Farewell, Florida – Until Next Year!

Today is a lovely day in southwest Florida. Our days here in this sunny paradise are ending. What are the things I will remember most about this 2008 winter season?

Friends are number one on the list. Friends from Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Hampshire, etc., who are here as snowbirds or who are here because they chose to retire here. Friends include those with whom we golf, play cards, share meals, watch movies, and, most of all, enjoy a few hearty laughs together.

Shopping is on the list, also. Well, you might ask, isn’t shopping always at the top of a person’s list? Actually, it’s not something I enjoy regularly; however, there are so many places to bargain shop. And, the colorful clothing with tropical motifs is more enticing than what I find up north. Gift items for those still back home are in abundance. Spending money is much easier. There are the usual shopping centers, outlet malls, and huge flea markets with every conceivable item imaginable.

So, I say “farewell” to Florida and “hello” to Maryland and its wonderful life style with all of our caring friends who await us.

According to Judy

What Makes a Perfect Day?

To our delight, Charlie’s son Bob, his new wife Mora and 10-year old stepson Jory arrived yesterday for a short visit. Today they felt the need to be on the beach to experience some rejuvenation after several tiring days at Disney World. We all set out for Venice some 45 minutes north of Punta Gorda as they have a lovely beach on the Gulf of Mexico with a restaurant that has a wonderful view from the deck. It was our hope to be early enough for lunch to beat the crowds who arrive in full force to eat light fare on this deck.

Oh, no! When we pulled into the parking lot, we discovered that most of the area had been leveled and was under construction. After driving around for a few minutes in a packed temporary lot wondering where in the world we would park, a spot opened up as near to the restaurant as we could ever hope for. Arriving on the deck of the restaurant, we discovered that all tables were fully occupied. Thinking that now we would have to scout for a table while we remained optimistic, a perfect table for five was vacated. Two instances of perfect timing that only the good Lord could have arranged.

Now we learn, Jory is not thrilled with going to the beach; however, today was an exception. With his interest in seashells and sharks’ teeth awakened by a perfect environment provided by a loving God, he was happily involved for a couple of hours. In fact, when we announced that it was time to head home, he was begging to stay “just 20 more minutes.”

This is what makes a perfect day – allowing God to be in control of our lives.

According to Judy

Time to Begin Again

How many of you are in the same boat I am? Somehow or another, my eating gets me in trouble and the weight begins jumping upward. Through the goodness of God, several years ago, I found the right program to combat my addiction to overeating; however, my human weakness has brought me to my knees again.

So, here I am again–starting over. This is Day Two, actually. Very much like an alcoholic beginning sobriety, I know I must take this challenge one day at a time. Yesterday was successful; therefore, I know I can begin again in earnest. Unfortunately, this can be very difficult as some family members are snackers and love to have their chocolate candy, peanuts, potato chips and dip out in easy reach. Once again I appeal to their sense of fair play and request that a little consideration be given to my struggle. They agree to cooperate. But, then, meals are another obstacle. Having the right combination of foods available and choosing to only eat the healthy foods, and in a reasonable quantity, are other hurdles to overcome. Certain foods, i.e., sweets, salty snacks, etc., trigger my cravings to have more and more and more. They are definite “no-nos.”

I rely on prayer, along with the support of friends and family, as I begin my voyage to stay on my program. I hope that you, too, will send a prayer upwards to ask God to allow me the strength to become all I can be. The better “me” is more loving and caring to my fellow passengers on this journey of life. My goal is to be what God intended for me to be. This is my wish for you also. So, if you need encouragement for something that has gotten you down, please let me know and perhaps we can work together.

According to Judy

News About Our Site

Beginning today, we have a shopping area for your convenience in purchasing items for use as gifts for friends and relatives or for your own personal use. Please be patient with us as we build up our inventory. Check us out from time to time so you can be alert to what is new. We have been assured that these are rockbottom prices so the items we have selected should fit into your budget. If there is anything in particular for which you are in the market, do let us know and we will see if they are available. If they are, we will add them for your shopping convenience.

Also, above our current article is an area of “Ads by Google.” Above these words are additional websites. If you click on these websites (which should change regularly), we will get a teeny tiny amount of money; but it is important for us to have you do this. Why, do you ask? Your cooperation in this effort will assist us in increasing the importance of our website, and, hopefully increase our fledgling business.

We thank you so much for your thoughtfulness in visiting us and pray that you will find us informative, interesting, and occasionally humorous. And, please feel free to comment on any article that has touched your soul in anyway whatsoever. God bless you today and everyday.

According to Judy

HE IS RISEN! HAPPY EASTER!

Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. Let us arise and go meet Him.

How do we meet Jesus? The answer is: “Look for Him in everyone you encounter.” Despite outward appearances, there is something good in everyone. Look beyond the stern face and steely eyes to find that person who is hiding a shy smile and an eager response to a kind word. Look beyond the seemingly haughty demeanor to find a confident self-assured individual who has a deep love of God and an eagerness for life. Look beyond the blustery pompous appearance to find someone who is afraid of being bullied or criticized. Everyone has an exterior designed to be open or to be defensive, depending on his lifetime circumstances.

Jesus looks into one’s soul. Let us try to follow His lead and help others to rise to life.

According to Judy

Good Friday – A Solemn Occasion

Dear Friends,

As we Christians reflect today on the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us ask God’s blessings to help those who are undergoing serious illness and disease. May He give them respite from their suffering and provide them with His healing grace.

Many people suffer in silence with depression, or other mental anguish, and withdraw from society. Let us also pray that God will help them find their way through the wilderness of despair toward His healing light.

Jesus, the Son of God, is our salvation and hope. Let us remember the love and goodness He imparted through His forgiveness of our sins on the cross. Let us also share that love with all those we encounter and always be ready to forgive any perceived insults. He is our ultimate inspiration. Praise be to God!

According to Judy

A Word of Warning

A freaky accident occurred recently which could have had serious consequences had I not been in the room at the time it occurred.

As is often the case with a smooth glass top range, it can serve as an extra counter top in the kitchen. Perhaps you, too, have had occasion to expand your working area and have fallen into this trap. What happened this time? An electrical appliance was moved onto the range top. Somehow, during that process, the knob for one of the burners was nudged on to HIGH. You guessed it! The electrical appliance started to cook. Thankfully, the resulting stench was such that I was quickly aware that something had gone awry. I turned off the burner and moved the appliance, only to discover that the cord on the appliance had been burned through. This meant that there was rubber burned onto the surface of the range, and the appliance itself became a piece of trash to be discarded.

Initially, I was concerned for the range top – was it ruined? Could the hardened rubber be removed without damaging the range top? I prayed to God to assist me in my efforts and was grateful that with careful attention the mess was removed. However, in hindsight, the realization that (1) had the appliance been plugged into an outlet at the time and (2) had I not been present at the time, a serious fire could have destroyed the house. Also, the noxious smelling fumes from the burned coating on the cord could possibly have resulted in lung damage, at the very least.

This was another occasion for which I am thankful for my personal relationship with God as I do believe that He looks after me and protects me from my erroneous actions, each and every day. May God be with you and in your heart as you go through your daily routine.

According to Judy

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Today features sunny warm Florida weather for our St. Patrick's Day celebration. The ladies in our community showed up in strong numbers to peel carrots, onions, and potatoes and to cut up cabbage for the community sponsored St. Patrick's Day dinner, which may total close to 100 attendees. A number of women also volunteered to cook the corned beef in their homes; while the men agreed to be in charge of seeing that the vegetables are cooked in a timely manner. As always, it is going to be a pleasure to sit down with caring neighbors and loving friends to enjoy the traditional foods associated with this holiday.

We hope that you have enough food and love in your lives today and every day. May the Good Lord bless and keep you healthy and happy.

According to Judy

Letter to Father Jerry Kaywell, Sacred Heart Church, Punta Gorda, Florida

Dear Father Jerry…

First of all, we send a huge bouquet of roses and balloons to you for your series on keys to learning the Bible. These humble symbols represent a deep appreciation for your kind wisdom and words. I myself have had to ask God to be with me when I needed His guidance to speak or write words to help and inspire others. Therefore, I do understand why you choose to begin your talks on the Bible by praying to God to come through you.

My husband and I became snowbirds after being residents for several years. We moved back North to Maryland after Hurricane Charley came to Punta Gorda.

However, we were living here when you first came to Sacred Heart and came to love you and your messages. You were a bright light to us in our search for a deeper Faith and your messages brought us ever closer to God. It has been a struggle for us as both my husband and I come from different backgrounds and have a different need in our hearts. I was raised Catholic and was married previously. My husband is a convert and was married previously. Due to serious problems in our first marriages, we both divorced. Subsequently, when the two of us met, we felt that it was preordained by a loving God, and that He meant for us to get married, despite the fact that the Church would not sanction it.

Later, in speaking with a priest who ministered to my mother in her last days, we were advised to continue to come to mass and stay close to God. God would be there for us. So we continued to come to mass and with your words of full and complete absolution made to everyone at Mass in the early days after Hurricane Charley, we found the freedom to take communion once again. Prior to that day, my heart was floundering with guilt over being married out of the Church.

However, we know Jesus is so very loving and forgiving and He is our inspiration in all we do. Each day I wake up, I specifically invite Him into our home and our lives as I draw the blinds open. This is after I speak with Him during my waking moments and pray that my words and actions for this day will please Him and be guided by Him. I often fail at my mission, but I do try each and every day.

There is a book that was recommended to me, which enlightened me in my quest to be closer to the loving God we all need and desire. If you have not read it, perhaps you might be inspired further as well. The title is “Love Without End – Jesus Speaks” by Glenda Green. I do not recommend this book lightly, or to just anyone. There is much to digest and not everyone can believe what is written in this book. Do check it out!

My husband and I are senior citizens of modest means and are only here for a couple of months during the winter. However, we and another couple have often spoken of inviting you to dinner. Understanding your extremely busy schedule, we have never had the courage to interfere with the mission God has set for you. Just know that YOU helped some very needy souls. God bless you as you continue your ministry.

Heartfelt thanks from two of God’s flock,

Congratulations, Katy

Congratulations to our beautiful granddaughter, Katy, for her induction into the National Honor Society.

Katy, you have worked hard to reach this goal in your life. Your family has watched as you have matured and grown into a lovely young woman. All that you are is part of your growth process, and remember, you are still growing more wonderful each day. We are proud of you for who you are inside. You are a thoughtful, caring, hard-working teenager, whose smile brightens each of our lives. Your parents have supported you and your brother since infancy and ensured that you both had a positive loving family life from your inception. Your heartfelt enthusiasm for everything in which you get involved is an inspiration to others. Deep spiritual values have become an engrained part of your being. Having thus been blessed by God, may you continue to embrace life, including its glories and setbacks, in all its entirety.

Never forget – we love you dearly.

Grammy & Grandpa

According to Judy

The Bank Job - A Movie Review

Based on a true story, “The Bank Job” is one of the better movies we have seen in awhile. The characters seemed true to life. Although there are a few squeamish scenes, they are short-lived and add to the reality of the violent nature of the nasty people involved. The bank heist, which took place in London in 1971, incriminated a number of criminals, bad cops, and unscrupulous government officials in bribery and sex scandals. This robbery resulted in the largest haul of cash and jewelry surpassing the Brinks Robbery in the United States. The resulting scandals involved the greatest number of government officials in history, who were forced to resign their positions. On average, there are enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the viewer in suspense and wondering how the robbers can possibly get away with it. Should you see it? By all means!

Stay tuned for future reviews!

According to Judy

A Sensible Thought for the Day

For wrinkle-free relationships, use soft and encouraging words to all those you love. Not a bad idea for use in business or neighborly settings, either.

THE RECLUSE, THE MISFIT, THE FORGOTTEN

Do you know a neighbor, a co-worker, or even an acquaintance of a friend, who may seem to be friendless and ignored by the world? What is our moral responsibility when we encounter such an individual?

Probably this thought may flit through your mind from time to time, even if you don’t want that idea to take root in your mind. We get very comfortable in our little corner of the world and often we find we don’t like outside intrusions. Yes, I find that happens to me, and I have to shake myself loose of that notion and venture into the unknown.

What would it take to call that person and just say, “Hi, I was thinking about you,” or, “Hi, would you like to come and have lunch with me today?” Or, if you find this is too much to begin with, how about a “Thinking of You” card, or a postcard when you travel. Or, find out when their birthday is and send them a card or take them a cake, a cupcake, or a balloon. This does not have to become a lifetime commitment to that person. And, yes, there are risks attached to this gesture. Face the fear that your offer may be rejected. This can happen. Your kind gesture may blow up in your face. Be not deterred. If you have a pure heart and a pure motive in showing God’s love to another human being, you will reap rewards that are not of this world.

No matter the outcome, there are benefits that will incur because of your good deed. A smile, a kind word of encouragement or a helping hand, even to a random stranger, is an acknowledgement that the person is seen and can give a message to the receiver that he has value as a human being. These acts become loving messages that cost nothing to the giver but are priceless to the receiver.

According to Judy

ROLE OF THE SUPER DELEGATES IN THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

In 1980, the Democratic National Committee instituted the “Super-Delegate Rule” to provide a greater role for elected Democratic officials and party leaders in the selection of a presidential candidate. The Super-Delegates, who will comprise about 20 percent of all delegates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention, are “free agents,” who can cast their support for any candidate they want, whenever they want. The regular or pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention must follow the wishes of the voters in their State’s primary or caucus.

The closeness of the 2008 Democratic presidential race between Senator Obama and Senator Clinton has focused unprecedented attention on the role of the Super-Delegates. It is quite likely that neither candidate will have the required 2,025 delegates needed to win the nomination following the conclusion of the State primaries and caucuses. Following Super Tuesday II, Senator Obama had 1,307 pledged delegates and Senator Clinton had 1,175 pledged delegates.

Therefore, this could be the first time, since the inception of the “Super-Delegate Rule,” that the Super-Delegates will play a significant role in the “high-stakes” game of selecting the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. The “dogfight” for the support of the Super-Delegates could go all the way to the Democratic National Convention in August 2008. The uncommitted Super-Delegates will be aggressively “courted,” by the campaign staffs of Senators Obama and Clinton. With the above in mind, this should be a very interesting time in the history of American politics.
According to Charlie

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION

A memory returned to me yesterday, as I reflected back over the past couple of years.

I remember sitting in our fairly new condo and gazing outside to our mini-patio on which were located a couple of pots of bright red geraniums. Other than the landscaping put in by the developers, there was little other vegetation, except for my few flowers. It was a lovely summer day with the sun shining brightly; however, I was feeling a little on the down side of life. All of a sudden, a tiny hummingbird appeared before my eyes. Somehow or another, despite the barren landscape of condos being constructed all around us, this tiny creature had found an oasis in his journey. My soul and heart were uplifted and my mood lightened.

Reflecting on that time, I now pause to think of the many oases we must encounter to keep us on the path to enlightenment. What do we do to be an oasis for others? All of us are on the same journey of life and it is our mission to take this journey together. Some of us may only have a brief moment together in passing. Others of us choose to have a close partner. So often, I realize that I make my journey and those of others a little less pleasant than is necessary. How to correct this flaw in my character is the big question.

Today I will pray that my words and actions are positive and reinforcing of the good things in life. Today I will make a dedicated effort to have a smile and a kind word for those around me. Today I will think twice before making a comment so that my words will be received with the love I truly intend.

May God bless you on your journey!
According to Judy