Switching Granny's Stuff

Surprise Appearnce

2010-02-03T16:49:00.003-06:00

Was thrilled this morning to see that I was mentioned w/ picture on GeekBrief.tv Especially since this was the historic 700th episode!

Overwhelming Account promotes thankfulness

2010-02-03T09:40:00.005-06:00

I've just finished reading "Buried Alive" by Roy Hallums and found his account of being kidnapped and held hostage for 311 days by ransom-starved captors in Iraq to be overwhelmingly difficult to read. Yet I am so glad I did as my admiration was very much increased for those who endure the absolute worst of situations while remaining sane and hopeful.

Hallmus has told his story in heart wrenching detail. Gripping accounts of how he was treated made the book difficult to read while on the other hand difficult to put down.

Because this book is published by Thomas Nelson I had expected more detail of how Hallmus dealt with all of this spiritually. The lack of depth regarding his relationship with our Lord and how he was ministered to during these horrific days was my only regret. No doubt Hallums is a man of faith. And without the grace and protection of the Lord Jesus I doubt he could have survived.

Reading this book made me even more thankful to be an American and proud of our military as they worked to dramatically rescue Hallmus.

Here is the product page for "Buried Alive"

Papaw & I create our own Christmas Jam Party

2009-12-25T22:29:00.000-06:00

Do we really need to be afraid? My review of "Fearless" by Max Lucado

2009-09-06T15:39:00.013-05:00

Max Lucado's newest book "Fearless" is timely, encouraging and exceptionally easy to read.

Some of the chapter subtitles are as follows:

Fear of Not Mattering

Fear of Disappointing God

Fear of Running Out

Fear of Not protecting our children

Fear of Dying

Fear that God is Not Real

Max takes these all too common fears and shares the scripture verses to give the

reader the spiritual tools to over come and live in trust and assurance of God's love and promises.

I love how Max can simplify complex topics by breaking them down to easy to grasp pieces.

No new revelations to be found in this book. Just a re-examine of the truths that
give us the assurance to live in peace even in the midst of life's storms.

This would be a good book to share with a small group for the encouragement it
provides. Included is a discussion guide to facilitate small group study and discussion.

Previously I'd not read many of Max Lucado's books; That is about to change!

Additional content and information about Fearless are available at The Fearless Book Site, and readers are invited to share their stories, pictures and words of encouragement there.


Buy		Read

The Jesus Book

2009-08-27T13:05:00.005-05:00

The Jesus Book TNP product page

Preview Flip Book

The Texas Granny Switch

2009-08-21T13:26:00.010-05:00

Part Two of Granny's Big Trip outside the box!

When I got the news that I'd be sent a plane ticket to spend a week in Texas at the GeekBrief.TV studio I was so excited. And really hoped to also make time to meet with another video podcasting family Dave & Kat Curlee from CookingWithKat.

Soon we decided that I'd be "Switched from Cali & Neal's home to the Curlee home for a Saturday night and Sunday morning for church.

Again I was so entirely blessed to stay with folks I knew from their podcast and our relationship on twitter and facebook yet had never met in person. The Curlee's are parents to two precious little girls Jayna and Jillian.

I felt like I'd known these sweet folks all my life. Little Jayna even gave up her bedroom for "Granny Martha" to have a place to sleep.

We spent some time driving around the area, and Dave showed me the new Dallas Cowboy Stadium and Ballpark at Arlington.

To top off our visit besides touring more of the DFW area and taking my first trip to an IKEA store we actually shot a Cooking With Kat show. This was too much fun to be involved in yet another fun video podcast.

Here is the episode we made together.. hope you enjoy

Excited for Another family's Big Trip

2009-08-07T13:50:00.007-05:00

Friends

Do you remember last year when Tommy & I had some people stay with us that we'd never met in real life? Gabe and Marla Taviano and their children?

We'd gotten to know one another through Gabe's podcast God'sMac Anyway.. Marla is an Author.. and felt lead by God to write a book called 52 zoos * 52zoos *
And they have 3 little (beautiful) girls.. and felt that this was of the Lord.. so He would provide.

We were one family of many around the country who had the pleasure of having the Taviano family stay in our home so they could tour our zoo.

They accomplished this 52 zoos in 52 weeks on the 1st of Aug.

They've had a lot of publicity since. One thing Marla had hoped was to get to fly the family to California to go to their zoos. But that did not work out.. they drove 22 thousand miles total!

But today their flying dream came true as God has planned for them to be on the Early Show tomorrow on CBS!

This is so exciting.. but also a huge prayer request.. These folks want to give God the Glory.. so will you pray for their interview tomorrow?

Thank you

Here is a link to Gabe's blog post about the trip: Gabe'sBlog

Here is Marla's Blog

Here is a link to a blog post about their visit to Evansville.. and a picture with us!
Marla's blog about our zoo in Evansville

We feel like we've been a little part of this Big Trip and are totally excited.

martha

Granny's Big Trip outside the Box

2009-08-01T08:38:00.022-05:00

After spending the last week in Texas with Cali Lewis and Neal Campbell from GeekBrief.TV I am rather high regarding the awesome opportunities that have come from relationships that are inside the box (box meaning of course my macbook or my imac.) Yet friends inside the box would not be visible w/o the box being open and connected. Once the lid shuts or the power is pulled there are no viable relationships it may seem.

OHHH but the people I have had the privilege of getting to know while living my life mostly inside the box have over and over again become very real to me and a huge part of my life.

My impressions of Neal Campbell and Cali Lewis:

These dear people are genuinely kind, and thoughtful. Cali is as shiny and happy in person as she is on GeekBrief.TV

Their enthusiasm for all things tech just spills over continually as they talk together and share ideas. They are lovers of people who feel a strong sense of connection with their viewers. Yet because the majority of production is done from their home, the time they have to spend with folks is limited. I was surprised by just how much of each day goes into preparing for a four minute episode. Neal and Cali spend a lot of time discussing the latest tech/ gadget news that sparks their interest. And then make their decisions regarding what segments they'll feature. After the decisions are made its time to study in detail the gadgets or tech news they've chosen to review. Then they write a script for the show from which Cali will ultimately read via the TelePrompTer.

Then its off to freshen up for Cali.. a bit of lipstick and hair combing and she's ready for the cameras.

Cali behind the scene from Switching Granny on Vimeo.

Neal and Cali work together like a well synchronized musical composition! They just know where to respect the other to get the job done with the most ease and professionalism. Once Cali is in front of the blue screen looking at the TelePrompTer, Neal stands aside with his nifty hillcrest loop pointer and keeps the TelePrompTer syncing with Cali's reading. Seems that they normally need to re-shoot a couple of times for tongue twisting sentences.

And then after the shoot Neal will take the digital files and import/ export/ edit/ upload.... all very very time consuming and precise. He showed me how he edits differently from others by using Cali's voice to make the cuts between segments. This is just one secret as to how they are able to compact so much information in to such a short amount of time. Often it is well past midnight when Neal and Cali finally have a show posted online. Lots of hard and tedious work, but they excel at this and seem to thoroughly enjoy themselves along the way.

Smooth like butter is how I described their interaction on a previous tweet. But it goes beyond that because they are so obviously in love with one another, thrilled with what they are doing, and connected to the friends who they consider family who regularly view the show.

They are professionals who don't take for- granted how far they have come in a very short time.

I couldn't help but fall in love with them. Warm and inviting they not only brought me to visit with them but also took extra measures to make me feel like a very special guest.

I'm posting the brief I was in. Often GeekBrief.TV goes on location to interview someone who has made an impact or has utilized technology to an extent that it might encourage others. Since I had been a viewer of GBTV since before they left their day jobs, I suppose that Cali & Neal consider me someone who has been a part of the show since nearly the beginning.

I am delighted and always will be grateful to Neal Campbell and Cali Lewis for getting this Granny Out of the Box for a week of geek at GBTV studio's! Besides flying me to Texas they overwhelmed me with generous hospitality!

These two are the "Real Deal" and exemplify why this new media is just awesome!

Enjoy GeekBrief Episode #602: Granny's 7 minutes of fame!

Why I love New Media And Granny's Big Trip

2009-07-14T06:28:00.016-05:00

New online media is different in so many ways from the media I grew up enjoying.
With online media you are able to watch whenever the time is convenient for you.
The days of arranging your schedule around the time a particular television show airs is past.

Another unique plus is online media often involves a relationship between the broadcaster and the audience. They often include chats and discussion boards with the podcasts promoting community between themselves and the viewers.

So when I first got involved with Podcasts I found a few about Mac's and the internet.
Almost immediately I found Cali Lewis and Neal Campbell at GeekBrief.Tv
I was just making my switch to mac. Cali was always available to answer my questions. She was the first person I'd ever had a video ichat with. I was excited about the application yet knew no one personally who had a mac. So Cali took time to ichat me! In my youth this would compare to Lucille Ball calling a fan with a video chat just to say "Hi an I'm excited about your new computer".

But these new media folks don't see themselves as some kind of celebrities who are unaccessable. They purposely make themselves available to the community of people who enjoy their podcasts. In fact in many ways we become like family.

My life has been so enriched by the friendships I've formed participating in social online media. And these cyber friends are a huge part of my world. With a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis often times I'm unable to get with real world friends. Yet illness doesn't prevent me from engaging with a group of great friends just because I can't go out. I can always place my macbook on my lap and enjoy the internets!

To make my point about how close friends can become online. I am sharing the news that Neal & Cali have sent this SwitchingGranny a plane ticket to come and visit with them for a week!! I am so excited I am about to burst.

Tommy and I met them last year briefly at the annual GeekBrief.tv Christmas party in Nashville. But because they were streaming the event live we didn't have much opportunity to hang out. Cali & Neal at work: From the GBTV Christmas Party:

So next week.. My online family reunion begins. I'll also be blessed to meet up for the first time with Dave & Kat Curlee and their girls. They also produce a video podcast titled Cooking with Kat. KatCurlee.com

Oh how exciting this is. I know I'll learn so much from these dear people. I can't wait and had to share with you. They so kindly offered to bring Tommy with me- but next week is his very busiest week of all having state police inspections for the school buses. He is so precious to be supportive of my Big Trip.

More to come!!

peaceful fountain in back yard

2009-07-01T20:24:00.000-05:00

Fountain on 12seconds.tv

When He calls He equips

2009-05-05T07:50:00.002-05:00

A story from two years ago today! I'm encouraged by what God does when we obey. And thought you might be as well:

Spirit Leads.. when He does, He also opens doors!

Thursday morning I was exercising on my elliptical trainer and listening to praise music as I often do. I was also praying as different people and situations were brought to my rememberance.

There is a dear 93 year old woman whom I have known since early childhood who is dying. I haven’t seen her in 15 or 20 years. However I’ve kept up some with her condition because she has moved into a retirement village next to a dear friend and my soon to be daughter in law has been working as her personal care giver for quite some time.

This woman was very instrumental in bringing yoga and holistic health ideas into this area. In the 1970’s and 1980’s she helped open the “self awareness center” and offered yoga classes and other courses in holistic health and Eastern Mysticism.

As I was praying for her I became overwhelmed with a burden for her soul. And during prayer I felt a very strong leading to go and visit with her and minister to her.

But of course I immediately distracted myself from the idea knowing that she would not be at all interested in hearing my “death bed Christianity”. But the thought continued to overwhelm my thoughts.

So I prayed more earnestly. I prayed of course for her soul and for her to be at peace and for the knowledge of the love of our Lord Jesus to be revealed to her.

And again I was “moved” that God wanted me to be a willing vessel in His bringing her mind to remembrance of His awesome love and provision for her.

So, I said “Lord if this is indeed You leading me, I do not want to miss being a part of Your divine plan in this lovely woman’s life and more importantly in her eternal destiny. Please Lord grant me the boldness to move forward and trust You in this ministry that You are apparently calling me to. Oh Lord.. You know that this woman and her daughters who are caring for her are very likely Buddhists. You know that they might find my desire to share Your message as truth offensive. They may not allow me in. Lord.. this woman is on her death bed.. how am I to approach her.. How can I even ask at such an awkward time to visit with her? Lord.. I’ve not even seen her in years. Oh Lord.. who am I to be chosen to minister to her? Surely You aren’t calling me to follow through today…. This very moment!

But I knew that this burden was real and non-relenting. I decided to call my future daughter in law and explain my sudden need to be with this lady. I ask her if she saw the time appropriate today if she would ask the lady’s daughters if I could stop by. But my future daughter in law let me know that these folks weren’t any longer allowing even Ruth’s longest time friends to visit.. as she is beyond visiting.

Then she said that maybe I should call Ruth’s daughters as she felt that they might be more apt to hear my plea. But she said at least I was prepared to deal with the likely fact that they would not accept my invitation to visit their dying Mother.

So I thanked my future daughter in law for listening and giving me such direction. I told her that I would pray and if I was to call that I would.

Well I prayed and knew that I needed to call. And I did. I explained to the daughter who I was and that I had been quite moved to come and minister to their Mother for a short time. That I felt very intensely that God was wanting to use me to be of some encouragement to Ruth and to maybe pray with her. That I knew He was calling me to be used to physically express His love towards her. I told her that I knew this was normally not an appropriate time for visiting… and that in my flesh I would not even ask. But that this was a spiritual thing outside of myself. And that I knew that these daughters were indeed very sensitive people. And that if they took time to consider my request they would know if this was meant to be or not. I told her that I would give her time to discuss this with her sister and her Mother and that if they felt this was to be that I would come over and if they did not I would not be offended in anyway.

When I hung up the phone I honestly did not think I would get a return call. I went to shower. And after my shower I saw that my phone had rung and a message had been left. The message said that they had discussed my desire to come out to see their Mother and thought that I should. And that they wanted me to call back and set up a time.

Wow.. I was nearly afraid for a second, then quite humbled that God had indeed chosen to use me in such a very personal time in their lives. I prayed for His continued leading and anointing and called back.

The daughter said that her Mother was very weak, nearly not speaking. She said that her Mother was just resting and listening to the Dali Lama. And that I should come on out now.

So I went praying earnestly as I went. I did not even take my Bible as I knew that God did not need any more than His Word that I’d hid in my heart. I did not stress over what I would say or do. I just committed the time to Him and thanked Him exceedingly for allowing me to serve Him regarding Ruth. I prayed against the powers and principalities of this world…. I prayed for the anointing of His Holy Spirit. I prayed that He would touch Ruth through me and in fact that the ripples of this touch would reach way beyond the present circumstances into eternity.. not just regarding Ruth… but her daughters and my daughter in law and all those who would see the Glory of God through this .

When I got to her door the smiling face of my future daughter in law sweetly answered and let me in. I saw immediately to remove my shoes and was directed back to Ruth’s bedroom where her daughter’s were softly talking with her and listening to some chanting on the cassette from the Dali Lama.

The daughter spoke to the Mother to announce my visit. And initially I saw that Ruth was perplexed. I immediately told her again who I was and I saw recognition on her face. I told her that I had been sent to her by the awesome love of God to deliver a message. I told her how precious she is to Him. How many lives that have been touched by her years of teaching to our community. I told her what a special lady she had been.

And I told her that the Lord Jesus Christ had impressed upon my heart that He wanted to minister His love and truth to her. I told her that He wanted her to know that everything she has ever known of the Lord Jesus Christ is Truth. That He is who He is! That He is alive! That He very much loves her. That He shed his blood to make provision for her sin. That He was waiting with open arms to receive her into His presence and that He would help her not be afraid. She listened intently as the Dali continued to chant in the background. I ask Ruth if I could pray for her. She looked directly into my eyes and nodded. I placed my hand upon her sweet forehead and prayed for the sweet grace of the Lord Jesus to pour out upon her, that He would indeed open her eyes to His love and salvation for her. That Ruth would be saved and received into His arms with peace and rejoicing.

After I prayed Ruth took my hand into hers and actually pulled me towards her. She gave me a kiss!!!!!! Oh how sweet that was.

Then I realized that her bed was making noise.. it was moving. I remembered my years in ICU and knew that some beds are programmed to movement to prevent bed sores. But pretty quickly I realized that her head was coming up and that I was somehow stepping on the controls! I had Ruth’s daughter come in to re adjust Ruth to a comfortable position. Then Ruth’s daughter said “Mother Martha has surely come and brought peace into this place” and Ruth reached for both of our hands and raised them up and said “And Love”. It was so sweet… then she began either to sing or to chant with the Dali. I am not sure.

But she quickly fell asleep and I walked to the kitchen and replaced my shoes.. I cried knowing that this had been such a divine appointment.

I do not know what occurred in the Spirit while I was with Ruth. But I do know that God reached out through me towards another human being in such a profound way. I am humbled and inspired by Him today.

Please keep Ruth in your prayers. She has made a choice not to eat and Monday will be three weeks. Pray also for Ruth’s daughters and all involved. Pray for God to get the Glory He deserves. And please say a prayer for me as I am overwhelmed by His love and Thank Him with me for this opportunity.

Martha

*Ruth went into a coma that very afternoon and never awoke. She died a few days later*

Wisdom for the Church Today

2009-05-04T13:14:00.005-05:00

I was thrilled to see that Thomas Nelson Publishing was offering Christianity in Crisis 21st Century for their book bloggers review program.

Wow discernment for those who will listen!

The church today desperately needs this book! There are so few bold “watchmen on the wall”, and Hank Hanegraaff is indeed one of these discerning ministers. Hanegraaff says in the preface “ the Biblical model of faith has given away to an increasingly bizarre array of fads and formulas.”

Two decades ago “Christianity in Crisis” was published. This new book expands on the information in the original. The “Crisis” is only intensifying as we are nearing the fulfillment of all prophecy.

Hanegraff, who is President of the Christian Research Institute is not afraid to name names as he exposes the heretical doctrines taught by leaders of the “faith movement.” From Kenneth Hagan to Todd Bentley. I thank God for your boldness Hank!

Ultimately man is taught to believe that “the face of faith is so powerful that even God (however you define him) is bound by its irrevocable reality.” The power lies not in the sovereignty of God; but in the words we speak.

Is this not exalting man and his thoughts above God?”

I was glad to see that Hanegraaff takes time to distinguish the charismatic renewal movement from the deceptions found in the Word of faith movement. “ The Crisis within Christianity is not the fault of the charismatic renewal movement. It is focused on a life and death struggle between orthodoxy and heresy; between the Kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of the cults.”

Such depth of detail revealed within this book; I counted 157 pages of Appendixes and Indexes, Bibliography and Notes. This kind of research comes from an Institute whose focus is indeed researching these topics. This book is filled with scripture, quotations and references.

Those of you who have the original “Christianity in Crisis” need to know that the Crisis continues to grow deceive many. I encourage you to get this book. I again thank Thomas Nelson Publishing for making this book available for review.

Check out ThomasNelsonProductPage for more information.

A Fairy Tale with Great Value

2009-04-27T06:03:00.004-05:00

The Noticer
By Andy Andrews

Fairy Tale with Great Value

I’ve just finished “The Noticer”. And thoroughly enjoyed Andy’s writing style, which made “The Noticer” an extremely quick yet compelling read.

The Noticer is a fairy tale about a little town where folks are discouraged by many of life’s issues and difficulties. Much like those faced by many of us today. Yet each of these people encounter an odd little old fellow (only referred to as Jones), who steps into their lives mysteriously and shares his observations after Noticing them and helps each of these people see their circumstances from a different perspective.

There are plenty of life lessons to be learned from this sweet and compelling book. And most are based on Biblical truths. Yet I refer to this book as a fairy tale because although sweet and moving. The only absolute source for faith and life change is the Word of God. “The Noticer” does not refer to scriptures yet underneath the story is the idea that this mysterious Jones is indeed Jesus. If you are reading the book for gospel truth you will be disappointed. Because this book does not present the gospel nor does “The Noticer proclaim to be presenting gospel truth.

None the less Andrews weaves a beautiful story of folks very relevant to today with ideas that encourage people to “have a broader view … and it allows them to regroup, take a breath, and begin their lives again.”

With so much heartache in our world today, I feel that an extremely well written fairy tale is indeed a refreshing distraction. Your thoughts will be deeper after reading “The Noticer”. You will likely be thinking of the implications of your actions long after finishing this thought provoking book.

Click here for the Thomas Nelson product page: www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=0785229213

New MacBook Unboxing

2009-04-14T09:05:00.000-05:00

Granny's new Macbook Unboxing from Switching Granny on Vimeo.

Granny's Kitchen Dilemma

2009-03-28T13:44:00.005-05:00

Here's the deal. We live in a sweet little house built around 1940 in a perfectly beautiful neighborhood. We have a tiny (I mean tiny) kitchen. All of my pots & pans and things like crock pots etc. are out in the garage.

Our kitchen is in desperate need of updating and sprucing up.
We've talked to several people about how to #1 add cabinets #2 add dishwasher #3 just over all update.

Initially we even discussed taking walls down and making the kitchen bigger. But this did not work for a few reasons. #1 money #2 destroying the character of this 40's bungalow.

Ultimately we came to a very good contractor who drew up some plans which would have us tearing out the kitchen completely and adding new everything. There are more cabinets, but with the dishwasher there really aren't many more. It is just absolutely beautiful and would be very expensive. VERY

We'd gone as far as choosing cabinets and counter tops. Then our contractor got with us and expressed some concerns he is having as he goes back over the plans to finalize them. He gave us 2 options ... to do away with the doorway that leads to the garage & basement (no way) or to go back to another plan which would cost nearly as much but take away a lot of the counter space & cabinets we were hoping to add.

So now we are re-thinking and praying. We wonder if the Lord is giving us a big yellow caution light to not spend this money on making the kitchen so completely new when we are only going to gain really a dishwasher and aesthetic value.

Maybe we should just repaint existing cabinets. Add new updated counter top and remove some cabinets to put in dishwasher. And then just put some closed garage type cabinets out the back door to store things in a cleaner more efficient way. Spending likely 1/4 of the money.

So that is our dilemma in a nutshell.

Oh one more thing: Papaw is continuing to tempt me with the notion of my first MacBook Pro if we don't spend all that money!! (He knows how to get to this Granny)

Comments are appreciated
Thanks for taking time for me today.

(remembering all of the things of this world are passing away)

I'll take my Psalms Plain

2009-03-27T17:57:00.006-05:00

It was exciting to receive " The Word of Promise The Gift of Psalms" from Thomas Nelson Publisher's to review for the Book Review Blogger program I've enrolled in.

The book is a beautifully bound book that looks and feels like an expensive gift edition. Pages are embossed with gold. And tucked in the back of the book are 3 cds that are dramatic audio renditions with background music of 30 of the Psalms and devotionals from the book read by professional actors

Yet the actual read of the book was difficult for me. I am a lover of the book of Psalms. And each of the 50 selected Psalm excerpts are laid out nicely (NKJV) on the left page with the right page being the devotional. Something just did not feel right about the devotional aspect of the book. It was like the Psalms alone weren't complete enough to minister to the reader. As if there is a deeper explanation needed for us to understand the intent of God.

The same being true of the included cd's. If the cds were only readings of the actual Psalms I'd be listening to them over and over. Yet with the devotionals read after each Psalm I won't care to listen again.

I doubt I'll be recommending this book, mostly because of the added content beyond the Psalms. I'd love this exact format for the entire book of Psalms without the added content. I find the book of Psalms alone to be a devotional fully complete in themselves

What I will be glad to do is to "re-gift" this book. Because of it's beauty. I'm sure anyone who gets this book will be initially very impressed as I was.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishing for encouraging your book review bloggers to fairly review the books received either negatively or positively.

I'm happily awaiting my next book to review.

When We Won Room2Bloom

2009-03-14T01:52:00.002-05:00

In 2007 we won the Tri State Home Show contest Room 2 Bloom

So exciting how the internets rallied around us for votes. We had a very sad corner of our yard totally landscaped. So beautiful... and our kids got married in the yard a couple months later. I only wish the knockout rose bushes wouldn't grow so quickly.. Anyway enjoy the video our local news paper did:

Splender

2009-03-05T19:43:00.001-06:00

I've moved my blog posts .. this slideshow is from the past couple of summers in our tiny yet beautiful yard!

Garden Beauties

Birthday tribute to Mom I miss you

2009-03-05T19:40:00.002-06:00

I am so thankful that you were able to see most of this slide show before your journeyed towards your death. Mother I love you.. I cry with the pictures and memories.. and with the words. I love you... Soon I will re edit this with many more pictures from Craigs family and MJ and more of the older ones from you and Dad... the good years.

Thank You Mom for allowing me to take this journey to death by your side.
I just hope I can follow in such a way that those who journey with me will find their way to truth and hope in the Lord Jesus. Love you Mom Bye

Autumn Walk

2009-03-05T19:39:00.001-06:00

Just a little walk around the neighborhood is so exceptional today. I want to hold my breath so the colors don't blow away. Holding still wishing the glory could remain just a little longer. Brilliance which warms the soul. Seeing how well adorned the leaves of the trees are before they go to sleep.

Reminded of this verse: Romans 1:20 "From the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly observed in what he made. As a result, people have no excuse."

Alone Still I will follow

2009-03-05T19:38:00.004-06:00

I've again gathered with the members of my family to celebrate Christmas. *however we're dwindling in numbers* As there are likely many of you who have had to endure this holiday season with people you loved and admired having passed away during this past year.And that is sad. Most folks are in tune to the depth of despair you must endure to have be dealing with a major holiday and death plans at the same time. I am sure that there is a loneliness in that.But when I walked into the Pre Christmas Service last Sunday I was overwhelmed by the beauty of His presence. The sacred time of offering up worship that would bring Him great joy. As He sees His chosen gathering to worship and remember what he has done for us.

Yet my dear husband was outside of the sanctuary preparing some of the food for celebration feast we were to enjoy after the church service. My precious Granddaughter was up way too late the evening before and was in a mood that was like lying on the pew not showing the least interest in the time of worship. So I walked her out to sit with her Grandfather in the other room.

As I walked back to my seat I heard the sounds of some of the most meaningful Christmas hymns to me. And I looked around and saw families who were really into worshiping our risen Lord in Spirit and in Truth. And I sat alone. I thought of the folks I know who have gathered together for generations to worship the Lord together. Especially at Christmas time.

But I wasn't raised in one of those homes. My folks were wonderful in the non Christian since.. they loved me and they were very active in their businesses and organizations that they felt strongly about. My Mother was even the very first director of Planned Parenthood here in my home town. They weren't church goers unless you can count the boater folks they ran with having

drinks on Sat evening out on the Ohio river and choose to meet up again the next day at the Unitarian Church to drink coffee.. sober up some and discuss issues of the day... if you call this church.. my parents really considered it a group of like minded folks who wanted to help others.

So when I was finally saved at the age of 21 I found myself all alone walking with and worshiping my precious Jesus. To my family I was becoming "one of those Jesus Freaks "So.. though none go with me still I will follow::

So my early years in the church were surely all alone. Yes I was happy to take our two sons who were 14 months apart in age.

And initially my sons were in great Sunday School programs and excelled. I was under the impression after serveral years that they had both given their hearts to God. There was fruit and much very fruitful conversation going on in our home.

My husband was not interested in going at that time. He was a pot smoker.. and felt that he'd need to give that up to come to Jesus.. so he was in no hurry. I knew I couldn't get him into the kingdom by nagging.. but only by praying and obeying the Lord.. that tells us that our husbands can be won without the Word in 1 Peter 3 By the behavior of their wives!

Sadly to say .. once these young men grew up they did not make choices to remain in any church. Our youngest did try to come back soon before his marriage and his new wife is from a non active catholic upbringing and seems to think she has no need spiritually speaking. And I think our son believes that maybe he doesn't have a need either.

Our oldest son who was just married a year and a half ago. Has told me recently that he is an Atheist. This was a super difficult thing to hear. Because I knew that when he was young he knew! And I know that now he is older he still knows... yet he has made choices that cause him to deny the existence of our Creator.

So again. though none go with me still I will follow.. still none go with me still I will follow.

I need you committed believing knee benders on twitter. Because when I feel that I've some how been called alone on this path towards the throne of God, I will ask your encouragement.

Just saying again.. that especially at this most holy time of year it is rather sad to be following all alone. And loneliness has several different reasons , yet I honestly feel that except type of grief getting through losing someone to death, the next most difficult grief is when one is walking spiritually alone because the ones they love choose not to follow

So I grew up with a family who did not know or glorify the Lord Jesus. Then I found Him when I was a brand new mother and wife. Yet my husband did not want me "preaching" at him.

My sons ultimately have grown up and by their lifestyles they aren't seeing any need for God in their lives.

There have been other times.. serious times of being in organizations that were put in place as Christian organizations but have moved away from the actual things that made them separate in the first place. And often even among believers I've had to take an unpopular stand.

Allowing the one I follow when no one goes with me to hold my hand. O Praise Him The lifter of my head.

Come share a walk with me

2009-03-05T19:38:00.003-06:00

This is love

2009-03-05T19:37:00.001-06:00

Having married the love of my life at the age of 15, you can imagine how important this person is to me. I honestly can not imagine living without him. We've had our ups and downs as any marriage that has lasted 35 years has. During the past few years my love for how very dear and precious my husband is has increased. Yes love has grown and matured. And today a profound revelation.

I was attending the funeral of an 89 year old woman from our church today. Because she had lived with her daughter during the final years of her life I was considering grief and my own recent loss of my Mother.

For some reason my thoughts wandered to the cry I've always had before the Lord regarding my husband. It was: "Lord please please please don't take my husband away from me- don't let him die while I am still alive for I could not survive alone, I could not endure the grief!"

But today as I pondered my hearts cry a new deeper thought approached. And it was this:

Love.. deep enduring love.. places the heart to always wish the best for the one who is loved. And I cannot selfishly continue to ask God to protect me from the pain of loosing my best friend. No.. my prayer has changed because of love.

Now my prayer is: "Lord .. I ask You in Your mercy to take this man home before me- I don't want him to suffer the loss or the pain of grief and life apart. I know that with Your grace I'll survive. Please spare him the heartache of this loss. Take him first Lord"

Wow.. This is love and I've just come to realize it.

Even so Come quickly Lord Jesus!

Looking forward to this

2009-03-05T19:36:00.001-06:00

Wow.. only months ago. And only months away! This will brighten a winters day!

What's up pussy cat?

2009-01-17T19:19:00.003-06:00

What's up pussy cat?
Originally uploaded by switchinggranny

I was reclining on the sofa in the middle of the day. Looked over and saw my Cat like this. Couldn't believe it.. because he stayed like this for minutes. I even was able to reach to the end of the coffee table and get my iphone out and take the picture w/o him moving. As you can see our Dog was super interested.

I was trying to figure out what the cat was looking at and realized that he was listening to the neighbor's dog barking.

Rex

2009-01-15T17:26:00.002-06:00

Rex

By Cathleen Lewis

I’ve just finished reading one of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever encountered.

This account about a Mother who gives birth to a desperately disabled son was emotionally difficult to read. Cathleen’s son did not talk, walk or eat solid food. Initially thinking that the entirety of Rex’s problems were due to a congenital brain tumor; by the time he was 8 weeks old Rex had endured invasive neurosurgery.

There continued to be problems, ultimately Rex was diagnosed blind and profoundly autistic.

The reality of coping with all of this was excruciatingly hard. Cathleen’s marriage dissolved among other things.

Yet, I continued to be moved by each new step of her journey and the uniquely beautiful ways in which God intervened on behalf of Cathleen and her baby boy Rex.

It seems extremely difficult situations so often lead us to reaching beyond ourselves to cope.

When one is completely overwhelmed with life’s circumstances and the “hand that is dealt”, we can turn to the Lord and find Him always more than able to strengthen us and lead us through victoriously.
Then after all of the intensity of this raw emotion I am completely blown away by the incredible gifts we have all been given by God through Rex.

Rex is a musical genius a genuine savant. I love the quote at the beginning of chapter 9: “The human mind- so mystifying in its capacity to accommodate both disability and genius in the same person!” – Lesley Stahl, 60 minutes correspondent said regarding Rex.

At around the age of 40 my own life changed drastically as I began realizing that my physical abilities were being compromised. I was beginning to deal with the progressive symptoms of multiple sclerosis. And although many of the things I once did and enjoyed I am now incapable of accomplishing. Thankfully there are many other paths developing in my life that are far richer in regards to eternity; and these are truly the only things that count.

I am profoundly affected and inspired by reading “Rex” 2008 Thomas Nelson Publishing

Mac Dating Game (young Steve Jobs & Bill Gates 1982)

2009-01-15T13:53:00.001-06:00

i Crazy for Mac

2009-01-06T08:37:00.002-06:00

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

Reviewing "My Little Girl"

2008-12-10T10:24:00.008-06:00

My Little Girl

Reviewing this precious book by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas. And inviting illustrations by Julia Denos. Published by Thomas Nelson publishers. Here is the link for product info:

My_Little_Girl

ItI was so tempted to read this book when it first came. Yet, I’d promised myself I would wait until my 5 year old Grand daughter was here with me so I could share what I knew would be a memory making book.

So Saturday night she came to stay the night. It was late already and she danced and sang so long for us that ultimately fussy tiredness set in.
I was able to get her into bed easily with the reminder that I’d be reading our special new book.

I believe my little Breanna is the perfect age for this story. Immediately she and I were drawn in and absorbed because of the colorfully exciting illustrations.

Then once I began reading it became nearly impossible not to dramatize between the things that Katie (the little girl) was saying and the things said by her Daddy.

There are touches throughout that keep the attention and interest of little girls.

Katie’s oversized puppy, Palio. Her tu-tu skirt and messy hair and her tiara are all things Breanna totally relates to.

Katie’s Daddy initially confuses her by asking if she were ready for their “really big day” while at the same time telling her that they were doing “nothing in particular”.

This story was just fun. Katie learns very quickly that a spectacular day arises out of the most ordinary circumstances when you are spending your time with very special people.

I ask Breanna if she would like to add something to my review and she said “well.. I like Katie’s life but she might need blond hair”

My review of "The Chronological Study Bible NKJV"

2008-12-05T10:52:00.005-06:00

I was blessed to receive “The Chronological Study Bible” New King James Version from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review blogger’s program.

Initially I was quite confused with the layout of the Bible. I was trying to find Daniel chapter 10 and couldn’t locate it because this Bible is not arranged like you would think. It is actually broken into time periods called Epochs. Thankfully this Bible contains exceptional indexes and glossaries and a comprehensive concordance. So, needless to say I was able to find chapter 10 of Daniel. Some passages are moved because they fit into a different Epoch.

There are also great maps and cultural and historical perspectives throughout the Bible. The Chronological Study Bible is an amazing study tool.

After using it for a few weeks I felt overwhelmed to share it with a sister who is a Bible teacher and loves to help our small group to grasp a larger perspective of the historical and cultural significance of the portion of scripture we’re studying. Needless to say she was really thrilled to receive it.

I recommend this Bible to anyone who is serious about his or her Bible study time. Not for your regular take to church Bible; but for your studies.

Early Christmas Family V-Card

2008-11-22T08:30:00.003-06:00

I enjoyed reading Lynne Spears book "Through the Storm"

2008-11-21T07:05:00.004-06:00

“Through the Storm” by Lynne Spears


Buy		Read

I was sweetly surprised that I very much enjoyed reading Lynne’s Story!

I did not intend to enjoy reading Lynne Spear’s book, “Through the Storm”. Like others I expected a sort of tell all Mother, writing a book to make money off the sensationalism that surrounds her daughters Jamie Lynn and Britney Jean Spears.

First, let me say that I was immediately taken in by Lynne’s story. I connected with her in such a way through reading her book that I believe we could have been close friends. I found her to be authentically desirous of telling the story of her life not to exploit her children but to leave a written legacy about their lives growing up for them and their children. She felt that if she didn’t write this story the paparazzi and tabloids would have.

Lynne’s sister died young and I think this placed the passion in Lynne to get her story in writing.

And in the early years of her marriage Lynne did not spend any extra amount of time sharing details of Britney or Jamie Lynn over their older brother Bryan James Spears. Just as any other Mother would share her memoirs. There were chapters of her life that dealt with one child being born and their needs and then the next child and then 10 years later the last. So nearly a third of the way through the book I was only enjoying the story of a young family with three children.

Also Jamie’s battle with the bottle was a difficulty that Lynn shares about with heart-felt honesty as she talks about “the other woman in their lives”. She often spoke of the fact that when Jamie was sober, they enjoyed the best years of their lives. Jamie had the best recipe loved by all and was charming and delightful. I felt transported inside of the Spears household; I was watching first hand how Lynne would hold on to the good times when things were bad. During periods of Jamie’s drinking Lynne doesn’t spare the effect that she knew this was all having on her children. Some wonderful memories and some deeply wounding memories are shared.

Lynne was passionate about being a mother. It was clearly evident that Lynne loved her children so much. When she became pregnant with her third child after Britney was nearly 10 years old, I was excited for her as she so quickly became joyous about the prospect of having another precious baby in her arms.

Later when Lynne becomes a Grandmother ultimately to three little children. She clearly loves these little ones too. I connected on a personal level there as well because her grand kids refer to her as MeMaw and this is what my Grandchildren have chosen to call me!

Lynne includes some serious times in her life too, an especially traumatic time when Bryan became seriously ill after suffering a seizure. And the time some young boys on bicycles pulled out in front of Lynne’s vehicle when she was driving her brother to the emergency room. One of these boys was killed when Lynne hit him. (I cannot imagine enduring just this one storm and getting through -how difficult this must have been for her)

Another deep emotional crisis she endured was when her Momma died at a fairly young age after suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. She was so very close to Lynne and all three of her children. This was a huge emotional storm in itself.

Around this time Lynne does get in to sharing how she was involved with getting little Britney to dance classes and competitions. Much like you would be hauling your son around to basketball practice and basketball games. Little Britney excelled in performing: Singing and dancing from a very young age. Lynne had no idea where this might lead Britney. She is just living one day at a time helping Britney move towards her dreams. Lynne felt fortunate that Britney was doing so well and wanted to facilitate her as well as any Mother would. I did not get the opinion that Lynne ever felt caught up in the whole stage Mom thing. In fact I think she says later on in the book that she wished she had maintained a more “hands on approach” towards the advice Britney was getting etc. Feeling that maybe she could have at least kept her daughter around the right people.

Later in the book Lynne deals with death of her sister Sandra, who dies after a long battle with cancer. Lynne and the kids were especially close to Sandra. I came to realize that her death had a big impact on Britney’s behavior as a young adult. Grief is hard enough on adults. It would be nice if children could be spared. But of course this affected them all deeply. Indeed Britney suffered quite a lot of emotional grief for such a young woman. Lynne does a great job of sharing how she felt each of the children were affected by the great heights and deep lows this family experienced.

Like I said at the beginning of my review. This is a Mother’s book. It is from her perspective a written record of their lives as a family.

But Above all else, “Through the Storm” is a testament to the grace and love of our Lord Jesus and His transforming power.
As a Christian myself… I am so encouraged. By knowing of Britney’s solid Christian upbringing and the Christian body guard who cared for her (and may still) even to the point of a precious Christian woman who lives with Britney to help with housework etc. God is protecting this young and talented lady. I feel confident that she will ultimately sing for the Lord. Certainly when Britney comes through her “storm” and chooses to use all of her experiences for the kingdom of God she will have a profound testimony of our Lord’s love and protection towards her.

There are so many facets to this 211-page book. I think these things:

You will really enjoy your time reading it.

I believe you will come away feeling endeared towards this woman who has weathered some big Storms yet remains steadfast in her faith. You will see a woman of great sincerity and faith.

You’ll very likely be reminded of how deep a Mother’s love can be taken down and instead of relenting only grows deeper.

Thomas Nelson Publishers, thank -you for allowing me the opportunity have this book to read. In exchange for my agreement to blog about it good or bad.

From School Bus to Mac

2008-11-18T06:08:00.006-06:00

Likely you didn't know that before I was known as SwitchingGranny or even as Switchy G to close friends. I was driving a school bus! And in between my bus routes I was working as an exercise instructor/personal trainer at the YMCA. Then on my free time I was pushing myself repetitively around a 3/4 mile circle trying to perfect the art of racewalking!

Life was different for sure then. And it was during these "before switching years" that I was introduced to the internet via webtv! Initially I was frustrated. So much to learn, I'm at the age that the entire concept was foreign. No computers in school for Granny. Heck Texas instruments didn't mass produce the calculator until nearly my high school years!

Yet it became evident early on that this trip on the information hwy was going to become a favorite hang out of mine. On my webtv if there weren't any graphics a page would load in less than 3 minutes. But if the URL included graphics it might take 5! No video. But oh the joy of sitting on my sofa and traveling beyond my door, my country! Loved it. I found e-mail lists with yahoogroups on that webtv. And made friends for life.

Later I was given a hand me down compaq machine. Honestly had I not had my initiation with the internet on webtv I may have become too overwhelmed with the pc to pursue the whole computing thing any further.

Dill files missing, registry overload, nothing was ever easy on that machine. Just getting it to "dial up" the internet was a major headache most days. And I couldn't just leave it online because it was using our only phone line to connect. I'll never forget how cool I thought I was when I found http://www.hello.com to take calls on my computer from folks trying to contact me when I was online.

Eventually I advanced to purchasing my first machine. Huge investment of nearly $1,500 dollars. And this was with a 40 Gig HD and 513 MB of ram. It was while researching for this purchase that I became desirous of an "Apple" machine. But my decision to switch was hindered as I considered my lack of geek. I thought if I had problems to fix I wouldn't have anyone to turn to for help. So I did not get a mac then. And I did have plenty of problems to fix. Continually!

I was so grateful for the access to information as I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and trigeminal neuralgia in 2003. Knowing very little about MS and having never even heard of the latter, my internet searches gave me an over load of information.

Keep in mind that once the webtv was gone "computing" was confined to our office room besides taking up our telephone access. So I wasn't online much during those days. Mostly for checking email and occasional research.

Fairly soon the MS diagnosis made me too much of a liability to drive a school bus. I felt that I had to resign because I could never place kiddos at risk and just the fact that I had a neurological diagnosis was reason to not be responsible for driving a 12 ton vehicle in traffic with very precious cargo inside.

This was huge because I'd driven for 17 years. The pay and benefits were extremely good in our county. I also had been experiencing an intolerance to heat due to the MS and became unable to get hot exercising. So soon I was saying bye to my dear dear friends at the YMCA. No more spinning classes .. no more wellness center. I'd lost contact with 1iterally hundreds of people on a daily basis.

I was blessed to have a HP laptop given to me from a "better tomorrow grant" through the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America! My world changed with that 6lb machine. We soon got high speed internet and wireless capabilities. I was back surfing on my sofa and finding the social interaction I'd been lacking since retiring from work.

Yet.. I'd already decided that I really wanted a mac. Did not know anyone personally with one. But I've always been one who marched to the beat of a different drummer. I knew that Mac's weren't utilized by the majority. And I knew that people who had Mac's weren't dealing with the daily headaches of unstable operating systems etc.

I'd joined some online forums like http://www.switchingtomac.com and my username was prayn4mac!
And one morning at prayer group (I joined several small groups when I quit working) I remember saying to the sisters there "This seems a selfish prayer request.. but I am really wanting a mac computer". The ladies assured me that this was indeed something I could pray for. And although I am not a "name it - claim it" kind of Christian. That is exactly what happened on this particular morning. My cell phone had rang during prayer group. When I left I checked my messages. It was my Mother. And her words were " Martha I've been thinking.. I know how badly you want a macbook and I think I can do this for you.. order it and I'll buy it for you" WOW Praise the LORD.. needless to say I drove around the corner and went back to the prayer group and let them hear the message!! SWEET

I'm not going to go on too much here. But I need to mention that although I still knew no one personally who owned a mac, I was always able to get help from online fellow mac enthusiasts. This community is exceedingly helpful. Always. And between Mac user groups and Apple Care, I never had a problem that I couldn't gain answers to. Switching was so simple. I found almost immediately that my biggest hindrance to my switch was not what I needed to learn, but what I'd already learned. I needed to unlearn all the complicated steps I'd been taking to deal with my windows machines. User friendly is exactly what I found with the Mac 0S!

Stable and reliable with great tech support always available. I very quickly became an evangelist regarding switching. And I desired especially to encourage folks who were in their mid-life that it is not too late to switch. Thus SwitchingGranny was born.

I tell folks that after my choice to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and my choice to marry my dear hubby at the age of 15; switching to mac is the best decision I've ever made!!

My little Grand daughter Breanna

My early morning prayer group

My recently deceased Mother.. the person used to answer my prayer for my first Mac!

Reviewing The Faith of Barack Obama

2008-11-09T12:58:00.003-06:00

My Perspective on the book

The Faith of Barack Obama by Stephen Mansfield

Had I not taken Michael Hyatt CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers up on his twitter offer to get a free copy of this book in exchange for a review on my blog, I likely would not have even read "The Faith of Barack Obama". I figured that this book was going to present the “faith” of Barack Obama as Christian. And this conclusion alone I completely disagree with.

However I did sign up for this, and am honestly really glad that I did.

This book arrived in my mailbox on Nov 5th! I had not voted for Obama. And thought Wow the timing of getting this book is important. This man is going to be our president. I must come to know what his “faith” consists of.

Immediately this Author grabbed my attention by saying “We must
Remember that if Obama ascends to the presidency in 2009, he
will be the first American president to do so having not been raised
in a Christian home!”

I learned a lot about Barack and the influences of atheism, folk
Islam, and humanism had on him as a young child.

Mansfield says eloquently speaking of young Obama “ His life was
a religious swirl. He lived in a largely Muslim country. He prayed
at the feet of a Catholic Jesus, He attended a mosque with his
stepfather and learned Islam in his public school. At home, his
mother taught him her atheistic optimism.”

Obama has written of his Mother, Ann Dunham: “ My Mother was
in many ways the most spiritually awakened person that I’ve ever
known.”

My particular thought there is how can one be “spiritually
awakened” when one is not even spiritually discerned? If Obama
is a Christian how can he say that a professing atheist is a “spiritual”
person at all?

The spiritual inconsistencies Barack grew up with just broke my
heart for him. “While living in Indonesia he was to live in a Muslim country but be taught by his stepfather’s example to ignore the most
fundamental teachings of Islam. He was to attend a Roman Catholic school, but regard Christianity as no more than superstition.”

Mansfield deals with the question regarding weather Barack is Muslim and the fact that if he is indeed - then an apostate - in some jurisdictions, marked for death.

Considerable time is given to Obama as a young adult and his personal crisis of faith.

And much history exposed surrounding the two decades that Obama spends at Trinity United Church of Christ and the controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright.

Mansfield does his research well taking great depth to try and explain how Wright’s theology was shaped and in later chapters
Seems even to defend him some.

I liked how it was written. And appreciated what I learned about Barack’s faith.

It is left to the reader to decided just what is the faith of Barack Obama.

However I walked away from this book more certain than ever to be in prayer for my country and our future President.

I feel that we have moved from the absolutes of the Word Of God and atoning sacrifice of the shed blood our Lord Jesus Christ into a social gospel where people pick and choose what they want from God’s Word.
A feel good spirituality where universal salvation is believed. No one wants to offend another so for the sake of unity truth is placed aside.

I wish Mansfield had been able to interview Barack. Because I believe he was fair and worked hard to get his information. I believe he would have ask the questions that would have helped us better define what Barack Obama believes his “faith” is.

From the book I find that” Barack made a decision to enter a faith by joining a people of faith, to come home to a community and so home to God.”

So when Barack “felt God’s spirit beckoning him and submitted himself to His will and dedicated himself to discovering His truth”

Was he born again?

Or was he officially beginning his search for Faith?

The Faith of Barack Obama is great read which I think will move many to a deeper level of prayer for Barack and for our country who’ve so quickly moved into this liberal understanding of faith and away from the Saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

The Bible clearly says “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” Proverbs 14:12

And I am sad that our society is liberalized to the point of believing that
all sincere attempts lead to God. Because again the Word of God states in the book of John chapter 14 vs 6 “ Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”

Yes I am moved to prayer. Open his eyes Lord.. Grant mercy unto him, help him be able to answer with assurance when his children ask him about the hope of glory! God save this sincere yet lost man.

Twitterholic

2008-10-12T17:09:00.003-05:00

Caution Twitter can be addictive!!

Initially insidious. Seems people initially don't see the need for a micro blog community. In fact describing twitter to folks in itself isn't easy to do. And in the explanation the most you might get is a slight interest in the concept (if they indeed understand), but no genuine desire to join on.

Occasionally one will decide to join. This initial step generally begins with a little post regarding what they are doing.

Then.. time passes... often months. But something draws them back to twitter. A friend makes mention that they twitter, so you follow them. Then maybe an email shows up that someone else is following you.

A rather uneventful evening comes round and you decided to check into those profiles of different people who folks follow. And maybe you begin to search for locations or particular topics. You click to follow those people who interest you.

Soon enough you have developed a little community of people who interest you. You find that @replying is much like IMing between folks on the whole of twitterland. And that sending and recieving Direct messages is indeed IMing. You will soon be clicking on all sorts of links that people post whom you follow. In turn finding more & more folks of interest to follow.

And you will look for links that may be of interest to those who follow you.

A desire to go deeper gradually overtakes you. You begin sharing more and more of the interesting things in your life. And some of the not so interesting things.

You are already to post links to news sites even before finishing reading the news yourself.

Twitter becomes your main source for news, and for friendship, and becomes your home page!

And eventually you find yourself having to check twitter first thing when you rise up in the morning, and last thing before you go to sleep.

Then the worst happens.. You wake up in the middle of the night and check twitter so that you can return to sleep and be convinced that you are up on the most recent posts.

OH MY... OH MY.. Twitterholic Syndrome!

The whole of life becomes a tweet. You take pictures of your dinner and post them. You loose track of the real world around you. You begin tweeting not about what you are doing; because posting and following tweets is indeed what you are doing.

Things spiral as you add every available application to use twitter on your desktop, your cell phone, even your camera.

Then you are doomed- a warning that you are exceeding the twitter API limits!

BIG News

2008-10-08T10:27:00.000-05:00

Geeky 2.0 fun for Granny

2008-09-08T17:45:00.001-05:00

I've never been a particularly "political person". I've voted primarily independently in the past. However my views are conservative and this Presidential election coming up I feel strongly republican!

Mainly because Obama is a socialist and a liberal. John McCain hasn't impressed me too much.

But last week during the Republican National Convention I had one of the most exciting internet experiences of my life. And was very impressed with Sarah Palin.

Here's what I did:

Got two browsers running on my little macbook. Safari and Firefox. In Safari I went to Ustream and in the Firefox browser I logged onto my Twitter account.

*Thus the pictures above*

I had such fun watching Governor Palin's acceptance speech while reading comments from folks on twitter and posting my own opinions.

This is surely the way most people will experience television and the internet in the future!