My Buddies

He has been my buddy for a long time. Now I need 8000 stardust to power him up again.
Hmmmm . .

I decided I better get candies so I can power up this little guy so now he is my buddy.

🌬️ #whatif Prompt for 11.24.18 ❄️

Today's prompt:

If we got 3 feet of snow tonight . .  

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

💰100% Savings at Kroger!!! 💰

A quick trip to Kroger using the coupons they send in the mail monthly when you apply for their free membership. The key fob card is awesome as you can download coupons onto it from the web.

On this trip I was able to get groceries that normally would cost $7.57 with taxes . . and I got all of this for free!! I used coupons that Kroger mails. Right now money is extremely tight for me and this was a huge blessing!!
Go to Kroger . .
Get your Kroger card . .
Make sure they have your full address so they can mail you coupons . .
Savings are waiting in your mailbox!!!

Blog Update

Hey folks, just a quick update on my blogging path. I am finding that keeping up both Patreon and Blogger was taking all the fun out of blogging so. . I am making more changes. I was truly hoping to be able to keep this blog alive but it's simply not sustainable and that's unfortunate.
So I begin the process of moving all of these posts to www.whatifweallcared.blogspot.com
I realize some of these are duplicates of posts already on blogger. I have decided that, rather than try to dig through old posts to see where duplicates are, I will simply transfer these over and be done with it.
I want greater simplicity in my life and this move will do that. And the reduction of stress from literally still having three (3) blogs open will be gone freeing my mind to pursue greater things!
Stay tuned and please join me on blogger. If you follow me there I will try to follow you back .  that way I can keep up on what you are doing.

A Healthy Addiction

Is there such a thing as a 'healthy addiction'?
Yes, there is.
As it says in 1 Corinthians 16:15-16,
15¶ I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

What if we each worked at developing this addiction? Not to gain anything per se as much as to be a blessing to those who served us in ministry.
Imagine that . .

#whatif Prompt for 11.23.18

Today's prompt:

         favorite thing about church

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

👦#whatif Prompt for 11.22.18👧

Today's prompt:
      Most extreme childhood memory

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

Clearing a drain Quickly and Easily

If you have a drain that's clogged and can't afford a plumber then this little trick might help you. Let me know what results you had!   

Story in a Photo

 Wordless Wednesday 

Sit Down!

 Come on in and pull up a seat!  

A Peek at What She Sees

 "she lives a poetry she cannot write"  from the writings of Oscar Wilde
She lives in a world few can enter as she has hidden her heart, her thoughts and her dreams away. As she walks there is a mystical feel to what is in her eyes. She sees and hears what others miss. You must win her trust to have a peek.

Donde?

Can You find Something Timeless?

The water always flowing  . .  a timeless cycle of nature.

📖#whatif Prompt for 11.21.18

Today's prompt:
  Favorite  book of the Bible

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

😘#whatif Prompt for 11.20.18

Today's prompt:

      🤗secret kindness😘

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

Praying for You

A lot of things I don't know.  . .  but I do know that, when I say "let's go find someone homeless/on drugs/needing a dose of Jesus", you'll race me to the car! And I know you'll love and accept me as I am and love me more as I grow in Him. That you'll be my best friend (after Jesus) and be someone I can talk to openly about any and everything. I know you are out there and Jesus will bring you on scene when the time is right.
For now, know I am praying for you. 👫

🍳#whatif Prompt for 11.19.18

Today's prompt:

     What goes in an omelette

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

⏳Joy Dare 👵 November 16-18, 2018 👩‍👧

16th~ 3 gifts hard eucharisteo.   .
   💸 more bills than income
    ⌚ waiting
   🏢 home

\()/

17th~ 3 gifts of laughter . .
      ☀️ sunny day
         👩‍👧family time 👵
        🙏 His answers to my prayers

 )_(  

18th~ a gift made, shared, passed.  .
       ⏳ time with Mom
         🍛 supper with church family
       🌜 evening with a sweet client

Fall Foliage

🐛#whatif Prompt for 11.18.18🍡

Today's prompt:
    
      Caterpillar Shishkabob

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

Day 317/365

   Hanging with Matt doing a bit of lite urbex.  . Maybe urbex with a side of landscaping?!

Dellwood Park Urbex

Below 'Dellwood Park Proper' is a really cool little known area with a local swimming hole and beautiful bluffs!

Thoughts on Migration/Immigration

Hey there. Glad you are back. I'd like to chat a bit about the subject of migration and immigration. Do you have time to grab a cup of fresh hot coffee, take off your shoes and put uo your feet? There's a really comfy chair in the corner, if you'd like. ☕
So, among others, I have read  this article on the migration crisis as well as watched this video on children migrating alone and I am truly wondering where is this planet as a whole? Where are Christian earthlings on this? What are our children learning from this?

Many turn to 2 Corinthians 8:14-16 for answers  .  .
14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supplyfor their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

15As it is written, He that had gatheredmuch had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

16¶But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

But that is taking verses out of context. Really we need to consider the previous verse also:

13¶For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

So, yes we are to help others . . but not to the point of creating a burden for ourselves. Why do I mention this? Well, so many appear to be of the opinion that all wealth/income should be divided equally between all people on the planet! Yes, there are some so critically handicapped that a SSD check is necessary.   .and seniors who paid into the programs for years as a government run savings account to provide in retirement. I am not referring to those situations at all. I am talking about those who can do some sort of work really need to work.
That includes migrants.
So, yes what I'm saying is  . .
~ we do need borders
~ maybe every country does need a wall
~ every citizen at birth receives and ID and all school, medical and criminal records are scannable on that ID (automatically updated when arrested, the doctor is visited or when grades are updated)

But . . . .
~ we all need to be able to migrate at will (as long as our criminal/health records allow) to all countries participating
~deciding factors on who gets free food, heathcare, etc needs to be tightened again
~ all adults (under 62 years old) able to do any sort of work need to be held fully responsible for their own bills
~ all fathers need to automatically be held financially responsible for making sure their children have sufficient finances to live above the poverty level from conception until college graduation
~ these rules need to apply to everyone entering a participating country (ie: no country is giving you a free ride just for showing up!)

I would love to have the opportunity to visit/move to Canada, Mexico, etc. But I need to make the moves after planning carefully. . or prepare to live in less than desirable circumstances until I find myself a job and can pay for my own food and housing as well as medical coverage.
Now, about those currently migrating. Obviously the IDs aren't in place and many of these ideas will take time to impliment. Answers are needed yesterday.
So. . .
~ let them all into the US
~ hold them until cleared/vetted (they walked this far, a few nights in a tent is better than sleeping raw and considered a vacation by many here, including myself)
~ non-criminals need to secure jobs in order to stay in the US
~ they have one (1) year to learn English

There are many jobs available already. I see the same help wanted signs month after month! And all these new residents will shop in our stores, send their kids to school, need hair cuts etc. This will create even  more jobs.

Your thoughts?

☀#whatif Prompt for 11.17.18

Today's prompt:
 
Next summer I will.  .

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

1000 Marble Challenge~ week 931

Another great week!
~ attending church as a family
~ keeping up his grades
~ a fun family hike
~ playing Pokemon Go
~ cleaning our apartment together
~ watching movies together

#whatif Prompt for 11.16.18

Today's prompt:
          homemade

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

🐒 Eating Monkey-Kibble in the Stable 👵

The  mondegreen  tendencies of the heiress caused a bizarre confusion when the zoo's  chimps were moved into bedrooms and given breakfast in bed and the heiress was fed monkey-kibble in the stable!! 

New Pocket Testaments Arrived!

I am soo excited! On my way out the door headed to work I found a package waiting for me. How awesome is that?! 
A fresh box of mini Bibles to share.  A small token to give someone  standing cold on a street corner. 
          A gift of hope in a dying world. 
                      A gift of Jesus!!!

What About the Children?!?!

I hear so much about imigration and migration . . so much about keeping borders safe. . .and about adults crossing illegally and might be terrorits. . .
What about the children?!
I do see both sides of the issue. . I am caught in the middle.
But weren't we all a migrant people at one time??!
Didn't we once care for our neighbors?
I still have some of that gypsy, migrant, travelor blood running through my veins. I'd happily roll up my teepee and follow the herds!
So now there are rules for migrating from one area to the next. . .
But,
What about the children?!!!
We are sitting back and allowing the children to suffer. .
Is this how Christians act?
What happened to L.O.V.E.???
Where would Jesus sit in all of this?
Why aren't the churches banding together and sending the Pastors to Washington DC en mass to show solidarity and have a meeting with President Trump?!?!

 Venzeula's Lost Children 

Whatch this video the tell me . .
What About the Chidren?!?!

Joy Dare 🙏 November 12-15, 2018

12th~ 3 gifts at noon.  .
  🏢 home  all day
   🙏 lots of prayer time
     🥗 lunch  w/Manicotti 🐱
@.@
13th~ 3 gifts behind a door  ..
    🚪cleaning  supplies
      🚪hugs
        🚪supper
\@/
14th~ 3 gifts  in silence  .   . .
           😊 peace
             🙏 prayer time
               🌫 God's presence 
'-'
15th~ 3 gifts  golden. . .
           👦 hugs from Matt
             📱chat with Mom
           👵 client hugs and giggles

Day 317/365

A bit of lite urbex with Matt.  Maybe it's urbex with a side of landscaping ?! A quick visit to the Toledo Botanical Gardens  was fun and brought pretty surprises around many corners! 

Joy Dare🙏November 12-15, 2018

12th~ 3 gifts at noon.  .
  🏢 home  all day
   🙏 lots of prayer time
     🥗 lunch  w/Manicotti 🐱
@.@
13th~ 3 gifts behind a door  ..
    🚪cleaning  supplies
      🚪hugs
        🚪supper
\@/
14th~ 3 gifts  in silence  .   . .
           😊 peace
             🙏 prayer time
               🌫 God's presence 
'-'
15th~ 3 gifts  golden. . .
           👦 hugs from Matt
             📱chat with Mom
           👵 client hugs and giggles

I & M Canal

This is the I & M Canal in Lockport, IL.
It's beautiful and near the Legacy Paint Ball Park. It's also where Chicago dumps all it's raw sewage. Yes, Chicago, an almost truly green city, has no sewage treatment plant but chooses, instead to float it's sewage downstream through Bolingbrook, Lockport, Romeoville, Joliet, etc.
Children and wildlife use this canal water. The children play in it and the wildlife raise their young on it and use it as a primary drinking water source.
This is happening because we have chosen apathy.
We could . .
~ start petitions
~ test the water http://www.watertestkitstore.com/watersafe-science-project-water-test-kit-4-pack/
~ call/write elected officials
~ tweet/facebook/blog it
It's beautiful and draws us to it.. It's full of all the viruses and bacteria Chigagoans flush every day.
What should we choose to do?!

  

Manicottis's November

"Do you even see how cute I am?!"

"Ah, my favorite channel.  . Hermit Crab Reality TV!!"

"Oh,  did you think this was your bed?!?"

Veggie Omelettes

A quick easy breakfast.  . Yummy  and filling! 

Good Morning!

Good morning!  How are you?  Blessed,  I hope! Glad  you stopped by for coffee and a chat. 
This morning God got me up early to clean.  Yeah,  seriously. .  to clean  . . well,  clean and sort.  But first to steam clean outside my apartment.  You can see the pretty antique wood floor outside my front door.  Isn't  it lovely?! To the right is the stairwell.  I'm  not exactly sure what the cleaning schedule was before I moved in one (1) year ago.  . more accurately I'm  not sure when it was ever cleaned  prior to my move-in. 
So,  I have been steaming clean (with bleach) my wooden landing and (sometimes all, sometimes 1/2) of the stairwell landing since I moved in.  This morning I only  did 1/2.   
Now I can say the owners just contracted a cleaning  company  last month and the girls who come out are fairly thorough.  . . They've  removed several layers/years of dirt already and the stairwell smells so much fresher after their visits (2 so far).  But years of neglect may be a long slow process  to remove.
Regardless,  I am up.   .  listening to YouTube   prayer  and  Because He Lives 🎶
And, as I clean  and pray, He is teaching and blessing me. It is so beautiful to be loved so dearly that He would wake me at 4am for this. 
How could I be so loved by someone as great as Him?!?! 

Blogging Updates 😊

Hey there  . . don't  want you to think I'm  sick or that something has happened to me.  I'm  actually doing really  well.  I've  been gone because God had my full attention for the last few days. 

But I'm back now.  .

I am slowly.  . Very very slowly transferring most posts from here to my other 2 blogs :

www.whatifweallcared.blogspot.com

www.patreon.com/karenjoyce

Blogspot is my original site from way back

Patreon is something I've  been playing around with  . . much of what I post will be free.  . . there will be previews 2 days early of some posts (that will appear on both sites after that for free)  for $1/mo . . the info on the tiers is a definite work in progress  (WIP) and will be changed soon. 

I'd  love to see all my followers at any/all my blog sites and appreciate any constructive and kind comments. 

Stop by for a cup of coffee and a chat.  . You're  always welcome!!

Blogging Updates 😊

Hey there . . don't want you to think I'm sick or that something has happened to me. I'm actually doing really well. I've been gone because God had my full attention for the last few days.

But I'm back now. .

I am slowly. . Very very slowly transferring most posts from here to my other 2 blogs :

www.whatifweallcared.blogspot.com

www.patreon.com/karenjoyce

Blogspot is my original site from way back

Patreon is something I've been playing around with . . much of what I post will be free. . . there will be previews 2 days early of some posts (that will appear on both sites after that for free) for $1/mo . . the info on the tiers is a definite work in progress (WIP) and will be changed soon.

I'd love to see all my followers at any/all my blog sites and appreciate any constructive and kind comments.

Stop by for a cup of coffee and a chat. . You're always welcome!!

Did You Vote?

I popped in and voted before a morning appointment.  I wasn't  sure I was going to have time  as my day was packed.  I was glad I could  vote.  .  . .there are so many issues that touch my heart.  Funding for the schools was  big one. 
If we don't vote then we are still speaking  out on our own future . . .by not voting we are voting for unadulterated  tyrany. 
I voted. 
Did you?

Wildwood

Veggie Omelettes

A yummy breakfast . . easy and filling! 😋

#whatif Prompt fir 11.11.18

Today's prompt:

     favorite pies

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

Ready for Outreach?

A few simple  Pocket  Testaments tucked into my car door pocket in case I see someone  in need of Jesus. 
Are you ready to meet the need?

Harvest Time!!

#whatf Prompt for 11.10.18

Today's prompt:
    
    snuggle a squirrel

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

It's Snowing!!

1000 Marble Challenge~ week 928-930

~ discipline in church

~ looking ahead together

~ working through learning greater independence

~ discipline at home
~ tour of University of Toledo campus
~ learning how to come home on time
~ watching movies together
~ cleaning the apartment together
~ hoping, praying, planning
~ watching Matt's relationship with God be restored

Cleaning Time

I seriously bleached out my fridge . .

But sorting out all this stuff from the house was my original plan!
Yes, I get distracted, but the fridge did also need help. Sometimes we have to change our plan. . and it is often for the best!!

Me Through the Years

Preschool days. .

1st grade . .

Approx 1992 . . 29 yrs old

Approx 9th grade. . . 15 yrs old. . .

March 2016 . . 52 yrs old

Today . . 55 yrs young . .

Today was my birthday. . best birthday in years!!

Day 309/365

Manicotti's November

Snuggly boy
Always wanting love
Pillow-Snatcher
Cuddle-Monster Extraordinaire!!

Walking and Praying . .

Sometimes I just need. . . I really need to go back the woods . . get grounded . . breathe the sweet aroma of moss and leaves . . listen to a crick. . .
And pray . . yes, spend precious time in the woods with my Savior . . just walking together and chatting (or me learning to listen) while enjoying His creation.
Ahh . .

Why Upside Down?

Matt and I noticed this symbol on a grave in Woodlawn Cemetery and were perplexed.

The meaning is pretty kool!

The upside down torch signifies the end of a life.

*normally an upside down torch goes out*

The torch still lit represents everlasting life/going to heaven.

How kool is that?!!

Glad King David Wasn't Perfect!!

Roman's 3:23, 6:23
John 3:16-17
God used David, a man who lusted after and had an affair with another man's wife (Bathsheba) then had that man murdered so he could marry her himself!!
And God made him a king and a mighty leader!!!
   Aren't you glad God loves us in our imperfect mess?!! 💖
   Imagine if He required us to be perfect. . I, personally, would be laying in a ditch somewhere . . seriously. Before Jesus jumped in, sent my church to stand across the street from the dumpy apartments I was living in and preach to us, I was a lost hot mess going under further and further every day. My life was out of control and I could feel it but couldn't figure out how to stop it. It was really really scary bad.
But Jesus saw a future for me. He sent my church (not my church at the time as I was no longer going to church) to my corner (510 Eastern Ave, Toledo) to reach me. He cared enough about me . . saw my plight . . heard me crying out . . and He sent help!
He didn't stop and say, "Ooo, not her. . she's not good enough, holy enough, thin enough . . she has too much baggage, history, too many issues . ."  . No, Jesus called to me right in the middle of my personally designed disaster!
He saw where I was, BUT He also saw who I could be in Him and He moved on that potential.
I am so forever grateful to God for seeing the good/hope/love/potential in me and sending a rescue vessel.
Imagine this world if He didn't forgive us and rescue us?
Imagine if he'd not forgiven David?
Where would we all be now?!!

Thinking Ahead about Matt's Future!

Hey there . . so I am looking ahead a bit to when Matt graduates high school and gets his own apartment. . and, as him not going to college simply wasn't an acceptable option (yup, that was his plan), I did something about it . . I had him take a serious shower and get ready to go have fun . . then, without his previous knowledge (aka no opportunity to let me know he didn't want to . . or time to get a serious attitude before we arrived) I took him to University of Toledo.

We arrived at the campus and found a spot to park . . not an easy feat! Then we followed the signs to admissions for new students and found that they were having a free tour in 15 minutes (that unplanned "coincidence" was purely God stepping in!!)!!! Matt filled out a contact card so they can keep him up-to-date and we settled in to watch a brief orientation program. After that we began a student-led tour of the campus.

The water slide in the recreation center . .

The lap pool . .

Rocket Stadium!!

Falcon-proof wall . . nice!!

Dorm room . .

So . . after the tour Matt was 100% addicted/sold on going to UT!! Yes, mission accomplished!! We headed to the campus bookstore and bought him a UT hat and lanyard which he wears every day . .
In 1 1/2 years Matt will graduate high school so we need to make sure he is set up correctly to succeed. He's going to check with his counselor to make sure he's taking the necessary classes as well as either ACT or SAT testing (test results are needed for the application to be processed). Then he has to watch his grades and study habits as well as practical living skills (laundry, cooking, etc).
We have a busy yet exciting tine ahead!! ✏✒📝📖📚

Quick Confession . .

I love to learn . . 📚📖
I love to write . . 📝✒✏

🌳#whatif Prompt for 11.3.18

Today's prompt:

Fun things to do in a tree . .

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

Why Upside Down?

Matt and I noticed this symbol on a grave in Woodlawn Cemetery and were perplexed.
The meaning is pretty kool!
The upside down torch signifies the end of a life.
*normally an upside down torch goes out*
The torch still lit represents everlasting life/going to heaven.
How kool is that?!!

Praying and Waiting ..

Yes, I am still praying... Praying and waiting . . I have been doing some serious soul-searching . . where am I really in my prayer life. . . Bible study . . Bible reading . . general day-to-day everything . .? Is there anything that could be holding me back??!? Introspection can be good as long as it's not too harsh. I do need to read my Bible more. . that's for sure . .  . . . could that be gumming up progress? Could not spending at least an hour every day just sitting and reading my Bible for fun be throwing a wrench the size of Boston into the gears?
Honestly, I don't know. I think I'm good on the rest so that must be the issue. . gotta fix that . . gotta find a Bible at home that's easy to just sit and read . . set blank notebook and pen with it (to jot down things I want to study later!!📖😊📚📝). I have several versions of the Bible so I need to start with one (1) and keep at it till I find what I need . .
Ooooo!! 🙏📖🙌

😺Manicotti's November 🐱

Ah . . time to rest and soak up attention!

The Resolution for Women

Yes, I am back in this book. It tends to center and ground me. I'm in part 2, section 1, chapter 3 . . I've only begun this chapter and am appreciating the emphasis on being whole vs perfect. Feeling like I have to be "perfect or else" is something I truly struggle with. Is my praise/worship, body, hairstyle, clothing, etc perfect enough for God to use me . .? While I know He loves me as I am . . well, I still struggle for the approval. . from Him . . and from those in authority. I dream of a life away from judgement where I can praise and worship authentically as me . . wholeheartedly and unashamed. . that will be a glorious day!! 🙏🎶📖🙌

🐛#whatif Prompt for 11.2.18

Today's prompt:

Caterpillar omelettes

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.

🏡#whatif Prompt for 11.1.18🏢

Today's prompt:

Monopoly marathon memories

Feel free to respond in your favorite way whether it be a poem, short story, photo, video . . however you best relate to the prompt. Simply post your ideas, create a ping-back and use the hashtag #whatif.