Mr. Know It All

Abuse isn't just physical. It can be verbal and emotional, too. There is help. --LKR

Mr. Know It All

Well ya think you know it all

But ya don't know a thing at all

Ain't it, ain't it something y'all

When somebody tells you something 'bout you

Think that they know you more than you do

So you take it down another pill to swallow

Mr. Bring Me Down

Well ya, ya like to bring me down, don't you?

But I ain't laying down, baby, I ain't goin' down

Can't nobody tell me how it's gonna be

Nobody's gonna make a fool out of me

Baby, you should know that I lead not follow

Oh you think that you know me, know me

That's why I'm leaving you lonely, lonely

'Cause baby you don't know a thing about me

You don't know a thing about me

You ain't got the right to tell me

When and where to go, no right to tell me

Acting like you own me lately

Yeah baby you don't know a thing about me

You don't know a thing about me

Mr. Play Your Games

Only got yourself to blame when you want me back again

But I ain't falling back again

'Cause I'm living my truth without your lies

Let's be clear baby this is goodbye

I ain't coming back tomorrow

Oh you think that you know me, know me

That's why I'm leaving you lonely, lonely

'Cause baby you don't know a thing about me

You don't know a thing about me

You ain't got the right to tell me

When and where to go, no right to tell me

Acting like you own me lately

Yeah baby you don't know a thing about me

You don't know a thing about me

So what you've got the world at your feet

And you know everything about everything

But you don't

You still think I'm coming back but baby you'll see yeah...

Oh you think that you know me, know me

That's why I'm leaving you lonely, lonely

'Cause baby you don't know a thing about me

You don't know a thing about me

You ain't got the right to tell me

When and where to go, no right to tell me

Acting like you own me lately

Yeah baby you don't know a thing about me

You don't know a thing about me

Mr. Know It All

Well ya think you know it all

But ya don't know a thing at all

Yeah baby you don't know a thing about me

You don't know a thing about me.

This Lame Man Now Walks!

Enjoy this awesomely inspiring video of Arthur Boorman, an injured Gulf War Veteran, as he overcomes the disability his doctors told him he'd never be able to overcome!

Years ago, I had a friend who was in a car accident who was told she'd never be able to walk or use her arms. She wouldn't take that as an answer, so worked very hard. Within a year, she was walking and hugging, again!

Moral of these two (of many) stories? To quote a line from Galaxy Quest, "Never give up! Never surrender!" --LKR

Dancing Flowers

Enjoy!!! --LKR

Sunday's Song--The End of the Beginning

Here's to a very Happy and Blessed Easter! --LKR

Raising Confident Girls

Robi's article can be read here. The interview is below. Enjoy! --LKR

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

6 Tips for Raising a Confident Daughter

Psychologist Robi Ludwig says parents can help their young girls grow up to be strong women by acknowledging their strengths, sharing their passions, and pointing out positive female role models.

This morning on "Parenting Today," raising confident girls. Every parent wants her daughter to grow up to be strong, smart, and successful women. But in a world filled with mixed messages that often highlights beauty over brains, parenting a young woman can be daunting. Here with some advice is psychologist Robi Ludwig, contributor to care.com. Good morning, Robi.

Good morning.

So much to talk about here. I'm very interested in this as the father of a young girl. We do put an awful lot of emphasis on appearance in our society.

It's true. In fact, care.com did a survey and found what adjectives did mothers use when describing their daughters. You're beautiful. So clearly, listen, we live in a world where beauty does count. But if that's the only message your send to your child it's a dangerous one because really, we're comparing ourselves to images at one point that aren't even really real. And you don't want to give your child that there's only one trait that matters.

So how do you fight what's happening in society? Because as you say the reality is you go out into the world and people will judge a woman on her looks. You open up magazines, it's all about appearance. How do you fight that?

You have to remember that as a parent, your voice counts. In fact, it lives inside your child for the rest of their lives. So if you help your daughter understand that, yes, looks are important, but often what they're comparing themselves to are airbrushed images or there are many successful people in the world who are not only attractive, but they're smart, and confident, then that message will get through to your child.

And maybe when you're giving a compliment to your daughter lead with smart.

And also confident. so when you're looking at your daughter, point out, you know, "I really like how thoughtful you are with your friends". Or, "Wow, you are such a great cook". or "Oh, you're so organized. In fact, you're more organized than Mommy". You're pointing out things that she's good at. And you're noticing her strengths. And really, part of having high self-esteem is knowing what you're confident and good at.

I love the second one. Share your daughter's passion. Explain that one.

You want to plug in to what your daughter likes. And this sends the message, what she likes and what she is turned on by really matters to you. So you really are following your daughter's lead and you're also sending the message, "You don't need to be exactly like Mommy and Daddy. You can be like yourself, and have your own interests, and we will follow those interests and expose you to those interests".

And expand into some fields dominated by boys like science.

Math and science and we're seeing women, you know, representing all areas these days, which is terrific.

Your next tip, teach her to claim her own strengths with pride.

Right.

What does that mean?

Men are really good at this. But sometimes little girls or women have a hard time saying, "You know what, I'm really great with vocabulary". Or "I'm a fabulous reader". or "I'm a fabulous runner". You don't want to necessarily encourage them to say it to every single person that they meet. But basically have a knowledge of themselves. It''s wonderful because they're going to need it in terms of going out into the world and being resilient. And the person who is confident about the many areas that they have strengths in, they tend to be the more humble people.

Now, what's the best way for a parent, a father like me, to be supportive when a young girl is struggling with her self-esteem, maybe hearing things at school from friends that are making her feel bad about herself. What can I do as a dad?

Well, listening is learning. You basically want to listen to your child, remind her of all of her strengths and why she is special, remind her how you are there for her as a parent. and you may want to tell a story about something that happened to you in childhood or somebody who's prominent, who went through something similar and came out the other end. But basically the job of a parent is to help your child make sense of what's going on in their lives.

We're running out of time. But I want to get to point out positive female role models that we see in public. But also incorporate everyone in your daughter's circle. family, friends. How do you pull that off?

Basically, tell your baby sitters, your extended family, that you want your child to know that she's smart and to identify the areas in which she's good at. It's not just about beauty. It's the total package, a person that feels good about themselves. It starts in the home and they know that there are lots of areas that they're good at and strong.

Great advice. And you said the right thing. Parents have the strongest voice.

They really do. It lives on forever. so your voice counts the most.

Robi, thanks so much. Great to talk to you this morning.

The Beauty of Flowers

These are of things to come very soon! Enjoy!!! --LKR

The Beauty of Flowers (Красота цветов) from VOROBYOFF PRODUCTION on Vimeo.

Terrific Tuesdays

Soldier's Deck of Cards from joylights on GodTube.

Enjoy!!! --LKR

If I were the Devil...

This was broadcast back in 1965. It also is known as "Warning for America". Very insightful! We need to wake up, America!!! --LKR

If I were the Devil - Paul Harvey (Warning for America) from anberlin_fan on GodTube.

My Child

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Terrific Tuesdays

I was an Art Major in High School and find this absolutely amazing! Enjoy! --LKR

Amazing Speed Finger Painting from inspiredfaith on GodTube.

What Is Love?

What is love?

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4"

Happy Valentine's Day!!! --LKR

Gluten-Free Friday

My eldest daughter's 18th birthday is Sunday, and once again, she'd rather not have cake, which is fine with us. Hers is the second of five birthdays in a two month period, so it's a welcomed change! Hope you'll enjoy this as much as we do! --LKR

Note: By all means, use butter in place of the oil. I just make it this way when trying to stay away from dairy or while doing a detox.

Apple Crisp

Grease a 10x6x2" baking dish with sesame, apricot, olive, or safflower oil. Place 4 cups of sliced apples in a 10x6x2" baking dish. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 cup of water.

In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup of rice flour with 1/3 cup of any oils listed above. Blend with a spoon 'til crumbly. Slowly add about 1 cup of either honey or maple syrup and continue to mix with spoon.

Drop mixture on top of apples, and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

The nice thing about this dessert is you don't have to be exact about any of the ingredients. You could add more apples, or use less; make more of the crumbled topping, or less; add more cinnamon or sweetener, or less of either of them.

Sunday's Song--The Power of Your Love

Power Of Your Love

Lord I come to You

Let my heart be changed, renewed

Flowing from the grace

That I found in You.

And Lord I've come to know

The weaknesses I see in me

Will be stripped away

By the power of Your love.

Hold me close

Let Your love surround me

Bring me near

Draw me to Your side.

And as I wait

I'll rise up like the eagle

And I will soar with You

Your Spirit leads me on

In the power of Your love.

Lord unveil my eyes

Let me see You face to face

The knowledge of Your love

As You live in me.

Lord renew my mind

As Your will unfolds in my eyes

In living every day

by the power of Your love.

--Geoff Bullock, 1992

Gluten-Free Friday

Looking for a way to get some healthy, raw garlic into your diet? Try this on any brand of bread, even the blander, less flavorful ones. My dad got me hooked on this when I was younger:

Garlic Bread

Toast a slice of gluten-free bread

Rub a small clove of garlic over the surface

Butter liberally (helps cut the bite)

Eat! If this is too much "taste" for you, cut into pieces and use as croutons for a salad. Enjoy! --LKR

O Holy Night--Jackie Evancho

Jackie Evancho beautifully singing one of my favorite songs for the season. A very Merry and Blessed Christmas and New Year to you all! --LKR

Lighting of the Tree

In 1985, just before lighting the National Christmas Tree, these were President Reagan's remarks:

"My fellow Americans, thank you for joining Nancy and me on this festive evening. The menorah stands lighted in Lafayette Park, for this is also the time of Hanukkah, and this season is rich in the meaning of our Judeo-Christian tradition. In a moment we'll be lighting the National Christmas Tree, carrying forward what is now a 62-year tradition first begun by Calvin Coolidge.

Tonight we're drawn in warmth to one another as we reflect upon the deeply holy meaning of the miracle we shall soon celebrate. We know that Mary and Joseph reached the stable in Bethlehem sometime after sunset. We do not know the exact moment the Christ Child was born, only what we would have seen if we'd been standing there as we stand here now: Suddenly, a star from heaven shining in our eyes, shining with brilliant beauty across the skies, a star pointing toward eternity in the night, like a great ring of pure and endless light, and then all was calm, and all was bright. Such was the beginning of one solitary life that would shake the world as never before or since. When we speak of Jesus and of His life, we speak of a man revered as a prophet and teacher by people of all religions, and Christians speak of someone greater—a man who was and is divine. He brought forth a power that is infinite and a promise that is eternal, a power greater than all mankind's military might, for His power is Godly love, love that can lift our hearts and soothe our sorrows and heal our wounds and drive away our fears. He promised there will never be a long night that does not end. He promised to deliver us from dark torment and tragedy into the warming sunlight of human happiness, and beyond that, into paradise. He's never been a halfway giver; His generosity is pure and perfect and sure.

This, then, expresses the true meaning of Christmas. If each of us could give but a fraction to one another of what He gave to the whole human family, how many hearts could heal, how much sorrow and pain could be driven away? There's still time for joy and gladness to touch a sad and lonely soul, still time to feed a hungry child, to wrap a present for a kind old man feeling forlorn and afraid, and to reach out to an abandoned mother raising children on her own. There's still time to remember our Armed Forces, to express our profound gratitude to those keeping watch on faraway frontiers of freedom, and to redouble our energies to account for our MIA's. They are not and never will be forgotten. And there's still time to remember the deepest truth of all: that there can be no prisons, no walls, no boundaries separating the members of God's family.

Let us reach out tonight to every person who is persecuted; let us embrace and comfort, support and love them. Let us come together as one family under the fatherhood of God, binding ourselves in a communion of hearts, for tonight and tomorrow and for all time. May we give thanks for an America abundantly blessed, for a nation united, free, and at peace. May we carry forward the happiness of the Christmas spirit as the guiding star of our endeavors 365 days a year. And as we light this magnificent tree, may all the youthful hope and joy of America light up the heavens and make the angels sing.

Merry Christmas, and God bless you all. And now we're going to light the tree."

Lean On Me

Christopher Duffley was born blind and autistic, but that's not stopping him! I've been enjoying listening to him sing several different songs. Here is one of them. Hope you enjoy! --LKR

A Word From One of Or Founding Fathers

Happy Thanksgiving! A word from one of our founding fathers:

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;- and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; - to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

--George Washington, Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789

Remember These?

Boy does this bring back memories! There are three Dr. Pepper commercials from the 70's, and the first two are at least partly filmed in my home town of Chatham, NJ.

David Naughton is in the first commercial, here. In the second, he is in it along with Jimmy Walker who was starring in the tv program "Good Times", and Fred Flintstone. The last commercial here is for Sugar-free Dr. Pepper and featured Sandahl Bergman..

I do not drink any soda, never have and never will, but loved these lively, catchy-tuned commercials that are now around 35 years old. --LKR

Gluten-Free Friday Rice, Meat, and Sauerkraut

Gluten-free recipe for

11-11-11

When Hubby and I were first married, he thought this was the most disgusting sounding combination 'til he actually tried a bite. Now he loves this dish and requests it if I haven't made it in a while! :-)

The below is a Hungarian dish that my mom claims I turned into a Mexican meal because I added kidney beans to it, but she likes it better that way, and so do we! :-)

Rice, Meat, and Sauerkraut

3 C Rice, cooked (more or less, depending upon family size and casserole dish you're using)

Ground Beef or Pork (Turkey works, too)

2 cans Red Kidney Beans, rinsed

Fresh Garlic, minced

Pepper to taste (I used Cayenne, but it calls for Black Pepper)

A few shakes of Paprikas (Opt)

1 large jar/can of Sauerkraut (The one with only salt, NOT caraway seeds), mostly drained

Grease casserole dish. Spread about 1/2 the rice in bottom, reserving the remainder for the top layer.

Brown the meat with garlic in a little water (or you can use olive oil). Add kidney beans and cook a little longer. Season with pepper. Spoon over rice.

Cook sauerkraut. Layer over meat.

Top with remaining rice. Cover and place in oven @ 350 for 30 min to allow flavors to blend and cook together.

Serve and enjoy!

Note: I don't add salt 'cuz there's enough in the sauerkraut. Also, if you use enough or a lot of garlic, you won't miss the salt! :-)

Happy Veteran's Day!!!

Thanks to all who have served, are serving, and will serve our great country, protecting our freedoms and liberties, and thanks to your families as well! Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed!!!

"... in our hearts you will always be young, full of the love that is youth, love of life, love of joy, love of country - you fought for your country and for its safety and for the freedom of others with strength and courage. We love you for it. We honor you. And we have faith that, as He does all His sacred children, the Lord will bless you and keep you, the Lord will make His face to shine upon you and give you peace, now and forevermore."

President Ronald Reagan

1988 Veteran's Day address

Terrific Tuesdays

Minstrelsy Monday

Sunday's Song--Cannons

Cannons

It's falling from the clouds

A strange and lovely sound

I hear it in the thunder and rain

It's ringing in the skies

Like cannons in the night

The music of the universe plays

You are holy great and mighty

The moon and the stars declare who You are

I'm so unworthy, but still You love me

Forever my heart will sing of how great You are

Beautiful and free

Song of Galaxies

It's reaching far beyond the milky way

Lets join in with the sound

C'mon let's sing it loud

As the music of the universe plays

All glory, honor, power is Yours amen

All glory, honor, power is Yours amen

All glory, honor, power is Yours forever amen

--Phil Wickham, 2007

Terrific Tuesdays

Sunday's Song--Psalm 19

Psalm 19


May the words of my mouth
And the meditations of my heart
Be pleasing to you, pleasing to You
May the words of my mouth
And the meditations of my heart
Be pleasing to You my God


You’re my Rock and my Redeemer
You’re the reason that I sing
I desire to be a blessing
In Your eyes
Every hour, every moment
Lord I want to be Your servant
I desire to be a blessing
In Your eyes, in Your eyes
--Terry Butler, 1995

Terrific Tuesdays

Traveling, this fall? View this before boarding your plane!

9/11/11 Ten Years Later

All of a sudden there were people screaming. I saw people jumping out of the building. Their arms were flailing. I stopped taking pictures and started crying. -Michael Walters
9/11 Never Forget.

¤*¨¨*¤.¸¸ ...¸.¤\
\ 9/11 AMERICA \
.\¸.¤*¨¨*¤ .¸¸.¸.¤*
..\
☻/
/▌
/ \ NEVER FORGET!!! keep the flag going !!! pass it on.......GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ If You're Proud To Be An American Wave

✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ This Flag In Honor Of The Fallen Men

✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ And Women Who Serve Our Country

✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ And Those Who Lost Their Lives On 9/11

☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ May God Watch Over and Protect Us

☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ And Continue to Bless This Great Country
☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ 9/11 - GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

Terrific Tuesdays

Sunday's Song--Majesty

Majesty (Here I Am)

Here I am humbled by Your Majesty
Covered by Your grace so free
Here I am, knowing I'm a sinful man
Covered by the blood of the Lamb

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since You laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in Your hands

Here I stand humbled by the love that You give
Forgiven so that I can forgive
Here I stand, knowing that I'm Your desire
Sanctified by glory and fire

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since You laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in Your hands
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love
In the presence of Your Majesty... .

-- Martin Smith and Stuart Garrard © 2004

Terrific Tuesdays

Terrific Tuesdays

How God Works The Ant and the Contact Lens A true story Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb.. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knock ed out her contact lens. 'Great', she thought. 'Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry.' She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there. She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying.. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens. When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse 'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.' She thought, 'Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.' Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, 'Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?' Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it! The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist.. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, 'Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You.' I think it would do all of us some good to say, 'God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will.' God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Yes, I do love GOD. He is my source of existence and my Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him....I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) --Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot