Mitch from OnSite Computer Guys came onsite to fix my computer. He took it with him when the diagnosis wasn't good. There is still hope, but that flickering light is dwindling.
So far two techies have told me that there is a physical problem with the hard drive, and of course this comes only a month after the warranty on my year old cowbox computer expired. Boo.
Well, I'm beginning to think that I should take some computer classes and learn about hardware. So far I am able to install modems, soundcards, RAM...next is the hard drive replacement.
As I pine for the irreplaceable stuff on the cowbox pc, things like pictures and special emails, I find myself more upset with having to redo all the special settings for the different sites I visit. You know, the cookie settings, the Norton settings, ad-block settings. Wah! I hate this!
Oh, and I'll need to redo all the configurations of my Battlefield 1942 game! ARGH! Oh well, after I prayed for my computer I realized that Jesus did not teach us to ever pray for inanimate objects...I quickly focused my prayer for Mitch the techie!
So, for now I am stuck using my old Compaq with little memory, a slow processor and dying hard drive. Hopefully it will hold out until Cowbox recovers from his extreme makeover! At least I can get online to check email, blog and stay up on current events. I just miss playing my games!
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Bless Her Heart
Eleven year old Tiffany is learning Powerpoint. If you are able to view .ppt files, you'll have to check out her first presentation. It brought tears.
May I present Tif's first powerpoint project My Framily.
May I present Tif's first powerpoint project My Framily.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Whew! Yay! I Made It Through Last Week
It was a looooooooooong week. Whew! I'm tired.
It started out good with my day off on Sunday. I love Sunday off, it's my Sabbath.
Monday was a short day at work, but then a long drive to Louisville for District meetings to help us get ready for the upcoming holidays. I never look forward to the meetings because they are usually boring, and they were. Give me the big news and let me go home is what I want! But, it's not what I get.
The drive to Louisville was entertaining. I carpooled with my ex-assistant manager who is now running her own store. I laughed so much on the way there I actually wondered why do things like Taebo and Pilate's exist when all one really needs is to have a friend like Mary to make you laugh so hard that you really give your abs a workout! I was hurtin'! LOL
We made it to the hotel after a detour at exit 15. It turns out that there are two exit 15s! We took the wrong exit 15! It probably wouldn't have been so bad without the downpour that had me pull to the side and wait it out. Or the deadly cloud to ground lightning we envisioned was frying the cows in the pasture! Whoa! It was a BAD storm we were lost in! We finally made our way to the hotel we were staying in. We checked in and then decided to "hit the town". Actually, Mary decided to "hit the town and see the sights", I would have been happy to watch tv, which is sometimes a treat for someone who doesn't have tv.
So, we headed out and we enjoyed seeing the skyline of Louisville. We drove to the city and on our way back we got stuck in traffic due to an accident. Being unfamiliar with the area, I opted to stay in my lane and work my way up to the front as we could. The traffic was buzzing by at a steady pace in the other lanes, but I didn't want to get out for fear of taking an exit to somewhere I didn't want to be. After 30 minutes of sitting there, we finally started to move. We crawled to the front of the line where the police officer directed us over into the left lane, the one I was avoiding, because there was no way to get by the wreck. So, there was no reason for me to even sit in that lane because it was impassable and I could have gone around 30 minutes ago! I hate when that happens! LOL So, I followed the highway in that lane all the way to Indiana. I sure didn't expect to visit Indiana, but there we were! In Indiana! LOL We turned around and eventually made our way back to the hotel, but opted for a late dinner at Perkins before settling in for the night. We shared some good conversation and laughs over pancakes. Yes, I had pancakes for dinner...nothing beats a Perkins pancake!
The next morning we got up for the meeting and then suffered through boredom for about 8 hours. Ugh.
The ride home was just as entertaining, and for me the most important part of the adventure. We shared a lot of deep conversation and I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to talk with my friend and learn even more about her. It was quite a learning experience for me and it has given me much to ponder and celebrate.
God is good.
The last part of my week ended with a press conference announcement by the mall. Yay! A Youth Escort Policy (YEP) is going into effect Nov. 5. This policy requires all youth under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian from 6-9pm on Friday and Saturday nights. I think this is a great idea! I'm ecstatic about it! I think it is a good move for the mall because many of the "incidents" occur because youth are running around, hanging out, and getting into trouble because they are unsupervised. I am a merchant and I am in business to sell things...not to babysit loiterers! Yay! I can't wait until the 5th!
To top it off, my Cowbox Computer got sick! It's at the "doctor" (a friend who is a techie). I got a weird error downloading Norton updates, all my icons disappeared from the desktop and BAM! Everything froze! CAD didn't work...nothing. Couldn't reboot into safe mode...nothing. nada. Not good. I'm hoping my techie friend can do something to save my stuff. I have some things not backed up and I would hate to lose them.
So, I made it through the week...just a few more days until my next day off. Whew! This is a long stretch. That's all for now!
It started out good with my day off on Sunday. I love Sunday off, it's my Sabbath.
Monday was a short day at work, but then a long drive to Louisville for District meetings to help us get ready for the upcoming holidays. I never look forward to the meetings because they are usually boring, and they were. Give me the big news and let me go home is what I want! But, it's not what I get.
The drive to Louisville was entertaining. I carpooled with my ex-assistant manager who is now running her own store. I laughed so much on the way there I actually wondered why do things like Taebo and Pilate's exist when all one really needs is to have a friend like Mary to make you laugh so hard that you really give your abs a workout! I was hurtin'! LOL
We made it to the hotel after a detour at exit 15. It turns out that there are two exit 15s! We took the wrong exit 15! It probably wouldn't have been so bad without the downpour that had me pull to the side and wait it out. Or the deadly cloud to ground lightning we envisioned was frying the cows in the pasture! Whoa! It was a BAD storm we were lost in! We finally made our way to the hotel we were staying in. We checked in and then decided to "hit the town". Actually, Mary decided to "hit the town and see the sights", I would have been happy to watch tv, which is sometimes a treat for someone who doesn't have tv.
So, we headed out and we enjoyed seeing the skyline of Louisville. We drove to the city and on our way back we got stuck in traffic due to an accident. Being unfamiliar with the area, I opted to stay in my lane and work my way up to the front as we could. The traffic was buzzing by at a steady pace in the other lanes, but I didn't want to get out for fear of taking an exit to somewhere I didn't want to be. After 30 minutes of sitting there, we finally started to move. We crawled to the front of the line where the police officer directed us over into the left lane, the one I was avoiding, because there was no way to get by the wreck. So, there was no reason for me to even sit in that lane because it was impassable and I could have gone around 30 minutes ago! I hate when that happens! LOL So, I followed the highway in that lane all the way to Indiana. I sure didn't expect to visit Indiana, but there we were! In Indiana! LOL We turned around and eventually made our way back to the hotel, but opted for a late dinner at Perkins before settling in for the night. We shared some good conversation and laughs over pancakes. Yes, I had pancakes for dinner...nothing beats a Perkins pancake!
The next morning we got up for the meeting and then suffered through boredom for about 8 hours. Ugh.
The ride home was just as entertaining, and for me the most important part of the adventure. We shared a lot of deep conversation and I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to talk with my friend and learn even more about her. It was quite a learning experience for me and it has given me much to ponder and celebrate.
God is good.
The last part of my week ended with a press conference announcement by the mall. Yay! A Youth Escort Policy (YEP) is going into effect Nov. 5. This policy requires all youth under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian from 6-9pm on Friday and Saturday nights. I think this is a great idea! I'm ecstatic about it! I think it is a good move for the mall because many of the "incidents" occur because youth are running around, hanging out, and getting into trouble because they are unsupervised. I am a merchant and I am in business to sell things...not to babysit loiterers! Yay! I can't wait until the 5th!
To top it off, my Cowbox Computer got sick! It's at the "doctor" (a friend who is a techie). I got a weird error downloading Norton updates, all my icons disappeared from the desktop and BAM! Everything froze! CAD didn't work...nothing. Couldn't reboot into safe mode...nothing. nada. Not good. I'm hoping my techie friend can do something to save my stuff. I have some things not backed up and I would hate to lose them.
So, I made it through the week...just a few more days until my next day off. Whew! This is a long stretch. That's all for now!
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Prayer
This morning as I was going to work, I asked God to help me to focus less on my flesh and more on Him. I asked Him to give me opportunities to shine for him. I prayed this as I was on my way to the hospital to assist in marketing through a membership drive for the Y.
A woman was sitting across from me who needed some encouragement and the Spirit in me just poured forth as He did the night I had to speak at the domestic violence awareness vigil. I didn't know that she needed to hear what I was saying...I just shared like I do...I love to share about the wonderful things God does in my life.
I'm so tired right now that I can't recall much of the conversation. It's funny how when the Spirit moves and uses me, lots of times I can't even remember what I said...only the impact that it made. But, I do remember talking to her about divine appointment. I think I had been sharing a bit of my testimony with her. She told me that she believed that our meeting was divine because she has needed to hear what I said to her this morning. I told her that indeed it was because I had prayed for Him to shine through me today...and He did. We were both bathed in blessing this morning.
I want my light to shine so that others can see Him better.
Thank you my precious beloved Redeemer.
A woman was sitting across from me who needed some encouragement and the Spirit in me just poured forth as He did the night I had to speak at the domestic violence awareness vigil. I didn't know that she needed to hear what I was saying...I just shared like I do...I love to share about the wonderful things God does in my life.
I'm so tired right now that I can't recall much of the conversation. It's funny how when the Spirit moves and uses me, lots of times I can't even remember what I said...only the impact that it made. But, I do remember talking to her about divine appointment. I think I had been sharing a bit of my testimony with her. She told me that she believed that our meeting was divine because she has needed to hear what I said to her this morning. I told her that indeed it was because I had prayed for Him to shine through me today...and He did. We were both bathed in blessing this morning.
I want my light to shine so that others can see Him better.
Thank you my precious beloved Redeemer.
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Framily Day
Went on a framily picnic today. It was a beautiful day!
I managed to get some good shots with my $25 digital camera. Here is Katie and her kids on the bridge railing.
This next pic is while she was reading the crucifixion story to the kids out of Matthew. We planned this to set up the viewing of the Passion of the Christ that we are going to watch together tonight as a framily.
We hiked to a beautiful scenic overlook and stopped to read God's Word. Katie read and we stopped to explain different questions the kids had about what they were hearing. It was wonderful time spent together. God is so amazingly creative and we enjoyed His Creation today.
I wonder if I have it in me to make photography a hobby?
We first stopped off and had a cookout. What made that interesting were all of the bees. We kepy swatting and screaming at those things to get away! Wow! What a nuisance! It was pretty funny when one bee got into the hamburger bun bag! LOL
After that we went for a short walk across the lake via a bridge. We stopped to swing on the swings and then we hiked the short distance back. We got back into the jeep and found a hiking trail through the woods. We did get out and hike that by the lake and had fun just enjoying the fall foliage, the crackling of the fallen leaves under our feet and the scent of autumn in the air. The air was cool and the lake was beautiful.
Thank you Father for providing such an awesome day for us to plunder!
I managed to get some good shots with my $25 digital camera. Here is Katie and her kids on the bridge railing. This next pic is while she was reading the crucifixion story to the kids out of Matthew. We planned this to set up the viewing of the Passion of the Christ that we are going to watch together tonight as a framily.
We hiked to a beautiful scenic overlook and stopped to read God's Word. Katie read and we stopped to explain different questions the kids had about what they were hearing. It was wonderful time spent together. God is so amazingly creative and we enjoyed His Creation today.
I wonder if I have it in me to make photography a hobby?
We first stopped off and had a cookout. What made that interesting were all of the bees. We kepy swatting and screaming at those things to get away! Wow! What a nuisance! It was pretty funny when one bee got into the hamburger bun bag! LOL
After that we went for a short walk across the lake via a bridge. We stopped to swing on the swings and then we hiked the short distance back. We got back into the jeep and found a hiking trail through the woods. We did get out and hike that by the lake and had fun just enjoying the fall foliage, the crackling of the fallen leaves under our feet and the scent of autumn in the air. The air was cool and the lake was beautiful.
Thank you Father for providing such an awesome day for us to plunder!
Friday, October 15, 2004
I Can Do All Things through Christ!
Okay Sue, I'm blogging!
Sue is right! God is opening doors and I think last night may very well have kicked off a major turning point in my life.
It was about 5:00 p.m. when I left home to attend the annual WRAP (Wo/Men's Resource and Rape Assistance Program)candelight vigil in downtown Jackson. Last year at the vigil, it was publically proclaimed that October will be destined as Domestic Violence Awareness month in Madison County. This year, I attended as an observer only but God had other plans in store that I was most assuredly unaware of.
Before I get into details I want to explain that I began volunteering with WRAP about a year ago when I discovered the group called "Survivors" which is a support group (part of WRAP) of victims who have escaped the bondage of abuse and are continually determined to survive. I have been so blessed by being involved with this group even though at times it can be very painful to hear and see the struggles these women go through.
While I stood there deeply touched and feeling overwhelmed with love in my heart for these ladies, I was approached by one of the organizers of the group and told that one of the speakers cancelled. Then the unexpected happened. She asked me if I would speak in her place. I said when? She said in a few minutes as soon as "Jane" gets finished speaking. I said, "Ummmmmmmmm oooookkaaayyy but I HAVE NO SPEECH PREPARED! WHAT WILL I SAY??????" Then she so truthfully said, "I have never known you to be at a loss for words and I don't think you will be now." So I said that I needed a moment to pray and looked for a Bible. God led me to share my most favorite chapter in His word, Isaiah 61.
When the time came, I just told the supporters that I just found out 5 minutes ago that I was going to speak and asked that they don't hold it against me if it doesn't go so well! LOL. They chuckled and I began telling them my favorite chapter in God's Word. At this point I encourage you to stop and read Isaiah 61: 1-4.
I believe it was at this point that God began to use me as His vessel and gave me His words to say to those who so desperately needed to hear them. The end of Isaiah 61:4 reads, "...they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." At the moment the word generations left my lips I knew where I needed to go next and began sharing how domestic violence isn't just something that appears out of nowhere. In most, if not all cases, it is something that is passed down generation after generation until somebody finally says, "Enough! It stops here, with me!"
There is no way that I can possibly share everything in this blog. It would go on for days so maybe over the next few days I'll share a little more information here, that I shared with the supporters at the vigil last night. I can't believe how comfortable I felt standing before those people. It seemed as natural as talking to a friend at home. I had a peace that surpassed anything I can imagine or explain. I felt like I was right where God put me and I was happy to be there!
When I finished, I felt compelled to go and hug everyone in the group. But, before I could approach them, I found myself surrounded! They came to ME! They were blessed by what I said and began saying such wonderful things to me. During this time, one of the speakers, Dr. Theresa Blakely of Union University came to me and hugged me so hard and long. She said so many encouraging words then looked at me in the eye as she said, "I want you in my class!" Next, the professor over the social work department at Union University approached me and said, "It has been too long since I saw you last. I want you to come talk to me and get enrolled at Union." I told her that I couldn't go back to school right now because I have to work to pay for my kids to attend private school. She said, "We are working on an easier program and I really want to see if we can work something out." If that wasn't enough, the next person who I talked to was the juvenile judge for Madison County who also spoke at the Republican Women's luncheon the day before. She hugged and encouraged me also and then asked me if I WOULD SPEAK AT THE NEXT REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S LUNCHEON!!!! MEE! I'M NOBODY AND SHE WANTS MEEEEEEE TO SPEAK???? I told her I would LOVE that. I then told her that I'm on a mission and someday I hoped to get into some position of office where I can work to change policy in order to help improve the situation for victims trying to get free from DV. She told me that there were two republican positions open for county commissioner and that I should run. I was dumbfounded. Then, I said, "I have no experience, no degree." She basically told me that those things weren't necessary and that she thought I would be good for it. Then we arranged it so that I could call her and talk some more. Then I told her that I didn't live in her county and she said, "That's okay, maybe you can do the same in your county."
So, I am going to call her tonight. I don't know everything I said last night, but, as I occasionally flash back, I remember bits and peices and I am surprised. I truly know that it was the God of the universe speaking through me! He used MY VOICE to speak to others! I am truuullly humbled and in awe! I am amazed! I am blown away at how HE CONTINUALLY ANSWERS PRAYER! I felt like David!
Some other people came up to me and told me that they were told that I had inspired others to become volunteers with WRAP. This was one of my goals. I just can't put into words the victory that I am feeling right now!
Later that night I went out with some of the girls for dinner. At one point everybody was clapping. I began clapping and looked to the girl that I had been talking to (she was the other one who spoke before me from the group) and said, "Why are we clapping?" She just shrugged and said, " I don't know." Then somebody laughed and said.."WE'RE CLAPPING FOR YOU TWO AND WHAT YOU SAID TONIGHT!" LOL. That was pretty funny. Dinner was so much fun.
My job and life have prevented me from attending the weekly meetings at WRAP like I used to. I have missed it and missed the girls so much. They are sisters to me. I've watched so many of them come out of their coccoons to spread their beautiful butterfly wings...just like me! It does something to me that I cannot put into words!
I know my passion. God gave it to me. He confirmed it last night! AMEN!
Sue is right! God is opening doors and I think last night may very well have kicked off a major turning point in my life.
It was about 5:00 p.m. when I left home to attend the annual WRAP (Wo/Men's Resource and Rape Assistance Program)candelight vigil in downtown Jackson. Last year at the vigil, it was publically proclaimed that October will be destined as Domestic Violence Awareness month in Madison County. This year, I attended as an observer only but God had other plans in store that I was most assuredly unaware of.
Before I get into details I want to explain that I began volunteering with WRAP about a year ago when I discovered the group called "Survivors" which is a support group (part of WRAP) of victims who have escaped the bondage of abuse and are continually determined to survive. I have been so blessed by being involved with this group even though at times it can be very painful to hear and see the struggles these women go through.
While I stood there deeply touched and feeling overwhelmed with love in my heart for these ladies, I was approached by one of the organizers of the group and told that one of the speakers cancelled. Then the unexpected happened. She asked me if I would speak in her place. I said when? She said in a few minutes as soon as "Jane" gets finished speaking. I said, "Ummmmmmmmm oooookkaaayyy but I HAVE NO SPEECH PREPARED! WHAT WILL I SAY??????" Then she so truthfully said, "I have never known you to be at a loss for words and I don't think you will be now." So I said that I needed a moment to pray and looked for a Bible. God led me to share my most favorite chapter in His word, Isaiah 61.
When the time came, I just told the supporters that I just found out 5 minutes ago that I was going to speak and asked that they don't hold it against me if it doesn't go so well! LOL. They chuckled and I began telling them my favorite chapter in God's Word. At this point I encourage you to stop and read Isaiah 61: 1-4.
I believe it was at this point that God began to use me as His vessel and gave me His words to say to those who so desperately needed to hear them. The end of Isaiah 61:4 reads, "...they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." At the moment the word generations left my lips I knew where I needed to go next and began sharing how domestic violence isn't just something that appears out of nowhere. In most, if not all cases, it is something that is passed down generation after generation until somebody finally says, "Enough! It stops here, with me!"
There is no way that I can possibly share everything in this blog. It would go on for days so maybe over the next few days I'll share a little more information here, that I shared with the supporters at the vigil last night. I can't believe how comfortable I felt standing before those people. It seemed as natural as talking to a friend at home. I had a peace that surpassed anything I can imagine or explain. I felt like I was right where God put me and I was happy to be there!
When I finished, I felt compelled to go and hug everyone in the group. But, before I could approach them, I found myself surrounded! They came to ME! They were blessed by what I said and began saying such wonderful things to me. During this time, one of the speakers, Dr. Theresa Blakely of Union University came to me and hugged me so hard and long. She said so many encouraging words then looked at me in the eye as she said, "I want you in my class!" Next, the professor over the social work department at Union University approached me and said, "It has been too long since I saw you last. I want you to come talk to me and get enrolled at Union." I told her that I couldn't go back to school right now because I have to work to pay for my kids to attend private school. She said, "We are working on an easier program and I really want to see if we can work something out." If that wasn't enough, the next person who I talked to was the juvenile judge for Madison County who also spoke at the Republican Women's luncheon the day before. She hugged and encouraged me also and then asked me if I WOULD SPEAK AT THE NEXT REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S LUNCHEON!!!! MEE! I'M NOBODY AND SHE WANTS MEEEEEEE TO SPEAK???? I told her I would LOVE that. I then told her that I'm on a mission and someday I hoped to get into some position of office where I can work to change policy in order to help improve the situation for victims trying to get free from DV. She told me that there were two republican positions open for county commissioner and that I should run. I was dumbfounded. Then, I said, "I have no experience, no degree." She basically told me that those things weren't necessary and that she thought I would be good for it. Then we arranged it so that I could call her and talk some more. Then I told her that I didn't live in her county and she said, "That's okay, maybe you can do the same in your county."
So, I am going to call her tonight. I don't know everything I said last night, but, as I occasionally flash back, I remember bits and peices and I am surprised. I truly know that it was the God of the universe speaking through me! He used MY VOICE to speak to others! I am truuullly humbled and in awe! I am amazed! I am blown away at how HE CONTINUALLY ANSWERS PRAYER! I felt like David!
Some other people came up to me and told me that they were told that I had inspired others to become volunteers with WRAP. This was one of my goals. I just can't put into words the victory that I am feeling right now!
Later that night I went out with some of the girls for dinner. At one point everybody was clapping. I began clapping and looked to the girl that I had been talking to (she was the other one who spoke before me from the group) and said, "Why are we clapping?" She just shrugged and said, " I don't know." Then somebody laughed and said.."WE'RE CLAPPING FOR YOU TWO AND WHAT YOU SAID TONIGHT!" LOL. That was pretty funny. Dinner was so much fun.
My job and life have prevented me from attending the weekly meetings at WRAP like I used to. I have missed it and missed the girls so much. They are sisters to me. I've watched so many of them come out of their coccoons to spread their beautiful butterfly wings...just like me! It does something to me that I cannot put into words!
I know my passion. God gave it to me. He confirmed it last night! AMEN!
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