Between "The Rock" and a Hard Place

Life's Measuring Stick of Fairness

2012-01-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

There's one statement that gets my attention faster than anything else I've heard and that's the "It's not fair" statement.

You know, the one your children have probably thrown at you in the heat of the moment when you ask them to clean the bathroom and they feel its not "fair I have to clean the families bathroom, its not my mess" statement.

I answer my children in a stern, loving, truthful way and say

"Life isn't fair and it's not circus either."

They actually hate when I say that! There's a lot of truth in that statement, after all, isn't a fair and a circus purchased entertainment where you get to sit on the sidelines and pay the performers to entertain you (to serve you)?

I know I don't want to be the one sitting on the sideline of life. I want to be out there being who God created me to be. I don't want to pay someone to do my service for me...besides when you are the one out their serving you are being entertained by something much more profound...something deeper in your soul than entertainment can bring.

SOAPBOX BREAK?
Besides, who created life's "fairness" measuring stick? I've never seen one that appeals to me. If life is fair for me, does that mean its not fair for someone else? Doesn't each individual decide what they deem is fair for their own life? I know I wouldn't want someone to tell me what they think fairness for my life should or shouldn't be, would you?

QUESTION BREAK

*Was it fair that Jesus had to die on a cross to pay for my debt of sin?
*Was it fair that Jesus had to be separated from God during the time of His crucifixion so I (you, the whole world) could go to Heaven?
*Was it fair to the parent who's child died, through no fault of their own?

ENDING
My goal as a parent is to get my children to see how selfish the "Its not fair" statement is and to take their eyes off of their self and see the world how another person views it. To have a servants heart and not live life on the sidelines thinking they hold "Life's Measuring Stick of Fairness".

Heart Condition Detected

2010-12-29T18:24:00.000-05:00

Since the passing of my youngest daughter, Hannah, I've become interested in the human heart. As I was searching for answers to her physical illness the Lord pressed upon me the spiritual illness we all have. See, the Lord showed me during one of my darkest hours, that all of us have a heart condition that we can do nothing about, at least not on our own. We all must come to the real 'physician' (the Lord) for our heart condition to be healed.

Here is a list of NKJV bible verses on the 'heart':
Heart(s): figuratively, the seat of emotions; sometimes translated "mind" or "soul".
Gen 6:5
1 Sam. 2:1; 16:7
1 Kings 11:4
Jb 16:13
Ps 7:9
Ps 16:7
Ps 45:1
Ps 101:4
Ps 101:5
Ps 111:1
Proverbs 23:7; 27:19; 28:26
Eccl 7:4; 8:5
Song of Solomon 5:4
Is 1:5
Jer 17:9;24:7
Ez 11:19: 18:31
Mal 4:6
Mt 5:8; 6:21; 15:19
Lk 21:26
Jn 7:38; 14:1
Acts 5:3
Rom 10:9
Phil 4:7
Col 3:15
Philemon 20 "refresh my heart in the Lord"
1 John 3:17

Hope in Hurtful Times by C.S. Lewis

2010-12-13T09:27:00.003-05:00

C.S. Lewis wrote this regarding the role of suffering and trials in our life.

"At first I am overwhelmed, and all my little happiness's look like broken toys. Then, slowly and reluctantly, bit by bit, I try to bring myself into the frame of mind that I should be in at all times. I remind myself that all these toys were never intended to possess my heart, that my true good is in another world and my only real treasure is Christ. And perhaps, by God's grace, I succeed, and for a day or two become a creature consciously dependent on God and drawing its strength from the right sources. But the moment the threat is withdrawn, my whole nature leaps back to the toys."

Bible Verses on Grief

2010-10-15T12:37:00.001-04:00

Genesis 50:1-11
Judges 11:34-35
2 Samuel 1:11-12
Job 1:20-22, 3:23-26
Nehemiah 1:4
Matthew 14:13-14

What grief is in your life today? The death of a loved one? The loss of a job? Divorce? Did you walk away from God and are now suffering the consequences of your choice?

God's love for you has never changed, He has never "written you off". He does not change like the wind or our inner emotions.
Trust Him for who He says He is

"Jesus said to him "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Meet Hannah and Her Sisters- Easter 2001

2010-07-10T23:37:00.002-04:00

Little did I know that this would be our only Easter with Hannah. The month of Easter was tough because all 5 girls had chicken pox! At the moment I wasn't able to see any blessing from that, but you thinking back, that was just a sweet time for me. You see, I had an entire month where I was able to stay home and take care of my babies.

On April 1st 2002- (5 months after Hannah went home)

It was April Fools Day. My husband called me while I was out with my mom and a sister, and told me that our landlord had just called and said we needed to find a new home. That he has just sold our rental! The rental was NOT even for sale!

You can't tell me the Lord doesn't answer prayer! You see, I had been praying that the Lord would move us..I didn't care where or how, just that we could move.

Talk about an answer to pray...in a weird sort of way...because I could not BARE to live in that house anymore. You know what happened to that old house?? It was purchased and knocked down, it is now a field of green grass. When I drive past our old spot, I am reminded of God's grace, and how far He has brought me.. from the depth of despair and pain...to be able to breathe again!

Death sucks less when you know Jesus, who takes away our pain!

I have more pictures on my facebook profile page, but I couldn't close out my posts without sharing with you my little Fishy family ;)

At the time of this photo, all 5 of my little ones just has just gotten over chicken pox! We spent the ENTIRE month of April in the house, trying to get over those stinkin' pox! LOL

In the picture: (left to right) Savannah age 22 months old, Sierra age 6, Angelika age 8 (holding) Hannah age 7 months, Autumn age 4

I have learned that God is Good, All the Time! Even though Life is not.

The Way it Was (part 2)

2010-07-10T22:15:00.002-04:00

(this post may be disturbing, but it's honest and something that I personally experienced.)

When Hannah went home, thoughts and emotions didn't make sense. Nothing made 'sense' and all I could think about was I needed to make sure Hannah had 'everything'...that I made sure she was cared for; clothed right, handled right, buried right.
Never in a MILLION years could any human mind conceive the emotions, the deep inner emotions, that surface when you are preparing to bury your child.

One way I coped with Hannah's passing, was to 'jump' right into trying to find a 'new normal'..yet struggled with guilt doing so. One day, shortly after her passing, I remember saying (for no apparent reason) that I was determined NOT to let Satan have a field day with my emotions. I was determine to be honest with God about how I felt and to be open and accepting to whatever He had to show about how to walk through this journey with Him.

I did more crawling than I did walking during the first 3 years. The Lord is gracious, caring. He is my counselor and my best friend.

During the time of her passing, we were financially and emotionally broke. My husband and I were living in extreme poverty. We had Hannah buried at the foot of my Father's parents, in a plot that was paid for over 30 years before. Family members far and near came together to pay for the burial. We could not afford a real funeral, so we had a graveside service. I remember it was very cold outside, and was lightly snowing.

I remember feeling like I 'needed' to finish...finish what, I don't know..I just remember needing to get her a head stone. Again, we had zero dollars and no way of changing that.

Family members from all of the United States (seriously) and community services that I had never even heard of, starting pulling together. They donated money to put towards her stone, they purchased Christmas presents for my family. The took us food and some how, God provided what my husband and I could not...emotionally, financially, and spiritually. If nothing else was apparent, it was the fact that people were praying for us.

I received many gifts, but 3 have been part of my healing process (yes, I'm still healing):
1. New King James version of the Bible
2. The book listed on the left side of this blog: "Mommy Please Don't Cry..."
3. Listening ears! No one felt they needed to say anything to me...they just listened. They were there! That is HUGE in the healing process!

My 4 living daughters were very young when Hannah went home and I would sit and read this book with them, and cry, and they would take their chubby little hands and wipe away my tears.
To this day, we still read through this book!

Their Healing:

*I encouraged each child to talk to me about how they felt.
*I let them know that my tears were of sadness, but also joy because Jesus made a way for her to be ALIVE in Heaven. That death was NOT the end of Hannah, but the BEGINNING of who she really was meant to be! Yes, maybe that was too deep for them at that young age, but you know what...they remember that time. They believe Jesus is who He says He is!
*I encouraged each daughter to journal, or draw pictures, or tell me what to write for them. We still have these items.
*I kept what clothes Hannah had...they are in my dresser. I allowed my daughters to play in her clothes and put them on their baby dolls whenever they wanted.

Our Tears:

They matter to Jesus! What a blessed day it will be when we can see Jesus and our loved ones, again.

Revelation 21:4 " And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Oh, and on a closing note...it has been a blessing to those of you who have taken the time to clean and decorate Hannah's stone. My family and I will always be grateful. You made us smile!

The World of Brokenness- When Hannah Went Home

2010-07-09T08:59:00.001-04:00

This post is from my point of view about grief.

Who is Hannah Grace?

When Hannah went home, it was 4 days after Thanksgiving, she was 14 months old.

On most years, her date of passing lands on Thanksgiving (here in the USA)...that date, November 26, 2001. Being "thankful" took on a new meaning to my family and I and we learned (not so quickly) what it is to TRULY be thankful despite what current circumstance are or life changes have taken place.

(Psalm 92:1 KJV)"It is good to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:"

Hannah was our youngest child, our 5th daughter to be exact. She was loved as much as our first 4 children and the most happiest of them all. Hannah was healthy, loving, fun, what most deem to be a "good baby". Her smile made the stresses of life melt away.

After being misdiagnosed for 3 consecutive months, it was only after her last hour of life, that she was properly diagnosed with Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart due to the pneumonia virus.) Note, she did NOT have pneumonia.

Grief:

What can I say...it sucks! Grief knows no boundaries; young,old,rich,poor...it's deep and wide. There's no stopping it. It comes in the form of losing a job,saying good-bye to someone you love, having your pet die, losing your identity that might have been formed with a career, good grades, a dream for your life or your family.

Grief hurts. It's the daily reminder that your life is changed FOREVER. You will never be the same. There has to be a new "normal" that must be developed over time.

A heart that has been broken is like a garden; you have to be careful who tends it, what nutrients you are putting in and pull the weeds immediately. Allowing time and the master gardener to properly care and tend its ways.

Darkness:

When Hannah went home, I couldn't see "right". What I saw with my eyes, wasn't the true reflection that it should have been. My reality wasn't that of others. I couldn't see the sun-that didn't mean it wasn't there. I couldn't see the world or family the way I had before. Everything was as if I had been looking through very dark sunglasses, as if the world went on "high speed and slow motion", at the same time. Like an amusement ride merry-go-round; when you focus in on the seat your sitting on things appeared up close and in slow motion, but if you tried to look past your "seat" things were blurry, fast, sickening & loud.

I wanted to stand still and catch my breathe, but knew I had to keep moving forward... not allow myself to stay "standing above her grave". Living as if time stopped when she went home.

(Psalm 119:105)"Thy word is a LAMP unto my FEET, and a LIGHT unto my PATH."

When Hannah went home I was in my last year of college, she went home during our winter break..when school started again, I had to make myself go back. I was searching for normality again...what I found was more of God's grace. I thank Jesus for that every day!

(Psalm 6:6 KJV) "I am weary with my groaning' all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears."

When Hannah went home, my other 4 daughters were ages: 9 yrs, 7yrs,4 yrs, 2yrs.

Things were a blur to me since it was only a few weeks after her passing, but what "woke me up" from the grief-robot like-stage was something that my oldest daughter said to me one night as I was tucking her into bed...she said "Mommy, we won't be a family anymore, will we"? I asked her what she meant by that and she said "Well, all you do is cry and sleep on the couch with Hannah's blanket. She's not coming back. You don't smile anymore and we don't like our house anymore...so since Hannah's not coming back, we won't a family anymore, right."

That second the sunglasses of life came off my eyes and I realized that I had allowed grief to rule my life!

I immediately reassured Angelika that we were indeed are a family and will always be a family because God is our Father and He has Hannah at her real home and that one day, if you choose to ask Jesus in your heart, then you will be able to see her again.

(Psalm 46:2a KJV) "Be still and know that I am God."

The Secret to Healing:

I have learned that:

*Healing takes time. I had to be patient with myself.

*Healing is a choice. Who or what was going to fill my mind & heart.

*Healing is NOT forgetting. I will remember & love my Hannah until I see her again.

*Healing is only found in God. Did I trust God? Did I trust His Word (the Bible).

*Healing is accepting that I still have bad (sorrowful) days and being o.k with it.

God is o.k. with it, he comforts those who weep and since God is greater than me, then I need to accept that crying spells and missing Hannah so deeply within that it hurts on the outside, is o.k.

(Psalm 30: 5b KJV) "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

In fact, I believe it takes a person to acknowledge their grief and take it DIRECTLY to the Lord honestly in order to truly heal.

(Psalm 23:45b KJV) "the veil of the temple was rent (torn) in the midst."

Time-

There's never enough and we always want more. This side Heaven we get "what we get" and throwing a fit doesn't make a difference! So I'm learning every day to "spend" the time God has given me as wisely as possible.

(Psalm 90:12 KJV)"So teach us to number our days so that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

I can only get this wisdom by "spending" time with God in quiet fellowship daily, whether 5 minutes or an hour.

(Study Proverbs if you would like to know more about God's Word on true wisdom.)

I have found that I pray "without ceasing"; while I'm working, driving, at school functions...where ever and what ever, He is with me all the time.

(1 Thessalonians 5:17) "Pray without ceasing."

The Journey Continues-

There are days I feel like a flighty- brained person, my thoughts are not focused on the task at hand, but I've learned to live with it :) That's my cue to stop, look and listen. To acknowledge what needs to be seen and accepted.

The Lord has sent many people into my life at just the perfect time; most of whom I don't know on a personal level and have not seen or talked since out initial meeting, but none the less, they hold a place in my life that I will always remember.

know and believe that God is not a God of chance, but that everything under the sun is allowed for our purpose and good. No matter what we "think" or "feel". This is where true faith comes in.
I will never be complete this side of Heaven. I'm o.k. with that!

Right now I am listening to Dr. David Jeremiah on CD called: "Revealing The Mysteries of Heaven." This man is certainly being used by God to speak life into parts of my heart that have not been touched before, and for that, I am truly thankful.

FYI- There is only one God, only one way to God (I don't care what celebrity know-it-all tells you), who lives in Heaven and that way is called "Jesus". He is the One who paid your debt of sin to God, there is NOTHING you can do to EARN your way, your crown of life, or your place in Heaven.

Do you know why Jesus took your spot on the cross? Do you really think that if Jesus did not have to die for you, wouldn't He have chosen the same path every person on earth has chosen?

Salvation-

"It" came from a virgin birth, then wrapped in cloth, laid in a feeding bin! His name is Jesus. Simply stated, simply true, simple enough to believe.

Jesus, He loved you before you even knew yourself!

Jesus, is not bound by time.

Since God is the Creator of ALL THINGS, then you need to go to Him to find out what He says about salvation, your life depends on it. Look it up for yourself and ask God to help you see the truth no matter what you've been taught.

RESOURCES:

King James Version was used for my post.

Are you good enough to go to Heaven? TheGoodTest

Devotional: Our Daily Bread

Radio and Magazine: Focus on the Family

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Wow! Food Diary Opened my Eyes!!

2010-01-29T15:33:00.002-05:00

I need a better way to keep a food diary, but until I can find something better than a 3-ring binder, I'll just continue to use it. Anyways, the purpose of this post is to remind myself that if I don't write a PLAN, then I PLAN to FAIL!!. I wrote down what I ate at breakfast and lunch today...could have made healthier options..but for dinner I will be eating 'a natural'..fresh fruit and veggies ONLY!!

Love ya!

2010-01-28T22:31:00.001-05:00

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Mindlessly Munching...UGH!!

2009-11-17T11:16:00.003-05:00

Today I am going to watch my portion size, making sure not to mindlessly munch while working.

Week 1: Getting Setup

2009-11-07T11:15:00.002-05:00

My goal is to lose a total of 62# by August 2010. However, setting a goal without boundaries and clearly defining each step is like taking a road trip to Disney and not mapping out the route...it's just not going to happen!

So here's the plan:
1. exercise 30 minutes minimal every day, 7 days a week
2. write down everything I eat, including portion sizes
3. drink 8 oz x 8 of water daily
4. weigh and measure 2x week (Wednesday and Sunday)

All of this information is in my 3-ring binder.
That's all I can think of right now.

Let the fun begin!

One Regret

2009-07-31T22:24:00.000-04:00

Visit with me August 2000...picture a 25 yrs. old pregnant with her 6th child (4 living, 1 miscarriage) stressed out..if she would ever regret having her hubby get a vasectomy, the answer you'd get would be "NO". That all changed November 2001 when I kissed my sweet toddler Hannah Grace good bye "this side of heaven."

Now visit with me, today...July 31, 2009. Time and maturity have awaken and regret has set-in. It's extreme sadness in my heart that I just can't seem to move through. I'll never forget our "well meaning" pastor coming over short after Hannah died...he said "I know you, you'll have another one (meaning child) in no time at all." Yes ,true Mr. Pastor "no time at all" is exactly what I'm living with.

Please don't write and tell me that having another child would replace my Hannah...I know this..but having another child sure would help fill the space that has been emptied. Family is sooo much more important than ANYTHING in this world!

Off to read with my favorite 10 yrs!!

Can You Say 'Neglect'?

2009-05-15T22:37:00.000-04:00

I haven't been on this blog for awhile...updating now :)
Angelika's seizures have weaned off and her heart appears to be fine! Praise the Lord!
Savannah had her tonsils/adenoids out this week due to sleep apnea.
On the business side, it's been quiet, which usually means the Lord is working, which is completely exciting. Now if I can show patience....and continue to pray.

I'm watching the 'Farrah's Story" (while working) and my heart breaks for her for 2 reasons:
1. She has cancer
2. She's not a Born Again Christian
Our lives are just a 'vapor' and if we each can remember this through-out each day this world might just have hope, our family might just get a long better ;) and we might just look at others in a different 'light'.

Remember He rocks and we must Walk (in faith, not sight)

2009-03-22T20:39:00.001-04:00

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Oh these little mountains are KILLING me!!

2009-03-21T21:43:00.000-04:00

It's not the big mountains in life that kill a person, its the constant climbing (and sliding down) the little ones!
Just when I 'thought' Angelika's seizures were under 'control' BAM she has not 1, but 2...ugh!! I wished there was a crystal ball or some type of red alert siren that would warn us to take cover (or at least comfort) before the seizures hit. Poor girl, her migraines are back too.

I should back up a little....on March 9 some man ran a stop sign, and we slammed into the side of his car! It totalled my mom's van (yes..I know you're thinking I'm a little too 'old' to be using mom's car, but poverty has no age limit. ) Then my daughter had 2 seizures on Thursday of that week (1 at school and 1 on the bus ride home from school).

The following week she went to Akron Children's for a sleep test and the results showed there's something wrong with her heart beat/rhythm. So the heart specialist that took care of my deceased daughter (he tried to save her life but it was too late) is going to look at my Angelika's heart issues the first of April.

I spent all week this week getting my dear Savannah 'healed'...she ran a fever for 4 days and missed the entire week of school (and she LOVES school).

As if I don't have enough stress already, we have so much debt I can't even think straight!

I know everything happens for a reason and life is full of testing...but can't there be a 'fun' test thrown in there somewhere? (Like maybe a few thousand dollars and excellent health?)And to top it off I really missed Hannah today and spent the day either crying or holding the tears in :(

On a sunny note, I took my 4 best girlfriends (daughters) out shoe shopping. My Autumn wears a size 12 Womens already!! The shoes were on sale (good thing cuz now I don't have any money on my credit cards). But hey, if they need t-shoes what is a mom to do? Tie boxes to their feet?

Be Blessed :) Steph

2009-03-21T14:36:00.001-04:00

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2009-03-18T20:53:00.001-04:00

Thanking my personal Savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with 15 yrs of marriage <3 Happy Anniversary hubby

2009-03-18T11:08:00.001-04:00

Just signed up for the recycling program in Tusc Cty www.timetorecycle.org

2009-03-15T13:57:00.001-04:00

In honor of my 15th wedding anniversary I'm offering a 15% OFF 5 hours of VA services www.buckeyeva.com until 3-20-09

2009-03-13T20:16:00.001-04:00

When did you last give your website a checkup? http://ping.fm/E15lY

2009-03-11T19:12:00.001-04:00

I really need your votes and would greatly appreciate your support http://ping.fm/8AhTF

2009-03-10T13:41:00.001-04:00

Love your opinion http://ping.fm/rkocP

2009-03-10T12:27:00.001-04:00

Have you voted today? Your support is greatly appreciated! http://ping.fm/8AhTF

2009-03-07T17:01:00.001-05:00

I'd love to have your support :) Check out the other Women Biz Owners http://ping.fm/8AhTF

2009-03-06T11:54:00.001-05:00

Hello! Please help me reach my goal
I would really appreciate your vote :)
http://ping.fm/8AhTF

2009-03-05T11:04:00.001-05:00

Attn: business owners, please spam me any marketing questions you have! buckeyeva@gmail.com

2009-03-04T09:27:00.001-05:00

This is the prettiest and neatest way to get your house organized (without hiring a maid service!) http://ping.fm/mq3vD

2009-03-03T18:21:00.001-05:00

Please help me reach my goal :)
http://ping.fm/8AhTF

2009-02-28T18:14:00.001-05:00

What are the health benefits in cooking with coconut oil? Do you have recipes?

2009-02-28T14:40:00.001-05:00

What's stretching got to do with anything? http://ping.fm/AirLf

2009-02-26T12:17:00.001-05:00

if you are a scrapbooker here's info on a teleseminar coming up! http://ping.fm/taC2Z

Venture-Teleseminar.html

remembering my friend :)

2009-02-22T16:34:00.000-05:00

Before death, woman gives gifts of life 12th motorcycle run to benefit children
Published on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2007

Family, friends and Akron City Hospital co-workers of Trina Kuczirka are mourning her untimely death.
The 36-year-old Bolivar woman who was six months pregnant was brought into the hospital's emergency room Sept. 1, complaining of severe abdominal pain and was admitted.
With her husband, Pete, at her side, Trina suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage.
''She was taken to surgery to relieve the pressure on her brain in an attempt to save her baby,'' said Jim Waples, an operating room supervisor who worked with Trina.
''The surgery was effective in stabilizing Trina to preserve the baby, but was too late to save her. . . . She was brought back to surgery on Sunday afternoon for a C-section.
''Her husband, Pete, was present and Trina delivered a baby boy, Zane Charles Kuczirka, weighing 2 pounds. He was transported to Akron Children's Hospital and is doing well in the neonatal intensive care unit,'' Waples said. ''Trina was taken back to the ICU where she was kept on life support. Her family decided to donate her organs and Trina once again was going to give the gift of life. She died Sunday, Sept. 2.''
Trina was a surgical technician in City Hospital's surgery department on the night shift. Her 10th anniversary with Summa would have been Sept. 8.
In addition to her husband and baby Zane, Trina leaves behind three other sons Spencer, 14; Lake, 8; and Conner, 5.
A Trina Kuczirka Benevolent Fund has been set up at FirstMerit Bank (any branch) to assist her family.
Race with Grace
The third annual Race with Grace 5K and fun walk benefiting the Mary Grace Memorial Fund will be Sunday at Buehler's River Styx market in Medina.
Registration is 7:30 a.m followed by the 9 a.m. 5K race, 9:15 a.m. fun walk and 10:30 a.m. awards ceremony. Entry fees are $20, individuals; $50, family pack.
Baby-sitting is available. There also will be kids' activities, 50/50 raffles, prizes and refreshments.
The Mary Grace Memorial Foundation not only celebrates the life of the late Mary Grace a young wife and mother of three who battled breast cancer for two years before her death on Jan. 8, 2005 but also helps others battling the disease with financial burdens.
The foundation which has raised more than $70,000 has helped 22 families in Northeast Ohio with mortgage payments, rent, utility bills, car payments so their main focus can be fighting the cancer.
Great start
More than 3,000 Summit and Portage county residents are expected to take part in the American Heart Association's 2007 Start! Heart Walk on Saturday at the University of Akron's Stile Field House.
The event which is designed to garner research dollars to fight cardiovascular disease will feature survivors in red caps as well as their loved ones.
Health screenings and other valuable health and nutritional information is available.
Walkers arrive at 8 a.m. for pre-event activities with the walk stepping off at 10 a.m.
For information, please call Julie Johnson, senior heart walk director, at 330-777-6205 or Rebecca Garver, heart walk director, at 330-777-6207.
AHA is recognizing area residents who have made positive, heart-healthy lifestyle changes:
Sharon Rosche vice president of finance and administration of the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce is receiving the 2007 Lifestyle Change Award. Sharon who had drifted into the ''couch potato'' mentality was 150 pounds overweight with borderline high blood pressure and high cholesterol. She started an aggressive diet and exercise program, losing an impressive 130 pounds.
Others being honored for losing massive weight through diet and exercise, lowering their blood pressure and cholesterol are: Becky Conley of Kaiser Permanente, Akron; Charles Victor of Akron General Medical Center (Cardiopulmonary Rehab), Akron; Christine Beatty of Northeast Ohio Cardiovascular Specialists, Akron; Brenda Pollard of Alcoa, Akron; Maureen Mayer of Northeast Ohio Cardiovascular Specialists, Medina; Susan Lukacik of SummaCare, Kent; Sandra Marshall of Kaiser Permanente, Akron.
Motorcycle run
Thousands of motorcycles are scheduled to make their rounds from Dover to Akron Children's Hospital shortly after noon Sunday as part of the 12th annual Children's Caravan Teddy Bear Motorcycle Run.
Each participant brings a new teddy bear, stuffed toy (bagged, of course) or $10 to be donated to the hospital.
Registration for the ride will be 8 to 10:30 a.m at Adventure Harley-Davidson. Lots of entertainment and prizes are planned. For information, call Penny Martin at 330-339-6372 or visit childrenscaravan@adelphia.net
Red Cross parade
The American Red Cross serving Summit and Portage counties and Wadsworth is sponsoring a nonstop parade ride through the Cuyahoga Valley 1:30 p.m. Sunday ending at Akron's Lock 3 with food, door prizes, raffles, auctions and vendors. There will be live entertainment by the Hell's House Band, Wild Avenue and Diamond Hitch. Cars and bikes are all welcome.
Register early and get a free collector's T-shirt (while supplies last). Preregistration (on line at http://summit county.red cross.org) is $20 per ride or $10 per passenger. Day of registration is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Red Cross building, 501 W. Market St., Akron.
The ride benefits local disaster relief and other Red Cross life-saving programs.
Youth group marathon
Mogadore Christian Church's youth group New Creation will be out en masse noon to 10 p.m. Saturday on the front lawn (106 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore) for a ''Winter Warm-Up'' marathon.
The goal is to fill a cruiser with new and gently worn winter clothing (coats, jackets, boots, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens) for the Ellet-area Good Neighbors. New Creation also raised more than $1,000 in the spring to help the homeless.
Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.

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2009-02-19T09:09:00.001-05:00

you can vote everyday :) Your support is greatly appreciated. http://ping.fm/8AhTF

2009-02-18T21:55:00.001-05:00

What's your view? http://ping.fm/1tzF3

2009-02-17T21:27:00.001-05:00

Would you be able to support me? Please? http://ping.fm/8AhTF

2009-02-14T20:04:00.001-05:00

I would love to go to this! http://ping.fm/CGiSw

2009-02-12T20:59:00.001-05:00

Looking to network in a big way? http://ping.fm/XyVMV

2009-02-12T12:40:00.001-05:00

http://ping.fm/8AhTF

2009-02-12T12:10:00.001-05:00

http://ping.fm/73Tp0

2009-02-12T11:31:00.001-05:00

Please vote for me! http://ping.fm/zh98q

2009-02-12T11:18:00.001-05:00

http://ping.fm/9aSZF

2009-02-11T23:32:00.001-05:00

2009-02-11T20:31:00.001-05:00

*Spring Special* ends Friday Feb.13 at midnight!! article and/or press release marketing $10 an hour/5 hr mini

2009-02-06T15:00:00.001-05:00

It's friday!! I hope everyone had a productive week :)

Will This New Law Steal Your Entreprenuerial Dreams?

2009-01-27T18:03:00.000-05:00

Stephanie Fish
stephanie@buckeyeva.com
http://www.buckeyeva.com
330-204-6570

Will This New Law Steal Your Entreprenuerial Dreams?

New Philadelphia, OH (January 2009) Stephanie Fish owner of Buckeye V.A. knows what it takes to get a business idea from paper to the internet, having done this with her virtual assistant business since 2006 she understands the struggles that go along with reaching towards your dreams. Fish enjoys educating others about utilizing the internet as a means to grow their current business or by helping them make their dreams of entrepreneurship become a reality. Having an online presence can increase your bottom line since a website is visible across the globe and can be seen by your potential clients now matter where they reside.

For the past 3 years Stephanie Fish has been providing services to physical product sellers, such as crafters and custom invitation providers, who were in need of marketing for their online businesses. Among the various clients Stephanie has worked with, one thing rings true for each client; they each are actively pursueing the dream to own and run their own business.

As an American we have the privilege and freedom to choose whether or not to work from home. Many home-based business owners sell hand crafted items, such as purses, dolls, toys and baby slings, as a means of bringing income into their families. However, according to the CPSIA law that was passed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there will be millions of home-based businesses that will be forced to close. The effects of this law will increase our need for government help and place an unnecessary strain our economy.

Whether you're a consumer or a crafter you are invited to take a stand on this issue by joining us by blogging about this issue on Wednesday January 28, 2009 and also by writing to your local congressman. To learn more about this day of blogging being hosted by Etsy.com please visit Stephanie's website at www.buckeyeva.com and click on the tab that reads "WAHM Life" for more details.

###

About Buckeye V.A.: Stephanie Fish, owner of Buckeye V.A. has been servicing online and small business owners with various tasks that range from online marketing to online research. Visit my website to learn more about how a virtual assistant can help you with your business needs.

Get Money Back By Shopping Online

2009-01-17T20:22:00.000-05:00

One of my goals for this year is to find ways to cut costs and save money on all of my purchases. I have become a fan of CVS over the last few weeks because they accept coupons and you can earn ECB (extra care bucks). I'm fortunate that I have family members that share their money saving secrets with me, and I'm about to share 2 secrets with you!

My Two Secrets? Refundcents.com and Cashbaq.com

I signed up with Cashbaq.com since its free, I earned $5 just for signing up and I do a lot of online buying. With this program I can save money on my purchases and earn money on the same purchases without having to use coupons or leave my house! Now that's a great reason to shop!

Refundcents.com
Since I new to using coupons and earning extra care bucks I decided to signup for the online membership and the print subscription. I was pleasently surprised to see that the cost of this membership was so "frugal"! I'm excited to learn more about saving money for my family and still buy name brand products.

Do You Own a Successful Craft Business?

2009-01-09T12:51:00.000-05:00

6) Summary: Mistakes Made in Small Craft Businesses

Category: Business & Finance

Name: Patrice Lewis

Email: patrice@patricelewis.com

Title: Freelance Writer

Media Outlet/Publication: Crafts Report Magazine

Anonymous? No

Specific Geographic Region? No

Region:

Deadline: 6:00 PM PACIFIC - January 13

Query:

“Are you the owner of a successful home craft business? If so, I
want to hear the biggest mistakes you’ve made during the growth of
your business, as well as what you had to do to correct or overcome
those mistakes. I’m looking for people who overcame early
challenges and boo-boos, and can now offer sage words of wisdom to
newbies in the business. Please be positive and upbeat. I’m not
looking for people whose businesses have failed, but rather those
who have struggled and succeeded.

Please put HARO - Craft Business Mistakes in your subject line.”

Week 1 of Menu Planning!

2009-01-08T18:56:00.000-05:00

I have conquered week 1 of menu planning! Breakfast is usually cereals (hot or cold) or bagels with cream cheese. For lunch, during the week, its usually just me and hubby so we eat leftovers or soup/sandwhich/salad. Dinner is our biggest meal, which purposely has a starch, veggies,fruit, meat. I have a Fly Lady calendar http://www.flylady.com/pages/FlyShop_calendar.asp which has a lot of room and record our dinners on.

I'm hoping to continue getting creative and healthy with our meals. I want to be a good steward of my "temple"...it's in need of some reconstruction!

What's in Your Kitchen?

2009-01-07T18:39:00.000-05:00

Desperate Cooking for Tight Budgets by Sandra Jensen

Have you decided to cut corners anywhere you can in order to pay bills and save money? Do you need to feed your family this week with little or no money, or the ability to go grocery shopping? Don't panic! You might just have enough on hand to get through.

Here's how: Grab paper and pen.

Walk through your kitchen, taking inventory of everything you have in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer, organizing your list into categories, such as meats, vegetables, pasta, etc.

Sit down and think creatively. Consider what veggie and/or pasta you can team with which meat to make a meal. Broaden your normal menu; be brave enough to serve some things you maybe wouldn't normally serve. Think outside the box and serve breakfast for dinner!

Carefully write out your meal plan for the week, and be diligent to stick to it!

Here are a few kitchen budget-savers I've learned:

Eggs can really stretch a dollar! Breakfast casseroles, quiches, or just plain scrambled eggs with cheese are always hits. If you've got a handful of hash browns or a potato you can shred up, that will stretch them too. You'd be surprised how just a few slices of bacon, or a piece or two of ham that wouldn't be enough by themselves can work for a dish like this!

If you've saved small amounts of burger, sausage, chicken, pork or bacon and frozen them in baggies, you're really doing good! Even ½ - 1 lb can be stretched in many dishes to feed a family!

Bisquick (or generic baking mix) is a lifesaver – for pancakes, biscuits, potpies, dumplings, and crusts.

If you have staples on hand such as flour, sugar and oats, you can mix up your own muffins or granola bars for breakfast, sack lunches or snacks for after school or in the car when you're on the run (lots cheaper than stopping off for fast food!)

Use those lonely boxes of Jell-0 and pudding for desert or stretching lunch boxes. A can of fruit or a little sliced up fresh fruit can jazz up the Jell-O. If you find some Cool-Whip in your freezer, the kids will think you've gone all out for them!

Make a pot of soup or a potpie with the little bits of vegetables you have left in the frige or freezer.

Use that rice with some carrots, mushrooms and green pepper to make a stir-fry (almost anything goes!) If you don't have any meat, use a couple eggs instead.

Think you can't do anything with one small carton of yogurt? You can make smoothies using it plus a handful of frozen berries, or a banana (over-ripe works best) and a shot of juice or milk.

A can of cream of celery, mushroom, or chicken soup can stretch a little meat a long way! Use it in the crock-pot or for a casserole, serve with a vegetable and some noodles, rice or biscuits and you've got a delicious meal!

Think you've got nothing for desert? Just a few apples dipped in peanut butter, or some oranges scrubbed and quartered on a plate are great. How 'bout that lone cake mix – make it as is, or add a can of crushed pineapple and brown sugar on the bottom for a pineapple upside-down cake.

Odds and ends of bread, or the crusts you've saved in the freezer can now be used for French toast, homemade stuffing or croutons, or bread pudding.

Thinking to toss out the last of that potato chip or Doritos bag? Don't! Use those crumbs on top of a casserole for added crunch and flavor!

You've heard the saying, "Necessity is the mother of invention"? Being desperate in the kitchen is how I've come up with these tips. As you stroll through your own kitchen, you too, will concoct clever ways to put delicious meals on your table without breaking the bank.

About the Author: Sandra Jensen is a dollar stretching mother of four boys. She's learned a trick or two about feeding a hungry family on a budget. Grab her ebook, today: href="http://www.quicksales.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=575755&u=www.momstalkebooks.com/freezer-cooking.htm">

Summary of Life

2009-01-02T15:50:00.000-05:00

I don't know who wrote this...but I received it in an email and thought I'd add it to my blog. It's so true!
Summary of Life

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:

1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.

2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.

3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.

4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.

5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.

6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.

7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.

8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of m ilk.

9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:

1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.

2) Wrinkles don't hurt.

3) Families are like fudge… mostly sweet, with a few nuts.

4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.

6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD

1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.

3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.

4) You're getting old w hen you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.

5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.

6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.

7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:

1) You believe in Santa Claus.

2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.

3) You are Santa Claus.

4) You look like Santa Claus.

SUCCESS:

At age 4 success is... not piddling in your pants.

At age 12 success is... having friends.

At age 17 success is… having a drivers license.

At age 35 success is... having money.

At age 50 success is... having money.

At age 70 success is... having a drivers license.

At age 75 success is... having friends.

At age 80 success is... not piddling in your pants.

Happy New Year!!

2008-12-31T18:56:00.000-05:00

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want....may I have a heart of gratefulness and contentment no matter what!

I lay down all expectations of others.

I'll strive, with the Lords help, to take care of the "temple" the Lord has blessed me with and not "down" myself for my "imperfections". I pray for healing from the inside out.

My newest VA article....

2008-12-29T21:41:00.000-05:00

Are Your Arms Tired? Learn To Outsource in 2009
December 29, 2008 by Stephanie

It’s almost 2009, what are your business plans? If 2008 left you with tired arms from juggling all of your own business tasks, then you may want to start 2009 outsourcing. Not only will outsourcing help you lessen the stress of managing all of your own business related tasks, it can even make it seem like your getting more hours in your day. Some other outsourcing perks may include helping you get organized and see faster results than you would if you were to continue to handle all of your business tasks yourself.

If you want your business to be more successful in 2009 then perhaps you need to outsource to a virtual assistant. Even if you don’t know what tasks to outsource, contact a VA (virtual assistant) and he/she will be able to help you decide what to outsource.

Here’s a list of popular tasks to get you started on your “Outsourcing 2009 Success Plan” :

1. Content Writing such as press releases, articles, blog posting, and newsletter writing

2. Article and Press Release Submissions

3. Search Engine Optimization to website

4. Seek Podcast Interviews

5. Submit blog and/or podcast to various directories

This is only a small list of tasks that can be outsourced. By writing a business plan, even a rough draft, you will be well on your way to having a more successful 2009.

##

Stephanie Fish, owner of Buckeye V.A. has a current full-time opening, as well as, by-the-hour services. Contact me at buckeyeva@gmail.com for a free 30 minute consultation.

Finding joy in darkness

2008-12-26T22:16:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been in this dry desert place for several weeks and I'm very thirsty! Spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally,financially....thirsty.

Life seems to be a constant ebb and flow....up and down...bright and dim. What is a mom to do when you feel...dry, down,bummed?
I'm sure every mommy goes through a season of the "blues". My "blues" start at around the 3rd week of November and don't lift until early spring...and I never had the "blues" before Hannah's death. I wonder if this is something that I will always endure while being on this earth?

Well, while I'm going through the "blues" I listen to uplifting praise songs, read my Bible, pray, and really just ask the Lord to lift me out of this place so that I can see His face again.

I often wished I could have another baby, not that a new baby would replace Hannah but he/she would take the empty space and fill it again. I know of some other women that went on to have another baby after the loss of a child. They seem (atleast on the outside) to be joyful again. In fact, I've never met a women in my shoes...you know, who's last child passed away at an early age and never had another child. Maybe one day I can meet a women like me and she can help me see what I'm not seeing!

It's just I didn't get the chance to gracefully let go of Hannah moment by moment, its just that death makes you feel like your loved one was stolen....snatched right out of your arms leaving your empty armed and broken hearted. Almost like running 95 mph into a brick wall...face first!

People think that you should just be "over it" in a year or 2 and be back into life full force. Life isn't a fairy tale....is it? Am I looking through black tinted glasses? Is my head buried in the grave?

I don't know...my arms seem...empty? My lap seems....cold? My heart fills...incomplete? My hands feel....less useful?

I know I sound very ungrateful to some people...but I'm not. I've been very blessed with my other 4 children. Perhaps one day I can... wake up day after day seeing Gods perspective on every happening in life.

Until next time! Squeeze your booger tight tonight and thank the Lord for such a blessing!!

PS: What gets me through my "blues" is knowing and believing that the Lord is in control, wrote Hannah's story, wasn't surprised when she went Home, and isn't surprised by "dark colored glasses".

2009 Goals and Plans

2008-12-22T11:22:00.000-05:00

I am no longer a "resolution" gal! Nope, not me! I'm now a "goals and plans" gal. So for 2009 I'm taking measurable steps towards my goals/plan:

1. Make a weekly menu
2. Make sure I only buy what we are going to eat that week
3. Make sure my children and I exercise 5 days a week..even if all we do dance like silly people infront of the tv
4. Bake our junk instead of buying it...this way I can inconspicuously place fruit and veggies into our goodies
5. No more drive-thru's(not even for coffee)*on a side note: if family and/or friends want to take us then its ok ;)

Merry Christmas!

One Size Fits All Christmas Gift

2008-12-21T15:51:00.000-05:00

I bet there are millions or even billions of people that don't know what the "one size fits all" Christmas gift is? I'll give you some hints:
1. It's Free
2. It can be for any gender
3. It can be for any age
4. It fits ever person perfectly
5. Once you recieve it, you can give it to someone else
6. It doesn't fade
7. It doesn't shrink
8. It doesn't go out of style
9. It's been around more than 2,000 years
10. It isn't an "it" but a WHO
Can you guess?
http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp

Curlers,Chocolate and Tears

2008-12-16T20:48:00.000-05:00

What a day! It started off very nicely, then over a period of minutes..it started to unfold. Let's see, first our dryer stopped working, as in it won't start, then the doctor called and told my hubby that he has high cholestral, then I was able to pay some bills and realized that we have more month than money.

I took my children to place a snowman on my daughter, Hannah Grace's, grave...then I spent the next few hours crying on and off...while praising the Lord for my children that are alive, and for making a place in Heaven with Him for our little girl.

While I was crying and praising, I helped my 12 yr old DD make chocolate Buckeye Candy for her friends and teachers :)Then we sat down together so I could curl her hair and we started talking about Caylee A. and how could her mother do such a thing..then we both started crying. This opened up the door for me to talk to her about what the Bible says about sin, and how sin hurts many people not just the sinner.

So, all in all, it turned out to be a blessed day anyways!
Remember, life live by moments and not minutes!