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People Can Take What You Say To Heart

People Can Take What You Say To Heart

Please Don’t Tell Anyone That They Cannot Do It.

We all realize that some things are beyond our reach in our lifetimes. I was once told that I couldn’t win a contest, so I shouldn’t bother entering it. I was bound and determined to enter that contest, and I  won. Encourage people to take on challenges in their lives that may seem impossible, as they may exceed your wildest expectations. Never tell a child that they will not be able to get a good grade on a test, as they will most likely take it to heart and figure, ‘Why should I even study for the test, as I will not get a good grade anyway?’ Encourage children and be a positive role model for them; do so often. I was once told by someone that I would never get a good job in life. I proved them wrong. I asked someone years later how their life was going, and they told me not so well.

Never Say Hurtful Words

Some people try to cut you to the core with hurtful words. Never judge a book by its cover because you have not even looked at any chapters in the book yet. The cover may look bright and cheerful, but the chapters have been stained with hurtful words or actions. Always think before you speak, and consider how you would feel if someone said that to you. The tables should be turned then. People have health conditions that they have no control over, so never make fun of them or think that they are trying to get out of doing things, as you have no idea until you have walked in their shoes. Words and actions can stick with a person for a lifetime, so choose your words wisely and have kindness in your heart toward your fellow man.

Do Not Make Fun Of Anyone

My kindergarten teacher was absolutely not a good teacher for young children. She and the other kids in class would laugh and make fun of me. She seemed to delight in making me stand in the corner with a dunce hat on for no reason at all, and I would get blamed for things that I did not do. I was a sickly child, and she thought I was a good little guinea pig for her to have a good time with. I have forgiven her for her actions, but I can never forget what she did to me, as it still haunts my friendships with women, even today. I have a hard time trusting women or relating to them. My Mother once told me You do not like women very much, do you and she was right. I have become close friends with some women in my life, but it takes a very long time for trust to develop, as I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I used to be very shy, and now I am very talkative thanks to the North Iowa Bloggers Group, founded by Sara Broers. I found it easier to trust younger women after being in the blogging group. I will never trust women my age after my experience in kindergarten.

Copyright 2026.  Not to be reproduced in any form.

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D I Y Projects

D I Y Projects

I Like DIY Projects

I cleaned out a floor drain in the other house. My cats had knocked over the kitty litter in the drain. I swept out all of the kitty litter that I could. I ran some water, and it was still clogged with clumping kitty litter. I then poked a screwdriver down the drain and got some of the litter out, but it was still clogged. I put baking soda and white vinegar down the drain several times, and it foamed up each time. I used a degreaser, such as dish soap, snaked the drain, then poured distilled water down it, and it works perfectly.  If I had hired a plumber, I would have paid $150.00.

Outdoor And Indoor DIY Projects

I love trimming trees and keeping them properly trimmed. I learned how to use a chainsaw by having my Father teach me to use it safely. I like painting and staining outdoors. I have put shingles on houses and garages, installed screen doors, put in new plugs and switches, and installed light fixtures. I fixed many leaky faucets over the years. I once had a plumber fix a faucet for me, and it leaked immediately. He claimed he had put new seats and gaskets in the fixture, and he claimed that  I  was so strong I  had ruined the seats already. I told him that it was impossible. He met his match with me. I think he had pulled that trick with many women over the years. Ladies, educate yourselves so no one pulls the wool over your eyes when it comes to repairs. I was trying to hire a roofer for a steep roof, and I said, “Why are you trying to charge me twice as much as you would a man?” He was brutally honest and said most women do not know roof pricing, and it was a quick way to make extra money needed; needless to say, I never hired him. I like putting furniture together, staining old furniture, and making repairs, such as gluing trim back on or installing new pegs on the legs.

DIY Saves Time And Money

By painting inside your home, you can save a lot of money. I can paint quickly, and it still looks good. I was working next to a carpenter once, and I painted two rooms for him, so I decided to work on my own. I roofed two garages in one day, with someone handing me the shingles. I  also painted two sides of a large shed in one afternoon.

Mowing Your Yard

I love mowing my yard because it’s very relaxing, and I love a well-manicured lawn. I used to change the oil and filters myself, and I could take off the decks and sharpen the blades. I have all of that done now, as the decks are too heavy for me to maneuver around anymore. I still check the antifreeze and oil levels and wash and wax them.

Copyright 2026.   Not to be reproduced in any form.

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Live A Life That Helps Others

Live A Life That Helps Others

Helping Others In Need Is A Good Feeling

Jesus helped many people in his lifetime. He laid his hands on people and cured them of horrible diseases that had plagued them for years. Jesus defended people who were unjustly accused of things that they never did. When you help someone in pain by talking to them and bringing them to a doctor’s appointment, they are very thankful. Life does come around full circle, as you once took care of your children, they now take care of you. Some people may need someone to bring them food from time to time, especially if they cannot drive anymore. I like visiting with older people and helping them feel uplifted. If no one ever helped others out, we would all be in a horrible predicament.

Helping Hands That Help Many

We have many organizations that help others, such as food banks, the Salvation Army, and second-hand clothing stores. When many hands work together, much will be accomplished. Churches have many mission projects that provide desperately needed supplies to foreign countries and poor areas.

Helping Animals

We have dominion over the animals on earth, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are not suffering unfairly. If you adopt a cat, dog, or livestock, make sure they have fresh bedding and are warm and toasty in the winter months. Animals need regular vet checkups.

Parents

Parents try to make sure their children have a better life than they did. They encourage their children in life by answering their questions and calming their fears. Parents are constant cheerleaders for their children. My parents were very loving, kind, and protective of me. Parents should never scream at their children. I noticed a parent one day screaming at their child, and the poor child started crying because she had done nothing wrong except ask her parents if they could buy that particular toy for her Christmas present. I was very blessed to have my parents, as they explained things in great detail and truly loved me with all their heart and soul.

People Who Try To Take Advantage Of Others

Jesus taught us never to take advantage of anyone. Every day, someone gets scammed out of a lot of money. If they put that energy into working for their money, we would be much better off. They prey on the old with scare tactics and harass you. God has no time for people who do the devil’s work to get their money.

Friends Helping Friends

I have been blessed to have many wonderful and loving friends over the years that I have helped, and they have helped me. Without these wonderful friends, I would be lost. I love late-night talks with friends and going out to eat with them, and seeing how their day went. True friends are like a bouquet of beautiful flowers that last forever. Never take a friend for granted; worship them, maintain your friendship, and you and your friends will grow old together, and the bond of friendship will last forever.

Cipyrigght 2025.  Not to be reproduced in any form.

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Cats And Funny Behavior

Cats And Funny Behavior

A Sick Cat Will Act Differently

They may start by losing too much weight too quickly. Cats that weigh too much are at a high risk of getting diabetic at some point, and the medicine is very costly, and it only works for so long, and you will have to have your pet cat put to sleep, as they may become so weak that they can hardly walk across the room. A sick cat will try to isolate itself from the rest of your household, and they will be hard to find. You may find an ill cat sleeping under a chair or in the basement, where it is hard to see. As cats age, they are not as playful anymore, and they get easily annoyed with any younger cats in your household that may try to pounce on them or play with their tail. Cats that are not well generally have a drooping tail. If your cat suddenly starts biting you, it is their way of telling you they don’t feel well. If your cat has diarrhea in the litterbox, it could have a variety of health issues. Never let changes in your cat’s behavior go unchecked, as your cat could die without help from your Vet. When in doubt about your cat’s health, call your Vet ASAP.

Cats At Play

Cats may try to balance on your curtain rod, and some can do it without falling, as all cats are very agile. I have a blind cat that can navigate around pictures on a bookcase perfectly. I found one of the outdoor cats years ago, balancing on a fence post as it tried to pounce on a mouse. Sher pounced on the mouse at just the right moment and with great precision, killing it immediately, and she enjoyed her mouse appetizer. I love watching kittens play with their mom’s tail and mock catfights with their siblings. Kittens love to play with and in the leaves, and they will chase the spinners that fall off the maple trees. I have had cats climb to the top of the barn roof or the very top of a tree, but they always seem to get down on their own. One of my indoor cats, years ago, would hide in a cupboard where she could look out and watch us play pool, keeping track of where the balls went into the pockets. She also hid in the towel closet one morning, and when I reached in for a towel, she moved and startled me.

Cat Helpers

I have had cats leap on my back while gardening, or start digging as I used a garden hoe. Many of my cats over the years have lain out in the garden while I was picking green beans. Our cats love us, and they want to keep track of us and keep us safe. My indoor cat, Garfunkel, would sit by our picture window while we mowed, making sure we were secure in the great outdoors.

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Have A Mission In Life

Have A Mission In Life

What Is Your Mission In Life?

I hope you have missions that will enrich your life and the lives of others. We need to have many missions in our lives. One could leave Earth a better place for you having been here. We should do things that help others. You could leave a scholarship to a student who cannot afford to go to college. The student you help could have a huge impact on the world someday. Pray with people who need help. The person may have constant pain or be praying for a family member to get better. All of us need people to pray for us and uplift us in turbulent times, and do not forget to pray when you have smooth sailing. God should be your constant friend and companion, not a rainy-day friend. Perhaps you love animals, so do your best to give them a loving, caring home with everything they need so they can flourish and live their best life with your loving care.

We Should Make It A Goal To Learn Something New Every Day

We are never too old to learn something new. Lifelong learning enhances your mind, and it may save someone else’s life down the road. I took a CPR class, now I would be able to save someone who had a heartattack. It is a good idea to brush up on skills from time to time. I refinished some furniture about 8  years ago, and  I had not done that for years. I loved the results, as I had learned more techniques over the years by watching and observing others and by reading books on refinishing furniture. No one ever gets too old to learn, and many retired people have become famous as authors, and more.

Challenge Yourself Now And Then

If we do not challenge ourselves now and then, we become stale and moldy like an old slice of bread. I like playing old harmonicas, and I picked them up again after I retired. I play for people in rest homes and assisted living units. The people look forward to my coming, and I enjoy it. If you ride a bicycle, challenge yourself to pedal a little farther every day, and you will be pleased with the results. You will have more stamina and have lost weight. Always be the little engine that says, “I think I can, I think I can,” instead of saying, “I know I cannot do that without even trying.”

Encourage Young People

Some young people need a little encouragement. Things can get challenging and overwhelming for them with all their studies and friends pulling them in one direction, while others pull them in the wrong direction in life. Help young people get their priorities in order. Have young people pray to God for help in their lives when it seems the tide is rising against them. God can calm the roughest of seas in our lives, and we will eventually see blue skies ahead. God bless all in their life.

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Know How To Operate Equipment

Know How To Operate Equipment

Gun Buying

One day, a woman came into a store that sold guns and wanted to buy a rifle. The owner of the store got the gun ready for her to take home with her until she asked him, ” Do you put the bullet in the end of the gun. The owner told her she better go home and speak to her husband about the gun. She left the store a little irritated, but she did not know anything about a gun that might kill her since she did not know how to use it. People should consider their age when buying a gun. Will the recoil that gun have be too much for me to handle? Do not buy a gun for a young kid until they are trained and old enough to understand that a gun will kill someone, and they will not come back to life as they do in some cartoons. Gun buying is serious business, not to be taken lightly. Guns are a deadly weapon in the wrong hands.

Motorized Tools

Table saws can be very dangerous, as people have lost fingers and hands. Chainsaws can have a lot of kickback if not held correctly against the tree when cutting, and blades can break and come flying toward your arm. Never buy a run-of-the-mill chainsaw; buy one with a good bar and built to last. I like Stihl, Husqvarna, and Jonserud, as I have never had any trouble with their chainsaws. When using battery-powered tools, watch where you are cutting and what you are cutting, as you should with all power tools.

 

Heavy Equipment

Heavy equipment needs a wide turning radius, and if you do not have one, you can end up in the ditch or falling over the embankment. Semi drivers have tipped over full loads at some hairpin curves that a driver without much experience is not equipped to handle, and that’s when catastrophe strikes. If a snowplow blade runs out of oil, check the pistons for leaks. The blade is most likely to fall and will not stay in place. Please don’t use it, or more damage will happen. Could you make sure the machinery is completely shut down before you put your hand in to clear debris or perform maintenance?

Appliances

Always hire a reputable company to fix all your appliances, and make sure the repair persons are factory-certified. Replace your furnace air filters every month or every 3 months, depending on your furnace filter. Have your furnace checked over once a year, preferably before winter. If an appliance sounds different than usual, please have it serviced promptly to avoid more serious problems down the road. If you want to do a simple repair, you can watch it being done on YouTube. I cleaned my water softener by watching a YouTube video, and now it is operating at peak performance. I also fixed my Roombas by watching a YouTube video. Please replace parts as needed on appliances and keep them clean by cleaning up spills and messes as soon as possible; doing so will help them last much longer. Whatever you work on, make sure you know how to operate it correctly first.

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Competion As It Should Be

Competion As it Should Be

Competition Should be Fair

You should not have a competition if you know that one opponent would not be able to win. I have seen people make fun of others in competitions, which is not right. I have seen others in a competition help their competitors so the competition is on more equal footing, which is a nice quality in a person.

Competition Should Have A Clear Set Of Rules

Rules should not be broken in a competition, even if someone has wagered on the game. Some fighters are told to lose the fight on purpose. I witnessed one fighter who did not do that. The coach and quite a few others were mad at him. He did not want to let down his friends, who knew he could win, or himself. You know what is right and wrong in a competition, so follow your heart and what your soul tells you to do. In boxing, there should be no kidney punches or hits that would cause permanent damage that could result in death.

Rowing Contest

I watched a Rowing Competition at Harvard University. There were two young men in each canoe paddling in tandem. If they rowed out of tandem, they soon fell behind. The leaders seemed to have an even rowing pattern in perfect tandem. Some competitors rowed very close to each other, so they could not row in perfect tandem. One tandem team seemed to run out of steam soon and fell way behind. One young man had his oars break in two, but luckily, they had a spare one with them. The coach came along in a canoe by the shore, and all the young men carried their canoes on top of their heads back to shore. It was fun to watch the rowing competition.

Arcade Games

Do Not  Let A Competitor Run Over You

I was playing badmiton in Junior High, and some of the girls played really poorly. They would slam the bad mitton shuttle next to the net, so it was impossible to hit it. I gave them some of their own medicine because they had been doing the same to all the girls they competed against. I stopped them from having a perfect winning streak, and I also taught them the errors of their ways. I cannot stand it when anyone plays really nastily or treats others with disrespect.

God does not Want You To Compete If You Are Not  A Just And Worthy Opponent.

No one should ever compete against their friends. You should want your friends to succeed and be glad for all of their wins and successes in life. God is pleased when we succeed in life, and he cheers us on;  we should do the same for others. God is our biggest cheerleader in life, and then our friends and family. Compete fairly, help others achieve their goals in life, and congratulate others on their accomplishments, as they have worked very hard to get where they are today. Praise  God for your many blessings in life.

red lighthouse

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Why I Love Cats

Why I Love Cats

I Saw My First Cat When I Was Very Young

My Grandfather found a young gray-and-white kitten in our field years ago. The minute I saw her, it was love at first sight. She and I formed a deep bond that stayed with me. She would follow me all over the farm, and she was an excellent companion. If I swung on the swing set, she would lie on the ground next to me. We named her Flossie. Flossie remained on our farm, and over the years, she had many kittens, which I became very fond of. She killed many mice on our farm, along with rats that had gotten into an old open corncrib. Flossie would wait with me in our yard for the school bus to pick me up and take me to school. The bus driver was cautious, and none of our cats got hit by the bus, luckily. Flossie and at least 7 of her kittens waited with me for many years. I love cats’ gentle purrs and how they love to be held and petted on their terms.

I Love To Adopt Cats That Need A Forever Home

Many of my cats have been born on our farm. I have adopted many cats over the years. I have adopted from private parties because they could not keep their pet as they were moving, having a baby, going to college, or going to a care facility. I have adopted from a humane society near me that offers friendly, healthy cats at very reasonable prices, since they are all up to date on shots, spayed or neutered, and microchipped. Cats know if you love them, as they are very good at reading people’s emotions and how you talk to and treat them. I adopted several cats that had been hanging out around restaurants. Cats have gentle souls and are part of God’s creatures, great and small.

Cats Snuggling Next To You

There is nothing more relaxing than hearing the gentle purring of a contented cat on your lap or one lying next to you that lulls you to sleep with its relaxing purrs. Sometimes a cat will lie next to you as close as it can, or rest on top of your head or by your feet. Once in a while, one of my cats will get up in the middle of the night and start an exercise routine of running up and down the steps. At least they stop within a short time.

Cats Have A Special Place  In My Heart

Cats know how to get your attention, and they are bright and keen creatures. I could not imagine my life without a cat, as I have had several my whole life. I love taking care of them and attending to their needs and wants. I make sure they have plenty of cat toys, beds, heated beds, cat towers, cat food, and veterinary care so they will live a happy and healthy life with me by their side. Cats are family members, too. Cats have gentle souls, comforting meows and purrs, and they calm you with just their presence in your life.

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Think How God Has Helped You Today

Think How God Has Helped You Today

God Has Given You Another Day

Every day that we have on earth is a gift from God. I start my day thinking, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” If we reflect on this verse every day, we can accomplish much. Another day on earth is a blessing, as we can appreciate all of God’s beauty and serve as one of God’s shepherds by spreading his good works and teaching others how God can help them in their daily lives. Go for a walk and listen to all of the sounds of nature. I heard a Bald Eagle Shriek the other day as it was high up in an old Norway Spruce Tree watching for prey. I enjoy reading a devotion in the morning and seeing how it reflects on my day. Almost every day, there is Something in the devotion that I read that pertains to how my day went.

If I cannot Find Something, I Pray To God To Help Me Find It.

I misplaced my vehicle’s keys the other day, and I prayed that God would help me find them. By 3 PM, I had located them. I thanked God for answering my prayers. God can help you find your way back to him if you have drifted away. Ask God to help you walk on the road you know is right for you and to stay off roads that have dangerous detours.

I Pray For Those That Are Fighting Horrible Diseases

I pray that God will take away their pain and heal them. When we pray for people, we become one of God’s healing messengers, as He listens to all our prayers and lays His healing and loving hands on our loved ones to comfort and heal them. Having people around you who love and care for you makes all the difference in the world when it comes to healing, as they give you the willpower and love necessary to carry on.

God Puts The Right People In Our Lives At The Right Time

I can reflect on what would have happened if a chain of events had not unfolded as they did, and I would not be here today. Life can be messy and involve life-threatening situations. If you get misdiagnosed or you get the wrong Doctor, you could end up dead. I am grateful for my wonderful friends over the years, who have helped me through the turbulent times in my life, and for all the joy they bring, as well as the excellent travel adventures they have shared with me. My friends who have passed will hold a special place in my heart forever.

God Always Knows What You Need Even Before You Do

God knows our waking thoughts and what we will do today, as well as how we will spend our lives. God will provide us with many options in our lives, and I hope we all choose the right ones. God helps point us in the right direction in life, and our job is to avoid dangerous detours so God can be pleased with what we accomplish as we complete our mission on earth.

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Do Our Cats Love Us?

Do Our Cats Love Us?

Cats Remember How You Treat Them

If you are kind and loving toward your cat, your cat will love you back. If you hurt or injure a cat, they will remember it forever and never trust you. If we are treated unfairly or unjustly, we never forget it. A cat that loves you will want to lie by your side or follow you wherever you go in your home. A cat follows you because they want to protect you to the best of their ability. A cat will follow you into the bathroom because they perceive it as a perilous place, since there is water running when you take a shower. Your cat wants to make sure you do not drown or slip in the bathroom. Anyone who hits or injures a defense animal has serious problems. We are to be caretakers of the animals and the land on earth. God wants us to treat animals and Mother  Earth with respect. I love my cats and only want the best for them, and I hope you do also.

Your Cat May Not Want To Eat Much While You Are Away From Home

Have someone your cats are used to who can feed and tend to their needs while you are away for an extended period of time. It is stressful enough for you to be gone, let alone having a stranger come into your home to care for them. Place some of your clothing around your house so your cats can smell your scent, and leave out some of their favorite toys to help calm and relax them. When I have been away from my cats, I generally get the cold shoulder for a while when I get home, and then they sit in my lap and purr and purr away.

Cats Sense When We Do Not Feel Well

If you do not feel well, your cat will not want to let you out of their sight. They will find you and lie next to you or directly on the area that is hurting. It has been said that cats absorb our negative energy, and I believe that. A loving cat lying next to you is like having an angel by your side, as their healing purrs and compassionate eyes seem to look into your soul. My cats make the darkest days seem brighter with their presence and their loving ways.

Cats Sometime Pick Us For Their Caretakers

People have gone to an adoption center for cats, and one cat has followed them with its eyes or reached out a paw, as if to say, “I  want you, and I hope you want me in your life.” I had dreamed about a particular cat, and then I found the cat I had dreamed about in the adoption center. Cats and their humans form an unbreakable bond that goes beyond life on earth. Cats mourn the loss of their humans just as we mourn the loss of our dear feline friends that have left pawprints in our hearts.

Copyright 2026.  Not to be reproduced in any form.

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184Fans
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338Followers