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!