How's my new life going? Well, the answer is out and beyond. That seems to express what is happening and perhaps why I neglected my blog for a while! Some time actually.
As you know my new partner in life Joseph T. Whitlaw (Tom or Tommy to some) is a worldly man who likes to travel, or moreover likes to cruse all over the world. No 7 day trip for him! Absolutely not 24 days or more is more like it. Holy cow! I mean these trips are so extravagant to wonderful places I never would have dreamed to visit in person, but rather was quite happy sitting on a couch watching the DVD travel log. Oh my gosh by the time we return home I am not sure if I actually went to these places or not. Seeing the many thousands of pictures I took reaffirms the facts. I actually did travel all over the world.
The last cruse which went from Montreal to London by way of Greenland, Iceland, Farrow Islands, and so much more was mixed in with a 24 day bus tour of the UK. The entire trip took 45 days or so. Outstanding, however depressing. My Joseph developed a blood clot on the bus tour just before we left Limerick, Ireland. That was four days in the hospital for him and I stayed in the hotel at night. This blood clot went through his lung, his heart and out the other side into his lung. My faith was challenged, to say the least. I was not sure if I would be flying home in the upper part of the plane and he would be in cargo.
We missed four days of the tour in Ireland, managed by the grace of God and new medicine for Joseph to be freed from Limerick. A good Samaritan came down from Dublin picked us up and drove back to Dublin; where we picked up the tour again. With the special stockings on his legs now we continued the trip into Scotland.
I kept an eye out for the farms and how they built their barns. Ireland had round tops, Scotland had peaks, but non were like American barns. My very best favorite was the Bulls that looked like 800# sheep dogs. Oh my I would have loved to raise some of them as calves. The country side was green and beautiful.
So much I will have to get another 80 page picture album done in the large book on line. The day before we were to head back Joseph fell and cracked his head open. This was a day in Oxford England. The tour bus came by the hospital and dropped one of our suitcases off and went on to England. When the bus pulled away I waved and the tears flowed like Niagara falls. This was also serious. He could have bleeding on the brain, tests needed to be done. Again I wondered if I was going home with Joseph in the cargo area of the plane. By the end of the day it was determined he was good to go and a cab picked us up from the hospital and delivered us to London. We flew back to American the next day.
That was a quick version of the last part of the trip. The actual cruse was really wonderful too. The best part of that was the Artist in Resident Suzanne Stohl. I have not had time to do anything really artsy or creative for such a long time it was like Christmas every day in the class. It felt so great, I started drawing in the cabin as well. Hey, I used to be good and I still am, if I give myself a chance.
I was so motivated, even Joseph was impressed I think.
Upon our return to American we attended a Whitlaw family reunion with two great grandchildren and their families. This was the picture I wanted in the worst way. Joseph T. Whitlaw holding his two great grandchildren surrounded by his grand children (most of them) and his three children. This was the greatest outcome from this event! Sebastian the great grandson and Farra the great granddaughter, both just a year old. What a blessing for me to be a grandmother and great grandmother. This takes the heat off Christa.
Joseph and I facilitate GriefShare and had to be back to start a new session. Everything started well and we are back in to the swing of things there. A need for us at the house was an elevator, since Joseph is slightly handicapped and stairs and not his friend. Well, I am typing in joy right now because the elevator is finally complete and working well! It was a real special event when He came up the third floor to drop in, His "man cave" is in the basement (first floor) Now, if I was going to leave the house I don't have to worry about him falling down the stairs.
I managed to get back into God's Cozy Acres and see the kitchen cupboards installed and a great island as well as new refrigerator, stove top , microwave and new oven. The walls need another coat of paint as well as the beams. But overall it looks like a million. God's plan was much better than mine that's for sure. Only one catch was the termites that feasted on the wood around the front door . I never remembered that Dennis used to take care of spraying the buildings for bugs. After 6 years (he has been gone 6 years now) the bugs have done a number. So I have been taking down wall paper and actually pulling out drywall to add new wood and new door. Boy, that takes lots of time. I keep reminding myself that the only way you can eat an elephant is ONE BITE AT A TIME. With nice music playing in the background and the dog with me our day is good! I brought out the tractor but I didn't have time to mow.
Monday is my visitation to the nursing home, where I drop off 35 home made cards to the residents at lunch and talk. From there to Miss Ruby's for my favorite widow! At 91 she is a picture! A beautiful woman inside and out. Some times we go for a ride or out to lunch or nothing at all just sit and talk.
So back on track now so to speak. Try to be a good caring wife ; work at the farm and house and out in the community. We wont be going out on any trips until 2017, or that's what I'm telling him right now. I need to get Gods Cozy Acres up and running again. Renovation should be just about done.
I just need the volunteers to help finish. This is all Gods time so I'm not worried but I do get anxious.
Well this is my update. Its quick, as my life is quick or fast. I need to slow down and smell the roses and the art work I can do. I also hope to learn how to play Dennis' guitar. So we will see what happens.
I thanks God for my many many blessings and pray for good health for all! Have a great day in the Lord every day, He is an awesome God! M!y new life is a gift from God my boss
Your sister in Christ, Maryanne Jerome whitlaw
Friday, October 23, 2015
Sunday, September 21, 2014
In God's Time....
Everything is IN GOD'S TIME. Get excited, anxious, upset, or whatever we do when we are not please with any outcome. So, where are you when your done, right back where you started, faced with the fact, " No matter how hard you try you will not be able to change God's plans."
Can you admit you have NO control over your life? Are you kidding? You say I have all the control, I do what I please when I please and no one controls my actions, decisions but me.
How about when someone dies. YOU have no control over that. GOD has control of Life and Death.
I found when my husband Dennis died, I had no control of my life, so I gave it all to the Lord. That meant I allowed Him to direct my feet, hands and brain. Oh I didn't do it right away. I belonged to the Lord but I kept control, or so I thought. I learned to prioritize. The net value of everything in life on this earth was $00. So with that in mind I just allowed my life to go with the flow and help others who had the same experience
Well I spoke of that in the past, however as I have been so blessed every day beyond my new husband Joseph and our work. The renovation for God's Cozy Acres was not to be the downstairs area. But, God's wisdom has allowed that to become the new and improved area. I was allowed to learn I can not do this work alone. Waiting for help is very hard to do. Patience is something I have been in short supply of. In God's wisdom the transformation of myself and the retreat center is coming along quite well!
I have that to do list and I keep on adding things on it until the list is to long for me to complete ever. So I have to go back to basics and do one thing at a time. However, I am an artist and miss not working on any art projects, so I sneak them in once in a while. I am heading for burn out and the Lord has taken care of that also. I will be going away on a trip with my wonderful husband Joseph. This should provide rest because I will be to far away from home to spin my wheels for a while.
God's Cozy Acres is a wonderful large property with so many possibilities to build and share with those who have lost loved ones young and older. Also, share with others in the community for special meeting needs. This was dedicated to the memory of my late husband Dennis Leroy Jerome, and as such we want this to become the best for everyone.
So as we move forward, whether fast or slow (in some eyes) God is at the helm and this wonderful God's Cozy Acres will be what God wants in His time.
Well, now back to my dear Husband Joseph, GriefShare, visitations, church things, home duties, other family needs, pets, farm duties and miscellaneous stuff.
Happy in the Lord. Have a great day in the Lord
Your sister in Christ
Maryanne
Can you admit you have NO control over your life? Are you kidding? You say I have all the control, I do what I please when I please and no one controls my actions, decisions but me.
How about when someone dies. YOU have no control over that. GOD has control of Life and Death.
I found when my husband Dennis died, I had no control of my life, so I gave it all to the Lord. That meant I allowed Him to direct my feet, hands and brain. Oh I didn't do it right away. I belonged to the Lord but I kept control, or so I thought. I learned to prioritize. The net value of everything in life on this earth was $00. So with that in mind I just allowed my life to go with the flow and help others who had the same experience
Well I spoke of that in the past, however as I have been so blessed every day beyond my new husband Joseph and our work. The renovation for God's Cozy Acres was not to be the downstairs area. But, God's wisdom has allowed that to become the new and improved area. I was allowed to learn I can not do this work alone. Waiting for help is very hard to do. Patience is something I have been in short supply of. In God's wisdom the transformation of myself and the retreat center is coming along quite well!
I have that to do list and I keep on adding things on it until the list is to long for me to complete ever. So I have to go back to basics and do one thing at a time. However, I am an artist and miss not working on any art projects, so I sneak them in once in a while. I am heading for burn out and the Lord has taken care of that also. I will be going away on a trip with my wonderful husband Joseph. This should provide rest because I will be to far away from home to spin my wheels for a while.
God's Cozy Acres is a wonderful large property with so many possibilities to build and share with those who have lost loved ones young and older. Also, share with others in the community for special meeting needs. This was dedicated to the memory of my late husband Dennis Leroy Jerome, and as such we want this to become the best for everyone.
So as we move forward, whether fast or slow (in some eyes) God is at the helm and this wonderful God's Cozy Acres will be what God wants in His time.
Well, now back to my dear Husband Joseph, GriefShare, visitations, church things, home duties, other family needs, pets, farm duties and miscellaneous stuff.
Happy in the Lord. Have a great day in the Lord
Your sister in Christ
Maryanne
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
In The Lord's Time.......
In the Lord's time is repeated over and over and rightly so. We have no choice but to let go and let GOD be in charge of our lives. As small as we our in the big scheme of life, we are everything to God. We are HIS children (even the bad guys & gals). The sooner we accept that and keep that on the front of our minds the better for each of us.
I can always allow myself the feeling of "I am in charge" Only I can handle this" etc. However, the reality is God allows me to work on HIS plans, on HIS earth with HIS children for HIS children. but HE will make the decisions totally. When I can keep this right in my mind things move along just fine. However, when I get anxious and expect results the way I want results, challenges arise.
So, I said all that so I could read it back to myself again.
I am heading out to the farm Friday (hopefully it will not rain) I need to get ready for Plumber & Electrician by taking down shelves and moving things around. So, even now I know the moving things around will not be something I should do alone. Asking for help is still hard to do. I know everyone has a life and I hate to bother them. However, I know if I try to move things alone, I will most likely hurt myself. My new best buddy Nancy and her honey Bill may be the some ones I should contact. Glad we could work this out.
Note to self: write down what you plan to do and read it back so you can see what you really should do.
OK so silly me..... I thought I was having symptoms of a stroke Sunday. Well, just to check it out I sent a text to my girlfriend a nurse. She suggested I see a Doctor immediately. On Monday morning I called my doctor and went to see her. Better safe than sorry was her comment. So perhaps the blood work will show something interesting that I may be lacking. But, as an eye opener, I started a review of my "office room at home". Working on to many things at one time (my normal) and my dilemma.
Note to self: Stress is the major cause of "stroke" Heart Attack" etc. I am causing my own stress. Perhaps I should bottle the stuff. I have enough stuff to do now I am working on causing stress.
Well, feeling a new path being opened I started, once again, organizing my room. Stacks of paper, things I was saving for some day, things that had to be done by Thursday and Friday and Sunday.
I'm free again. Still more piles to go through but I know have found what it is I must bring for the next two dinners for six from church. I have found all my GriefShare papers and they are all in order on one table. I still have the sewing table to de-clutter and the drawing desk to de-clutter but we can see the bed now. Down to three stacks minimal. The closet had things removed and tossed that really don't matter. What this exercise did was free me from the feeling of being over weighted down. I have breathing room, so to speak. Yea and congratulations once again to me! Good JOB.
Note to self: don't get a big head you have lots to go yet. but you can at least see the path. Thank God for the inspiration, once again.
Well I accomplished getting a little more sleep with my husband and then got some thank you cards out, GriefShare program for Thursday ready, taking of pictures for the surprise for Ruby by going to a lunch, helped my board member Vivian with her lines for a cute play, went to dinner at KFC (husbands favorite) with friends, came home and got rid of all the jelly bellies I didn't need and finally emptied my stomach of everything I had eaten today (not planned). I feel like I can start tomorrow fresh, empty and plan not to eat anything I shouldn't. I will teach those extra 5 pounds a thing or two. I will wipe them out!
Well, its time to hit the sack or read a book in bed so I will do that. Busy day tomorrow, another women's lunch, no nonsense in the food area tomorrow. I will be good! I promise!
Note to self: Be serious and keep your promise, you will be all the better for it.
Thank you Lord for instilling humor in my veins, I love to laugh at me! You are an awesome God!
OK one quick quote: my husband, Joseph noted my cat, Tiger, was walking on my visiting friend's lap and looking at her and Joseph said, " You do realize, you have just had a "cat scan". Now is that great or what! I love this guy! Thank you Lord for my new husband! He is a hoot!
I can always allow myself the feeling of "I am in charge" Only I can handle this" etc. However, the reality is God allows me to work on HIS plans, on HIS earth with HIS children for HIS children. but HE will make the decisions totally. When I can keep this right in my mind things move along just fine. However, when I get anxious and expect results the way I want results, challenges arise.
So, I said all that so I could read it back to myself again.
I am heading out to the farm Friday (hopefully it will not rain) I need to get ready for Plumber & Electrician by taking down shelves and moving things around. So, even now I know the moving things around will not be something I should do alone. Asking for help is still hard to do. I know everyone has a life and I hate to bother them. However, I know if I try to move things alone, I will most likely hurt myself. My new best buddy Nancy and her honey Bill may be the some ones I should contact. Glad we could work this out.
Note to self: write down what you plan to do and read it back so you can see what you really should do.
OK so silly me..... I thought I was having symptoms of a stroke Sunday. Well, just to check it out I sent a text to my girlfriend a nurse. She suggested I see a Doctor immediately. On Monday morning I called my doctor and went to see her. Better safe than sorry was her comment. So perhaps the blood work will show something interesting that I may be lacking. But, as an eye opener, I started a review of my "office room at home". Working on to many things at one time (my normal) and my dilemma.
Note to self: Stress is the major cause of "stroke" Heart Attack" etc. I am causing my own stress. Perhaps I should bottle the stuff. I have enough stuff to do now I am working on causing stress.
Well, feeling a new path being opened I started, once again, organizing my room. Stacks of paper, things I was saving for some day, things that had to be done by Thursday and Friday and Sunday.
I'm free again. Still more piles to go through but I know have found what it is I must bring for the next two dinners for six from church. I have found all my GriefShare papers and they are all in order on one table. I still have the sewing table to de-clutter and the drawing desk to de-clutter but we can see the bed now. Down to three stacks minimal. The closet had things removed and tossed that really don't matter. What this exercise did was free me from the feeling of being over weighted down. I have breathing room, so to speak. Yea and congratulations once again to me! Good JOB.
Note to self: don't get a big head you have lots to go yet. but you can at least see the path. Thank God for the inspiration, once again.
Well I accomplished getting a little more sleep with my husband and then got some thank you cards out, GriefShare program for Thursday ready, taking of pictures for the surprise for Ruby by going to a lunch, helped my board member Vivian with her lines for a cute play, went to dinner at KFC (husbands favorite) with friends, came home and got rid of all the jelly bellies I didn't need and finally emptied my stomach of everything I had eaten today (not planned). I feel like I can start tomorrow fresh, empty and plan not to eat anything I shouldn't. I will teach those extra 5 pounds a thing or two. I will wipe them out!
Well, its time to hit the sack or read a book in bed so I will do that. Busy day tomorrow, another women's lunch, no nonsense in the food area tomorrow. I will be good! I promise!
Note to self: Be serious and keep your promise, you will be all the better for it.
Thank you Lord for instilling humor in my veins, I love to laugh at me! You are an awesome God!
OK one quick quote: my husband, Joseph noted my cat, Tiger, was walking on my visiting friend's lap and looking at her and Joseph said, " You do realize, you have just had a "cat scan". Now is that great or what! I love this guy! Thank you Lord for my new husband! He is a hoot!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
What Happened To You? Where are you?
Life happens to all of us. We move forward, backwards or ahead, it's our choice. Now the speed we travel is our choice the guiding force in the Lord's Hands.
A new life partner is a blessing and with that blessing comes responsibilities. One responsibility is to respect the fact that I have two others to think about now. The Lord comes first in my life, as I work for the Lord. My husband has the Lord first in his life also. The new blend can sometimes be a challenge, but we try (with the help of the Lord) to speak with the Love of Christ in all situations. Next, I ask for forgiveness and guidance as I mess up all day long. I am so glad the Lord loves me and will keep correcting the direction of my path.
Have you been counting your miracles? I forget to put on my miracle glasses most of the time, but when I have them on I can see clearly!
February to September 2013 preparation for fundraiser and helping facilitate GriefShare program.
September 2013 fundraiser at God's Cozy Acres. Such Love from people and businesses in the community and churches.With that we were able to start renovation of the donkey barn into the Tractor Barn October 2013.Structure change was made and the start of moving appropriate tools and equipment was slated to begin.
November 2013 preparation for thanksgiving guests at home, Gods Cozy Acres and Grief Share Holiday Special. Holiday Decorations pulled out of storage and placed all around the house in great anticipation of the celebrated birth of our Lord.
December 2013 preparation for visits of friends from Chimes and others, the close down of the farm for winter and being gone.
One special wish of my new husband Tom, was a trip that would start from Tennessee December 26 taking animals (dog and two cats) to Maryland celebrating Christmas with family and friends, leaving animals for care. January 4, 2014 leave Dulles Airport (Washington DC) for Munich Germany, than to Cape Town, South Africa. Packing for "two" this trip included cloths for temperatures from 0 to 90 degrees. This was a trip I never expected to take in my lifetime and it was the trip of a lifetime for me (Tom had done this and loved to go again). What an experience! We shared the Lord with everyone we met and found a number of couples who had similar life changes as Tom and I.
My heart and mind were forever connected to the faces of God's children around the world, who's faces, living conditions, and customs require prayer! I am so blessed have been born to two wonderful Christian parents and live in the USA.
February 2014 returned to Tennessee to find a new challenge at God's Cozy Acres. Record freezes had caused terrible damage in the retreat center down stairs (kitchen, sitting room, laundry, office, storage room and pantry. The furniture, books, walls, ceilings, carpeting all damaged from water, were all pulled out in the initial clean out and mold was sprayed. We were planning renovation to the other area of the downstairs not the water damaged rooms.
The Lord allows plans to change for His purpose. Walking into this devastation with a mask on, coveralls, jacket with hoody, gloves, a sprayer (defective)with bleach and the attitude that "I" can take care of everything is what God wanted to show me. The reality was "I" could NOT take care of this situation ALONE. Still trying to move a large heavy wet cardboard box by pushing on all fours, pulling with ropes around my waste, using a dolly, sitting on the wet floor and pushing with my back against the box until I gave in crying and said," LORD I CAN NOT DO THIS" I'M NOT STRONG ENOUGH!" To which He replied, " I KNEW THAT! TO BAD YOU'RE SO STUBBORN!"
I went home broken, talking and crying out to the Lord all the way! Have you been there? By the time I got home I let go and turned it back over to the Lord. It is GOD's Cozy Acres not my cozy acres.
I forgot who was in charge of my life and HE reminded me in a way I could really understand.
February 13, 2014 the new GriefShare program started and I needed to Lead with Faith and Love as an example of what the Lord has given me! My joy (as well as Tom's) comes from helping others find their joy through Christ. My energy needed to be here helping others right now.
March 8, 2014 HOW DO YOU EAT AN ELEPHANT? answer: ONE BITE AT A TIME.
The TRACTOR BARN now is filled with the many tools and supplies in a mostly organized fashion. Still need to do more sorting, get the tractor exhaust pipe cut down 2", move in the last big equipment in the new Tractor Barn, and bring the benches from the storage room up and install.
Each step I take, on my work days there are also a closure to my past life with Dennis and what we built together by the grace of God. My blessing being I have a husband at home waiting for me with open arms.
I thank and praise the Lord for His forgiveness, grace, tolerance which is actually HIS LOVE!
A new life partner is a blessing and with that blessing comes responsibilities. One responsibility is to respect the fact that I have two others to think about now. The Lord comes first in my life, as I work for the Lord. My husband has the Lord first in his life also. The new blend can sometimes be a challenge, but we try (with the help of the Lord) to speak with the Love of Christ in all situations. Next, I ask for forgiveness and guidance as I mess up all day long. I am so glad the Lord loves me and will keep correcting the direction of my path.
Have you been counting your miracles? I forget to put on my miracle glasses most of the time, but when I have them on I can see clearly!
February to September 2013 preparation for fundraiser and helping facilitate GriefShare program.
September 2013 fundraiser at God's Cozy Acres. Such Love from people and businesses in the community and churches.With that we were able to start renovation of the donkey barn into the Tractor Barn October 2013.Structure change was made and the start of moving appropriate tools and equipment was slated to begin.
November 2013 preparation for thanksgiving guests at home, Gods Cozy Acres and Grief Share Holiday Special. Holiday Decorations pulled out of storage and placed all around the house in great anticipation of the celebrated birth of our Lord.
December 2013 preparation for visits of friends from Chimes and others, the close down of the farm for winter and being gone.
One special wish of my new husband Tom, was a trip that would start from Tennessee December 26 taking animals (dog and two cats) to Maryland celebrating Christmas with family and friends, leaving animals for care. January 4, 2014 leave Dulles Airport (Washington DC) for Munich Germany, than to Cape Town, South Africa. Packing for "two" this trip included cloths for temperatures from 0 to 90 degrees. This was a trip I never expected to take in my lifetime and it was the trip of a lifetime for me (Tom had done this and loved to go again). What an experience! We shared the Lord with everyone we met and found a number of couples who had similar life changes as Tom and I.
My heart and mind were forever connected to the faces of God's children around the world, who's faces, living conditions, and customs require prayer! I am so blessed have been born to two wonderful Christian parents and live in the USA.
February 2014 returned to Tennessee to find a new challenge at God's Cozy Acres. Record freezes had caused terrible damage in the retreat center down stairs (kitchen, sitting room, laundry, office, storage room and pantry. The furniture, books, walls, ceilings, carpeting all damaged from water, were all pulled out in the initial clean out and mold was sprayed. We were planning renovation to the other area of the downstairs not the water damaged rooms.
The Lord allows plans to change for His purpose. Walking into this devastation with a mask on, coveralls, jacket with hoody, gloves, a sprayer (defective)with bleach and the attitude that "I" can take care of everything is what God wanted to show me. The reality was "I" could NOT take care of this situation ALONE. Still trying to move a large heavy wet cardboard box by pushing on all fours, pulling with ropes around my waste, using a dolly, sitting on the wet floor and pushing with my back against the box until I gave in crying and said," LORD I CAN NOT DO THIS" I'M NOT STRONG ENOUGH!" To which He replied, " I KNEW THAT! TO BAD YOU'RE SO STUBBORN!"
HAVE YOU BEEN HERE?
I went home broken, talking and crying out to the Lord all the way! Have you been there? By the time I got home I let go and turned it back over to the Lord. It is GOD's Cozy Acres not my cozy acres.
I forgot who was in charge of my life and HE reminded me in a way I could really understand.
February 13, 2014 the new GriefShare program started and I needed to Lead with Faith and Love as an example of what the Lord has given me! My joy (as well as Tom's) comes from helping others find their joy through Christ. My energy needed to be here helping others right now.
March 8, 2014 HOW DO YOU EAT AN ELEPHANT? answer: ONE BITE AT A TIME.
The TRACTOR BARN now is filled with the many tools and supplies in a mostly organized fashion. Still need to do more sorting, get the tractor exhaust pipe cut down 2", move in the last big equipment in the new Tractor Barn, and bring the benches from the storage room up and install.
Each step I take, on my work days there are also a closure to my past life with Dennis and what we built together by the grace of God. My blessing being I have a husband at home waiting for me with open arms.
I thank and praise the Lord for His forgiveness, grace, tolerance which is actually HIS LOVE!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Make Sure Every Moment Counts
Make sure every moment counts as the sands of time move forward. Again, look at the time November 26, 2013 and where did those moments go and were they well spent?
The September Fundraiser was a success because; we learned so much and accumulated equipment that will make each additional program and fundraiser more spectacular for those participating. We raised a good deal of funds and still have items to offer on our web site.
When you evaluate performance plus and minus overall, we found that the leader (this is me) was not asking for enough help even though starting early on this event.. The check list was made and contacts were established but the leader fell short because of loosing participation of volunteers available. However, volunteers appeared from new contact programs attended by the leader.
So, to that end the PR work is most important. Well, the best thing of all was the new board members that live locally. Redeemer Lutheran brought us new blood and Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church volunteers were back again helping.
We have been able to change the donkey barn to the tractor barn and free up the bottom of the retreat center to be completed. We still have to cut the pipe down on the tractor but the old posts have been moved and there is room for all the equipment to fit in the tractor barn. MORE Progress has taken place.
We have a movie projector, access to old and new movies, movie screen and the desire to start movies on the ridge. That comes with a marshmallow roasting fire and popcorn.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Helping others who have suffered a loss is our job. With Joy in our hearts my husband of one year and I share our story as we see those in need. We are trained facilitators of GriefShare. We encourage others as we speak of hope found by our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. At our October Church function "Harvest Fest" we spoke of help available to everyone the Lord lead to us. On our October anniversary cruse we spoke to many of our joy and how they can find the same. Those hurting who came to the GriefShare program Surviving the Holidays at our home were in the company of others who understand. Grief Share.org is what we recommend for a loss as a beginning.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Gathering pictures and making memory books is on my list of to do's. Keeping up with emails is on my list as I added a new email making my list four!
Learning how to cook is falling to the end of my list for sure, I wish I felt bad about it. I am just getting tired of tossing food out. It was fun but it didn't work and that part is discouraging. I like painting or drawing food better than actually cooking.
I made cookies from frozen cookie dough that didn't work out. I made great frosting and covered most of the bad cookies with frosting that was thicker than the cookie. As a sacrifice I ate about two dozen of the cookies, to save anyone else from eating them. Five pounds later someone said they liked the cookies crisp like that. I guess eating my mistakes is not a good thing.
* * * * * * * * * * *
I have a list of things to accomplish on my white board and try to accomplish them. I keep finding more things to add to the list. I will say that starting every day with prayer and ending with prayer is a great thing to do. What I have found that making new traditions is a good thing and laughing is the best for your health! Make sure you get a hug at least 2x daily.
I have a wonderful daughter and other family. Now I am blessed with more family: step-daughters, a step son and lots of step-grandchildren and many new friends. Check out all your blessings and you will see they are coming faster than we actually claim. Smile this is the day the Lord has made be sure to thank Him! I am making sure every moment counts!
Happy Blessed Thanksgiving to all!
Your sister in Christ
Maryanne Jerome-Whitlaw, President
God's Cozy Acres, Inc.
www.Godscozyacres.com
The September Fundraiser was a success because; we learned so much and accumulated equipment that will make each additional program and fundraiser more spectacular for those participating. We raised a good deal of funds and still have items to offer on our web site.
When you evaluate performance plus and minus overall, we found that the leader (this is me) was not asking for enough help even though starting early on this event.. The check list was made and contacts were established but the leader fell short because of loosing participation of volunteers available. However, volunteers appeared from new contact programs attended by the leader.
So, to that end the PR work is most important. Well, the best thing of all was the new board members that live locally. Redeemer Lutheran brought us new blood and Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church volunteers were back again helping.
We have been able to change the donkey barn to the tractor barn and free up the bottom of the retreat center to be completed. We still have to cut the pipe down on the tractor but the old posts have been moved and there is room for all the equipment to fit in the tractor barn. MORE Progress has taken place.
We have a movie projector, access to old and new movies, movie screen and the desire to start movies on the ridge. That comes with a marshmallow roasting fire and popcorn.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Helping others who have suffered a loss is our job. With Joy in our hearts my husband of one year and I share our story as we see those in need. We are trained facilitators of GriefShare. We encourage others as we speak of hope found by our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. At our October Church function "Harvest Fest" we spoke of help available to everyone the Lord lead to us. On our October anniversary cruse we spoke to many of our joy and how they can find the same. Those hurting who came to the GriefShare program Surviving the Holidays at our home were in the company of others who understand. Grief Share.org is what we recommend for a loss as a beginning.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Gathering pictures and making memory books is on my list of to do's. Keeping up with emails is on my list as I added a new email making my list four!
Learning how to cook is falling to the end of my list for sure, I wish I felt bad about it. I am just getting tired of tossing food out. It was fun but it didn't work and that part is discouraging. I like painting or drawing food better than actually cooking.
I made cookies from frozen cookie dough that didn't work out. I made great frosting and covered most of the bad cookies with frosting that was thicker than the cookie. As a sacrifice I ate about two dozen of the cookies, to save anyone else from eating them. Five pounds later someone said they liked the cookies crisp like that. I guess eating my mistakes is not a good thing.
* * * * * * * * * * *
I have a list of things to accomplish on my white board and try to accomplish them. I keep finding more things to add to the list. I will say that starting every day with prayer and ending with prayer is a great thing to do. What I have found that making new traditions is a good thing and laughing is the best for your health! Make sure you get a hug at least 2x daily.
I have a wonderful daughter and other family. Now I am blessed with more family: step-daughters, a step son and lots of step-grandchildren and many new friends. Check out all your blessings and you will see they are coming faster than we actually claim. Smile this is the day the Lord has made be sure to thank Him! I am making sure every moment counts!
Happy Blessed Thanksgiving to all!
Your sister in Christ
Maryanne Jerome-Whitlaw, President
God's Cozy Acres, Inc.
www.Godscozyacres.com
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Calendar Pages Move On Their Own
Well, the calendar pages at my home have managed to flip forward at a remarkable rate! Wow, here we go two months has past since we last spoke.
Getting ready for the 2nd fundraiser at God's Cozy Acres. This time it will be a chili cook off with an award and a prize made by Herb West a skilled woodworker. We have a special tag team cooking chili and looking for a winning combination from Redeemer Lutheran Harriman Tennessee along with Chef Mike at Rugby Café in Rugby, Tennessee. We have a challenge by a real expert lady in the kitchen Karen Minninger which will put the fear into Retired Colonel Joseph Tom Whitlaw Jr. as he looks to take the prize away from everyone with his Top Secret recipe. We hope to have one more chef if he is in town, that will really put some fire in the pot and get the competition hot! If we are really lucky our Biggest Surprise Chef will be announced at the last minute, so as not to give the others a chance to back down! WHO WILL DECIDE THE WINNER....YOU WILL!!!! Everyone who attends the Chili Cook Off will be voting for the best!!!! Come on down and get your spoon in the voting pot!
So we are going to have a variety of baskets filled with all kinds of goodies donated from every group I could get to. We will have auction and drawings, food and music. Come out and make a difference as we move forward at God's Cozy Acres Widows Ministry, a twenty five acre program filled with possibilities that will be in our community for many many years to come.
There is a lot of work that goes into a program like this and I am running every day and pushing the keys on my computer as my eyes cross at two in the morning. I have to tell everyone I see every day all the time because we need help, we need funds, we need volunteers that can help us obtain grants to further these programs. Everyone in the future will be a widow or a widower or loose a brother or a father or a sister or a mother. Some of us want to share the Hope God has given to us in whatever way the Lord leads us. Will you look into your heart and help us out?
Tomorrow is more visits to the funeral homes to see about borrowing tents, stores to see about donations, groups to see about volunteers, funds for rocks to fill in the road where the rain washed them away, help to get the 4 wheeler up on my tractor to go into town and get the starter replaced so its ready to go. Then I need to jump on the tractor and bush hog(cut the field down) so we can see the ground.
The best complement my Aunt Phillis could have ever given me was starting a monthly meeting with widows in her area. She said she was inspired by what I am doing. Please, seriously, grab your joy by helping others find theirs. Get a small group together go to or bring in a speaker, share the love of Christ.
Well, I guess I will have my daughter go crazy proofing this blog and I am heading downstairs to do some praying. While you finish up your day would you all pray for God's Cozy Acres and Widows?
Please try my new email address right after you check out the website that has taken me two years. Lots of learning going on in between my running. www.Godscozyacres.com and the email is Maryanne@Godscozyacers.com . How neat is that.
Have a great week in the Lord and drop our name for prayers at church Sunday too! thanks so much.
Your sister in Christ, maryanne
After all this is said, I want you to know that my dream is that enough people find interest in WIDOWS to help with this program and keep it growing long after I am gone to be with the Lord.
There is room for so many great ideas for this Twenty Five acres and everything is a benefit to widows and other who have lost loved ones and those who help build this project. My life has been so enriched when I started working for the Lord on this widows ministry God's Cozy Acres. I may be so busy but I am so happy and I now have a partner in life once again who loves the Lord and helping others who have lost a loved one.
You can not imagine the joy you can receive from the smiles and stories of the people you meet on their journey of grief as they discover their joy. God is awesome and we are walking and breathing proof "survivors" by the Grace of God. My life, which I thought was over in September 2009, is so wonderful and filled with JOY! I am anxiously looking for places to speak about God's Cozy Acres. I have been to Florida (East and West Coast) and around Eastern Tennessee and shared in Maryland around Baltimore. If your church group or organization has an opening for a speaker please let me know. I never planned on speaking in public but the Lord has put me out there and that's what I do now showing what a difference HE can make in your life!
Getting ready for the 2nd fundraiser at God's Cozy Acres. This time it will be a chili cook off with an award and a prize made by Herb West a skilled woodworker. We have a special tag team cooking chili and looking for a winning combination from Redeemer Lutheran Harriman Tennessee along with Chef Mike at Rugby Café in Rugby, Tennessee. We have a challenge by a real expert lady in the kitchen Karen Minninger which will put the fear into Retired Colonel Joseph Tom Whitlaw Jr. as he looks to take the prize away from everyone with his Top Secret recipe. We hope to have one more chef if he is in town, that will really put some fire in the pot and get the competition hot! If we are really lucky our Biggest Surprise Chef will be announced at the last minute, so as not to give the others a chance to back down! WHO WILL DECIDE THE WINNER....YOU WILL!!!! Everyone who attends the Chili Cook Off will be voting for the best!!!! Come on down and get your spoon in the voting pot!
So we are going to have a variety of baskets filled with all kinds of goodies donated from every group I could get to. We will have auction and drawings, food and music. Come out and make a difference as we move forward at God's Cozy Acres Widows Ministry, a twenty five acre program filled with possibilities that will be in our community for many many years to come.
There is a lot of work that goes into a program like this and I am running every day and pushing the keys on my computer as my eyes cross at two in the morning. I have to tell everyone I see every day all the time because we need help, we need funds, we need volunteers that can help us obtain grants to further these programs. Everyone in the future will be a widow or a widower or loose a brother or a father or a sister or a mother. Some of us want to share the Hope God has given to us in whatever way the Lord leads us. Will you look into your heart and help us out?
Tomorrow is more visits to the funeral homes to see about borrowing tents, stores to see about donations, groups to see about volunteers, funds for rocks to fill in the road where the rain washed them away, help to get the 4 wheeler up on my tractor to go into town and get the starter replaced so its ready to go. Then I need to jump on the tractor and bush hog(cut the field down) so we can see the ground.
The best complement my Aunt Phillis could have ever given me was starting a monthly meeting with widows in her area. She said she was inspired by what I am doing. Please, seriously, grab your joy by helping others find theirs. Get a small group together go to or bring in a speaker, share the love of Christ.
Well, I guess I will have my daughter go crazy proofing this blog and I am heading downstairs to do some praying. While you finish up your day would you all pray for God's Cozy Acres and Widows?
Please try my new email address right after you check out the website that has taken me two years. Lots of learning going on in between my running. www.Godscozyacres.com and the email is Maryanne@Godscozyacers.com . How neat is that.
Have a great week in the Lord and drop our name for prayers at church Sunday too! thanks so much.
Your sister in Christ, maryanne
After all this is said, I want you to know that my dream is that enough people find interest in WIDOWS to help with this program and keep it growing long after I am gone to be with the Lord.
There is room for so many great ideas for this Twenty Five acres and everything is a benefit to widows and other who have lost loved ones and those who help build this project. My life has been so enriched when I started working for the Lord on this widows ministry God's Cozy Acres. I may be so busy but I am so happy and I now have a partner in life once again who loves the Lord and helping others who have lost a loved one.
You can not imagine the joy you can receive from the smiles and stories of the people you meet on their journey of grief as they discover their joy. God is awesome and we are walking and breathing proof "survivors" by the Grace of God. My life, which I thought was over in September 2009, is so wonderful and filled with JOY! I am anxiously looking for places to speak about God's Cozy Acres. I have been to Florida (East and West Coast) and around Eastern Tennessee and shared in Maryland around Baltimore. If your church group or organization has an opening for a speaker please let me know. I never planned on speaking in public but the Lord has put me out there and that's what I do now showing what a difference HE can make in your life!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Have You Really Noticed All Your Blessings?
Have you really noticed all you blessings? My life is so unbelievable and I am so blessed from the time I wake up to the time I close my eyes. By turning my life over to God I have found JOY! Where the worry was taking over every moment of my day I now have the ability to breath without worry. How is this possible you say. Either you believe with all your heart and mind or you don't. That's all there is. I believe the Lord Jesus is my savior and I turned my life over to him. Now I work for the Lord and find that arrangement to be most suitable. I do the best I can every day (well I try to do the best I can) and I know for a fact that my boss "God" is happy with me. I ask for things I need and He gives me the things HE feels I need when I need them.
Oh I can share some stories that encourage you to pray but watch what you pray for because what we expect for an answer in our mind is not always what the answer God feels we need. God has a sense of humor that's for sure.
I have been so busy I have not found the time necessary or should I say I have not prioritized my life lately to cover everything I have on my plate. So this blog has been long in coming. Since my last blog there has been a weekend of widows on God's Cozy Acres. It was a success but I did find this is something I can't do alone. I had one helper but I needed more. So it was a learning experience for me and even though it did not all turn out like I expected everyone had a great time. That was by the grace of God!
Since then Redeemer Lutheran and St. Paul's Lutheran volunteers have come out and helped with other necessary work on the farm. That was another plan of God's and in His time. I hear "Let Go and Let God" that's not easy but I work at it daily.
I see so clearly that God has a plan for each one of us and it is a very intricate plan that we can't even grasp. I know every day I am where I belong to hear or say something that the Lord wants me to relay or learn.
My JOY comes from serving the Lord in the capacity He has presented to me. That is to help widows and others who have lost loved ones. I really enjoy speaking at different churches or organizations as long as my power point is with me. Everywhere I hear from a widow that there is nothing around for widows. This is what the Lord has put on my heart and this is my job.
I have some board members but only one lives in Tennessee. So my task is to find other Board members and helpers for God's Cozy Acres. I know the Lord has a plan and I want others to pray to find what He has in mind for them!
I work for GOD and you can't find a better boss! Similar to the 401K He offers something better "Everlasting Life". This plan is all paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Have a great day in the Lord! Check out your blessings today you will find more than you imagined!
Oh I can share some stories that encourage you to pray but watch what you pray for because what we expect for an answer in our mind is not always what the answer God feels we need. God has a sense of humor that's for sure.
I have been so busy I have not found the time necessary or should I say I have not prioritized my life lately to cover everything I have on my plate. So this blog has been long in coming. Since my last blog there has been a weekend of widows on God's Cozy Acres. It was a success but I did find this is something I can't do alone. I had one helper but I needed more. So it was a learning experience for me and even though it did not all turn out like I expected everyone had a great time. That was by the grace of God!
Since then Redeemer Lutheran and St. Paul's Lutheran volunteers have come out and helped with other necessary work on the farm. That was another plan of God's and in His time. I hear "Let Go and Let God" that's not easy but I work at it daily.
I see so clearly that God has a plan for each one of us and it is a very intricate plan that we can't even grasp. I know every day I am where I belong to hear or say something that the Lord wants me to relay or learn.
My JOY comes from serving the Lord in the capacity He has presented to me. That is to help widows and others who have lost loved ones. I really enjoy speaking at different churches or organizations as long as my power point is with me. Everywhere I hear from a widow that there is nothing around for widows. This is what the Lord has put on my heart and this is my job.
I have some board members but only one lives in Tennessee. So my task is to find other Board members and helpers for God's Cozy Acres. I know the Lord has a plan and I want others to pray to find what He has in mind for them!
I work for GOD and you can't find a better boss! Similar to the 401K He offers something better "Everlasting Life". This plan is all paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Have a great day in the Lord! Check out your blessings today you will find more than you imagined!
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