Prayer: You Call Us From Our Settled Ways

O God, you call us from our settled ways,
out of old habits and rutted traditions.
You call us into the land of promise,
to new life and new possibilities.
Make us strong to travel the road ahead.
Deliver us from false security and comfort,
desire for ease and uninvolved days.
Let your Word and Spirit dwell in us
that your will may be fulfilled in us
for the well-being and shalom of all.
Amen.
–Vienna Cobb Anderson c 1991 by Vienna Cobb Anderson.

The Ballerina

Dedicated: in memory of my mother, Hettie Ruby Raynor
On a tiny shelf sat the most beautiful ballerina. She had every hair swept up high and in place. She had a flawless complexion and the perfect ballerina pose. She was high on her toes, and the dance floor was hers to command. Her costume gave a light and airy appearance with rose buds scattered here and there. Her dream was to dance before her King. She trained and trained and became better and better at the art of ballet. Her legs became strong and movement was easy because her heart was in the dance.

Ballerina 001(photo by Rena Oynes)

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A New Life

Here is a picture of Eliza, my cousin that I told all of you about at Christmas! Isn’t she so cute! A darling gift from God.12-27-2006-13

In America you see so many Chinese babies. But why do you mostly see girls? You wonder this question when you see a beautiful Asian little baby with a blond or red haired American woman. In America we hear that all of these girls are abandoned but why would a mom do that? Why do people choose China to adopt a child and what is the reason behind that one child law? These are the questions I started asking when my uncle and aunt began the process of adopting a little baby girl from China. I hope to find out why Chinese parents prefer to keep boys rather than girls and the rules about having only one child and thereasons why so many girls are the ones making the journey to America from China.

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Fitness for “07

This year, I will strengthen my muscles along with my mind and spirit. Start looking for ways to build, train and flex together in ’07. I hope to start posting some exercise tips. Like to hear from all of you if you have questions, ideas or thoughts on exercising for health. When we are healthy and energized we can do more and have more time and energy to show Jesus Christ to the world.

Let’s work our muscles together in ’07.
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Kids in Orphange

One time I went to an orphanage in South America because I was on a cruise. We stopped by an orphanage. There was one girl who followed me. She was so cute! We handed out toys to them and medicine. That one girl asked me if my parents died too. I felt sorry for her. This is a picture of the kids in the orphanage.
Grace
Orphanage

Present for the King

This story is dedicated to all the loving Daily Lilies

On one Christmas season in a small village the people were getting ready to
present their presents before the king. Presents had been sought from the four
corners of the earth. Nothing could be spared for such a royal occasion. The
King was the finest King that had ever rules. He had a heart for the people.
The presents were lavishly decorated. The colors were of a kingly nature –
reds, golds and purples trimmed in gold and silver.

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