It certainly took great courage to run in front of my car which was going 60 miles an hour. A woodchuck may have been sporting some extra pounds, but that did not stop his feet from scrambling wildly as he crossed in front of me. He seemed to anxiously glance at me as if to make sure he cleared the finish line-or my car bumper! This woodchuck’s fate was altered by two quail who had caught my eye. It appeared they were snacking in the bushes. It seemed that spotting these lovely birds caused me to become more cautious of that country-rendezvous . When the chubby Olympian made his way crossed the road, I was able to stop before his fate met with my gray Toyota. I can see where cartoon expressions are developed- when the look on this poor critter’s face would have been a priceless picture. How terrifying that walk became for him at that moment! Saved he was!
I spent Memorial Day afternoon in the country visiting my daughter in Cooperstown. It was a very beautiful afternoon. I want to thank all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our nation. I am sure that you all had near misses and in some cases this thanks is extended to those families who have lost a loved one-no greater love that a man should lay down his life for a brother…my dad earned a purple heart he was wounded in the Korean war. My son served time in Afghanistan and Iraq-I am also very proud of him, he was not wounded physically-thank God he made it home safely! I am very proud of all of those who served and who still are serving this nation bravely- no greater courage!! Thank you to you and your beloved families!!

I want to take a minute to honor a wonderful woman of God who has passed into the eternal arms of the Lord this week. She will be missed by all who knew her. If you have ever known someone who treats you like you are the most important person in life-then you have touched the hem of His garment and felt the warmth of His loving arms around you.To Grace you were the most important person in life. She was a friend to those who were not befriended by most people and a friend to those who were the most popular people going. This was because she was a demonstrator of Christ – to all she met even when she was not having the greatest of days herself. Grace taught me the importance of the power of the blood of Jesus , she would daily have communion with Jesus and symbolically partake of communion of the elements because she believed that we always need to remember what Christ did for us. He took all pain , all sickness all suffering at the cross, He took away death and made a way so that we who had no hope for eternal life would be able to receive eternal life. Grace is dancing with God’s angels today in His sweet presence and celebrating life because of what Jesus did – she knew Jesus and served Him all her life, so now she is living life eternally with Him. We will miss her very much. By His grace will see her again in Glory.

Every woman dreams of her Castle experience. You know that moment when we daydream of finally stumbling upon the pristine gates of the “Castle of our dreams” nestled in a deep, emerald forest? It is not just the intrigue of what beauty lies beyond those majestic doors, but also the longing memory of a love who was faithful, courageous and true to each of our hearts. We may still be waiting in great anticipation for our true love to return. The table is filled with treasures and a feast for royalty, and ….our love bids us “come and dine with me”. We have longed for this invitation!” We are willing to receive all that you have for us , my love; the table you have prepared for us before our enemies,the treasures, the feast, the company of a love who has all that we need… here in the Castle of our dreams.

When scientists study the transformation of a butterfly in the chrysalis stage they see something that is miraculous. The worm has it’s brain, legs, and body-they eat and stay as long as they have in their life cycle, then they are in a cocoon while the body, brain and life becomes transformed into a completely different insect. It was said that death brings forth new life. It fascinated me that scientists have deemed it impossible to put this transformation in line with an evolutionary process. It has been said that it is a virtually miraculous process. Yet when the stage is over , a beautiful new insect emerges… different brain, different body , different life cycle….most amazing!!! I believe that people who have been beaten, sexually abused or wounded emotionally are also creatures who need a transformation. They need new brains, new bodies and a new life! Things that had kept them victimized and immobilized have to die-so that life can come forth. Let those old things that make you wrapped up and stuck in a cocoon, drop off . Break forth into your new life!! It is your choice!

I was very fortunate to have my story printed in a publication in the UK -Thanks , Lindsey! here is the link:

http://www.hiddenhurt.co.uk/margaret_domestic_violence_story.html