After Five Months of Marriage

Soon after meeting Terry, a year ago, he moved here from near San Antonio, Texas and we were married a fews days later. Now it has been five months since making our vows. He had found work with a couple of companies doing field service. He has been disappointed in the way the city does its business and found that just doing independent work from home can be costly.

I was hired by the McKinley County Schools as a teacher's aide and began right along with the teacher I was assigned to, Mrs Crask-Stone. I found the work enjoyable but sometimes stressful because the kids were always disruptive and there were few days when they were ever quiet. I would take them to breakfast, lunch and escort them to the gym for their exercise.

My husband and I were referred by friends from church for a position as managers of a mobile home community. We both discussed the situation of my low income I received at school and his irregular jobs with the field service. He wasn't very happy going to the far reaches of the Navajo and Zuni reservations. At times the directions the companies gave him were incorrect and he would be wasting a lot of gas.

We decided to try for the interview. Once we finished going over our duties with the people interviewing us, we waited to hear their decision. We got the job. Terry went ahead of me and started staying at the mobile home provided for us a week or so before I actually was able to. I had a lot of packing to do in Vanderwagen. Terry had just moved here and found himself moving again. It was almost an impossible task. I had to quit my job at the school and gave them notice.

Thanksgiving came and we headed for Phoenix to enjoy a meal at my daughter-in-law's parents and then returned so I could pack and Terry could be on hand at the office until I arrived each morning. Almost every night, I would go to Vanderwagen, find some boxes and resume packing. It took almost a month to finish.

A few days before Christmas, I drove around Gallup looking for a closet because there was hardly any storage in the new place. I found a closet at furniture store and it was delivered just in time for me to empty the car. I had carried my clothes around for two days.

I had to set up satellite for the t.v. and for the internet because no DSL was available in the area. That was discouraging to find a city about 30,000 people and not have access to the internet. I had used Wildblue in Vanderwagen and so I gave them a call. Now we have two dishes, one on the house and one in the yard on a pole.

Terry and I finally got most of our things put away but we have several boxes in the storage room off the clubhouse. The clubhouse is huge and we moved the ping pong table in and a few games. He figured the clubhouse should be used more. We think the previous managers didn't want to be bothered with kids running through the place.

Tonight, New Year's Eve, Terry decided he wanted to make his seafood Portofino, with scallops, shrimp and fish in a butter sauce served over angel hair pasta...yum, yum..What a way to celebrate.. just the two of us. I hope he feels relaxed and energized after the weekend here. It has been miserably cold and snowed most of the night, just light flakes.

Our Reception

The following slide was assembled today with the pictures from the reception Terry and I had in Vanderwagen. My son Matt and wife Lesli stayed with us a week before the ceremoney. My pastor and wife were willing to do it all over again since we were actually married July 22, 2009.

After a terrible accident and a month resting and recuperating, Terry was able to cook 60 pounds of meat, including chicken, port and beef brisket. It was wonderful. The church helped bring side dishes and breads and also cleaned up afterwards. What a treat to have them there serving. They all have servant's hearts.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Wedding 7-22-09

As soon as Terry got here, we went to the County building to apply for our marriage license. It only took 10 minutes. We then went to the store to find table coverings for the reception and napkins. Pastor's daughter was making us a cake. I asked Terry what he thought about having some flowers, a bouquet for me and a boutineer for himself. We found a flower shop near the post office and the lady there agreed to make a bouquet for me in one day.

Wednesday rolls around and we finally headed to the church. I lead worship and Pastor Gallegos and Bishop Hutchinson shared in the wedding service. I lasted over an hour and a half. It included a ceremonial foot washing along with his wife Lois and communion. When we do the reception at the end of August we'll just have the vows redone. I don't think we'll have the communion and Bishop won't be here either.

Although the service was long, several people were shedding tears for us. I was happy and relieved that Terry had arrived safely and that we would be sharing the rest of our lives together here in New Mexico. He doesn't want to think about moving for a long time.

To date, Terry hasn't found work yet but has done some side jobs with the company he worked with out of Albuquerque, doing reports on possible repos and foreclosures. Most of them now are vehicles. He has been irritated and frustrated but he's doing the best he can under the circumstances.

Pictures will follow.

Terry's Trip

On Saturday morning, I got a call from my fiance Terry. He said he had just passed several deer around 7:30 am. Around 10 am, he called again but this time he had bad news.

While driving, a buzzard crossed his path and went forward, turned around and headed for his windshield. He ducked, thinking he'd get hit with glass which caused him to veer and fishtail the 16 foot trailer he was pulling. He smashed into the guardrail and then skidded for another two hundred feet. He landed at the other end of the guardrail with the passenger side all messed up and the right front tire gone.

He didn't know what to do. He was beside himself. I told him to just be still and I would call my pastor and let him know what was happening. The towing company had to make two trips to pick up his truck and his trailer. He went to a motel to rest.

After several hours, the pastor with an elder and I traveled 10 hours to where he was. We found him outside VanHorn, Texas, an hour and a half from El Paso. He gladly climbed into the vehicle and we headed for the towing lot. The truck was as he said totaled and we proceeded to remove all his personal possessions still in the vehicle.

After an hour of adjusting and repairing the lights on the trailer we managed to be on our way. We kept driving another 10 or more hours, stopping only for drinks and trips to the bathroom. We made it back around 1:30 pm right after church. Everyone was overjoyed to see us and thanking God.

Terry and I took the trailer home and the next day, Monday, we got our marriage license and Tuesday I had worship practice and Wednesday, we got married. I'll relate that with pictures at a later date.

In Memory of Michael Jackson

After watching the Memorial yesterday, I felt compelled to put this montage together on Slide.com and hope you enjoy it.

Pictures of Canyon de Chelly &Window Rock

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Camp Native America

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My Disappointing Job

June 15, 2009

For the past two weeks I’ve been working at a loan office. I find the work excessively repetitive, extremely rigid and oppressive. When I come in the morning to open up, I count the money, transfer some to a drawer, make calls throughout the day, print out several reports, have to contact another manager who lives hours from here.

I come home, so tired I don’t feel like even eating. I am in the process of finding other work. This job I’m currently at is exhausting and I don’t have any time except lunch to get my bearings. I do get lunch but if I don’t perform like they want, then I may be out. They stress making friends with the customers and when I’m on the phone and someone comes in, I have to jump up and say their little saying, excusing myself with the person on the phone, then returning to finish my conversation. I think that is rude.

Then there is the business. It is entirely greedy, wanting only to make money and not caring if people are taken advantage of. It is what my fiance’ describes as a legal loan shark operation. They charge horrendous percentages in interest, almost double the amount loaned.

I am having second thoughts as to this being the right kind of job for me. I really don’t like being so exhausted from doing mental calisthenics. When I arrive home, all I can do is just sit and stare into space for at least 15 or 20 minutes. As a Christian, I believe that I’m not being a good example. In the Scriptures, doesn’t it say not to use usury or interest when loaning money or goods? I really feel sorry for the customers when they are borrowing let’s say $100 and have to pay $250 or more back. That’s so ridiculous.

Anyway, I will be looking online to see if there are any more jobs available and Terry thinks he’ll be here in a few weeks. Actually, the lady that allows him to stay in her house is selling it and wants Terry out by the 5th of July. He isn’t ready yet. We will be married when he gets here and I really want us to be married again in the church with communion, candle lighting, maybe singing our song “Take Me To The Cross”.

My Trip to San Antonio -May, 2009

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Laid Off but Hired in FIVE DAYS !!!

5/21/2009

Friday, 5/15, my boss asked me into her office and then told me that I was being laid off. I was supposed to get my evaulation in February but that didn't happen. I thought she was busy and getting back in the swing after getting back from Hawaii.Well, she said she had to lay off another person at the office in Albuquerque too in spite of the fact that they hired two other people too. She was going to put the person that did the classes at the front desk.

So, I packed up the little that I had there and transferred my pictures to my email address. I didn't want to lose them or other personal writings. I was very disappointed. When I asked her about the evaluation she said that was not going to happen. I left.

Saturday, I picked up the weekend paper and found one position in there that I thought I could do. I called the number mentioned to have an interview. On the next day, Tuesday, I went for the interview and handed the young lady my resume and three referral letters. I still have to pick up the one from my last employer. Afterwards, she asked me to possibly come in again the next day.

Wednesday, I went back and had a full interview. She wanted to offer me the job as manager or assistant manager. I said because of the hours that I'd rather do the assistant manager. She also said that after 30 days I would qualify for medical, dental and vision care. Wow. I never had health insurance at the last place. Also after a year I would get a week paid vacation and qualify for a 401K should I still be there.

The work doesn't look hard. The place is called The Cash Store, a loan company with over 300 stores all around the country. The lady that interviewed me has three young children and travels back and for to Albuquerque.. I can't imaging traveling 5 hours a day back and forth to work.

I figured the day I was laid off, 5/15 and the day I was hired on 5/20 is five days. In God's time table "5" is Grace. So God's grace is sufficient for me. I am in His hands. This was the fastest job search I ever had. With the economy the way it is, I figured it would take me a lot longer to land a job. Praise the Lord. God is Good.

My Trip to San Antonio, TX

5/7/09 to 5/11/09 Trip to San Antonio
I left work on Wednesday and traveled to Phoenix. There I would take a flight out around noon the next day. I spent some time with my son Matt and wife Lesli that night. As soon as I entered his house, Lesli was wondering what to make for dinner. Matt was taking a nap after working hard on a 33,000 sq foot house, tapping and plastering. Lesli doesn’t cook and wanted to fix something for Matt.

I suggested chicken tacos. She had all kinds of leftovers and together we had a great combination. Chicken, onions, pineapple chunks, chili powder, grill seasoning; a few cloves of garlic all cooked together then put on corn tortillas with cheese and lettuce. Wow, they tasted great. Lesli has to eat gluten free food and I told her to write the ingredients down for another time

I slept at Steven’s house and got up and made it to the airport on time. Of course there was the other car that was impounded by Phoenix police cause Daniel had it parked in the wrong place. That took some time. Steven was feeling anxious and I kept telling him it was all right that we would make it on time.

The plane was on time and I spoke with Terry about meeting at the airport and suggested he put a bright color of something on his antenna. His Bronco is black and I thought it would be hard to see him with all the other black vehicles around. When I got off the plane I followed the people to a place where shuttles and taxi’s were and a nice lady I talked with said I was in the wrong place and that I needed to go further up.

Terry met me with a piece of florescent yellow micro fiber dangling on his antenna. He grabbed my suitcase and we headed for the store to shop. He wanted to wait until I got there before we decided on the meals we’d cook. His house is about 20 miles out of San Antonio, beautiful green pastures, rolling hills, cactus, Prickly Pear, grape vines, Oak, Mesquite and Catalpa trees all around. He showed me his house with few furnishings but very clean. His dog Kimber who is pregnant met us and was looking for food.

He told me that while he was marinating the brisket the day before, he had accidentally put a hole in the aluminum pan he had the brisket. He had wrapped the brisket in plastic and the marinade sauce spilled all over. He was so upset about it. He planned on cooking it the next day and it would be in the smoker all day.

Friday, I woke up and he was already out basting the brisket with his own special sauce. He used a clean rag to wipe the sauce on it and would be tending it all day long. He loves to cook. His brother Jr (Jesse) would be coming over for dinner. Terry had made some cole slaw with apples and pineapple and had a pot of beans cooking when I got up. He cooked up a storm while I was there. But I did help him by washing the dishes.

Sometime Friday morning he had looked at his truck and the tire was flat. He said he had bought new tires three months back. So he plugged his air compressor in and pumped it up to see how long it would take. No sooner had he put the air in when it went flat again. I told him I thought it was a puncture, like a nail or something. When he went to turn the truck on the horn went on. Why? He had used too much of the battery to run the compressor. So then he had to juice up the battery. Finally, he put the spare on and we went into town to get the tire fixed.

The tire guy said the tire had been punctured on the side and had to put a plug in and couldn’t patch it. So we, with pins and needles, went slowly for a while to see if the plug would hold. We had spent the entire day getting the tire fixed and cooking the brisket. I suggested that we just have dinner and rest. His brother Jr lives behind Terry in their dad’s house. He’s a carpenter by trade but he doesn’t seem interested in fixing up the house or the trailer that was his sitting out in the field.

The dinner was great. I had never tasted Texas barbeque like that. Terry thought the brisket could have been better and thought the heat may have been too hot. He used scraps of Mesquite to burn in the smoker box and there’s a thermometer on the other end where the racks are to put the meet. He covered it allowing the smoke from the Mesquite to permeate the meat. I had never seen it done and I was really interesting. The barbeques in Texas are made specially for smoking meats When I went to a popular store HEB there were barbeques lined up outside and on the grills were stars representing Texas.

Saturday, we were supposed to go to his son’s place where they were having a birthday party for his girlfriend’s son Damien. It took about an hour and ½ to get there and the we got lost a little even with Terry’s GPS unit. I kept saying that the lady in the box is not always right. When we got there the place was filled with kids around 7 or 8 and they had one of those circus air jumpers and two small swimming pools and a piñata for later. There were several adults there too.

I met Terry’s first wife Brenda who came with her boyfriend. She was cordial but pretty interested in what she and John had been doing. I sat there listening. Brenda is a beautiful lady, blond hair and dressed casually for the party. Terry had said when she started working for people with money that she changed. She tried to act the part and was only interested in men if they were wealthy. Terry didn’t want any part of her approach to life and their relationship dissolved.

I also met Terry’s son Chris. He is a tall handsome man with light brownish blond hair. At the party he wore a cowboy hat and was helping with the party so I didn’t have much of a chance to talk with him. He made sure all the kids were having a good time. He is very personable and friendly.

Sunday we spent some time touring the area. He showed me houses where he used to live, several missions that were established along the San Antonio River. We stopped long enough to watch a movie done by the National Parks that explained how about six or seven tribes had disappeared from the area. Most of them died from disease brought to them by the Europeans. Others died from working long hours in the sun to build the missions.

Monday morning around 4 am I woke to get ready for my flight. Terry packed his lunch and we headed toward the airport. This time he pulled in front, got my one bag out and gave me a big kiss goodbye.

Throughout that time that I was there, we talked about when he would move here. He figures after his grandchild is born he should be able to pack up in a couple of weeks. He showed me one item in the kitchen that I didn’t have, a fryer. I hardly fry food but it would be good for fried fish. We are excited to be together and it is hard that we have to communicate long distance. We are ready for a new adventure. He knows that our meeting wasn’t just coincidence.

He is anxious to move too. He’s not happy there and feels he has stayed longer than he wanted. Coming to New Mexico will help him in other ways. It’s drier here and the appliance that he wears for his ileostomy won’t slide off as easily. He sweats easily where he lives and the humidity causes his bag to lose adhesion and has to be changed often. With two hospitals here, getting supplies shouldn’t be that difficult.

My son Matt's Birthday Card

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Matt has been laid off from work since January and needs to get a job. In the meantime he and Lesli have been doing artwork together. Please pray for him that he would be employed soon. He is getting unemployment and that helps but not like a regular job. I know how it hurts a man not to be able to work. The Bible says "if you don't work, you don't eat. His wife Lesli paints and he has been making some really interesting puppets. He also designed a new website slomoke.com.

He will turn 36 on Sunday. Wow. Hard to believe that he is that old. He has one son Solomon and I am hoping they'll start a family soon.

Terry's Card

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

JOSHUA GENERATION FOR JESUS

The following is a slide presentation of our church's Easter production "The Passion of Easter" and it has been produced for over 18 years with Pastor Dennis playing Jesus and over 50 people in the cast. We tell the story of his ministry of healing to his crucifixion and resurrection. We use excerpts from the movie "The Passion" and over 20 songs are sung throughout the production. This year we will hold it April 9, 10 and 11th at Joshua Generation for Jesus Church, 1375 Elva in Gallup, NM.

http://www.slide.com/r/Okj7iwo-2z8xNOlZevxmkm4ywtDBCElA?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

My Power Mall

A free online business for you with all the marketing tools free. You make money when you buy and when your friends buy too. Go to the following link and check it out. http://www.mypowermall.com/Biz/Home/116942

My Love Terry

This was put together from recent photos of Terry. He came to visit me from Texas and asked me to marry him.. I said yes but distance makes it difficult. He wants to move here.

I Met My Soul Mate

This last week, I met Terry King. I believe he is my soul mate if there is such a thing. We have a certain admiration for each other. We compliment each other and everything we have said to each other has only been filled with peace.

I have some news. My friend Terry was here since last Wednesday and will be leaving today. He hasn't left the house yet. Anyway, after spending so much time writing, emailing, messaging and phoning each other, we finally met. Wednesday he met me at church after getting lost a bit. Afterward, he made it to my house where he stayed in Daniel's room.

I took two days off so I could spend it with him. He would wake up early, make coffee and breakfast for me. He loves a big breakfast, bacon, eggs, or burritos with cheese sauce. He's from Texas so there was plenty of chili to be had. As we spent a lot of time discussing our future, he came out one day and asked me to marry him. We both are on the same level spiritually. He loves the Lord and only wants to do His will. He and I have grown so much closer and we are in love.

Saturday night, he made Seafood Portofino. Yes he can cook. He's great in the kitchen and cleans up after himself. I put some Italian opera music on and Andrea Bocelli and Leontyne Price while we ate shrimp, scallops and mussels with a garlic, Romano cream sauce over angel hair pasta. That was wonderful. I couldn't get enough.

He is so considerate of my feelings and said I had turned his world upside down. He was living in a trailer south of San Antonio, had been divorced for 6 years, thought he would never find anyone to spend his later years with. Since he met me, he knows that God wants more for him and after coming to church Wednesday and Sunday, he knows that he should move here since I have so much going on and wouldn't want to disrupt what God had already been doing in my life here.

We haven't set a date yet but he wants to get about six months of income ahead before he moves here. When I find out what that date will be I'll let you know and also we would be married at my church, Joshua Generation and have the ladies there decorate for me. I haven't even told my sons yet. My son Matt called one night to check up on me and Steven called last night. They are really concerned for my welfare. Terry thinks that is so admirable of them and knows they are very talented and love their mom.

Terry has never felt like this before either. He said that he was so amazed at how we like the same things, like fishing, camping the outdoors. He said in his previous relationships he had left God out until over a year and 1/2 ago when he turned back to Him and wanted only a woman that loved God as I do. He wasn't really looking for a woman when he was matchdoctor.com and didn't think he would find one. But I kept writing him and we just flowed together with our words. He watched me at church playing keyboard and said to himself, "she is my girl"..He is so tender and affectionate and passionate about life. He is so good for me.

I wanted to let you know all that had transpired over his visit. He should be dropping by the office before he leaves Gallup. My heart is so full right now and I am so thankful to God for him and the kind of man that he is, a man of integrity. We have only spoken the truth to each other and both want God’s will in this relationship. He said that before with other relationships it had started out physical but with us he fell in love with the woman I am, my spirit, my attitude, my personality, my love for the Lord.

Then when he met me in person, all the things he had envisioned about me came into being. We are both sad that he has to go back to San Antonio but I told him the love I have for him will always be there. We’ll keep writing and phoning each other. I said it would be like someone stationed in another part of the world and we would just keep communicating. One day, hopefully soon, we will be together and be married and do the work the Lord sets before us.

Kathryn Tyler Little

Kathryn Tyler Little's Content Producer Page - Associated Content

http://www.associatedcontent.comuser/368795/kathryn_tyler_little.html

ALONE ON VALENTINE'S DAY?

There may be people out there that won't get a Valentine's Card. If they read this I'm sending this out to you. You are special. You are loved. God loves you. Are you hurt and crying? Are you alone? Well, know that you are not the only one that feels that no one sees you or hears you. That's not true.

Do you know that you were made in the image of God, that means you have a soul, a spirit and you have a body. When Valentines day was initiated it was to speak to the soul of man and possible the body but the spirit man didn't get hurt nor feel neglected. You see, knowing that God sent his Son Jesus to die for you and you decided to give your heart to Him, He fills those empty places with a joy and peace that no human being can give you. You are not alone, ever. He is with you forever and ever. Just believe on Him and ask Him to come into your life. He's waiting for you to open the door of your heart.

So what will you do for Valentines' Day. Here are some suggestions. Go to the store, buy yourself a flower or a plant. Look for a card that you might like to receive and buy it and put it somewhere where you can see it. To really make you happy, give out some Valentine cards to your friends and neighbors. Take yourself to a restaurant and buy a beautiful dinner including dessert. If you can't afford it, buy a nice microwave meal and there are plenty of them out there, put a candle on the table and set it with a red napkin. Then scatter some bright red hearts all over your tablecloth.

There now it's time to light the candle..remember the light of the world...Jesus. Pray a prayer for all the lonely, heartbroken people you know. Then eat and enjoy your meal. Hug your pets or call your children, your mom and dad or grandma and grandpa and tell them how much you love them.

Poem - Be My Valentine

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com


Be My Valentine

The smell of roses and chocolates abound.
Friends become lovers you see all around.
They’re holding hands and walking about
It shows in their faces, sometimes a shout.

So with all the pretty colors, red and pink
bring us all to remember and all to think.
We one day fell in love and made plans,
excited, we went together hand in hand.

Valentine cards come with wishes sweet.
We dance a little jig, swirling on our feet.
Our hearts are encouraged, thoughts rise
as we thank our dear Father up in the skies.

Be my Valentine is what I wanted to say
to the one who would give his heart I pray.
Forever is a long time that is so very clear
but there is one out there, I can call dear.

Copyright, 2009, Kathryn Tyler Little

A Warning - False Publishers

I received a letter from an Oakwood Press not too long ago with special letterhead, address, etc and reading the letter the person signing it said that one of my poems (which I think they found on Poemhunter.com) was picked to be in an anthology they were printing and they needed my permission. They also offered the book for $19.95.

So, thinking this was a legitimate company, I sent them the money and waited, now almost 6 months with no book. So I proceeded to look for Oakwood press online. I found that same listing. I tried calling the number..NIS. Then I went online to find another number..still nothing. I did write to the email listed.

Then, yesterday, I got a call from a man, a really nice gentleman, from Toronto, Canada saying he was the one that had Oakwood Press but that name was what he put on a little booklet. He said it sounded like I had been scammed that it was a hoax. Oh dear, I thought. I will never do that again. Also if a letter ever comes in the mail, I'll check and verify that it is a legitimate company. That check I wrote was cashed.

So beware of anyone saying they are from Oakwood Press or any press that aren't legitimate. It was my fault for not checking in advance but I was so excited that anyone would want to publish my poem.

After Therapy

After going to the Physical Therapist today, he said that he could do something right now and proceeded to manipulate my muscles at the base of my neck and put the first rib back in place. He also showed me how to fix it when I'm at home using a belt. He said I didn't need to come back but he could always slip me in if I needed.

I still want to find a good chiropractor who can work on normalizing my neck vertebrae. I know just one visit to the physical therapist won't fix the problem. It has taken years to make it straight and I should get some adjustments. I'll still have more problems later on.

I told the therapist that I am a big stickler about having a good posture, not to allow my shoulders to droop and keep my back straight and sit with my feet on the floor. I know that all that repetitive work was the culprit that made my poor little rib to give up and put all the pressure on the ligaments and muscles.

I am glad it isn't a major issue but will take time to get me back to what I consider normal. My spine does have a lot of curvature but if there is anything that a chiropractor can do I'll go visit him next. As I've gotten older, there are several areas of my body that need work, including a toe that was injured years ago.

My hospital Stay

I found this picture online and that's how my neck looks in the first picture. Yesterday, I had a hard time getting dressed. My neck and shoulder were in excruciating pain. I couldn't find any medicine to help so continued on my way to work. There, I expressed my hurt to my boss with the knowledge that this was caused by overuse last week stuffing envelopes. She recommend that I go to the hospital and we would file a claim with Workmen's Comp.

I left not knowing how long it would be. When I arrived, I registered and waiting for the Triage nurse to escort me to emergency. There I sat on the side of the bed, my shoulder feeling like someone was holding onto it and sqeezing it. I alternately sat down and propped myself up since I couldn't get comfortable. A doctor came in and took my blood pressure and asking what the trouble was. She said it may take a while but the doctor would be in. It took almost two hours before an xray tech came to pick me up.

After looking at the xrays, the doctor had me go to the desk where he wanted me to see the xrays. He said that my neck was abnormally straight and there was some arthritic areas and the nerves were getting pinched. He gave me an order to make an appointment for some physical therapy there at the hospital and gave me a prescription for a muscle relaxant I should take at night because it would make me drousy. I also have been taking Advil for the pain. I went back to work and my boss was concerned about my health and insisted on following up with the physical therapy.

My first appointment is next Tuesday. I've known my neck was out of wack but didn't realize how bad. Anyway, maybe physical therapy can help. I have noticed in the past that when I raise my arms for very long, I get a sharp pain on the right side of my neck. I hope the therapy will do some good. Today, though, I was able to get moving better this morning and didn't feel much pain. The muscle relaxant help me to sleep extremely well last night.

The Inauguration - January 20, 2009 -My View

For the Obama Inaugural address… http://tinyurl.com/7w8vse . The world looks on and we now have our 44th President in a country that is considerably younger than the rest of the world. Yet, we are still the brave, the strong, the freedom loving people with dreams and goals, visions and hopes still waiting to be fulfilled. What should we be doing to bring change individually? Well, for one thing we need to be more involved with our church, our communities, the decisions being made on a day to day basis, log into your government in Washington to find out what bills are being passed.

For those who voted for John McCain, keep praying that this experience of running will help him in his future and will open new doors for his voice to be heard. I think about Mrs Palin and the work that continues as she resides over the state of Alaska. America did have a few laughs making fun of her and her accent on Saturday Night Live and her uncanny ability to answer questions fairly well without skirting the issue, except for the “I can see Russia outside my window” remark.

For our newly elected President Obama, we pray for wisdom and knowledge for the huge tasks he has to accomplish and that he will give Israel the support it needs from America. We do want change but we can’t put all the pressure on the president. We ourselves have a responsibility as citizens to voice our concerns, go to the PTA’s, the planning meetings at the city, the various groups that make a difference in our communities. President Obama has our support and as we saw millions in front of the Capitol Building, we must remember this day and tell our children of the historical significance of it.

Mr Obama has his work cut out for him. I’m sure there are many people anxiously waiting for legislation to be passed that various interest groups want favored. But we pray he won’t show favoritism but be as unbiased as possible. But then again, we don’t know of any politician that hasn’t been swayed one way or another. I pray he will listen to wisdom calling out and fulfill those words he spoke today.

We all want to hear good things and President Obama has spoken many good things that appeal to many different groups of people across the nation. What we are concerned with is the war in Iraq, in Afghanistan, the uranium situation in Iran and China, the situation in Africa and so many other places. We’re concerned that the local and state governments will be able to tighten their belts and have money needed to run their offices. We’re concerned with the way big business, large banks and investments companies have bottomed out. We worry where our money is going. We worry about the auto industry whether they can make it another year.

These are just a few of the problems we as Americans are concerned with but as we heard in his speech we need unity. That starts at home and spreads to our churches, our schools and community and ultimately to the Capitol. We have only been a nation for a short while and we have accomplished much but still there is a lot of work to be done.

It was good to see then President-Elect Obama rolling up his sleeves to help paint a facililty in the inner city and also good to hear that he wants to spend more time with his family, his girls. It must be quite a shock to them to be in the White House. There will be a great deal of adjustment that they will go through but being children they have an ability that most adults don’t and that’s flexibility. As Michelle has raised them into beautiful young ladies, I’m sure she has trained them well and now their daddy will need them to be his cheerleaders and his supporters that only comes from a loving family.

This day is not only a fulfillment of a dream but will mark one of the greatest turnouts in Washington that this country has ever seen. Gone are the days of stuffiness and pride, stubbornness and hostility. Today, we must surrender our agendas to the greater goals of getting this country back as the greatest nation in the world. We have stumbled, we have fallen, we have needs that are almost insurmountable but we can make it. We can be filled with praise and thanksgiving to God that it is His will President Obama is in office and though many may have ought or grievance, the majority are thankful and excited to see what many think as a breath of fresh air.

President Obama and his wife Michelle bring with them a certain style and flare and a youthful, ambitious, thoughtful and responsible mindset that has many rethinking their own goals and their preconceived ideas. We all want change but are we ourselves willing to make those changes? As Christians with predominately conservative values and ideals, we must remember the Scripture when it says to pray for those in authority. Pray not only for the President but his cabinet, the Senate and House, the city officials, the governors, the mayors and the PTA presidents.

We are on our way to something new and different and I pray good for the country. We are facing tremendous odds but if we would let God into our homes, our schools and our government, we can see miracles happen.

What Was My Christmas Like? 2008

Eileen's mom Pat, Eileen and uncle Larry
Son Michael in red sweatshirt

Lesli in stripe scarf and sister Andi

Son Steven and myself at a Chinese restaurant

Beautiful arrangement won at the SCS company party

Well, the trip down to Phoenix went smoothly, no snow, no ice and plenty of sunshine. Right after the Christmas program I was all packed and ready to go. I said my good-byes and headed to a much warmer climate.

I arrived at my son Steven’s for the night and stayed until Christmas day. While there I managed to finish wrapping presents and sending off a few more cards. Steven and Eileen had to work until Christmas Eve so left me doing a little last minute shopping. I also spent the time baking a few batches of Christmas cookies.

Christmas Eve I went with Steven and Eileen to her aunt’s and uncle’s home and met her grandmother Alice and her Italian grandmother. Steven asked if I would play some background music on the keyboard I brought down. So, without hesitation, Steven helped set me up to play and even brought some Christmas lights to string around the keyboard. After playing songs I started hearing the Italian grandmother sing. She kept it up for quite a while and other guests stood around.

It was time to eat and we had a special tradition of eating a dip made with olive oil, garlic, anchovies and seasonings. We dipped our bread or vegetables in it. It was oily but very tasty. We also had cold cuts, other dips and desserts.

Later, we all sat around the tree and presents were handed out. I even received a gift basket that I know came from Eileen’s mom Pat. When all had received their presents, we went across the street to Pat and her husband’s home so Steven and Eileen would open their presents. We then headed back to Steven’s looking forward to Christmas day.

I woke up around 9 am and waited to hear from my son Daniel and Michael. Daniel had spent the night at a friends and Michael, still looking for a home, didn’t show up either. This was disappointing but I have had to deal with a fragmented Christmas since Richard died. I told Steven and Eileen not to worry nor be mad but just remember Christmas is about God and not just getting presents. The presents I had for Daniel could wait. In fact, he would be going back to Gallup with me for the New Years week.

Christmas day I found out Matt and Lesli were staying over at her sisters and I was to drive there from Steve’s. I tried to look up the address but found myself miles away from my destination. I went back to Steve’s, called Matt for better directions and headed over to where he was. This time I made it on time and they were just getting the last minute preparations done for dinner.

We sat down for a lovely meal with ham and turkey, gravy and gluten free everything else. My daughter-in-law can’t eat anything with gluten. Her sister has been cooking gluten free too because she thinks it’s healthier.

We then went over to the Christmas tree and found a place. Although I didn’t have a place, a home, a condo to have my family, I was invited and accepted as part of another extended family. Since this was Lesli’s family, she and Matt wanted me there to open my presents from them. I have been doing this for several years now. We had a great time and went home full of food and relaxed.

Friday, I went with Eileen, her mom and dad and grandma to the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard. Had some eats at a deli and enjoyed the beautiful paintings as well as the time in front of my son’s mural at the Heard. His mural, 120 feet by 8 feet was supposed to come down but the museum decided to hang on to it indefinitely. There are also copies made into a brochure in the gift store.

Saturday, Matt and Lesli and I took the lite rail north for the first time. I saw plenty of stores along the way and places to eat. It rides very smooth, like a Cadillac. It was so crowded that we all had to stand up. The crowds were estimated at over 200,000. There were booths and music and food at several locations along the route as celebrations took place. The rail should help with the congestion downtown. Many places in Phoenix and Mesa have places to park your car and then get on the train to work.

That night Matt made us chili and my son Michael came over to watch a movie and have some really good chili. Lesli has to eat everything gluten free and chili is one dish everyone loves.

Sunday, Daniel and I returned home and left early as we had heard of snow and icy roads were the sight ahead of us. We found the roads were clear and no ice. When we arrived at home, thankful to God for His protection, we saw about two feet of snow. My friend Gayle, who was helping me feed the animals. had been over shoveling off the driveway and porch so we could get in. I noticed a mop by the door that she had placed there to remove the snow from the front doorway.

I was glad to be home and also glad that my prayers were being answered about my sons.

THANGSGIVING - 2008

Playing "Catch Phrase" and having a ball.

Matt and Lesli ...bundling up for the cold

Looking good in his homemade apron..... Lesli, Irene and myself whipping up some goodies

For Thanksgiving I had my son Matt, his wife Lesli, grandson, Solomon and son Daniel and his friend James come up from Phoenix. James is very nice and I'm glad he's a friend of Daniel. He is level headed and also said he'd try to find some work. He was appreciative of everything, good manners and said he’d try to help Daniel find some work since he was laid off from his last job. James is in construction and Daniel had worked with his dad and other brother Jason before. I sent him back to Phoenix with $50 and filled his tank.

Steven called me yesterday and told me to tell Daniel to take his time coming back. The transformer behind his house blew up and there was a leak in the gas lines and also the water lines broke in front of his house. The entire street was evacuated. It seemed strange that they all went at the same time. Anyway, he and his wife Eileen had to evacuate their house until they got it under control. They took their two big dogs to her mom and dad’s and waited it out. He said he was able to return an hour later but told Daniel to stay with his friend James.

My daughter-in-law Lesli decided to help me decorate my bathroom so she spent time putting up lighthouse pictures and redoing the shells I had collected over the years, putting them in different containers and putting up a small shelf. It looks really nice now. She also helped me put up my fake tree and other garlands around the house.

Christmas Music

If you are looking for Christmas Music, may I suggest my playlist that I compiled on Project Playlist. Enjoy the season and may God richly bless you as you sing and praise His name.

www.projectplaylist.com/kathryntlittle

Also I would like to share my slide show for Christmas that I designed on Slide.com

www.slide.com/r/3SOGfuCp7T_p2NYnRFnqRZNhNOrL8hys?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

I've Been Published ! ! Wow.

Recently, I was published on Associated Content.

Could you do me a favor and check out a couple of my articles that I wrote on Associated Content. You too may want to submit a poem, an article, a how to article, a video or an audio. Anyway, the more that my friends check out articles I've written, the more I get paid. So would you do me a favor and check one or both out?
Thanks,
Kathryn

Article on Christmas Eve Dinner
www.associatedcontent.com/article/1247228/christmas_eve_dinner_an_easy_meal.html

Article on How to Make Paper Mache' Angel
www.associatedcontent.com/article/1234032/how_to_make_a_paper_mache_angel.html

Poem: All I Want For Christmas
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1230987/all_i_want_for_christmas_a_christmas.html?

Poem: Thanksgiving - 2008

Thanksgiving is here, another year
I give thanks to the Lord for my life
for my family and friends so dear.
I thank Him for His peace, no strife
As I get closer to Him, He is near.

Thanksgiving is time to just reflect
on past accomplishments and plans
for the years’ growth, every aspect.
I’m thankful He has made me stand
in faith and love, is what He expects.

Oh, Lord, grant us peace and mercy
at this time we call “Thanksgiving”.
Help us to remember and to foresee
Your goodness in all of our living.
Forgive us our sins. They are many.

As we gather around bountiful tables
Help us not forget the needy, the poor,
from the old and those in their cradles
that might come to knock on our door.
Help us Lord to give as we are able.


Copyright, 2008, Kathryn Tyler Little

The war had begun and it was given the operation name “Desert Storm”. My son Steven was in the marines and already had traveled to the Philippines, Germany and then he was sent to Saudi Arabia where he and several other marines would push through to Kuwait. His responsibility was to defuse land mines placed in the desert floor by the enemy.

My husband Richard and I and children all nestled snug in our beds in Mesa, Arizona while all of this was going on. We fervently prayed each night for his and his fellow soldiers safety and protection. I believed in my heart that he would return but it was very difficult to think of him in harms way. He is my eldest son and I spent years preparing him for his future as a leader.

Many months passed with no word from him. Steven was stationed there from August to the month of March the following hear. During Christmas I put up a special tree, a small pine with lights which would be called “Steven’s tree”. Since he was not there we were to remember him and pray for him and all those fighting with him. Whenever anyone came to the house, I would tell them about the tree.

Throughout his time there, he was able to send me tapes of him telling about his experience. I was surprised that the tapes actually got through to us. I loved hearing from him and he sounded like a war correspondent, describing the weather, the moral of the soldiers and his feelings about the situation.

Finally, the war ended, he was able to return to the states in March. When he first arrived, of course we were ecstatic and overcome with relief. He brought his laundry in two huge duffle bags. They were soiled with sweat and oil from the burning oil rigs. He asked if I could wash them and I told him he’d have to iron his fatigues. The marine corp required that he iron his uniforms.

I’ll never forget the day we found out he had to go to war. That was my worst fear but with prayer we made it through those awful months of not knowing. I cried many nights not wanting my son to die and pleading with God to help him. I had to believe he would return to us.

Steven never stayed with Richard and me but went on to find his own place. He prematurely married an army girl which didn’t last long, maybe six months. He was just too eager to get back to normal. I don’t know the reason he had his marriage annulled or divorced and maybe in time he’ll tell me.

Now Steven is an aspiring, well-known artist with a long and honorable portfolio and resume that would make anyone proud. He lives in Phoenix and married a lovely Irish woman who has been his supporter and love for two years now. She has her own accolades with running marathons and long distance events to her involvement in politics in public relations and now working with different cities around Phoenix. His website is http://www.stevenyazzie.com/

One of Steven's pieces depicting the 48 sounds in the Navajo language. Each picture is about 16" square.

My Response to the Election

I was amazed at the speed that the election process took last night. I turned to several stations to see how each covered the election. CNN had its own panel and tried to be unbiased giving both sides equal time. But as I listened to other stations, Fox News, ABC News, local news, I knew in my innermost being that the man I wanted to be president didn’t have a chance. Obama had his own station, OBAMA TV promoting ads for the last month on Dish Network. They were running 24 hours a day. He used the internet and cell phones and other high tech gadgets to propose his ideas and agendas.

The American people have made their choice. If there are any who have their doubts, it’s too late now. Many believe Obama is like no other man they’ve seen or heard before. I want to believe that he will keep his word but like all the other politicians in the past, many of his desires may be put on the back burner for now. He is anxious to get started by putting his cabinet in place soon.

As a Christian, my future is in the hands of God. I am prepared for the best of times and the worst of times. Of course, I’ve lived many years and seen many presidents make promises they couldn’t keep. That’s politics. But Christians could face persecution here and many think it couldn’t happen. It won’t as long as we open our mouths, speak the truth, share our faith, pray for this country and its leaders. Before Rome fell in a day, the Christians were persecuted and fed to the lions. Rome is an example of greed, lust, immorality, divisions, contentions, jealousies, tyranny and selfishness.

As long as we do have our freedoms of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, we need to speak up. Christians have been too silent at times. Whenever the chance arises to speak on the issues of abortion, homosexuality, stem cell research, social security, healthcare, our financial situation, the war in Iraq, then we must not hold back.

We must not be divided at all about our freedom. I cherish this so much and have a deep love for this country but my first love goes to the Lord and He will one day come back to rule and reign in Jerusalem. We must support Israel and its efforts to keep the land that God ordained belonged to them. If we, our leaders, our government fails to support Israel then we will begin to see our very existence threatened by enemies longing to see us destroyed.

So Christians, unite. Speak up and get involved in our government as much as possible. Attend your PTA’s, join community groups and perhaps run for office in your local government so your voice can be heard. Speak up at your workplace. The tide will turn and there will be change. Some of those changes we may not like and If we don’t, we need to speak up about it. That is your right as a citizen of the greatest nation in the world.

Copyright, 11/5/08, Kathryn Tyler Little

NOT SO KEEN HALLOWEEN

Halloween is not really a holiday
It’s more like our countries malady.
It gives credit to witches and devils.
Too much that’s sinister and evil.

Take a look at its very beginning
Are you afraid you’d be sinning?
To bring to light Satan’s one desire
but he will end up in hell’s hot fire.

God says to love only Him above all
the idols, the orange décor in the hall.
It gives Him no glory can’t you see?
Wearing masks won’t set you free.

Satan calls this day his sacred one,
telling children to play and have fun,
to dress like his demons and death
for fear of losing their very breath.

Why does America make such a fuss
over witches and skeleton’s ugliness,
to make it a bigger day than Easter?
It should bring us shame each year.

So what should Christians try to do?
The Truth has set us free. Has He you?
Celebrate Jesus. He gave us salvation.
Lift Him up, not our true enemy Satan.

Whatever you decide on this dark night,
glorify God in the earth, in men’s sight.
We are not of this world. God is King.
Can’t you hear His angels as they sing?

Halloween is not so keen in my book
for little one’s should never even look
or taste of the devil’s lies he parades.
For the light of God’s glory fades.

So as you push your kids out the door,
instead should be kneeling on the floor.
God forgive America for its every lust
for greed, for pomp as we turn to dust

Copyright, 10/28/08, Kathryn T Little

My Prayer Then and Now

What's a mother to do? I raised four sons and my prayer for them as it was for my husband and our life together was that they would accept the Lord and be filled with His Spirit. I want them all to know and serve the Lord.

They all have had to struggle against alcohol and drugs and abusing themselves with them. I remember writing a prayer to God about what I was going through with my husband. It may help others to voice their own desires for their husbands and children. I am continually praying for them and it hurts me to see them thinking less about themselves and not having the confidence that I helped instill in them at a young age. They are leaders and someday soon, I hope to hear from them that they turned their lives over to the Lord.

My time with the Lord started out: (John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word and thw Word was with God and the Word was God. If we refuse to yield to the word, we fail to yield to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. As the Word takes up the vacant spaces in our spirit, soul and body, we will then walk in the Spirit. If we fail to accumulate, relate and apply the Word, our thoughts and body will rule over the spirit.

In my home there lurks darkness of alcoholism, impure and immoral spirits and contention, strife, anger, resentment and bitterness, lying and fowl speech. But Father You will win out. You will work a miracle of love and grace and deliverance for __________from all these. He will be an elder or deacon, song master and leader in our home, priest, king, holy, just, merciful, loving and kind. With Your Spirit at work in him, now convincing him of the truth, and convicting of sin, helping him to be strong in Your Word. That the Word would be heard and no hindering spirits will keep him from being convicted of the sin in his life. Forgive me Father if I have been a reason for Him turning from you but I believe You will work in him, delivering him from oppression of evil spirits that would try to deceive him. Father strengthen him to say no to the devil's temptations. He is weak in the flesh but You can make him strong. Help us all to love him , be forgiving and encouraging him as our leader of our home.

Satan, how cruel and selfish you are. Your maneuvers make me want to fight even more and get into the Word more. You will not keep me from God's plans for my life, nor will you cointue any longer to rule and dictate over ____________'s life. Satan you are a dead spirit. I speak to your ruin Satan. Jesus defeated you and overcame you, took the keys of life and death away from you. You may be the prince of the powers of the air, darkness, principalities, rulers in heavenly places but you are dead and you will no longer produce death in my household. I loose life, salvation, healing, deliverance, peace, joy, victory, freedom over _________'s life. He shall have life and have it more abundantly.

Father, produce life, liberty, joy, peace, love in his life. Father I love this man for all that has done for me and my children. He shall be the head of our family. He shall be the priest and king in our home. He shall be the spiritual leader. He shall overcome the devil and all of his enticements, temptations, lusts of his eyes, flesh and pride . Father, You are His Father. He is Your child. Father I know You love him, have a plan for him. We see the vision. We shall get a hold of it. His business shall prosper and his ministry of helps and music shall be fulfilled in this time. He will get a hold of You and Your Word to him.

Here was what the Lord spoke to my heart.
"My son, glorify me for in this world are many pleasures but non shall satisfy you as I will. I want the best for you. I love you my son. Follow me, worship me, cleave to Me. Your adversary is the thief that would steal your very life away if you'd let him. Flee from him and cleave to Me. Draw close to Me and I will fulfill your dreams, your aspirations but you must love Me above all others, above your wife, above your children, above your job, above your plans, above your pleasures. Me Me first in Your life. You have lost your love for Me. I give you more than enough time to come back to me my son. My heart grieves for you. My heart grows weary of your wrestlings. Trust your life in my hands and in mine alone. Trust your life with the life given. You have looked in several directions but not in Mine. Now is the time tstop fighting Me. Come my son for I love you with an everlasting love. Adhere to my sayings."

Copyright, 1981, Kathryn Tyler Little

THE 1982 DENVER BLIZZARD

This story is about the trip we took to see my mom at Christmas, 1982. She lived in Evans, Colorado and we lived in Page, Arizona. We had decided to take our four sons in our Dodge van not knowing what the weather had in store.

We packed several bags, blankets, water and our cosmetic case for what we though was a two or three day vacation. We were supposed to be at my mom’s house Christmas Eve. We left Page and drove toward Kayenta, Arizona and onto New Mexico. We started toward Raton and hit a huge snow storm. Just outside of Raton, the winds were severe. Our engine died just outside of town. With ropes my husband tied himself to the front of the van and checked the motor.

He said the guys that serviced our car didn’t put the lid back right and the carburetor, situated in the center of the air filter, was iced up. So we poured through our cosmetic bag and found some men’s cologne. We both knew that alcohol would deice the carburetor. The van started up and we pushed forward.

It was still daylight but we couldn’t see anywhere because the snow was blowing so hard. We could look up and see blue sky. We finally saw a motel sign lit up and got off the ramp and headed toward the sign. Once there we signed in and got into our motel room. There was no heat. So Richard called someone he knew in Raton, visiting his mother. He came to us with the winds howling and snow still blowing all around. We got into his car and we headed to his house not far from there.

His mother greeted us and we spent Christmas Eve there. The police had closed down all driving in town so we had to stay where we were. My husband’s friend and mom got a meal together for us consisting of bologna on tortillas with cheese. Our boys seemed happy to just eat and stay at a warm place. We bedded the boys down and all slept on the floor. We listened to the news and found out that the blizzard was heading north toward Denver.

The next day, we headed north toward Colorado Springs. The snow had been so bad that they had closed the main highway north for another 6 hours. We went to Denny’s and spent most of the morning and afternoon there, eating. They tried to fix a Christmas dinner for everyone but ran out of cranberries and stuffing. We really didn’t care but other drivers were frustrated and angry that they couldn’t drive to their destinations.

Finally, the highway was opened. We headed north. The kids and I were shocked by all the vehicles we saw to the right and left of us stranded in the snow. I think my boys wondered if anyone was actually in those cars and trucks. We had counted over two hundred vehicles by the time we got to Denver.

We continued on our journey north to Evans. It was dark and we could only see a one lane highway ahead. No one was coming from the other direction. We just took our time and stayed in that snowy path. By the time we reached my mom’s and pulled up to her driveway, the kids were tired and but wanted to open their presents which we had packed in the back of the van. My mom came to the door and literally dropped her false teeth. She started crying and said, “My God, why did you travel in this? I didn’t think you’d be here!”. Of course, she was glad to see us. We all were fine and thankful that our van brought us safely to her doorstep.

We couldn’t get back home right away because the roads hadn’t been cleared. We found out later that the snow equipment in Denver had only two that were working. All the other snow movers were down for maintenance. So instead of a few days at my mom’s it ended in a week.

We didn’t return on the same route. We went west to Grand Junction. Everything west of Denver hardly got any snow. It seemed like a totally different world. It was clear all the way home. We thanked God for taking care of our little family that entire time, especially when Richard had to go out in 50 or more mile an hour winds to tie himself to the van while he did repairs. What a vacation. What a Christmas. We will never forget it.

Copyright, 2008, Kathryn Tyler Little