Category Archives: Family

It’s A Hit!!

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Improv (2)

Photo:  http://www.news-press.com/article/20130531/ENT/305310024/Stage-2-Improv-opens-Naples

The Reviews are in!!

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jun/07/review-stage-2-improv-naples-players-tickets/

“Maybe improv does have a future in Naples.

Stage 2 Improv – “the next stage of comedy” (insert eye roll here) –

served up a loud, lively, way-better-than-I expected debut

in the Naples Players’ black box space Friday night.

There are some funny folks roaming the streets.

And not just the actors!”

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130614/ENT/306140015/Naples-based-Stage-2-Improv-adds-show-dates

“Stage 2 Improv,

a Naples-based improvisational theater group,

has added dates to its performance schedule

at Sugden Community Theatre.

June 20 has been added,

as well as July 11-13,

July 18-20

and July 25-27.

The show is directed by Michael Santos and Judith Gangi Santos

(co-founders of the former Naples City Improv).

Stage 2 Improv features scenes, games and songs

that are driven from suggestions by the audience.

Each show is created on the spot,

so no two shows are ever alike.

The Stage 2 cast includes:

JamieLynn Bucci, Kat Ebaugh, Judith Gangi Santos, Brad Goetz, Steven Johnson, Randy Jones, Meg Pryor, Michael

Santos and Nancy Swartz. Interns for the show include Casey Debrowski (My son!!!), Synthia Dubose, Guy Clover,

Bukki Sittler, Rosie Spinosa and Corey Walker.

Performances will be Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

at Sugden Community Theatre.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students to 18.

The theatre is at 701 5th Avenue South, Naples.

Visit naplesplayers.org

or call 239-263-7990.”

The comedy at Stage 2 is strong. Exceptionally so. Stage 2 cast well, looking not for acting skills or pretty faces, but wits, brains and comic timing. Robin Williams these kids are not – but they know how to get a laugh. You try to mime scrubbing a toilet with a cucumber and spit? Or peeling a cactus with a pair of dentures? F

http://ftmyersnaples.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Reviews-STAGE-2-IMPROV-Laughs-into-Naples-20130608

http://www.naplesplayers.org/show1_0.html

Read the entire review at:

http://www.gonaples.com/news/2013/jun/07/review-stage-2-improv-naples-players-tickets/

“Make full my joy,

that ye be of the same mind,

having the same love,

being of one accord…”

Philippians 2:2

Oh!!

Go ahead…

And enjoy a good laugh!!!

Even the Bible can be funny!!

Funny Bible Verses, Quotes, and Sayings…

“It is better to live alone in the desert

 

than with a crabby, complaining wife.”

 

Proverbs 21:19

“There is more hope for a foo

than for someone who speaks without thinking.

Proverbs 29:20

“Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture

 

they do not understand,

 

but the passages that bother me

 

are those I do understand.”

 

Mark Twain

 

“My ancestors wandered

 

lost in the wilderness for 40 years

 

because even in Biblical times,

 

men would not stop to ask for directions.”

 

Elayne Boosler

 

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors,

 

and also to love our enemies;

 

probably because they are generally the same people.”

 

Gilbert K. Chesterton

 

It’s going to be fun to watch and see how long the meek

 

can keep the earth after they inherit it. 

 

Kin Hubbard

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Stage 2 Improv has been so widely popular, we’ve added a June 20th performance at 8:00 pm and three July weekends! Thur – Sat, July 11-13, 18-20 & 25-27 8:00 pm

Stage 2 Improv is a Naples-based improvisational theatre group featuring scenes, games and songs that are created right before your very eyes! If you liked the television show Who’s Line is it Anyway? and the improv troop The Second City, you’ll love this! The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show! Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience. Some games may even feature audience participation! You never know what an evening will bring, which makes each show different from the next.

TICKETS ARE $15 FOR ADULTS AND $10 FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18

– See more at: http://www.naplesplayers.org/show1_0.html#sthash.oRbjrYF0.dpuf

Stage 2 Improv has been so widely popular, we’ve added a June 20th performance at 8:00 pm and three July weekends! Thur – Sat, July 11-13, 18-20 & 25-27 8:00 pm

Stage 2 Improv is a Naples-based improvisational theatre group featuring scenes, games and songs that are created right before your very eyes! If you liked the television show Who’s Line is it Anyway? and the improv troop The Second City, you’ll love this! The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show! Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience. Some games may even feature audience participation! You never know what an evening will bring, which makes each show different from the next.

TICKETS ARE $15 FOR ADULTS AND $10 FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18

– See more at: http://www.naplesplayers.org/show1_0.html#sthash.oRbjrYF0.dpuf

Chris Silk is the arts writer and theater critic for the Naples Daily News. To read the longer version of this review, go to: http://w

Jesus, You’re The Lover Of My Soul!!

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“Jesus, Lover of My Soul”
Middle Church Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir
Tina Cernero, solo (My sister!!)
music by Bach/Wesley
arr. P. Williams-Jones
To learn more about Middle Church visit:
http://www.middlechurch.org

Lyrics to the old hymnal, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” by Charles Wesley, pub. 1740

  1. Jesus, lover of my soul,
    Let me to Thy bosom fly,
    While the nearer waters roll,
    While the tempest still is high.
    Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
    Till the storm of life is past;
    Safe into the haven guide;
    Oh, receive my soul at last.
  1. Other refuge have I none,
    Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
    Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
    Still support and comfort me.
    All my trust on Thee is stayed,
    All my help from Thee I bring;
    Cover my defenseless head
    With the shadow of Thy wing.
  1. Wilt Thou not regard my call?
    Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
    Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—
    Lo! on Thee I cast my care.
    Reach me out Thy gracious hand!
    While I of Thy strength receive,
    Hoping against hope I stand,
    Dying, and behold, I live.
  1. Thou, O Christ, art all I want,
    More than all in Thee I find;
    Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
    Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
    Just and holy is Thy Name,
    Source of all true righteousness;
    Thou art evermore the same,
    Thou art full of truth and grace.
  1. Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
    Grace to cover all my sin;
    Let the healing streams abound;
    Make and keep me pure within.
    Thou of life the fountain art,
    Freely let me take of Thee;
    Spring Thou up within my heart;
    Rise to all eternity.

“The lyrics speak of a personal and intimate relationship with Christ.

Revealing Jesus as Lover, Protector, and Provider.

Do you know Jesus that intimately???

Are you filled with His Love???

Can you feel His Protection???

Do you rely on Christ’s Provision???” *

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Hymnal Bible Verse References:

“Praise be to God

 and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 the Father of compassion

 and the God of all comfort.”

 2 Corinthians 1:3

  “…and from Jesus Christ,

 who is the faithful witness,

 the firstborn from the dead,

 and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

 To Him who loves us

 and has freed us from our sins by His blood…”

 Revelation 1:5

 “You have been a refuge for the poor,

a refuge for the needy in their distress,

a shelter from the storm

and a shade from the heat.

For the breath of the ruthless

is like a storm driving against a wall…”

Isaiah 25:4

 “Truly my soul finds rest in God;  

my salvation comes from Him.

Truly He is my rock and my salvation;   

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

Psalm 62:1-2

 “My salvation and my honor depend on God;    

He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;    

pour out your hearts to Him,    

for God is our refuge.”

Psalm 62: 7-8

 “Praise the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 103:2-5

“For the director of music.

Of David the servant of the Lord.

He sang to the Lord the words of this song

when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies

and from the hand of Saul.

He said:

 ‘I love you, Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,   

my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,    

and I have been saved from my enemies.'”

Psalm 18:1

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“Jesus is the lover of my soul

Jesus is my only refuge.

Jesus Christ fulfills all our needs and wants.” *

My Lord is the lover of my soul!

*   http://biblestudies.stores.yahoo.net/jloofmyso.html

For more history about Charles Wesley go to:

http://suite101.com/article/jesus-lover-of-my-soul-a70344

When Did Going On Vacation Become So Difficult???

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Apparently…

When I became an adult…

With responsibilities…

A family…

A job…

A house…

And a dog!!

When we were children…

We just hopped in the car…

And we left!

Okay, so we are packed…

But, it was a rough road to get to this point!! 

This vacation has been planned well in advance…

I’ve been looking forward to it all year…

You know how much I love the beach…

You know how much I love to be at the beach…

To read, to write, to do whatever I feel like doing, or nothing at all!!

But, working part-time this year…

As much of a ministry opportunity as it was…

Has put quite a crimp in my retired lifestyle…

Where all my ministries were challenging…

But, I was a volunteer…

And the beauty of that is that I still had control over my time…

 I’m feeling drained…

I’m really stressed…

I just don’t feel like going on vacation right now…

That’s crazy, I know!!

Plus, my poor, precious Crazy Siberian has not been feeling well lately…

We certainly all love her deeply…

But, we’ve all lost sleep…

Lots of sleep…

We’ve all cleaned up pee, poop, and throw-up…

More times than we care to…

We’ve made multiple runs to the vet with her…

And she definitely, ridiculously, horridly hates the car ride to see the vet!

It’s exhausting!!

We now have a calendar on our kitchen counter…

Just for her…

So we can keep track of all the medicines she’s on…

It’s just like living with a newborn, needy baby…

Which I remember so well…

Or, an ornery, elderly person…

Which I also remember!!

Teaching was so crazy at the end of the year…

That I lost my cool…

And it ceased to be fun…

I had to apologize for my grouchiness to everyone…

There, and at home, too!

 I really just want to stay home…

And vegetate on the couch!

But, no…

Not me!

I decided to tackle the humongous job of cleaning my house from top to bottom!

Starting with the ceiling fans the day after school got out…

My son, the one actually cleaning those fans…

Was not elated!

Well, that’s as far as we got…

When I had to stop cleaning to start packing for this vacation…

While dealing with a sick dog…

I hate packing…

Why can’t all my “stuff” just be there when I get there…

And I don’t do well with unfinished jobs…

So I’ll be planning my next cleaning job…

The blinds and windows…

For when we get back from vacation!

Rats!

Why do I do this to myself?

Please tell me to stop!

Take a deep breath…

Count to ten…

And enjoy my blessings of a wonderful beach vacation…

With my wonderful family…

And the whole summer off from work!

Just tell me, Lord…

I’ll listen to You!!

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“My son, if you receive My words and treasure up My commandments with you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;

yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,

if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,

then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5

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“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,

which surpasses all comprehension,

will guard your hearts

and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

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Thank you, Lord!! 

Amen!

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“Blessings crown the head of the righteous…”

Proverbs 10:6

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I love the refrain of the old hymn:

“Count Your Many Blessings”

Count your blessings, name them one by one…
Count your blessings, see what God hath done…
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!!

Visiting Naples? Go See “Stage 2 Improv!!” Hilarious!!

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6-2-13 Casey's Show! 001IMPROV:

Ad-lib!

Extemporization!

Impromptu!

Opposite of:

Planned…

Or routine!

As in,

“That comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation!”

So every show is different!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 003Voted “Best Live Theatre” (Including professional venues) in Southwest Florida 10 years running

by the Naples Daily News SW Florida Choice Awards,

ranked as one of the Top Ten Community Theatres in the United States.

https://foursquare.com/naplesplayers

Today The Naples Players stage more than 220 performances a year,

many of them sell outs.

With a subscriber base of more than 4,000,

and children’s program that reach over 600 children annually…

http://www.naplesplayers.org/his.html

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 005Sunny Naples is a popular, sophisticated and charming beach destination on the Gulf of Mexico.

It boasts many world-class hotels and resorts along miles of white sand beaches.

The ocean surf is gentle and the people are friendly.

Shoppers delight in searching for antiques, home furnishings, clothes and jewelry.

With its beautiful neighborhoods and grand architecture, the atmosphere is elegant, yet relaxing.

Sports enthusiasts spend glorious days pursuing their favorite activity, from golf to tennis to fishing.

There are restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

Even though it is a busy and cosmopolitan city, Naples offers easy access to secluded islands

and the wilderness of the Everglades.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34467-Naples_Florida-Vacations.html

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 010Sugden Community Theatre

The Sugden Community Theatre is the home of The Naples Players,

a community theatre located in the City of Naples in Southwest Florida.

Our actors light up the stage with musicals, comedies, dramas, children’s’ theatre, original plays and much more.

From the artful to the thought-provoking,

The Naples Players provides affordable quality entertainment.

http://www.explorenaples.com/brochure.phtml?memberno=1374

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 011Great Theatre Review:

“One of the best, if not the best, community theater in the country.

The quality of the shows…

the talent here is superior to most ‘professional’ theaters.

This is one of the better things about Naples.

Go see a show or two here.

 They also offer classes in all things theater.

They have an amazing kids program.

Also, there are occasionally concerts and film programs.

Great staff and amazing volunteers.

Oh, and you can volunteer…

actor, backstage, tech.

Check out their website.”

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-naples-players-naples

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 014Caricatures of the Stage 2 Improv cast…

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 013That’s our boy!!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 015Cool set design!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 018Relaxing atmosphere!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 021Gets you right in the mood…

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 023To LOL!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 029The usher and the stage manager are part of the act!!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 032The Playbill!!

And the Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar…

  We won for driving the greatest distance to see the show!

Here’s a You Tube video tour of 5th Ave. in Old Naples!

Go see the show…you need a good laugh!!

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter,

and your lips with shouting.”

Job 8:21

Even If The Healing Doesn’t Come…

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This post is dedicated to my beloved Cousin Tom…

Who just passed away…

One month after his Mother, my Aunt Rachel…

Who I spoke about recently…

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/leave-a-legacy/

Tom, or “Cousin Tommy Boy!”

As we used to call him…

Was two days older than I…

We celebrated all our Birthdays together for many years as children…

Running and playing with all our siblings, and our other cousins…

He loved trucks…

And his favorite sound was his “truck” sound…

“Gilly-Gilly-Gilly…Vroom!”

A happy, fun, and playful child,

Who grew up to be a Mighty Man of God…

Who loved his family, and cared for my Aunt…

Heaven welcomes you, my precious cousin…

Well done, good and faithful servant…

Rest now…

I know you’re seeing your Jesus face to face!

You’re Home!!

May our Lord bring His Peace to everyone in our family…

We will miss you!

Sometimes, all we have to hold onto…
Is what we know is true of who You are…
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane…
That could never change who You are…
And we trust in who You are!

Even if the healing doesn’t come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone…

You are God!

You are good!

Forever Faithful One !

Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn’t come…

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;

and there shall be no more death,

neither sorrow, nor crying,

neither shall there be any more pain:

for the former things are passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

Lord, we know Your ways are not our ways…
So we set our faith in who You are…
Even though You reign high above us…
You tenderly love us…
We know Your heart
And we rest in who You are…

You’re still the Great and Mighty One !

We trust You always…
You’re working all things for our good
We’ll sing Your praise!

“Then Job got up and tore his clothes in grief.

He shaved his head

and threw himself face downward on the ground.

He said, ‘I was born with nothing,

and I will die with nothing.

The Lord gave,

and now He has taken away.

May His Name be praised!’

In spite of everything that had happened,

Job did not sin by blaming God.”

Job1:20-22

You are God and we will bless You!
As the Good and Faithful One!
You are God and we will bless You!

Even if the healing doesn’t come!
Even if the healing doesn’t come!

Amen!

“Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him;
    I will surely defend my ways to His face.”

Job 13:15

We pray for blessings…
We pray for peace…
Comfort for our family, protection while we sleep…
We pray for healing, for prosperity…
We pray for Your Mighty Hand to ease our suffering…
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things…

‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears…
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise…

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea…
And long that we have faith to believe…

When friends betray us…
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart…
That this is not, this is not our home…

What if my greatest disappointments…
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy…
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise…

“For this world is not our home;

we are looking forward to our City in Heaven,

which is yet to come.”

Hebrews 13:14

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 “But our citizenship is in Heaven.

And we eagerly await a Savior from there,

the Lord Jesus Christ,

who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control,

will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His Glorious body.”

Philippians 3:20-21

I Can’t Be A Writer!!

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No one around here will let me think!!!

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If my dream is to be a writer…

I need to write!

To write…

I need to think!!

Here’s the scenario:

Get up late…

If I’m not working…

Get the coffee churning!  Ha!

Or, rush home from work, or from wherever…

Hurry to get everything done around the house…

Well not “everything!”

But enough to make me happy!

Eat, so my brain can function…

Sit down at the computer in the den…

Check my e-mails…

Gather my thoughts…

Compile my notes…

Download my photos…

Prepare to think…

Get ready to create!!

Ahhhhhhh…

The moment’s here!

And then!!!!!!!!!

It starts….

“Hon,

Can you peel the eggplant for dinner?

Put away the groceries?

Bread the chicken cutlets?

Send out this bill?

Call the pharmacy?”

And on and on…..

“Mom,

Where’s my whatever???

What do we have going on for Saturday?

Do I have to vacuum today?

Can I use this den space to play my games?”

And our Crazy Siberian…

She’s the worst!!!

She’ll be perfectly fine…

Relaxed…

Just lying around…

Watching TV with us…

But, as soon as I get my behind on my comfy chair in the den…

To sit down right in front of my computer…

And start to imagine…

Start to formulate a wonderful idea…

About something I’m passionate about…

“Ahhhh, yes….

It’s time to write!”

She barks to go outside!

She barks for a treat!

She barks for some attention…

Who knows…

She just barks…

It’s soooo annoying!

Then I get angry…

And whip out the dreaded fly swatter…

And warn her…

It doesn’t help!!

She’s spoiled by all of us!

So I end up…

Getting up…

Getting the treat…

Taking her out …

And giving her attention!!!

All my thoughts…

My beautiful, creative thoughts…

Just completely left my mind!!

Come back, come back…

Sweet, precious thoughts!!

This is why I often write at 2 am!!!!

When everyone’s asleep!

My fantasy…

Is to be alone in a cottage on the beach…

For at least 3 full entire days and nights!!!

Dear Lord…

I love my family, my home, and my life…

But, is that too much to ask for???

Just a little time to think!!

“Finally, brothers,

whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is just,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable,

if there is any excellence,

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things”

Philippians 4:8

Did You Hear The One About The Aspiring Comedians?

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Stage 2 Improv

Warming up!!

Improv

Photo/Info-Courtesy of:

http://www.naplesnews.com

http://stage2improv.net/

The cast of…

Stage 2 Improv

(From left) Michael Santos, Judith Gangi Santos,

Guy Glover, Kate Ebaugh, Steven Johnson, JamieLynn Bucci, Casey Debrowski (my son!!!), Nancy Swartz and Brad Goetz.

Take My Life…Please!

Locals with a funny bone are trying their skills at Improv.

The Naples Players school ends this week…

And the big test…

With a live audience…

Starts next week!

P.S.  See web-site for dates, times, and details, if you’re in the Naples area!!

Stage 2 improv…

Is a Naples-based improvisational theatre group…

Featuring scenes, games, and songs that are created right before your very eyes!

If you liked the television show “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?”

And the improv troop, The Second City, you’ll love this!

The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show!

Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience…

Some games may even feature audience participation!

You never know what an evening will bring…

Which makes each show different from the next!!

Stage 2 Improv

Was founded in the winter of 2012…

By Judith Gangi Santos and Mike Santos…

(co-founders of the former comedy group Naples City Improv).

Here’s my son’s bio!!!

“Hi.

I’m Casey.

I like math and theater.

And improv.

I really like improv.

I like cheese too.

It’s good.

School = FGCU graduate.

I act there sometimes.

I improv there lots of times.

Work = Teaching.

Acting = Dog Sees God and Our Town.

I have a snake and a doggie.

They’re cool.

Thanks to all my friends and family for keeping me as insane as I am.”

The crazy family he speaks of…that’s us!  Ha!

Break a leg?!?!?

Why do they say that???

“Love you!”

And

“God Bless!”

Seems safer to me!!

“And so

He will make you happy

and give you something

to smile about.”

Job 8:21  CEV

Teachers’ Trials And Smiles!!

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You May Not Know This…

But last week was “Teacher Appreciation” Week!!

At our school, all the students…

And the administration…

Showed their appreciation  to us with…

Smoothies…

And Chocolate!!!

Yippee!!

5-12-13Teacher Appreciation 004

On Day One…

I received this plant from one of my students, that said…

“Thank You For Helping Me Grow!”

5-12-13Teacher Appreciation 001

On Day Two…

I received this drinking cup from the same student, which said…

“Thank You For Quenching My Thirst For Knowledge!!”

On Day Three…

I received from the same student…

A Chik-Fil-A gift card!

On Day Four…

I received from the same student…

A beautiful card of appreciation from his whole family!!

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On Day Five…

I received from the same student…

An Entire “Teacher’s Survival Kit” Basket!

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Filled with…

Stuff…

For my zoo-y classroom…

For when it’s rough…

To help me stick to it…

To keep my day bright and cheerful…

To light my evenings…

To correct my mistakes…

To save my sanity…

To keep my marbles…

To give out confidence…

To hold it together…

To right wrongs…

To be flexible…

To let them shine…

To give me a burst of energy…

To wipe tears…

To pick out the good…

And most of all..

To pray each day!!!!

“God…

Please help me to strengthen their voices, bodies, and minds…

To express their feelings (and control them sometimes!)…

To explore what’s near…

And venture afar…

But most important of all…

To love who they are!

Amen!”

Can you tell that this kid’s Mom is a teacher, too!?!?!

God Bless all of you that are teachers…

And remember that parents are their first teachers!!

You are appreciated!!

And honored by God!!

Happy “Teacher Appreciation” Week!

Leave A Legacy…

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My very special Aunt Rachel, 86, of, N.J., passed away on Friday, May 3, 2013.

She left a legacy!

We’re celebrating her life!

We loved her, and will miss her!

She was predeceased by her husband, my Dad’s youngest brother…

And survived by her four sons (all of which preach the Gospel!),

her brother, her sister,

six grandchildren,

and five great-grandchildren (all who serve the Lord!)

She was a precious saint with strong faith in Jesus…

She left a spiritual legacy!!

We’re celebrating her Home Going!

She’s with Jesus now!!

“We will not hide them from their children,

but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord,

and His might,

and the wonders that He has done. 

Psalm 78:4  ESV

Dear Cousins…

Don’t be discouraged…

When shadows come…

Don’t be lonely…

Heaven is now her home!

Jesus is your portion…

Your constant friend is He…

His eye is on the sparrow…

And I know He watches You…

Sing because you’re happy… 

Sing because she’s free…

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches you!

“Let not your heart be troubled,”

His tender word you hear…

Rest on His goodness…

Lose your doubts and fears…

Follow where He leads you…

By the one step that you see…

His eye is on the sparrow…

 I know He watches You!

Whenever you’re tempted…

Whenever clouds arise…

When songs give place to sighing…

When hope within you dies…

Draw closer to Him…

As He sets you free from care…

His eye is on the sparrow…

I know He watches you!

I want to leave a legacy…

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Jesus, did I point to You enough?

And make  a mark on things?

I want to leave an offering…

Be a child of mercy and grace…

Who blessed Your Name!

Unapologetically!!

Help me leave that kind of legacy…

Not look too far, or too long…

Or make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy…

Accumulating trinkets, and a treasure pile…

Where moth, and rust, and thieves, and such…

Will soon enough destroy!

Not well traveled…

Not well read…

Not well-to-do…

Or well bred…

I just want to hear instead

“Well done, good and faithful one!!”

Aunt Rachel,

I hear your Jesus saying that to you right now!

Amen!

Don’t have a family legacy???

It could start with you!!!

God’s ready to help you!

 

Hello! Welcome To Our Home!!

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Hi!  I’m The Crazy Siberian!

This my domain…

I’m in charge here!!

This year has really been quite chaotic!

This is my story and I’m sticking to it!!

 “For He will give His angels orders concerning you,

to protect you in all your ways.” 

Psalm 91:11

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Looks like they made this dining room table just for me to try to hide under!

They had to remove the oriental carpet under it recently,

Because when I was sick, I was messing up too many areas!

Sorry!!

“Fix these words of Mine in your hearts and minds;

tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

Teach them to your children,

talking about them when you sit at home

and when you walk along the road,

when you lie down and when you get up.” 

Deuteronomy 11:18, 19

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Hey, you’re not perfect either!!

Yeah, that’s right!

“I will lie down and sleep in peace,

for You alone, O LORD,

make me dwell in safety.”

Psalm 4:8

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The Mom usually decorates this table for each holiday!

But, she’s working part-time this year, so…

These Easter decorations have been on this table since before March 31st!!

“By wisdom a house is built,   

and through understanding it is established;

through knowledge its rooms are filled   

with rare and beautiful treasures.

Proverbs 24:3-4

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The Boy is ready for the battle…

I will cause My people and their homes

around My Holy hill to be a blessing.

And I will send showers, showers of blessings,

which will come just when they are needed.”

Ezekiel 34:26 

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But I want you to know that…

I won the Easter-Egg-Cracking War!!

“Unless the LORD builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city,

the watchman stays awake in vain.”

Psalms 127:1

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They did not let me eat these!!  HUMPH!!!

“Now My eyes will be open [says the Lord] and My ears attentive

to the prayer that is made in this place.

For now I have chosen and consecrated this house

that My name may be there forever;

My eyes and My heart will be there for all time.”

2 Chronicles 7:15

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But, they do give me carrots!!

“And every day in the temple and at home

they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

Acts 5:42

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Everybody loves me!!

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock;

if any one hears My voice and opens the door,

I will come in to him and eat with him,

and he with Me.” 

Revelation 3:20

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I know it’s all about Jesus…He healed me when I was so sick!!

 “As for me and my house,

we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15

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Today…May 2nd…the Mom finally put the Easter decorations away!!

And the Dad and the Boy put the carpet back in place!

All was going well until I had an accident on the Family Room carpet!  UGH!

“Let not your hearts be troubled;

believe in God, believe also in Me.

In My Father’s house are many rooms;

if it were not so,

would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

And when I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again and will take you to Myself,

that where I am you may be also.”

John 14:1-3

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Here’s what the table looked like on Valentine’s Day!

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,

who abides in the shadow of the Almighty,

will say to the LORD,

‘My refuge and my fortress;

my God, in whom I trust.'”

Psalms 91:1-2

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The Dad does a good job of arranging flowers, huh!?!?

For a retired cop!!  Ha!

 “Unless the Lord builds the house,

its builders labor in vain.” 

Psalm 127:1

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Valentine’s Lunch!! 

They did not invite me!!

“Do not forget to entertain strangers,

for by so doing some people have entertained angels

without knowing it.”

Hebrews 13:2

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Okay!!  Go home now…

it’s time for my peaceful afternoon nap!!

“I will lie down and sleep in peace,

for you alone, O LORD,

make me dwell in safety.”

Psalm 4:8

No one’s home is perfect…

Lord help us!!

And heal!