tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23329724932623158432024-02-07T22:20:56.350-05:00A Vellum ScrollSimple words from a contemporary scribe.apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-2484678247276219192011-10-20T11:54:00.001-04:002011-11-02T14:25:48.866-04:00It's here!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #b45f06;"><strong>Fall</strong></span> has finally arrived! </div><div style="text-align: center;">The weather is crisp and cool. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The apples are abundant and the sweet potatoes ready to be enjoyed. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So what else should we do but make <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/sweet-potato-chipotle-and-apple-soup">Sweet Potato, Chipotle & Apple Soup</a>?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O6xNzpUI0hczKXHVV0VWItMsrKWgeHNKDYlb8H6HqnsBwq47HnRJcstL07VSYEM5BjjPjLnKzZ-bS5rwdGVnryldGGjEL_VPh_dzSWp2I76XmP1WqWB_f_c8o4OB-5CSIKNH4mgyiuNE/s1600/sweet+potato+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O6xNzpUI0hczKXHVV0VWItMsrKWgeHNKDYlb8H6HqnsBwq47HnRJcstL07VSYEM5BjjPjLnKzZ-bS5rwdGVnryldGGjEL_VPh_dzSWp2I76XmP1WqWB_f_c8o4OB-5CSIKNH4mgyiuNE/s320/sweet+potato+bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">HAPPY FALL!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-14088291268819216552011-10-12T09:06:00.001-04:002011-10-12T09:06:47.494-04:00I Call His Name...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/p0gOKK4eoZ4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the LORD who formed it and established it</div><div style="text-align: center;">—the LORD is his name: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you </strong><br />
<strong>great and unsearchable things you do not know.’</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Jeremiah 33:2-3~</div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-4156417423397713262011-10-11T10:01:00.000-04:002011-10-11T10:01:13.786-04:00Savior King<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tiI04N9SmLA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"We love you Lord, we worship you<br />
You are our God, you alone are good"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~Savior King~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~Hillsong~</div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-69537851258634629032011-10-10T10:09:00.001-04:002011-10-11T10:02:58.167-04:00Emma by Jane Austen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP2W0h0AUHujvH5w8njyJX4lX62HxFACXbcPyWrnh2qKbnxfrr4vGSh_kTcKlNNx0yGIQs1Nscp9JrgL3LECmYS8ZuyDepPB5H4VNpcpRf2UHacVTIiuJyZz8kSmLtrc7x3NifrGgqifc/s1600/emma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP2W0h0AUHujvH5w8njyJX4lX62HxFACXbcPyWrnh2qKbnxfrr4vGSh_kTcKlNNx0yGIQs1Nscp9JrgL3LECmYS8ZuyDepPB5H4VNpcpRf2UHacVTIiuJyZz8kSmLtrc7x3NifrGgqifc/s400/emma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"It is only poverty that makes celibacy contemptible." </div><div style="text-align: center;">~ <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116191/">Emma</a> to Harriet on why she has yet to marry.</div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-70060740258649294352011-10-06T10:15:00.001-04:002011-10-11T10:03:23.361-04:00Day Fourteen: a Picture of your Best Friend(s)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am fully persuaded that friends are seasonal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't mean that they change with the wind or the climate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I mean that God places a particular group of people together for a specific season. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am so blessed to be surrounded by this season's friends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih952goJW1X6fqx245jEHHLz_lkG80c5BuuXTuNISGSvpVo86tBbS8JRk01ZdtUPGP6c_w0qE4AEsddvqlukaoVkhWeahoNNsycSWR7aaeQbT-RhYugTuOFJsqvOqtka7QtuqYCPxVhokq/s1600/friend+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih952goJW1X6fqx245jEHHLz_lkG80c5BuuXTuNISGSvpVo86tBbS8JRk01ZdtUPGP6c_w0qE4AEsddvqlukaoVkhWeahoNNsycSWR7aaeQbT-RhYugTuOFJsqvOqtka7QtuqYCPxVhokq/s320/friend+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> There is a time for everything, </div>and a season for every activity under the heavens...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a time to weep and a time to laugh, </div>a time to mourn and a time to dance...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~Ecclesiastes 3:1&4~</div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-47672569737410846722011-06-19T13:32:00.001-04:002011-06-19T13:32:00.201-04:00I'll never forget it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj6vpn8guKpCxOzyrIkR4bRQAVYgUU8zxI2ObbcaQYNw0ln6GkiaxGUyIia2YHQ2i89ZcjLf-Ib5NJLel4ECTb2zzvlQf2klglSIYmMjAPF2wDupiLyLbX8XHRcxDFYxNK-brQGR2aLMf/s1600/DSCN0057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj6vpn8guKpCxOzyrIkR4bRQAVYgUU8zxI2ObbcaQYNw0ln6GkiaxGUyIia2YHQ2i89ZcjLf-Ib5NJLel4ECTb2zzvlQf2klglSIYmMjAPF2wDupiLyLbX8XHRcxDFYxNK-brQGR2aLMf/s320/DSCN0057.jpg" t8="true" width="240px" /></a></div>You may be tired of hearing me write about it, but my trip to the San Blas Islands of Panama last year was truly one that I'll never forget. The beauty of the place and the joy of the children are only two of the many reasons this trip was memorable.*<br />
<br />
Today, another medical missions team returns to the area. I'll be honest, my heart hurts a little to know that I am not going to be with them this year. <br />
<br />
My task instead is to stay and pray for them. Pray that God will open doors and that His work will be accomplished during the next 10 days. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*To read about the trip, click the 'about Panama' tab at the top of the page. </span>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-10257517237307753372011-05-08T23:19:00.002-04:002011-05-10T11:45:05.012-04:00Here's what I enjoy...<div>Coffee with friends. Doughnuts optional. <br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjp9-bsrsQHb43IvaXgbPEgwZhdANJcX5M-1xuZEgYx3LyCx0uKL7FY_ZIg9hTLG2sQ79w_UM0T2h8g1ImgeOtKZ1uk_kTgovmp7VF5VHyolMOf3ecuocCSodEBsjHNF-07D_x1eMLfXdz/" /></div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-22020036630206828602011-04-22T11:30:00.000-04:002011-04-22T11:30:47.383-04:00Some things just don't change.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/p2IcfoCmzTg" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
Songwriters: Jared Anderson, Meredith Andrews<br />
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Publisher: WORD MUSIC, LLCapshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-63407080183688752072011-04-08T11:41:00.001-04:002011-04-08T11:42:43.877-04:00Standing, part IIFirst, let me say thank you for the many kind comments passed along via the blog, facebook and given to me personally. I truly wasn't fishing for complements when I asked the question in my previous post. Still, you have reminded me how blessed I am to be surrounded by such an encouraging group of friends and family.<br />
<br />
Now, what do I stand for?<br />
<br />
The truth is, there are many things I stand for. <br />
<br />
~I stand for children.<br />
~I stand for family.<br />
~I stand for education.<br />
~I stand for the unborn. <br />
~I stand for the oppressed.<br />
~I stand for missions.<br />
~I stand for justice.<br />
~I stand for mercy.<br />
~I stand for compassion.<br />
~I stand for love.<br />
<br />
But above all, I stand for truth. Absolute Truth. Yes, though it is an unpopular stance, I believe that there are absolute truths. And I stand on the conviction that they can be found in the unerring Word of God. <br />
<br />
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, <br />
you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."<br />
Ephesians 6:13apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-69849641381343891492011-03-30T13:41:00.001-04:002011-03-30T13:42:42.105-04:00"If you don't stand for something...""...you'll fall for anything." I don't know who to attribute this saying to, but I am convinced it's true. <br />
<br />
Now, today I am supposed to offer you a photo of something I stand for. It would be interesting, I think, to know what you, dear reader, would choose for me on this one. So instead of presenting a photo, I choose to pose a question. <br />
<br />
What is it you think I stand for? What is the first thing that comes to mind about me?apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-15854892197049349052011-03-23T14:08:00.000-04:002011-03-23T14:08:17.220-04:00BlessingsHeard this for the first time today. It caught my attention and resonated with me. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1CSVqHcdhXQ" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
We pray for blessings, we pray for peace<br />
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep<br />
We pray for healing, for prosperity<br />
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering<br />
<br />
All the while You hear each spoken need<br />
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things<br />
<br />
<strong>'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops</strong><br />
<strong>What if Your healing comes through tears?</strong><br />
<strong>What if a thousand sleepless nights</strong><br />
<strong>Are what it takes to know You're near?</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">full lyrics can be found </span><a href="http://www.xtralyrics.com/lyrics/blessings3.aspx"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-74526515196802204002011-03-18T15:41:00.001-04:002011-03-18T15:47:40.631-04:00A photo of someone I love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRSyM76gkvC-EbhYtQv7jP4JAiKGLaw9Vv9rGwy158WaxOs1XgGvX5zBAErUeUWhEgdLRBDjW2ssfHQXncQnoLxJ_f289JjMfo4Wny5wBTeimXVZmR1sZQmuAhE_XndMIc3S_qbGZErIW/s1600/100_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRSyM76gkvC-EbhYtQv7jP4JAiKGLaw9Vv9rGwy158WaxOs1XgGvX5zBAErUeUWhEgdLRBDjW2ssfHQXncQnoLxJ_f289JjMfo4Wny5wBTeimXVZmR1sZQmuAhE_XndMIc3S_qbGZErIW/s320/100_1919.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My grandmother is one of the most wise, beautiful, loving people I know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Words really can't describe how special she is to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She is a grandma, a mom, a woman of faith, a mentor and a friend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday, she sat with me, picked my brain, offered comfort and help. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have a name for unconditional love in our family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Bo."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-4038982934413330762011-03-09T15:57:00.001-05:002011-03-09T15:58:42.172-05:00It makes me laugh...So, an American, a Jamaican and a Nigerian all walk onto a porch and have a seat...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUn5YLkN75gUEBDNxa-qSwZ7lLK47EXYYWb2B1btTaMbJaB5rZvRDfYAqh31jfqXslXz-9QTLdw6piE8Fm3VCCryWqkWVomSsKj_ipiqf-g0FXJjyzqYskcypF9Fx3Ft9MlsJJvwazOOf/s1600/HPIM1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUn5YLkN75gUEBDNxa-qSwZ7lLK47EXYYWb2B1btTaMbJaB5rZvRDfYAqh31jfqXslXz-9QTLdw6piE8Fm3VCCryWqkWVomSsKj_ipiqf-g0FXJjyzqYskcypF9Fx3Ft9MlsJJvwazOOf/s320/HPIM1595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and proceed to watch a World Cup game through the window of a stranger's house. <br />
<br />
Did I mention that the stranger's porch, house and tv happened to be located in<a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Puerto_Obaldia"> Puerto Obaldia</a>?<br />
<br />
Yep. This is a photo that makes me laugh.<br />
Somebody check day 5 off the list. :-)apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-56885339464004761852011-03-08T13:20:00.003-05:002011-03-09T12:15:06.297-05:00Waiting.I am continuously amazed at how God speaks in that perfect moment. I never really listened to this song until this weekend. When I heard the chorus, I was immediately convicted in regard to my attitude. I am waiting. Still, while I'm waiting, I will serve, I will worship. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Bb7TSGptd3Y" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>And the young men shall utterly fall, </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>But those who <em>wait</em> on the LORD </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Shall renew their strength; </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>They shall mount up with wings like eagles, </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>They shall run and not be weary, </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>They shall walk and not faint."</strong><br />
<strong>~Isaiah 40:30-31~</strong></div></div></div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-78497561761984347272011-03-04T17:03:00.000-05:002011-03-04T17:03:14.905-05:00If you could go anywhere, where would you go?That's a question that I like to ask friends and family on occasion. I've even been known to pose the query to someone I've just met. It says a lot about the person, I think, when they tell where they would like to go and why. I know there are many places that I would like to visit. That being the case, choosing the photo for today was a challenge. <em>It's day four: the day to post a photo of a place I'd like to visit.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>I would like to go to Alaska... </strong><br />
<br />
...because it's somewhere that my grandmother has always wanted to go. She had the opportunity one summer and passed it up. I think it's one of the few trips she regrets missing. I would like for the two of us to take a cruise to Alaska one day.<br />
<br />
<strong>I would like to go to Hawaii again...</strong><br />
<br />
...because my mother would like to go. My parents lived in California when they were first married. So close, yet so far away because of their newlywed financial status. I would take her if I could. <br />
<br />
<strong>I would like to go to the Grand Canyon...</strong><br />
<br />
...because I've never seen it and my dad wants to go cross country again. Everyone in the US should see the Grand Canyon at least once, I think. <br />
<br />
<strong>I would like to go to Australia...</strong><br />
<br />
...because that is my brother's dream vacation. Wouldn't it be grand to experience the Great Coral Reefs and the wonders of that land down under? Of course, he'd probably rather take his family than me. :-)<br />
<br />
<strong>I would like to go to Disney World soon...</strong><br />
<br />
...before my nieces grow up and loose the wonder of fairy tales. How exciting it is to see places like that through the eyes of children! <br />
<br />
<strong>I would like to go to Europe...</strong><br />
<br />
...anywhere in Europe, because that's always been a dream of mine. In all of my travels, and I am blessed to have travelled often, I've never gone trans-atlantic. I would enjoy that someday. <br />
<br />
Truly, <strong>where</strong> would I like to visit? Just about anywhere. <br />
<br />
Throw a dart at a map of the world. Wherever it lands, that's where I would like to go.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOguz2e7wxctrCQRHdAZnOtAi32y_z88FS9xdRrYZOeMF3779iSMT4OwkjKFhKaeKhGVc3OdXcZQHkT8PR9mwIpfVbJw2Y6aX7C9Fve4t7a8klFkns0bdx0wIk1sf6hOwW_HRAkUEPkBB/s1600/worldmap.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOguz2e7wxctrCQRHdAZnOtAi32y_z88FS9xdRrYZOeMF3779iSMT4OwkjKFhKaeKhGVc3OdXcZQHkT8PR9mwIpfVbJw2Y6aX7C9Fve4t7a8klFkns0bdx0wIk1sf6hOwW_HRAkUEPkBB/s320/worldmap.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-40857503215128393292011-03-04T16:52:00.001-05:002011-03-09T12:14:34.031-05:00while the sun goes down...<ul><li>two young men pretend like they know how to play tennis.</li>
<li>a couple lets their toddler run around the court while they practice volleying.</li>
<li>a woman walks laps on the trail.</li>
<li>a pre-teen joins her, dribbling his basketball.</li>
<li>dogs take their owners for a walk.</li>
<li>an amatuer golfer practices his swing on the abandoned basball diamond.</li>
<li>the red breasted robins make their debut.</li>
<li>I watch it all, eating my french fries and enjoying a milkshake.</li>
</ul>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-46885538350644770092011-02-28T17:56:00.001-05:002011-04-08T11:44:19.162-04:00The tale of Judica, the starfish.<strong><em>Day three: a photo that makes you happy.</em></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVx61Hp1kSGPVLmCgpE0V3vUfSUn1hE571QY49q3TLlrg909jR4slIykVUbpzkAgnj7JsfGSX-Z2A2nlfjXhu4d5tzuCqoL7jX4S6gjcDzfdRDDcEKx3Ko5oXAoJfEdzXJJPFV7KR0GJk3/s1600/100_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVx61Hp1kSGPVLmCgpE0V3vUfSUn1hE571QY49q3TLlrg909jR4slIykVUbpzkAgnj7JsfGSX-Z2A2nlfjXhu4d5tzuCqoL7jX4S6gjcDzfdRDDcEKx3Ko5oXAoJfEdzXJJPFV7KR0GJk3/s400/100_1971.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's task, post a photo that makes me happy. Does it seem strange that the picture is a starfish hanging out in an octopus sand mold? Allow me to share with you the tale of Judica, the starfish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During the warm, lazy days of summer, one of my favorite things to do is to scoop up my nieces and cart them off to the beach. We're blessed not to live so far away from the beach. I'm doubly blessed that they love to go with me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day this particular photo was taken, Boo and I were at the beach by ourselves. Moo was sick and the other adults had to work or were otherwise occupied (strange how that's usually the case with those adults...). So we loaded up our backpack and hit the sand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On arriving at the beach, we claimed our spot and headed toward the gully to splash awhile. Wonder of wonders, what did we see? What seemed to be a thousand starfish hiding in the gully and sprinkling the sand. In her excitement, 6 year old Boo really wanted to keep them all to show everyone at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After much discussion, she was convinced that they would be much better off if we returned them to the big water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent half our time at the beach that day throwing the starfish back. One lone starfish did she convince me to set aside for photo ops. Immediately, our captive was named Judica and declared to be a much loved pet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Why does that picture of Judica make me happy? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Boo is 8 now. As she grows older, she may not remember that day at the beach, when it was just the two of us. But when I see that picture, I remember. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And it makes me happy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytqYLZc611I02IM1YJjU8EwehevFPkdbdyRSkI0QzaaE-EeA_CEA_zc6es04IbYSzsJXwxRFDWj_5xgSVJ8zagWIXVaSREGaWh6WyFH2NKkoQajwCw_IKxQuOJxSF84Zg_0LsuQU7jZmJ/s1600/100_1987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytqYLZc611I02IM1YJjU8EwehevFPkdbdyRSkI0QzaaE-EeA_CEA_zc6es04IbYSzsJXwxRFDWj_5xgSVJ8zagWIXVaSREGaWh6WyFH2NKkoQajwCw_IKxQuOJxSF84Zg_0LsuQU7jZmJ/s320/100_1987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-31948304751818514502011-02-26T11:18:00.001-05:002011-02-26T11:26:14.966-05:00Long, long ago in a land not so far away...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Day two: a photo of yourself at least a year ago.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpLN1vYhWE9roXDbm-SPkYTxXCE7QHHBwjxpZ65cArV5shAJC6pA15KsGPR8bp5kS2LvDfi-aslNDdCO5qHHYTYg0Dk7C_SKCcvJMYDHiZfp_OxieRTK0Ti-xDhqRtLRard4P2mXBng8t/s1600/alli%252C+michelle%252C+tyler+1998ish.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpLN1vYhWE9roXDbm-SPkYTxXCE7QHHBwjxpZ65cArV5shAJC6pA15KsGPR8bp5kS2LvDfi-aslNDdCO5qHHYTYg0Dk7C_SKCcvJMYDHiZfp_OxieRTK0Ti-xDhqRtLRard4P2mXBng8t/s320/alli%252C+michelle%252C+tyler+1998ish.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>Hmmm... I've noticed that I don't actually have a lot of pictures of myself available online. So, I went and borrowed a previously uploaded photo for this one (thanks Lee!). It's at photo of myself at least a year ago, alright. Try more than 12 years ago. That's right folks. The precious toddler in the picture is now a 14 year old <strike>menace to society</strike> model of a teenager. :-) His mother, the beautiful lady pictured with us, is still counted among my close friends. I am so blessed with long lasting friendships.apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-71604959093956473002011-02-18T19:14:00.003-05:002011-08-18T09:17:58.992-04:00Here we go again!<span style="color: black;">Wow, again, it's been 6 weeks or more since I've posted. There are times when I think that I should write a blogpost only to find myself facing writer's block. It's one thing when you decide to write because you have something to say, and another thing entirely to try coming up with something to say because you've decided to write. I'm sure there has been no great loss of discussion simply because I kept my thoughts to myself. The five of you who read this probably found some other way to fill your time. :-) Still, I'm not quite ready to relinquish the blogosphere to every one else. So, in the infamous words of Bro. Jerry, "Here we go again!"* </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I have a friend. Suffice it to say that she is my blogging hero. Recently, she posted a Photo a Day plan for her blog.** And, because she <em>is</em> my blogging hero, I've decided - with her permission of course - to jump on board. No promises as to how long this will stretch. We've already established that my "a Day" plans don't always follow the standard 24 hour interval. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Day #1 - A Photo of You </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWL9CbOTj0SiGRZsUW-V8DXZPwkcIDbUeHmzp6ZQoqAz42sz7bMHaAkf6arY-9jAb7W-IxmISt6N6yp_kFbUwFCd9SYnQzlbiUdRnq9HuY0fv7O-pZ1YmfPqeIz-xkpOQOn_HkblgEt4Wt/s1600/alli+crop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWL9CbOTj0SiGRZsUW-V8DXZPwkcIDbUeHmzp6ZQoqAz42sz7bMHaAkf6arY-9jAb7W-IxmISt6N6yp_kFbUwFCd9SYnQzlbiUdRnq9HuY0fv7O-pZ1YmfPqeIz-xkpOQOn_HkblgEt4Wt/s320/alli+crop.JPG" width="315" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: black;">This is a photo of me taken about 1.5 years ago by my niece MooMaLa. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">She was 4 yrs old at the time. Not too bad, huh?</span><br />
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*See the <a href="http://ashokes.blogspot.com/p/about-panama.html">About Panama </a>tab for more info on the original phrase...<br />
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<em><span style="color: #444444;">**</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day one: a photo of you.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day two: a photo of yourself at least a year ago.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day three: a photo that makes you happy.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day four: a photo of a place you'd like to visit.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day five: a photo that makes you laugh.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day six: a photo of someone you love.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day seven: a photo of something you stand for.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day eight: a photo of something you enjoy doing.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day nine: a photo of yourself when you were a baby.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day ten: any photo you like for any reason.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day eleven: a photo of a night you loved.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twelve: a photo of when you were happy.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day thirteen: a photo of one of your favorite movies.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day fourteen: a photo of your best friend (s).</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day fifteen: a photo of you and a family member.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day sixteen: a photo from your childhood.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day seventeen: a photo from a trip you'll never forget.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day eighteen: a photo of your town.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day nineteen: a photo of your favorite thing from school.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twenty: a photo of something you ate today.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twenty-one: a photo of somebody you find attractive.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twenty-two: a photo that you associate a good memory with.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twenty-three: a photo of something you want to do someday.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twenty-four: a photo of what you want to be when you grow up.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twenty-five: a photo that inspires you.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twenty-six: a photo of your favorite subject in school.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twenty-seven: a photo of something you are looking forward to.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twenty-eight: a photo of something/somebody that made your day.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day twenty-nine: a photo of your favorite person from history.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #444444;">Day thirty: a photo you find beautiful </span></em>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-39761074781613635472010-12-31T16:11:00.000-05:002010-12-31T16:11:11.436-05:00"Many Happy Returns!"So, this isn't originally a new year's wish. It is in fact, a birthday wish from young maid Becky to the sadly misplaced Sara in Frances Hodgson Burnett's <u><a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=Ecf1s9J41V4C&pg=PA53&lpg=PA53&dq=the+little+princess+many+happy+returns&source=bl&ots=_ugw3d8F4_&sig=kdNAjEG_CLyJtIj0X1s9Gpx6CQ0&hl=en&ei=0UQeTaudCYiq8Aam582eDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CC8Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false">A Little Princess</a></u>.*<br />
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However, I've decided that this will be my 2011 greeting for you all. May you have many more years to greet. May they always begin with love, joy and faith. May they be filled to overflowing with every good and perfect gift. May all of your steps be ordered by God. May you be blessed beyond measure in every facet of your life.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Many Happy Returns!</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*PS-If you've never read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Princess-Frances-Hodgson-Burnett/dp/144240292X/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293829723&sr=1-7">A Little Princess</a>, I recommend you run out and buy, borrow or download a copy ASAP. It's a beautiful work.</span> apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-24281548251191130812010-12-21T13:08:00.001-05:002010-12-21T13:10:44.085-05:00"If the Grinch came and stole your Christmas presents......and they were about to go over the side of the mountain, what would be in your box?" With a huge sigh, 5 year old Moomala answered, "Clothes." Her 8 year old sister agreed, "Yeah, probably clothes." <br />
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The 9 year old of the group was certain that the answer was "video games." His preteen sister went with "a book." (That's my kind of Christmas present!)<br />
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So began last Friday evening, a night filled with laughter and silliness. Watching the old school version of the Dr. Suess classic and eating a pre-light viewing roasted marshmallow, Becky, Moo, Boo, J.Eg, C.Eg and I were soon joined by Ashley and her clan. <br />
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Piling into the cars we made our way throught brightly lit neighborhoods to the local Festival of Lights. <br />
Our rules for the evening: <br />
~ If you're the first to see a decorated yard or house, yell out the code word* so that we can all look.<br />
~Be on the look out for your favorite light display so that it can be properly recognized. <br />
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Simple enough and oh, so fun! <br />
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Amid much singing**, yelling of the code word and teasing about mistletoe, we made our way through the lights. Parking under the "Star of Bethlehem" we got out to wander through "winterland" and to see the wonders of the park lit for Christmas. It was on our way back to the car (thank goodness we had the star to guide us!) that we discovered the light show. Set to TransSiberian Orchestra's version of "Carol of the Bells," a beautiful display kept us enraptured. With near unanimous agreement, we gave a formal presentation to the light show as our favorite display. The one dissenter gave her vote to the Peacock, a worthy light display.<br />
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Returning to la casa de la noche, we indulged in s'mores, hot chocolate, fuzzy socks, Polar Express and attempted bribery (of the cat that is). Could this be a new tradtion? We'll find out next year! <br />
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Ashley's video of the light show was interrupted by voices in the background, so this isn't the one that wond the award. Still in all, a beautiful song and a beautiful light show. Enjoy! <br />
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<iframe class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/25jklOpYXYo" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe><br />
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* I'm not going to share the code word with the world. But if you happen to guess it, I'll tell you if you're right. <br />
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** Who knew that 4 kids under the age of 12 could out do 2 grown women when it came to singing Christmas Carols? They knew all of the verses to the 12 Days of Christmas and could sing them <em>fast</em>. Becky and I kept joining in around 8 maids a milking...apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-91816030666494470462010-12-13T15:28:00.000-05:002010-12-13T15:28:40.450-05:00God given rest. How much better could it be?Last night I rested better than I have in a while. I know that this is a blessing from the Lord. Psalm 4:8 says "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you <b>alone</b>, LORD, <b>make</b> <b>me</b> <b>dwell</b> in <b>safety</b>."<br />
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Indeed what could be better than a rest that is blessed by God? How about a rest that is interrupted by the angels of the Lord? God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen tells the story of that moment. When shepherds were the recipients of God's glad tidings. God Rest Ye or in other words, don't be afraid, be at peace! <br />
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Here it is. A BHC (Beloved Holiday Classic) sung by a great gentlemen, Nat King Cole...<br />
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<iframe class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V2rtdsRy8Pc" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-11709889158851562602010-12-09T08:00:00.002-05:002011-02-26T11:26:57.586-05:00Then there are those who know what Christmas is all about...<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DKk9rv2hUfA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DKk9rv2hUfA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-21604858171251112892010-12-08T16:12:00.001-05:002011-02-26T12:06:39.853-05:00Dear Chick-fil-A,Please don't put the crushed up peppermints in my milkshake anymore. As much as I love peppermint and chocolate together, I have a great dislike for things that stick to my teeth.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
Modern Day Scribeapshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332972493262315843.post-5597107570844726582010-12-08T13:24:00.000-05:002010-12-08T13:24:31.389-05:00A lesson on saying too much...<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do not be quick with your mouth, </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">do not be hasty in your heart </div><div style="text-align: center;">to utter anything before God. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>God is in heaven </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">and <strong>you are on earth</strong>, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">so <em>let your words be few</em>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ecclesiastes%205&version=NIV">Ecclesiastes 5:2</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div>apshokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108995826148402781noreply@blogger.com0