Fresh Ground Coffee, Caramel, Brownies with Oreos, I'm THERE!

We were invited last night to a private event to check out something new. This is the first thing that caught my eye, and I bet you would never guess where I am?

This is the first thing that caught my eye, and I bet you would never guess where I am?

This is the next thing that caught my eye after the fireplace was big screen TVs.

The place was packed and kind of difficult for me to get around in my power chair, so I parked myself by the fireplace to enjoy the ambiance. Any ideas of where I am yet? I bet this will be the clue that helps you figure it out.

I bet you know now? :) Wendy's! It's the location at Paradise Valley Mall in Phoenix, AZ They are doing a new thing and this is the first store to open with the new ideas. They took to this Wendy's down to the foundation and built a beautiful restaurant, using a lot of stainless steel and red. The seating above, with the fireplace (which is cool to touch, so now I have a new thing on my dream list!) reminds me of hotel or resort seating. Another location with the new design to come soon.

Redhead Roasters is the name of their new fresh ground coffee line of drinks. Yum! Y'all know how I love coffee! I didn't try any last night, I sure wish I would have!

The menu boards are video screens and very inviting. They also have some as you walk in the door promoting new food. On the right of the menu, under beverages, it says there are 100's of choice in their new beverage dispenser.

This is the new drink dispenser, I couldn't get near with my chair, so I had someone else take a pic, otherwise I would have shown you the menus on the dispenser. Choose your base drink on the screen, then you have choices of flavors to add, like vanilla, or cherry (Next time I will try cherry vanilla coke!). 

Before
independent.co.uk/
"thicker 1/4 lb beef patty than its predecessor, topped with crinkle-cut pickles, sweet red onions, thick tomato slices and topped with a buttered, toasted bun that lost some of its signature square edges. The burger is also available as a double and triple-layer sandwich." 

After

The new burger is much better, much juicier and better flavor. I think it give Five Guys and In-And-Out Burger a run for their money. I absolutely stuffed myself, and still had all this left. I did however leave a little room for the new goodies.

          Brownies, those are Oreos on the top      

It’s our creamy, classic Frosty swirled with all-natural brown sugar granola, fresh red and green apple slices, and real caramel. It’s a tasty, feel-good treat.










                                                                 

However, my favorite was one I tried last week when they gave me a sample - the Caramel Shake - it's SO good!   The changes to the burgers, the new desserts, I love the new stuff and look forward to years of continued patronage to Wendy's. Maybe you will see me at the new location this weekend? If you do, say 'hi' to us!

JonnieNick

Find God nearby on Maps

I just couldn't resist. I loaded the Google Products page and at the top it asked 'What do you love?' with instructions to click the heart after I type it in. So I typed 'God' and had to laugh at the results. God loves to make me laugh and gives me things to giggle about all day long. Google uses what you type to do a search of different media, like maps, Youtube, blogs, calendar, etc. So here are some of the results: Find God nearby on Maps, Watch videos of God on Youtube, Plan your God events with Calendar, Search God blogs, Explore God in 3D, Translate 'God' into 57 languages (sadly there was a message 'No results were found. What if we told you we didn't find anything? Still friends? Try simpler terms.' Hmmm... God, how complex and yet how simple, truth there.), Call someone about God with Voice, Email someone about God, and my personal favorites See pictures of God on Image Search, Search God, on the move with Mobile, Alert me about God with Alerts, and Scour the Earth for God with Earth. The final item on the page was 'More coming soon'.


Of course He tied right in with what I was thinking about last night and this morning. He seems to often communicate with me while I sleep. I assume because there's less clutter to get in the way then. Those of you who know me, know I've been doing a complete bible in 90 days. I realize that it's more difficult to do in depth study then, but there's something nice about a quick overview. When I was in collage, many years ago, we were told to do an overview of a book before studying it. Today is day 60.


Perhaps a bit of a background before proceeding. I have a muscle movement disorder, sometimes they relax at inappropriate times, but more often they contract without my control. In fact, the more I try to control them then, the more they go berserk, so the trick is to relax, to give up. Which has become a bit of a motto for my life.  Almost 20 years ago, I started a business, which got busier and busier. We bought a house way out on the edge of life, so then we started really early in the morning commuting, my husband to his job, my kids to different schools and then me to errands and then my store. My husband, Nick was working a job then, and started coming at lunch to help me because the previously strong me, was struggling to do things. I went from dancing for hours most days to collapsing in a heap, crying because I just couldn't seem to do what I had previously done. Nick came in the afternoons, flexible hours was a new thing then. Doctors couldn't figure out exactly the problem. My cardiologist put a stent in, my pulmonologist said it wasn't my asthma, both pointing fingers at the other. Personally, I trust my pulmonologist more, she's really been an advocate for me, but points out that she can't make other doctors do their jobs. She finally did a test where she hooked me up to a bunch of gadgets while on a bike, and told me to go until I couldn't anymore, while cheerleaders around me encouraged me, so I did. They had to carry me out and asked why I rode so hard. I chuckle at that now. The results were "if I didn't know you, I would have looked at your test results and thought we had some super athlete." It wasn't my breathing systems, ball in the cardiologists court aaaaand he drops it! 


One day while leaving a restaurant, I had to go down two stairs, Nick was behind me and I stopped. He waited a moment then suggested we get going, but I couldn't move, I was just frozen there. The end result is that he had to carry me out and stuff me into my truck, I was rigid. In retrospect, many people say this, why did I just say 'huh' and shrug? Later it happened again. Then again, then more often, then daily, then constantly. The events weren't all the same, but basically I had lost control and I was tiring more and more easily. I continued to try to do all I had before, but couldn't, Nick and my kids stepping in more and more. I was having more and more angina (cardiologist continued to shrug), exhaustion and muscle control issues. I still tried to soldier on. I was using a walker, but by the time I got the heavy thing out and walked from handicapped into a store, I was too exhausted to go on so I would use their motorized scooter, but many times there were none, and I had no energy to get back out to my truck and get the walker back in, so I would just collapse to the floor and rest. 


I tried to or saw neurologists, often I would schedule an appointment which would be months away, but by the time the date came around, they no longer took my insurance. If I saw one, they wanted to do a bunch of tests, sometimes doing some, sometimes doing nothing. The end result is no one knows why I'm doing this and after a while it seems they can't handle that so they just do nothing. My PCP is the one who said that we need to treat you with something because you've been going downhill. Most of the other doctors felt it would muddy the test results. I think it was 2006 when I was told I could no longer work, by this time my husband had been laid off and decided to do the store full time. The last time I had worked, I ended up being taken to the hospital via ambulance, causing the store's only time ever of being closed during regular business hours. I was put on nitro, then later it was upped and that has helped with the angina. It's a muscle movement disorder, chorea (ironic since I was so upset I couldn't dance anymore), tonic-clonic seizures, all kinds of labels. 


But here's why, and I'm finally getting to my point. Many times in the old testament we read where God is trying to get people to notice and know Him. Many times we read of the Israelites being led back to Him by His discipline of the nation. With 20/20 hindsight, we can see the circle: *Israelites walk with God, Israelites move away from God, God punishes the nation (by going into captivity or whatever), Israelites return to God (go to *). This isn't exclusive to the Israelites of course, we just read about it in the OT. This is the circle I had done and he was trying to lead me back to Him. Romans 3:10-11 says “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God." He seeks us, using events in our lives to try to get our attention. Joyce Meyer says that Satan yells and screams, God speaks quietly and lovingly. Amen. So with all the clutter in my life, I allowed it to drown out His voice.


This is a poem that He showed me that really speaks of what happened to me.

I NEEDED THE QUIET

I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.
Into the shadows where we could confide.
Away from the bustle where all the day long
I hurried and worried when active and strong.

I needed the quiet tho at first I rebelled
But gently, so gently, my cross He upheld
And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things
Tho weakened in body, my spirit took wings
To heights never dreamed of when active all day.
He loved me so greatly He drew me away.

I needed the quiet. No prison my bed,
But a beautiful valley of blessings instead.
A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide.
I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.

Alice Hansche Mortenson

From the book I Needed the Quiet © 1978 by Beacon Hill Press


My illness forced me to sit still and I began to hear Him calling me back. He led me to Dr J. Vernon McGee 5 Years Thru the Bible (click 'free downloads' then click on 'MP3 download of the 5-Year Series' on the left)and I began to listen. Dr McGee said reading the bible causes you to fall in love with Him, which in turn makes you want to read more, a wonderful circle. He has really made the bible real to me.


I've been walking closer and closer with Him, which isn't to say that I don't slip up, or stop listening to Him for a bit, but He is so patient and has so much mercy. He's been teaching me about His love, and giving me peace and joy like I have never had in my life. Much like the lesson with my muscles, the more I concede control, the more He gives me. Which isn't to say that everything is rosy and wonderful all the time.   Sometimes it takes every last bit of what I have to get through something; I have learned to trust Him and I'm still learning how to trust Him more and give everything over to Him, and I know that He is the One who carries me. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency. (Philippians 4: 13) The weaker I get, the more He is able to do what needs to be done through me, because I really have to admit that I can't do anything myself . Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21) For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Jeremiah 29:11) He has really made the bible real to me. He has given me a strong craving for His word and told me that time is short, there is much for me to learn. So I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (Psalm 16:8) Because I have he has also show me how important a positive attitude is. He is teaching me about speaking what is to be as if it is. He constantly gives me things to laugh about, often as I'm crying about something else. I have learned first hand A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

What Was His Expression?

Daniel 3

I have to laugh whenever I read this! Nebuchadnezzar goes from admitting that the God of Daniel is the highest God, to making an image of himself and requiring everyone to bow down to it when the music plays. Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar thinks it's a misunderstanding when he's informed that Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego didn't bow down, so he gives them the benefit of doubt. They tell him that their God doesn't allow them to bow down to idols, and not only that, but their God will deliver them from the furnace.

Here's where I read between the lines. When we read about Moses, we read a very small about about his life after fleeing from Egypt. He lives with the Priest's family and obviously his faith has grown some. Great faith, like Moses' during the wilderness trek, doesn't happen overnight. In fact it comes about during many challenges in our lives. We are not told much about what has happened to these men, but clearly they have learned great trust in God.

Here's where I begin to giggle, as I think about the expressions on Nebuchadnezzar's face. He might look magnanimous as he explains they can try again. Then rage as they tell him they clearly won't be doing that, maybe his face it getting rather purple as he tells them to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual, he might sit back in satisfaction, while waiting for them to get what's coming to them. The furnace was so hot, that his strongest army men put the bound Shadrach, Mesach and Abednego into the furnace and die!

This is where I really began to laugh out loud, thinking about old Neb's face as he watches these men get up and begin to walk around. Perhaps he's thinking it isn't really very hot, but no, the army men died. But wait, we put three men in, and now there are four walking around. My sides are nearly hurting due to my laughter as I imagine old Neb jumps up to ask if it was really only three men and it's obvious the fourth figure is really someone special! He approaches the furnace and what was his expression as he asked the men to come out? Perhaps he hesitated? Perhaps a few ums? Clearly his attitude was quite different!

I've often wondered what it was like in there. They could see the flames, it burns off their bindings. I would probably look down at my arm in amazement, seeing the flames dance around and I would probably begin to laugh. I would look around and see the other men and... wow! I would think that the first words to the men might be for them not to be afraid. I like the Amplified version, it says in verse 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who believed in, trusted in, and relied on Him! And they set aside the king’s command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. They believed, trusted and relied on Him and as a result, many people learned about such a wonderful God who takes care of His own! He is a God who sees and a God who hears us.(Gen 16:13)

Thank You

1 Kings 19 11 And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice.13 When Elijah heard the voice, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, What are you doing here, Elijah?

This is so amazing God. First of all, Elijah knew Your voice. Secondly, that You weren't in the strong wind, or the earthquake, or the fire, You were in the still, small voice. I think that's how I know You too. You are the calm voice, the quiet voice. Joyce Meyer said that Satan yells, and you are the small voice. I know you by your peace, joy and laughter too. Throughout the day, things come up that just make me laugh, and I see You in that, I hear Your laughter too.

Holy Spirit, Jesus, I want so much to be a child of God, to be very close to You, to be taught what You want me to know. I believe You have told me repeatedly that the time is short and there is much to learn. Help me to submit to You and Your will. Help me to quit wasting time doing things I should not be doing, and doing instead what You want me to do. Help me to know and understand. Help me to trust You and rely solely on You. I feel such a longing deep down in my soul, that I don't fully understand, but I know it's for You.

Also, thoughout the day, when I think of You, the first thing I think of is thankfulness, praise and worship. I know that You have brought that about and I'm grateful. However, after thinking of some things I'm grateful for and sending praise Your way, I get distracted. Help me to stay on track and bring everything to You. Thank You that You are with me at all times. I love to feel You close by and in my soul. Help me to talk to You the way I should.

I am also so very thankful that You have helped me to read Your Word daily. I thank You SO much that You had Dr. J. Vernon McGee do the 5 Years Thru the Bible radio program and that it is available freely on the web. I have learned so much from him. I started 1st John last night and am a bit sad, I feel like I will be leaving a close real friend soon. The thought came to me, that after I finish the 90 Days Whole Bible program, that maybe I can do a 6 month, or a year plan and also listen to Dr. McGee's commentary on that section? I pray that You let me know what You want me to do next. I also thank you for the 90 Day Whole Bible Plan. It's only about an hour listen each day, but it's nice to be going so quickly through it, especially since I've been listening to Dr. McGee's commentary for a while now. I wish I knew when I started it, but I guess that You would let me know if I'm supposed to. I've been going slower and slower though, because I don't want it to end, but if You want me to start over, then that will take care of that, won't it? :)

Lord, I ask that you help me with my foot and my hand. Ever since I got electrocuted, um was that last week or the week before? I'm thinking the week before, well ever since they have really been hurting, even more so than anything else, which I think is saying something. I am a bit concerned, although I guess if there is damage, it's too late now and probably nothing can be done, at least from a Western Medicine point of view, however You can do anything, at any time, if You want to. Please guide me the direction You want me to go.

Also, when I last saw my PCP, she said that Western Medicine is failing me and suggested that I check into some other things, like acupuncture, or reflexology, etc. I am a bit interested, but also, don't want to waste our money on unnecessary things. Of course my comfort isn't necessary, but You know what I mean. Sometimes my pain and exhaustion are just so very overwhelming. And frustrating. There is so much that I would like to do. I know that You will give me exactly what I need to do Your will, which doesn't mean that it will be easy or that it won't take every iota of strength, endurance and everything else I've got. Great, now I'm getting weepy. Which is another thing, when I get so tired, I often get weepy, or worse, that I get depressed and hopeless. I'm so sorry that I succumb to that. This summer I have done better than I have in a long, long time. I no longer think about when that changes and I go the other way, because it will be when it is. You have been teaching me so much, like to speak of things as if they are, having a positive outlook, watching what I speak so as to give power to what I want to bring about, not what I don't. You have been trying to teach me patience, which ironically is something I can remember You working on all my life. I also have been interested in doing a Characteristic/Attribute study on You, to better know You. If You wish that to happen, lead me Lord.

Today my new social worker came. Of course I saw my old one only once and for the first time last month. I remember when I was talking to the new one, when I realized that once again, there's no help for me. There was a moment that I succumbed to frustration and hopelessness, but then I felt You. You reminded me that You are always there for me and that You will take care of me. I really wish that I could care less about how clean my house is, Please help me. I wish that I wasn't concerned when I wonder how I'm going to see the doctor and not feel like it's a great exercise in Herculean Strength for me, leaving me overwhelmingly drained. I'm sorry that I do. I'm trying to give it all to You and just trust. Please, please help me?

Thank You that sometimes people notice that I have a positive attitude. Of course that isn't me, it's You. I do have so very much to be grateful for! I have a roof over my head, that to my knowledge we aren't worried about a great possibility of losing. While I wish I could have food delivered through Meals on Wheels, clearly I'm not lacking, my scale told me that this morning! :) Thank You so much for my critters and for my service dog Toby. They bring me great joy. Thank You unknown millions of times for my husband, the man who helped me learn about Your love, because of his great love for me. I pray once again, that he will come to know and love You beyond comprehension. That he will accept You as his savior. I pray for my kids and kids-in-laws. I wish I had taught them more about Who You really are. I'm sorry that I didn't. Help them to really know, understand and accept Your saving grace. Thank You for giving me compassion for Mutt Lee. I believe You have told me that he will only be with us until October. Help us to cope when that happens.

Thank You that I have so many resources to know You. www.youversion.com has been such a wonderful resource and I am really enjoying listening to Your Word on there. Thank You that I've been able to provide my favorite bible for a few people. Please help them to feel You and Your desire for them to read. Dr. McGee said that you can't help but fall in love with You if we read Your Word, and the more we fall in love with You, the more we want to read Your Word. Amen!

Your Word reminds me of when a child learns math. At first, they learn how to count and what numbers look like. Then they learn how to add and subtract with them. Then multiplication, etc. It's all math, but each year, new knowledge layers onto old to teach more and more. Your Word is like that. There are so many nuances, sometimes I can see it this way, then later, see the same passage another way, building onto what I know, You teach me something else about it. Wow. Thank You so very much for giving me the Holy Spirit and that I'm learning so much. Some passages, like John 1:1, are so very deep, that I know I can't fully understand them now, but pray that I will know in the Spirit. When I think of Your teaching, all I can think is Wow! What a gift for words, eh? But I feel so very, how to put it into words, such awe, love, thankfulness, so many emotions that I can't even put words to. Just Wow. You are an awesome God.

Thank You that You have made a bridge so that I can know You. That Jesus came here, died and was resurrected so I can spend eternity with You. That the Spirit is with me always guiding me. Thank You that You love me. Me. A worthless person, who has value, only because of You.

"He is the First and the Last, Beginning and the End, the Keeper of Creation and the Creator of All, the Architect of the Universe and the Manager of All Times, He Always Was, Always Is and Always Will Be Unmoved, Unchanged and Undefeated and Never Undone, He was Bruised and Brought Healing, He was Pierced and Eased Pain, He was Persecuted and Brought Freedom, He was Dead and Brought Life, He is Wisdom (? 3:15) and brings Power, He Reigns and Brings Peace, The World Can't Understand Him, the Armies Can't Defeat Him, Schools can't explain Him and the Leaders Can't Ignore Him, Herod Couldn't Kill Him, Pharisees Couldn't Confuse Him, People Couldn't Hold Him, Nero Couldn't Crush Him, Hitler Couldn't Silence Him, New Age Can't Replace Him, and Oprah Can't Explain Him Away. He is Life, Love, Longevity, and more, He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness and God. He is Holy, Righteous and Holy. He is Mighty, Powerful and Pure. His Ways are Ways are Right, His Words Eternal and His Will is Unchanging, and His Mind is on me. He is my Redeemer, my Savior, my God, and He is my Peace, He is my joy, my comfort, He is my Lord and He Rules my Life,"

Jesus Throughout the Bible

Salem Lutheran Church

Jack Stockton, December 5, 2010

http://theresurgence.com/2011/01/06/a-word-from-the-valedictorian-of-vacation-bible-school

Diaper Malfunction

Hi, I'm Jonnie, a 50 year old disabled woman with a service dog (SD) named Toby. He's the red dog you see in my photos, since I've encouraged his curiosity, and worked with him scent finding things (especially my phone and TV remote!) you will usually see him sniffing something in my pics. Take a bow Toby.

Ouch, get off my foot please! Good dog. I have a muscle movement disorder, aka chorea, aka hyperflexia (A state of excessive response to stimuli.) or spastic movements, tonic-clonic seizures, etc. Lots of different names, but basically I have a problem controlling my muscles, sometimes they relax at inappropriate times, but mostly the respond abnormally. The person flailing around looking like I'm having a seizure, that's me. It's kinda painful and really exhausting, like dancing without stop for many hours, then dance some more. The bad ones, I can't see, everything goes dark, but I can still hear, and I can't talk. Sometimes now I lose consciousness and wake up on the floor.

I'm OK with it all though, because I stand on my faith. I'm a Christian, and my faith is the largest part of my life, I love to talk about my beliefs to people, even people who believe something different than I do. It's great to have a nice conversation about our believes, comparing our common ground and enjoying hearing about the differences. I love to talk to people who share the same beliefs too. I really feel that the world needs lots of compassion, tolerance, empathy, laughter, joy, well I can go on and on, but mostly love is what's needed. I also think it's really important to keep a positive outlook. 

I started a business almost 20 years ago, but as I was able to do less and less, my wonderful husband, Nick stepped in more and more. I had to retire some years ago when the doctor said I wasn't able to work anymore. He runs it by himself now, a huge undertaking, but one he does without ever complaining. I love him deeply. Smile sweetie.

Such a beautiful smile. When I used to go to work, MuttLee went with me every day. If he makes it until November 2011, he will be 18 years old. He's had problems with his hips for years now, but it got to the point that he couldn't walk around on the bare floor anymore, so we got a bunch of cheap carpets and laid them about. These are a huge pain to vacuum since a lot of them get sucked up instead of having stuff sucked off. Ut oh... another diaper malfunction. It's ok Mutt, I know you wouldn't if you could help it.

I'll use my new Bissell Little Green Proheat aka My Green Machine. I ordered it off of Amazon, where I do almost all my shopping, since it's hard for me to go out. The reviews were pretty good, and it was the best selling compact carpet cleaner on Amazon. I have a Bissell Proheat full size carpet shampooer, and have for years, but it's been slowly dying. Now the only thing it does is suck, but since I've gotten so much weaker, it's a challenge for me to try to muscle it around, so I'm excited that my Green Machine arrived last night. I felt like I was playing with babushka (Russian nesting) dolls while unpacking, so it was well packed from Amazon! 

Set up was fairly easy except to screw the flex hose storage bracket on was a bit of a challenge for me. I bet other's would find it really easy to put the screw in with a Phillips screw driver. The hose wraps around the base and the flex hose clip just snapped on so that was easy. It also has a Quick Release Cord Wrap, which is really nice. Here is the back of the Green Machine with the hose wrapped around, the cord wrapped up. The Proheat came with two attachments: a tough-stain tool, and a TurboBrush with its own powered brush roll. I used the second.

 I ran into a bit of a difficulty with the water tank, the top is curved, so the bottle won't stay up as it was filling, 

so I finally propped it up on a sponge so it wouldn't slide, and leaned it against the edge of the sink so I could put the Bissell Pet Stain for Compacts which I chose it for a couple of reasons, first of all it 'sustainable design' products that offer benefits for you and the Earth, and also that contain biodegradable detergents and have no phosphates, dyes, optical brighteners or heavy metals and is for pet stains, which I get a lot of. I am very sensitive to chemicals, and had my Epi Pen ready, but I had no reaction at all. It leaves a very nice smell, but isn't at all overwhelming or a cover-up.

 This is everything out of the box:

 Toby of course had to check it out, now that he approves, I can proceed! Since the tank now has the warm water with the pet stain cleaner solution, I plugged the Green Machine in, turned it on and pressed the button on the wand for the solution to come out. Since it was brand new, it took a few moments for it to prime. Then the solution came out at a very nice rate, not too little, not too much. This is just before I started.

I had a bit of a leak, which I consider an opportunity to clean another spot, so this is how much water was left in the tank after the leak (had to re-seat the water bottle), spraying, sucking, and repeat on Mutt's accident. Even taking pics, the whole thing took only a couple of minutes. This saved me a huge amount of effort, energy and time! No wonder that The Bissell Little Grean Machine is the best selling compact carpet cleaner on Amazon! In fact, I even had the energy to clean a spot where a guest spilled a really large soda a while ago. I've tried cleaning it repeatedly by pouring water on it, then pressing cloths on, but it's still sticky enough that it collects dirt. Now if only I could find a good dog diaper that doesn't leak, but in the mean time, I am really happy with this purchase!

The 12 Stones of Revelation 21

I have been craving looking and multiple colors lately. I was reading a book that mentioned Revelation 21, and I started wondering what all those stones looked like, so I put this together.

Revelation 21:18-21

The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. ¹⁹ The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.^[f] 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

Jasper - Red

Sapphire - Dk Blue

Agate - 

Emerald - Dk Green

Onyx - Black

Carnelian - Green

Chrysolite 

Beryl -

or

Topaz -

Crystals with more water are yellow to brown, while those with more fluorine are typically blue or colorless. The most popular color is a rich orange-yellow, resembling the color of sherry wine.

Chrysoprase

Jacinth

Amethyst

Pearl

The 12 Stones of Revlation 21

None of of know exactly what that will look like, but I suspect that our Earthly bodies are limited in what they can sense, and in heaven our senses can experience in a way we never could before. I know that heaven is so beautiful, and it is my home.

-- 

May God richly bless you!

Jonnie