him to save the boys.  I remembered that TJ had on an old “leather” flight jacket and Raymond had left his coat at home that morning and only had on a t-shirt with ¾ length sleeves and a sweatshirt.  It had been snowing really hard since it had started.  There was already several inches on the ground and it was still coming down.  I went to the sitter’s house; still no sign of the boys.  I went home to put on some warmer clothes and was just about ready to go back out the door when my phone rang.  I remember putting my hand on the receiver and telling myself to be calm and asking God to help me.  I have to admit I really didn’t want to answer that phone.  I was so scared it would be the sheriff or someone giving me bad news.  But, I answered it and it was the sitter telling me they had been found and were okay.  I hung up and hurried back to her house.  I was so glad to see them.  They were scared, scratched, wet and very cold, but thankfully all right.

 

After we got them warmed up some they told their story.  They had gone outside to play for a while and wandered into the woods across the road.  They never meant to go so far, but they just lost their way.  TJ was a Boy Scout and knew how to find the sun and get his bearings; but there was no sun to find.  They wandered around for about 2 hours and finally stopped under a tree.  The other boy with them had on a heavy coat.  They all laid down, TJ opened his coat and pulled Raymond inside and closed it around them as best as he could. None of them were aware of how dangerous this could have been with night just a few hours away.   TJ insists they never feel asleep.  But the man who found them said he started calling their names as soon as he saw them and he was almost on top of them before they got up. 

 

I had lived in Dare County for 15 years at the time this happened but had lived in Manns Harbor for only a year.  It was an awesome feeling to realize how people, some virtually strangers, pulled together to help in time of need.

 

I need to mention one more thing.  I was a new Christian.  I was saved in May, 1988.  It hadn’t even been a year.  But, I was sure God would answer my prayer.  Our lives could have so easily been changed that day.  I could have lost the two people that are most precious to me.  But God spared them and me. My God is an awesome God.

 

I hope all of you have an absolutely great day. 

 

 

Brenda

boutlaw@carolinaregion.com

 

 

FW: Sandpiper CAB

Once again, my friend has sent me another beautiful email.  I don’t know how he does it but I am so glad he does.

 

 

Powerful !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

This poem doesn't ask anyone to forward it or take any action other than to read and enjoy.  By the way, I wish you a sandpiper.       The Sandpiper   by Robert Peterson      She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live.   I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world     begins to close in on me.  She was building a sand castle or something   and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.       "Hello," she said.       I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child.     "I'm building," she said.       "I see that.  What is it?"  I asked, not really caring.       "Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand."     That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes.      A sandpiper glided by.     "That's a joy," the child said.     "It's a what?"    "It's a joy.  My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy."    The bird went gliding down the beach.  Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself,    hello pain, and turned to walk on.  I was depressed, my life seemed    completely out of balance.    "What's your name?"  She wouldn't give up.    "Robert," I answered.  "I'm Robert Peterson."    "Mine's Wendy.... I'm six."    "Hi, Wendy."    She giggled.  "You're funny," she said.    In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on.    Her musical giggle followed me.    "Come again, Mr. P," she called.  "We'll have another happy day."    The next few days consisted of a group of unruly Boy Scouts , PTA meetings,    and an ailing mother.  The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out    of the dishwater.  I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat.    The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me.  The breeze was    chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.      "Hello, Mr. P," she said.  "Do you want to play?"    "What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance.    "I don't know.  You say."      "How about charades?"  I asked sarcastically.      The tinkling laughter burst forth again.  "I don't know what that is."      "Then let's just walk."     Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face.  "Where do you live?" I asked.    "Over there."  She pointed toward a row of summer cottages.      Strange, I thought, in winter.    "Where do you go to school?"     "I don't go to school.  Mommy says we're on vacation"      She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was  on other things.  When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day.  Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed.      Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic.  I was in no  mood to even greet Wendy.  I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt  like demanding she keep her child at home.     "Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I'd  rather be alone today."  She seemed unusually pale and out of breath.      "Why?" she asked.      I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought,  My God, why was I saying this to a little child ?      "Oh," she said quietly, "then this is a bad day."      "Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!"    "Did it hurt?" she inquired.       "Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself.       "When she died?"      "Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding,   wrapped up in myself.  I strode off.      A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there.   Feeling guilty, ashamed, and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up   to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door.  A drawn looking   young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door.       "Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson.  I missed your little girl today   and wondered where she was."       "Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in.  Wendy spoke of you so much.   I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you.  If she was a nuisance,   please, accept my apologies."      "Not at all --! she's a delightful child."  I said, suddenly realizing   that I meant what I had just said.       "Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson.  She had leukemia   Maybe she didn't tell you."       Struck dumb, I groped for a chair.  I had to catch my breath.       "She loved this beach, so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no.   She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days.   But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly..." Her voice faltered, "She left   something for you, if only I can find it.  Could you wait a moment while I look?"      I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young   woman.  She handed me a smeared envelope with "MR. P" printed in bold   childish letters.  Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach,   a blue sea, and a brown bird.  Underneath was carefully printed:       A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY.       Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heart that had almost forgotten to love   opened wide.  I took Wendy's mother in my arms.  "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry,   I'm so sorry," I uttered over and over, and we wept together.  The precious little   picture is framed now and hangs in my study.  Six words -- one for each year   of her life -- that speak to me of harmony, courage, and undemanding love.      A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the color of sand   -- who taught me the gift of love .   NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson.  It happened over 20   years ago and the incident changed his life forever.  It serves as a reminder   to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and life and each other.   The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less.       Life is so complicated, the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas   can make us lose focus about what is truly important   or what is only a momentary setback or crisis.       This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by all means,   take a moment... even if it is only ten seconds, to stop and smell the roses.       This comes from someone's heart, and is read by many   and now I share it with you..       ; May God Bless everyone who receives this!  There are NO coincidences!       Everything that happens to us happens for a reason.  Never brush aside   anyone as insignificant.  Who knows what they can teach us I wish for you, a sandpiper.                     =

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FW: JESUS LOVES ME YES I KNOW - NEVER HEARD LIKE THIS BEFORE

Good morning everyone.  Another beautiful day!! Embrace it and all it has to offer you. This is another email I borrowed from my friend, Click.  Hope you all enjoy.

 

Subject:  JESUS LOVES ME YES I KNOW - NEVER HEARD LIKE THIS BEFORE

 

 

I watched a church on television in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors
 who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the
 church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.
 
 After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted

down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and
 a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he
 placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he
 began to speak....

 "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to
 tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of
 preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one
 thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my
 trials.. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and
 pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would comfort was
 this verse........ .....

"Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
we are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me....
The Bible tells me so."

The old pastor stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the
 children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn
 sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew
 it the best."

"Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me":

 JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

 Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song..
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)

 When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)

 I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)


If you do not pass this on, nothing bad will happen, but you will have missed an
 opportunity to "reach out and touch" a friend or a loved one.

 God Bless Us All!!!


Brenda

FW: If my body were a car M&P

Too cute not to share – thanks, Click. Some of you may not be old enough to relate but I’m sure you will laugh at those of us who are!!

 

 

GRINS and Truth ?........   Worth a repeat....

 

 

Subject: If my body were a car

 

 

This is just too funny - scary how true it is!! 

IF MY BODY WERE A CAR...   

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it
in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents   and scratches in my
finish and my paint job is getting a little dull ..... 
But that's not the worst of it.   

My headlights are out of focus and it's especially hard to see
things up close  

My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and
skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.   

My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins.  

It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.   

But here's the worst of it --   


Almost every time I sneeze, cough or sputter, either my radiator
leaks or my exhaust backfires!

 

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HERSEY RAYMOND OUTLAW

My Daddy, Hersey Raymond Outlaw, was born February 19, 1913. If he was still living, he would be 98 years old. Sadly, he passed away in 1966, 5 weeks before I graduated from High School. But, there is a bright side to this – I know he’s in Heaven and I know I will see him again one day.

My Daddy’s parent were just ordinary people. They never did anything to make them famous; they weren’t wealthy-just ordinary folk. My Daddy was a humble man. He never finished high school, he never even finished grade school. His father lost both an arm and a leg and Daddy had to help out at an early large. He had three sisters, Anne, Mildred and Ruth. He never lived anywhere but Merry Hill, North Carolina. He was a farmer, a mechanic, a carpenter and was the proprietor of a little country grocery store. And I think I remember being told by my sisters, that he loved to play baseball and even traveled to other towns to play. He did not own a home until he was in his 40’s. He liked to fish and was an avid deer hunter. His male friends called him “Bear Man” – I never knew why – they just did. He and my Mama, Lida Overton got married when she was 15. Their first child, Jean, was born when Mama was only 16, three years later-my brother, Ronald, two years later-my sister, Faye and then………..ten years later……me! He called my Mama “Son” – I never knew why. He called me “Duck” and I think he called the other children by the same nickname. He was not a remarkable man; did not stand out in a crowd…..but he was very special…..because he was MY DADDY!!

Daddy was just a young man in the picture above. It was taken out in the yard at his parent’s house.

The baby in this picture is my brother’s son – we called him “Little Bud”.

This picture was taken on Easter Sunday in 1966, just a few weeks before my Daddy died.

This is the last picture we had taken of the whole family – Easter Sunday, 1966. I am on the left, my sister Jean next to me (she was little angry at her husband when this picture was taken), my sister Faye next to her and my brother Ronald on the right. It’s strange to look at this picture now and remember how happy all of us were that day – not having any idea that in less than three weeks, Daddy would no longer be with us.

I miss my Daddy a lot. He missed so much of my life. He didn’t see me graduate from high school; he didn’t give me away at my wedding, never knew my children. And sometimes, that makes me particularly sad……my Daddy was a great granddaddy. The grandchildren called him Papa. I’m truly sorry my boys never knew him. He had six grandchildren when he died and then six more were born. I just tried to figure out how many great-grandchildren there are, but I kept losing count….there are a lot. There are also several great-great-grandchildren.

I know this tribute to my Daddy won’t mean anything to some of you. I just wanted to talk about him today – on his birthday. But, then again, if your Daddy is no longer with you, maybe I caused to remember him! Thanks for taking the time to share my memories.

a picture for you

Oh, what a beautiful morning!! I just let Haley out and what a beautiful
sight greeted me. The sky is just beginning to lighten - so many different
shades of pink. It always dumbfounds me how anyone can see sights like I
see out my front door and not believe in God - not in A God - but GOD!!

I have a busy day today. I'm going to do a little housework, a little
laundry. Then I am off to Church to do a little housework. I've fixed a
big pot of chili for lunch with the ladies and then we are going to start a
wonderful Bible study. Our study book is called "Praying Effectively for
the Lost" ; most of us refer to it as "the little yellow book". What a
wealth of information in that little book. And, we have just the right
teacher for this particular study. Nancy Walker is going to lead us in this
endeavor - to learn how to pray more effectively. And, if there is anyone
that can teach us that...it is Nancy. She is such a might prayer warrior.
I know it was no accident that led her to accept this task. God knows her
and knows her heart and knew she was just the perfect person. I am really
excited about this study.

The only down side to my day is having to work the rest of the day. I
brought some work home with me. I had such a frustrating day yesterday and
didn't accomplish much and I want to make up some of that time. That's okay
- I am blessed to have a job and one that I love. A little Saturday work is
no big deal.

I hope all of you have a great day.

Brenda

A Special Blessing

This is Ms. Rennie Fuqua. She is probably not going to like the idea that I am devoting a blog post and email to her. But I think she is deserving. She is a member of Roanoke Island Baptist Church on Roanoke Island. I don’t know if she has ever been a member of another Church, but probably not. Right now, she is the oldest member in our Church. But her age does not keep her from doing the Lord’s work.

Just recently I sent out an email, “Tribute to Laura Jean”, and I told you a little about Ms. Rennie in that email. She raised her children practically by herself. And Laura Jean was a special needs child and Ms. Rennie was her constant companion.

She probably would prefer that I not post any pictures of her. But, I’ll just deal with her flak. The picture below was taken at Christmas, 2008. This was the first year we had a poinsettia tree at Church. It made a perfect backdrop for Christmas pictures. I think I took pictures of all our members and they are posted on our Church website.

This picture was taken during Vacation Bible School. For several years Ms. Rennie worked in the kitchen, preparing the snacks for the children. Ms. Rennie and Sue worked in the kitchen together this year. I am the unofficial Church photographer and I spend most of my time running from place to place.

This is another Bible School picture. She had come in the money counting room to bring us a snack and took a short break and visited with us.

This picture was taken at Missions Conference.

This picture was taken at Vacation Bible School on Friday night. This was after our closing ceremonies during the cookout we have for the kids, parents and workers.

This picture was taken during Vacation Bible School in 2010. Ms. Rennie wasn’t in the kitchen that year. She helped Ms. Hope with her class.

I chose these particular pictures for a couple of reasons. Ms. Rennie is not physically able to do some things at Church. But she is very willing to do whatever she can. She does nursery duty, helps us out with the cleaning. Last year when we exercising, she was recovering from surgery, but she would come and do what she could.

Life has not always been easy for her. She had breast cancer a few years ago and I called one afternoon to check on her before I left work to go home. I wanted to see if she needed anything from town or if there was anything else I could do for her. When she answered the phone, she sounded so cheerful and when I hung up, I was the one that had been blessed! She is a very strong woman. She has had a lot of trials in her life, but she always comes through them with a smile and grace.

I titled this post “A Special Blessing” because that is what she is. I wrecked my car a couple of weeks ago. My insurance did not cover me getting a rental car and quite frankly, I couldn’t afford to rent one without help from the insurance company. I really didn’t know what I was going to do…it might be as long as three weeks before my car would be fixed. The wreck happened on Friday and on Saturday I found out I could borrow Ms. Rennie’s car. She is having a little medical problem right now and the doctors don’t want her to drive for about a month. She was glad to have the car driven some, to keep the battery charged, etc. and I was very glad to have a car to drive. Isn’t it great how God worked that out for both of us?

There are many definitions for the word “hero”. But in every source, two words were mentioned – strength and courage. Ms. Rennie possesses both of these things. She could never have done what she had to do in her life without them. But she also has one more thing – an unfaltering faith in God. That is the key. Ms. Rennie is my hero and I am so thankful she is my friend.

FW: Careful How you Live..... M&FS

 

 

 

 

What more can be said?

 

Now this is the Living Bible: His name is Tim. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college. Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.. One day Tim decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Tim starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Tim gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Tim. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Tim and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion... When the minister gains control, he says, 'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.' 'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!' I asked the Lord to bless you As I prayed for you today. To guide you and protect you As you go along your way.... His love is always with you, His promises are true, And when we give Him all our cares, You know He will see us through. Only if you feel led to, pass this to people you want God to Bless... ....I DID!     IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED!

 

 

 

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what a great day

Good morning everyone.  I hope everybody had a great night, slept well and feel really rested today. 

 

I have finally gotten pretty busy at work.  Corporation tax returns are due March 15 and I have been working pretty steadily on them for the last 10 days or so.  I love working on corporation returns.  The books have to balance, the return has certain sections of it that have to balance and I absolutely love it when things balance.  Sometimes when I am doing the monthly bookkeeping I will have a set of books that are out of balance and the mistake is mine –99.99% of the time.  It always amazes me that I have some big clients that have 10 to 12 pages of write-up work each month (this would be about 300 to 360 checks) and 5 pages of deposits and I can balance right to the penny.  On the flip side, I can be working on one of my smaller clients that has only 1 page of write-up work and 5 deposits and I won’t balance.  I learned early on to see if the amount that I was out of balance would divide evenly by 9.  If so, that meant I had transposed a figure. I am left-handed and people that write with their left hand make more transposition errors than right-handed people.   I truly love the feeling I get when I run a trial balance and it balances to zero.  It means I did my job correctly.  That is a good feeling.

 

I don’t have anything really special to talk about today.  We had a good Church service last night.  Our Pastor was not able to be with us; he’s kinda under the weather.  But Bud and Arvin filled in for him and did a good job.  We had songs, prayer and the Word of God was presented.  Bud and Arvin were kinda on the same track last night.  Bud spoke about capabilities, talked about some of his and told us how God expects the best we can do – whatever it is.  Arvin spoke about the work that is done around the Church and how it amazes him how such a small group of people can pull off what we do. A member of the congregation spoke and said….”It’s God”.   What a wealth of truth in that statement.  Without God, we couldn’t do it.  With God….all things are possible.

 

I hope all of you have a perfectly wonderful day.  It’s really beautiful here on the Outer Banks…we may reach 70 degrees this weekend!! Can you believe it? 

 

God bless you. Embrace the day and all it has to offer you.

 

 

 

 

Brenda

boutlaw@carolinaregion.com

 

 

Beautiful Morning

Good morning everyone. What a beautiful day – at least it is here in Manteo, NC. Bright sunshine, hear a bird sing now and then, just finished breakfast, getting ready to start on tax returns.  What more could a girl ask for?  Well, let me see….

 

maybe a tall, handsome man to take care of me and let me retire; we could travel together, go fishing, work in the yard.  Maybe a short, average guy would work just as well.  No, I am just joking.  I was just thinking about some of the comments I heard on the radio yesterday from some people that were single like me. They were complaining about not having anyone to be their Valentine.  Well, you know folks, there are worse things in this world than being single.  So, I don’t have a MAN in my life….I could be married to someone that abuses me, a drunk, a dope addict.  But, I’m not; I was blessed in that respect. Believe it or not – there are worse things in this world than being single. I have several men friends – close friends – that I can call on if I need help, need a shoulder to cry on, need my mower fixed, need my washer fixed, need…..I could go on and on.  I think the union between a husband and wife is so very special.  God planned it that way and like so many things in life, WE (humans) have messed it up in so many cases.  I have many friends and family that are blessed to be married to wonderful people.  Do I envy them?  I don’t really think so….I am glad for them.  When you’ve been single as long as I have (about 27 years), I think it would be hard to be with someone else all the time.  I have gotten so set in my ways I believe it would be hard to adjust to having to share….especially my time.  I am very jealous of my time – my “me” time – and I really treasure it. 

 

I should have done this email yesterday but  after I got to work,  it was go, go, go all day long. I barely had time to eat my lunch.  So, I am wishing all of you a  belated Happy Valentine’s Day. If you are truly in love, every day should be Valentine’s Day.

 

God bless all of you.  Embrace this beautiful day and all it has to offer you.

 

Brenda

boutlaw@carolinaregion.com

 

 

FW: Columbine

I haven’t had a chance to send out an email today; just been too busy. But I received this a few minutes ago from my friend, Nancy.  She thought I might want to share it with others on my email list.  And indeed I do.  She will also get it again because she is on my “Friends” list.  Thank you Nancy.

Brenda

 

By the way, Happy Valentine’s Day to all my friends out there.  Hope you all have a wonderful day!

COLUMBINE Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:  "Since the dawn of creation there has been both good &evil in the hearts of men and women.. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out f or answers.  "The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.... Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart..  "In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA.. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent..  I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. Your laws ignore our deepest needs,  Your words are empty air.  You've stripped away our heritage,  You've outlawed simple prayer.  Now gunshots fill our classrooms,  And precious children die.  You seek for answers everywhere,  And ask the question "Why?"  You regulate restrictive laws,  Through legislative creed.  And yet you fail to understand,  That God is what we need!  " Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational  systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.  "As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your  own heart before casting the first stone!  My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"  Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech.. Please send this out to everyone you can.

 

 

 

 

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3 pictures for you

Hey friends.

I hope all of you had a great day and those of you that got snow, had time
to enjoy it. I didn't go into work until about 10:00 and that was extra
nice.

I know some of you know I had a wreck last Friday. I've attached a couple
of pictures of my car plus a picture of the pole I hit. You can see that I
am definitely not the first person to hit the pole. I may possibly be the
person that hit it the hardest. I hit it so hard my back seats laid down;
but thankfully the air bags did not deploy. I was not hurt; just a lot of
soreness. The force of the hit has aggravated a problem I have with my
neck; but nothing I can't live with. I have a perfect imprint of the seat
belt from my left shoulder to my right hip. Most of the soreness is gone
now except for my left thumb. I must have jammed it somehow. I write
left-handed and it hurts to hold my pen or pencil. Hopefully my insurance is
going to take care of the damages. The estimate has been filed and I am
waiting to hear back from them. But, you know, it could have been a lot
worse and I'm just going to "PRAISE GOD ANYWAY!!"

I made that statement for two reasons. One - I have to admit I did NOT
praise God when it happened. I just broke down and cried. Two - that was
the subject of Pastor's message Wednesday night. It was such a great sermon
and our praise and prayer time was great also. The whole point of his sermon
was that no matter what happens, good or bad, we should praise God anyway!
I know that is hard to do sometimes, and I fall far short of the mark in
praising God when I should, especially when things aren't going so great.
But, I'm going to take my Pastor's challenge to heart, and try to remember
to "PRAISE GOD ANYWAY" - no matter the circumstances.

Everyone take care.

Brenda

FW: Love this

There's some mighty fine advice in these words.

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.

FIVE.. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye..

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE.... Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN.When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice

TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone.

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.Do not keep this message.

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FW: Olden Ages

I got this from a friend a few minutes ago and thought I should pass it on. Some of you may have already received it from another friend, but it’s worth reading again. Thanks, Crystal.

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TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN,YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE, SO ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS. Observations on Growing Older ~Your kids are becoming you...and you don't like them...but your grandchildren are perfect! ~Going out is good.. Coming home is better! ~When people say you look "Great"... they add "for your age!" ~When you needed the discount, you paid full price. Now you get discounts on everything... movies, hotels, flights, but you're too tired to use them. ~You forget names .... but it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!! ~The 5 pounds you wanted to lose is now 15 and you have a better chance of losing your keys than the 15 pounds. ~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything .... especially golf. ~Your spouse is counting on you to remember things you don't remember. ~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore. ~Your husband sleeps better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than he does in bed. It's called his "pre-sleep". ~Remember when your mother said, "Wear clean underwear in case you GET in an accident"? Now you bring clean underwear in case you HAVE an accident! ~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch.. ~When GOOGLE, ipod, email, modem .... were unheard of, and a mouse was something that made you climb on a table. ~You used to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?" ~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere. ~Your husband has a night out with the guys, but he's home by 9:00 P.M. Next week it will be 8:30 P..M. ~You read 100 pages into a book before you realize you've read it. ~Notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"? ~What used to be freckles are now liver spots. ~Everybody whispers. ~Now that your husband has retired ... you'd give anything if he'd find a job! ~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet ... 2 of which you will never wear. But old is good in some things: old songs, old movies, And best of all, OLD FRIENDS!! Love you, "OLD FRIEND!" Send this on to other "Old Friends!" and let them laugh in AGREEMENT! It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter, That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived The Best time of the year...

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