My greatest desire is to teach others how much God loves them and how to use His Word to live the life He has purposed for them. God has seen fit to give me the gift of teaching, which I use for leading Bible Study groups. He specifically called me to writing/blogging several years ago.
I have been married to the perfect partner, chosen for me by God, for more than 45 years. It was God’s plan that we would not have children but would be able to love in a unique way our nieces, nephews, and the hundreds of children who touched our lives through the years I spent in Public Education as a Music Specialist and Elementary Principal. I hold a B.S. Degree in Music Education and Performance from Defiance College and an M.Ed. Degree in Administration and Supervision from Bowling Green State University.
Our family includes three cats named Smokey, Salem and Chewy, three awesome sisters and one incredible brother, 7 sisters-in-law, 7 brothers-in-law, 36 nieces and nephews, and their spouses, and many great-nieces and nephews.
I am happily active in our local church, Living Hope, singing with the Praise Team, playing piano, and direct any special choirs we might need for worship. I also co-teach an online Bible Study with our Senior Pastor.
Music has been part of my life since my earliest years. One of the greatest honors of my life was to be invited to sing in the Rose Garden of the Whitehouse with the Ohio Youth Choir at the invitation of then-President Richard Nixon. I’ve also sung with several professional groups including The Toledo Symphony Chorale, Cantare’ of Northwest Ohio, and The Joyful Sound, a Gospel Quartet. As a soloist, I have performed the contralto solos in both The Messiah and Mozart’s Requiem. Currently, I sing in local churches and at special events.
As a 25+ year Cancer Survivor, I have been able to use that challenging time of my life to support others. It was not easy, but God knew there would be many who would need a listening ear, an understanding heart, and someone who understands the value of presence without words.
From the time I was old enough to hold needles, scissors, yarn, thread, fabric, you name it, I was ‘hooked’ on crafts, particularly those that are counted. From painting count by number pictures to my grandmother teaching me to crochet, to my mother teaching me to embroider, to learning to do counted cross stitch, rug hooking, needlepoint, and crewel my life has been filled with many happy hours of artful crafting. I also enjoy sewing and often make my own clothing and things for my home.
I enjoy baking and decorating. This hobby started when Ray and I owned a coffee shop/bakery called Maggi Raes. (Maggie for the carved magnolias that were part of the shop’s decorations.) I am certified in all the Wilton decorating levels and have done many wedding, birthday, and event cakes and cookies.
We love to travel, especially on cruise ships, and have been all over the Caribbean and are planning to go to Alaska for our next cruise. We also enjoy taking a few days here and there in the Smokey Mountains, believing there is nothing like sitting on a rocker, on a back porch, on top of a mountain and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.
A Satisfied Spirit 
Nice to meet you Marie, I found you today on Five Minute Friday. I decided to look around your site, love it. I just began to follow you. Blessings.
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Thank you so much! I hope these posts will be of value as you move toward becoming more like Jesus.
Many blessings to you!
Marie
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Hello Marie,
I come from CBB and I just wanted to say hi. I just read your post Faith Fragrance and it really touched me. You see I LOVE perfume and get a new fragrance every year. So, I have a collection. I love the verse “we are a fragrance of Christ to God” and I’m going to go highlight that verse in my Bible. It amazes me after years of walking with the Lord I will still discover verses that seem like they were meant for me to find.
I’m happy to meet you at CBB.
Valerie
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I find that often, too. It seems every time I sit down with His Word I’m learning something new. It’s really awesome, isn’t it? Marie
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hi marie, i’m your neighbor at FF:) i enjoyed reading your post.
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Hi Marie,
Just thought I’d check that you’re letting Rebekah know that you’re planning to take her Interview a Blogger Challenge -http://heritageofgrace.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/interview-a-blogger/
Rhoda 🙂
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Yes, I commented on her blog that I would be doing this. What a great project. Her blog is so easy to read. I hope this gets her many more followers. Marie
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Oh good, so do I ! ! ! !
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Luv your site. Thanks for sharing.
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Hi my name is Anita and I found your blog through aloha blog hop. It seems really encouraging but anyone who has been married for 40 years would be very wise 🙂 I am now following you and am looking forward to reading your posts.
Anita
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Thank you, Anita! Though 40 years have given us both much insight and knowledge there is never a day that I (or) don’t learn something new together or about each other. He is not the same man I married nor am I the same woman. That’s challenging and exciting in itself. Thanks for the follow and I will hop to your site to return the favor. Many blessings to you! Marie
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Hi Marie, I just want to thank you for the Blessing that your Blogging friendship has been to me and I look forward to sharing with you more in the future, thank you for your flowers of Love.
Blog Post – http://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2012/08/04/friendship-flower-blessings/
Christian Love Anne.
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Awwww! Bless your heart Anne. Thank you! I have truly come to treasure our internet friendship. Marie
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Hi Marie,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to really thank you for nominating me for the award, for your support, and for thinking of me. I am delighted to accept and will be meeting the requirements very shortly. Thank you also for adding links, I do appreciate it. May his richest blessings always overtake you. Love Diane x
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I know what you mean about public education! 🙂
thanks for completing and sharing
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I am so blessed by you!! Hug!
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Hugs back
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Congratulations! I have just given you the Versatile Blogger Award and The ABC Award – you can find out more about this here on my blog http://thethoughtpalette.co.uk/2012/05/07/awards-in-march-and-april/ I do hope that you will accept these awards in the spirit in which they are sent to you. With best wishes – and thank you for your blog. Alyson
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Thank you. I am humbled and honored at your nomination. Marie
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Thanks Alyson! What an honor and I happily receive this.
Here are 7 things about me:
1-I own my own e-Marketing site at http://www.countedcross-stitchcafe.com
2-I retired from public education after 25 years because I was tired of the drama and politics
3-I love to travel
4-I wish this election were over
5-I play piano and flute and sign professionally when asked.
6-I love being outdoors
7-Fruits and veggies are my favorite food.
I’ll be putting this info along with the rest of the requirements on my Awards page.
Thanks again,
Marie
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Easter is a time of rememberance, a time of thankfulness, a time of Joy…
Many Blessings Marie to you and your Loved ones.
Christaian Love – Ron and Anne
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Dear Spirit Sister thank you for your comment I appreciate it and I’m pleased you enjoyed the post, I have also enjoyed what I have read on your Blog and look forward to reading more.
I’m sorry but I can’t stay subscribed to anyone for long there is something wrong with my blog which WordPress can’t fix, but please remember I will keep in contact and keep joining up with you so I can receive your new posts etc so even though I won’t stay on your list I will still be there.
Christian Love Anne.
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