tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83793825128898289812024-03-14T10:24:59.820-05:00KATHY PRESLEY This blog is an attempt at sharing little times in my life that I find interesting,amusing or perhaps muse worthy.
Comments are welcome.
Perhaps a new thought will be nudged.
I also occasionally share real estate related news. So watch...I may actually say something interesting.Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-25187440168003950002017-01-31T14:21:00.000-06:002017-01-31T14:21:47.146-06:00The Other SideI have heard many times over the years that someone would be in a good place once they had arrived on the "other side" of the dilemma that they were currently experiencing. Or that another who was on the "other side" of said dilemma could help the person currently suffering through it. I have used that thought myself as I was healing from my knee surgery. I repeatedly prayed to be on the "other side" of my recovery. Funny how it was so painful but in a few short weeks, I was back to normal activity. So I suppose I could say I am nearing the "other side" of the knee surgery.<br />
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On a different note, I have heard of many who feel they can now breath a sigh of relief that the name of Jesus was boldly spoken during the inaugural events of late. Almost a feeling of being on the "other side" of the intolerance of anything having to do with Christ. It was refreshing to hear the <i>Battle Hymn of the Republic</i> and <i>America the Beautiful</i> give glory to God in the changing of the country's leadership. But are we on the other side?<br />
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Shall we become comfortable again? Shall we think we have forever to display Christ to the world? I believe we have been given a window of time to be who we have been called to be. I believe it could close as quickly as it opened. We will only be on the "other side" when we are face to face with Jesus.<br />
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So what does that mean?<br />
I believe it means that we should be faithful to be in God's Word. Both by the literal reading and the actual living out of it. To understand that hell is real and eternal and to care that we have a call to those around us. Not to beat them with words or pompous phrases but to care for them like Christ cares for them. To walk through whatever door He opens. To be able to communicate the hope that we have.<br />
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A few weeks ago a family was in front of me in the store. They were short and had to put a couple of items back. I felt sad but I didn't have and rarely ever have cash. It simply did not occur to me until I got home that I could have added those items to my bill, I just did not think until it was too late. I pray God prompts me to think faster. I pray that I become more aware of my surroundings.<br />
I pray to be on the "other side" of myself and step into God's will every time. Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-49244692511325576192016-11-15T12:41:00.002-06:002016-11-15T12:41:29.560-06:00Panic TimeI have a minor surgery scheduled for next week. The pre-op is tomorrow. I have had this scheduled for several months. Yesterday I got a simple email from the surgeon's secretary. It read simply, " Can you give me your current weight? I have your BMI at 44.85 and it needs to be closer to 40."<br />
So to say I was shocked, panicked, and totally freaked out is accurate. I curtly replied to her that, " I can't lose 28 pounds in a week. Why am I just hearing this? The Doctor knew my weight months ago! A lot fatter people than me have had this surgery!"<br />
I fumed to myself that the insurance was probably trying to stall so they could get more deductible applied to it. I was livid, scared and ready to self-amputate to rid myself of the pain.<br />
To put it mildly, I was terrified.<br />
Then sanity kicked in. I decided to see what my BMI was. So, I pulled up a site and put in my age weight and height. Result 28.7 still fat but definitely not morbidly obese. I checked another 28.7, then another 28.7. I sent her each of these. Embarrassed to admit in three emails.<br />
I got an email this morning. Someone had put my height in at 4 instead of 5 foot.<br />
All that for a typo.<br />
All is back on schedule. I forgive them and I hope they accept my apology. Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-63656964166316964432016-11-15T12:25:00.000-06:002016-11-15T12:25:43.716-06:00And yet... we are hereAnd here we are. The sun shines, the earth revolves, the supermoon occurred.<br />
God is still on His throne.<br />
Which leads me to address: In all of the commentaries of those who love Hillary or those who love Trump, I heard one voice that actually took objection to those of us who said God is in control.<br />
I would have to think that they thought we meant that God was a fan of Donald Trump, and he may or may not be. After all, David was a man after his heart and he was far from sinless.<br />
What we or at least I meant is that God's ultimate plan will not be thwarted. Evil may win for a season but it will not triumph. When I say God is in control, I am not being fatalistic. I do not mean to say that whatever happens was meant to be. What I do mean is that God is the one who allows.<br />
To oversimplify, he allows things that go against him. If we only knew why that would be great but we do not. We do know that whatever evil is imparted will ultimately betray itself and end up landing right in the middle of God's final plan. So to struggle against or deny God cannot succeed in the end. So take heed Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-8349082859463042922016-11-08T15:32:00.001-06:002016-11-08T15:37:00.995-06:00Tonight's the NightTonight is the night. We will be told by the big electronic box in our living room who God has placed in the position of President of the United States of America. Many will be waiting with bated breath to see if there is hope of if we are doomed.<br />
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May I offer another scenario.<br />
Let's think for a minute. Where is our hope?<br />
Most of us live around 80 years. That means that I am closer to the finish line than to the start. Many will finish early. If today was your final day. If you were on the last page of life what would it all mean? I know many will say that is not a realistic view and maybe they are right. But what if you are in the middle of your book....there are still only so many pages. How do you want it to read?<br />
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Do you want to be worried, in despair, depressed or fearful? Angry or ready to revolt?<br />
Do you want joy, the enjoyment of family and friends, laughter and peace?<br />
In my view that it is up to us, whether one is rich or poor, whether one has a cupboard full of food or lives hand to mouth. One may live in a mansion or a camper. Contentment is our choice. I have seen mission trip pictures of children laughing and exuding joy who have nothing.<br />
So the joy comes from within, not from our outward circumstances.<br />
It takes a new focus.<br />
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It takes asking different questions.<br />
How should my life be spent? What call do I heed? What message do I bring? What do I do today? What can I give? How can I show love and concern? <br />
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Jesus died for us. He freed us from sin and death. We are in but not of this world. Once we do not fear death there is nothing to fear. We are his. When we acknowledge that he is Lord we ask instead how do I fit in his plan. For what do we live. Often he doesn't give us a life map but we learn moment by moment. We stay focused on his words and watch. Then moment by moment we begin to see a thing to do or a person to laugh with or a word to say. As Elizabeth Elliot says we "do the next thing".<br />
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So rather than get caught up in the worries of tomorrow lets commit to the best we can be today, now, this second and let tomorrow worry for itself.<br />
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Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-1163128086633972572016-11-04T13:46:00.002-05:002016-11-07T18:37:21.705-06:00ThinkingI was listening to a respected seminary professor and pastor/teacher concerning the relationship between the church and government. In one segment he said that once a government declares itself to be no longer under God that it becomes demonized. I wonder if our President and one of the presidential candidates refusing to say "under God" and removing "God" from all government documents and landmarks is an attempt at doing that very thing.<br />
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It seems to me that our society is becoming less concerned about the will of God and more concerned about our own perceptions of right and wrong as Scriptures say we have and will until the end of days.<br />
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It is a heart break to see what used to be churches adopting views that are contrary to God's word.<br />
It disturbs me that we think we are more compassionate than the creator and that he no longer hates evil. We still have our own view of right and wrong but reject his.<br />
That defines us as gods in our own minds.<br />
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Watching the process of this particular election; Looking at what is accepted and what is not; Hearing the words used to make points; Seeing the divisiveness and corruption of the process is definitive of a society gone awry.<br />
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God help us. We were born for such a time as this. Let those of us who name the name of Jesus keep our ear to His heart and choose this day whom we shall serve.<br />
I will serve the LORD. I pray he keeps me faithful until the end. <br />
Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-64490462113675418822016-08-20T18:53:00.000-05:002016-08-20T18:54:55.098-05:00<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="ffivs" data-offset-key="ftr0h-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="ftr0h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I issued myself a cease and desist order from watching the election marathon.This gifted me more time to think. Over the years, political corruption has grown to mammoth proportions on both sides of the aisle. How did we get there? Where is the valiant warrior? Who will save us? Why? Why? Why? is the common outcry. With hands wringing and the brows expressing worry we watch. But I ask how did it get here? When did it all begin? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Was it when we lied the first time to get out of a jam and then explained our actions as acceptable? Was it when we took office supplies or made copies for personal use with the company supplies or shut down 15 minutes before we were off the clock? Was it when we gossipped about others rather than going to them to settle whatever our issues were? Was it when we disrespected parents rather than loving and bearing their shortfalls as they did ours. Was it when we did not honor and respect our husbands or love our wives? Was it when we refused to forgive? Was it when we felt above another? Was it when we let anger abuse another? Was it when we decided to dislike an entire segment of the population due to the actions of some? Was it when we let teen magazines tell us a simple solution to our pregnancy that could make it all go away? Was it when we blamed other for our bad actions? How many years did the excuses work before we fell in deep repentance about how evil we had become? Or are we still making them? Are we still doing those things and maybe more and perhaps worse?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When did we decide it was ok to kill steal and destroy for our own gain, pleasure, escape or elevation? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Was it when we decided that God should fit our mold? When did we decide the creator of all was an offense and should be renamed, reidentified or reconfigured into a warped view of what we want him to be. Is God subject to our thoughts, to what we want to be okay or not okay? When did the creator of all become subject to us?. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do we seek God? Or do we simply pray for peace, wellness, and prosperity? Do we care what he says or are we content to tell him what we want? </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5sff6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I believe the government officials are sadly a reflection of us. They are a magnified view of us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Search me, Oh God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8k0bo-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Judges17:6 Proverbs 16:25 Psalm 139:23,24</span></div>
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Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-88744497534924916262016-08-01T10:00:00.003-05:002016-08-01T10:00:14.703-05:004622 US HIGHWAY 19 NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34652<div style="margin-top: 15px;">
<a href="http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/9586KQ/4622-US-HIGHWAY-19-NEW-PORT-RICHEY-FL-T2829229"><img src="http://media.circlepix.com/media/tours/2016/jul/12/9586KQ/84708D9522E40181.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" /></a>
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Property Site: <a href="http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/9586KQ/4622-US-HIGHWAY-19-NEW-PORT-RICHEY-FL-T2829229">http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/9586KQ/4622-US-HIGHWAY-19-NEW-PORT-RICHEY-FL-T2829229</a>
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This property is 2336 sq.ft. of rentable space with three suites. Each suite has a loading dock in the rear. Each suite has its own bathroom. Each suite has its own HVAC and working properly. Large front rooms with additional storage/office spaces. All bathroom fixtures and light fixtures, as well as all duct work in all suites, have been replaced since April 2015. Engineered wood floors throughout. Nice parking in front and rear. Total property is .28 acres. All walls and ceiling have been re-sealed, textured and painted.Locks have been replaced. Roof is approximately 6 years old. Vinyl fence shields the North property line from neighboring business. 4622 is separately metered for electric. 4624 and 4626 share a meter but could be separated.Wired for Marquee at front of property. Great for Offices, nail salon, Thrift shop, Retail, Consignment, Deli(paper products only). Septic prevents usage that requires high volume of waste water </div>
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<div>Bathrooms: 0.00</div> <div>Square feet: 2,336</div> <div>Price: $329,000</div>
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For more information about this property, please contact Kathy Presley at 813 713 5372 or homes@mkpresley.com. You can also text 3742438 to 67299.
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<br/><div>See more listings at: http://www.kathysflorida.com</div><br/>
<br/><div>MLS ID: T2829229</div><br/>
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</div>Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-42476746156751480942016-08-01T10:00:00.001-05:002016-08-01T10:00:12.634-05:0036815 KIMELA AVENUE ZEPHYRHILLS, FL 33542<div style="margin-top: 15px;">
<a href="http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/K5EPHR/36815-KIMELA-AVENUE-ZEPHYRHILLS-FL-T2790675"><img src="http://media.circlepix.com/media/tours/2015/nov/30/K5EPHR/9B2E9B5E64777B81.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" /></a>
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Property Site: <a href="http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/K5EPHR/36815-KIMELA-AVENUE-ZEPHYRHILLS-FL-T2790675">http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/K5EPHR/36815-KIMELA-AVENUE-ZEPHYRHILLS-FL-T2790675</a>
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Come home to this beautiful custom made 2014 Jacobsen home. This home has upgraded wood cabinets, beautiful Congoleum Vinyl flooring that looks like real wood with easy maintenance. Beautiful finishes include, 9 ft. ceilings, crown moulding throughout entire home with tray ceiling in dining room. Custom Paint. Rounded corners, Stainless built in kitchen appliances. (Black side by side refrigerator in garage stays, stainless refrigerator in kitchen does not convey) GE Front load Washer and Dryer. The rooms in this home are quite large. You will love the oversized laundry room. Room for sewing table or iron board. Kitchen is located to flow well with dining and living for ease of entertaining.Beautiful lighting and light fixtures and ceiling fans. Huge garage with high ceilings with loft storage and tandem room for golf cart or work space plus a carport. The garage has a walk through door to lanai which can provide lots of outdoor entertaining space. The large study can provide room for office and guest sleeping quarters or perhaps games. Master is king sized, has electric fireplace, 41" TV and huge walk-in closet, Master bath has 30" TV, jetted tub, walk in shower, and second large closet. Construction includes 2x6 exterior studs with 16' centers, interior 2x4 studs, 1/2 inch drywall, 8x10 Floor joists and 5/8 in. subfloor.<br/>The front porch has space for coffee time or visiting friends at 8.5x15.5. The lanai in back is screened and is 12.9x8.8. Call today for your own private showing. Delightful </div>
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<div>Bedrooms: 2</div> <div>Bathrooms: 2.00</div> <div>Square feet: 1,785</div> <div>Price: $184,990</div>
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For more information about this property, please contact Kathy Presley at 813 713 5372 or homes@mkpresley.com. You can also text 3205308 to 67299.
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<br/><div>See more listings at: http://www.kathysflorida.com</div><br/>
<br/><div>MLS ID: T2790675</div><br/>
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</div>Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-72919415434446593972015-12-21T08:23:00.001-06:002015-12-21T08:23:24.446-06:00501 CLARA DRIVE BRANDON, FL 33510<a href="http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/9VYC4M#.VngLVn5aOh4.blogger">501 CLARA DRIVE BRANDON, FL 33510</a>Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-35796368881365835332015-11-30T11:48:00.001-06:002015-11-30T11:48:06.417-06:0036815 KIMELA AVENUE ZEPHYRHILLS, FL 33542<a href="http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/K5EPHR#.VlyL0bSptsE.blogger">36815 KIMELA AVENUE ZEPHYRHILLS, FL 33542</a>Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-46889963177858467222015-10-09T08:33:00.001-05:002015-10-09T08:33:08.186-05:0027033 HIGHPOND LANE DADE CITY, FL 33523<a href="http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/LFCTAC#.VhfB6bjvREM.blogger">27033 HIGHPOND LANE DADE CITY, FL 33523</a>Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-52918680224506362762015-10-01T09:43:00.001-05:002015-10-01T09:43:27.867-05:006213 ORIENT ROAD TAMPA, FL 33610<a href="http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/4UJMHU#.Vg1GiARhAxk.blogger">6213 ORIENT ROAD TAMPA, FL 33610</a>Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-42059754219661097202015-07-11T06:26:00.001-05:002015-07-11T06:26:22.857-05:0013906 CAPTAINS REEF COURT TAMPA, FL 33624<a href="http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/NJM5YQ#.VaD9WVjTqC0.blogger">13906 CAPTAINS REEF COURT TAMPA, FL 33624</a>Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-87750667086063561872015-06-21T20:46:00.001-05:002015-06-21T20:46:07.316-05:009899 GAP WEDGE DRIVE SAN ANTONIO, FL 33576<a href="http://tour.kwnewtampa.com//home/NH6RRD#.VYdo25u3Xz8.blogger">9899 GAP WEDGE DRIVE SAN ANTONIO, FL 33576</a>Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-7932936118426524892015-01-10T23:10:00.003-06:002015-01-10T23:10:49.592-06:00<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If I could make a wish,what would it be. Would it be something selfish or something selfless?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I remember, as a young twenty something mom, thinking that if I won the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes that I would give a huge amount to charity and family and purchase a modest but quite nice lifestyle for myself, all debt free. Then I became acutely aware that the aim was to sell magazines and the likelihood of obtaining riches by winning something was nearly impossible. Then as years progressed I became aware of an ugly truth; that my reality would have been much less philanthropic than my dream.I would probably have spent it on myself and gave a mere bit if anything, to the family and charity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Just recently, I had a different dream, some..??..years later. What if I won the Philippians Christian House Sweepstakes? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I wish, for one thing,that we could all seek something redeemable in others. Yes, there are people that get on my nerves but I am more than certain that I pay that forward many times over. The Lord did not tell us to "endure one another with love" because we were easy to live with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am so excited about the doctrine of the unity and diversity of the Body of Jesus Christ. We are one Body with many members. We were created in Christ Jesus(or "saved" in Southern Baptist lingo)to be a gift to the rest of that Body.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If one or more believers in Jesus Christ is missing, the entire body is limping or crawling or maybe sitting in a vegetative state. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I think one problem is that many of us, as children, were chosen last on baseball teams. Or maybe we sat on the bench in basketball. But whatever our experience, we came away with the idea that we have nothing to offer or that some one else is better at it or that just being a spectator or occupant is enough. This is so very sad. Because of it the Church of Jesus Christ is limping. We are a body missing vital parts. We are trying to run without feet. We are trying to comfort without arms. We are trying to think with out brains and trying to love without hearts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If I could have a wish it would be that every member would see how important they are. I wish that every member could see how vital others are. I wish we could work together as one body.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I wish we could feel each others heartbeat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I wish every single Christian knew that he or she is desperately needed, wanted, and loved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you know Jesus Christ you have a place in His Body.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Be there! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span>Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-20548260884436550272014-09-29T11:21:00.000-05:002014-09-29T11:21:22.723-05:00My family had a relaxing Saturday at the beach with the family for my husband's annual work picnic.<br />
His company provided activities, food and fun all at their expense.<br />
All they asked was for participants to make reservations and to cancel if attendance plans changed.<br />
Oddly only half of the folks that reserved a spot <strong>actually came</strong>.<br />
This meant that the cost per person to the company was double.<br />
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It amazes me that the appreciation for a gift is so low. Here we have someone (albeit it a profitable company) who is giving a gift, under no obligation to do so, for the enjoyment of the associate and their family. The company's only agenda is the happiness and morale of the associate. And yet the respect for the company (or probably anyone for that matter) is so low that they feel entitled to sign up for a ticket and then just decide that morning, "I think I won't go after all." <br />
One could make the argument that something came up that could not be avoided. And for a few that may have been the case. But not half.<br />
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That means almost half of the ticket holders are so selfish that their agenda is all that matters.<br />
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That reminds me of a biblical story. I think in that case the host just went out and got some street people to fill the vacancies.<br />
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The stories also reminds me of the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament.<br />
We have those that heard about Jesus, came to him in faith and followed Him with their lives, even to martyrdom. <br />
And those that heard with interest and yet did not put trust and faith in Him but merely agreed with the premise.<br />
And of course those that heard and did not care at all.<br />
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See the parallel.<br />
The ticket holders who came.<br />
The ticket holders who did not come, something better came up.<br />
And the guys that did not even sign up.<br />
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Which one are you?<br />
Will you be entering His rest? Will it be too late to commit your life to Him? Or will you just ignore Him?<br />
I had a ticket and I went, I ate, I swam, I went down the slide. I participated <br />
I have Jesus and I am going!<br />
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Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-5746661808128477542014-09-22T22:21:00.003-05:002014-09-22T22:28:29.754-05:00<br />
I attended a conference recently expecting nothing. I was being a team player. But I was pleasantly surprised and received a nice blessing from the leaders that were there. It's funny how sometimes, when we do what we may not want to do, <em>or even need to do, but do it for others, or to be a part of others lives, or to be part of the team, </em>that we are blessed in the process.<br />
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Which brings me to the idea of church life or being the Body of Christ. There are times when we get absolutely nothing out of it. But what if our time is not now, but another person's time is now, and we are to be a part of it <strong>for them</strong>? What if we aren't "being fed"? What if we are there to feed? What if we haven't had anyone befriend us? Are we to befriend someone else instead?<br />
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I have gone for a couple of years with only two or three couples who have extended invitations to lunch or dinner or anything. I have invited a couple of people who were too busy a couple of times. Oh, and they forgot to invite me back, so I wasn't sure if they were entirely interested. It seems they have all the friends they need. So, I suppose to protect myself from another rejection, I chose to stop asking. How many invitations should I have extended? One more? Two more?<br />
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And were those invitations to the ones that I thought I would enjoy being friends with? Maybe I should invite someone who I normally would not connect with. What if I am pleasantly surprised? What if I do it for them and not for me? What if they became my very good friends?<br />
Hmmmm?<br />
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Rather than chase after the people who reject us and who do not really want to be our friend maybe we should do as Jesus did and go to the ones who do. We may find them surprisingly enjoyable.<br />
Christ built His church on those people. Hey................ wait................. I am one of those people. Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-49677206864007653482014-09-08T10:06:00.001-05:002014-09-08T10:38:54.233-05:00<strong>What if we tithed 10% of our time to the LORD like we give 10% of our money?</strong><br />
Hmmm, that would be 2 hours and 24 minutes every day set aside for communion with the God of Very God. Men, women and children setting aside 2 hours and 24 minutes every day to spend with GOD.<br />
What would that mean?<br />
What would we have to give up? A couple TV shows? A game on the Ipad? Facebook? Sleep? Housework? Work? <br />
How much of our time do we waste when we think we have no time? <em>Kind of like, how much of our money do we waste when we think we have no money?</em><br />
When would we do it? Early morning? Late night? Lunch hour, plus breakfast time, plus break times? Drive times? Times when we would normally sleep in?<br />
What would we do? Pray? Actually read the Bible? Hear the Bible on CD DVD Phone Aps? Write about the Lord to others, <em>would that count</em>?<br />
.....What if we actually <strong>read</strong> the Bible? Not just a snippet here and there from a book that someone guided you through or a pamphlet that your church or religious order provides but what if you actually read it? Like someone was going to give you a test over what it said and you <strong>needed </strong>to pass that test.<br />
<br />
Oh I know many of you have been told that the Bible was written by men. It was. Imperfect men. Just regular old guys like us. They say that they were inspired by the God of Very God who created the earth and the heavens. Who told you it wasn't actually true? Wasn't it men that said that? Weren't they just imperfect men? Weren't they just regular guys like us? Who inspired them? Did they say?<br />
Some say it contradicts itself. You really wouldn't know if that was true or false if you hadn't read it... fully...contextually...cover to cover.<br />
What if it is like the rain in Florida? <em>It can be raining and a block over not raining. So the person that didn't mow because it was raining may look like a liar to the guy looking at a sunny sky a mile over.</em><br />
What if there are idioms and metaphors in there, like we use today. <em>It doesn't really rain cats and dogs but we all know that means it rains really hard. But its still true that its raining very hard. And no one thought there were ever cats and dogs coming down out of that rain but everyone knows what you mean by that statement.</em> That is why there are language scholars around to help you with those difficult passages. Is the real deal that we do not want to invest the<strong> time</strong> in trying to understand what we read?<br />
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What if the information in the Bible was a matter of life and death and contained the secrets to life here and now as well as eternal life or eternal death? What if it even addressed the fate of those who want to ignore it or ignore GOD? Would it then be worth some if not a lot more of your time?<br />
<br />
There is a currently lot of participation in the "Ice Bucket Challenge" to bring funds as well as awareness to research for ALS. A very worthy cause. It is not a charity I personally give to because I give to others and frankly, I have limits to how much money and time I can give away.<br />
<br />
What if there was a challenge to take God seriously?<br />
<em>Not just to fit Him in an hour a week.</em> <em>Not just throw a twenty in the plate</em>. <em>Not just pray when we are scared or in trouble. Not just talk about Him. Not just participate in <strong>our</strong> rituals in <strong>His </strong>name.</em><br />
What if we needed Him and he did not need us but stooped down to be mindful of us?<br />
What if there was a challenge to know who Jesus Christ really is? <br />
What if you found out things were not what you thought? <br />
What if it made you love God more or hate Him more?<br />
What if the beliefs you have had are not correct?<br />
What if they are?<br />
Whatever at least you would be making an informed decision.<br />
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<strong>Does the thought of setting aside 2 hours and 24 minutes every single day make you a bit tense?</strong><br />
Does the thought of going to a movie make you tense? <em>The movie lasts a couple hours. It takes about twenty minutes to get there and ten or fifteen minutes to get your treats and get seated</em>.<br />
Does the thought of playing a round of golf make you tense?<br />
<em>That's 4 hours not counting drive time</em>.<br />
No we don't play golf or watch a movie every single day. <br />
So what if you began by 2 hours and twenty minutes a week and built from there.<br />
Often when folks tithe their money they have to begin less and grow into a tithe as a goal. What if this worked the same way?<br />
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This challenge is not a legalistic one.<br />
This challenge is one to examine ourselves.<br />
Especially those who claim to be Christians.<br />
But most especially to me. <br />
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<br />Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-77433870997474831442013-11-02T21:49:00.001-05:002013-11-02T21:49:23.982-05:00The Hallowed Next DayHalloween 2013<br />
A day of Spooky pretend goblins and treat gobblers. And one unwitting Zombie. <br />
While every one came to work as Pirates and Indians I was home in a Phenergan coma.<br />
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<em>You see the day before we had a big birthday celebration for a coworker at lunch. A couple hours later I noticed my burger did not quite settle. After church I knew right away the hot dogs I planned for dinner were not for me. I spent a good bit of time in the bathroom to skip the Gorey details.</em><br />
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I woke up Halloween morning, still with a tummy ache. I needed to be at work so I looked for Imetrol in the cabinet. I didn't find it....so when I saw the Phenergan, I thought, " I know this stuff works. I had no nausea after my foot surgery. It may not work since it is a couple of years old but...I need to get to work and I feel awful."<br />
Got to work feeling horrible thinking it should kick in any minute but after trying to work and only wanting to lay my head on my desk and hold my stomach I went home....thinking... I will lay down an hour or so and then I'll be able to work because I know Phenergan works... If it is still good... I hope. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz<br />
Well at 3:30p.m. I began to defog. Somehow I had forgotten that in relaxing the stomach it relaxes the whole body. Needless to say I was worthless that whole day. My boss said she was just happy I got home before it kicked in. I had visions of me sleeping it off in the file room. <br />
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So if you feel yucky in the morning do not take Phenergan unless you plan to stay home. The warning label is not kidding!<br />
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So we had everyone over this afternoon for ribs and okra and fries,candy, a pinata. WII Bowling and Pictionary.<br />
I hated missing the kids Halloween but this was fun and I didn't have to see all the goblins.<br />
Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-57529932446400322252012-06-16T21:47:00.003-05:002012-06-16T21:57:42.140-05:00SAY IT<div style="text-align: center;">
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I confess I am a word person. I love words!</div>
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I used to enjoy an article, I think it was Reader's Digest, but perhaps not. </div>
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Anyway, the article dealt with most commonly mispronounced words.</div>
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There is one in particular that drives me nuts.</div>
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The sad thing is that the people that mispronounce it are in fact <strong>in the profession</strong>.</div>
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<strong>The word is REALTOR.</strong></div>
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It is pronounced REAL TOR</div>
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It is not REAL A TOR</div>
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I think the confusion may come from <span style="color: red;">real <strong>e </strong>state</span> so they say <span style="color: red;">real <strong>e </strong>tor.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">I think</span> in the last five years, I have heard at least five times, teachers in CE classes try to educated the professionals in how to pronounce their association title.</div>
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We work very hard and pay a lot of money for the title REALTOR. </div>
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So let's all try to make the attempt to sound as intelligent as I know we are and say it correctly. </div>
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Two syllables.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">REAL</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">TOR </span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">When we get that conquered we will move on to other words.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Perhaps Fiscal or Specific.</span> </span></div>
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</div>Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-83476273068404853512012-04-01T23:53:00.000-05:002012-04-01T23:53:04.420-05:00TaxesDone. <br />
I have never been this late in preparing my taxes. I would be relieved if were not for having to mail the enormous check to the government so that they can spend it on ridiculous things and then act like I am rich because I have the self discipline to work and not need them.<br />
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Oh, well I know that this is a light and momentary trouble. A day will come when the only tax we will owe is that of praise and thanksgiving to the LORD; to whom we actually do need for our very breath.<br />
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So, now I am free for a bit. I can think about lead generating, customer building maybe even a bit of house decorating..<br />
But first I am going to set aside time each day for the LORD.<br />
I am going to work on getting off this extra 22 pounds that I have allowed back on my body. WHY!!<br />
So if you need a person to pray for consider me.<br />
Happy Resurrection Sunday.<br />
Because He rose, so too shall we who believe. <br />
Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-81804960182142012722012-02-29T11:01:00.000-06:002012-02-29T11:01:33.950-06:00My New LifeI have recently began a new life in the small town of San Antonio, Florida. I am working in a busy salon called Looking Good Salon and Spa. Everyone here is committed to doing a professional job in a great environment for both the client and fellow stylists. Our commitment is to keep this the best place you can go for hair services. The salon owner, Michele Connolly does a wonderful job as support staff for the stylists. I love it!!<br />
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I love being closer to my children. And THE grandchildren. They are so fascinating and wonderful and I get to let their parents worry about how they turn out. I can just have fun and laugh with them and hug them. Being Granny is the most delightful thing ever. <br />
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I found two<em> new to me</em> products this week. They work so well I have to share.<br />
For high humidity areas you must try "Humidity Blocker" finishing shield in Joico's Design Collection. It seriously aides in damp weather melt down.<br />
The next one is in Kenra's Platinum line. The new Blow Dry Spray works as a protectant and actually assists in your hair drying more quickly without it drying out.<br />
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Of course my fave is still Healthy Sexy Soy Paste. Love it. It is much more user friendly than TIGI's Manipulator. Great for showing off the texture in that new cut. Much easier than most of this kind of competing product to get the job done and not get greasy. <br />
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If you are in East Pasco you must call for an appointment. I begin at 9 a.m.Tuesday through Saturday and work late appointments on Tuesday and Thursday. Call me at 813 713 5372. If you mention you read my blog you get $5 off your Shampoo Cut and Style or higher service. <br />
Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-67196955978547109872012-01-04T12:48:00.000-06:002012-01-04T12:48:06.717-06:00The Sunny FloridaLast night Dan and I were sitting on the sofa with a quilt because it got so cold we had to admit that even though we were in Florida that we were cold. The heating unit is different so we could not quite get the hang of how it works. Finally today a coworker told me the secret so I am looking forward to a warm house this afternoon.Tomorrow we will be back at 70. Thank you Lord.<br />
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We love our new neighborhood and are working on the house. We figure we will get it done at some point. Suzee seems to be adjusting to being an orphan. I can relate. It is a bit of an adjustment.<br />
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I found an adorable little salon.Now all I need is customers. I think I will go have lunch at a local sandwich shop and see if I can meet some people. I just need a few to get the ball rolling.<br />
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I need to go pick up a community paper today to see what is going on there.<br />
I need to get the rest of my stuff put away at the house<br />
I need to wash my car<br />
I need to pass out real estate calendars<br />
I need to do laundry<br />
I need to .............................................................................................stop thinking.<br />
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Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-71863325233229818582011-06-29T10:41:00.000-05:002011-06-29T10:41:04.817-05:00Short Sale vs. Foreclosure?Short Sale vs. Foreclosure? <br />
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You make the call!<br />
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I get the question from people all the time: short sale or foreclosure, which is the better option? My knee-jerk reaction is always “Are you kidding? Short sale, of course!” This has been mostly because I was always under the impression that a short sale, although still a ding on your credit, was gentler on the score than a foreclosure.<br />
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But according to a recent blog post by FICO Banking Analytics, there is no real difference in the affect a short sale or a foreclosure has on your credit score. Both the impact in points and the time to fully recover is about the same for both events.<br />
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This put me in a precarious situation. All this time I had lauded the short sale as vastly superior to foreclosure, largely because of its less adverse affects on credit. So I was forced to do further research into which was the better option. In doing so I learned about benefits of a short sale I wasn’t even aware of, and found that the FICO blog was way off.<br />
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Each borrower’s credit situation is different, and the way that a creditor reports a short sale to bureaus is different. The reality is that hundreds of thousands of distressed homeowners who have chosen a short sale have experienced a lesser impact on their credit than those who have chosen foreclosure.<br />
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In a short sale, a distressed homeowner may be able to obtain another mortgage sooner than someone who has a foreclosure on his or her record. Also, more and more employers pull credit before hiring a potential employee, and a foreclosure can keep you from getting a job. Some employers pull credit reports on existing employees, and a foreclosure may not bode well in certain industries.<br />
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These benefits stacked against the negatives of foreclosure, including the embarrassment of public announcement and literally being kicked out of your home, make, in my opinion, short sale the reigning champion.<br />
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Now you make the call!Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8379382512889828981.post-64680697471447403232011-04-14T07:46:00.000-05:002011-04-14T07:46:30.016-05:00I 'm still losingI haven't blogged for a while. Too busy. But I have lost weight 2 weeks in a row. Not a ton but I am still losing and not gaining. Yea! I am at 132.8. A lot better that 146.6. Less of me to have more fun this summer.Kathy Presleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05182955226109702593noreply@blogger.com0