tag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:/blogs/today-s-news-flash?p=1Today's NEWS Flash!2021-04-16T01:18:52-05:00LaJuana Murphy-Brannfalsetag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959752015-05-01T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:16-06:00The Weatherford Adventure continues ..
<p>I have been honored to join the Weatherfords on several tours over the past year. It is somewhat of a “rerun” of the time I was with the quartet in 1969 — when Steve was the same age as his young son who tours with us now.</p>
<p> The travels have taken me from California to Florida, to Pennsylvania and many states in between. I have “reconnected” with numerous friends from my past. What a joy!</p>
<p> When home in Branson, I am blessed to still be a part of the music ministry at Faith and Wisdom Church where Gary McSpadden is pastor.</p>
<p> God is good to this old gal.</p>
<p> For a current tour schedule, check the <span style="color:#800000"><a href="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/calendar.html" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#800000">Weatherford Tour</span></a></span> page.</p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959742014-11-16T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:16-06:00California November Weatherford Tour
<p><span style="color:#000080">Having a grand time on tour with the Weatherfords in California this month of November.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">A couple of the highlights: An outdoor concert at the Range Riders Ranch, where I played a rockin' duet with Jesse Hanna :)</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432389/888771610759ca3d29fc49c550a4be920d5345dd/original/jesse-hanna-and-lj-cropped-1-of-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDQwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Jesse_Hanna_and_LJ_Cropped__1_of_1_.jpg" height="400" width="500" /></p>
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<p><span style="color:#000080">Then had the great honor of meeting Gordon Jensen — one of gospel music's most prolific song writers —who attended one of our concerts last week. Standalee Weatherford took this photo of Jensen, Steve and me after the concert.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Our own Murphy Family had recorded Jensen's song, "Redemption Draweth Nigh," on an album in the '70s.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/1ee0f9fffcd8224090c0de16e2093bfb6f6e31e6/original/me-steve-gordon-jensen-ltr-1-of-1.jpg/!!/b%3AW10%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Me_Steve_Gordon_Jensen_LTR__1_of_1_.jpg" /></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959732014-07-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:15-06:00It's Official … I'm a Grandma!
<p><span style="color:#000080">The newest member of the Brann family arrived this past Saturday, July 26th, at 11:49 p.m. Aiden Christopher Brann made his debut in New York City, born to my son, Tyler, and his wife, Sarah. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">What excitement! I have yet to meet this first grandchild of mine — hopefully will do that in a few weeks. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#000080"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/86c14ad7b8da55a247b82f5b3a697c32503f0547/original/aiden-birth-photos-smaller.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDk0eDQ5OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Aiden_Birth_Photos_smaller.jpg" height="499" width="494" /></span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959722014-07-03T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:15-06:00Independence Day
<p>I spent this past Independence Day celebrating with “The Mom’s” friends at Maranatha in Springfield. I did find it sobering that many of her closest ones have moved upward — now reunited with her in a better world. <br><br>I confess I do not visit her earthly resting place often. When I do, I just have this overwhelming awareness that she is not there! <br><br>I did however, this past holiday, make the journey to the little corner of the earth where her old “cabin” lies beneath a beautif<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline">ul tree in Greenlawn Cemetery. I had a conversation with Mom — but of course it was one-way. She didn’t answer back. </span>Then again, “her tree” rustled in the wind. But there was no wind!</p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline"><br>Miss you so much, Mom. How I would love to see the lights on again inside that aging old house you inhabited until you took flight! But I realize that for you, that October day in 2012 was your Independence Day. I will celebrate that. <br><br>We’ll talk again, Mom. Soon. <br><br>Very soon!</span></p>
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<p><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline"><strong>Mom's Tree</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432386/bdeeb66f82f5f8bac60a7f5b0822d68627f97bc3/original/mom-s-tree-2-smaller1-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Mom_s_Tree_2_Smaller1_resized.jpg" height="600" width="450" /></span></p>
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<p><strong>Mom's Stone - over the place where her old "cabin" was put to rest</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Mom in her 20s</strong></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959712014-06-14T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:15-06:00Missing You, Dad, This Father's Day
<p>Someone once said of a father that had passed on: “Dad, remembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is the heartache that never goes away.” How true this is for me … missing my dad, Bill Murphy, so much this Father’s Day.</p>
<p>However, a cousin sent me a treasure this day that brought a smile to my broken heart. I must share this with you … especially those of you who knew my father and his ministry.</p>
<p>First, a quick background story is in order.</p>
<p>In 1944, Bill met Canadian evangelist, Willard Cantelon, at a Texas crusade in my dad’s hometown. Bill ministered in music at that meeting, and Cantelon was impressed! Willard’s brother, Paul, was just starting out in ministry in Canada, and Willard felt that God was directing him to bring the two together to form a ministry team.</p>
<p>Long story (and it is) short, Willard took Bill and had a photo made of him in his cowboy hat … and billed him as “the singing cowboy.” Then he put the nineteen-year-old singing cowboy on a train to Canada to meet up with Paul. And the rest is history.</p>
<p>Of course, in a matter of about 3 years, Bill met Ila Cantelon – their cousin – and the two married in Florida on New Year’s Day, 1947. A year and 16 days later, I was born to this incredible couple. Five years later, my bro, Robert, arrived on the scene.</p>
<p>But, today I was gifted with a piece of history that had just been discovered in the possession of one of the family – a letter, typed and sent in ’44 from Willard to his own father, Elmer Cantelon. In it, he describes our dad and his ministry, and how Paul and Bill were brought together.</p>
<p>I share the exact paragraph with you today, from that incredible treasure!</p>
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<p>The Singing Cowboy, Bill Murphy</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/363f033b836019fe83af9f6408f40af5745e3933/original/fd-2-paul-cantelon-and-bill-murphy-2-jpg.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTQ0eDQxNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="FD_2_Paul_Cantelon_and_Bill_Murphy_2_jpg.jpg" height="414" width="544" /></p>
<p>Bill Murphy and Paul Cantelon … Ministry duo in 1944</p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959702013-12-23T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:15-06:00Merry CHRISTmas! ….
<p><span style="color:#800000">This Christmas is the first ever that I have not been with my loved ones. Feels somewhat strange … but circumstances made it impractical this year. New York City, Fort Worth … you will miss me!<br><br>I will celebrate this day of Jesus’ birth wit<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline">h some of my church family. I am blessed to have great friends here in Branson Land; and we will make new memories this special day.<br><br>However, I will relate one of my most cherished holiday memories of all time. It was many Christmases past… when the Murphy Family was touring in California.<br><br>We were alone that year — just the 4 of us. We were making a decision as to where we would eat Christmas dinner. It was between a traditional holiday meal at a buffet, or Mexican food. Unable to come to a consensus, we voted.<br><br>3 to 1 — in favor of a traditional feast. Traditional Mexican, that is. Mom was the lone hold-out for turkey. Ah. Such great memories! <br><br>Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours as you celebrate the Birth of our Lord.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="color:#800000"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/806a37779f3ae62ac485e65fabf16d9716984dc5/original/blue-christmas-star-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6ODAweDQ3OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Blue_Christmas_Star_resized.jpg" height="479" width="800" /></span></span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959692013-10-30T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:15-06:00On The Racing Circuit? O' Why Not!
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/b4e9981f44ef59fc2bb76ed2bb09f9738ba20804/original/lajuana-race-car-3-ltr-sm-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6ODAweDUxNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="LaJuana_Race_Car_3_LTR_Sm_resized.jpg" height="514" width="800" /></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959682013-10-15T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:15-06:001 Year Ago -- "The Mom" Left Us
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<p>“Well, Mama … this day is almost over. <br><br>It’s been one of mixed and untamed emotions for me. Hard to believe it was 1 year ago today that you moved out … Left your earthly house – in its weakened condition and needing repairs – and got a brand new one in Heaven’s land.<br><br>You had told me that it was time to move on … and how you longed to see Dad and your folks again. I think you knew that the little family you were leaving behind would be okay, and not far behind you. We’re doin’ alright – but we sure do miss you!<br><br>In conversation with Pastor McSpadden this evening, we recalled your home-going celebration service – where he so graciously joined our family in song. We had sung, <br>“Soon And Very Soon, We are Going to See the King.” <br><br>And in tonight’s service, we sang it again. Wow! What a reminder of the hope we have of being together again, some day not too distant.<br><br>So, I will say. ‘Good night for now, Mom.’ <br><br>Oh, and I’ve been wondering if they have a Hammond B-3 organ up there? If they do, and you’re playing it, Heaven is probably rockin’ tonight!” <br><br>Love, <br><br>“Me”</p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/22de8cd1568497a2d27159e9d346de6627b9aabd/original/mom-portrait-ltr3-w-fr-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTQ3eDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Mom_Portrait_LTR3_w_FR_resized.jpg" height="600" width="547" /></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959672013-05-15T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:15-06:00"WHEN YOU ASK WHY"
<p><em>“<span style="color:#000080">Because we know that in all things God is at work for our good, we are confident that storms are not forever … the sky will clear again</span></em><span style="color:#000080">.</span>” Daniel E. Johnson</p>
<p> During the past months since “The Mom’s” going Home, I have gone through the gamut of emotions that come with personal grief. At a time when I needed words of comfort and hope, I found them in the pages of an extraordinary little book titled, “<em>When You Ask Why</em>.”</p>
<p> First printed in 2002 and now in its eighth edition, the author/pastor uses his extensive knowledge of Biblical scripture and personal experience to speak to the troubled and questioning heart.</p>
<p> He spoke to mine.</p>
<p> If you are going through a time of doubt and questioning in your own walk with God — if you wonder why He has allowed your suffering — you will find a gentle reminder of His ultimate caring, love and purpose for you through the words penned in this book. I cannot recommend it more highly! </p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/06d31f26a4e544dd85e112b88e293fa32a4f262c/original/dan-s-book-front-cover-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzY1eDU5OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Dan_s_Book_Front_Cover_1.jpg" height="598" width="365" /> </p>
<p>"<em>When You Ask Why</em>" can be ordered from <a title="Amazon Book Link" href="http://www.amazon.com/When-You-Ask-Daniel-Johnson/dp/089221712X" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-you-ask-why-daniel-johnson/1110871546" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/when-you-ask-why/daniel-johnson/9780892217120/pd/217120" data-imported="1">ChristianBooks.com</a> or from New Leaf Press. Call 1-800-643-9535 and ask for a sales rep.</p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959662013-03-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00Mom - Home For Easter
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</p><div class="text_exposed text_exposed_root" style="display: inline;">A close friend of the family, Greg Asimakoupoulos, wrote this beautiful poem about a mom celebrating her first Easter in Heaven. It so touched my heart, I </div>
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<p> <span style="color:#000080">HOME FOR EASTER! </span></p>
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<div class="text_exposed text_exposed_root" style="display: inline;"><span class="userContent"><span style="color:#000080">Your mom went home for Easter.<br>Someone took her by the hand<br>and said “Ma'am, you are invited <br>to have supper with the Lamb.<br><br>“Your name’s written in this volume,”<br></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline"><span style="color:#000080">he said pointing to a book.<br>“It’s the Lamb’s list of the faithful.<br>Step in closer. Take a look!<br><br>“Jesus died to pay your ransom<br>and then rose in victory<br>so that you could be at home here.<br>Don’t you love this crystal sea?”<br><br>Then a hand reached out with nail prints<br>beckoning your mom to come<br>as the Savior said, “My precious,<br>since your time on earth is done<br><br>won’t you sit here right beside me?<br>For this moment I have longed.<br>This is why I died to save you<br>and forgive you of your wrong.<br><br>“When I rose from death that Sunday,<br>I imagined you with me<br>feasting with the saints and angels<br>and for all eternity.”<br><br>And just then a trumpet sounded<br>and the Lamb approached the throne<br>while your mother and the others<br>worshiped Christ and Him alone.<br><br>That’s what Easter’s like in Heaven.<br>He who died now reigns in love<br>in a place of utmost grandeur<br>that your mother long dreamed of.</span><br><br>by Greg A. </span></span></div>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959652013-02-20T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00Winter in the Ozarks
<p><span style="color:#000080">I am amazed at how some people let nothing stand in the way of something they love to do … like fishing, no matter what the weather! We have had 24 hours of thunder, lightening, snow, ice and freezing drizzle. But … right in the middle of it all … these folks are "doin' their thing."</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Taken from my window above Lake Taneycomo, Branson, MO.</span></p>
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<p><span style="color:#000080"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/daf45420091f85c8d1feea6f5620dcd26d7b1740/original/fishing-on-taneycomo-in-ice-storm-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6ODAweDUyOSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Fishing_on_Taneycomo_in_Ice_Storm_resized.jpg" height="529" width="800" /></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959642012-12-12T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00In Memory ...
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<p><span style="color:#993300">In Loving Memory of "The Mom" … </span></p>
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<p>In the afternoon hours of Tuesday, October 16<sup>th</sup>, Heaven opened its gates to another of God’s choicest … our beloved mom and grandmother, Ila Cantelon Murphy. I’m sure she was met by Dad Bill, and is being escorted by angels on a tour of that celestial home as we speak.</p>
<p> Our hearts are broken as we deal with our loss; but we can rejoice in the knowledge that Mom is where she has wanted to be for some time. She lived an incredible life, most all of her 89 years in service to the Lord she loved.</p>
<p> Mom’s “Celebration of Life,” held on Friday, Oct. 19, was just what she would have wanted … a “Sunday evening” kind of service, complete with church orchestra, congregational singing and the family joining in song. Even Mom herself participated, via a video that was recorded of her singing, “The Old Account Was Settled,” at a Maranatha Village concert just 10 weeks before her passing. (The link to that video is given below.)</p>
<p> Our strength is in the hope that we will be with Mom and Dad again … and, in the words of the song with which we closed her service, we expect that will be “Soon And Very Soon!”</p>
<p> Thanks for the many words and expressions of love and sympathy that so many have sent our way. Two of the original “Murphy Family” are now left to walk this road … May we do so in a way worthy of the parents that taught us well.</p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959632012-12-05T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00Getting my Bearings ...
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<div>It has been several weeks, now … since "The Mom" left this earthly home and went to be with the Lord she loved. It has been a time of mixed emotions for our family left behind, especially with the Christmas holidays approaching.</div>
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<div>I have taken some time off, and am in Fort Worth with my brother and his wife. A few days ago, my sister-in-law took me to the Botanical Gardens nearby. The weather was delightful, the trails peaceful and the scenery restful. </div>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959622012-11-06T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00Obituary for Mom Ila
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">Obituary for Ila Murphy</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline"> </span></strong>Ila Cantelon Murphy made her entrance into this world at Rainy River, Ontario, Canada on February 11, 1923. Her parents were Todd and Rena Cantelon. Ila passed from this life on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 in Springfield, MO. She had resided at Maranatha Village, the Assemblies of God retirement community in Springfield, since April of 2007. Until that time, Ila had made her home in Pocatello, Idaho.</p>
<p> Ila is survived by one brother, Garth (Lucille) Cantelon; a son, Robert (Delena) Murphy; a daughter, LaJuana Brann; 3 grandsons, Tyler, Taylor, Brandon, and 1 granddaughter, Jeri; 1 niece, Gayle and 1 nephew, Gordon. Her husband, Rev. Bill Murphy, preceded her in death 9 years ago.</p>
<p> Music and ministry were Ila’s passion. Born into a clan of ministers, she got an early start in that direction for her life. Ila learned to play the piano at age 4, and good enough to begin using her talents in church at such an early age. Both her parents and brother Garth were talented musicians who used those gifts in radio ministry in the early years of dad Cantelon’s pastoral assignments.</p>
<p> In 1946, Ila met the love of her life, Bill Murphy. Ila was traveling in evangelistic ministry with her family. Bill was working in evangelism as a team partner with Paul Cantelon. Both attended a Bible camp in Manitoba that summer of ’46; the sparks flew, and love blossomed. They were married January 1<sup>st</sup> of 1947, in Tampa, Fla. </p>
<p> The years that followed saw two children join the team, and the Murphy Family became road warriors for the Lord. Intertwined within those years of evangelism, Bill and Ila pastored 6 Assemblies of God churches, including what is now “River of Life Church” in Pocatello from 1981 to 1989. Many lives were impacted by their seasons of ministry, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and support at their departures from this life.</p>
<p> A celebration of Ila’s life was held Friday, Oct. 19, at Maranatha Village Chapel, under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home. Rev. David Flower, along with Maranatha Chaplains Darrel Paddock and Steve Anoa’I, participated in the service. The Maranatha orchestra provided music along with members of the Murphy family. Ila herself participated, via a video that was recorded just 10 weeks before at a Maranatha concert. It can be viewed at this Internet address: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACgkleYO4D0" target="_parent" data-imported="1">www.<strong>youtube</strong>.com/watch?v=ACgkleYO4D0</a></p>
<p> This amazing wife, mom and grandmother will be greatly missed! Our loss is only Heaven’s gain.</p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959612012-10-04T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00"The Mom" Is Still a Rock Star!
<p>Mom Ila … at 89-years-old … is still doing her thing! This video was recorded on the evening of July 29th at Maranatha Village Chapel in Springfield, Missouri.</p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959602012-05-30T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00Mom's House Guest
<p><span style="color:#800000">I have become "up close & personal" with the wildlife of the Ozarks! This little fellow … a white dove … dines on Mom's deck daily. Today he allowed me a closer encounter. He and his mate have an about-to-hatch egg that they tend to on the deck next door :)</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#800000"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/91c4fb7bd55bcaec55b050e6e5d1bd74976804c9/original/white-dove-portrait-ltr-signed.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjIweDQ0MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="White_Dove_Portrait_LTR_Signed.jpg" height="443" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="620" /></span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959592012-05-25T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00One Nation, Under God
<p>" … One Nation, Under God "</p>
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<p><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/memorial%20day" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><img src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj487/Rita7070/ani-gifs-memorial-day-1947758234.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959582012-03-31T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00The Truth of Easter
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<p>So much commercialism around this time of year. Easter eggs and baskets, stuffed bunnies, rows and rows of pastel candies and other seasonal merchandise in my local Walmart … </p>
<p>Let's get it right, this time. Easter IS the message of our risen Lord!</p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959572012-03-11T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:0025 Years ago … My life changed forever!
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<p><span style="color:#000080">25 years ago this Monday the 12th of March, this little guy changed my world forever. Happy Birthday, Tyler Brann!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/b15085119bc426bf092ac2799b38be5218adaf8b/original/tyler-mom-1987-framed-resized.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTA3eDYwMCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Tyler___Mom_1987_Framed_resized.png" height="600" width="507" /></span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959552012-03-03T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00Branson's "Leap Day" Tornado
<p><span style="color:#000000">1:25 a.m. … Wednesday, the 29th day of February … we were awakened by that eerie sound of sirens declaring an approaching tornado. I have been in Branson since this past October and have heard the drill in midday a time or two. This time, it was not in the afternoon ... nor a drill. Welcome to the Ozarks in the spring!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">The major damage took place about a mile from the home I am staying in. Not until the break of day did we realize the extent of the catastrophe that had transpired. The following is an aerial view of "The Strip" on highway 76 through the center of Branson. The link provided will take you to a series of photos, courtesy of many news outlets in our area. </span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/f9c9ef46eb8cff8fd5be4a39e52a1f4c1ad94614/original/branson-tornado.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjA3eDQ5MCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Branson_Tornado.png" height="490" width="607" /></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">Additional photos: http://fox2now.com/2012/03/01/pictures-branson-tornado-damage-2/</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">Video feed: http://fox2now.com/2012/02/29/branson-takes-direct-hit-from-tornado/</span></p>
<p>I have also posted additional updates on my Facebook profile page: https://www.facebook.com/lmbrann1</p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959542012-02-03T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00Dad's Stetson
<p><span style="color:#800000">Nine years ago this day of February 4th, Dad Bill Murphy packed away his Gibson guitar, bid farewell to all of us and returned to his Heavenly home … leaving his Stetson behind. He wears a crown, now. </span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/22a119fab7a7cae34f337545864b7d2d76c93705/original/the-stetson-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AW10%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">Man, do we ever miss "The Leader of the Band!"</span></p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/3137fa6344cd12dfd4c8eaa25ef1df3b86e8b55e/original/mf10-1-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AW10%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959562012-01-31T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:14-06:00Moe, the "Granddog"
<p><span style="color:#800000">Yep. Finally a grandparent! Of a dog, that is. Tyler and Sarah have recently had an addition ... rescued the little guy from an animal shelter. By all reports, "Moe" is spoiled rotten! I hope to someday soon have the chance to further the cause.</span></p>
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<p><span style="color:#800000"><span style="color:#000000"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/cea08cfaffc0793461a9ea020ae89a131dd1e8a3/original/moe-the-granddog-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQ1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Moe_the_Granddog_resized.jpg" height="450" width="600" /></span></span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959532011-12-08T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:13-06:00MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color:#800000">Oh my … it's been awhile since I updated this page! </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color:#800000">I am now living in the amazing community of Branson, Missouri. Well, somewhat … </span><span style="color:#800000">still have much of my life in a Tulsa storage facility. </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="color:#800000">I am so honored to be part of the "greatest band in Branson" … the worship band at </span><em><span style="color:#800000">Faith and Wisdom Center</span><span style="font-weight:normal"><span style="color:#800000">. </span><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="color:#800000">Gospel music's great, Gary McSpadden, and his lovely </span></span></span></em><span style="color:#800000">wife Carol are the pastors. What incredible musicians I work with! </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="font-weight:normal"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="color:#800000">God has also opened the doors for me to provide some technical services for two more of His best musical artists who are headquartered here in Branson, </span><strong><span style="color:#800000">Gary S. Paxton </span></strong><span style="color:#800000">and </span><strong><span style="color:#800000">Gloria Elliott</span></strong><span style="color:#800000">. Gary and his beautiful wife, Vicki Sue, have opened their hearts and their home to me. ( Yeah … this is a view from the "Paxton office" :) ) And Gloria has provided my "alternate homeless shelter" … how much more blessed can I get! </span></span></span></em></strong></p>
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<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong><em><span style="font-weight:normal"><span style="font-style:normal"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/b4295df51d4e5763616bb895a5990b8edc672e5e/original/paxtons-view-with-boat-2011-editedcpyr-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDMzNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Paxtons_View_with_Boat__2011_editedCpyr_resized.jpg" height="334" width="500" /></span></span></em></strong></p>
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<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong><em><span style="font-weight:normal"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="color:#800000">Eventually, I will get settled … where God wants me … and in His timing. In the meantime, I am within 35 - 40 minutes driving distance of Mom Ila, who will turn 89 this coming February. She still resides at Maranatha Village … the Assemblies of God retirement complex in Springfield.</span></span></span></em></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color:#800000">My brother Bob and his wife Delena will be joining us for Christmas. I will miss being with my son Tyler and his wife Sarah … they are in the other world of New York City! God willing, and funds providing, I will get to visit them in January.</span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color:#800000">Have a very blessed MERRY </span><strong><span style="color:#800000">CHRIST</span></strong><span style="color:#800000">MAS!</span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959522011-07-16T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:13-06:00Joplin Tornado and Tulsa Summer
<p><span style="color:#000080">It has been awhile since I posted an update. So much to do … so little time.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">The summer heat has been/is incredible! Temperature records are being broken consistently in our vicinity. 100 degrees-plus daily … made most unbearable by the added humidity. No rain. Texas and West Oklahoma are in extreme drought.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080"> </span><span style="color:#000080">In the midst of these climate conditions comes the devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Interstate I-44, that I frequently take from Tulsa to Springfield, passes through the southern section of Joplin. A couple of weeks ago I took the opportunity to detour into the part of that city that was hit the hardest. I can honestly say, I will never be the same.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">I was warned by some who had been there that I would not be prepared for what I would see. How right they were! It was 5 weeks and 5 days after the EF5 storm struck … and the landscape still resembled a nuked war zone. I wept. The photo below was one of many that I took that day. This was one of only a few homes that still resembled what it used to be. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Please pray for Joplin. I am in contact with friends who are lending physical help in restoring some order among the devastation. It will take months. Probably years.</span></p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/6749e65d8dbfdc7d7393cfcea54259c39f3d697f/original/joplin-tornado-split-level-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AW10%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/116f268679cda00f23abdc32e10208c55b4c0791/original/joplin-tornado-cars-3-resized-cropped.jpg/!!/b%3AW10%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959512011-05-28T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:13-06:00TORNADO OUTBREAK!
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<p> For those of you who have been following our Oklahoma and Missouri storms over the past few days, this link pretty well tells it all! Our families are safe, but our prayers go out to those who have suffered the effects of this week of tragedy. </p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959502011-04-23T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:13-06:00EMPTY TOMB FOR SALE … HAVE A GLORIOUS EASTER!
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959492011-04-12T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:13-06:00April in Tulsa
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/e7d594750c3c564e6b60337212a6320b9cf08364/original/thurs-forcast.png/!!/b%3AW10%3D.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" style="vertical-align: baseline;" /> </p>
<p>Spring has sprung in all its fury, here in Tulsa country. And along with it, 'finals week' is just days away at ORU. I'm not sure I like the sound of that … <em><span style="color:#800000">finals</span></em> week ?? I hope that is not prophetic … (Smile.)</p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959482011-03-11T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:13-06:00SPRING BREAK!
<p><span style="color:#000000">Strange, … how excited a 63 year-old can get by hearing the words, "Spring break!" </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">So, as have done many other worn and weary students, I have gone home to Mama. And, as have done many other worn and weary students, I will sleep a lot! And eat, … more than I should. A great combination … NOT!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">And then, I will be anxious to get back to ORU. Just as many other rested and fattened students will be:)</span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959472011-02-26T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:13-06:00SPRING IS BACK IN OKLAHOMA!
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#7d3033">Spring has sprung here in the mid-south part of our land ... and the excitement begins! What a strange weather year this has been. Less than a month ago, we were buried in 14 inches of snow. Then, 2 weeks later, 78 degrees before falling to below freezing again. The saying here in Oklahoma is, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes!" How true </span><em><span style="color:#7d3033">that</span></em><span style="color:#7d3033"> has turned out to be :) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#7d3033">Hope to see ya later! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/Thunderstorm_Forecast.jpg?ts=1298834820" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959462011-01-31T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:13-06:00Blizzard of 2011 ... Oh My!
<p>The now historic <em>Blizzard of 2011</em> has come to an end ... and Tulsa is virtually paralyzed! The 14-inch one-day total is an all-time record snowfall for the city. Hundreds of vehicles are stranded on city streets and Oklahoma highways. And ORU is closed! That in itself is an historic event. </p>
<p>I am safely tucked into my apartment, studying and sending homework via e-mail to my professors who are equally stranded at home. I couldn't go anywhere if I tried to, ... the snow is too deep and not a plow has come our way. Welcome to winter in Oklahoma. 76 degrees last Saturday, minus 9 tomorrow night!</p>
<p>Photos courtesy of Channel 6 in Tulsa:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/15cf87b20e73a43052409a5b7baa0212f1c1ec0a/original/61st-and-sheridan.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDM2MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="360" width="640" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/fec404cf9a6b87f7b1a8dc187a00277c5bb122d6/original/stalled-trucks.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDM2MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="360" width="640" /></p>
<p><a class="inline_edit UIShareStage_InlineEdit" style="cursor: pointer; color: #000000; text-decoration: none; display: inline;" onclick="new InlineEditor(this, ">Latest Update: http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/latest-update:-the-blizzard-of-2011</a></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959452010-12-20T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:12-06:00Christmas Letter from Jesus ...
<p><span style="color:#800000">This was posted by a Facebook friend, and with his permission I give it to you.</span></p>
<p>Letter from Jesus -- about Christmas….</p>
<p><br>It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. <br>How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of yo<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline">u who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. <br><br>Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. <br><br>Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8. <br><br>If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it: <br><br>1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.<br>2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know <br>that someone cares about them. <br>3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.<br><br>4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them. <br><br>5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her. <br><br>6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference. <br><br>7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.<br>8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary - - especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.<br><br>9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you. <br><br>10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. <br><br>Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember.<br>I LOVE YOU,<br>JESUS</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline"><br></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959442010-12-17T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:12-06:00Animal Version of "Deck the Halls"
<p>In the absence of Exciting News, please accept this delightful rendition of "Deck the Halls." We shall return shortly :-) ( First, might want to <strong>turn off</strong> the streaming music track at the top of this page ... )</p>
<p> </p>
<p>
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</p>
<p> </p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959432010-11-10T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:12-06:00New Track Coming!
<p><span style="color:#800000">My goodness. Where has this year gone?! I have less than 4 weeks left in this semester at ORU. So far, have enjoyed the ride immensely. Ask me again, after finals week in December :-) </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">A new Christmas instrumental single coming! Yes ... I am currently laying down the tracks to </span><em><span style="color:#800000">Silver Bells</span></em><span style="color:#800000">, a "soul/jazz" version I think you will like. I wanted to put that on my last cd, but didn't get it done. Hopefully, we will have this one Internet-ready by Thanksgiving. I have been taking a class at ORU that involves studio recording and editing. The teacher, Kitt Bender ... a greatly talented musician as well as ORU instructor, is working with me on this one.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">Also, within a few days we will be doing a promotion for the Christmas cd. Just had word from an Internet station today that plays our music year round ... will be listing those stations as well.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">Back to the books! </span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959422010-10-22T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:12-06:00They call it, "Murphy's Law" ...
<p>Well, made it through Fall Break ... unbroken. But today has been a different story. Here, my friends, is the scoop:</p>
<p>As a way to supplement my income, I work in the office of my apartment complex one day a week ... that day this week being today ... ( huh?) Anyway, I was awakened at 6:00 a.m. by a frantic knock on my door. Still in the darkness of breaking morning, I was not too keen on going to the door. Until, I realized it was my neighbor.</p>
<p>Their lower floor .... and my garage ... were flooding. Thus set in motion a series of calls that eventually ended with the fire department coming to the scene. Pipe broke somewhere. I'm OK, save for a few boxes with wet bottoms. My neighbors didn't fare as well. </p>
<p>Then another resident's alarms were going off. And storms hit the area ... much rain and wind. Then came a call from my Bro now in Fort Worth. He and his wife had just witnessed a small tornado passing thru'. I call Mom in Springfield ... she is disappointed that she is missing all the excitement. </p>
<p>It is now 10 hours later ... I have spent those entire 10 hours in the office attempting to bring calm to my neighborhood. </p>
<p>And how was your day?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><br></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959412010-10-10T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:12-06:00Fall Break at ORU
<p><span style="color:#000080">Not in all of my 62 years of life do I remember ever having a 'Fall Break!' All during my elementary and high school years we were usually on tour ... during which we were 'home schooled' on the road. We would take travel days off, and then study straight thru' the days we were stationary. Never went to college ... no big deal back then :-) </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">So, to experience my very FIRST official fall break is kinda cool! The Bro, Robert, is driving up from Ft Worth tomorrow and we are going to Springfield together to check up on mom. Then the three of us are tripping a few miles to Branson, where we will be guests of Vicki Sue and Gary S. Paxton. Robert and mom have never been to 'the Paxton Museum' ... their home, as I call it. They are in for an adventure!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Then, Bro and I will return to Tulsa late Friday, to move me into another apartment this coming Saturday ... one in which I can better use my recording studio. No neighbors to yell at me when I turn the monitors up.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Gloria Elliott will also be in Tulsa this coming weekend, so we will get to be in one of her services on Sunday. By the way, her new album that we worked on is getting great reviews. You can hear tracks from it on her new website at: </span><a href="http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#000080">http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com</span></a><span style="color:#000080"> And if you are in the area 10/17, the address where she will be is listed on her schedule page. We'd all love to meet ya!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Til' later .........</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080"> </span></p>
<p> </p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959402010-10-01T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:12-06:00George T. Wesley...1997-2010
<p>Rough day, today. I lost my best friend. For 13 years my kitty, George T. Wesley, has been a faithful pal. </p>
<p>He loved Wheel of Fortune. If I was home and didn't have the tv on at 6:30 he would let me know. Really! It wasn't so much that he enjoyed the action as it was the time to curl up on my lap for awhile.</p>
<p>When Tyler was still in grade school, George ruled! He would get him up in the mornings, wait for him to come home, and then would attempt to turn out his bedroom light when he thought Tyler should go to sleep.</p>
<p>He played 'bat and ball' with his boy, Tyler. Little plastic Easter eggs were his favorites. He would sit on the edge of the bed while Ty would pitch them at him. His paws were mighty bats! He even learned to 'run to first base' ... which was a spot under a bedroom lamp table. We figured that he got that from sitting in the tv room with 'Boy' while they watched a major league game together.</p>
<p>When God called my dad home, George would nightly sit at the top of the stair landing ... looking for Dad to walk through the front door. He knew that Grandpa Bill would get out the electric vibrator and give him a good massage. Any other cat would have run a hundred miles to get away. Not GTW! He relished it.</p>
<p>He ran for president in 2000. When George Bush was campaigning, the local humane society decided to run <em>our</em> George for office ... to raise funds for the new shelter. Little 'voting boxes' went up all over Pocatello, Idaho ... and people paid 1 cent per vote! George T. didn't get elected, but he did his part for a worthy cause.</p>
<p>He rode beside me in the Budget rental truck, all 1300 plus miles from Idaho to Tulsa. And he enjoyed every minute of the journey. George adapted to his new home very well ... didn't even get too excited when the tornado sirens blew. He slept right thru' most of the thunder storms that first spring.</p>
<p>I could write a book on George's 13 years with the family. But I will tuck the memories away in my mind, to recall them when I need a good friend to remember. There will never be another George T. Never.</p>
<p> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/894_resized.JPG?ts=1286062805" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/Pictures-0008_resized.jpg?ts=1286062805" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/Pictures-0019.jpg?ts=1286062805" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/Pictures-0023_resized.jpg?ts=1286062805" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /> </p>
<p>George T. Wesley -- 1997/October 2, 2010</p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959392010-09-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:12-06:00Oh My! Where Has the Time Gone?!
<p><span lang="EN">
<p>It has been <em>way</em> too long since I last posted an update. Yes, I am still alive and I am well.</p>
<p>I have been doing the ‘student’ thing at Oral Roberts University. And may I add, <em>loving</em> it! I had, however, forgotten what staying up until the midnight hour doing homework was like. The lifestyle does not leave much time for social networking :-> And George hates it when I come to bed so late! ( George is the cat … )</p>
<p>But, I am keeping up with the young ones … quite well, thank you. Mid-terms are over for me and I have proven to myself… and others … that my brain is still working. And the MILES of walking between classes on campus makes for fairly good weight control. I managed to get into an outfit that has been teasing me for several months, now.</p>
<p>Yep. I feel good about my life!</p>
<p>Stay tuned, my friends.</p>
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</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959382010-08-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:12-06:00It's 'Sons Week'
<p><span style="color:#800000">... A son will hold your hand for a little while, but he will hold your heart<br>for a lifetime. It's "Sons Week" - Love ya, T. Brann :-)</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000"> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432386/6317a62fc9279eb96c4a57877b7472e4fa61e408/original/web-photo-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjQ2eDQwMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="401" width="246" /></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959372010-08-20T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:12-06:00HOMEWORK?!? Now I Remember
<p><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000">I have had flashbacks this week, to a former time in life. Was it <em>40</em> <em>something years ago</em> that I burned the midnight oil, crackin' the books before a history test? And I thought I was through with that.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000">Welcome to ORU and my new life! History has been replaced with Interactive Media, my typewriter with a computer keyboard, earbuds replace my bulky headphones, ... and I now email my homework to a professor. My flashbacks are grossly out-of-date! </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000">What's cool is that the young whipper-snappers cruisin' around campus see me coming and assume that I am one of the professor types! Gets me respect. Until one of them ends up sitting next to me in class :-) </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000">I'm holding my own, tho'. Especially at the campus Hava Java outlet. I can drink coffee and study with the best of 'em! </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000">Stay tuned. This could get interesting.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000"> </span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959362010-08-03T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00HEY, TULSA ... I'M BACK!!
<p><span style="color:#800000">After approximately 1187 miles of travel back and forth between Springfield, Branson and Tulsa,... in 4 days, ... I am <em>finally</em> back in Green Country! Did I mention that 'Green Country' is sweltering with temps in the 100 - 106 range, with substantial humidity? </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">So, the potentially 'most elder' student at ORU will start classes this coming week. Staying with the media communications & recording emphasis ... hopefully, preparing for an interesting '4th or 5th' career around the corner! Yep. Life now begins at retirement age :-) ... I really don't think there <em>is</em> any such thing as 'retirement' anymore. Who can <em>afford</em> it?!?!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">Since our last conversation, Gloria Elliott's album has been completed, and will be 'officially' out this coming week. Her <em>Album</em> <em>Debut Concert</em>, at Gary McSpadden's church in Branson, was amazing. She is so annointed when she sings. She opened by singing my song, "It's Time," ... and I am saying to myself: "Did I really write <em>that</em>?!?" What a great job. We will have her entire album up on her new web site in a couple of weeks, if not before. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000"> <a href="http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#0000ff">http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com</span></a></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">Stay <span style="color:#00ccff">cool</span>, my friends! Drink lots of ice water .... That's what George T. tells me :)</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000"> </span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959352010-07-16T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00WELCOME TO THE OVEN!
<p>I have been in hot weather before ... but this week has got to be the closest I have become to being baked in an oven. Tulsa can be oppressively hot, but I think Springfield wins the cook off!</p>
<p>It has hovered in the mid to high 90's all week, with the humidity in matching digits. Thus, the heat indexes have been from 105 to 115 degrees. I keep repeating to myself:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#000080">THINK SNOW!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#000000">Will be in Branson this Sunday A.M. at the <em><strong>'Sanctuary of Hope'</strong></em> church. <strong>Gloria Elliott</strong> is going to introduce her new recording of my song, '<em>It's</em> <em>Time</em>.' She sang it on the <strong><em>Jim Bakker Show</em></strong> last week .... the first time it has been publicly performed. Wow. What a great job she did! We will have it up on her site that I am designing for her at, <a href="http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com" data-imported="1">http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com</a> , in a few days -- along with the additional tracks from the album produced by <strong>Gary S. Paxton</strong>. I am so blessed that Gloria chose to include it in this new cd.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#000000"> </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#000000"> </span></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959342010-07-01T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00Tribute to the American Flag
<p><span style="color:#000080">On the 'BLOG' page of this site, I have posted a very poignant reading that I came across, about our American flag. As we celebrate our country's birth on the 4th of July, please take a moment to access that page and read this tribute.</span></p>
<p><img src="http://sylviagarza.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/american-flag.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="191" width="262" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/blog.html" data-imported="1">http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/blog.html</a></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959332010-06-30T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00Quiet, Quaint Branson
<p>... 2 motel holdups, police standoff with a murder suspect that shut down a major city street, ... Welcome to Branson ... a nice, quiet little town :-)</p>
<p> </p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959322010-06-19T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00Danger Zone!
<p><span style="color:#000080">Oh, my! We are having a heat wave here in the mid-south. Temperatures have been in the mid to high 90's with humidity near matching numbers. This invokes a danger warning from the Weather Channel. If this is already upon us in June, ... I wonder what July and August will send our way??!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Returned from Tulsa Thursday evening ... as an 'official' ORU student for this coming fall semester. Kinda scary, actually. But I have a couple of months to get used to the idea ... or run away! But I won't. If all goes as scheduled, I will take classes in audio production, internet communications (ie: web design, etc) and news journalism. How cool is that?!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Just had a call from Branson this day, and the final mixes are being done on my song, 'It's Time,' that Gloria Elliott has recorded. I will take a jaunt to the fair city this week to hear it first hand. Can't wait!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">And last, but certainly not least ... "Happy Father's Day," to all the great dads out there! I have so many mixed emotions on this day. Miss our dad <em>SO</em> much ... tho' I know Heaven is so much better than here. He's the fortunate one! But I still miss the "Leader Of the Band" ... immensely.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080"> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/3137fa6344cd12dfd4c8eaa25ef1df3b86e8b55e/original/mf10-1-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzc0eDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="600" width="374" /></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080"> </span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959312010-06-13T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00Catch Up Time!
<p>Whoa! It's been awhile since I've updated my people :-) </p>
<p>At the time of my last entry, gas was approaching $2.59 a gallon in some parts of my Ozark world. Today, down around $2.33. Now that's some GOOD news! Storms are in the forecast ... again. Many gallons of rain coming down these days.</p>
<p>Cat food recall, in case you need to know: Iams ProActive Health Cat and Kitten food in the 3 oz. and 5.5 oz. cans. George T. wanted me to pass the word along.</p>
<p>I will be making my every-other-3-1/2-week trek to Tulsa tomorrow. Hope to meet with some profs at ORU, to see if they really want to take on an 'aging' student this coming fall semester. Hey. Maybe I could teach <em>them</em> a thing or two, you think?!</p>
<p>Check out the new web site --- still under construction --- that I am setting up for Gloria Elliott. Within the next couple of weeks, we will have tracks from her upcoming new album for review on a page there. <a href="http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com" data-imported="1">http://www.gloriaelliottministries.com</a></p>
<p>Also, will have a new version of "America The Beautiful" up on mine by next week ... if we don't drown.</p>
<p>As my producer friend in Nashville, Ray Kennedy, signs off his emails: "Cheers!"</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959302010-06-01T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00In The Studio
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#000080">... Gloria Elliott did an amazing job on my song, 'It's Time' in the studio yesterday. Gary S. Paxton is the producer ... a 'miracle worker' of music! I am so blessed to be a part of this production.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#000080"> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/100_3418_resized.jpg?ts=1275490331" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="104" width="124" /> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/100_3419_resized.jpg?ts=1275490567" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="103" width="122" /> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/100_3420_resized.jpg?ts=1275490688" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="104" width="116" /> </span></span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959292010-05-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00Big Rigs Keep A Rollin'
<p>... So, to keep from being bored on the trip from Tulsa to Springfield, mom counted the semi trucks from Joplin to home -- around 75 miles. NOT counting the few she may have missed on the time she dozed off, we met <span style="color:#800000">963 <span style="color:#000000">big rigs</span></span>! </p>
<p>George T. ( the cat ) has always enjoyed a good road trip ... and has a 'thing' about the big rigs. Don't know what it is that excites him ...something about the tires. </p>
<p><img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/George_T_resized_3_smaller.jpg?ts=1275070069" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /></p>
<p>Strange group, these Murphy's!</p>
<p> </p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959282010-05-21T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00And Life Is Good!
<p><span style="color:#0000ff">... Had a great time in Branson this week. I was a guest of Gary S. and Vicki Sue Paxton; delighted to meet and visit with Jimmy Snow and wife, and the songwriter/artist, Jimmy Jack Whitaker ... who also has a song on Gloria Elliott's up-coming album. ( Oh, did I mention <em>I do</em>??!) Life couldn't get much better than this! </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#0000ff">I will make a trip to Tulsa this coming week... to check on my 'student status' at ORU. And it just happens to be my daughter-in-law Sarah's 23rd birthday on the 24th... just 1 year and 7 days after she and Tyler tied the knot two weeks after graduating from ORU. Young people ... they live life in a faster lane :-)</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#0000ff"> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/Sarah_at_Wedding.jpg?ts=1274580595" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="101" width="99" /> Happy birthday, Sarah</span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959272010-05-12T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00MURPHY'S LAW ????
<div class="mobile_status"><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text"><span style="color:#380000">... Well, here's one for the books! As an accepted student (yes, student) for the fall semester at ORU, I was told today that they need my high school grade transcripts to qualify me for additional grants. </span></span></span></div>
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<div class="mobile_status"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#380000">SO .. I call Spanaway High in WA, where I graduated in 1967 (yes, '67). They are closed TODAY due to a student stabbing on campus. Is this 'Murphy's Law' or what??! </span></span></div>
<div class="mobile_status"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#380000"><img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/LaM18-1_resized.jpg?ts=1273784015" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /> Yep. Graduation photo, 1967. Whoa. I'm old!!</span></span></div>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959262010-05-08T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00On This Mother's Day ....
<p><span style="color:#000080">To the son that every mom should have: "Thanks, Tyler ... for making the last 1/3rd of my life the best years ever! And for sure, the most interesting :) </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">All my love, Mom" <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/Maniac_for_Mommy_resized.jpg?ts=1273432216" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">P.S. And thanks for bringing Sarah into the family... 'daughters-in -law' fill the void when there are no natural daughters to call you 'mom' ... </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080"> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/Ty_and_Sarah_Honeymoon_1.jpg?ts=1273433152" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /></span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959252010-05-02T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:11-06:00Look Out, World! We're Comin' Back!
<p> <span class="UIStory_Message">... So I finally found the 'original' 2 albums of the <span style="color:#0000ff">'Murphy Family' </span>... circas '72 & '74. They are, at this moment, being digitized so that I can edit and re-issue tracks from them. <span style="color:#800000">LOOK OUT, WORLD!! We're comin' back! <span style="color:#000000">( Grin, grin :)</span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#800000"><span style="color:#000000">And, you'll hear them here first ... <img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs438.ash1/24178_359070047754_561552754_4634202_3907669_s.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="130" width="127" /></span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#800000"><span style="color:#000000"> </span></span></span><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#800000"><span style="color:#000000"> </span></span></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959242010-05-01T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00New Beginnings ... at THIS age??!
<p><span style="color:#000080">Ever have a week that seemed like it spanned a year?! Yep. Just had one of those. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#000080">Took a quick trip to Tulsa Country this past Wednesday. As you have probably figured out, 3/4ths of my life is in storage there ... Prayed <em>majorly </em>for some Divine guidance as I went this time. </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#000080">In a matter of 24 hours, I found myself enrolled as a student for the fall semester at ORU. ( <em>And I just went to check on my storage ...!</em> ) It's a somewhat strange development; you see, part of our 'layoff' package as former ORU staff members was free tuition for a certain amount of credit hours.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#000080">Long story short, there are some matters to work out; but a semester there will give me some advanced tech skills that can be extremely beneficial to this ol' road musician. Y'all know that music is going internet these days ... and we gotta 'go with the flow!' </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#000080">So ... stay tuned. <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/Web_Photo-1-2.jpg?ts=1272845758" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="111" width="114" /></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#000080">Oh, and an update on the 'Lily Eater' ... George T. is totally back to normal. And I'm not sure that is a <em>good</em> thing .... :-)</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#000080"> </span></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#000080"><span style="color:#000080"><em> </em> </span></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959232010-04-19T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00George T. Wesley ... Nearly met his demise!
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000">... Almost lost George T. Wesley this past week. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000">Cats and lilies don't mix ... extremely poisonous to felines. Ingesting even a small part of one can cause kidney failure and death within 36-72 hours. Luckily we saw him with it and got him to a vet in time. Wow. Almost finished his run for Congress this fall ... :-)</span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000">By the way, stay tuned for G.T.W.'s return to the political arena ... You're gonna love it!</span></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000"><img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/George-T-Original-for-Web_resized.jpg?ts=1271801418" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="George-T-Original-for-Web.jpg_resized" height="155" width="139" /></span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000"> </span></span></span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959222010-04-07T19:00:00-05:002021-04-16T01:18:02-05:00Smart Move, LaJuana ... !
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#000080">... So you make a wrong turn while driving around Springfield. You hear many police sirens. You see many police cars ... with flashing lights. You get right in the middle of a police standoff ... where you are in the middle of the blocked-off area. Not a cool thing to do in Springfield. Whew. Won't do THAT again!</span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#000080"> </span></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959212010-04-05T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00Weather Update ...
<p> <span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text"><span style="color:#800000">... So what's with the big red patch ... on the Weather Channel storm forecast map ... covering eastern Oklahoma and southeastern Missouri??!</span></span></span><span style="color:#800000"> Next we'll be listening for the sirens ...</span></p>
<div class="mobile_status"><span style="color:#800000"><img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/TWC_Apr_6_20101.jpg?ts=1270600723" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="112" width="120" /> </span></div>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959202010-04-02T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00Have a Blessed Easter Season!
<p><span style="color:#000080">HE IS RISEN!</span></p>
<p><img src="http://www.catholicbishops.ie/special_features/easter2007/easter2007.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="333" width="366" /></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959192010-03-31T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00Am I in Hitchcock's, 'THE BIRDS' ??!
<div class="mobile_status"><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">... Thinking last evening that I was in Hitchcock's movie, <span style="color:#000080"><em>'The Birds</em></span>.' Hundreds ... no, <em>thousands</em>, of black birds swooped into the field and trees behind the apartment. </span></span></div>
<div class="mobile_status"> </div>
<div class="mobile_status">Heard this horrendous sound ... like an out-of-tune set of bagpipes. Went to the deck (as did the terrified cat) to see the twilight sky FULL of winged black dudes! Whoa ...</div>
<div class="mobile_status"> </div>
<div class="mobile_status">And now, we are in line for some severe weather tomorrow ... like, possible tornadoes and all that cool stuff. I wonder .... are hords of black birds an omen of such impending changes?</div>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959182010-03-28T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00At last. Spring has Sprung!
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#000080"><em>Beautiful</em> day here in the Ozarks ... and the forcast calls for 70's all week long. FINALLY! </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">We have restocked the bird feeders. The grass is greening and the leaves are reappearing on trees still groggy from a harsh winter. The creek is flooding; but that's OK. It has plenty of empty space to travel to!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Of course, one must not forget that Spring in the Ozarks brings an extra measure of excitement. We are gently (?) reminded of that with the weekly piercing sound of the tornado siren being tested. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Life is good!</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959172010-03-20T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00WHERE IS SPRING??!
<p>Made the trip from Springfield to Tulsa this past Thursday. <em>Gorgeous </em>day! ... Low 70's. Planned to be there thru' Saturday. Friday started out really nice. Then comes that ominous forcast: <span style="color:#800000"><em><span style="color:#000000">'</span>WINTER STORM</em> <em>WARNING! BE PREPARED FOR 6 - 12 INCHES OF SNOW</em></span>.'</p>
<p>Enter Spring, 2010. <em>EXIT</em> LaJuana from Tulsa!</p>
<p>I made one of the wiser decisions of my life and left to return to Springfield a day early... Only to realize that I would be the 'leading edge' of the storm as it proceeded east by Saturday. </p>
<p>Now in Springfield this, officially, 2nd day of spring. Ice coming from sky. Kinda cool! ... Literally.</p>
<p>I can appreciate the comment that a reader had posted on a Tulsa World internet blog today: <span style="color:#000080"><em>" If global warming gets much worse, we are all gonna freeze to death!"</em></span></p>
<p>Hope your Spring has started out better where <em>you</em> are :)</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959162010-03-12T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00And LIfe Goes On ....
<p><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888">.<span style="color:#000080">.. It's been a good week! We bit the bullet with the storms; this time the rough ones went to the north and south of us. And the birds are back ...</span></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN">
<p><span style="color:#000080">My one and only son, Tyler, made it to the age of 23 this Friday. Seems just like yesterday that this little face was staring up at me in a Pocatello, Idaho hospital. He's a bit bigger now ... :) He and Sarah are enjoying married life. I pray daily that God will keep them in His care and continue to direct their paths.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">I will be in Branson for a couple of days ... hanging out in Gary Paxton's studio with my friend and amazing vocalist, Gloria Elliott.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">And life goes on .... Yes it does.</span></p>
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<p><span style="color:#000080"> <img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/LaM14-1-2_resized.jpg?ts=1268521358" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="176" width="154" /> </span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959152010-03-08T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00So, What's Up With The Birds??
<p><span class="UIStory_Message">... Strange feeling in the air today. The feathered friends have been weirdly quiet and staying high in the trees. Wonder if it has anything to do with all the 'RED' on TWC forecast maps for our area tomorrow :) <em><span style="color:#800000">Stay tuned ...</span></em></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><em><span style="color:#800000"> </span></em></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><em><span style="color:#800000"> </span></em></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959142010-03-04T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00MOST UPLIFTING NEWS OF THE DAY...
<p>OK. So this is a re-run of some news I posted in October of last year. But with a correction:</p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">If you consume a can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup today, you will have ingested <strong>32 FEET of egg noodles</strong> for lunch. (not 32 inches as posted before!) </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000">Is this really true?? </span></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN">
<p><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#800000">A group of kids put the claim to the test and found <em>there was actually 32 feet of noodles in the can!</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#800000">In this day of political and economical upheaval, this is <em>indeed</em> great news!</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000">You're welcome.</span></span></p>
</span><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#000000"><span lang="EN"></span><a href="http://great-ads.blogspot.com/2009/10/campbell-soup-giant-32-foot-noodle.html" data-imported="1"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:#0000ff"><span style="color:#0000ff"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:#0000ff"><span style="color:#0000ff"><span lang="EN">http://great-ads.blogspot.com/2009/10/campbell-soup-giant-32-foot-noodle.html</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:#0000ff"> </span></span></span></span></a></span></span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959132010-02-16T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:10-06:00Signs of Pending Spring in the Ozarks
<p><span lang="EN">
<p><span style="color:#000000">It’s the middle of February and a quiet mid-morning is interrupted by ear-splitting sirens. The kind that go ‘up and down and around.’ Tornado warning system. Thankfully, just a test. <strong>Yep. An omen of Spring in the Ozarks!</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">Little yellow finches have shown up on the back deck. The wild geese population is exploding; the whirring of tree trimmers competes with their obnoxious honking. And one can now observe the odd armadillo that made an unsuccessful attempt to cross the road. I’ve always pondered the question: Are they <em>really</em> that dumb??</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000"> </span></p>
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LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959122010-02-13T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00That Was a WHAT??!
<p><span style="color:#000080">A fox ... a <em>real</em> live FOX! Just below the deck out the back of the apartment. And following shortly thereafter, a large skunk. So is this a sign of pending Spring here in the Ozarks?? Oh, and the Canadian honkers are back in mass. ( ... the geese type, that is.)</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">I can't decide if the fox was chasing the skunk or the honkers were fleeing from the fox and the skunk got caught in the middle ... Yeah, I know. I need some new excitement in my life! </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000080">Oh well ... the snow is back; and tornadoes just around the corner. That should do it. :)</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959112010-02-06T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00Blast # 3 ...
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#800000">... FYI: Another episode of Global Warming with 4-7 inches of snow is now predicted for Tulsa and Springfield, MO.</span></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959102010-02-03T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00George T. Wesley ... Weather Cat!
<p><img src="http://www.lajuanamurphy-brann.com/images/thumbs/George-T-Original-for-Web.jpg?ts=1265318138" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="100" /> So, George had a severe case of the '<em>Midnight Crazies</em>' during the wee hours of this morning. Oh, <em>way</em> past midnight ... like, 3:12 AM. This seems to transpire when wicked weather is on the way. </p>
<p> Yep. The cat was right. Welcome to <span style="color:#000080">Winter Wonderland in Missouri</span>! ... Another blast of Global Warming :)</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959092010-01-30T18:00:00-06:002021-03-10T16:02:29-06:00Mom's Back Yard ... In Missouri!
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/files/653317/moms-01-30-10-resized-largest-resized.jpg" data-imported="1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/71cf158dcfbf57296f998e9fd5d09566e8b9fb21/original/moms-01-30-10-resized-largest-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDMzNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="334" width="500" /></a></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959082010-01-28T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00I'm Having Nightmares of An Extended White Christmas!
<p><span style="color:#800000">Oh my! When I left Idaho, I thought I had seen the last of major snow storms for awhile. But Idaho was <em>TAME</em> compared to this! Since moving the family to Oklahoma and Missouri three years ago, I declare I have witnessed more 'wicked' weather in this short time than in all of the 24+ years we spent in the mountain state.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000"> </span><strong><em><span style="color:#800000">I hope this past two months is not an omen of what spring will be!</span></em></strong></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959072010-01-25T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00TWC and I are becoming Family!
<p><span style="color:#000000">I find myself becoming <em>too</em> attached to <span style="color:#000080">The Weather Channel</span>! Today, with its predictions for our part of the world, the local conversation has centered around, "<em>Have you gotten your supplies together for Thursday</em>?", and "<em>Did you get enought batteries in case we lose power</em>?" ... </span></p>
<p>Let me just give you TWC's take on the next episode we can expect to experience:</p>
<p class="articlebodyspace">"Snow, sleet and freezing rain will quickly develop across <span style="color:#000080"><strong>Oklahoma</strong></span>, southern Kansas, northwest Arkansas, and <span style="color:#000080"><strong>southern Missouri </strong></span>late Wednesday night and Thursday.</p>
<p class="articlebodyspace">The freezing rain and sleet could accumulate on roads, trees and power lines across southeastern <span style="color:#000080"><strong>Oklahoma</strong></span>, northwest Arkansas, and <span style="color:#000080"><strong>southern Missouri </strong></span>leading to difficult travel and some power outages by Thursday night.</p>
<p class="articlebodyspace">The icy mix over the Texas Panhandle, <span style="color:#000080"><strong>northern Oklahoma</strong></span>, southern Kansas and <span style="color:#000080"><strong>southwest Missouri </strong></span>changes over to a heavy snow during the day Thursday. <strong><span style="color:#800000">Accumulations well over a foot are possible through Friday morning."</span></strong></p>
<p class="articlebodyspace">So, there ya have it. See ya! I hope ...</p>
<p class="articlebodyspace"> </p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959062010-01-04T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00Here We Go Again!
<p><span style="color:#000080">Yikes. Here we go again! Another winter storm coming our way. Predictions are for several inches of blowing snow with wind chills to minus 15. Ya know, I've really had about all of this 'global warming' I can handle!</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959052009-12-30T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00TULSA BLIZZARD OF 2009
<p><span style="color:#800000"> ... Welcome to a new year!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">As we close out 2009, I look back on an eventful and, often, challenging year. Aside from the personal and family adventures, it has been a year of strange weather events here in the southland.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">From the beginning of 2009, we have encountered major ice storms, tornadoes, below-normal temps, above-normal temps, floods, and, ... to ring out the year, ... the worst blizzard in the memories of most Oklahomans. The Mrs. Murphy and myself were in Tulsa with my son and his wife over Christmas, and we were blessed to experience this event! It started Christmas Eve and virtually shut down the state. Of course, we all survived and had a joyous CHRISTmas, making our way back to Springfield by Saturday evening. I will leave you with these vivid photos ...</span></p>
<p> <a id="myphotolink" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4186407&id=561552754" data-imported="1"><img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs126.snc3/17335_251831202754_561552754_4186384_369744_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="402" id="myphoto" width="604" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a id="myphotolink" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4186407&id=561552754" data-imported="1"><img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs146.snc3/17335_251837757754_561552754_4186407_2934044_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="342" id="myphoto" width="604" /></a></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959042009-12-15T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00Let's Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas!!
<p> ... So, I'm brainstorming about starting a private club, made up of folks who not only want to keep <em><strong><span style="color:#800000">CHRIST</span></strong></em> in <span style="color:#800000">CHRIST</span>mas, .... but who want to keep the <span style="color:#800000">CHRIST</span>mas spirit going all year long.</p>
<p>We could have our own Facebook page, My Space site, etc ... What do ya think?? Sign our Guestbook and leave me your ideas. And, <strong><span style="color:#800000">MERRY CHRISTMAS</span></strong>!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959032009-12-06T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00'TWO WORDS' ... Merry Christmas!
<p><span style="color:#800000">... Last year I wrote a song about the name <strong><span style="color:#000000">'Christ'</span></strong> in <strong>Christ</strong>mas ... (you can hear it and read the lyrics on the music page). I just received word that it is a semi-finalist in the internet contest, "The Next Holiday Classic."</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">Even if it doesn't win 'the big prize,' it is encouraging that industry judges would choose a song that has such a strong reference to Christ ... especially in this day when so many would try to leave it out of our Christmas celebrations. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">In case ( hint, hint!) you would want to give your approval of their choice, you are MORE than welcome to cast your vote at the following: </span><a href="http://www.thenextholidayclassic.com" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#0000ff">http://www.thenextholidayclassic.com</span></a><span style="color:#800000"><span style="color:#0000ff"> </span>. First listen to, then vote for: <strong>'TWO WORDS</strong>.' Dec. 7th thru' 12th.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">Let's keep <strong>CHRIST </strong>in CHRISTmas!!</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959022009-12-02T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00CHRISTmas ... the Season is Here!
<p><span style="color:#000000">... Is it just me, or does it seem to you that there is a true push to get <strong><em><span style="color:#800000">Christ</span></em></strong> back in <em><span style="color:#800000"><strong>Christ</strong>mas</span></em>?</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">With the current economic climate that we find our country in, the simple things seem to have taken on new life: Family time. Cheerful holiday music. Less extravagant gift buying ... at least in our circles! And a sense of <em>genuine care</em> for one another.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000">Yeah. I <em>like</em> it! </span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959012009-11-14T18:00:00-06:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00CHRISTMAS?? WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THANKSGIVING?!
<p><span style="color:#800000">I have neglected to update for too long! Since my last post:</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">We have experienced more flooding rains ... then gorgeous sunshine and mild temps for at least a week. But alas ... on this date we are <em>again</em> under flood watch.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000"> Took a quick tour to take care of business in Tulsa, all is well there. And all the stores in the Mall are in the Christmas mood. <em><strong>Whatever happened to Thanksgiving</strong></em>??! A bit nostalgic, I suppose ... but I wish for the days when Christmas didn't start until December. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">Life is too fast ... folks are too busy. I wonder what it will take to make us slow down ...</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60959002009-10-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00FALL IN THE OZARKS ...
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#800000"><img src="http://www.ozarkmountainimages.com/OzarkAutumn/Jamesriver1%5D800.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="312" width="414" />... </span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#800000">Fall is beautiful here in the Ozarks. Golds, reds, various shades of changing greens ... God is quite the artist!</span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="color:#800000">Photo courtesy of: <a href="http://www.OzarkLand.com" data-imported="1">http://www.OzarkLand.com</a></span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958992009-10-15T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00LESS THAN 2-1/2 MONTHS 'TILL CHRISTMAS!
<p><span lang="EN">
<p>As I post this today, we are just a few days over 2 months ‘till <strong><span style="color:#ff0000">Christmas</span></strong>. A very sobering thought! One could believe it, tho’ … with October’s gift of early winter.</p>
<p>Cold here. No snow, thank you. </p>
<p>So, what’s with the sudden rise in gas again?! Our pumps went from $2.16 to $2.29 overnight. Maybe Springfield is trying to catch up with Tulsa? </p>
<p>But not ALL is bad news. <strong>Boise State</strong> beat <strong>Tulsa</strong> in football last Wednesday! Hey … gotta stick up for my Idaho roots … </p>
</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958982009-10-09T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00WE AND THE WILD TURKEYS SURVIVED!
<p><span lang="EN">
<p><span style="color:#800000">… Well, we survived the floods. And so did the wild turkeys, who dropped by today to tell us all was good. But, O’ my … has it turned cold! ‘Twas in the 30’s here today … and with 90+ humidity it felt like <em>minus </em>thirty. However, when I saw that 17+ inches of snow fell on our neighbors to the west and north, I will not complain.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">Of course you know what all this extra October cold and snow suggests, don’t you? Yep … <strong>GLOBAL WARMING</strong>.</span></p>
</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958972009-10-07T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE BUILT AN ARK YESTERDAY!
<p>... According to <a href="http://www.weather.com" data-imported="1"><span style="color:#0000ff">www.weather.com</span></a><span style="color:#0000ff"> </span>we are in the danger flood area today and tomorrow. <em>This</em> time, I think they hit it right!</p>
<p>Could have <span style="color:#800000">5-6 inches </span>by the end of Friday. The creek behind the apartments is already out of its banks. Good time to be thankful we are on the 2nd floor!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958962009-10-04T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:09-06:00NEWS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT!
<div class="mobile_status"><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text"> <span style="color:#800000">... I welcome you to a beautiful Monday! To start your week I will pass on some incredible info I just learned this morning: There are 32 inches of noodles in every can of Campbell's chicken noodle soup. ... Isn't Fox News amazing!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="mobile_status"></div>
<div class="mobile_status"><span style="color:#800000">I know. This has nothing to do with the <span style="color:#000000">weather</span> or <span style="color:#000000">gas prices</span>. Just nothing exciting going on there.</span></div>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958952009-10-01T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00WOW .. THEY MISSED OUR FORCAST!
<p>... Severe weather outbreak turned out to be a dud here, thank you God! I think the weather guy's accuracy record is about 20% correct for this part of the country... Forcast for tomorrow is "65 and sunny." So, we should expect torrential rain mixed with snow.</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958942009-09-28T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00OH BOY... HERE WE GO AGAIN!
<p><span lang="EN">
<p><span style="color:#800000">Just when you think the calm of Fall is settling in, here comes the wild weather again! Nice today, … but the forecast for Thursday is reminiscent of <em>Spring in</em> <em>Oklahoma</em>: SEVERE storms, hail, wind , and a few tornadoes. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000">So, STAY TUNED, folks! And check back on Friday. Oh yeah … gas prices were down to $2.16 today. Not that it matters if we’re blown away …</span></p>
</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958932009-09-20T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00NOAH IN THE BACK YARD ?!
<p><span lang="EN">
<p><span style="color:#000000">… Torrential rains the past evening … Almost certain I saw Noah out in back, building a boat. And there was a pair of deer, wild turkeys, … and two skunks. (Really! … I mean, about the wildlife …) And, to top it off, I just found out that I washed a pen in the dishwasher … Oh my!</span></p>
</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958922009-09-15T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00...AND THE LIVIN' IS EASY.
<p><span style="color:#800080">Back in Springfield, where the livin' is easy! ... sort of. Weather is cool and comfortable today. Gas prices are still falling here; birds are packing to go south ... wanted to join them but they said, "No way, Jose!" Stupid birds ...</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958912009-09-10T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00GAS HIGHER IN TULSA ... WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?!
<p><span style="color:#800000">I'm back in Tulsa for a few days ... "oil country." What I can't figure out, reg. unleaded gasoline was down to $2.19 when I left Springfield Thursday A.M. ... and the same in Joplin. In Tulsa, ... $2.28! Doesn't make any sense. But then again, not much makes sense in this country of ours just now.
<p><span style="color:#800000">The weather here is decent, tho. No tornadoes this week; no ice storms. Just 98% humidity. Not bad, considering it was 100% on Wednesday ...</span></p></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958902009-09-06T19:00:00-05:002020-10-05T00:40:18-05:00LUCKY BIRDS!
<p><span lang="EN">
<p><span style="color:#000080">Summer appears to be fading. Outside the apartment window various colored leaves are drifting downward to reside on the sod beneath the trees. The birds are packing … preparing to take their annual vacation somewhere further south. Today, I share my mother’s sentiment: “Wish I was a bird.”</span></p>
</span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958892009-08-28T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00O' SUMMER ... DON'T GO!
<p>(<em>My friend, Nancie Pearson Carmichael, posted this paragraph on Facebook this week. With her permission, I am posting it here for your enjoyment ...</em> )</p>
<p> <span lang="EN"><span style="color:#888888"><span style="color:#4c0000">"Oh Summer. Don’t go! We’ve had such a lovely time—sun tea and reading on the back deck. Barbeques with friends and family. Biking to the General Store with the kids to get gummy worms. Huckleberry picking. The aspens have a tinge of yellow, and I know it means you’ll be leaving. Don’t get me wrong: I love fall. It’s beautiful and energetic. The calendar is filling. Work is good…But Summer: Thanks for the memories!"</span></span></span></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958882009-08-25T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00HITCHCOCK ... "THE BIRDS!"
<p>... Must be the trek to the south for the feathered friends. We have had a grand influx of birdlife ... all colors and sizes ... who are stopping by for lunch these days! </p>
<p>We have put three sizes of feeders on our back deck. It is a blast to watch these creatures vie for best position. And the cat, ... George T,... is losing his mind!</p>
<p>Storms are on the way again tonight. That makes life at the "retirement village" interesting ... 20% of the residents actually wake up! ... I usually fall into the other 80% who sleep right thru'.</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958872009-08-19T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00THEY'RE BACK!!
<p>They're back! .... the storms, the wild turkeys, ... the deer, the menagerie of birdlife ... Nature abounds in the Ozarks. I'm beginning to get hooked on this place! ... And, O' yes, the price of gas has gone down again ... $2.31 in Springfield.</p>
<p>Which brings me to this question; why are the gas prices in Tulsa ... where all the big oil refineries are ... always higher than Springfield??</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958862009-08-14T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00SPRING IS IN THE AIR!??
<p>No, I'm not messed up ... just equating the weather and gas prices with today's trend: gas has <span style="color:#007000"><strong>SPRUNG</strong> </span>up overnight. I spent three days this week back in Tulsa ... (am still in Springfield for the summer) ... and QT price was $2.34 Wednesday morning. By 4 PM same day, QT's price had jumped to $2.49!</p>
<p>Also, the weather is looking more <strong><span style="color:#007a00">SPRING</span></strong>-like again ... several days of <span style="color:#d60000">storms</span> in the forcast for this coming week. So, if you are in the area, you may see us <em>flying</em> by!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958852009-08-07T19:00:00-05:002021-04-16T01:18:52-05:00"Heat UP, Gas DOWN" ... what's up with that?!
<p>So, today the temps were in the high 90's, ... heat index, 100. At the same time, QT gas dropped to $2.31, down from $2.39 just yesterday. Too hot to drive, ya think?</p>
<p>And my favorite critters, ... our resident bird population ... have taken refuge on the deck, which remains shaded most of the day. This, to the great delight of George T. Wesley!</p>
<p> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/432385/5d0820dcc59a91cfe93de13762308289c0a8eca5/original/894-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="450" /></p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958842009-08-03T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00OK ... Today in Springfield, MO ...
<p>... The weather is in the mid 90's and the humidity today makes it feel much hotter. Storms tonite ... I hope.
Local gas price, at QT: $2.31. Down from $2.36 before Sunday. Now, is this exciting or what?!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958832009-08-03T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00SO, THE WEATHER IS JUST BORING ... LET'S ADD THE GAS PRICE OF THE DAY!
<p>I decided that the weather is just too boring this year ... just heat, and more heat, and humidity,.. and storms, ... and then more heat. SO, time for a change! I'll make it exciting and add the current day's local gas price!
Then, YOU go to the guestbook page ... add your location and gas price where YOU are. And don't forget YOUR weather. Then I'll add all that exciting news here.
This about all the excitement I can stand ...!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958822009-07-14T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00Storms On the Way ....
<div class="mobile_status"><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">Ahh.... the katydids are singing loudly tonight; really loud! Storms are on the way in the early morning hours. I guess that's what they are trying to tell us ...</span></span></div>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958812009-07-10T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00Hot and Humid, a few Thunderstorms ...
<div class="mobile_status"><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">I'm sitting here ... in front of a 2nd story window overlooking the clearing and woods behind the apartment ... editing a music track for a website. As I work here, 2 does with their 2 little ones are cavorting in the grass ... and a variety of birdlife is flying over and around them. A red cardinal; wild canaries (I guess, bright yellow); Wow! what more could I ask for ...</span></span></div>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958802009-07-07T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00Heating Up Again...!
<div class="mobile_status">
<span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">And I'm sure the hot weather accounts for the strange behavior of my cat, George T. Wesley, who </span></span>had a case of the "midnight crazies" at about 4 a.m. ...
</div>
<div class="mobile_status">
If you don't know what the midnight crazies are, #1 ... you don't have a cat, and #2 ... you're getting your rest! The "midnight crazies" is the term for when your cat suddenly takes a flying run thru' the house ... kind of like a plane taking off; except here in mom's apartment, George runs out of runway...
</div>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958792009-07-01T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00How peaceful, this day!
<p>It is beautiful here in Springfield today ... in the 80's and cloudy. The deer and wild turkeys have returned to our back yard. Did I say, "peaceful?" How sweet it is!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958782009-06-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00They're Back!!
<p>Yep, they're back... The thunderstorms and the wild turkeys! And the creek behind our apartment is flowing again. Barely, but flowing ... What a beautiful Sunday!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958772009-06-22T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00Amazing little creatures!
<p>The evening has not brought much cooling to our area ... but it has brought out an amazing sight: hundreds of fireflies out in the grassy field outside my window ... like tiny little people with their flashlights out in the night! So interesting, the creatures of God's creation ...</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958762009-06-20T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00Back in Springfield ...
<p>I am back in Springfield, MO after 3 days in Tulsa .... and it is hotter yet! This entire week will be in the high 90's, with high humidity. Even the wildlife have gone into hiding! .... except for one beautiful deer ... who just ventured out tonight and was standing in a clearing outside our deck. We spoke ... (I know ... I'm losing it!)</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958752009-06-18T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00HOT!
<p>....And HOTTER! .... and with high humidity even HOTTER.
That's all I have to say.</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958742009-06-12T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00Beautiful Weather!
<p>Well, surprise, surprise! We escaped the worst of the weather this past week. It has been beautiful here in Springfield, where I am for a few weeks.
And nature has abounded! Outside my bedroom window here at mom's, I have been visited by wild turkeys, geese, a doe and her baby, ... and even a baby skunk! It's going to be hard to give this up.</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958732009-06-06T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00Uh'Oh ... here we go again!
<p>Forcast for tonight .... thunderstorms, some may be strong ... ie: Another delightful evening in the shelter?!?</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958722009-05-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00What a change!
<p>When I first arrived in Springfield, (my temporary address with "The Mom"), I thought I had stepped into the worst of Toronado Alley.
Over a 2 day period, there were at least 20 twisters sighted around the area!
Yep ... spent an evening in the cellar.
But this week? Gorgeous!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958712009-04-18T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00_
<p>Woops .... missed a few days worth of weather. I am in the process of "temporarily" relocating to Springfield, MO. for a few weeks. In fact, I am SO worn out from packing up and storing the Tulsa home, I was told that I slept right through a doozy of a storm last night! So .... give me a spell to recoup, and we'll start these delightful updates once more. In the meantime, it actually looks like pretty nice weather ahead for this week. ... But, then again ... this is Oklahoma ...</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958702009-04-05T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00_
<p>Freeze warning tonight ... 24-28 degrees in Tulsa. There was a bitterly cold wind today; felt like I was in Idaho again, in the late fall!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958692009-04-03T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00_
<p>Currently, at 5:30, it is 75 degrees. The forcast? Freeze warning for tomorrow evening. Possibly 20's by Monday night. Is this insane or what?!?</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958682009-04-01T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00_
<p>So, 70+ three days ago. Tonite?? Freeze warning... And wind gusts to 50 mph. Yup. It's Oklahoma. Cheers!</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958672009-03-29T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00_
<p>70+ degrees with gusty winds today; supposed to have thunderstorms tonite</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Branntag:lajuanamurphy-brann.com,2005:Post/60958662009-03-27T19:00:00-05:002019-12-25T08:14:08-06:00_
<p>6 to 10 inches of snow, an all-time record for this date in Tulsa; down to 24 degrees overnite</p>
LaJuana Murphy-Brann