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Sarah loves Christmas!

And she loves spending it in Texas. 

She's sad the season is coming to an end.

While in Texas for Christmas, she gets lost in a bizarre snow blizzard.

 Blizzards don't happen in Texas. 

Not normally, anyway. 

 Texans often wear shorts on Christmas Day.

Sarah is sent to comfort Emily. Her fiance broke off their engagement on the grandest of all holidays,  and the coward sent a police officer to Emily's work with a restraining order!

Sarah, being Sarah, decided to show the ofiicer a thing or two as he presented Emily with documents. 

Of course, hitting him in the head with an office stapler might not be a good idea, but she manages to scare the wits out of him.

How to help? She assumes the identity of an elderly woman and  proceeds to help. 

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God's angels don't goof up, but Sarah is an exception.

On Amazon

Special Baby

Mary's Baby

Most mothers think their baby is the cutest, sweetest, and brightest baby ever born, and they believe their child will grow up to make a major contribution to the world.

If the mom holds athletics in her DNA, perhaps she dreams her baby will become another Tom Brady or a Michael Jordan. If the mom’s family is known for high IQs, she imagines her child will be another Einstein or Elon Musk. But present-day mothers can merely hope and fantasize about their baby’s destiny.

The Virgin Mary knew with certainty that her baby was special. An angel told her.

When the angel, Gabriel, told the virgin Mary she would have a baby boy, Gabriel also told the terrified teenage mother-to-be that her baby would be the Son of the Most High, would rule over the house of Jacob, and His rule would have no end. Luke 1:30.

No need for an ultrasound here. Mary received a Divine Revelation.

What was in Mary’s DNA to make this baby special?

She belonged to the tribe of Judah.

Other than her ancestry, Scripture doesn’t divulge why she found favor with God.

Did Gabriel tell Mary her son would die on the cross? Nope.  He didn’t reveal that.

Did Gabriel say, “And by the way, your heart will break as you watch your son die.” Nope. He left that out.

Did ole Gabe tell her how to raise this special child? Nope, nary a word.

That little teenage girl knew she carried a special baby, but like all mothers, she didn’t know the future. She was a mere mortal, chosen to live an astonishing life as a parent to a normal baby who really wasn’t normal. He was an ordinary baby, with typical infant needs, but He was also the Son of God.

How did Mary parent Him?

With love, affection, and discipline. That’s what mothers do.

Both eBook and Print on Sale

Sarah and a Texas Christmas

Scammers

When tricksters learn our loved one is gone, they find way to cheat us.

I have a doctor sending me notices for services he didn’t do. An ambulance company sent a bill for services they didn’t perform.

Tips for Caregivers.

1.   If an invoice arrives, check it out before you pay it.

2.   Be careful what you put on social media.

3.   Remember hackers are out there, and they read obits.

4.   Check the Internet to see how many times you find your loved one’s name. You can send a cease-and-desist letter to the organizations that have misinformation. I had our funeral home write one to Echovita. They are an Internet site that gathers obits. They make up their own obit based on what they find and read. I don’t think they gather info to harm. They say they want to help, but it is more information for scammers.

5.   As we close Shelley’s business, one entity wanted us to take a picture of the death certificate and email it. I didn’t think that was a good idea. Secure sites get hacked. Any information with her name, social security number, etc. should be kept safe. Smart hackers can trace data back to the family and who knows what sort of evil they can plan. 

 Christmas Book

Another Christmas Book on Sale

Do What You Don't Want to Do

Just Do It!

That’s my hubby’s motto, and he does what is needed without procrastination.

Me?  Not so much.

I put off things I don’t like. I hesitate on stuff I do like.

When I do what needs to be done, I feel better about myself. How about you?

I’ve done all sorts of things to help myself. Here’s a few ways I’ve tried to improve.

1.  Set goals. Yep, I’ve done that. I’ve even written them down. Sometimes they helped, and I felt good about my accomplishments.

2.  Just start with something. My desk is a good example. When I sort through the stacks, I’m proud of the clean areas.

3.  Ask someone who is good at organizing to help you. It’s amazing what these people can see that you can’t.

4.  I read a list once. It said to create habits. Well, I’ve done that, but I develop bad routines. If I start to write a blog, shouldn’t I play a game of Scrabble first? I need to keep my mind alert, don’t I?

5.  My motto these days is to do at least one thing. That might be to cook a good meal. It could mean I organize a closet. Or go to the gym. Today, I’m writing a blog.

While writing this blog, a verse came to me. It says:

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10

Solomon, the author of this verse, was correct. When we get to our destination, Heaven, there is no working or planning. But he was wrong about knowledge and wisdom. Up there, we will have plenty of that. However, while down here, we should work with all our might.

Here’ a video I did yesterday as I sat in my hubby’s truck. I didn’t want to go to church yesterday. I didn’t feel up to it, but I went, and afterward, I was happy I did.

Just Do It!

Gay on YouTube

Sarah's on Sale

Angel in my Pocket

  

 

My dainty, crocheted, angel winked at me.

Honest! She did.

Her little, white, stitched face doesn’t have eyes like yours and mine. But I saw a sparkle where her eyes should be.

She has snowy hair, and so is mine, but her tresses were recently coifed by the sweet lady who crocheted her. Mine need a lot of help.

Her golden wings shine and never appear tarnished. Either this little angel is always perfect, or her wings are brand new. If she grows into someone like me. She’ll need to hoist down the halo/wings and polish them every day.

When she arrived, her note said she’s a pocket angel to be with me throughout the day.  She is a reminder that God is nearby.

She hasn’t gone to my pocket yet. She sits on my desk and leans against the computer screen. She sees me working away.

She knows when I’m sad. So, she winks at me, and I feel better.  Her tag reads, “I’m an ever-present guardian, a reminder of God’s love, and how He’s watching over us from somewhere up above.”

I write about an angel named Sarah, and I’ve named this little one who sits near me, “Sarah.” Unlike the Sarah at my desk, my Sarah is not a good, ever-present guardian. She’s Heaven’s Little Love Angel. She brings romance into the lives of earthlings who are her assignment.

But she makes a mess. In the end, she gets things straight, but not without a bit of help from someone in The Heavenlies. Her angel friends are always ready to pat her on the shoulder or give her words of wisdom and encouragement.

On Earth down here, we sometimes need a bit of help, and it’s a beautiful gift when one of our human friends extends kindness.

We can give a smile or word to those who sad.

Or if you know how to crochet, send a pocket angel.

 Sarah and a Texas Christmas

 

Too Emotional to Write

 

I've been neglecting my blog, and I apologize to my readers. Have you ever been too sad to do something? 

Rather than sit at my keyboard and write, I find it almost easier to talk to you. 

How long does grief last? I think it is always with us, but it grows lighter with time.

I got up late this morning. It was 6:00, but that is late for me. After I cooked breakfast, I went back to sleep. At 11:29, I awoke. This is highly unusual for me, but I guess I needed the rest. Probably still do.

I'm posting a video I made. You can see how tired I look, but it seems easier to tell you about my little daughter than to write details.

Thank you for bearing with me. 

Gay on Youtube

A Post from the Past

 

 

 Shelley and I on a Bluebonnet Trip 

I wrote the article below on September 9, 2018. That was six years ago. At that time, our daughter was in the middle of her dementia journey. She completed her passage on October 26, 2024.

With emptiness, I go through my blog and my YouTube posts to find comfort from my own words.

Odd, isn’t it?  I find past thoughts and Scriptures I’ve shared now soothe me. I didn’t consider the idea of searching for my own words, but a friend did. She sent me links to the words I had written.

It is difficult to cheer up a grieving person, and who would think your own words could have an effect?

A few people said to me, “She gained her wings.” Or, “She’s an angel now.”

These are sweet statements, but they aren’t Biblical.

She is in heaven now, and she’s enjoying the angels. In the last days, before she left Earth, her eyes grew large. I’d ask, “Who do you see, Shelley? Do you see the angels?”

She never communicated one way or the other. I believe we can see into the supernatural, and she must have seen things she couldn’t talk about.

I’d love to see an angel for real and receive a message, but so far, I haven’t. However, as this article says, I have the Holy Spirit, and He is also known as the Comforter.

 

From Six Years Ago.

 

 Angel Powers

Angels can physically perform what the Holy Spirit can't. 

Beg your pardon? How's that?

The Holy Spirit lives within a person. An angel does not. Angels exist outside human bodies in the natural and supernatural realm.

Angels are God's messengers. They deliver God's communication in a direct, corporal way.  For instance: the Angel Gabriel appeared and gave news to a stunned Mary. He said something like, "Fear not, you'll be the virgin mother of Jesus." Shocking news, right?

Gabriel later appeared to Joseph, Mary's intended, in a dream, and after the birth of Jesus, a body of angels filled the skies one night and announced the arrival of the Messiah to shepherds.

So, they can talk to us. Another role of angels is that of guardian.

People have reported seeing angels use their protective skills, as in the case of Elisha.

"And Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes, Lord that he may see,' They the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he looked and saw the hill full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."  NIV. 2 Kings 6:17.

Angels can perform physical acts, mighty things that the Holy Spirit can't, but they aren't around all the time to give communication or protection. The Holy Spirit is! 

Upon an acceptance of Jesus, we begin a relationship with Him. He sends His Spirit to dwell within our soul. The Holy Spirit brings us evidence of our connection to Jesus.

The Holy Spirit takes up residence and never leaves us. His purpose is to lead, teach, comfort, and convict us of sin.  He also helps us pray. He knows God's language and speaks to Him in words we don't know. He interprets our thoughts and needs to the Father. 

I write about Sarah, an angel, sent to help and communicate with humans. She's a chaotic, bumbling, lovable misfit, and she relates well to mortals. She's funny and makes you laugh. Like all angels, she's limited.

Not so with the Holy Spirit.

I may not always have an angel nearby, after all, Sarah has others to help besides me, but I'll always have His Spirit with me.

And I have my memories.

Here's my newest Sarah book. It came out a few months ago.

Sarah Stalks the Wrong Stalker

Our Daughter Lives Now in Heaven

 

Shelley Lewis McGregor

1963 - 2024

 

Shelley Lewis McGregor passed away on October 26, 2024, at the age of sixty-one, in a memory care facility in Richmond, Texas. Born on March 6, 1963, Shelley was known for her vibrant and outgoing personality. Although tiny, she always gave a huge hug to everyone she met.

Throughout her life, Shelley was deeply committed to a work ethic. She won awards in her career in insurance sales, and she was respected by her colleagues and clients alike. After she married Don McGregor, she worked with him in the industrial coating business. She was a graduate of Alief Hastings High School in Alief, TX. She had two years of college before she began to shape her future.

She made a public profession of faith on May 5, 1971, at the First Baptist Church in Alief, TX, and was baptized by her pastor father. She and her husband, Don McGregor, later joined the First Baptist Church of Pflugerville, TX. Before going to Heaven, Shelley was a devout member of Second Baptist Church in Rosenberg, TX where she found great comfort and community.

 Her two much-loved Scriptures were: Philippians 4:6 and Colossians 2:6. Shelley quoted these two verses well into her illness with Dementia. She loved hymns, especially “In the Garden” “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Because He Lives.” She gave a big smile when we sang, “You Are My Sunshine.” Although memory faded with time, these hymns and Scriptures were the last to leave her.

Shelley treasured the outdoors, and her favorite hobbies were hiking and fishing. She found the sunshine enjoyable and liked laying outside to get a tan. Her dancing skills were admirable, so were her singing skills. Karaoke was a choice activity. She spent hours listening and singing along with the Beatles. Cooking and entertaining the family was a priority, and she was famous for her chicken and dumplings. As a sports enthusiast, she cheered for her team, The Dallas Cowboys.

Shelley married Rick Day in 1983, and although the marriage didn’t last, the friendship with Rick and wife, Gay, did. Later, in 1999, she met Don McGregor via the Internet. They married, blended their families, and Shelley moved from Katy, TX to Manor, TX.

Shelley was the loving mother to Richard Paul Day and wife Christine, and Courtney Richelle Reuther, son-in-law, James Reuther. Stepchildren Ryan McGregor and Molly McGregor. She was a cherished grandmother to Esperansa Day, Mackenzie Reuther, Jordan McGregor, and Addison McGregor. She is also survived by her mother, Gay Lewis; father, Rev. Paul Lewis; sisters, Christy Lewis Wilner and husband, Dirk and Lanissa Lewis Coker and husband Craig. Shelley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don McGregor, and mother-in-law, Mary McGregor.

Shelley McGregor’s legacy of warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers.

--Philippians 4:6

Just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust Him too for each day’s problems. Live in vital union with Him.

--Colossians 2:6

 

Pallbearers

Rick Day

Richard Paul Day

Dirk Wilner

Craig Coker

Nirav Shah

James Reuther

Alternate Jason Cappers

Daylon Durell

 Shelley

Obiturary

Decorate for Fall

As September ends, I think hallelujah! The hot, Houston summer is ending. Of course, it won’t cool down here until November, but the idea of fall brings excitement.

I usually put up a fall tree, and then decorate it for Christmas. I can’t do that this year. I threw away the artificial tree last year and haven’t bought a new one. That’s on my to do list, but they are expensive.

 Two Years Ago, I had a lovely tree.

We have traveled to New England several times in the past, and the first visit stands in my memory as the best. We rented a car and drove around Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. 

As we journeyed through neighborhoods, the yard décor impressed me. People had pumpkins, mums, scarecrows, and they were creative with hay and wagons.

The scenery was inspirational. 

I wish more of us did that thing here in my area. We do a bit, but not at 

all like those New Englanders.

We go all out for Christmas, but that’s another subject.

Here's my mantle this year.

I decorated the entire kitchen, but here's part of it.

 

Happy Fall, Y'all

Be sure to read my latest book!

Sarah Stalks the Wrong Stalker

A Hot July

 

July is hot in Texas. Very hot, but it is the month of my birth, so I usually celebrate it with joy.

Not July 2024.

My dear friend, Mary Vaeth and I began the month of June with optimism. She is a neighbor, and we met years ago at our monthly book club. We clicked at once. Even though Mary is twelve years or so older than me, we had much in common. She loved reading, visiting and writing. We often met for lunch.

One June morning, a few weeks ago, she invited me to her home for coffee. I arrived and followed her into the kitchen. She opened the fridge, removed her creamer, and added it to a cup of cold coffee sitting on the counter. She then took her mug to the table. She forgot to ask me if I wanted to make my coffee. I didn’t say anything, but we sat and talked.

My sweet friend repeated herself more than once, and I knew something was amiss. Mary’s memory and vocabulary were exceptional. I kept looking for unsafe behavior but found none. After our visit, I assured myself she was secure, and I left.  I’m not always with it early in the day, so I thought Mary might be like me on that morning.

Later, Mary’s daughter texted me to check on her mom. I cautiously related the coffee incident. Her daughter thought her mom should see a doctor. Her daughter cares about her mom, and Mary is fortunate to have her.

The doctor said Mary had health issues, but they weren’t severe. So that’s good, right?

Or so we thought.

Mary had talked about going to a retirement home, and she had found one she liked. It a matter of days, or so it seems now, her wise and sweet daughter moved Mary to a new location where people could oversee her care.

Mary was both happy and sad. A new challenge is like that, don’t you think? We are excited to pounce upon a fresh adventure, but reluctant to leave the old.

I visited Mary in her new home on June 18. We had a marvelous lunch.  She had met a few people there, and she introduced me as her “famous author friend.” These new friends invited us to sit with them, but there wasn’t room, and besides, we wanted to visit by ourselves.

Mary ordered meatloaf, and I ordered shrimp with pasta. We had soup and salad first, and we both had chocolate cake for dessert. The portions were small, but it was a scrumptious meal. Most of the residents were older than me, and I guess their appetites were waning. However, snacks were always available, and they had a happy hour with wine.

I found it was a good choice for Mary, but I knew she missed her neighbors and friends.

Toward the end of June, Mary developed health complications and was admitted to the hospital. She had too much fluid on her body. Mary opted for a procedure that had a better chance of keeping fluid from returning.

On June 24, my friend had the procedure. Mary survived and was on the road to recovery. Or so we thought.

On June 26, she was improving.  She was sedated and talking to someone. We didn’t know who. Sedation does that to a person, but on the other hand, people who are close to eternity often see and hear people we don’t.

Mary was Catholic, and she loved Saint Anthony. She often told me, “We are on a first name basis. I sometimes call him Tony.” She knew I was Baptist, and we compared our views. I’d call her at times, and say, “Ask Tony to help me today.” And of course, she would.

I visited her in the hospital on July 4, and she appeared in good spirits. 

She told me to bring our favorite sandwich and fries the next time I came. She passed four days later.

As Hurricane Beryl blew his way though Houston, and Mary decided to fly away with him.

How do we replace friends? Family? We don’t. We splice our hearts with inadequate band aids and live with broken spirits.

But our lives are better for having known and loved these valued people.

Old Friends and New Friends.

A Tumultuous July

 

July 2024 was roller coaster ride in this household.

July 1 - we discovered ice had accumulated in the refrigerator’s freezer section. We began working on it. A technician told us what was wrong, and we ordered the part. However, he was mistaken. When the device arrived, he installed it, but the gadget wasn’t the problem, so the ice is still accumulating. 

 

July 3 - we visited Shelley. I told her my birthday was the next day, and I sang the Birthday Song to me for her. Did she understand? I don’t know. I sang more tunes for her and told her it was also America’s birthday. Before we left, we quoted her favorite Scripture and prayed with her.

July 4, I visited my dear friend, Mary, in the hospital.  Mary had been ill for a short time, and we thought she was getting better.

While I was there, Mary and I joked with each other. As I left, I told her I’d bring our favorite sandwich on the next visit. She said, “And don’t forget the French fries.”  Then she said, “I love you.” I said, “I love you too,” and we left.

Paul then took me to dinner at the Texas De Brazil. It is in Town and Country, in Houston and parking is a challenge. We finally found a place in a garage and walked a good distance to the restaurant. I would never have found the car again, but Paul knows how to do those things.

This restaurant brings all kinds of meats on a skewer. I liked the lamb chops. Their salad bar was yummy, too. Those little cheese bread rolls were also delicious.  The lady’s restroom was interesting. Mirrors were everywhere.

July 7 - My son-in-law’s father passed away in New Orleans.

July 8 - Hurricane Beryl decided to visit the Houston area. The eye of the storm went over our house. Tree limbs came down in our yard, and it was a colossal mess, but none in our yard were uprooted. Many trees in our neighborhood were literally taken up by the roots and lay in a sad, disheveled heap.

Our daughter and family had just returned from New Orleans and came to stay with us because they had no power. We have a generator, and boy, were we grateful for it!

My son-in-law called his sister in New Orleans and helped plan their father's funeral while sitting at our table.

Death doesn’t wait for perfect weather, and there are no ideal times to experience grief.

July 12 – A church member passed, and we attended his funeral. We worried about the flooded streets, but we made it without too much difficulty.

July 18 - Shelley’s daughter, hubby, and baby arrived from New Hampshire. We met them for dinner. On the way home—devastating news.

Shelley's grandbaby. My greatgrand.,

Shelley’s hospice nurse called, and we spoke by phone for the thirty-minute drive home.  She told us Shelley wasn’t doing well, and she expected her to pass at any time. When we arrived home, Paul and I stood in the kitchen, put our heads on each other’s shoulders and cried our hearts out.  We’d been expecting such a call, but when it came, we found ourselves not ready.

July 19 - Shelley’s daughter and family, Shelley’s sister, and us went to see Shelley the next day. The sadness was profound. The family said their goodbyes.

July 20 - Paul and I went to see Shelley. She was in her dark room in bed. One of the caregivers sat with her. I didn’t see him at first, but he arose from a straight-back chair to say hello. He didn’t say, but I instinctively knew he was there to be with our daughter if she went to heaven.

Over the next few days, Shelley plateaued at this new level. Her hospice nurse said, “she’s a survivor.”  I replied, “She always has been. As a full-term baby, she weighed a whopping 4 pounds and 4 ounces at birth. The hospital nurses didn’t think she’d make it, but she did. I nicknamed her Tiny Tuffy.”

July 24 - We attended a late afternoon meeting with a hospice company and again visited Shelley. We ate leftovers at home and began watching television.

That’s when I collapsed. I told Paul, “I’m sick.” He caught me as I was fainting. After checking my blood pressure and heart rate, I decided to go to the ER. They admitted me, and I took an ambulance ride to the Methodist hospital.

July 25 - The day of my friend Mary’s funeral, and I couldn’t go. The rain kept people away, but at the 11:00 hour, the funeral time, I was in the OR having a pacemaker implanted.

July 26 - I came home. Yay!

July 28 - Lightning struck our home with a sonic boom. We were grateful the telephone was the only thing damaged.

July 30 - Doctor follow ups

July 31- More doctor follow ups.

Hallelujah July is over.