tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.comments2010-10-11T16:56:25.444-05:00WRITING FOR GOD'S GLORYJudy Vandiverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04944373739732903661noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-23165677323131192412010-05-04T22:28:40.721-05:002010-05-04T22:28:40.721-05:00Great post! The part that resonated most with me i...Great post! The part that resonated most with me is that we often ignore warning signs that are staring us in the face. What a wake up call! Thank you for sounding the alarm.Sherrice Thomashttp://www.sherricethomas.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-20787060285559070642009-10-15T09:53:35.667-05:002009-10-15T09:53:35.667-05:00Judy..WOW...God is so awesome! Your words are the ...Judy..WOW...God is so awesome! Your words are the wexact words that God wanted me to hear today. I was feeling frustrated and down about my "position" regarding being unemployed and after so many applications and cancelled interviews and hiring freezes. Please pray that I can be happy with the position that God has chosen for me.....Rhonda Phelanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13501278366594277699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-44284025720479619782009-10-07T09:24:58.454-05:002009-10-07T09:24:58.454-05:00You know, I haven't had a lot of time to read ...You know, I haven't had a lot of time to read your updates...but these posts do touch me. When life happens and my schedule is thrown off I will remember what you wrote and turn to God for the wisdom and comfort I need. Thanks for sharing your perspective with me.Michelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14347621462425594124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-82233166231114889142009-09-25T20:19:07.481-05:002009-09-25T20:19:07.481-05:00God doesn't play dice with the Universe and pe...God doesn't play dice with the Universe and people go through things for a reason.It's not always easy but you have to have faith that the reason will make itself known to you and if not faith that God knows what he is doing.Melissanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-24312423936032921772009-09-25T14:29:21.286-05:002009-09-25T14:29:21.286-05:00Grodgers, What a smart idea and so much shorter th...Grodgers, What a smart idea and so much shorter than my spill about the toe migraine. Ha ha.Judy Vandiverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04944373739732903661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-85695368904738605172009-09-25T14:23:04.640-05:002009-09-25T14:23:04.640-05:00OK, two comments. The first, I don't have thi...OK, two comments. The first, I don't have this problem any more because we cancelled the land line and only use cell phones. It's wonderful. <br /><br />But, in the day when we did have a land line a friend of mine whose husband was a carpet cleaner received a call from someone wanting to clean her carpets. She said, "Oh, that is what my husband does for a living." The person laughed and said, "I guess you don't need us then." So... we got this great idea, that no matter who calls, THAT is what our husband does.grodgersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-2840201464255712032009-09-25T13:33:19.282-05:002009-09-25T13:33:19.282-05:00Carol, I too, have been called names by telemarket...Carol, I too, have been called names by telemarketers. The one that stands out in my memory was the one who told me she needed to speak to my husband about a private and personal matter. When he heard her start her spill as a telemarketer, he handed the phone back to me. <br /><br />"Why did you say this was personal when you're trying to sell something?" I asked. <br /><br />She screamed the "B" word at me and hung up. <br /><br />I'm sorry you didn't get your free watch, but something tells me those diamonds weren't real. :-)Judy Vandiverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04944373739732903661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-21253060906128842472009-09-25T13:28:32.203-05:002009-09-25T13:28:32.203-05:00Katherine, don't you also hate the automated v...Katherine, don't you also hate the automated voice that tells you to please hold for an important message? Not only have they interrupted my day, but they want me to stand there and hold the phone until the next available operator is ready. I don't think so.... I usually hang up. Recently, however, I stayed on the line to see what it was about. When the operator came on the line, she started her spill about how they could lower my interest rate on my Discover card. My response: "Since I don't have a Discover card, and therefore no interest rate to pay, does this mean that if I apply for a card, you'll actually pay me interest every time I make a purchase on the card?" The lady hung up.Judy Vandiverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04944373739732903661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-21807737365742726122009-09-25T12:22:54.770-05:002009-09-25T12:22:54.770-05:00Oh, Judy, I hope you do give that answer to a tele...Oh, Judy, I hope you do give that answer to a telemarketer, and I hope you tell us what happens.<br /><br />My best telephone story was a telemarketer who began by telling me I had won a diamond watch. Why I didn't just hang up like I usually do, I don't know, but I said OK and continued to confirm my address (which he already had) for delivery.<br /><br />Now, he said, we're going to also send you a free magazine subscription. So I chose one of magazine selections.<br /><br />Believe it or not, he continued, we're going to give you a second free subscription. So I made another choice.<br /><br />Now, all you have to do is buy one magazine subscription. When I replied that I was not going to buy any magazines, he assured me it would cost only pennies a day.<br /><br />I said no.<br /><br />"But," his voice began to get a little nasty, "it's less than a cup of coffee a day."<br /><br />No.<br /><br />Voice is now decidedly nasty, "Don't tell me you can't afford a few cents a day!" I wondered where he bought coffee. Or maybe it was his math skills that weren't quite right.<br /><br />When I replied, "No, I'm not buying any magazines" he shouted, "Cheap!" into the phone and hung up. I was left asking the dead line, "Does this mean I don't get my diamond watch?"<br /><br />And apparently that's what it meant--the watch never arrived, but I had a laugh at his expense.<br />CarolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-71094343163612433842009-09-25T12:13:48.644-05:002009-09-25T12:13:48.644-05:00My pet hate is the "caller" who isn'...My pet hate is the "caller" who isn't even human--or even alive. Usually these are telemarketer recordings (which kick in even when answered by voice mail, which usually means you get a VM message with the front end cut off, or--in some programmer's genius attempt to avoid that--thirty seconds of silence when you do pick up in person). But I have also picked up the phone to hear fax-line noises and nothing else.<br /><br />And I once got a political-survey call where, after having politely answered the first few questions (which held no interest for me whatsoever), I lost patience and asked if the survey taker hadn't exhausted the list yet. (No time estimate had been provided up front.) She said, "I'm afraid it'll take another ten minutes." Whereupon I replied, "No, it won't," and hung up on her.Katherinehttp://newsongsfromtheheart.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-29930456574231657922009-09-24T12:16:05.652-05:002009-09-24T12:16:05.652-05:00wow! This is nice to remember about God's grac...wow! This is nice to remember about God's grace. This was a time of war, some didn't agree with Bush sending our troops to fight there. BUT....they didn't have a choice. Just as Steve didnt have a choice to have boulders thrown at him. However, God used the situation in ways that we may never know. Who's to say that the one act of kidness steve showed didn't make one Iraqi or American think different about prejudice or even more important come to know the lord. Some things we as humans can not control. But you can control how to react.Marthanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-81516530133527739002009-09-21T19:15:10.565-05:002009-09-21T19:15:10.565-05:00Very good thoughts to ponder. . . Will be coming b...Very good thoughts to ponder. . . Will be coming back tomorrow. . Lord willing!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06187591457238362368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-5817835108619049572009-09-21T12:14:21.357-05:002009-09-21T12:14:21.357-05:00Loved it. Thank you.Loved it. Thank you.Sheilanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-49062708015407763492009-09-21T10:46:13.676-05:002009-09-21T10:46:13.676-05:00Well Done!Well Done!Heather Clinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-49021492888880576792009-09-20T21:13:13.917-05:002009-09-20T21:13:13.917-05:00OK. . . I'll be watching. . . I'm excited....OK. . . I'll be watching. . . I'm excited. . You are a great writer and a fun friend!Shirleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06187591457238362368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-3777635101979382042009-09-14T09:44:10.927-05:002009-09-14T09:44:10.927-05:00Beautiful blog post!Beautiful blog post!Jennifer Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06360330085131177132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-49988370053003753702009-05-05T07:58:00.000-05:002009-05-05T07:58:00.000-05:00Great post. While I attend a contrmporary worhip s...Great post. While I attend a contrmporary worhip service, I enjoy visiting at your church, catching up with old friends and being led in worship by Stanley and Debbie. They always show a since of joy and a true love of the talent they were gifted by the Lord. Worship makes my heart slow down and prepares me for God's word. Isn't that one of the many reasons we worship? I think they always prepared the congregation for the Word. It is just up to the person if they will let the music do what is suppose to do.<br />Michele.Michelehttp://www.michelevandiver.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-5728098563879356552009-04-11T10:56:00.000-05:002009-04-11T10:56:00.000-05:00I'm cracking up! Yes, you are a writer. Anyone t...I'm cracking up! Yes, you are a writer. Anyone that can get inspiration from a roll of TP is golden! hahaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-27674571305229073102009-04-11T10:53:00.000-05:002009-04-11T10:53:00.000-05:00Nice job -- I never thought about how I'd summariz...Nice job -- I never thought about how I'd summarize my life. I think I'll be pondering this for many days to come...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-22736277055784760012009-02-22T20:10:00.000-06:002009-02-22T20:10:00.000-06:00I think we have all been there. Really give me som...I think we have all been there. Really give me something to think aboutAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-11979974103262972292009-02-20T12:49:00.000-06:002009-02-20T12:49:00.000-06:00oppps! It's been so long since I posted that I ga...oppps! It's been so long since I posted that I gave the wrong blog name.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-86901731733157615202009-02-20T12:42:00.000-06:002009-02-20T12:42:00.000-06:00Judy, I have read with much interest the two post ...Judy, I have read with much interest the two post on Texas Ghost Town and also your devotionals. You are indeed a very interesting writer. . . one of many talents you have.<BR/>Keep writing. . I'll be reading :)<BR/><BR/>ShirleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-7485782868083014792009-02-17T18:45:00.000-06:002009-02-17T18:45:00.000-06:00Hi Judy... Your hubby posted your blog site on the...Hi Judy... Your hubby posted your blog site on the class email exchange/newsy letter and I was so excited to see what you were writing about Indianola... I was born in Calhoun County and spent the first years of my life there while my dad was stationed at the Airforce base on Matagorda Island... its best known for the mosquitoes there that are the size of small chicken hawks... not really , but it seems like it if you are mapping...Matagorda is a spooky place, in and of itself... every so often they turn up an old live munition shell dropped during practice runs on the beach near there during the Korean war... I remember a few of the stories he brought home from guys who had been stationed there for a long time... the place always has intrigued me... there is just something different about how it feels there... the only way i can describe it is a profound feelings of loss and lost...the one that remains the clearest to me is about a 15 year old girl that was shipped overseas with other young girls that were basically street urchins and would be missed by no one... this particular girl was especially pretty, they say, long, jet-black hair... unusual green eyes and the fairest of skin that contrasted startlingly with her naturally red lips and rosy cheeks... she was brought with these other girls to broker into marriage... sort of like mail order brides as i understood it... a much older sea captain took a fancy for her and took her in marriage(some say it was 20 years difference in their age, some say 40)... he had a large home built for her with a widows walk that could view his coming and going when he sailed between there and New Orleans and Florida on a regular basis... the young girl was kept like a prisoner in her home because of the Captain's jealousy and insecurity about keeping a young wife happy... he employed a woman to keep her constant company and to report everything that she did to him... but even though the woman had come with fine references and from a decent family... she led a rather fast and secretive life, late at night, at a rather rough and tumble bar and keep on the outskirts of town... almost in know time, feeling sorry for her mistress, she began to sneak her out at night with her... and even though there was staff in the home that knew what the young women were doing they were to afraid to ever tell the captain anything and pretended not to know anything at all... it didn't take long before the young german girl found herself the focus of affection of a phantom man who would appear with a number of other sailors at the pub almost every week especially if he knew she would be there... as it always goes in those kind of tales... he was dashing, handsome and quite a bit nearer her age than her captain husband and she became quite smitten with him or the idea of him... he claimed he was madly in love with her as well and managed to have his way with her.... she soon found out that she was carrying his child... under the influence of her female companion, who was terrified of what would become of the both of them... the young girl stopped meeting her lover immediately... leaving him desperate to see her and understand what had happened... the girl's companion arranged to let the young man into see her mistress while the captain was still away because he threated her with her very life... in tears she told him that she was with child and that her husband would kill them both should he ever find out the child wasn't his... so she told him to leave and never return... he begged her to run away with him... they were at an impass... grief stricken the young pirate contrived a plan to pirate the old captain's ship when it returned to Indianola... his shipmates were game... so the plan was struck and when the time came they cast off to take the captain's ship and the young pirate planned to kill the old man or at the very least make him conveniently suffer a fatal accident and disappear for good during the confrontation... in the midst of all this the young german girl went into premature labor giving birth to a perfectly formed little boy who did not survive and in turn she died shortly after... this all happened at approximately the same hour and day of the siege... that found both boats at battle and caught by a storm... all members of both crafts were lost... its been said that the young woman has been seen in a gauzy white old fashion night dress carrying her baby running as though very afraid and looking over her shoulder... she has been seen crossing roads in the area appearing as a misty form screaming and disappearing as quickly as she was seen... one can only imagine who it is she runs from and who she runs too or if she will ever find the young pirate and escape the captain and ever find peace... she is only one amongst many ghosts in that stretch of lonely beach and sea grass... another version of the story claims that the Captain managed to kill the young pirate never knowing who he was... at the same time in his home, the companion delivered her charges child and smothered them both so that when the Captain returned she claimed the child had been his and they had both died... getting her off the hook... supposedly the Captain eventually married the young wife's companion who ironically died giving birth to his child... if either story be true... it would seem that there would be many unsettled souls as a result<BR/><BR/>Anyway, that's one amongst many stories I remember being told... hope you found it interesting... I'm so happy to see someone writing about that part of Texas... there is so little told about it... I hope to hear more about what you find out... great luck and many smiles,<BR/><BR/>Caroline Eveningstorm/Marth Beatycaroline eveningstormhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07924375790719339924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-20757362077654432032009-02-16T18:45:00.000-06:002009-02-16T18:45:00.000-06:00Very interesting. I'd never heard of this town. Go...Very interesting. I'd never heard of this town. Good post.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17406103471551171672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6841230884541540054.post-48736727375438604112009-02-16T15:13:00.000-06:002009-02-16T15:13:00.000-06:00The Texas History Museum in San Antonio I think ha...The Texas History Museum in San Antonio I think has a video on Texas towns. Indianola is on it.<BR/>I used to show the series to my 4th grade class. You might check them for further information. There is also a children's book written about a lady's grandmother who came from Germany and landed on the Texas coast. The grandmother's mother was buried on the coast there. You might check Eakin Press in Austin. I am so sorry I can't remember the name of the book. The family ended up settling near New Braunfels.Moonine Sue Watsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13606853537439975545noreply@blogger.com