Thoughts for the Week~September 1

[Don]

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Morning Devotional...

Thanks Be to God

Verse

Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. First Corinthians 8:6


It is much easier to say "I am thankful" than to say as Paul did, "Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25). The first does not commit the man. It is broad enough to afford footroom to retreat if someone should challenge him. The second burns its bridges and takes up its cross.

In these last bright brown days of autumn, we will be reminded a hundred times that we have a world of blessings for which we should render thanks. Let's not withhold our expressions of gratitude. Thankfulness that is put into words has a healing effect upon the soul and has a good effect upon those who hear. But let's avoid pagan ambiguity. "For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live" (1 Corinthians 8:6).

Thought

Martin Rinkart expressed it well when he wrote: "All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given, the Son, and Him who reigns with them in highest heaven, the one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore."

Prayer

All thanks to You, O God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, blest Three-In-One.

From Devotions By Dr. Tozer

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  The sun is up and it is going to be a hot day.  We did have some brief, but heavy showers, last evening.  I attended a meeting yesterday morning and then watched a lot of football and also finished an e-book I was reading and selected a new one.  Today will be church and out to lunch and then I will rest the rest of the day.  Stacey has arranged for the para-transit bus to pick her up and take her to church and also to bring her home.  However, she just now called saying she isn't going to be able to go and her real foot is swollen so bad she can't get her foot into it and she thinks a couple more bones have broken in her foot with the Charcot Foot.  This foot is a real concern when she starts to walk again as to whether it will stand up to the pressure. 

Judy, hope you got some rest last night. 

Al, so good to see your postings and your smiling picture appear from your posting.  Hope all is going well for you. 

Carol, Pat uses the Joanne's Fabrics half-off coupons all the time.  She also has commented on the terrible price of fabric.  Like you all I try not to complain too much about the prices but one cannot help but be aware of them.

Hi Ruth, it sounds like you had a pretty busy day yesterday. 

Liz, sorry you are having difficulty getting comfortable sleep.  What a terrible burden Amanda is dealing with but glad she has found a source of some relief from the pain. 

Don, thanks for that fine devotional message and reminder to give God the credit and express our gratefulness to him. 

[JudyB]

Thank you Don for the devotional.  We often say I am thankful without giving credit to the One who gives us so much to be thankful for.  Thanks be to God......I like that better.

Al it was good to see you posting. 

Liz it is good to see you as well.  Cats can be a nuisance to birds, however mine are keeping the mice at bay.  Enjoy the pets, they keep you active, and in doing so healthy.

John finally got home last night.  We had a quiet evening, I slept part of the day away yet was weary enough to sleep well last night.

We took our dogs for their walk this morning, I am going further each walk and it is paying off.  I am feeling better with the walk.

Got to go for now, God bless and thanks be to our Lord!

[Jeanne Lee]

Thank you for this reminder, Don.  So often we hear "It's lucky you..."  Or just as an exclamation "Thank God!"   Do I really mean I am thanking God for things that happen, or is it just words I'm using?  This really has me thinking now!  And that's what it's supposed to do!   

[JudyB]

This was on Facebook this morning and thought I would share it here, it fits with Don's devotion.



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[Larry Hanna]

This is very long but I just had to share this story.

  It is almost 12 yrs since 9/11 and here is a wonderful story about that
  terrible day.
  Here is an amazing story from a flight attendant on Delta Flight 15,
   written following 9-11: 
 
   On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, we were about 5 hours out of
   Frankfurt, flying over the North Atlantic .
 
   All of a sudden the curtains parted and I was told to go to the
   cockpit, immediately, to see the captain. As soon as I got there I
   noticed that the crew had that "All Business" look on their faces. The
   captain handed me a printed message. It was from Delta's main office in
   Atlanta and simply read, "All airways over the Continental United
   States are closed to commercial air traffic. Land ASAP at the nearest
   airport. Advise your destination." 
 
   No one said a word about what this could mean. We knew it was a serious
   situation and we needed to find terra firma quickly. The captain
   determined that the nearest airport was 400 miles behind us in Gander ,
   New Foundland. 
 
   He requested approval for a route change from the Canadian traffic
   controller and approval was granted immediately -- no questions asked.
   We found out later, of course, why there was no hesitation in approving
   our request. 
 
   While the flight crew prepared the airplane for landing, another
   message arrived from Atlanta telling us about some terrorist activity
   in the New York area. A few minutes later word came in about the
   hijackings. 
 
   We decided to LIE to the passengers while we were still in the air. We
   told them the plane had a simple instrument problem and that we needed
   to land at the nearest airport in Gander , New Foundland, to have it
   checked out.
 
   We promised to give more information after landing in Gander . There was
   much grumbling among the passengers, but that's nothing new! Forty
   minutes later, we landed in Gander . Local time at Gander was
   12:30 PM! .... that's 11:00 AM EST. 
 
   There were already about 20 other airplanes on the ground from all over
   the world that had taken this detour on their way to the U.S. 
 
   After we parked on the ramp, the captain made the following
   announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, you must be wondering if all these
   airplanes around us have the same instrument problem as we have. The
   reality is that we are here for another reason." Then he went on to
   explain the little bit we knew about the situation in the U.S. There
   were loud gasps and stares of disbelief. The captain informed
   passengers that Ground control in Gander told us to stay put. 
 
   The Canadian Government was in charge of our situation and no one was
   allowed to get off the aircraft. No one on the ground was allowed to
   come near any of the air crafts. Only airport police would come around
   periodically, look us over and go on to the next airplane. In the next
   hour or so more planes landed and Gander ended up with 53 airplanes
   from all over the world, 27 of which were U.S. commercial jets. 
 
   Meanwhile, bits of news started to come in over the aircraft radio and
   for the first time we learned that airplanes were flown into the World
   Trade Center in New York and into the Pentagon in DC. People were
   trying to use their cell phones, but were unable to connect due to a
   different cell system in Canada . Some did get through, but were only
   able to get to the Canadian operator who would tell them that the lines
   to the U.S. were either blocked or jammed. 
 
   Sometime in the evening the news filtered to us that the World Trade
   Center buildings had collapsed and that a fourth hijacking had resulted
   in a crash. By now the passengers were emotionally and physically
   exhausted, not to mention frightened, but everyone stayed amazingly
   calm. We had only to look out the window at the 52 other stranded
   aircraft to realize that we were not the only ones in this predicament. 
 
   We had been told earlier that they would be allowing people off the
   planes one plane at a time. At 6 PM, Gander airport told us that our
   turn to deplane would be 11 am the next morning. Passengers were not
   happy, but they simply resigned themselves to this news without much
   noise and started to prepare themselves to spend the night on the
   airplane. 
 
   Gander had promised us medical attention, if needed, water, and
   lavatory servicing. And they were true to their word. Fortunately we
   had no medical situations to worry about. We did have a young lady who
   was 33 weeks into her pregnancy. We took REALLY good care of her. The
   night passed without incident despite the uncomfortable sleeping
   arrangements.
   
   About 10:30 on the morning of the 12th a convoy of school buses showed
   up. We got off the plane and were taken to the terminal where we went
   through Immigration and Customs and then had to register with the Red
   Cross. 
 
   After that we (the crew) were separated from the passengers and were
   taken in vans to a small hotel. We had no idea where our passengers
   were going. We learned from the Red Cross that the town of Gander has a
   population of 10,400 people and they had about 10,500 passengers to
   take care of from all the airplanes that were forced into Gander ! We
   were told to just relax at the hotel and we would be contacted when the
   U.S. airports opened again, but not to expect that call for a while. 
 
   We found out the total scope of the terror back home only after getting
   to our hotel and turning on the TV, 24 hours after it all started. 
 
   Meanwhile, we had lots of time on our hands and found that the people
   of Gander were extremely friendly. They started calling us the "plane
   people." We enjoyed their hospitality, explored the town of Gander and
   ended up having a pretty good time. 
 
   Two days later, we got that call and were taken back to the Gander
   airport. Back on the plane, we were reunited with the passengers and
   found out what they had been doing for the past two days. What we found
   out was incredible. 
 
   Gander and all the surrounding communities (within MATCH about a 75
   Kilometer radius) had closed all high schools, meeting halls, lodges,
   and any other large gathering places. They converted all these
   facilities to mass lodging areas for all the stranded travelers. Some
   had cots set up, some had mats with sleeping bags and pillows set up. 
 
   ALL the high school students were required to volunteer their time to
   take care of the "guests." Our 218 passengers ended up in a town called
   Lewisporte, about 45 kilometers from Gander where they were put up in a
   high school. If any women wanted to be in a women-only facility, that
   was arranged. Families were kept together. All the elderly passengers
   were taken to private homes. 
 
   Remember that young pregnant lady? She was put up in a private home
   right across the street from a 24-hour Urgent Care facility. There was
   a dentist on call and both male and female nurses remained with the
   crowd for the duration. 
 
   Phone calls and e-mails to the U.S. and around the world were available
   to everyone once a day. During the day, passengers were offered
   "Excursion" trips. Some people went on boat cruises of the lakes and
   harbors. Some went for hikes in the local forests. Local bakeries
   stayed open to make fresh bread for the guests. 
 
   Food was prepared by all the residents and brought to the schools.
   People were driven to restaurants of their choice and offered wonderful
   meals. Everyone was given tokens for local laundry mats to wash their
   clothes, since luggage was still on the aircraft. In other words, every
   single need was met for those stranded travelers. 
 
   Passengers were crying while telling us these stories. Finally, when
   they were told that U.S. airports had reopened, they were delivered to
   the airport right on time and without a single passenger missing or
   late. The local Red Cross had all the information about the whereabouts
   of each and every passenger and knew which plane they needed to be on
   and when all the planes were leaving. They coordinated everything
   beautifully.  It was absolutely incredible.
   
   When passengers came on board, it was like they had been on a cruise.
   Everyone knew each other by name. They were swapping stories of their
   stay, impressing each other with who had the better time. Our flight
   back to Atlanta looked like a chartered party flight. The crew just
   stayed out of their way. It was mind-boggling. 
 
   Passengers had totally bonded and were calling each other by their
   first names, exchanging phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses. 
 
   And then a very unusual thing happened. 
 
   One of our passengers approached me and asked if he could make an
   announcement over the PA system. We never, ever allow that. But this
   time was different. I said "of course" and handed him the mike. He
   picked up the PA and reminded everyone about what they had just gone
   through in the last few days. He reminded them of the hospitality they
   had received at the hands of total strangers. He continued by saying
   that he would like to do something in return for the good folks of
   Lewisporte. 
 
   "He said he was going to set up a Trust Fund under the name of DELTA 15
   (our flight number). The purpose of the trust fund is to provide
   college scholarships for the high school students of Lewisporte. He
   asked for donations of any amount from his fellow travelers. When the
   paper with donations got back to us with the amounts, names, phone
   numbers and addresses, the total was for more than $14,000! 
 
   "The gentleman, a MD from Virginia , promised to match the donations and
   to start the administrative work on the scholarship. He also said that
   he would forward this proposal to Delta Corporate and ask them to
   donate as well. 
 
   As I write this account, the trust fund is at more than $1.5 million
   and has assisted 134 students in college education. 
 
   "I just wanted to share this story because we need good stories right
   now. It gives me a little bit of hope to know that some people in a
   faraway place were kind to some strangers who literally dropped in on
   them. 
 
   It reminds me how much good there is in the world." 
 
   "In spite of all the rotten things we see going on in today's world
   this story confirms that there are still a lot of good and Godly people
   in the world and when things get bad, they will come forward. 
 
   "God Bless America ... and God Bless the Canadians."

[Janet]

I had read this inspirational story before, but being reminded is a good thing.  Thanks, Larry.  We do need to remember that there are many, many good and kind and generous people in this world.

We had a small sprinkling of rain during the night, not enough to even dampen the ground, though.  Had I not been awake and heard it, I wouldn't have known!

We received an invitation to g-g-daughter Jenna's first birthday party on Friday evening.  Boy, how quickly that year sped by!  Unbelievable!!

I have another interview ready to type up into a story.  I want to get that done this afternoon.

Yesterday the lady I had interviewed called to tell me she had some changes to her story, and invited me to come to Park View (assisted living) and join in their hymn singing, and I did.  How enjoyable that was!

Liz, I went back to find your post.  Thanks for the information.  I never heard of that particular problem before, and am so sorry Amanda has it.  And she is so young, too!  I think Darrel has a different problem.  He had this infection a couple of years ago and it hung on or kept returning, for well over six months.  They said his bladder is so stretched out and the muscles so weak, he doesn't feel the urge to go when he should.  They encouraged him to go TRY more often, and to try to empty his bladder completely each time, as the old urine staying in it causes infections.  I do hope Amanda can find relief for her problems, and will let you know what the camera sees for Darrel and what they advise for him.

Larry, I do hope Stacey hasn't more broken bones in her foot!  It seems you and I and Liz have more than enough things with our girls, to pray about!

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Hi, friends,

This has been a very different from usual Sunday. I was getting ready to prepare for church when the phone rang.  One of my sons needed immediately to have my assistance in a joint phone call to care for some business. That took over my church time, since the call lasted more than an hour.

Then, I ended up with a bit of intestinal flu.

Later, I thought i felt better and went to a restaurant for lunch. A lady approached me asking some questions about Nashville, so since I was eating alone, I invited her to join me. So, two elderly widows from different parts of the state spent the lunch time conversing. How very interesting that visit was. And, I had opportunity to praise God for how he cared for me down through the years. It brought tears to her eyes. We parted as very friendly acquaintances, and I enjoyed memories of our conversation late into the evening.

The pain levels are rising with several days behind me of taking nothing for the arthritis - can cause bood to thin, so I had to stop in preparation for the injection Tuesday.

Now, I look forward to meeting my next set of furry grand"dogs".  Thus far, the count is 4 granddogs, 1 grandcat, and 1 great-granddog.  My daughter and hubby have adopted two part Chihuahua puppies. I've been invited to their home tomorrow lunchtime to meet the new "grands."

Y'all have a great rest of this day, and tomorrow with our Lord and Saviour.

Ruth Ann

[JudyB]

I woke up this morning with this hymn playing through my mind.  Thought you would enjoy it as well!

Search Me, O God
(Note: The music open in a separate Quick Time Window--Just click the previous window to follow the words. At the end of this hymn there is a bonus for you.)

Story behind the song - Search Me O God

Background of this beloved hymn:  Dr. James Edwin Orr (1912-1987) was a well-known Baptist minister, historian, lecturer, author and revivalist. He wrote numerous books and composed a number of hymns. He was one of the original board members of Campus Crusade for Christ. Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Orr traveled to more than 100 countries, spreading the Good News.

During the great New Zealand revivals of 1936, Dr. Orr overheard some Aborigine girls singing a beautiful song, Maori Song of Farewell. The melody of that song stayed with him until following a stirring Easter morning service he put words to it, using Psalm 139:23-24 as his inspiration, and the back of an envelope as his script paper. The hymn Search Me, O God was first published as Cleanse Me in one of Dr. Orr's own books, All You Need. For more than 70 years, it has been considered one of the most beautiful and challenging of all hymns

Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.

I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy word and make me pure within;
Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.

Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.

O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, start the work in me;
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It is another wet day here in Georgia with rain expected throughout the day.  It started lightly raining while I was a McDonald's.  Early yesterday afternoon we had a heavy rain but it didn't last two long.  Since I don't have a treatment in Athens today because of the holiday I am going to be able to attend my Monday men's luncheon, which I have had to miss for several weeks.  I did get things straightened out with Comcast yesterday by using the chat function rather than calling them.  It was the shortest contact I have had over this six month period and hopefully this will be the last time I have to deal with them on these issues.  Just plan on having a relaxing day but who knows whether it will turn out that way.

Janet, how nice of you going to the hymn sing and sure that brought sunshine into the ladies life to have you accept her invitation. 

Ruth Ann, it is always nice to make a new friend as well as having someone to eat with.  I am sure you brightened her day as well as she brightening yours. 

[Janet]

Ruth Ann, how nice to meet a congenial lady and enjoy a meal and a chat.  Hope your pain is staying down, and tomorrow is the day, right?  So hang in there, God will help you make it through.

Larry, glad you are getting a day off.  Will your treatment be another day this week, or will you just skip to next week?  Glad you got to go to your regular Monday activities.

I just had a lovely hour long chat with my precious daughter Diane.  They have a problem just now---basement flooded from their sprinkler system.  I told her I certainly know about water problems!  Ugh.  And her two sons have so much of their stuff dumped in her basement she can hardly walk through the mess. Guess it's time to tell them to move their stuff!

I got my story about half typed, want to finish it and take it to Virginia when I go to town.  Nice to have a free morning--gym is closed today!

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Yes, Janet, tomorrow afternoon will be that injection. Many thanks to all of you for praying for me.

Today I got to meet my daughter's two puppies.  The little one (2 lbs 4 oz) loves her master, and the larger one (3 lbs 4 oz) love her mistress the best. It's so much fun watching them playing roly poly all over the lawn, then have a fast game of chase. Next, of course, it's time for the little ones to take a long nap. They'll be 2 months old Friday.

Then, friends contacted me, and we ate out at Shoney's. What a nice day of family and friends!

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Judy, thank you for the hymns you post for us. They are so inspiring.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It looks like another cloudy day here in Georgia.  Yesterday the sun finally came out in the late afternoon only after we had some more rain.  The housekeepers are here   and expect the lawn people here later today as yesterday was the regular day for both.  My main activity of the day will be getting my 31st treatment.  I did empty the dishwasher and straighten up the kitchen so it would be ready for cleaning when the housekeepers get here. One of the ladies can fix things and she has just replaced the florescent bulbs in our kitchen fixture as the others were getting weak and didn't want to come on some of the time.  I guess I have found my limits of activity today as have brought back some chest pain and weariness.  Hopefully it will pass quickly. 

Janet, I will have four treatments this week, starting today, and then the finish next Monday.  Today Pat is setting up a number or appointments with doctors she needs to see but couldn't until my treatments are over since we only have one car.  Your family certainly has problems with water.  Does Diane have a finished basement?

Ruth Ann, glad the day for your injection has finally arrived and you will be able to resume with your pain medication.  Puppies are so much fun to watch especially when they belong to someone else who has to care for them. 

[JudyB]

I Am His, and He Is Mine
(Click to hear music)

Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know;
Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so!
O this full and perfect peace! O this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.

Heav'n above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green!
Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen;
Birds with gladder songs o'erflow, flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as I now know, I am His, and He is mine.
Since I know, as I now know, I am His, and He is mine.

Things that once were wild alarms cannot now disturb my rest;
Closed in everlasting arms, pillowed on the loving breast.
O to lie forever here, doubt and care and self resign,
While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.
While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.

His forever, only His; Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav'n and earth may fade and flee, firstborn light in gloom decline;
But while God and I shall be, I am His, and He is mine.
But while God and I shall be, I am His, and He is mine.

[Ruth]

LARRY:  I sure enjoyed the 911 story.  A reminder that in bad times there are still
             lots of good people.

Everyone here has health issues that need to be remembered in prayer.    Often I have mentioned my aunt but now I would like to have you remember her next door neighbor that is so wonderful in many many ways he has made life a whole lot easier for our family, but at the present time he is in need of our prayers, something at work exploded and has done a whole lot of damage to his internal organs , his spine has been spared,  he is heavily sedated and is facing many surgeries to repair the damage any more details are unknown at the present time. There is to much for auntie to remember. Her words.

Dinner is in the oven 

[Janet]

So sorry about the neighbor of your aunt, Ruth.  What is his name?

Crazy day today, I have spent far too much time on this machine!

But I did get another story done.  Here it is:

                         

                                       TREASURES FROM PARK VIEW                                                 
                                                   BY JANET DAMON
                                             
                                             VIRGINIA LOZAR


Virginia (Tallman) Lozar was born at Larned, Kansas on September 19, 1925.  She had two sisters and one brother.  Virginia grew up in Lewis and Belpre, Kansas.

Her father was a barber, and her mother a hair dresser who also cooked in cafes.

Virginia gained her early education in Lewis and Belpre. "I was six when I started school in Lewis, Kansas.  There was no kindergarten at that time.  My first teacher was Miss Willowbey.  All 12 grades went to the same little school house," she says. Virginia moved to Ulysses when she was a junior in High school, and graduated here in a class of about twenty students.

In Belpre, she remembers she had a favorite teacher named Louis Coppoc who taught math.

As a child, Virginia enjoyed going to her Aunt Belle and Uncle Clarence Brown's farm.  "I had very few relatives, only two cousins and one was a double cousin," she said.

She liked band, any music, and playing baseball and watching baseball.  She remembers going to church with her Grandma Tallman, and on one occasion as a three-year-old, remembers standing in front of the congregation in a new blue dress and singing 'Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam.'

On Saturday nights they went to town and watched silent, outdoor movies while sitting on benches or logs.  Those same benches were used whenever there was a revival in town, also held outdoors.

Some of the indoor games Virginia remembers playing are cards and jacks.  "Aunt Mildred played the piano, and my sister sang soprano and I sang alto.  We always enjoyed singing," she said.

At school they played blackman, hop-scotch, marbles, and hide-and-seek.  They also had a merry-go-round and swings.

As she grew older and began dating, the kids walked to dances in the opera house, to the outdoor movies and to Sunday school parties.  "None of the kids had cars back then," she said.  "When I was a freshman, we liked going to Macksville, 7 miles away, to the indoor movies.  The movie cost 10c, gas was 11c per gallon, so we all saved our pennies to go.  My parents had a Model A Ford by then, and my Grandpa Brown had the first Model T Ford in Edwards County!  We always took as many people as the car could hold, and everyone contributed toward the gas."

When she was a small girl, Virginia had a job washing dishes for a neighbor lady.  She was paid 3c for this, and saved it.  She always took one penny for her Sunday school offering, and liked being able to chip in for the gas to go to the movies, and earning her dime for her ticket.


Virginia met Gene Lozar at a dance.  "He could dance better than anybody!  He waltzed his way right into my heart, and we two-stepped through life together," she stated.  They were married 53 years, celebrating their Golden Wedding anniversary with a party at the civic center.

Speaking of their wedding, she said she wore a blue dress.  She and her sister went to where Gene was stationed in Texas, and they were married at a Christian church.  Gene lived in Taylor, but had to drive to Austin to get the marriage license, then back to Taylor for the ceremony.  Her sister stood up with her.


Virginia worked for a gas company before she met Gene.  Other jobs included working at the hospital, the mental health center, and at Gray and Rosel.  Her last job was at Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company.


After retiring from Panhandle Eastern, Virginia worked for the Salvation Army for 10 years, which she describes as a very rewarding experience.

Eugene (Gene) was in the army when they married and served for 2 ½ years, one year of that in the European Theater.  When he came home, he started a contracting business.  Later he did roofing.

The couple had five daughters:  Judy, Cindy, Ginger, Teri and Kristy.  Ginger died at age 7 from diabetes.  Judy married Ken Keusler, Cindy married Gary Wise, Teri married Steve Reist and Kristy married Steven Frazee.  Virginia now has 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Her husband of 53 years passed away June 18, 1996 on his 75th birthday.  He suffered from chronic lung disease.



One of the biggest differences she sees in the world now from her youth is that there are a lot more people.  And prices!  "It's unbelievable that when I was a girl, you could buy a car for $100.00 and a house for $200.00.  Now a car costs $50,000.00 and a house can cost $750,000.00.  Where will this all end?" she asks.


About manners and morals, Virginia thinks there is too much suggestive stuff on TV.  Such programs cause morals to be corrupted, and our young people suffer because of it.  "You can pick out a well-mannered child easily," she added.


Virginia enjoyed sewing a lot.  She made all the girls' dresses while they grew up, has quilted several quilts, just a lot of sewing of any kind.  She enjoyed cooking, too.  "I've baked a million or so chocolate chip cookies, but I also took pride in the meals I served, being careful to see that the girls had a hot breakfast and good, nourishing meals.  On my 80th birthday our family wrote a cookbook  We offered these cookbooks for sale and now many friends have one of "Gran's"  cookbooks with the Blue Willow cover, that being the pattern of my dishes," she says.


Although she hasn't traveled a lot outside the U.S., she had done quite a lot of traveling in the country.  She went with Arline Isley to Kansas City every year for 10 or 12 years to watch the Royals play.  They would drive to Hutchinson, along with whichever of their grandkids were available to go along, and then take the bus from there to Kansas City.  They got to go to the World Series (also in Kansas City) in 1980, a real highlight for her.


Some memories of high school trips:  "One was going to music contest in Dodge City.  It was maybe 50 miles, but that was a big trip back then!  And they still have that music contest in Dodge City every spring.  Another high school trip was when we went to Hutchinson with the band.  Now that was a BIG trip!  We had new uniforms and 16 members in the band.  What a good time we had!" she remembers.


The accomplishment that gives her the most satisfaction is the way she raised her family and how they all turned out.  "They are all good people and very successful in their chosen careers.  I'm very blessed," Virginia says.


An accomplishment that she takes pride in is having been voted "Mother of the Year" by Forecast, a nationally known diabetic magazine.  Kristy submitted her name and they were all very pleased when she won.  It was a very exciting time in her life.



The legacy Virginia feels she is leaving is this:  "Several years ago our children had so many Christmas gifts, we suggested they take one toy and give it to a child who didn't have any gifts.  That started our "Angel Fund."  To support the Angel Fund we had to earn money.  This we did.  Now, every year our Angel Fund generously gives to people in need.  We are proud to do this and hope to continue the custom for years to come."



Something strange or different she did to earn money was wiping the seats at the school gymnasium.  "Our family was working the concession stand to earn money for the Angel Fund.  My job was to keep the seats wiped off.  We do about anything to earn money for our Angel Fund."


A valuable lesson Virginia would like to pass along to younger folks is:  Have faith.  Be honest.  Pray.  Love others.  Believe in the Lord.  Read your Bible.  Keep your priorities in order.


When her youngest daughter Kristy was diagnosed with diabetes, they joined the S.W. Chapter of the American Diabetes Ass'n. (ADA) "We had to support our chapter and I helped with this by donating a hand quilted quilt to be raffled off.  I did this for 6 years and we raised thousands of dollars this way.  Thus I became a Diamond Donor which is the highest honor given an individual donor," she explained.


The time period of her life she remembers as her best years was raising her family, going places and doing things with them.  "Now I feel very fortunate to be living in Park View.  It's a good place to live," she says.


After Virginia moved to Park View, she was invited to become a Woman of Purpose.   "This was exciting for me and with the help of my family I attained that goal." She said.  The goal of this fund is to empower Grant County women to take an active role in serving other women and children.  "I'm so pleased I can do this," she smiled.


"While some think that at Park View we do nothing; this only proves we can live in this beautiful home and still have an active and productive life in our community," she added.


Winter time fun she remembers fondly was sleigh rides in the snow on a sleigh her dad made; dances; and singing. 


When she was a child, her mother cooked on a wood range.  The family ate three meals a day around the table.  Her mom was a good cook, she says.


When she was in her teens, the family got a wringer washer, and clothes were hung on a line outdoors.  She remembers washing a lot of towels, for her dad's barber shop and her mother's beauty business.  She learned early to fold those towels just right.  When the clothes were brought in, they were sprinkled and rolled and then ironed the next day.


She enjoyed being in school plays, especially musicals.  "When I was in third grade, I was in an operetta.  I remember the pretty yellow dress and white slippers Mom bought me.  We were so poor I wonder how she managed.  Moms can do a lot!" she says.


Some of Virginia's favorites:  Holiday song—Winter Wonderland.
Foods:  Chicken and homemade noodles, Thanksgiving dinner, fried chicken, potatoes, six-hour spaghetti, and chocolate sheet cake.
Movie:  Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts.


She remembers the following things being delivered to their house:  milk, ice, coal, and newspapers.


Virginia taught herself to drive when she was about 13 years old.


She says the future is scary because of technology.  What will the world be like for our children, their children and their grandchildren, and on down the line?


If she could do one thing over again, she says she wouldn't get married so young.  "I'd still marry the same man, though," she laughed.


Virginia's scariest time was when they lost Ginger.  "We didn't even know she was sick!  She had all the classic symptoms of diabetes, but we knew nothing about that disease," she said.  "Gene was working out of town, we called him home and she died that night," she added.  What a terrible thing that had to be for the whole family.

The person who most inspired or influenced her was a pastor they had here in the past, Rev. Karl Schuster, at the Methodist church.  Now the Wednesday morning Bible study they have at Park View inspires her; and also a good friend, Pat.


The most important decisions Virginia has made in her life, she feels are
getting married, and moving to Park View.


If she were to give an 18-year-old advice, it would be:  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39.)  She reminds us that being a Christian is very important.


The best thing her parents ever did was giving her two of the greatest grandmothers who ever lived, her Grandma Tallman and her Grandma Brown.


Something she hopes she never hears again is Roseanne Barr singing the National Anthem.


The first crime she remembers hearing about was the kidnapping and murder of the Lindbergh baby.


The only times Virginia remembers eating away from home are school picnics, reunions and other special occasions.  She doesn't remember eating at very many restaurants.


She took voice lessons, and played the violin in orchestra and drums in the band.  She started taking piano lessons from Linda Hauser on her 60th birthday and learned to play pretty well.  That same year, she bought tap shoes and took tap dancing lessons!


Sports she played include baseball, and a little basketball.  She was also a cheerleader.


Her favorite genre of writing is Christian fiction.


She remembers coffee, sugar, gas and tires being rationed during the war years.


The biggest change she has seen come to our area of southwest Kansas is irrigation, and she is concerned about what that is doing to our aquifer.


She has memories of the dust bowl of the 30s, and so many earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, droughts and blizzards through the years.


Virginia attended Sunday school and church all her life; she brought up her kids in the church.  They all learned the Bible stories.  Most of their social times centered around the church.


The very worst thing ever to happen to her was losing her daughter Ginger.


The best thing was coming to know the Lord.  "I've had so many "best things," she said.  "I've had a very good life."


Virginia would like to be remembered as a good Christian, good mother and good friend.


One tradition of the Lozar family is going to Judy's every year for Thanksgiving.


Her greatest lesson learned is:  Trust in the Lord.  Ask for guidance in what you say and do.  Pass love around.


A favorite memory of Virginia's is going to the movie "42" with great-grandsons Trenton and Braden Langston and grandson Jacob Frazee.  This movie tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first black baseball player.  She has loved baseball all her life and it was a thrill of a lifetime to attend it with these beloved boys.


Her favorite song is Take Me Out to the Ballgame.  She enjoys Big Band, Gospel and Country music.


Favorite passages of Scripture are Matthew 22:37-39, and 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter.


Things she enjoys watching on TV are sports, news/weather, dancing and music.


The best pet she ever had was a little white dog named Flirt.


Her favorite flower is the coral gladiola.

The first thing Virginia does when she starts to get depressed is say a prayer.



I hope you have enjoyed getting to know Virginia a bit better, as I have.  What treasures live in our county!

                                                                   www.JanetDamon.com

[Ruth Ann Bice]

Janet, I really enjoy your accounts of the interviews. So many good and positive things make a person's heart glad.

Larry, do take care - we love you and pray for you.

My spinal block injection was a bit of a trial but have experienced some immediate lessening of pain. I'll probably be better able to judge my condition after the night passes.

Love to all who come here.

Ruth Ann

[Carol]

This morning I am waiting for more sunlight before walking.  It is so strange that my body clock is so different and it certainly isn't always convenient.  There are good things though and that is quiet time to read the Word and just start the day slowly - watching the sun come up and so forth. 

Ruth Ann:  That was a very special encounter you had at your lunch with the two elderly ladies.  Nice memory.

Larry:  It is so easy to complain about prices - my concerns are that there are so many people who can't afford necessities.  I suppose this has always been the case. 

Yesterday, Jenny & Bob came over for a fun visit - she is in midst of a kitchen makeover.  Do you remember her from Senior Net & so forth?  Pat knows her. 

This morning begins the Wed Women's Bible Study and I will surely be ready and only hope that being up at 5 am doesn't make me drowsy when we begin later.  they will keep me awake & a cuppa 

Janet:  Your story of Virginia mentioning the outdoor movie screen reminds me of summers in Minnesota - my parents drove from Seattle to MN every summer & they had a park downtown with a movie screen.  I was in charge of the younger children when a tornado (so I thought} came though and I had to gather the little chicks (children) to stand on the opposite side of a brick building.  We really loved the movies outdoors, as they had serial stories of the jungle and so forth.  --  Don't you miss some of the simple ways of fun that had so much imagination? 

Still too dark but a wonderful day is beckoning .

[Janet]

Ruth Ann and Carol, thanks for reading and commenting on the story of Virginia.

Today is Darrel's "procedure" so we will be leaving soon for Liberal.  I have prayed for his healing, and for a good report from the tests today.  We are so blessed to have good health, and I do want us to stay together until Jesus calls us home.

The guys didn't work here yesterday, but Lon says he will be here today.  He knows we won't be home and that's okay, he is trustworthy.

Ruth Ann, I pray you get even more pain relief from your injection, and that it will be very long lasting! 

Carol, I enjoy getting up early, too (big change from most of my life!)  I love having quiet time to spend with the Lord.  I am watching some videos on How to Hear God's Voice, and looking forward to hearing more clearly day by day.

God bless all who come here today.  See you this evening!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone on another sunny and hopefully rain less day.  The only thing on the schedule for today is my trip to Athens and then will take it easy.  I did not have a very good day yesterday as couldn't get rid of the pressure and pain in my chest and was tired. I think I just overdid yesterday morning, although didn't do a great deal,  but have to learn what my new tolerances are going to be.   I went to bed at 8 pm last evening and felt better when I got up but just sitting here I feel some pressure again but hope it won't be a repeat of yesterday.  I hope I am not complaining as don't mean it that way but just talking about my day. My daughter-in-law is back in the hospital after having fallen several times, the last time getting a big gash in her forehead requiring stitches and she wasn't able to speak and make sense.  The blood tests showed she had very high levels of Dilantin.  Our son indicated she would stay in the hospital overnight so hopefully will be able to go home today. 

Ruth, what a terrible accident.  It sounds like the neighbor has a hard road ahead.  Does this mean you will have more responsibility to look after your aunt? 

Janet, thanks for sharing another story with us.  Each person has an interesting story to tell and I know you help them recall interesting aspects of their life.  What a nice thing to do with the "Angel Fund". 

Ruth Ann, so glad to read your are experiencing lessening of your pain.  Hope you had a good night.

Carol, I share your concern about others not being able to afford things at the prices we now how to pay. I feel so fortunate to have a good retirement income  and being able to have what we need and a few things that are that aren't necessities.  I see Jenny's posting on Seniors and Friends almost daily.   

[Jeanne Lee]

Janet, another interesting biography.  The more of these I read, the more convinced I become that I must have lived a very boring life.   

Ruth Ann, continued prayers for the success of this latest treatment.

[JudyB]

Holy, Holy, Holy
(Click to hear music)

Words by Reginald Heber (1783-1826)
Music by John B. Dykes (1823-1876)



Holy, Holy, Holy!  Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning  Our song will rise to thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty.
God in three Persons,  Blessed Trinity.

Holy, Holy, Holy!  All the saints adore thee.
Casting down their golden crowns  Around the glassy sea.
Cherubim and seraphim   Falling down before thee.
Which wert and art,  And evermore shalt be.

Holy, Holy, Holy!  Though the darkness hide thee.
Through the eye of sinful man  Thy glory may not see.
Only thou art Holy.  There is none beside thee.
Perfect in power,  In love, and purity.

Holy, Holy, Holy!  Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name  In earth and sky and sea.
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three persons.  Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!  Blessed Trinity.

 
 

[Janet]

We are back home again!

Jeanne, you might be surprised at how many people, when I ask to interview them, say, "Oh, you don't want to talk to me!  I've never done anything interesting."  My answer is "Hey!  Anyone who has been around as long as you and I have, has a story!  Let's just talk, and see what develops."  And it always winds up being a good story.

Darrel needs to have surgery, which will be done Sept. 17th.  It is to open up the prostate gland so it will stop pinching the urethra tube.   He also has "dangerously low" testosterone, so they gave him his first shot of that.  Dr. said it causes many health problems--fatigue, weight gain, high cholesterol, heart problems, besides the obvious ones.  The doctor said, "No wonder you're tired.  You are running on an empty tank!"  His prostate gland is four times the normal size, but his kidneys look perfect!  So we do have things for which to be thankful.

Care home called to tell me that Beth has ANOTHER UTI. 

Have a pleasant evening.

[Carol]

Back from WalMart - they didn't have two of the things I wanted - and, they are not going to sell them anymore.  So, that totals at least 5 sugar-free products they quit stocking.  But - have you seen the huge areas of Gluten-Free products?  I have no idea if I am allergic to gluten and will have to do a search.  Can't keep up with the latest fad and really don't intend to anymore 

There was a long post in here for all of you early this morning and it just went poof.  I didn't take my normal walk by the ravine because - coyotes and instead went to the park called the Cheese Ranch because it was actually a farm in the 1800's.  After that - someone told me that a "lion" had been spotted by several of the neighborhood.  Cougar.  It could be - someone needs to check that out.  Last year it was snakes so I quit going to the ranch park. 

We had a wonderful first of the season meeting at bible study and the theme of hospitality as according to passages is being discussed.  Not just neighbors but strangers... 

Ruth Ann:  Sending you a very gentle hug!

Janet:  big hug for all of you. 

Larry:  Just do what your body tells you and rest well.  We are all praying that your procedures will help you with the feeling of heavy pressure.  And, your DIL - such a scarey situation there for her and your son.  Try not to worry.  ----- It was so much fun - we had met Jenny and Bob over 5 years ago and picked up conversation as if it had been yesterday.  They live within walking distance and lead such busy lives.

Sleep well all. 

[Jeanne Lee]

Janet, what a lot of trouble Darrel is having, but thankfully the doctor has found the causes and things should start looking up soon.  And poor Beth with another UTI!  Bad enough for otherwise healthy folks, but multiplied many times over for her.  Both Darrel and Beth continue in my prayers.

[Carol]

For some odd reason, I am awake at 4 am each morning and it may be because the temperature is warmer than the previous week.  It is still too dark to walk so I shall sip a  and pick up yesterday's lesson. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone on another sunny day here in Georgia but it looks like we have some clouds this morning as well.  Last evening Pat and I went to Red Lobster for dinner.  I brought most of my main course home and there is plenty for both of us.  It was a pasta dish and the serving was huge with too much salt and a little more garlic than I like.  I am sure we will have it as a main meal as too much food to throw away.  Today is my 33rd treatment and that will be the activity for today.  I did do some kitchen chores this morning and went ahead and made my lunch for today and tomorrow.  Our DIL is still in the hospital as they try to get the dilantin  level down.  Our son said the facial scrapes and bruises she got from the several falls were really looking rough yesterday.  She will have a lot of healing to do.  Pat just now told me that she has talked to Stacey this morning and she is going back to the hospital this morning as her foot is so swollen she can't get a shoe on and painful and the pain medication she has isn't touching the pain.  They will probably find more broken bones in that foot. 

Jeanne, I bet if Janet were to interview you and write your story it would be equally as interesting.  We have a life story that is unique.  I see Janet agrees and gets that response from folks she approaches to interview. 

Janet, so glad Darrel finely got some answers and a light at the end of the tunnel to begin feeling better and the shots should help as well.    So sorry to read that Beth has to endure another UTI. 

Carol, I agree with you on "keeping up with the fads".  It is always something.  If one eating place offers a new item then in a little bit it seems that most of them offer the same thing.  The same is true of the food scares which usually turn out to be false.  Your last posting had double posted.  Since they were exactly the same I took the liberty to delete the duplicate.  Hope you don't mind.)

[JudyB]

Hold the Fort
(Click to hear music)

That which you have hold fast till I come.
Revelation 2:25


Words & Music: Philip P. Bliss. Bliss wrote this song after hearing Daniel Whittle relate the following incident that occurred during the American Civil War:

Just before [William Tecumseh] Sherman began his famous march to the sea in 1864, and while his army lay camped in the neighborhood of Atlanta [Georgia] on the 5th of October, the army of Hood, in a carefully prepared movement, passed the right flank of Sherman's army, gained his rear, and commenced the destruction of the railroad leading north, burning blockhouses and capturing the small garrisons along the line. Sherman's army was put in rapid motion pursuing Hood, to save the supplies and larger posts, the principal one of which was located at Altoona Pass. General Corse, of Illinois, was stationed there with about fif­teen hundred men, Colonel Tourtelotte being second in command. A million and a half rations were stored here and it was highly important that the earthworks commanding the pass and protecting the supplies be held. Six thousand men under command of General French were detailed by Hood to take the position. The works were completely surrounded and summoned to surrender. Corse refused and a sharp fight commenced. The defenders were slowly driven into a small fort on the crest of the hill. Many had fallen, and the result seemed to render a prolongation of the fight hopeless. At this moment an officer caught sight of a white signal flag far away across the valley, twenty miles distant, upon the top of Kenesaw Mountain. The signal was answered, and soon the message was waved across from mountain to mountain:

"Hold the fort; I am coming. W. T. Sherman."

Cheers went up; every man was nerved to a full appreciation of the position; and under a murderous fire, which killed or wounded more than half the men in the fort—Corse himself being shot three times through the head, and Tourtelotte taking command, though himself badly wounded—they held the fort for three hours until the advance guard of Sherman's army came up. French was obliged to retreat.

   

Ho, my comrades! see the signal waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh.

Refrain

"Hold the fort, for I am coming," Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, "By Thy grace we will."

See the mighty host advancing, Satan leading on;
Mighty ones around us falling, courage almost gone!

Refrain

See the glorious banner waving! Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader's Name we triumph over ev'ry foe.

Refrain

Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near;
Onward comes our great Commander, cheer, my comrades, cheer!

Refrain

[/color]

[Janet]

I would like to ask all of you for your opinion on something.  When I read Jeanne's response yesterday, the idea popped into my mind (is this a God idea?) about a way I could interview each of you!  I have lots of questions which I could email to you.  You could fill in the answers and email back.  Then I could write your stories from there.  So what do you think?  I would love to get to know more about each of you, and this is one way we could do it.

So......Whadda ya think??   

[JudyB]

Janet I sent you a PM on Facebook about your question.

This is a bright sunny day, windy though. I have to go through the house making sure all the windows are closed.  It is warmer outside than it is inside!  The Dogs love their morning walks.  Today Cimi my old girl wasn't keeping up.  Rambo ran back and nuzzled her for a moment and then walked with her till she caught up.  She is getting old and showing it.

We have a frost warning for tonight.  I will have to cover the few tomatoes that I have so they don't freeze.

Have a great day everyone!