tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61696272591975202302024-02-20T21:19:26.139-06:00Three Southern Belles and 2 CaballerosFive Children of the Kingdom of HeavenCelesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-63473910261977040502023-08-30T11:19:00.003-06:002023-08-30T11:21:59.482-06:00Drink, Read, Walk<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0B9JT1rt5jzsb4TxbC3WUV1nhG7JMGTu0dM0kL_DeIq6XstRfdzQ_qjHwVyJieySo4Gq0IFYbxeNUSc-4UgCrzm0oRMtZRRD57eUc6nE0Kk-4m6AKbMsbF99-aIp48mepDEqLio1OeaYCy5VPkOk0miJvRTM0F5sZZFb9F26ssnGNIlwgnFwpPUVtYBE/s4160/IMG_20230830_075027182.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0B9JT1rt5jzsb4TxbC3WUV1nhG7JMGTu0dM0kL_DeIq6XstRfdzQ_qjHwVyJieySo4Gq0IFYbxeNUSc-4UgCrzm0oRMtZRRD57eUc6nE0Kk-4m6AKbMsbF99-aIp48mepDEqLio1OeaYCy5VPkOk0miJvRTM0F5sZZFb9F26ssnGNIlwgnFwpPUVtYBE/w200-h150/IMG_20230830_075027182.jpg" title="Reading before my walk" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">PJ's of New Orleans has the best coffeeβ in town. I don't buy coffee every morning and I have never tried a granita before. They have a 32 oz size, but mine is not thatπ My granita was a pumpkin one with a Caramel drizzle. I am currently reading <span><span style="font-family: courier; font-weight: bold;">A Rosie Life in Italy 3 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">by Rosie Meleady. Rosie is an Irish Expat living in Italy during the COVID-19 epidemic and her honesty and wit has me laughing and crying in the same paragraph sometimes. </span></span></p></blockquote></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8YRpwgKmbVGrML34Fb4FXstUQY2nMDZyoUPgib_MO3f_a2Y1RIS7kmvLDcphW6_C8O15tGPGBmxNrqHgE654VmKwW7kbVX6U3ENFPTFVebCHpcESK4DDYmBDK8fUVFN1NVwkcVh7GFPxtwUc_KxIhIbCYonoIr0w_L9H93y2jWnZFBQ31R3GK0Mv4hc_/s4160/IMG_20230830_091118375.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8YRpwgKmbVGrML34Fb4FXstUQY2nMDZyoUPgib_MO3f_a2Y1RIS7kmvLDcphW6_C8O15tGPGBmxNrqHgE654VmKwW7kbVX6U3ENFPTFVebCHpcESK4DDYmBDK8fUVFN1NVwkcVh7GFPxtwUc_KxIhIbCYonoIr0w_L9H93y2jWnZFBQ31R3GK0Mv4hc_/w640-h480/IMG_20230830_091118375.jpg" title="Canadian geese flying south" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p> I sat down next to the lower lake at Bonita lakes to watch a big turtle and look who flew over me! These Canadian geese were so noisy and relaxed, as if it was a glorious road trip to see Hurricane Idaliaπ¨π¦ππ</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReRblYcGM5fWVkF4Caxxr7OH-nvdt-2Uc7pwRVdge5ulqB7ZLaO5Hnx9hyT7JhBOt2QVqhyXsqsbV_PFJS7k9EHZ2yAk07WxgjpPwr-TECsfqjh1P6odL5Y__M7kCbp3rANSmC0k-9WtZ_stvtKDWp0zZofEkv8tIzvP_emAbl-Z8-wTr29poNBEABDrA/s4160/IMG_20230830_092610652.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReRblYcGM5fWVkF4Caxxr7OH-nvdt-2Uc7pwRVdge5ulqB7ZLaO5Hnx9hyT7JhBOt2QVqhyXsqsbV_PFJS7k9EHZ2yAk07WxgjpPwr-TECsfqjh1P6odL5Y__M7kCbp3rANSmC0k-9WtZ_stvtKDWp0zZofEkv8tIzvP_emAbl-Z8-wTr29poNBEABDrA/w200-h150/IMG_20230830_092610652.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>There was another big turtle eating this dead fish and it eventually pulled it under water.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB4D8czFzrZKy1zCTMdINjx_aFfJvMdRFusU9nQSQlUoG2mYBJyxlzxVCbkYBUaqiox0gurhjAwOWTRCAqXKB_qNDvesLiSoOnV7jJ6ItzWcM8dQtAyKZ3bIaElsC9C5K_HzFLOXxSqIrvpraXPfEYaq7q_PXg-VMYy8x3HnDx2hAbWmSKXYKhhoO46qj/s4160/IMG_20230830_094642107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB4D8czFzrZKy1zCTMdINjx_aFfJvMdRFusU9nQSQlUoG2mYBJyxlzxVCbkYBUaqiox0gurhjAwOWTRCAqXKB_qNDvesLiSoOnV7jJ6ItzWcM8dQtAyKZ3bIaElsC9C5K_HzFLOXxSqIrvpraXPfEYaq7q_PXg-VMYy8x3HnDx2hAbWmSKXYKhhoO46qj/w200-h150/IMG_20230830_094642107.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>I walked around the lake with a light breeze and a mild temperature today. While it's not officially Autumn until September 23, you can tell it is right around the corner.</p><p> Don't forget to get outside to look at the second full moon of August at 8:36 central time. Tonight and Tomorrow night, you can see the biggest blue moon of 2023. A blue moon happens one every 12 years. You should also be able to see Saturn to the right and up 12 degrees from it. </p><p>https://www.space.com/16149-night-sky.html</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3txs1uaazvPcVeP-dVZEDEr4fTXL2CB_M-wbFGs39szMHPdjUa_E1hhuAQ2EU5vRTA37c-tmbHvJQAEAAEpJXAP_RFzPnHWUNT0YTAn_oeTYIXtNEfwpgaDFig5xqRJhJbPzcQdUESyusj6FUJQxQtt0jPhflTamzXWZiMmuqPO7ofjPRrviEorJJjGi/s4160/IMG_20230830_095613974.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3txs1uaazvPcVeP-dVZEDEr4fTXL2CB_M-wbFGs39szMHPdjUa_E1hhuAQ2EU5vRTA37c-tmbHvJQAEAAEpJXAP_RFzPnHWUNT0YTAn_oeTYIXtNEfwpgaDFig5xqRJhJbPzcQdUESyusj6FUJQxQtt0jPhflTamzXWZiMmuqPO7ofjPRrviEorJJjGi/w400-h300/IMG_20230830_095613974.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-498204818633490942023-08-28T16:35:00.000-06:002023-08-28T16:35:22.997-06:00I am popping out to share the weather and stuff !<p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>The rain π§woke me up this morning! I was so relieved, since it has been so dangerously hot and dry lately. In the last 96 hours, we have had less than .1 of an inch of rain and I think most, if not all of that fell this morning.I received extreme heat advisories every day last week, so I am so relieved this week even has a few 60 degree mornings predicted. We have had record highs lately, with heat indexes in the 100's. </p><p style="text-align: left;">One day, the heat index was 113!</p><p> π¦ <a href="https://www.iweathernet.com/total-rainfall-map-24-hours-to-72-hours" target="_blank">This rainfall map is so fun! Try it</a></p><p>π<a href="https://weatherspark.com/compare/y/11879/Comparison-of-the-Average-Weather-in-Jackson" target="_blank">Here are cool statistics about Central Mississippi</a><br /></p><p>Sorry that I have been quiet for so long, but I hope to change that and so here I am sharing some pics with you!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwP7oqk_SYe6MLatQY5E4mOoTxCaF2p8W1PuAdNUWebeF0y1s4K6S6L73je5mMYyfhwN2OcdSiy7tRrGtA84-5X0cfjXd3G7Lf_lyBAv2F5g-eHAU1R3w2oOmuuXrm-g3tmq47HtBkkXZ2m4dU4eAPlDDcxUkywvZYEbBkL9yeWyUdA966T28KUeU3hhN/s4160/IMG_20230828_140238676.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwP7oqk_SYe6MLatQY5E4mOoTxCaF2p8W1PuAdNUWebeF0y1s4K6S6L73je5mMYyfhwN2OcdSiy7tRrGtA84-5X0cfjXd3G7Lf_lyBAv2F5g-eHAU1R3w2oOmuuXrm-g3tmq47HtBkkXZ2m4dU4eAPlDDcxUkywvZYEbBkL9yeWyUdA966T28KUeU3hhN/w150-h200/IMG_20230828_140238676.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p>Here is a Swallowtail Butterfly that was enjoying my Zinnias this afternoon</p><p>I learned about the Butterflies I saw today at <a href="https://a-z-animals.com/blog/discover-beautiful-yellow-and-black-butterfly-types/" target="_blank">A to Z Animals</a></p><p>I saw three Sulphur Butterflies and An American Lady too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHMC2ogpnZ54PaMnw1C8pgvl2MlYkyDDgSA-2I-nBFXNX0mECoMGBkDRNL0rkHeaimuOik1WXy4ik59YUjK34jESizyfbF6JLOmEKYHNtxn20JDSRXT4JTtZF7n0k9pRrUCpaAb02mLLKoxrm2b9dxErW5-gw2mLuuUN575eflmsyw1WUXjE5NdjYhWjI/s3576/IMG_20230828_140123184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3576" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHMC2ogpnZ54PaMnw1C8pgvl2MlYkyDDgSA-2I-nBFXNX0mECoMGBkDRNL0rkHeaimuOik1WXy4ik59YUjK34jESizyfbF6JLOmEKYHNtxn20JDSRXT4JTtZF7n0k9pRrUCpaAb02mLLKoxrm2b9dxErW5-gw2mLuuUN575eflmsyw1WUXjE5NdjYhWjI/w557-h640/IMG_20230828_140123184.jpg" width="557" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The tree behind the Sulphur Butterfly is Persimmon and the warm patch we had in February, right before the </span><span style="text-align: left;">freeze in March or so, killed off the Persimmon crop this y</span><span style="text-align: left;">ear π</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfiHVR9FY2JuedJnfsOV6v4QGmaOeDIk4bS8wtOPvs7k3RgZo_mwnk6GXXq_DP9T1KcnKWnIbx2_McEdYIhDnv2XY8b-dMaHN5lepbmYI7-UnEwJVSPGZksuKz140cPyk8Q4VbPDncDl9THIiNJw8dC-a6PVElhxusLTxc1nm3CNJj_hEbxtXin0WOHWr/s4160/IMG_20230828_140232401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfiHVR9FY2JuedJnfsOV6v4QGmaOeDIk4bS8wtOPvs7k3RgZo_mwnk6GXXq_DP9T1KcnKWnIbx2_McEdYIhDnv2XY8b-dMaHN5lepbmYI7-UnEwJVSPGZksuKz140cPyk8Q4VbPDncDl9THIiNJw8dC-a6PVElhxusLTxc1nm3CNJj_hEbxtXin0WOHWr/s320/IMG_20230828_140232401.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">I</div><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHem3CN6TYE2J9x0Ofo6mxfB39Rj6wEgvxdCwn_6uHMHeF9178vCF1m5Veyonpaxmlg2OGwhwoTv1y1UKFEkqHwdS4GEJ5FDDS_7M3k8ru8-CWsSj3h4ZUYTDTXBN6aDXc64IwaSAZBrmhrGExtc7RC122WvlPd-HkEY76fdbTmusuKd-lf61USmqQpR8s/w150-h200/IMG_20230828_140136921.jpg" width="150" /><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogYonOeN4h6FydaJZZ5-UZX8sxXveY85TyAvrGJtHgGpYgf9RvoisiHRXJNXry8yRibGQpAx3bcR5cdhZ5RbFBay4qOTR2E9gacdVaibRik3bYZeiCXU_lf7W-17xUMx83Azmc9WDrbhigsTQL1Q3TYDGWfILumotaWKLhSPjR8f_ceWR_mq63Ur08bkf/w150-h200/IMG_20230828_140037876.jpg" width="150" />There are lots of honey bees </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pollinating the garden today too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Figs are a native fruit of Mississippi, but not everyone likes them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb-fL3sLGNliGTH4zs3m2XTeH5WpxaTiVMD3mTDIkt1O1zkP0bXAtoFgKeQ3h-As1SBjLScFFE-eGAogNQlB8LGW0XuvR6CVSIOd83OoTiV2m5tINjWBfNzZY36KkNjTz1i26vJsIQE-CWGLs51czjOrlC957-SE69gbejeTAdAH1N3g-wLcwjNWm4M3u/w150-h200/IMG_20230828_135910646.jpg" width="150" />Their interior squishy texture takes some getting used to, but they are so easy to grow and are really very good.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvYiWT-p-M8xFIcSefujaMqiBntupvytOdI2RPRXcnTHTcfXho14eWFjAQDLvUHV1HaXY_jtcmw-DeztsuW6z2DYlaXTcX_1EG4EV3lRtKFuy_Y1i3xjeYb1jJtB_QuWp_BhZ_LHgJbv9sVe75bXNJtrWqCIkAbtkgnMPYNPGKaK0IbKmHUczgXA-ipNy/s320/IMG_20230828_141427421.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well, I am going back in the house to work on my Sophie's Universe blanket </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">while watching Grey's Anatomy again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">Stay cool and hydrate!</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bX9ob1rV-5fuHW81xl7jBJkpE2EeWzQxFWNadgbEMuJ-BLDULveJj6t6b56ylv5jHuMrLSev8v2YXCwRj-NDFebNykb6eYijBusQ6siu1uArclxIf8XX9OqQOmiLdBCJBCSDCF7Y27AWE4FNCI0T_iGgo7rkASOqpJ5h2qlz9atHMn4m32k-R1eqTF5m/s4160/IMG_20230828_140428418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bX9ob1rV-5fuHW81xl7jBJkpE2EeWzQxFWNadgbEMuJ-BLDULveJj6t6b56ylv5jHuMrLSev8v2YXCwRj-NDFebNykb6eYijBusQ6siu1uArclxIf8XX9OqQOmiLdBCJBCSDCF7Y27AWE4FNCI0T_iGgo7rkASOqpJ5h2qlz9atHMn4m32k-R1eqTF5m/w240-h320/IMG_20230828_140428418.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-76447742607781785772018-03-30T08:44:00.002-06:002018-03-30T09:03:59.421-06:00When you Catch those Zzzzz's<div style="text-align: center;">
You want more sleep?</div>
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Deep, Blissful, Refreshing Rest</div>
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I know you would even pay a price that is steep!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes, sometimes, you will catch those zzzzz's</div>
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and</div>
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you will wish you could throw them back, please!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Watch out! </div>
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Zzzzz's can cost a dream each.</div>
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<br />
π²π°π²<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know the ones</div>
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Those are the dreams that</div>
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jump up and scare you silly</div>
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<br /></div>
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You are so deep </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In </div>
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Smooth, quiet sleep</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
βοΈβοΈβοΈ<br />
<br /></div>
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And all at once</div>
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There is a big Terraruim</div>
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full up leaves and branches</div>
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<br /></div>
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and you think to yourself</div>
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Hmmm, why is this in my house?</div>
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<br /></div>
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And you begin to clean it up </div>
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Throw out the leaves</div>
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Throw out the Branches</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then a little girl says,</div>
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NO! Stop! My spider, Fred, lives in there!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
EEeks! A Spider! This a spider in here somewhere?!</div>
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Wait, girl! Tell me quick! How big is Fred?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Too late! Fred is found! </div>
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He is a mix between a Scottish Terrier </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a Tarantula! He is the size of a dog!</div>
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<br /></div>
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He stands up on his black, furry legs</div>
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and </div>
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He barks, his scary, spider-dog bark!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Ewwweeeee! What a relief!</div>
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This is that point where you wake up!</div>
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<br /></div>
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It's a beautiful, warm </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sunny, spring morning!</div>
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There are no spider-dogs in sight.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the little Scottish Terrier picture </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that hangs on your bedroom wall....</div>
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Yes, Dreams are sweet </div>
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Catching those zzzz's </div>
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can be a hairy affair, </div>
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so Sleep tight </div>
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and Don't let the spider-dogs bite!</div>
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Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-79871280134391233232018-03-10T09:06:00.002-06:002018-03-10T09:06:33.374-06:00Mysteries Why did I my tension ease a bit when I heard the first child that emerged from my children's school proclaim," It's spring break,"? Why can't clothes in Walmart, especially swimsuits, cover the body normally? Why does shopping for swimsuits take so long?<br />
Why does Ceasar salad and pizza taste so good? Why do I finish my meal and always wonder what I should do next? Why is scrolling on Facebook so satisfying and boring at the same time? Why does falling asleep wherever I am, instead of in my bed, feel so relaxing?<br />
Why do cats think they can catch a bird through the window? Why do little kids love baths so much? Why are geese so curious and silly? Why can't I just think of something to write?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XvF-4ilcJoREWDnghIwgsGoMGZl9e8gl7QZR4lI2NZ5Z_i805a2qR8yPNJmR_t06nXY2jTAYB7HqM_H4BJ2GrfPyOWeaSrTDQcE6LBQT9_swnLI9dHxkR0ftnBTHAT_J1yak_knv2FvV/s1600/IMG_20180310_083715798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XvF-4ilcJoREWDnghIwgsGoMGZl9e8gl7QZR4lI2NZ5Z_i805a2qR8yPNJmR_t06nXY2jTAYB7HqM_H4BJ2GrfPyOWeaSrTDQcE6LBQT9_swnLI9dHxkR0ftnBTHAT_J1yak_knv2FvV/s320/IMG_20180310_083715798.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-79648521550133029622018-03-08T06:20:00.002-06:002018-03-08T06:20:53.828-06:00#Her Story #Our Story All my life, I have felt the pull to be quiet and compliant. Don't be this and don't be that. Don't be so vain, so self-conscious. Be confident. Help others. Mind your own business. Don't be so bossy. Don't be so harsh. Dress like a girl. Be a good, sweet girl. Now mind you, I enjoy being a girl, even a good, sweet woman, but I feel a little robbed of who I might have been, if I spent more time being me.<br />
Some of these things or all of them are just part of growing up, but why? Why couldn't people let me be my own person? As a girl growing up with no mom at home, everyone had a turn to fill my head with their ideas of how I needed to be a lady and not an awkward tomboy. I enjoyed being a tomboy and becoming a woman did not come naturally to me.<br />
Maybe, I needed advice, but I venture that boys are not treated this way. A boy is allowed to simply wear pants all day and play. A boy is allowed to be a boy. A boy is not scolded down into submissiveness. A boy can be noisy. A boy can be bold. Yes, a boy must learn to be respectful and responsible and courteous, but that doesn't really change how he dresses or how he thinks.<br />
I think that girls in the United states are traditionally molded into submissive, sweet ladies. I think that is wrong. I am not sure if I have carried on this tradition with my girls, but I hope not. I have two daughters and today, International Women's Day, has brought me to the conclusion that I am a feminist. I really like this Google video.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkfpqGWzHCE&" target="_blank">Celebrate International Women's Day!</a></h2>
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From now on, I join the fight to see women be the best, most confident versions of themselves, beginning with my own daughters. Girls are fierce and brave and I desire to prove that. </div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRtzWu5pfpQ" target="_blank">Click Here for another amazing view of women.</a></div>
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Ladies, be bold. Be yourselves and know that who you are is already gorgeous, with no makeup or any special behavior needed! Girls are amazing.</div>
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Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-84888605028259506412018-03-06T16:14:00.001-06:002018-03-06T16:19:10.352-06:00Minnie Mouse's Birthday Treat, Part 2 The tantalizing smells of the giants' food lured the young mice to the edge of the forest daily. Most giants climbed into the bellies of their monsters to eat and nap, but one giant did not.. This giant had a curly circle of fur on his head. The giants did not have fur, except on their heads. They didn't even have tails. Edgar, Badger and Bobby loved to laugh and make fun of the giants.....when they were safely home in the burrow, that is.<br />
The curly-furred giant did not have a monster. Silver, the messenger mouse, told the tale of how the curly giant's monster stopped roaring and racing on the day that the great white blanket covered the ground everywhere. The cold was so fierce that the monster died. That's why Curly giant ate his feast outside as the days warmed up.<br />
Minnie, her brothers and her sisters shared the same birthday. Turning twenty-one days old meant that a mouse is of age, no longer a little little. The morning of the mouse birthday was very warm. Minnie creeped to the straw jungle nearest to Curley Giant. He threw a big yellow cheese-like peeling near the straw jungle and sat motionless. He was so still Minnie thought he must be asleep. She darted out quickly and took a big mouse bite of the yellow treat. She was sure that birthday cake tasted like this. It was her best birthday ever.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The End</span></div>
Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-92153627364493211372018-03-05T21:19:00.002-06:002018-03-06T16:19:37.838-06:00Minnie Mouse's Birthday Treat: part 1 In the shadow of a Vast grey hall, Minnie Mouse lived in a cozy burrow that her parents dug deep. It was especially cozy, not just because it was warm, but it was stuffed full of the love that her mama and papa lavished on their six mouse children. Minnie's Familly burrow was so warm, but not quiet. ]Minnie had two mischevious sisters, Ella and Mella. Her brothers Edgar, Badger and Bobby wrestled with each other and the only time they were quiet is when they would sneak up behind a sister and pull her tail or lay in wait to scare her with an alligator grin.<br />
The world outside the burrow was cold and the first time that the young mice ventured out was the day that it was completely blanketed with with wet, white stuff. More of the white stuff fell silently from the sky. The mice children opened their mouths and tasted the white stuff as it fell and were pleased to realize that it turned to water in their mouths.<br />
Ella, Mella and Minnie made petite, mouse tracks and looked behind them to see a beautiful trail of cute tracks everywhere they went. Edgar, Badger and Bobby rolled and chased each other and pelted their sisters with the white stuff so much that soon all were soaking wet and freezing cold and had to return home to the burrow to dry off and warm up before a delicious lunch.<br />
More fiercely cold adventures in the world above their burrow followed, but the mice never saw the mysterious white blanket again. Instead they found huge grey and brown boats that crunched and broke if they went to the edges. Mama said they were leaves.<br />
The most mysterious part of the world above was the great hall that never slept. Giants played with fire sticks and thunder boxes in it's vast hollow space. Another smaller hall carried heavenly smells of sinfully gluttonous feasts all day long. Wild Monsters with Eyes of Fire raced each other back and forth to and from the great hall three times a day. Minnie always scurried home, but Badger was so brave that he waited and watched in astonishment as the giants descended from the bellies of the wild monsters with big plates of wonderful-smelling food. ππππππππCelesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-46406873473874956172018-03-04T08:55:00.001-06:002018-03-04T08:55:32.658-06:00I am a little ZanyIt is March! I am excited for several reasons. Numero Uno: I signed up for "March Madness" at the gym where I exercise. <a href="http://www.andersonregional.org/Fitness.aspx" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about this fitness center</a> This is a little zany, because I am already super busy and now I am going to dedicate more time to exercise? I honestly don't know how I will do it, but I love a challenge! I really do and so it will be memorable, if not a little exhausting. <img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZb0D8bonblurDcQHNaGz-XkYBOveJeZXMOxaKpfC3SUz91_XbkIGWwC7HP12cisbbk2ZSqRHn-VrdXOLrGtLdkzb2sYYG05eic9qPRFA9ayNAX4SQbpS2lgbVhMQZawtKi7iBZstBdvQ/w872-h654-no/" width="320" /><br />
Reason number two for my optimism about March is that Spring Break is just around the corner and we are going camping, to the Beach! My favorite place to camp is Fort Pickens Campground on <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/vt/data=DFAGnC5PtdQgAiJ10IRKyF6vKMsKU-uTvn0_p8mvLXVz8iKySmb-wBOcCkTAKXhqh7Xub8o-Wc1DWHCgGBXto-0HNNIfTH8Qup-OO31F7CCHEEKLsCqyOlJB8KLwhbEqkCpoOjl25nUhd84cV1M6l4I16WNxyVXcTVX77qmp6qmhAEaZY7Jan1AzA_FisJTArpKt23N15u13k0D3MxVQD2Pbso4bDQyJzUASTwyaNsHY1cjhCYVLNPtOe_0eXdlHm66poY7c9vkl0Byc06prJKlc8ti0T7Z_azLJQXUluyl2ZVbAQ_Fbfs1pZ5AlNhjMpbQzROImRfgvc7zt7B37VrZFYxP9EuFancw2GG-y9kr57UCoR96jKmyDwQ_hFP7DZ9raoDEKMCWgEXXEtT5SEWxKbFxnYiyAyUB00FRfYNECIZwSw3nz1djaVkcpNBCxoK3pSpKaVjDXd2Zi-lRbMJJUCzJT3BGjq0aCHzy4tUyCrx-sELtdqmdX5fAcpKhjcKSCtK9zwozObtQw3MYLAgSRu0IZDBFLBkQ2aK9jcA" target="_blank">Santa Rosa Island</a>. It is a national park on a beautiful barrier island, next to Pensacola Beach. It is also a bird sanctuary and the beaches are beautiful. I am sure beach enthusiasts can tell me of a more beautiful beach easily, but I love that it is close and so serene and quiet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDLaLWedBjw3sOiTbZyGA_djIghgHXiKlR6G28DG5Tie6UeKUvzkNOuGusjh_o5iil5CYCEsEvWmcUgUZ0LjHpRCbe4HKihs3ORYuOgq5LHUm9qglYvlPMSbBKanHNzch4mW4bh9BwJwN/w491-h654-no/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDLaLWedBjw3sOiTbZyGA_djIghgHXiKlR6G28DG5Tie6UeKUvzkNOuGusjh_o5iil5CYCEsEvWmcUgUZ0LjHpRCbe4HKihs3ORYuOgq5LHUm9qglYvlPMSbBKanHNzch4mW4bh9BwJwN/w491-h654-no/" width="239" /></a></div>
The last reason is that I am just happy that the weather is warming up and it will soon be spring. I admit that I miss the hot, humid Mississippi climate that I am accustomed to.<br />
(Who has ever heard of two snow days in the same winter in Mississippi?!)<br />
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I miss flip flops and naps in my hammock.Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-10344571150320618362018-03-03T19:55:00.000-06:002018-03-03T19:55:04.942-06:00Flowers and Birds The daffodils are blooming in my garden and at my mail box, but they, like me, are drooping this year, because of the cold winter we are ending. Never the less, their beauty boosts my spirits each time I see one of the bright yellow beauties open, even if they fall over with their weight sometimes, due to the cold they have endured this year. Never the less, they are blooming and with our good Lord's help, I will not fall over with my weight, as some of the daffodils are doing.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBVVpNtOPR3OL6W9EKWJzsEwMiPkd6j87gmg873NCO4x8QRjsQYGjY9y33g6SqFzccZhqvW2ORVXCjPEUEOj_N9Dg9AcJKE2rETh9n_TSZKLOqWmQNPDDEka7oZEpDLI8aWhp2qSfq7dp/s1600/IMG_20180224_155414572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBVVpNtOPR3OL6W9EKWJzsEwMiPkd6j87gmg873NCO4x8QRjsQYGjY9y33g6SqFzccZhqvW2ORVXCjPEUEOj_N9Dg9AcJKE2rETh9n_TSZKLOqWmQNPDDEka7oZEpDLI8aWhp2qSfq7dp/s320/IMG_20180224_155414572.jpg" width="320" /></a> I love to watch birds, but I don't often find the time or inclination to simply sit and watch them, but the brave little souls, are constantly near people, in parking lots, in trees or on signs. It takes bravery to be near people. One of my favorite sights is the Lowe's sign, when lots of pigeons are lined up on the top and some are on the ledge under the "eaves" of it's "roof. They never fail to bring a smile to my face.<br />
All this talk of flowers and birds, made me think of this Bible verse.<br />
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 6px;">Matthew 6:25-34</span> <span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">American Standard Version (ASV)</span></span></h1>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="text Matt-6-25" id="en-ASV-23308" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? </span><span class="text Matt-6-26" id="en-ASV-23309" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span>Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? </span><span class="text Matt-6-27" id="en-ASV-23310" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 </span>And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto <span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ASV-23310a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ASV-23310a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A25-34%2CLuke+12%3A22-32&version=ASV#fen-ASV-23310a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span>the measure of his life? </span><span class="text Matt-6-28" id="en-ASV-23311" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">28 </span>And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: </span><span class="text Matt-6-29" id="en-ASV-23312" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span>yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. </span><span class="text Matt-6-30" id="en-ASV-23313" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span>But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, <i class="trans-change" style="box-sizing: border-box;">shall he</i> not much more <i class="trans-change" style="box-sizing: border-box;">clothe</i> you, O ye of little faith? </span><span class="text Matt-6-31" id="en-ASV-23314" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? </span><span class="text Matt-6-32" id="en-ASV-23315" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">32 </span>For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. </span><span class="text Matt-6-33" id="en-ASV-23316" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">33 </span>But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. </span><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-ASV-23317" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">34 </span>Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZTS1qVWNivK7ng0um50dHTDOx-3w1mEIUfL_SjEu6jjVTpwDxafcFIhtoarU7rtnZjtL7MADUXiy_5qAL_On2T3zqQr2uhw1VgmJ8abnCzgVFmAiEEN2nSSS8CggLrgLdR0NTGnzMRq9/s1600/IMG_20180227_082111123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZTS1qVWNivK7ng0um50dHTDOx-3w1mEIUfL_SjEu6jjVTpwDxafcFIhtoarU7rtnZjtL7MADUXiy_5qAL_On2T3zqQr2uhw1VgmJ8abnCzgVFmAiEEN2nSSS8CggLrgLdR0NTGnzMRq9/s320/IMG_20180227_082111123.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
So, maybe the moral of my story is that the winter is ending and I am not anymore responsible for what happens this spring than the birds or the flowers are. I don't have to worry either. The birds and the flowers twitter and bloom happily and so will I. Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-16733607739510991762017-08-01T20:46:00.001-05:002018-03-03T20:30:44.736-06:00 On Call for God<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: blue;"><i>I am happy to share a glimpse into the experience of our most recent pastor at Community Seventh-day Adventist Church here in Meridian, MS. I have really enjoyed getting to know Sharon Leukert, our pastor's wife, and will miss her and her family, now that God has called her to a new adventure in three southern Alabama churches. Thank-you, Sharon! π</i></span></span><i style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </i></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being a pastoral family is being on call for God. You never know when, where, or even exactly how He will say "go!" But when God says "Go!" we go.
A wise friend years ago told me that the people are always the same, it is only the names that are different. Over the years I've found there to be a bit of truth to it now and then. For instance, our first church in Texas had a couple that couldn't have children for years. They decided to adopt. Just when all of the adoption process was near completion, they discovered they were pregnant! That was one special baby to us all. It was a joy watching him grow into a delightful toddler. Moving away from Texas to Mississippi, we missed that little guy and his family. But sure enough, there was another little guy almost the exact same age and personality here. It sometimes helps to ease the pain of losing friends, when you see that there are similar people to know and love in the new congregation. God fills your heart with so much love for His people, it is truly His miracle.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> the Meridian house on loading day</td></tr>
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When God told us to come to Mississippi, it wasn't a surprise. We knew He was going to move us soon, and so did our conference leadership. In fact, they were trying to move us somewhere else in Texas, but Mississippi happened first. God's call to go to Alabama came as a surprise. We weren't expecting it, but it's still God's call, we still go.
In the previous case, sensing the move beforehand actually helped us be better prepared. Not expecting this current move, we were a little caught off guard. God pricked my "get ready" senses, but perhaps I needed a little more time, or I didn't act passionately enough to HIs promptings to get ready. This was a more challenging move, because we had a very tight time frame. An evangelistic series starting in the new district demanded that we move as quick as possible. Evangelism is exciting, but the tight time frame was extremely stressful.
One important thing to remember is that even though God calls us to go somewhere else, He doesn't always make every path smooth. He worked a housing miracle for us in Meridian.</span><br />
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<a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/20561792_10208582649037970_1812466206_n.jpg?oh=60b4280496379daee4ffdc6e2ee86593&oe=5983111C" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/20561792_10208582649037970_1812466206_n.jpg?oh=60b4280496379daee4ffdc6e2ee86593&oe=5983111C" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In Mobile, Alabama, we struggled, commuting back and forth from Meridian to Mobile for a few weeks until we were able to find a place and get moved in. The extra stress and challenges only made us more thankful for church family and friends willing to help, and caused us to lean on God even more. We knew He would give us the strength to get through the challenges of the move.
Moving a family is like throwing a pebble in a pond - it has many, many ripples. The timing of our move impacted everything. Matthew ended up giving up going to teen summer camp, because he knew the family would need the money for the move, and he knew we would need his help packing. Both Matthew and Greta are getting ready to go to Bass Memorial Academy. Because of how long it took us to find a place to live, they will barely have adjusted to their rooms in the new house, before it's time to move into the dorms at Bass for the school year. I had to quit my job, and unfortunately there wasn't a sister organization nearby that I could just transfer to, so I will have to start all over in looking for a job. Needing time off to search for housing and all, and doing our best to "guess" what time frame the move would actually take place, I decided to quit my job at a certain time, but it was weeks later that we actually moved. That means several weeks without my paycheck helping out the family. But God is faithful, and has been blessing as only He can.</span>Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-10604992623133124862017-01-02T10:45:00.000-06:002017-01-02T10:45:45.146-06:00Snow Hopes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello! How has your Christmas been? Please share your experience with me in the comments below.<br />
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Raul was gifted with an entire Christmas tree and some very spiffy ornaments and lights from a house he worked on where renters moved out. Sophie dug in and decorated these three beautiful Christmas trees.<br />
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My dad took us to the zoo, right after Christmas.<br />
We enjoyed eating at Outback Steakhouse for the first time.<br />
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Click on this to see our pics: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/oX7E86wUgbJGqCPk7" target="_blank">Thursday Afternoon in Jackson</a><br />
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If you live in Mississippi, you know that my Christmas included t-shirts and flip-flops. I turned on the air-conditioner in my car on Christmas day! Such are the blessings and exasperation of my life. <br />
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This morning, sloppy, fat raindrops banged down on the metal roof of our gambol barn home, just like the weather channel predicted, but when I checked the 10-day weather forecast again to prove to you that it might snow on Friday, my snow hopes were dashed again. <br />
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<a href="https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/39301:4:US" target="_blank">Click here to see my weather forecast.</a><br />
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However, I am not going to let this Friday's rain π§π§π§π§ on my parade. Sophie, Elena and I will cut paper snowflakes and draw winter pictures.<br />
<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/276331/how-to-make-paper-snowflakes#169464" target="_blank">Click here for a quick tutorial on snowflake creation.</a><br />
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Maybe I will learn to crochet a snowflake. Does anyone have any favorite winter crafts?<br />
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Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-46770616557462804652016-12-22T08:08:00.001-06:002016-12-22T08:42:05.856-06:00Artsy Whimsy Day<br />
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My dad wanted to see the dolphins in Gulf port, but who does that in December?! (Comment below, if you go see the dolphins now, and I am the silly one.)<br />
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So, being the great sport that he is, he said, "o.k., where do you want to go?<br />
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Have you ever visited <a href="http://msmuseumart.org/index.php/" target="_blank">The Mississippi Museum of Art</a>?<br />
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Well, no one in my family had ever been and so that is where we spent three artsy hours yesterday.<br />
We saw the Bethlehem Tree exhibit and learned from a Cafe associate that the nativity figurines date back to the 1800's. The kids really liked the animals and the tree. The PreColumbian pottery and the mixed media sculpture about Jackson crime fascinated me. Sophie also liked the mirrors and clay mixed media piece that we jumped in front of to see many versions of ourselves do the same. Elena and Levi liked the copper hound dog statue a lot. We sat on many different kinds of benches and interesting chairs, except the flowery lamp chair that said, "Do not Touch". I wanted to touch it, but the children didn't allow me to. We found the perfect Christmas present for my dad in the Museum Store. The cashier made Sophie happy by changing out her change for paper dollars.<br />
The Cafe is called the Palette Cafe. The Chef created black bean veggie patties from scratch for our vegetarian burgers and suggested Grill Cheese sandwiches, not on their menu, for the children. The ketchup and fries were also from scratch. I have seldom been treated to such thoughtfulness during a dining experience. After lunch, the kids and I played follow the leader and tag in the garden outside.<br />
I was delighted to realize that I our visit coincided with a <a href="http://www.msmuseumart.org/index.php/events/event/creative-healing-studio9" target="_blank">Creative Healing Studio</a> session. This is a bi-weekly art expression experience for Cancer patients and survivors. I am happy that I am in the latter group.<br />
I am five years cancer free. My dad enjoyed creating a clay ax head and I painted. The art director gave Sophie, Elena and Levi an impromptu tour of the <a href="http://www.msmuseumart.org/index.php/blog/entry/2016-mississippi-invitational-installation" target="_blank">2016 Mississippi Invitational Exhibit</a> and then they drew pictures with markers. This was another example of the friendly thoughtfulness we found at MMOA and we will definitely return there again. Maybe, we will head over there for <a href="http://www.msmuseumart.org/index.php/events/event/waiting-with-history-conrad-albrizios-murals-for-the-new-orleans-train-stat" target="_blank">Third Thirsday</a> next month.Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-55203970125407004002016-10-17T11:25:00.004-05:002016-10-17T20:51:12.910-05:00What should you eliminate from your diet?<br />
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This weekend, every time I have been eating, someone starts talking about food and nutrition. That bugs me, because, most of the time, discussions about eating healthy end with someone pushing their beliefs on the other person. That is not what I want to do, so, if you read this, please understand that I know that you are a smart person who can think for yourself. I am sharing my ideas here, in the hope that I may help you on your health journey, but I am totally against forcing you to eat the way I do.<br />
Eating is a very personal, preference-guided activity,because if you don't enjoy your breakfasts, lunches and dinners, then you will not feel as happy. If you only eat foods, because they are healthy, you will not keep eating healthy. Eating healthy will make you healthy and more happy, but only if you find foods that you love and want to continue eating.<br />
When people go on diets, they eat exactly what the diet tells them to and then they start cheating, because they are forcing themselves to eat healthy without finding healthy foods that they love. They end up returning to the unhealthy foods that they are used to, because they didn't replace them with new favorites. So, here is my philosophy.<br />
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1. I do not eat pork or seafood, because I believe that God loves everyone and wants us to live the way he teaches us to in the Bible.<br />
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+11%3A1-47&version=ESV" target="_blank">Here are some verses that help me decide how to eat.</a><br />
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2. I don't drink, do street drugs and try to avoid needing medicine, because they have side effects that can be worse that what you are taking the medicine for. If I am sick enough to go to the doctor and he says that I need a prescription, I will take it though.<br />
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<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-health/" target="_blank">Here are some other Bible verses about staying healthy</a><br />
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3.God gave Adam and Eve the best diet to eat and I know that this is the healthiest way to eat,because God loves us and wants the best for us.<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3500637&page=1" target="_blank">The way this pastor eats is ideal.</a> Yet, it is not how most of us know how to eat. I would love to eat mostly raw veggies, fruits, grains, nuts and seed and only 15% cooked foods(because some foods do need to be cooked, in order to digest them.) We get so busy and then we have to scramble and we end up eating anything we find. I think that it is important to learn to eat healthy and fit it in your schedule in the best way that you know.<br />
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4. Eating is an activity that looks extremely different, depending on where you live and how you believe. For example, if you were John the Baptist, you would be eating only grasshoppers and honey and apparently, he was eating healthy. So, just be honest with yourself and eat the best way you know how. Most of all, don't beat yourself up, because you love ice cream and french fries, just know that they should not be the main staples in your pantry and eat healthy again, tomorrow.<br />
<br />Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-88850107476657819502016-09-30T10:00:00.001-05:002016-09-30T10:53:25.204-05:00The End is not the End The ball is over and my horses have turned into mice again. Now, I have to clean the house and pay the bills again. The beans have been picked and the friends went home. Those fairy tales that end with "and they lived happily ever after", well, Clifford Goldstein has pointed out to me that the writers of those are not giving the full story.<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4wa8IpKMBM" target="_blank">Who is Clifford </a></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4wa8IpKMBM" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Golds</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4wa8IpKMBM" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">tein?</a><br />
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After Cinderella and her Prince rode off in their carriage, they went home to dealing with the everyday issues of running a country. They went through the ups and downs of marriage. They dealt with discontent and war. They got old and died. How do the rest of the fairy tales and real people's lives end?They died.<br />
Do you know anyone who had a different ending? Only Jesus.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16</span><br />
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We are in the thick of the battle, but the war is already over and won.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fMjgS4vu4o" target="_blank">My treasures are in heaven.</a><br />
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Jesus will come back and take us home. I want to invite you to come home with me. <br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJiDLrG0gnQ" target="_blank">This is why I am here.</a>Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-40800516224103053732016-09-29T22:23:00.003-05:002016-09-29T22:23:29.855-05:00Nostalgia and Falling Leaves<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: orange;">Fall is harvest time, and a time to make new memories with friends and family and this time I am associating it with fairy tales.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">( I love the sweet, pretty side to them at the same time that I am relieved that I don't have any need to rely on any earthly "magic". </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am happy to trust in Jesus, who died to save us. He is no fairy tale<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: orange;">I thought of Jack and the bean stalk as some friends helped us pick beans in our backyard. The bean supports created a maze through our back yard. The chill in the air made all day today something mystical and new. It looked like little fairies had been picking the beans, since only the beans close to the ground were picked before I arrived to help. We slaved away so hard to prep and cook our big pumpkin, that we felt like Cinderella. We made it to our own tea party to eat the pumpkin muffins and we left our shoes behind and had to search for the right shoes many times.</span></span>Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-10674171037017169132016-04-02T18:04:00.000-06:002016-04-02T18:04:11.743-06:00Fly your KiteYesterday, I found a rainbow colored kite at a second-hand store called <a href="http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/New-Thrift-Store-Aims-to-Help-Homeless-319082311.html" target="_blank">Aslane's</a> in Meridian, MS. Today, After church, we flew our kite at <a href="http://www.ms-sportsman.com/details.php?id=2415" target="_blank">Lake Tom Bailey</a>. The exhilaration of feeling the tug of the wind on the string and seeing the kite lift high and higher in the bright blue sky lifted our spirits with it. I highly recommend kite-flying with a friend or family member or all alone. April is <a href="http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/" target="_blank">national kite month</a> and so this is the time to fall in love with this inspiring hobby. Check out the link in the previous sentence and learn more about the festivals happening this month all over the United States.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QjxJYTEQn6Q" width="560"></iframe>Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-79393304575428363862016-03-19T17:45:00.000-06:002016-03-19T17:51:01.973-06:00Southern Region Soul-Winning Training For Spanish-Speakers Tomorrow<br />
Worshippers at Maranatha Seventh-Day Adventist Church on 45th Ave. in Meridian, MS<br />
<br />
sang a rousing hymn about reaching neighbors for Jesus and a teacher reminded<br />
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them that the Great Comission given by Jesus is still the mission of all christians.<br />
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Matthew 28:18-20</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">English Standard Version (ESV)</span></span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="text Matt-28-18" id="en-ESV-24210" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>And Jesus came and said to them, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24210A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24210A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>βAll authority <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24210B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24210B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>in h</span>eaven and on earth has been given to me.</span></span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-28-19" id="en-ESV-24211" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Go therefore and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>make disciples of <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>all nations, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>baptizing them <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>in<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-24211a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-24211a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A18%E2%80%9320&version=ESV#fen-ESV-24211a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24211H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24211H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,</span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-ESV-24212" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>teaching them <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24212I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24212I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>to observe all that <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24212J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24212J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I have commanded you. And behold, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24212K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24212K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I am with you always, to <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24212L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24212L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the end of the age.β</span></span></h1>
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a<img alt="Image result for alejandro bullon" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_j-7PEEdLg8TBxQhMYk8f_FjXvsl4hNn2aB-x88TbaZ8g9vU5vA" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="klHEkt63SVLAJM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_j-7PEEdLg8TBxQhMYk8f_FjXvsl4hNn2aB-x88TbaZ8g9vU5vA" style="height: 169px; margin-left: -2px; margin-right: -1px; margin-top: 0px; width: 226px;" /></div>
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Then, he announced that Pastor Alexandro Bullon will be </div>
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conducting a soul-winning training here in our city, Meridian, MS, </div>
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tomorrow at 3:00 PM in the Community Seventh-day Adventist Church </div>
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Gymnasium. Local Spanish-speaking church members will be joined by </div>
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other hispanic churches from the surrounding areas. </div>
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Pastor Bullon is fondly regarded by Hispanic Seventh-Day Adventists </div>
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throughout the world for his gentle, persistent zeal </div>
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for winning souls for Christ all over the world. </div>
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He is the Mark Finley of the Spanish-speaking world </div>
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and if you are in or anywhere near Meridian, MS </div>
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and you can speak Spanish, you won't want to miss </div>
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this opportunity to learn evangelism from an expert. </div>
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<br />Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-90586447963475075232016-03-18T16:51:00.002-06:002016-03-18T17:15:11.343-06:00John 3:16 <span style="font-size: large;">For God so loved the World that whosoever believes in him shall </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">not perish, </span><span style="font-size: large;">but have everlasting life.</span><br />
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Jesus died to save me, you and all of us.<br />
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It was back when the Greeks bathed in public bath houses.<br />
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The Romans lived in City states and ruled Israel.<br />
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Jesus grew up in Nazereth, as the son of a carpenter, Joseph.<br />
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He was in the Royal line of King David,<br />
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but he did not even attend the prestigious temple schools of<br />
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the priests. His mother, Mary, home schooled him.<br />
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He was the kind of kid that liked picking flowers<br />
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and playing with animals. He was careful, courteous, obedient and cheerful.<br />
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He liked everyone and tended to seek out the unpopular kids that were left out.<br />
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Jesus was a great kid. He helped the elderly with their chores.<br />
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He worked with his father, Joseph, in his carpenter shop and learned to be a<br />
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carpenter too. He became a responsible young man.<br />
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When Jesus went to be baptized by his cousin, John, who most likely knew him well,<br />
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he was surprised and didn't feel worthy of the honor of baptizing Jesus.<br />
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<b>That is because Jesus is the Son of God. </b><br />
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John was telling everyone that soon the Son of God would save them.<br />
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Lots of people listened. They saw the Dove that came down from heaven<br />
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and they heard the voice of God, that said,"This is my beloved son,<br />
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in whom I am well pleased. "<br />
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Jesus picked twelve normal men to help him do good, amazing things and teach all the people he met<br />
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how to live lives that God wanted them to live.<br />
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He told them the truth about the priests and the deceitful ways that they tricked and lied to the people.<br />
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The priests were jealous and scared of the influence that Jesus had with the people.<br />
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After all, they knew he was of the royal line of David.<br />
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Didn't David go from being a shepherd to being a king?<br />
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Even Jesus' own desciples, dreamed of the day that<br />
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Jesus would ascend to the throne of David and<br />
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over throw the Romans.<br />
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When the Governor was Pontius Pilate,<br />
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Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.<br />
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He led the soldiers straight to the garden where Jesus prayed.<br />
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The others ran for their lives in fear.<br />
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Jesus,<br />
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strong from a whole night of prayer, accepted the suffering in front of him .<br />
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The trial was a criminally wrong affair<br />
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where paid witnesses lied about Jesus. and then they took him to Pilate. <br />
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Pilate ignored the pleas of his wife to pardon Jesus and Pilate was no fool.<br />
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He saw the truth that Jesus was no criminal and did not deserve to die.<br />
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He feared alienating the priests and jewish leaders,<br />
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so he finally caved and allowed Jesus to be beaten<br />
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and agreed to crucified him with criminals.<br />
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Jesus carried his own cross<br />
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past the people he had dedicated all his time and energy to teach and heal. <br />
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The soldiers nailed him to his cross<br />
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and raised and dropped it into the spot between the criminals.<br />
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Jesus died of a broken heart,<br />
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not suffocation, like other victims of crucifixion.<br />
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He just said, "It is finished, " and died.<br />
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Jesus died to save those people,<br />
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all the people before he lived and all the people who will ever live.<br />
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He died to save us<br />
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from our bad choices, our secret habits and our selfish desires.<br />
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He died for you and<br />
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he died for me.<br />
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Jesus is a real person who was born on Earth and now lives in Heaven.<br />
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Ask him to forgive you and accept that he loves you<br />
<br />
more than you are capable of loving yourself. Jesus will give<br />
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you a second chance and a third and a fourth, as many as you need,<br />
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but one day he will close the book of life<br />
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and every person who will ever lived<br />
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will have decided on what side of the war of good and evil they stand. <br />
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Stand with Jesus. He already won.<br />
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All you have to do is say, "yes<br />
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or oops! I got distracted by all the fool's gold and I now<br />
<br />
I would like to have the real thing. He is the real thing. He is<br />
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better than Coca-cola! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x0X5vxre7p7wJbkByz2rzWJnDrvm4UG-hs3EhDbTJLMYNCezM5uXGcFFaaK7UYaUoDobrBKIQtuNZ726AfL39A-lwBTELXogx0BNY0PsVkJUAQOSqkN60HnUCTg2M9ThPVJwVXahLIxc/s1600/DSC_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x0X5vxre7p7wJbkByz2rzWJnDrvm4UG-hs3EhDbTJLMYNCezM5uXGcFFaaK7UYaUoDobrBKIQtuNZ726AfL39A-lwBTELXogx0BNY0PsVkJUAQOSqkN60HnUCTg2M9ThPVJwVXahLIxc/s320/DSC_1048.JPG" width="214" /></a> Hey, you, Jesus loves you!Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-75301629027290808772016-03-17T16:36:00.002-06:002016-03-18T14:57:13.461-06:00Down with Daylight Saving TimeThe rat race and Daylight Saving Time(DST) are a deadly combination, Literally! <b style="background-color: #cc0000;">There is research that confirms a 10% greater risk of heart attack caused by Daylight Saving Time alone. </b>This does not account for the way that this strange action of depriving ourselves of sleep affects society. Daylight Saving Time disrupts a person's natural circadian rhythm and makes us feel groggy. It adds stress to already stressed people.<br />
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Look at my scenario. On Sunday, when the time changed, I didn't notice too much, because I slept in and stayed home. The rude awakening came on Monday. My husband realized that the stove clock was wrong and he attempted to change it. He told me later that he could not get it to cooperate for anything and just gave up and went to work. I had that same problem with that clock, when I realized it was wrong! When he came home, he set the stove clock with no problem at all. <br />
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On his way out the door to work, he called out to me, "Wake up, It is almost 7:00." I heard him and said, "O.K." However, in my head, I was thinking that he always says it is almost ___ o'clock, at about 45 minutes until the hour to try to get me to hurry up and so I totally ignored him. I got ready as normal and the stove clock agreed with me, so I was fine.<br />
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Wrong! Sophie likes to read the time on our computer, because it is more accurate. She read that it was 8:00 am and so we were late by at least 30 minutes on Monday. On Tuesday, I woke up earlier, but I attempted to pick up a friend who wanted a ride to town and lived in the opposite direction, so I was very late again. That day I discovered that most of the people in my son's walking club did not go. </div>
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While all of them had other reasons, I suspect that the time change played a part in their absence. I think I was late getting my children to school yesterday too, I can't really remember. Today, we were off schedule getting ready for school, but strangely enough, I think we were almost on time. However, I feel so sleep deprived and grumpy that I did not go to walk at the lake. I drove straight home and here I am, explaining to you all the reasons that I am extremely Anti-Daylight Saving Time. </div>
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It does not make logical sense to put one fourth of the world's population through such a ridiculous ordeal! Did you know that businesses have always been the major proponents in favor of DST? Why? That's easy! It earns them more money! Farmers know the truth. DST does not give you an extra hour of daylight. The cows can't really type and so they are not ready to be milked an hour earlier. This makes it harder for farmers to meet market deadlines. I believe that the damage that DST causes is much greater than anyone imagines. I am appalled to learn that there is a bill being presented to congress by the Mississippi Legislature calling for Mississippi to adopt Daylight Saving Time as standard time year round. We would be skipping the only relief that we get from the DST madness, which is when we set our clocks back in the fall. </div>
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<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="112" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12115811_10154028915387302_4522141194865552614_n.jpg?oh=72e192831fea9ba01f85070f21213fb3&oe=578D730D" style="height: 516px; width: 918px;" width="200" /> </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">photography by Janine Flint Smith</span></div>
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We often comment that it is so nice to get that extra hour of sleep in the fall, but it is more than that. I strongly believe everyone would see an improvement in their health if we simply use standard time all year round. That is so easy to say, that you may not have truly heard me. Perhaps the best solution is to move to Arizona or any of the other 75% of the world where Daylight Savings Time is not observed. Observed? That sounds like a religous practice or holiday. Why would we use that word for depriving ourselves of an hour of sleep every day for 6 months? Something is wrong with that.</div>
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<a href="http://www.history.com/news/8-things-you-may-not-know-about-daylight-saving-time" target="_blank">Click Here for the History of Daylight Saving Time</a><br />
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<a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/11/131101-when-does-daylight-savings-time-end-november-3-science/" target="_blank">What Does National Geographic Say?</a></div>
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<a href="http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2016/pdf/history/HC/HC0011.xml" target="_blank">Current Mississippi Legistlation on DST</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAlIWvnG_kE" target="_blank">Dr. Kelly Power Explains risks of Daylight Saving Time and how to combat them</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iyfWpUnPwc&ebc=ANyPxKr1sapMLOn2rx8gXqB_FBB4jSGeBHKmKG7uViNAQLdbvcJOl0_b08mnDQO4K_L4YYfkxAjXsq5ME-PNsoFfZR3t4f6Qmg" target="_blank">Academy of Nuerology explains more risks of DST</a></div>
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Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-9378495886421107372015-10-05T11:13:00.003-05:002015-10-05T11:13:22.304-05:00Modoc the Elephant (who learned to read chinese, write poetry and get healthy through nutrition)<div style="text-align: center;">
KWL chart for God's Way to Ultimate Health</div>
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http://www.hacres.com</div>
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ISBN: 0-929619-02-1</div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: blue;">K</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cccccc;">I know that</span></div>
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<ol>
<li>I am overweight </li>
<li>I need quick healthy meal ideas</li>
<li>Mississippi=extreme weather</li>
<li>weather and clutter=lazy</li>
<li>magic answers don't exist</li>
<li>I must trust God to help</li>
</ol>
W<br />
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<ol>
<li>Will I learn anything new?</li>
<li>Can I actually get myself to use the new knowledge?</li>
<li>How can I stick with it and stay on budget and schedule?</li>
<li>Can I make it fun and tasty for my family?</li>
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L</div>
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(to be continued)</div>
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Modoc the Elephant is the best Elephant ever. Since this is my version of Modoc's journey, he is going to experience life through my lens. Modoc heard some people saying the Halleluiah Diet had changed their lives and that it involved 60% raw food, juicing and Barleygreen, carrots and then he got distracted and decided to watch Curious George.</div>
Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-17470670786669506882015-08-17T20:08:00.000-05:002015-08-17T20:08:04.487-05:00Of Alligators, Dogs and Legos<br />
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It is Monday again. Levi and I had an eventful day. We took the girls to school and returned to complete Day 6 of Easy Peasy Homeschool: Getting Ready 1. He enjoyed Bonnie the Bee today, but he was crazy about Abraham the Alligator, last week. (He liked that his shirt had alligators on it today.)<br />
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We decided to take a walk after that and we let our little dog, Bambino, escape out into the woods. Princess, our black chow/lab, stayed with us and it took forever for Bambino to wander back home. In the mean time, Princess, decided that escaping is the new trend and she climbed the fence and joined us on the porch. We had just opened the lego set that we received in the mail today, from Pley, and this one has 254 pieces. I put the lego set, full of little pieces, back in the bag and we ate our lunches. We like to pack ourselves lunches, just like the ones that Sophie and Elena take to school. We had sloppy joes, grapes, cookies and Capri-sun Rasberry mountain coolers today. The dogs made nuisances of themselves outside, picking on the chickens and kitties, so they joined us in the house.<br />
Levi and I finished lunch. Then, we leashed Princess and threw Bambino in with the Terrier, Chester.<br />
The five cats decided the dogs are just annoying and amused themselves with watching their antics.<br />
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Levi spent 30 minutes on ABCmouse.com and I washed laundry and finally relaxed by watching Netflix.<br />
When the girls came home, they pounced on the new Lego set, a Friends hot air balloon and tree combo. Raul hasn't tried the Legos yet, but it is just a matter of time until he realizes how much fun it is too. c <br />
<a href="https://www.pley.com/" target="_blank">Pley: Rent Lego Sets</a>Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-21139205699721908272015-08-12T14:36:00.001-05:002015-08-12T14:39:55.891-05:00Falling into our Routine <br />
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Crunchy brown and orange leaves and little pinecones are littering my yard. I can't believe it is almost fall! The adventure is in the details for my family right now. We are working on sleeping early, making our lunches, setting out our clothes and getting to school on time. The girls share a classroom this year and are renewing their friendships with kids from school while becoming closer as sisters. Sophie and Elena are going to have these lunches next week.<br />
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Monday: vegetarian sloppy joes, cucumber slices, ranch dip<br />
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Tuesday: pasta shells with peas and pesto, salad, canned peaches<br />
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Wednesday: p & b whole wheat sandwich, yoplait yogurt, kiwi<br />
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Thursday: String cheese stick, rolled veggie bologna meat, fruit kabobs, whole grain crackers<br />
Friday:Egg salad wrap (chopped hard-boiled egg mixed with avocado in viniagrette<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">: rolled in a whole wheat tortilla) </span></span>sliced pears in lemon juice, Snapea Crisps<br />
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It is quiet when Levi and I return from leaving the girls at school. It was only 83 degrees around noon yesterday, when we arrived home. Levi took a long nap all afternoon. Later, we did Easy, peasy preschool. He is loving Abraham the Alligator. Levi does Easy Peasy Getting Ready 1. This online curicullum is super simple, fun and free. <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/">Check it out here!</a> We also love <a href="https://www.abcmouse.com/">https://www.abcmouse.com/</a><br />
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This weather is neat. It isn't dangerously hot, but it was hot enough to swim. My two youngest children, Elena, 7, and Levi, 3, sprayed the slide and trampoline with the water hose when school was out and played until twilight.Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-29648145552028079632015-08-08T16:22:00.001-05:002015-08-08T16:31:28.401-05:00School is starting and it is not! <span style="color: magenta;">Sophie and Elena are in the same classroom at Community Christian School and they will begin on Monday. Sophie is in fourth grade and Elena is in second grade. I am excited by all the new possibilities. I saw this quote</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1069006.C_S_Lewis" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">C.S. Lewis</a> > <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1069006.C_S_Lewis" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Quotes</a> > Quotable Quote</h2>
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<a class="leftAlignedImage" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1069006.C_S_Lewis" style="color: #666600; float: left; margin-right: 10px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="C.S. Lewis" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1367519078p2/1069006.jpg" style="border: 0px;" /></a></div>
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βIsn't it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different...β</h1>
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β <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1069006.C_S_Lewis" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">C.S. Lew</a>is<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">and it is just how I feel. I feel like I am moving like a turtle and all of the sudden, I have traveled a long ways and now I have arrived at the next chapter in the story. All Sophie and Elena's friends have traveled onward too., so school will be completely different and yet in some ways the same. I vote that all children must take their moms with them everywhere they go, because I want to go too. I get to go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/240252902684418/" target="_blank">Adventurer Club</a> though. This will be Elena's second year as an adventurer and Sophie has finished and she is beginning her first year as a <a href="http://www.pathfindersonline.org/pledge-and-law" target="_blank">Pathfinder</a>. You can click on these links and join my adventure too, if you have a 5-9 year old(adventure club) or a 10-15 year old(pathfinders) The first meeting is Aug. 22, 5 pm, at the <a href="http://www.communityadventist.com/" target="_blank">Community Seventh-day Adventist Church</a> gym. So consider yourself invited.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"> Then there is Levi. He is a home school student and I am so happy to be a homeschooler's mom again! We are going to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttNVnPrUlqQ" target="_blank">The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies</a> in Gulfport, MS with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/PEAKMeridian/" target="_blank">Peak Network</a>, our homeschooling support group. So Levi will let me tag along too.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"> I have another adventure on Monday and that is my Doctor's appointment and I really hope that it is a good adventure. Please pray for me on Monday around noon, because I am a cancer survivor and I desire to remain one. I am not posting any links for this one, because I don't want you to join this club. If you are already a member, then you know how I feel. Let me know and I will pray for you too.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"> My mom has just retired and so she is not going to school either on Monday. She is coming with me to my Doctor's appointment. Maybe, there is hope for a happy Monday after all.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"> I am also a teacher, so I am earning ceu's to renew my educator's license this year. Someday, maybe I will have my own school adventure. At this point, I am floating on the waves of euphoria that my children create as a new school year begins. </span></div>
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Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-34690875532913051342015-08-03T08:50:00.002-05:002015-08-03T09:19:10.234-05:00Hi, Here is my Summer My summer flew by. First, I painted my bedroom<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCZp6pYpSY35CYLmFHjr5w8x2BABMNRYbKMtKpxUQB9k3rY8mQ_HuNURQIk5ewSmcg5QXhNm0nKSHv2fGHfh5AIG6SQrP-iGTMOH_x-hwh3yc3QfbVAerRjOZwWL-NyuBAV_W-TDzByZu/s1600/DSC_0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCZp6pYpSY35CYLmFHjr5w8x2BABMNRYbKMtKpxUQB9k3rY8mQ_HuNURQIk5ewSmcg5QXhNm0nKSHv2fGHfh5AIG6SQrP-iGTMOH_x-hwh3yc3QfbVAerRjOZwWL-NyuBAV_W-TDzByZu/s200/DSC_0517.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b23RUnDp0ls" target="_blank">Click here to learn to paint a beach mural</a><br />(You can pick a different beverage though.)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqinkZ9quwd7d1jlia1DJ84HlMr17kkU8axoVxW7MyIC-PGXBOfHI3xT0gj6AYrYy36u83k2FilNl8Nq8DYw9akg9HWoE1n5alEe-tByYQp1pHZr7VJptS0aMtBTVWDhdSbYOe5-btlWFV/s1600/DSC_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqinkZ9quwd7d1jlia1DJ84HlMr17kkU8axoVxW7MyIC-PGXBOfHI3xT0gj6AYrYy36u83k2FilNl8Nq8DYw9akg9HWoE1n5alEe-tByYQp1pHZr7VJptS0aMtBTVWDhdSbYOe5-btlWFV/s200/DSC_0524.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
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and bathroom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoBnFOCIgtHIS0ykZUe-GzDw2J8nvN4rtf5bHwllzt7r5BMozDAeAmBb1LkJRNYE51gHFB-rtLrCI8_L5VDOnKE5i8gqtw7mC8qIe8zKUr-1U0mGFTJFey3Hr1rUcxzxxa2jkbxxTOT5V/s1600/DSC_0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoBnFOCIgtHIS0ykZUe-GzDw2J8nvN4rtf5bHwllzt7r5BMozDAeAmBb1LkJRNYE51gHFB-rtLrCI8_L5VDOnKE5i8gqtw7mC8qIe8zKUr-1U0mGFTJFey3Hr1rUcxzxxa2jkbxxTOT5V/s200/DSC_0520.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8Hp5QXSdLIPu6hBsQ9PjAwUhB0wX02M_5s2vyUt3dAmsp8Le9tGCM3sUJU2uXWGzs-_RtdLRPkX3jm0P3lW4cRgWNTu0xIa0z3sOtJKcZK5F-fwgbtvOigLZptMhq-CDkDO6ji9LxuvM/s1600/DSC_0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8Hp5QXSdLIPu6hBsQ9PjAwUhB0wX02M_5s2vyUt3dAmsp8Le9tGCM3sUJU2uXWGzs-_RtdLRPkX3jm0P3lW4cRgWNTu0xIa0z3sOtJKcZK5F-fwgbtvOigLZptMhq-CDkDO6ji9LxuvM/s200/DSC_0518.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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For several days, I was a mural painter and that inspired me to want to go to the beach. When I saw my cousin, Janine and her family in a beach picture at Gulf Shores, I jumped in the car and hit the sand too.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKJO0V7zaQQpF0xOeU0-XwI6iMopFkc-v23WeuaYAmRT6XXwk2HJ4zJ8SDyMIkm95i5uINeME5V-CGzmtfsEw1PMcaKVGkNKNu-599y8xpO6uA90FwBBfFGDb7ELA6U5BuFDvwDlrlwB3/s1600/DSC_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKJO0V7zaQQpF0xOeU0-XwI6iMopFkc-v23WeuaYAmRT6XXwk2HJ4zJ8SDyMIkm95i5uINeME5V-CGzmtfsEw1PMcaKVGkNKNu-599y8xpO6uA90FwBBfFGDb7ELA6U5BuFDvwDlrlwB3/s200/DSC_0301.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girls enjoying their cousins.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErjRCMnSxyCpZ5LVMi_V1uvmUpmN8boT7FTZfnq3X5in6XkyIHLwzUhnWl3NQV7hQmeE7B-zQQ-KwQsLb-GBE51fGCkiQ8beMrWjuczk5iHjVCCOJNM090WV8QYOy2aELQmM0mtyVxauN/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErjRCMnSxyCpZ5LVMi_V1uvmUpmN8boT7FTZfnq3X5in6XkyIHLwzUhnWl3NQV7hQmeE7B-zQQ-KwQsLb-GBE51fGCkiQ8beMrWjuczk5iHjVCCOJNM090WV8QYOy2aELQmM0mtyVxauN/s200/DSC_0315.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I woke up early and enjoyed the sunrise alone.</td></tr>
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Next, Raul joined us at the pathfinder parade at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bass.Memorial.AcademySDA" target="_blank">Bass Memorial Academy.</a><br />
(Click on the word, if you have never been here.)<br />
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Then, we went to Pensacola beach and camped on Santa Rosa Island.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/fort-pickens-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=97219" target="_blank">Click here if you want to go too.</a><br />Fort Pickens</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nF1XRjaD49b7uitKmphpiOE9qIsav7RdMPyzIoDB5qcKznOb5RfMk02h5cGewHQLe8UnvjQONrIQKbBgbX4wWqKS_HvRLGn_xD4Xo9Exqo-ZqX7VyIiUtjPdpBhTpvU2LX0Hnq8Vn2i7/s1600/DSC_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nF1XRjaD49b7uitKmphpiOE9qIsav7RdMPyzIoDB5qcKznOb5RfMk02h5cGewHQLe8UnvjQONrIQKbBgbX4wWqKS_HvRLGn_xD4Xo9Exqo-ZqX7VyIiUtjPdpBhTpvU2LX0Hnq8Vn2i7/s200/DSC_0824.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDYnHwt3Awz8VHl8lUJIWHKSe1Wh2pT3YXXm1UyGpNC0IwHNbr8-TfZHMtTv38E3iPT5OKzngZzfttVp9_KRSIcgnrz6WiQ7inO7XTa_XNxslWL1VeLc9vvQ64pnl-0AQkCdkyD82dk11/s1600/DSC_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDYnHwt3Awz8VHl8lUJIWHKSe1Wh2pT3YXXm1UyGpNC0IwHNbr8-TfZHMtTv38E3iPT5OKzngZzfttVp9_KRSIcgnrz6WiQ7inO7XTa_XNxslWL1VeLc9vvQ64pnl-0AQkCdkyD82dk11/s320/DSC_0810.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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After coming home from this relaxing trip, we went to Family Camp at Camp Alamisco. We were so busy and always wet, that I didn't take any pictures, but it was a great experience too. I was stung by an angry red hornet, so we wandered home and saw the 4th of July fireworks at Bonita Lakes. The next time that I was on Facebook, I noticed Aunt Rose, Uncle Herb, Aunt Sue and Ann at the General Conference of Seventh day Adventists in San Antonio, so we piled in the car again to camp at the Alamo KOA. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZcwiUmFQhBVB47mjBJkPAboV3NaCI_59IgNyjdOrJhc3fRlrcFU8vpNzHPannIUgeML4WhIw1Ze_2Gk27f5CA4_9Zg3iClU0LvzwscEfVy43Xgw5n9mbddi7j1I3mmXsWoOBcb2oeYCF/s1600/DSC_0551+-+Edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZcwiUmFQhBVB47mjBJkPAboV3NaCI_59IgNyjdOrJhc3fRlrcFU8vpNzHPannIUgeML4WhIw1Ze_2Gk27f5CA4_9Zg3iClU0LvzwscEfVy43Xgw5n9mbddi7j1I3mmXsWoOBcb2oeYCF/s200/DSC_0551+-+Edited.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcasieu_River_Bridge" target="_blank">Click here to learn about this scary bridge.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibviVxP9Y8KqR5R3rpMX-Ty57N0l6u60gbzLvfCJ4cHxWGIjYvqermHHbBvALRYNKT4f2v1-K037tVBhDQtu3sKFyjcYbVBZkAGSIjotmK_j8OaUCvxFjN1Lh9k2BjkdgrlIVNPdZfnwll/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibviVxP9Y8KqR5R3rpMX-Ty57N0l6u60gbzLvfCJ4cHxWGIjYvqermHHbBvALRYNKT4f2v1-K037tVBhDQtu3sKFyjcYbVBZkAGSIjotmK_j8OaUCvxFjN1Lh9k2BjkdgrlIVNPdZfnwll/s320/DSC_0668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://visitsanantonio.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Search&utm_campaign=fy15-l&gclid=CjwKEAjwovytBRCdxtyKqfL5nUISJACaugG1ZXFOcvtK19Vx7d2LEQMoV6vi9bEwh9LCSLqrY48GkBoCYFXw_wcB" target="_blank">San Antonio Riverwalk-(we have so much more to see here.)</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglarA3tvtYr_flw6bu7xMDn2f2fxs77Q-TkKkGquriz1LmOjP_M6MQRIDC2XsVt-B-0BtY8OSQ8DzxhBn3W8P09nbUaHZ2Il7x4m-A60NyQg_5MsjYpdrTdeZaEA7blGFHgAeGlxEAWjkA/s1600/DSC_0646+-+Edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglarA3tvtYr_flw6bu7xMDn2f2fxs77Q-TkKkGquriz1LmOjP_M6MQRIDC2XsVt-B-0BtY8OSQ8DzxhBn3W8P09nbUaHZ2Il7x4m-A60NyQg_5MsjYpdrTdeZaEA7blGFHgAeGlxEAWjkA/s200/DSC_0646+-+Edited.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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My summer has been amazing and now my story is done.</div>
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Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6169627259197520230.post-34814859126203905092015-04-03T18:12:00.001-06:002015-04-03T18:12:29.601-06:00When something makes you feel sad I was watching Grey's Anatomy(I am a sucker for romance and drama) and I watched the episode today about a six year old girl with Tay Sachs Disease. They said that most children with this sickness only live until four or five and this girl was six. The dad was calling and researching and searching for a way to take his little girl to Mexico where he heard there was an expirimental treatment that could help her. He wasn't listening to the doctors saying, "She has only about two hours left."<br />
He said they were giving up and refused to quit, while they were saying that his little girl just needed him to be with her. A compassionate doctor held his little girl and did not leave her alone for a second, but she wanted her daddy. He came back in time to hold her just a little bit longer and the little girl died. What made me so sad is that this situation is realistic. All of us may be guilty of taking our children's presence for granted and not giving them enough attention. Many of us have to work and we might work too much and miss out on precious moments. This is not an accusation or any reason for us to beat ourselves up for the time we have missed with our children...it's just reality. God can help us all improve.<br />
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<a href="https://mhcbiofeedback.wordpress.com/tag/presence-parent/" target="_blank">Great family picture, good, helpful article!</a><br />
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The reality is that children are dying of disease like Tay Sachs, and Leukemia. Even if those parents are totally in the moment, they will still lose their babies too soon. Everyone will lose someone young or old, healthy or sick, way too soon, because death exists.<br />
Death makes me sad. So, I switched to singing out my heart to God and I feel better. That feeling that makes your heart soar when you sing or hear a beautiful song or see something breathtaking is like flying on the wings of God's love. Just like Maria Von Trapp's "My Favorite Things" song, music is like a fuzzy brown teddy bear that wraps it's warm arms around you and makes you feel better.<br />
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<br />Celesta Espinosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02112679801906925441noreply@blogger.com0