I'M BACK...

It feels great to be back in the land of the living.  Our computers, all 3 I might add, got a virus at the same time even with our virus protection and malware protection.  At the same time our modem for DSL crashed, so we had to also replace that.  Been fun times in the Fastenau Household.  Stan's desktop was to old to worry about but we did get mine and his laptop up and running, so we are back in business.  His harddrive had to be replaced because of bad sectors.  Mine had to be cleared and reloaded, so now I am trying to get some of my programs reloaded.  I am so glad I had my documents and my pictures backed up on my external hard drive! 

Isn't it sad to think that people sit around and think up these viruses to cause havoc in peoples lives, if they only knew Jesus!

until next time... nel

My Thoughts...

Do you ever run on to something that just captures your attention and you know it is something you have to share with people.  That is how I felt when I heard this song, a friend posted it on facebook and I knew I had to find it to share it with all of you. 
This song is sung by Diamond Rio.  In the post and in previous emails it is said that it was banned from the stations because of being politically incorrect, however that is not true.  It never was released as a single until it was included on Diamond Rio's Greatest Hits II CD in May 2006.  When it was finally released for airplay it was up against songs like "Jesus Take The Wheel,"  "Courtesy of The Red, White and Blue," "American Soldier," "Believe," and "When I Get Where I Am Going," and I know if you are not a country music fan you may not have heard these songs, but trust me they were all good songs,  some of the best. Needless to say we country music listeners did not request it to be played, so it did not stand against these other songs, and was lost in the shuffle, but it is definitely worth sharing.



When I read that the song had been banned and after listening to it, I thought I wanted to share this because that is so wrong. It was said to be politically incorrect.  However after doing the research and finding out it was not banned, it spoke to my heart for a different reason.

I think sometimes we get easily caught up in what is going on around us, or someone else's soapbox for lack of a better word. We forget to listen to the Holy Spirit and let him guide and lead us.  

I pray that I will learn to listen to His voice before putting my foot in my mouth.  

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."   Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV

until next time... nel

Flashback Friday Accidents...

It is time to look back in our memory bank and see what we can come up with. This week we are remembering accidents and tickets as we were growing up. To get the complete prompt stop over by Linda’s at Mocha With Linda and make sure you link up so we can all enjoy your memories.

Looking back over my life I feel fortunate when it comes to accidents. While in my growing up years I was never involved in an accident, can’t really say that about tickets though. I kinda had a heavy foot, well let’s be honest no kinda about it. I even remember when we had Driver’s Ed and we had an errand to run in a neighboring town for the teacher. He had me drive cause he knew I could get us there and back and he could count it as class time even though we were doing his personal business. So hmmmm could I blame my heavy foot on him? lol.

I can’t remember exactly what was going on when I got them, yes I said them. I have a confession to make if my 3rd one would have been 2 weeks earlier my license would have been suspended for a year. I was around 18-19 when I got them. Mom and Dad never even knew about them till years later. I was paying my own insurance and working at the time. I remember asking the policeman how the radar system worked and he explained it to me. I was curious, you don’t know unless you ask. The funny thing about it when my friend and I went to Colorado the first night we were staying at a KOA campground, when I was signing in the same policeman was beside me registering and he remembered me. It was quite strange! I have gotten a few tickets in later years but have slowed down tremendously. I think my last one was about 8 years ago.

I have lost a very special friend, Randy Malloy, and a nephew, Justin Garret Beavers, in accidents, not memories I want to think about. I have been in a few accidents since I grew up. Nothing major, I think the worst one was when Janice was 6 weeks old and it broke my wrist and totaled my truck. I could not hold her or change her diaper or bathe her or dress her. It was so hard; I think I cried as much as she did. Her daddy was good though, he took care of her and would place her on the pillow in my arms, so I could hold her. It was a hard 6 weeks till I got the cast off.

I don’t remember ever wearing seat belts. It just was not something that was enforced back then.

Oh well I think that is about all for this week.  Be Safe!

until next time...nel

On The Other Side Of Hodgepodge...

Guess what, it is Hodgepodge time! That fun time of the week when we can all get together and enjoy each other’s answers and learn more about our blogging buddies. If you would like to join in click the button above and slide over by Joyce and From This Side Of The Pond, I personally think she should change it to This Side Of The Snow, read her intro and you will understand. Just saying…

Here are mine for the week:

1. Your favorite chocolate treat?

I am not a big chocolate fan, but I do like Lindors Truffles or Turtles. I also love those cheap chocolate cover graham crackers by Best Buy. I might add that my fondness of the Truffles is all Beth’s fault. You know Beth from Outnumbered, Three-To-One, if you don’t you need too, you can check her out here. Anyway, I previously won a give-a-way from her and she included those wonderful Truffles, and she sold me. I had never had a Truffle before – Oh My Gosh! My hubby thanks her too; he now knows what to get me that will always be a hit!

2. What more than anything else makes you feel loved?

I think having someone there that listens, and knows what you are feeling and what makes you tick. Someone who cares about you more than anything else is also important.

3. Cherries or blueberries?

I prefer blueberries. I love blueberry muffins…mmm. I am not a big cherry fan; it is ok if mixed with something but not alone.

4. What is the one trait you most want the leader of your country to possess?

That he or she believes in what our country was founded on – God!

5. Are you a saver or a spender?

I am pretty much a saver; very seldom do I buy anything that is not on sale. I look for bargains. It goes against my grain to pay high dollar or full price for certain things. I paid $30 for a pair of boots on sale and it about killed me.

6. If you gave a party for all of your friends would they already know each other?

Yes 80% of my friends would know each other. The majority of my friends are from Arkansas.

7. Are you interested in antiques?

I love to look at antiques, love the feel of them just not the price tags. lol I do have a white kitchen cabinet with the flour sifter that was my mom’s I would love to redo and put in my kitchen in Arkansas.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today Stan and I ventured out to the neighborhood park after we did our errands. He got to try out his Valentine’s gift, a nice set of Bushnell Binoculars and I took a couple of pictures. I know, imagine that. We walked around the trail and even though there was still snow in some areas and water in other spots it was so nice out. Unfortunately, the sun was hidden behind the clouds, but it was not raining, or snowing, the wind was not blowing, and it was 59 degrees out, I will take it, not a problem!

Oh well that is all for this week!

Have a good one!

until next time... nel

Memory Challenge...

SIESTA SCRIPTURE

MEMORY CHALLENGE

 Verse 4

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD

shall be saved."           Romans 10:13

What a promise! It does not say you have to be perfect, or sinless, He loves us so much that whoever reaches out to Him and believes in Him and calls upon His Name will be saved.  How anyone can pass this promise up is beyond me.

until next time... nel

This Is For You...

Happy Valentine's Day

Flashback Friday With Love...

It is time for Flashback Friday once again. So get you a cup of coffee or whatever you enjoy, sit back, put your feet up and enjoy learning more about your fellow bloggers. This is a great way to meet new friends and share memories with them. If you would like to join in just hop over and see Linda at Mocha with Linda. There you can get the complete prompt for this week and link up so we can all enjoy your memories.

This week we are remembering Valentine’s Day, who would of thunk it?

Here are my memories:

I cannot really remember a lot of celebrating Valentine’s Day at home. I am sure Dad and Mom probably got me a heart full of candy or something of that nature. Maybe that is why I dislike the hearts with candy now; it just doesn’t take a lot of effort to grab one of those, almost like a last minute effort. I remember Dad always getting Mom a card even in later years, her not so much.

We always had a party at school and exchanged cards in kindergarten through the sixth grade. I can remember checking each card out, how it was signed and if you had one from a certain person. Good memories!  We would also make our Valentine’s box or bag to collect our cards in. We used lace and glitter and paint and glue.  That was usually the art project the week before. I don’t ever remember attaching candy to the cards.

As I got older I hated Valentine’s Day, there were so many kids that got flowers or candy delivered to school, I always felt kind of left out. I don’t remember ever receiving anything at school.

When I was married to Janice’s dad he always remembered Valentine’s Day, usually a card and something special. We always sent something to school for Janice, balloons, or flowers, or candy. Care packages are usually sent to Arkansas now.

In my book it is a special day, we usually go out to eat and then grab a movie, just a chance to spend time with each other, no phone, no computer, no TV, no interruptions.

And a big YES to the conversation hearts, in fact I have a cup on my desk waiting for me to purchase some. The sayings sure have changed over the years! Patt’s dog Dutchess loves them, I kinda spoiled her to them a couple years ago.

Oh well what can I say?  She is cute!

Hope you and yours have a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

until next time... nel

BOOK REVIEW: While The World Watched

While The World Watched is an intriguing, moving account of growing up during the Civil Rights Movement by Carolyn Maull McKinstry. Carolyn tells her story of coming of age during this time of upheaval. It is a first hand account of life as a black person, the hatred, the bombings, and the Jim Crow laws. The bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Carolyn’s safe place, which killed 4 of her friends, changed her life forever. This is the gripping account of the after affects of that bombing and life in Birmingham Alabama and how in 2002 several KKK members finally were brought to justice on four counts of murder.


I highly recommend this book. I can remember certain events that took place in the book as I too was growing up at this time. This is a wonderful account of how someone on the sidelines was affected by the injustices in this world. At times the dates seemed to jump back and forth making it a little hard to follow and the speech excerpts from Martin Luther King and President Kennedy were in the middle of the chapters but this did not take away from the book.

If you would like to read the first chapter of this book please click here.

Please click here to read about the author.


I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

until next time... nel

Sliding In For The Hodgepodge...

It is Wednesday, so that means it is time for Hodgepodge, that fun time where we share our answers to Joyce's Questions.  Hop on over or should I say slide over to Joyce's space at From This Side Of The Pond and get the questions then remember to link up so we can all enjoy your answers.

Here Is My Version:

1. What is more important-doing what you love or loving what you do?

Is this a trick question Joyce?  I think loving what you do is more important.  There are better results when you are loving what you do.  I would add more comments but I was confusing myself, so I decided not to go there.  lol

2. Do you like bleu cheese?

I cannot answer this question truthfully considering I have never tried it.  The name just kinda turns me off.

3. What is the most difficult emotion for you to handle?

Probably sadness.  I hate the down blues feeling, you know when you can't stop crying. I hate that feeling of not being in control, not being able to stop the tears.  I believe in brushing yourself off and picking yourself up and trying again.

4. Fresh flowers or a box of chocolate?

Fresh flowers - roses are beautiful but daisies are my favorite!

5. What's a song you love that has the word 'love' in its title? It doesn't have to be a 'love song'.

You really didn't think I could stop at just one did you? I love this song by Reba - Forever Love.



And this one by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill - It's Your Love



I couldn't forget I Honestly Love You by Olivia Newton John.  High School Memories!



But I think one of my all time favorites is "I Love To Tell The Story."  I love the way Alan Jackson does it.  A beautiful old hymn and something we probably all should do more than we do.

6. Are you the person you wanted to be when you grew up?

I think so, I wanted to be someone that enjoyed life to it's fullest and love my kids more than life itself. I wanted to be happy and loved.
 
7. Any special Valentines Day plans?

We are planning on going out for a nice dinner and then perhaps grab a show.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Have any of you watched the show "Who Do You Think You Are?"  It is on NBC on Friday nights 7 Central time.  It is sponsored through Ancestry.com.  This week Tim McGraw will be on, last week it was Vanessa Williams.  It is a very interesting show and gives you hints and ideas on working with Genealogy.  I know I just lost part of you, but it really is interesting.  Try watching it this week and see what you think, who knows it might light that spark for you to start researching your family. If anyone has any questions, if you do not want to leave a comment here just email me and I will try to answer them.

until next time... nel

Just Pay Attention...

I heard this song this week on our Gospel Station.  It has been playing over and over in my head.  It reminded me so much of my mom and dad.  Dad had senile dementia in later years.  Listen to the words, it is sung by Mark Bishop who used to be part of The Bishops - Southern Gospel Group.  Hope it blesses you like it did me!




until next time... nel

Good News...

PRAISE THE LORD!!!  Just a quick update:  Ginger came through surgery just fine and the Doctor was happy to report it was NOT cancer.  Do I hear an AMEN!    Thank you so much for all your prayers!  There is nothing like blogging buddies!

until next time... nel

Favorite Commercials...

What a week!  The snow has been so pretty; I can say that we never get very much.  But I do remember what it was like in the Chicago area.  I moved in 79 and the winter before that was one of those winters.  I think the storm must of hit around Christmas time.  There was so much snow they were having a hard time cleaning up downtown.  In fact it got so bad the garbage trucks could not make it down part of the streets.  I remember seeing this story on our news it was in one of the neighborhoods where they had to park on the streets.  There was this guy who left this big box in his back seat with a pretty ribbon and bow on it and he left his doors unlocked.  So needless to say that night the box was stolen, I can only imagine the looks on the thiefs faces when they opened it up and it was the guys garbage.  People were getting desperate.
Ok enough of that back to our task at hand.  It is time for Flashback Friday, that fun time where Linda has us sift through our memory banks.  If you would like to join us hop over to her site Mocha with Linda and get the complete prompt for this week, and then link up when you have yours posted.

This week we are talking about old commercials.  I was a commercial nut when I was growing up, absolutely loved the commercials more than the shows.  I had a field day on youtube.  I remembered most of them but had forgotten my favorite one, the Frito Bandito.  I remember my brother paying me a quarter not to sing it anymore. lol.  I really can't remember one way or the other if they influenced Mom and Dad's buying.  I would say probably not because Dad usually did the shopping and he was pretty much on the wavelength if you really didn't need it you didn't get it.  Here are the ones that I really enjoyed:


We always called my mom Mikey, because she would always eat whatever was left.





I can kind of remember the McDonald's commercial above, but the one below is the one I remember the most.  My cousins and I would walk to McDonald's in our town and we thought we were so cool.  We would ask for the Big Mac the way the commercial says it. I think the people behind the counter thought we were crazy, but we didn't care, we were teens.



I can remember this Alka Seltzer commercial, my Dad and I would do it all the time after supper, it used to aggravate Mom.  




This Coke one was one of my favorites.  That was during a rough time in my life and I had dreams of just joining up with all these people and singing for Coke. 


The Frito Bandito - my absolute favorite!



And last but not least the Palmolive one.  I remember telling Mom if she would try Palmolive her hands might be prettier.  That went over like a lead balloon!



Ok I think that is enough, you get the picture I loved the commercials!  They just don't make commercials like they used too.  Although there is one that I love.  Have you seen the new M&M's commercial.  Here it is.


How can you not love that?  LOLOL

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  We were supposed to head out to Arkansas on Sunday, but the weather kind of put a damper on those plans.  Please remember my daughter in your prayers, she will be traveling to DC.  Pray for her safety and remember my son-in-law since he will have the kids on his own.  Also remember my cousin Ginger in prayer, her surgery is this morning.  I am praying and believing it is not cancer!  Please pray with me.

until next time... nel

In The Blizzard and Other Hodgepodge...

It’s that fun time of the week again when Joyce makes sure we are awake and kicking just waiting to answer her fun questions. If you would like to join us hop over to her space at From This Side Of The Pond and link up. It is a great way to meet new blogging friends or check up on your old ones.

1. Would you rather be seen as a person who did their duty or forged their own path?

Can I pick both? I have always blazed my own path, did things my way; it is that independent streak I have. I actually think my hubby has called it a stubborn streak, but yet I want to be remembered for doing my part, for raising a daughter that believes in God, and making sure my grandkids know that He is their Heavenly Father. It is such a privilege to be a child of the King!

2. This week's Wednesday Hodgepodge happens to fall on Groundhog's Day. In keeping with that theme, if you could have a do-over of any one day out of the last seven, which day would it be and why. If you haven't seen the movie Groundhog Day this question will make absolutely no sense but that's okay....you can answer anyway.

You thought my question was going to be weather related didn't you?

Joyce, that is two questions – only one at a time. lolol Probably last Thursday, I felt like it was a waste of time. I did not get anything done, which to be honest I do not do a lot anyways. I was up late the night before and I slept late, so it just felt like most of the day was gone. I hate that feeling.

3. Hot cocoa...yay or nay on the marshmallows?

If it is instant with the marshmallows already there I like it. I will not add mini marshmallows though. I know strange, what can I say?

4. Do you wear makeup every day? What are the top two must haves in your daily makeup routine?

Well if the inquiring minds really want to know, I do not wear makeup of any kind. I tried at different times in my life but it never agreed with my skin. I have very sensitive skin. I do have two things that I must do or must have every day. One is wash my face with cold water that is a must! Then I use moisturizer every day sometimes twice a day. I have problems with eczema and dermatitis. I always put moisturizer on the back of my neck and my ears and at times have to use a prescription steroid crème.

5. Is it more important to you in a relationship to be loved or understood?

I have to know without a doubt that I am loved; I think that is because of past experience. Actually I picked that one because who in their right mind could understand me??? lol

6. Parsley sage rosemary or thyme... your favorite?

Scarborough Affair – Simon and Garfunkel 1966



Oh that is not what you were looking for? Ok I actually use whatever the recipe calls for. On my own I use Cavender’s seasoning a lot, which is a mixture of different seasonings.

7. What do you do when you feel angry?

I try to walk away and start praying. I bite my tongue a lot.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I think the majority of us have been forced to enjoy the winter weather the last couple of days. I know some of you have already had it, but you have to understand we usually do not get it. We sometimes have an inch or two once or twice in the winter. We have about 10 – 12 inches; the roads have not been plowed yet. They closed the Battlefield Mall today. I have seen maybe one vehicle make it up the little incline on the road in front of our house. Under the snow there is ice, not a good mixture. But at least the ice did not cling to the trees or power lines, it could have been so much worse. Looks like we will postpone the trip to Arkansas. Here are a few pictures I took. Hope you enjoy them.

Please remember my cousin Ginger in prayer, her surgery is Friday. We are praying and believing that the mass is not cancerous!

“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive."  Matthew 21:22

until next time… nel

Memory Challenge...

SIESTA SCRIPTURE

MEMORY CHALLENGE

Verse 3

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,

believing ye shall receive."  Matthew 21:22  KJV

What a special promise from God's word.  If you would like to join us in the memory challenge stop by Living Proof Ministries.  Click here to read the instructions.  It is a great way to hide His word in our heart.

I have a special prayer request for everyone.  Alot of you know I recently attended the Memorial Service for my cousin Gale that lost her battle with cancer.  Please remember her daughter Ginger in prayer.  Ginger will be having surgery this Friday.  She found out two weeks ago she has a large mass on her ovary.  The doctor's are saying that there is a 50% chance it is not cancer.  I am praying and believing that it is benign, and I claim God's promise.  Please join me in praying for Ginger.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11

until next time... nel