“FOOD For Thought – WHAT If?”

As a child  in an “Orphanage” – – we had certain prayers we said when we  were getting ready to go to bed – – and then in the morning when the “bells” rang to get up and out of bed – – we had the same certain PRAYERS that we were all saying out loud  – – as  we were making our beds and heading downstairs to the “wash” rooms – – – – and this was the regular schedule every day and night.

Following the “wash rooms” we would go to our assigned place at the long tables and benches in the playrooms – – now getting our “School Uniforms” on – – and all this is done in silence – – “NO TALKING”  then sitting finishing with our hair – – and reviewing our school work or what ever we needed to do in silence – – little or no extra noise.

At the exact “TIME” the NUN in charge would signal for us to get in line – – two by two to leave the “PLAY ROOM” into the  long HALL to the steps going up stairs to the next floor where the “Chapel” was – – going thru the side door and down the aisle – – the first and second     graders  leading the way and filing into their assigned seats and kneeling – – until MASS  was ready to start. 

Today… I happened to see the above quote – – and after reading it – – just had to add my ‘two-cents”  since my earliest days in school – – we learn to say the same old “PRAYERS” – – and when they were said – – we said them just as fast as we could.

What we should do – – I feel … is to train our children to learn that they have an “ALMIGHTY CREATOR”  – – that wants to hear from us – – just as if we were talking to our “MOTHERS and FATHERS” here on EARTH. Everyday we have feelings of what is going on – – some of  the things  that are  happening are not quite to our liking  – – and no one here on EARTH seems to care – – about what we are  in need of?

So… after the “VERSE” above – – I feel that we should teach our children to “PRAY”  the same way they talk to us – –  letting our “HEAVENLY FATHER ” know all about our dreams and asking HIM for the HELP we need to accomplish HIS WILL – – the PLAN that HE has for us as in “PSALMS 139” – – and if our MOM and DAD here on EARTH  did as they should have – – when we first started to “TALK” – – tell people “THANKS” for what they were giving us – – and for just being with us  – – and for any  “KIND” of  “HELP” we received!

Since our  “HEAVENLY CREATOR” has been providing us daily with  this EARTH and all of  the  “WONDERS”  for us to enjoy – – “HOW” is it – –  that we can not stop to  give HIM… THANKS!”

A very long TIME ago – – I was told that – –  when I received a “GIFT”  – – that the correct thing to do – – was to “immediately”  send a “THANK YOU” note – – that if … you do not sen a “THANK YOU” note – – do not ever expect to receive another “GIFT” from that person!

“We have no idea – – how LUCKY we are  – – that our  “CREATOR” is not like us humans – – HE continues to give and give – – HE LOVES us so much!”     D.V.


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“Billy Graham: An Inspiring Life in Photographs”

In 1950, a 31-year-old Graham, his ministry on the ascent, conducts a revival in Portland, Maine, where he addresses more than 6,000 people

Graham and his wife, Ruth, sit by the fireplace at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in a photograph taken on February 8, 1951. Graham is a native of North Carolina.

Graham reads passages from the Bible to a large, rapt audience in Trafalgar Square, London, on April 12, 1954.

Graham says goodbye to wife Ruth and their five children on Jan. 15, 1958, before departing on a crusade tour that took him to eight Latin American countries. The children are, from left, Nelson, four days old, Franklin, 5, Ruth, 7, Virginia, 12, and Anne, 9.

On March 17, 1960, Graham, while on an 18,000-mile tour of Africa and the Middle East, made a pilgrimage the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.  ( my  note – – if you read the previous story posted yesterday — This picture of Mr. Graham – – looks similar to my brother, Tom – – at the time of my husband’s  funeral in ’67.)

Graham is greeted by hundreds of American servicemen on Dec. 21, 1966, during his Christmas trip to Vietnam

In 1991, Graham conducted his first New York City crusade in 21 years. Here, he speaks to 250,000 people gathered on the Great Lawn of Central Park. A spokesman said it was the largest crowd  ever at one of Graham’s North American crusades.

“Billy Graham ministry offered BIBLE STUDY programs  – – and this was many years ago – – and I sent for the course and did the study weekly and sent my  test sheets back and would receive the corrected sheets – – and was doing fairly well.”   This was important to me in that  – – I felt that that since my MOTHER had bought me a “BIBLE” when in grade school – –  and she was now gone – – that I should get the wisdom  and knowledge that this book contains – – to get the understanding – – that can be found only with daily reading.

For years  – – I did subscribe to their magazine – – and have often listen to them – – and as of late  – – NOW hear their program on radio station 91.5 f.m. – – and I believe that of all  of the books on the market – – the BIBLE should be in every home and read together as a FAMILY – – as  for this short LIFE we have here – – we must be prepare for an ETERNITY with our CREATOR – – to meet and be with His son,  the Messiah, Yahshua-   as He did die for us – – just for that purpose.


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“Billy Graham is being remembered – NOW – by our FAMILY”

“Today – – Everyone around the world will be remembering  “BILLY GRAHAM”  – – with LOVE and Respect” – forever!

 

Billy Graham seen at Southern Funeral Home

If you are like me – you certainly do not want to be going to the Funeral Home… You want all of your friends and relatives to stay well and alive!

But, with LIFE – DEATH also comes – and when it comes – you sure did not want it to happen to you and your FAMILY …but it did.

In the 1960’s – my husband Lee Aldrich had to have several surgeries due to being shot when he was on the Saint Louis Police Department. Some of the surgeries were in Saint Louis and then after retiring and going to Florida – he still needed more. While in Florida and having one of these surgeries to help him to be able to walk – the Doctor cut some arteries – so that some other better arteries could get the blood to his feet. When I had asked this Doctor what we could expect – he said “Lee has about 5 or 6 months.”

After this surgery and Lee was not doing any better than before this surgery – I was so upset that I blurted out “The Doctor said you only have a couple months to live!”  And I continued, “If I were you – I would call your Saint Louis Doctor and tell him to check your records from down here – and we will go back to Saint Louis!” So, that is what we did. Lee had to have two more surgeries – but since there was  still a small fragment of a bullet near the heart – these surgeries were just getting the best of  LEE – and his health was going downhill,  fast.

We finally moved back to Saint Louis – but we still kept the house in Florida – just in case everything would work out for Lee and evidently – that –  just was not to be. One night, Lee decided to sleep on the sofa – since he had such a bad day  – while I was at work – and he thought that Donny’s bedroom was close by and surly Donny would hear him – that is  and if  he would need  some  help? Lee did not want to wake me, because I had to be at work in the morning. I did hear Lee – so,  I ran down the hall to the living room- he could hardly breathe – so I helped  Lee  – into the wheelchair and rolled him to the kitchen and called the POLICE!

The POLICE Officer that arrived – had an empty oxygen tank – I could not believe what was going on – I was ready to lose my mind. The neighbor heard the Police car come  – –  and came over as they had already knew of our situation and that at any time they would be needed to take care of the younger boys. The ambulance arrived – and Lee and I went to the hospital as fast as possible. After being at the Hospital Emergency Room for about an hour or so, someone came out and said “Lee died!” I’m crying and wanted to know if they did anything at all to save Lee? This Doctor said:  “If – we were able to do anything – Lee would only be a vegetable – you would have to take care of him – the rest of your  and his  LIFE!” And then he added, “You are too young to do it!” You have no idea the misery that I had to go through that night.  It was  so unreal what was happening…  so I  had to find a “PAY PHONE” and then called my brother Tom McClarren – as I was without a car and needed his advice as to what to do… NOW?   Tom told me about the Southern Funeral Home – so I had called them to make all the arrangements. The POLICE Department was called as they would be paying the bills that would  soon  – be coming in?

At the SOUTHERN FUNERAL HOME – they had my husband Lee set up in their largest room – as there would be  – besides  our large FAMILY and FRIENDS – lots  of POLICE OFFICERS and people who knew Lee before I ever met him! There was standing room only of people, and my Mother-in-law Louise Stanley – Vosmeyer- ALDRICH, nearly (90) ninety years of age   – so over excited  – asking me if I knew that –  THE – “BILLY GRAHAM”  – Preacher,  was here to visit her son, Lee?

Well, I knew that Lee had had  lots of FRIENDS – but “BILLY GRAHAM” – no way – where is he???  So, Lee’s MOM took me through the crowd and then – she got close to where my brother TOM was standing – and she pointed to my brother, TOM! I took Louise by the arm and we went over to where my brother,  TOM was talking with friends – and I said “Tom  – you are mistaken as being  “THE ONE AND ONLY” “BILLY GRAHAM” – do you want to say a prayer or two  – this is Lee’s MOM  – and she was so excited that  “BILLY GRAHAM”  came to pray for her son, LEE!


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“Start Your YEAR with LOVE COUPONS”

Every store and company has a coupon or a “REWARD” for  a Purchase or for  Saving – – and for  SPENDING – – but what  about these “COUPONS” – – for  the “LOVE of your LIFE” – – and starting right  NOW – – clip and use these  COUPONS and let us know if you agree – – these are the best of “FREE” coupons

“How is this  “Coupon” – – just start each season off – – on the right foot – – each  “SEASON” the weather is changing – –  giving everyone a chance to do  some new activities!

 

 

“This is a “HOLIDAY”  coupon – – all on its own – – Just exactly what the “DOCTOR” ordered!  Everyone feels like a “Billionaire” after just having the Best of Breakfasts” in BED!”

“When the “Weekends” come and go week after week – – everyone needs to go and or try something different – – whether you know how  or not – – like they say… LIVE and LEARN – – You may feel so good  – – this will turn out to be an extra special coupon to use more often!”

“WOW” – – This is one coupon that  needs to be copied and used at least once a month – –  am I thinking of an old song… “Keep the LOVE LIGHT burning”  – –  Love keeps  the world turning and practice makes for being perfect!”

“This is a … keep the marriage  on a straight course – –  coupon – – We Loved  each other Yesterday and we will LOVE each other Tomorrow – – “TODAY” … we are not making any foolish mistakes –  silly arguments are a waste of our TIME – – when “MAKING UP” is the “bread and butter” of our marriage!”

“If we enjoyed weekends of being together watching “SPORTS” and similar activities before we were married – – there had to be something special  about  those  get togethers –  so…  let us continue doing the good  “FUN TIMES” – – NOW  – by inviting Family and FRIENDS – – and show the whole world  – – we have the best PARTNER     for  LIFE!”

D.V.


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“Celebrate President’s Day with PRAYER”

Ronald Reagan

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotton son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Dwight D. Eisenhower

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

Gerald Ford

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Norman Vincent Peale

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale on his favorite Scripture:

“I have been asked often what is my favorite passage of Scripture. That is difficult for me to answer, for I like all of them. But there are some which are more powerful than others; and if I had to choose five passages that I liked best, this statement of St. Paul’s would be among them. ‘If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Romans 8:31)  Just the saying of it has lifting power, hasn’t it?”

Billy Graham

Reverend Billy Graham on his favorite Bible verse:

“My favorite verse of Scripture was taught to me by my mother when I was just a little boy: ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16)

 

Just some good words to think about – – on  “President’s DAY ” —  just a second thought  – – more than words – – for “TODAY” we need “PRAYERS”  – – from each AMERICAN CITIZEN – –  for guidance – – since there is so much going on – – and the problem is that the regular NEWS – – does not really stick to the  “TRUTH” – –  leaving us  to wonder  – – “What has happen to our LIFE Style and WORLD – –   – – We need the TRUTH and only the TRUTH!”

D.V.

 

 


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“New Year’s Resolutions – Are they working – YET”

 

“Make Good Reading – Count for Something…”

Are you still working on your New YEAR’S Resolutions? – –   Sometimes – when the NEW YEAR begins – it takes awhile for me to get into the swing of doing a lot of  “new things”  – that I had  selected to try to do – or maybe I should say – incorporate – with all that I am doing and still want to continue to do, too???

This year, I want to start to memorize new verses from the BIBLE – that is verses that have a special meaning to me – and that I feel will be beneficial should I want to talk about the particular verse with someone? When I was in school – and that was a long time ago – I must have missed that day  – that they taught the children  “how to memorize material”  – that was important  for  –  you – so that  for the rest of your LIFE – you would always be able to recall – when ever  important  material was needed?

Sometime ago – when I was looking through my Mother’s Bible  – I found on one of the first pages in her Bible a list of five (5) different important things  that each child should learn and memorize, forever! At that time – there was one item that I had  felt that I should learn – “memorize”  – so that I could recall the whole  “verse by verse”  and at anytime – the  “The 23rd Psalm.”  So, not knowing any special way  –   this is what I did – I counted the words in each line  – and as I was in bed at night – I would say each line , as best as I could remember , and using my fingers counting the words for that line. Some lines came to memory very quick  and  easy and  soon – I would say the whole Psalm as many times as I could  before  falling  to sleep  – but  then  – when I fell   asleep –   that was it – –  for me and   the night’s learning.

That was my way of learning the  “23rd Psalm” and before I knew it – I could say it anytime as –  I had committed it to memory. So, getting back to this New Year’s  resolution – today as I was reading the BIBLE – I came across a verse – that I think I am going to use as my  “start up verse”   – of leering more verses – those that I think will help me – and maybe – you just might like this verse, too?

Look up –  “PROVERBS 13:20”  “Walk   with wise men and be wise.”  “Companion of Fools and be broken.”  There are a  few more words – and in  your  or another Bible – you could read something  – maybe just a little different – but just those few words – they stand for so much – at least I think  for young people to pay attention – to these words – just so that your LIFE will be  just  a little better for you – and the best thing to learn early   in LIFE – is that your friends and peer group – will either  be a help to  you  – or they will act as  your friends – but they will work against you  in  harmful ways that you will not realize –   until it is too –  too  late!

I still remember some of the things that some of the NUNS  would say to us, KIDS – when we were in grade school – “Birds of a feather, flock together” and then there was –  “Empty tin cans  –  rattle the loudest” – so you can easily figure  out – – what they were trying to tell some of us, kids – RIGHT??   “Good Words will help you climb the ladder!”   “The Ladder of LIFE!”

TODAY – – I believe that we all should open the BIBLE and read together as a FAMILY – – our “world” is coming to big time trouble – – as we see  and hear in the daily news – – let’s make a change – – check out the BIBLE and encourage the whole FAMILY to take part –   – – Years ago… everyone was saying… “The  FAMILY that PRAYS together… STAYS together” “Let’s try to make a difference… NOW!”


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