January 30, 2018 Tuesday #UBCompulsive#Spirit#Callafriend#Swedishgifts!

Get Fit
Had to hurry up and get my Pilates in before Nicole took the laptop.  Funny how we get so dependent on the electronics.  I remember when all I had to do was turn on some music (oh that's equipment too) and then dance.  She will be back in a few days and then I can do my yoga etc.  Till then I have the non-video things I can do.  I guess I'm compulsive about exercising - I have worse habits.  How about you?  What are you doing today to get the heart and oxygen moving?

Get Faith
John 16:12-13  "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.  But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth."  Do you think of the Spirit?  Jesus said He would not leave us alone but would send the Spirit to be with us.  The Spirit of truth, to help us continue in our faith and believe in the Gospel.  It is that part of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - One God, that is still here with us.  We have not been abandoned.  He came at that time referred to as Pentecost, when all the people became Evangelists and could preach to all about the Gospel truth.  Pray to the Spirit today to strengthen you and help you grow your faith.

On this day
1996  On my way home from work I picked up Nicole from Middle School, I think.  She was playing basketball and of course I loved watching.  After the game we went home and she went to Craig's.  He was one of her best friends, that lived close, and they are still till this day friends that can count on each other.  Craig and his girlfriend Megan announced their engagement last weekend.  I am so excited to see that wedding!  While Nicole was away that evening, I heard from a couple of my old friends - Jack Tate, the offshore hero and my nemesis Pete.  I still like to hear from old friends and do daily!  Keep up with your friends, we are getting to an age when you will regret you didn't call them.

 1996 - Gino Gallagher, the reputed leader of the Irish National Liberation Army, was shot and killed as he queued for his unemployment benefit. See!  I wonder if his friends regret not calling.

Jonkoping Sweden
Hey packing up and getting ready to move on.  How about souvenirs?

They also have spoons and thimbles if you collect those!  I like the fridge magnets but as you can guess I'm worried my door will fall off.  Beautiful country Sweden!  Take another look at pictures.

Go to Jonkoping Sweden image results. 



Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday to Dave!

January 29, 2018 Monday #muscles#lessonslearned#intergenerational#5inarow#sightseeingSweden

Get Fit
I saw an eighty or so woman that had been seriously lifting weights for quite a while.  You could tell by her skin that she was elderly but you should have seen the definition of muscles.  Maybe even a little creepy, but impressive.  I'd rather hide that body under my clothes than the saggy wrinkled one we usually have growing older.  With that said, I lifted weights today.

Get Faith
1 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."  Remembering my own youth, I feel like this is a hard practice.  I was a "sow your wild oats" type of person and then settled to raise a child that would NOT follow in my footsteps.  Oh, she is a lot like me in many ways, confident, purposeful, responsible and faithful but, I feel like she skipped (some) of the traps of youthful living.
She applies more of the practices that Timothy spoke of above.  I thank God for my daughter.

On this day
1995  Was a Sunday and Nicole had made friends with the two Rajda boys so, we went to their house after church for lunch.  Pam and I had a nice chat while the kids played and then Nicole and I left for home.  We stopped on the way at St Mary's to visit a lady from our church.  Mrs. Dobson, or Dobby, as we called her, was a sweet lady that had been a building block in our church and now we liked to stop and visit when we could.  She loved the children to come and see her and always had a jar of candy waiting for them.  Tying generations together is an important factor in a church congregation.  It is what the Bible teaches us - respect for all generations.

1995 - The San Francisco 49ers became the first team in National Football League (NFL) history to win five Super Bowl titles. The 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers 49-26. Remember this for next Sunday!

Jonkoping Sweden
Lets tie up some loose ends, we will be leaving here in a few days. I hope we stayed here!

Si↙🏋🏋🏋🏋🏋🏋🏋Shopping for mementos

nightlife!

Relaxing!

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday DJ!!

January 28, 2018 Sunday #Prayerresults#Waynesworld#JU!

Get Faith
Psalm 26:2-3  "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth."  Last year I was getting closer to my lung cancer surgery on the 31st.  I prayed a lot because I was extremely worried about the pain of the surgery and the outcome of the results.  I came through with flying colors and little discomfort and a great prognosis.  My go to verse this past year was from Isaiah 40:31  "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not be faint."  I'm here to say that  prayer works.  The Lord has more work for me I believe.  And I thank Him for the opportunity.

On this day
1994  It was a Friday and after work Mom, Nicole and I went to Shores Inn for dinner.  We dropped off Mom at home and Nicole and I went to see Wayne's World 2.  It wouldn't have been a movie Grandma wanted to see, although she loved the Eminim movie 8 Mile. ?   Now thinking back I'm questioning why I took my 9 year old to see Wayne's World.  It wasn't toooo inappropriate was it? 

1994 - In Los Angeles, Superior Court Judge Stanley Weisberg declared a mistrial in the case of Lyle Menendez in the murder of his parents. Lyle, and his brother Erik, were both retried later and were found guilty. They were sentenced to life in prison without parole. This has been so long ago that they have already done a remake on the original movie.  Why are we so intrigued with this type of news?

Jonkoping Sweden Culture

JU is one of the most international universities in Sweden in terms of the number of international students and faculty as well as student-exchange opportunities. Research is also largely internationally focused, which translates into internationally relevant programmes and courses. We’re home to Jönköping International Business School (the first school in Sweden to gain both EQUIS and AACSB accreditation) and have a strong focus on entrepreneurship throughout the university.

Outside of the classroom, we’re known for having one of the best orientation weeks for new students in the country and guarantee accommodation for international students.  If you are considering studying abroad!!

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday to Kathleen and Nathan!

January 27, 2018 Saturday#Move!#SAVED#emptypages#Ice-T#blueberrysoup!

Get Fit
It's Saturday!   Go to the gym or whatever activity you promised yourself you would do today!  I had a soft start with AM yoga - you know that's my favorite for Saturday morning.  What is your favorite?  Don't have one?  Get one!  C'mon get moving!

Get Faith
John 8:31 -32  "Jesus said to them, "You are truly my disciples if you live as I tell you to, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.""  I'm pretty sure most of us have heard this.  I think of Martin Luther King when I hear it.  I believe the truth in this case is the Gospel message and the freedom is from sin.  When you know the truth (Gospel) you will be free from sin.  That might not seem like much but, when you think of how often we sin (everyday), what could be better and more satisfying than knowing you are forgiven by God because you believe your Savior died on the cross to pay the price for your sins.  YOU are free if you believe, free from sin and the devil. Free to live a happy relaxed life knowing you are saved.   You are welcome.

On this day
1993  I tell people that I have kept a journal all my life and I have, but some of the most telling recounts are when there are no entries.  These months at the beginning of this year are mostly empty, but today's said "ice storm, no school".  My husband and I were having difficulties and I knew it was only a matter of time but I held on because I worried about losing my relationship with Aaron for myself and Nicole, especially.  Often what we don't say is more telling  than what we do say.  It was a bad year but we survived and forgot a lot of the bad days and don't want to remember them.

1993 - Warner Brothers Records announced that it was releasing Ice-T from his contract due to "creative differences." hmmmm?

Cuisine in Sweden
Swedish cuisine could be described as centered around cultured dairy products, crisp and soft (often sugared) breads, berries and stone fruits, beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and seafood. Potatoes are often served as a side dish, often boiled. Swedish cuisine has a huge variety of breads of different shapes and sizes, made of rye, wheat, oat, white, dark, sourdough, and whole grain, and including flatbreads and crispbreads. There are many sweetened bread types and some use spices. Many meat dishes, especially meatballs, are served with lingonberry jam. Fruit soups with high viscosity, like rose hip soup and blueberry soup (blåbärssoppa) served hot or cold, are typical of Swedish cuisine. Butter and margarine are the primary fat sources, although olive oil is becoming more popular. Sweden's pastry tradition features a variety of yeast buns, cookies, biscuits and cakes; many of them are in a very sugary style and often eaten with coffee (fika).^[2]

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Sharon 

January 24, 2018 Wednesday #SoulMan!#Iserve#thering#Newkids#matchstickmuseum!

Get Fit
I am learning the new oldies with Richard....Soul mannnnn.......

Get Faith
Romans 12:12  "Be glad for all God is planning for you.  Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always."  Are you worried that God might be expecting you to do something you don't want to do or don't feel comfortable with?  Do you doubt your ability to do what He may ask you to do?  Stand in line!  We all wonder if we could make that cold call to a visitor or go to a homeless shelter and serve a meal etc.  Try it, God will give you strength and ability and pray for yourself to succeed.  Service to others is what God wants us to be doing - for Him and for ourselves.

On this day
1992  I spent a lot of time with my dear mother in law, Pat.  On this day I took Nicole to her house and we left her with Jan while Ma and I went to the jeweler to have the beautiful ring my husband gave me for Christmas, sized.  I gave it to the jeweler and he checked my finger size and then took the ring to the back.  He put it on my finger and the delicately said "you know this is zirconium don't you?"  I nodded yes and smiled.  I didn't know that.  It is a beautiful ring though.

1992 - Greg McPherson, a music professor at the University of Massachusetts, filed a $21 million lawsuit against New Kids on the Block manager Maurice Starr. It was alleged that he was not paid for his work on the group's "Hangin' Tough Live" album. McPherson also charged that the group only sang 20 percent of the album and lipsynched in concert.   sour grapes?

Jonkoping Sweden

A MATCHSTICK MUSEUM? THE WORLD’S ONLY IN JÖNKÖPING, SWEDEN

What is the strangest museum you have visited? Mine has to be the Matchstick Museum in the small city of Jönköping in central Sweden. A museum dedicated to the history of matchsticks. It won’t surprise you to learn it is billed as ‘the only matchstick museum in the world’. Have you heard of any others?  Let's go!

Enjoy the day  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday to Holly 

January 23, 2018 Tuesday #Variety#Angelsbesideyou!#kidscleanrooms?#RoyalExchange#happykids!

Get Fit
Wow that video I have had for 10 years has more workouts on it than I thought found another Pilates ring workout for legs only on it!  Find something new to pump up your activity!!  You can do it!

Get Faith
Psalm 34:7
"The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them."  Who doesn't like the thought of Gabriel hanging around you all the time? Watching out for you?  And delivering you safely to where you need to be?  God sends angels all the time to those who need it - I have had many visitations.  If I think of myself having a guardian angel I apologize to said angel for all the trouble I have caused it.  What's your angel doing?

On this day
1991  Nicole was in kindergarten and went in the afternoon so on this morning it says "Nicole I worked on cleaning up her room.  This brings a lot to mind.  I don't remember her room ever being bad until later - when she was a teenager.  I think she had the bunk beds at this time and shared the room with Aaron when he was here.  After I took her to school I went to church to work on the many jobs I had there.  I'm glad to keep busy in January so the time passes quickly and gets back to spring.  How about you?

1571 - The Royal Exchange in London, founded by financier Thomas Gresham, was opened by Queen Elizabeth I. 


Jonkoping Sweden Culture
Want To Raise Happy Children? Move To Sweden

Leading the expat life can have several ups and downs for a family with young children. 

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  

January 22, 2018 Monday #variety#Jesuslovesthelittlechildren#busy##@%*^

Get Fit
The daily dozen and I'm not talking eggs here.  I was watching an exercise show the other day and they said it is important to switch off and do a variety of things as in Pilates, yoga, weights, Zumba whatever you do, change it up.  The  only consistent thing I see is walking.  And then breakfast.

Get Faith
Luke 18:16  "Then Jesus called the children over to him and said to the disciples, "Let the  little children come to me!  Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God  belongs to men (and women) who have hearts as trusting as these little children's.""  We just read this 4 or 5 days ago as recounted by Matthew.  They knew a true scripture when more than one disciple mentioned it in their gospel.  It is so important!  Jesus knew how hard the heads were of those trying to follow Him, then and now.  Children can learn these stories and through life remember the lessons they learned and the love God has for them when learned at an early age.  Let the little children come to Him!

On this day
1990  I was still working at Quality at this time, a couple days a week.  They were paying me in health insurance for my family.  Mom took care of Nicole while I worked or Mark took her to the boat store to spend the day with him and grandpa.  She loved those days, Grandpa was a huge spoiler. When I got home I had to proofread the LSCORA newsletter and get it to the printing company.  I also had to call Sunday School teachers and remind them of a meeting later in the week.  My life is full and God is good to provide  answers and solutions to all my life needs.

1990 - Guns 'N' Roses guitarist Slash used profanity numerous times on live television while accepting an American Music Award. Now there is some big news!  Now it is common place.

Sweden Culture

The Ethnic Make-up of Sweden

The indigenous population of Sweden is comprised of Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities. Foreign-born or first-generation immigrants are typically of Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, Greek and Turkish ethnicity.  

Siri gives a similar report as of 2017, not what I have heard.

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy birthday to Diana M.!!

January 21, 2018 Sunday #Goodfriends#Moms#nationalchurch.

Get Faith
Proverbs 17:17  "A friend loves at all times"  I have a lot of friends - good friends that I am socially active with and see regularly.  They are different groups, different in age, background and finances.  They are all great people and I thank God for them.  People, sometimes separate themselves from the people they love for many reasons.  Drugs and alcohol are the first thing that comes to mind.  If you have developed a relationship with addictive behaviors you might not want your friends to see that or know that about you.  In your battle to be better than your weaknesses remember that above all Jesus is your best friend.  While you are searching for Him, remember the above verse.  Most people have a lot of people that love them, even if they don't think so.

On this day
1989  The only thing I wrote on this day was "Aaron went to Florida".  He was 11 so I know he didn't go alone or with friends.  It means that his mom, Kathy and Rick took him on vacation with them.  And it tells me that I was privy to that knowledge, Kathy and I were good mothers that loved the same son.  We shared a child and knew that we needed that camaraderie to make it work well and we did.  We still communicate but don't see each other as much as we should. 

 1812 - The Y-bridge in Zanesville, OH, was approved for construction. Why? and why is it news?

Jonkoping Sweden

The Church of Sweden (Svenska kyrkan) is Evangelical Lutheran and has its secretariat in Uppsala, a city that has been the centre of the Swedish church since the Middle Ages. The Church of Sweden has been separated from the state since 2000, which means that Sweden no longer has an official state church. While most countries in the world have no official religion, Sweden is in fact the only Nordic country without a state church, as Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland have all retained theirs.

Sixty-four per cent of the Swedish population are members of the Church of Sweden. It is only since 2000 that Swedes don’t automatically become a member at birth and record numbers of Swedes have left the church in recent years. A continued decline in membership is predicted as young Swedes fail to take the place of older members. Surveys also indicate that only eight per cent of Swedes attend any religious services regularly.  As sad there as it is here.

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  

January 20, 2018 Saturday #shortcircuit#heartcontents#Aaron40#Swedishya?

Get Fit
Some days are better than others working out with Jillian.  I was strong for the first circuit but I started fading early on the second circuit.  Do what you can!

Get Faith
Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he (or she).  Do you know someone that comes off gruff and tough?  They put on a show of being hard or mean but you know that inside they are a teddy bear.  The gal that talks big about not putting up with anyone's crap is usually the kindest person who will  do anything for you.  God knows their center, He knows the real person.  That outward shell is usually a front to protect a tender heart from being hurt.  Don't tell them I said this though because there is no surer way to bring wrath than to mess with someone's protective cover.  What's in your heart?

On this day
1988  Aaron's birthday was yesterday - turned 40.  In 1988 he was 10 and his dad and I went shopping for his birthday presents.  His mom and us shared him which worked out great for the kids.  They literally had two families and two parties, etc.  At 10 years old I'm sure we poured on the toys still.  I wonder if this was the year he got the black and red checked pullover shirt that he loved.  Boy those 30 years flew by, sniff.

1801 - John Marshall was appointed chief justice of the United States. Seriously that seems like a more important job than the presidency, don't you think?

Jonkoping Sweden Culture

Language in Sweden

The official language of Sweden is Swedish and it is spoken by the majority of individuals living in Sweden. One of two key minority languages is Saami, which is spoken in the Northern regions of Sweden and finally Finnish. There are also a number of Romanies in Sweden who speak in Romani.

Swedish is not only the official language of Sweden. It is also one of the official languages of Finland.

Influences on the Swedish language have come primarily from Latin, German and Danish. 

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Don!!  Carly and Steve!

January 18, 2018 Thursday#Walk#GiftofGod#Oldfriends#lotsofculture!

Get Fit
Caught up with a friend (literally) at the gym at church and walked a while with her.  Inside walking is such a drag, she had music playing on her phone which made it better.  Of course her and I can chatter on about anything and she finally turned off the music.  Grab a friend and go for a walk.  If alone you can go to the mall - they still have the walkers and at least you have something to look at other than gym walls.

Get Faith
Matthew 19 14-15 "But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and don't prevent them.  For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." And he put his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left."  Some people only need to be asked.  Children are a much softer target.  They are open to a good story and accept God's word with little argument.  I was blessed to be a Sunday School teacher for 25 years with children ranging from 3 to high school.  Each age had its struggles, the littles can't sit still and the oldest are distracted.  Ok,  they all have a hard time sitting still and most are distracted.  It is a very rewarding role though and I pray for many of my students, still, on a regular basis.  Take your children to church - give them the everlasting gift of faith and the strength of family in church attendance.

On this day
1983  It was a Tuesday and we had all worked but we met at the Wishing Well for dinner. Pat and Pam, Ty and Norma and Linda and I.  It doesn't mention it being a special occasion, just good friends keeping in touch and sharing conversation.  I wish I could replay the conversation.  We are all still good friends and actually all had dinner together last summer at Mike's.  Wow 35 years ago.

1778 - English navigator Captain James Cook discovered the Hawaiian Islands, which he called the "Sandwich Islands." Got any ideas on why sandwich ?

Jonkoping Sweden culture
The 25 historical provinces (landskap) of Sweden, which early in their histories had poor intercommunication, each have a distinct culture. The provinces long ago lost their importance as administrative and political regions, but are still seen as cultural ones, and the population of Sweden identifies with them. Each province has a specific history, each with its own robust nature. Some of them constituted separated parts of Sweden with their own laws. Other regions have been independent, or a part of another country, such as (Denmark or Norway), etc. They have different indigenous dialects of North Germanic, and some have ethnic minorities. For more information about these cultural regions, see the provinces' articles:

  So go to each province to see the individual culture?  Wow!

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Jenny T

January 17, 2018 Wednesday #Jumpingjacks#theLordismystrength#Peterthespy#1970feminists

Get Fit
I started out with 20 jumping jacks and I realized how much this simple exercise warmed me up and energized me for the next exercises I would do.  Just the act of jumping up and down gets the heart pumping but when you add the arms going up over the head it is really a good starter!  I did another 20 just because and then went on to leg work outs.

Get Faith
Exodus 15:2  "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.  He is my God, and I will praise Him."  The study writer on this days devotion speaks my language.  They keep very structured days and very often overload the calendar.  The difference is he is learned to settle into prayer mode at the end of the day and give all the craziness to God so he can sleep.  I'm going to try it with a little more enthusiasm than just saying my prayers at night.  How about you?  Having trouble getting to sleep and getting good rest?

On this day
1982  This year was setting record breaking cold weather like this year.  That probably is why I had to pick up Peter and take him to his car. (Maybe it wouldn't start and got towed in)  Anyway, Peter was Tatjiana's friend that she met after her husband Erich died.  Tatjana and Erich were my ex, Pete's parents.  I might have mentioned before I had a hard time separating from the rest of the family after a divorce.  Tatjana and I had stayed close.  She met Peter, who was a younger man, where?  IDK but he was a correspondent that wrote letters for Europeans.  He was well versed in many languages, very smart but irritating somehow.  When I got home from having coffee with him, other friends of Tatjiana's stopped by.  Hans and Ilse.  They did not like Peter.  I didn't write down the content of our conversation but I'm sure the whole scenario would make a great story of spys and love drama! They are all gone now so I might someday write THAT book.

1562 - French Protestants were recognized under the Edict of St. Germain. Interesting this happened so soon after Martin Luther's intro.

Jonkoping Sweden Culture

Swedish culture is generally seen^{[according to whom?]} as egalitarian in nature, and since the early-1970s, the Swedish establishment^{[clarification needed]} has very deliberately embraced feministic, anti-racist, progressive and anti-fascist stances and views.^[1][2] Swedish society and its culture is concerned with the welfare and well-being of others, both within and outside Sweden;^{[according to whom?]} (See also; Income inequality in Sweden).

Prehistoric Sweden was the source of Viking culture, which was dominant in all of Scandinavia for many hundreds of years, and the Temple at Uppsala in Sweden was a site of pilgrimage and worship for all the Scandinavian peoples who worshipped the Aesir gods. Though western culture mostly recall the Vikings from present day Norway and Denmark who invaded France, England, Scotland and Ireland, the Swedish Vikings left huge marks on Byzantine culture (where they were known as Varangians) as well as being the founders of the Kievan state.

Of the country's many monarchs, a few of the more powerful ones, such as King Gustav III and Queen Christina, have been exceptionally important to its cultural development.

In modern times many Swedes have been internationally celebrated for their cultural work, among them Jenny Lind, Anders Zorn, August Strindberg, Ingrid Bergman, Ingmar Bergman and ABBA.

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Kaitlyn and Sharon!

January 16, 2018 Tuesday #Doyourbest!#Forgive#

Get Fit
New Pilates video - I don't have the stretchy band they use but it is basically the same Pilates moves I am used to.  I love the leg exercises but laying on my side on my hip doesn't work too well for me.   So, I have to renegotiate some of the positions to accomplish them.   Don't beat yourself up when you can't perform to their standards!  You be you and do what you can, just don't misjudge a position and hurt yourself. 

Get Faith
Luke 6:37  "Forgive, and you will be forgiven."  That is pretty simple isn't it?  Well, maybe.  We too often forget that our short comings or errors have been forgotten by others but do we repay that? Or do we labor over something that someone has done to us.  Do we carry a grudge?  "I can never forgive her for doing that"? kind of thing?"  Remembering those things are like having a ball and chain around your neck.  Bad for them, bad for you and horrible for your forgiveness.  Your Father in heaven knows how important it is for you to forgive others - so He has set the bar high for you to attain that forgiveness you want.  Give it a try!  You can do it.

On this day
1981  It was a Friday and my old boyfriend Denny called to see what I was doing.  I had plans.  Andy must have been working.  Adele brought Merri and Lindsey over along with the makings of a steak dinner and we had a girls night at my house.  (I wonder what movie the girls talked us into - like the night they assured me that their Mom let them watch Poltergeist.)  Nice memory of a winter evening.

1547 - Ivan the Terrible was crowned Czar of Russia. Who would crown this guy with that name?

Jonkoping Sweden
How nice does this look on this January day?

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Cheryl!

January 15, 2018 Monday #500curls#Godfirst#LindaLindaLinda#wanttoberoyal#ABBA

Get Fit
This month is flying by and that's good! Getting closer to spring weather and outside activity.  If you are an avid fan of snow - I apologize.  I began the week with a weight workout, not for any particular reason, that is what came up in the pile.  I have gone to the gym and lifted weights but I am too self conscious about it, not comfortable.  I just use those 5lb dumb bells in the privacy of my living room.  Then I can lie about how many reps I do.  You do you!

Get Faith
Psalm 23:3  "He helps me do what honors him the most."  We all have differences in opinion on any topic.  It would be inconceivable for us to agree all the time - but wouldn't it be great?  Well, that is a dream but we can call on God to help us through our differences whether it be the church, friendships or politics.  And, some things are easier to heal and get over than others.  The important thing to remember is that we keep what God wants in the front of everything.  Our opinions and desires are short lived and often have nothing to do with the kingdom of God.  Listen for God to lead you.

On this day
1980  Linda and I were in the Bahamas, having a ball!  On this morning we had grabbed a light breakfast and went to the pool to bake and heal from the night before.  One of the young waiters that we recognized from the night before, Gino (I wrote it in my journal)  came to the pool dressed as a Sheik and entertained us.  I know you will remember this Linda.  Just one of a million stories from our 8 days in Paradise (really, on Paradise Island)  I also lost my contact lens along the way later that day - amazingly I found it in the morning.  That could have been a real vacation tragedy.  Oh to be young again.

1559 - England's Queen Elizabeth I (Elizabeth Tudor) was crowned in Westminster Abbey. Are you a fan of the royals!  I should be, but not so much.

Jonkoping Sweden

Agnetha Fältskog

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Agnetha" redirects here. For other notable people who share the same name with varied spellings, see Agneta.

Agnetha Fältskog
Fältskog in 2013
Born	Agnetha Åse Fältskog 5 April 1950 (age 67) Jönköping, Småland, Sweden
Residence	Ekerö, Stockholm, Sweden
Nationality	Swedish
Other names	Anna
Occupation	Singer songwriter record producer

Agnetha Åse Fältskog (Swedish pronunciation: [aŋ²neːta ²fɛltskuːɡ], born 5 April 1950) is a Swedish musician, singer, songwriter, actress, and author. She achieved success in Sweden after the release of her debut album Agnetha Fältskog in 1968, and reached international stardom as a member of the pop group ABBA,^[1] which has sold over 380 million albums and singles worldwide,^[2] making them one of the best-selling music artists in history.^[3]

After the break-up of ABBA, Fältskog found some success as a solo artist in the 1980s, though became highly reclusive and avoided outside publicity, settling in the secluded island of Ekerö. Fältskog stopped recording music for almost 17 years until she released a new album in 2004.^[

Who doesn't know ABBA?  Loved their music!

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday to Donna and Emily!!

January 14, 2018 Sunday #Futile#DwellwithGod#Animalhouse#Fundamentalorders#Amy!

Get Fit
This morning was an exercise in futility.  Trying to deposit a check into my bank using my phone.  I couldn't remember my password, then my ss #.  Inconceivable!  Then I couldn't get online to get the code they were sending to me to reactivate my phone banking.  I'm going to church to calm down.

Get Faith
2 Corinthians 6:16  "I will dwell in them... I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters."  I do have a family, it was large and available when I was growing up and as it happens it grows smaller through natural processes - death and marriages and people moving to distant places.  Since Mom died my immediate family has become more distant.  The connection and responsibility to Grandma does not (naturally) mean me.  I accept that.  The one family we can stay connected to is the Family of God.  I have surrounded myself with many friends, most of whom are practicing Christians.  I attend church with many people that I consider "family" and that family grows all the time.  If you were not blessed (?) with a large or any family at all it ok, you can pick the people you want in your family, which could be a better deal.  I'm happy with my relatives and all my family.

On this day
1979  It was a Sunday and we had a lot of snow.  Pat came over and plowed my driveway, my neighbor was not happy that he put the plowed snow on his property by the street.  I later had to go and shovel by shovel -  move it. But after my car was freed I took off over to Pat and Pams and then to my Mom's house in Royal Oak.  I picked up my brother Mark and took him to the show to see Animal House (good Sunday movie ?)  I had dinner at Mom's after the show and then went to play Racquetball with Diane, Karen and Bonnie.  I couldn't pick any of them out of a line up this many years later!  But it was a full day wasn't it?  What are you doing today?

1639 - Connecticut's first constitution, the "Fundamental Orders," was adopted. 
If you are interested!

Jonkoping

Amy Linnéa Deasismont (born 15 April 1992), previously known under the stage name Amy Diamond, is a Swedish singer, actress, and television presenter. She is known for her single "What's in It for Me". The song was a 2005 hit in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. It was the most-played song in Poland that year; it remained in the top ten for four months. She has released six studio albums and performed on television as a singer, actress and hostess.^[1][2]

To date, her biggest hits have been "What's In It For Me", "Welcome To The City", "Don't Cry Your Heart Out", "It Can Only Get Better", "Stay My Baby", "Is It Love", "Up" and "Thank You".

She is also the youngest person in Sweden to have released a Greatest Hits album

Look it up on Utube!

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Dawn!

January 13, 2018 Saturday #Maintenance!#Always#games#unionflag#panarama!

Get Fit
How is that New Year resolution to get more exercise going?  If you are a person who keeps good habits with other things like brushing your teeth or maintenance on your car, you can do this!  It can be an important part of your routine.  If you maintain your car and your teeth it will be a shame for your health to go down the drain so that you won't have anything to smile about and unable to go anywhere in your car and enjoy yourself.  Get with it!!!

Get Faith
Matthew 28:20  (Jesus said.) "and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  As we worry about birthdays flying by and getting older, we worry about our ability to accomplish the things we want to do.  Like others I burn up my days with one activity after another.  I am not good at resting.  Here is something you don't have to worry about, after this life is over - God will be waiting for you. He has a place waiting for you, and it doesn't matter whether you got everything done here or not.  It doesn't matter how much you have accumulated or lost.  It only matters that you believe in Him and that He has always been there for you - and always will be.  All glory and praise to our God.

On this day
1978  It was a Friday and I went to my Mom's house to celebrate her birthday which was a few days before on the 9th.  My brother Mark and I played backgammon after dinner and Waynette came by for a while.  Now I think that was a relaxing and enjoyable evening.  When was the last time you played backgammon? or any game?  I am not a good game player, but I still enjoy playing.

1794 - U.S. President Washington approved a measure adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the union.  So that went to 15?
  yes

Jonkoping Sweden
what a beautiful city!

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  

January 11, 2018 Thursday #WALK#Doyoubelieve?#SprechensieDeutsch?#SpeakSwedish?

Get Fit
We have a regulation size gym a church and I understand 10 times around is 1/2 a mile.  So I didn't count but got in what I could before Bible study.  Do what you can!

Get Faith
2 Corinthians 5:17  "When someone becomes a Christian "(they) become a brand new person inside.  (They) are not the same any more.  A new life has begun!"  The Bible is full of stories of God saving people.  Rahab was a woman of questionable character but she knew God.  She provided safety for the Israelite men who came to Jericho to spy on the city.  She helped them escape by hanging a scarlet cord over the wall of the city so they could escape and then hung that same scarlet cord in her window so the Israelites could save her and her family after the walls crumbled.  This is an old testament story but still a story of God's saving grace.  Jesus saved all those who want to be saved by dying on the cross for us and then was resurrected  from death as we will be at the end time.  Do you believe?  Are you saved?  I hope so.

On this day
1977  Mom and I decided to sign up for a German  class.  This was not my first time trying to learn German.  Mom spoke German as a child growing up, she was born in Germany.  But, unless you have an opportunity to speak it on a regular basis it is hard to hang on to.  Maybe if I went and lived in Germany I could learn - ok that's settled.

1977 - France released Abu Daoud, a Palestinian suspected of involvement in the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics.  Did we think this was a recent phenomenon?

Jonkoping Sweden

Don't Assume All Swedes Speak English

•••

English might be a universal language, but don’t expect to hear your mother tongue in most parts of Europe. In fact, you can only be guaranteed to hear English in the UK, but it is certainly not the predominant language in Sweden. This is not to say that Swedes cannot speak English, but keep in mind that this is not their first language. Whatever you do, when you encounter a non-native English speaker in Sweden, do not raise your voice and speak more slowly to them as if they were raised in the back of a chicken coop. Learn a few basic Swedish phrases instead.

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  

January 10, 2018 Wednesday #Yoga#healthyfear#tinyhouse#Islandhopping!

Get Fit
There are yoga classes everywhere these days. We have holy yoga on Friday at church and don't you know that is the day I have been working.  A friend, Adele, started yoga last year and loves it as I am sure you would if you try.  I have one yoga video I do at home that has 2 sessions AM and PM.  Do what works for you but I promise you will like yoga.

Get Faith
Psalm 51:1 "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love."  Are you one of those people that say (jokingly) "if I went to church the roof would fall down"?  It won't,  the church is already full of sinners.  You are WAY underestimating God's love for you.  His mercy is with those who love Him and fear Him and if you are afraid of the roof - you already have a healthy fear of the Lord.  Show up in His house and see.

On this day
1976  I had a party at my house in Birmingham.  Now, my house was so small that the living room was probably smaller than most of your bedrooms.  I am still in contact with a few of these people but others I have no idea.  I'm listing them here for my friends that read this.  Pete, Gary and Jenny Sherman, Eddie & Donna, Chuck & Gail, Pat & Pam, Rich Lesko, Ty  & Vicki, Don & Diane, and Don & Elaine, were all jammed into my tiny house and I believe there was a snowstorm that night.  Gary and Jenny may still be together but they are the only ones.  Mind you, we were young and relationships were not cast in stone. Many of them are not with us anymore.  I just like to remember people and hope you do too.  Call someone you haven't talked to in a while!

1776 - "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine was published. I wonder if  this is relevant, I know a few people I'd like to send it to, what about you?

Jonkoping Sweden

15 Things NOT to Do in Sweden

6. Don’t Skip Out On the Island Hopping

As the fourth largest country in Europe, Sweden has plenty of coastline. That coast overlooks a series of beautiful islands that are home to all manner of people and creatures. The country has made it pretty easy to access these islands, and a lot of them are something special, so don’t miss out.   I should look more into this.

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy birthday Pastor Chris

January 9, 2018 Tuesday #Soulman#Safeandsecure#Momsbirthday#nodecaf!

Get Fit
I am catching on to the new Richard video "Sweatin to the Oldies" that Nicole gave me for Christmas.  I have all the moves down for "Soul Man"!!  Working on the Michael Jackson song that comes on next.  I imagine it would make a good video of its own watching people trying to follow the moves for the first time.  Today I almost punched myself in the nose.  Explain that to the doctor.

Get Faith
Psalm 110:3  "Your strength shall be renewed day by day like morning dew."  Who doesn't know the power of feeling safe and secure?  It makes you comfortable, happy with your life and energetic.  But you should know that some people who have way less than what we have, also feel safe and secure.  They have their faith to sustain them and that is what I take from this verse.  The faith in God that you build on daily in thanks and worship gives you that strength, even if you are on a sinking ship.  My strength is in the Lord, I pray yours is too.

On this day
1975  My brother Mark was going to night school to finish his high school diploma and he was living with me in Birmingham.  I had bought him a little dog, Ziggy, to enrich his life?  My life?  great dog!  On this day after taking him to school I went to Mom's in Royal Oak, it was her birthday.  In my life I am sure I will never forget her birthday or the fact that it is Hudson's Baptism day.  Now that's special.

1793 - Jean-Pierre Blanchard made the first successful balloon flight in the U.S. Imagine how dangerous it was in those days? When they knew so little about the consequences and so little in reparative surgery!

Jonkoping Sweden
Still looking at the no no's

15 Things NOT to Do in Sweden

4. Don’t Ask For Decaf

Swedish people are universal fans of caffeine, which means that decaffeinated coffee comes in one of two varieties: awful and non-existent.

5. Don’t Skip the Seafood

The cuisine in Sweden is truly one-of-a-kind, but they really shine when it comes to seafood. From cod to herring and everywhere in between, the Swedish people have elevated seafood to a new level. If you don’t mind experimenting with what the country has to offer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Cathy K

January 8, 2018 Monday#Pilates#Iamlistening#deafandhigh#watergate#Sodertalje

Get Fit
All the years I have been using the Pilates ring video I never noticed there are other workouts on it beside the one I always used.  This morning was just a leg workout and I liked it.  Something new.

Get Faith
Isaiah 40:31 "But they who wait in the Lord will renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not be faint."  This verse has been my "go to" the past year.  After my lung cancer surgery I made a point of getting back to working out as soon as I could - and it helped but there was something else.  My sense of well being had taken a hit and this verse kept popping up in my journal (today) in my Bible study groups, on my phone, until I finally got the message.  Remember the other day "I am listening" ?  I started listening and my faith came back to make myself whole - my being.  Trust God to renew all of your strength!

On this day
1973  Quality had a new billing/bookkeeping system from Borroughs.  It was a huge desk sized (computer) type billing machine.  I had to run a data tape through it as a program so I could do the billing on it.  We thought we were at the height of technology with that thing.  The guy from Boroughs that sold it to us and trained us to use it was Eric.  He was kind of an odd duck, more mental than social I think.  He had a small apartment in downtown Birmingham and he smoked a lot of dope.  He was a geek for the time and had a huge sound system - Quadraphonic, cutting edge that I probably lost a lot of my hearing ability to.  I dated him for a while, but even for me - he was too far out there.  He is probably a grandfather with a severe hearing loss now, but probably grows his own.

1973 - The trial opened in Washington, of seven men accused of bugging Democratic Party headquarters in the Watergate apartment complex in Washington, DC. In case you were thinking bad politics was a new thing.

Jonkoping Sweden

3. Don’t Worry About Not Being Able to Pronounce the Town Names

Sure, Stockholm is easy, but what about Uppsala, Linköping, or Södertälje? Sweden’s language is a minefield of punctuation and accents you never even knew existed. Fortunately, the locals are pretty understanding about this shortcoming, so don’t lose too much sleep when you’re trying to navigate; just ask a citizen.

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday to Janice T!