Cruise News / Father's Day

Here is my big news. My husband and I are going on a cruise to Alaska this Thursday, June 16. We begin with a land tour starting in Anchorage. Then, after a week, we get on board the Princess Cruise ship and a week later, end up in Vancouver. We are going with my sister Jean and her husband. This is the sister who went with me to New England in the fall. We have been preparing this all year. Now, finally it is almost here. We are all very excited. I will not be blogging for that two week time period. I'll miss you all, but I know I'll be busy. When I return, I'll have a few travelogues to share with you.

This Sunday is Father's day. It should be celebrated with as much enthusiasm as Mother's day. I fear that it is not. Most dads are so faithful. They sit and let Mom get all the glory on her day and when the kids do well. I'm ashamed when dads are ridiculed on T.V. They are so smart. They always know how to fix things around the house and all the little troubles. Well, my dad and my husband and his dad are all so great. They make it look easy. For them and all of the dads out there who have ever felt unappreciated, I salute you! Have a very Happy Father's Day.

Quotes to Love

Thank you readers for your comments on my hair problem. Your encouragement inspired me greatly. I feel that I have the best group of blog friends and readers there can be. You are tops.

Here are some more quotes from my bulging envelope:

"God's not interested in your press clippings." Dr.Laura Schlessinger, from the radio 3-14-02

"The fire that kept Seabiscuit frustrated and unruly fueled a bounding will to win." from Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand

"Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it." from The Door In The Wall by Mauguerite De Angeli

"The good God destined a place for each of His creations. Give yourself a chance to find yours." from Heir of Kiloran by Rosemary Sprague

"Sometimes it seems as if life had picked out one day and said, 'I will give you everything.' " from Seacrow Island byAstrid Lindgren

Most of these quotes were found when reading children's books. All were while listening or reading. Hope you found something to encourage you on your way.

God Shall Provide - ALL Of My Needs

Imagine having handfuls of hair fall out when you shower and comb or brush your hair. This is what is happening to me lately. It started around March. Then in May I got my hair colored and the thing doubled. After looking at Internet sights and finding mostly adds that I wasn't sure about, I finally went to the doctor. She thinks it is stress. I don't feel that I have that much stress, but she told me a story about how she had stress and then about 4 months later, her hair started coming out. Four months ago was when I had the surgery and though I handled it as well as I could with much love and help from the Lord, it is possible that I had stress and didn't know it. Perhaps my body doesn't know the difference between "peaceful" spiritual warfare and stress. Anyway, I have to go in Friday and have a physical. It's been a while since I had one. I hope there is no big deal wrong because I am going on vacation Thurs. June 16. I'll tell you about that later.

Right now my hair is looking thin. Hair comes out when I wash it and it even just sheds. (Isn't this fun to know?) My hair has always been my favorite asset. As a child, it was a perfect auburn. My gym teacher called me "Red," but it was only red in the sun. So to lose it is tragic to me. Still, I am getting used to the idea that it will be all right. My doctor says it will come back in. I don't want to look awful on my trip, so I have devised strategies. I'm getting covered rubber bands and bobby pins to pony-tail it up. I can wear my Tiger's hat. I also got a cute sun hat at Bass Pro that looks like a cowgirl hat. I feel like Annie Oakley in it. And, I ordered a wig. I hope it fits and that it doesn't look ridiculous.

I want you to know that I have prayed and I believe the Lord heard me. He said He is extending to me a mantle. Once before, He said He had given me my hair for a mantle. That is why I grew it long again. It looked cuter short, but I wanted to be obedient. It took me a whole year to grow it out and now it is falling out. I know the mantle is intercession. I think He may be giving me a new way of praying. Anyway, I have been through the whining and the Jo March of Little Women "it's my one beauty" thing. My beauty comes from the Lord and it's time I realized it. What can I do but go on this adventure with Him and laugh, have joy and be glad of all of my many blessings? I'm believing He will cover me and not put me to shame and that He will provide everything I need, even hair.
(I'll keep you posted on how things turn out.)

Greeting Cards - What Do You Think?

How many trips have I made lately to the little boutique in Romeo for greeting cards? It seems never ending. I enjoy very much sending birthday cards, anniversary cards and the like to my family and friends. There is an increasing number of "thinking of you" cards that need to be sent lately. And don't forget Mother's Day and Father's Day. The list seems to go on and on. Usually I stop in at my favorite little store on Sunday after church. This place has cards that are so unique. They are embossed and have such lovely old fashioned graphics. Many of the envelopes have cutouts which resemble battenburg lace. The funny thing is, they are about 1/3 cheaper than the ones at a regular discount chain store.

This card buying has been going on for a long time. When people open a gift, do they notice the card? Do they appreciate it or is it just extra. I certainly think that a card in the mail is special. With all of the bills and bad news, a joyful or pretty card sure makes me smile.

My husband always gets me a goofy card. I always get him a sincere one. I think we need to change it up and do the opposite. We give the cards we want to get. I'm going away soon and I had to think ahead and plan all of the occasions I needed and get the cards. I will have to send some of them early.

What about you? Do you like buying and sending cards? Do you like having them or do you feel they are a waste of money. (Some are as much as $5.00 or more now.) Do you save them and if you do, for how long?
Just thought I'd ask.