"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". Genesis 1:1
It's Friday. The sun woke me up this morning- bright and just pleasant. Yippee.. I'm off this weekend!
The Valentines will be leaving early tomorrow morning. We haven't had enough time together, but we'll meet again this summer I hope. I believe tonite they are planning yet another get together here at our home. I will be gainfully employed at the hospital, so I said my 'good-byes' last evening before they left. We lit sparklers last night and a few little firecrackers. We'll be doing that again when the rest of the family gets together.
I must say that after all the struggling with this computer, JJ made a suggestion to me last evening and IT WORKED!!!!!! It was as simple as cleaning the mouse. What a difference. Thanks JJ.
Paul says Daniel is having knee pain and spent the night before in the ER. They are testing him for various things.. I cringe when I think of Lyme Disease or Rheumatoid Arthritis.. I would ask you to remember him with prayer. This could also be 'growing pain'. Whatever it is, I pray it will resolve quickly.
I'd ask for prayer also for another friend who is struggling with Shingles.. very painful and miserable.
Yesterday was Camera day. I gave JJ our digital camera and all the equipment to see if she could make it work on her computer. I'm hoping it will so we don't lose pictures.
Today is Meteor Day. I guess we are supposed to look to the heavens in the evening and see the 'natural fireworks'.
Gotta get started on the day. Have a great one, fellow bloggers..
Pray without ceasing.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
POLL RESULTS ARE IN !!!!!!
I've been working on trying to post the poll results, and finally! they are in.. scroll down one day to "POLL RESULTS" on this blog.. to June 27, 2006 to see how we did.. you may be surprised at things we don't eat.. and why.. It was a fun poll and I thank you all who participated.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
JUNE 28 PAUL BUNYAN DAY
The legend of Paul Bunyan started with stories told by men in lumber camps. He was supposed to be a giant lumberjack who performed incredible feats - such as scooping out the Great Lakes to get water for his blue ox, Babe. The stories probably date back to the 1800's. They appeared in newspapers in the early 1900's and turned Paul into part of American folklore.
MAKING PLANS
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord," Jeremiah 29:11-14
These words from Jeremiah were true for Israel in the days of their captivity, but also for us today..
Good morning bloggers.. having computer problems here, but am hoping to keep going for a while yet.
The Valentines arrived last evening at our house. I was called in to work, but then came home about an hour after they'd arrived. We had a wonderful evening together. They are staying with Keith and JJ.
Today's plan is a trip to Raccoon Park where Wendell works. That's if it doesn't rain. If it rains, we'll be camped out here and hoping we can cook out tonite.
The sun is shining and the temperature is to be 82 today, so it does look favorable.
It rained so much yesterday the driveway was flooded badly. I had a notion to go out and take a picture to post with the caption "Big Blair Lake".
When I returned home last evening, the rain had ceased, and the lake had all but gone.
I'll be posting the poll results soon. It's a matter of making the computer cooperate long enough to do so.
Have a fabulous day everyone. I'll catch ya later...
Pray without ceasing- the Father hears you.
These words from Jeremiah were true for Israel in the days of their captivity, but also for us today..
Good morning bloggers.. having computer problems here, but am hoping to keep going for a while yet.
The Valentines arrived last evening at our house. I was called in to work, but then came home about an hour after they'd arrived. We had a wonderful evening together. They are staying with Keith and JJ.
Today's plan is a trip to Raccoon Park where Wendell works. That's if it doesn't rain. If it rains, we'll be camped out here and hoping we can cook out tonite.
The sun is shining and the temperature is to be 82 today, so it does look favorable.
It rained so much yesterday the driveway was flooded badly. I had a notion to go out and take a picture to post with the caption "Big Blair Lake".
When I returned home last evening, the rain had ceased, and the lake had all but gone.
I'll be posting the poll results soon. It's a matter of making the computer cooperate long enough to do so.
Have a fabulous day everyone. I'll catch ya later...
Pray without ceasing- the Father hears you.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
POLL RESULTS
Hey! I'll eat almost anything once- how about you? I do have my limits, however- I'll eat most everything from every food group- I'm not what one would call a "picky eater". I got to thinking about food dislikes and wondered if I was in a class by myself or if others shared my "distastes". So the poll was designed. I asked as many folks as I could find to answer the following:
1. Name at least 3 foods you dislike or won't eat.
2.Explain why these foods are distasteful to you or why you won't eat them.
The results were interesting- reasoning was sometimes a tad 'unreasonable' as in "I just don't like it and I won't try it". As my own children grew up, we tried about anything and everything different we could. The requirement was one taste and if they didn't like it, they didn't have to eat it, but at least they tried. Of course, nothing exotic, just your regular supermarket fare.
I think our food likes/dislikes come from the way we were raised- if your parents ate it, chances are you did too and likely enjoyed it. I found that if you change the names a bit, sometimes the children would eat something and love it- as in Broccoli..they wouldn't touch it unless I referred to it as 'little green trees'.
And liver became 'liversteak' which they would eat without fail. There are numerous reasons why we don't eat certain things.. I remember a time when we raised our own beef and then had the cow butchered for meat in our freezer. Wonderful plan, but for one oversight- the children had made a pet of her, and every time I served beef, they would ask "Is this Lucy?" and the tears would flow down the cheeks of 4 children and the meat left on the plate.
Not a matter of not liking beef, but you just don't eat your pets no matter what. I should have known- my dad did the same thing with a baby turkey we raised all summer and into the fall .. to be our Thanksgiving dinner.. but no one wanted to eat the turkey that year.So......... on to the Poll.........
Not surprising, absolutely no one had a dislike of bread or any form of bread. However, there was a vote against grits- with the note that if anyone tried to put some on Bob's plate in a diner, he would not be paying the bill. He's adamant about this and suggests that the tasteless excuse for a food should be more appreciated by swine. There were 2 more grains mentioned, and those were Oatmeal and Cream of Wheat which, if Jill had to consume, she'd be sure to puke not so much by taste, but the texture.
The worst offending food over all was actually seafood in general with 24 votes against it. I loved Doretha's comment regarding Escargot and Caviar- "It looks like guts- why would you want to eat it?"
Denise thinks Salmon smells too fishy, while Michele's comment on Eel and Squid was that they look so disgusting alive, she can't imagine that either could taste good. Carol has her own thoughts on Calamari (squid).. "like eating a rubber hose".. her vote is NO WAY.
Wendell and Andrew both mentioned Sushi. Wendy told me she likes it, but I'm too concerned about disease with uncooked seafood.Tina's comment on Crablegs.. she doesn't like them because of the cracking sound when they are opened.
Kelly says Sardines are gross, while Bill thinks they taste like dead fish. Betsy had the best reply with "I can't stand to look at something in a can with the head still attached"... I have to agree.
According to Rhonda, Anchovies look disgusting and Stacey says they just smell bad. I'm in agreement there too.. I always remember to tell the Pizza guy..'hey! No Anchovies!!Some interesting comments on Oysters- Stacey thinks the consistency is not quite right, and actually they look like a ball of mucus.. Colorful, eh? Now, Nancy has her own theory here. She says Oysters eat ocean sewage and that's why she will never be caught with Oyster stew for lunch. Nancy, do you have any idea what Chickens eat???? I will vote NAY on oysters too.. too fishy tasting and slimy as all get out.
Nancy also thinks that Lobster is too sweet. Tuna picked up a couple votes..Kelly just had too much as a child, where Cory says "it just tastes bad and smells like me".. I hadn't noticed, but then, on a hot day coaching baseball and then going to the lake to fish... well, Cor, you could be right. We'll have to ask Wendy- or better yet, Isaac!
There were 3 votes for ALL seafoods, and these 3 folks were about as adamant as Bob with his grits.
Sandi's reply was pretty strong- "Can't abide it-won't eat it!!"
"Can't get past the horrid odor, then the texture is horrid, and really, there isn't that much taste- so with horrible smell and texture, why bother torturing myself?"
JJ and Mandy both had the same reply "You shouldn't eat anything that stinks or smells bad!" These girls are obsessed with their dislike of seafoods.. to the point where Mandy has been terribly upset at Long John Silver's because they put the take out fish and chicken boxes in the same bag!!! ARGH!!!
The next highest category of foods people disliked was Meats.. though Veggies scored more hits, the meats seemed to zero in on a few that a lot of people wouldn't eat if you paid them.I might have guessed that Liver would score 12 points. I'm not fond of it myself. I grew up eating it without thinking about what it was, but when I went into nursing, I changed my mind. I ate a bit of it for a while as the children were growing up, but haven't had it in years..and plan to continue for the Guiness World record for the longest time someone has gone without eating liver.. so don't go trying to serve ME liver.. I haven't got enough time to start over. (aside... I wonder if I convinced anyone?)On with the other comments...Wendy says she doesn't eat organ meats in general..so that includes liver. Jeremy is turned off by the taste, as is Doretha and she adds that it's slimy too. Denise says "it just tastes bad" too, but Chassidy says "it just sounds gross".. Perhaps if she'd try 'liversteak'?
Jen feels the association with what it is makes her dislike liver, and Anita and Stacey agree on the consistency- "sorta tastes like clay". Julie, Fred , and Kelly say "it tastes bad"- "kinda gritty".
Betsy says "it tastes worse than it smells", and Vince thinks it tastes pretty bad, but he does like Liverwurst.
There were 2 of us who wouldn't eat Rabbit.. Bob finds it very disturbing and I have an unfounded fear of Tularemia, and of course, the Peter Cottontail Syndrome... Who could eat that cute little bunny?
There is another problem known as 'the Bambi Syndrome'.. which prevents Tina, Julie, and Mary Ellen from eating Venison (deer meat). Personally, I am not fond of it, but will eat it if it's served.Fred said he felt the same about Veal- baby calf, and won't touch it. Dave and Betsy said they won't eat lamb for the same reason.
Pickled Pigs feet gathered a couple votes. Fred thinks they just taste bad. Kristin has the right idea I think.."who wants to eat something that walks around all day in it's own excrement?"Though my mother thought they were a delicacy and relished every bite, I could just puke at the thought.
Another meat that makes me want to choke is Cow Tongue.. just the appearance .. yechhhh! I found that Stacey agrees with me.You won't find it in my lunch bag..no sir!
Kristin says Rocky Mountain Oyster (buffalo testicles) are strictly off her list of faves. I think I could scratch them off mine too!
Though I'm not sure that Michele has ever tasted Rattlesnake, she has X'd it off her menu for life.. "it looks bad in real life- it can't taste good".
I picked squirrel as one I wouldn't eat- it's like eating a rat!Well, JJ had something to say about that too.. she has given up Chinese foods.. "Have you ever been to China Town? When I was in San Francisco we traveled through there a couple times each day. There were rats/mice hanging in rows on hangers in the windows of the apartments like they were drying them. There was one Chinese store that had a window with some questionable looking carcasses on a skewer..- it did NOT look like chicken!"
Bob says he dislikes pork and chicken, though he will eat bacon and ham. It was his job as a teen to prepare the chickens for Sunday dinner every Saturday.. It's a pretty disgusting job and the smell makes me nauseous as it did for him. The clincher was the chicken feed.. worms, bugs and other disgusting stuff.
Now, as long as I've known Wendell, he has not been able to eat egg whites (cooked, of course). They make him gag. Elsie told me that she didn't like Eggs pickled in beet juice.. but perhaps because of the beets, not the eggs. Sandi doesn't do eggs either.."the smell and the texture are more than one body ought to have to tolerate"..
Now, Mandy took a totally different view.."I don't want to eat anything that drops out of a chicken's butt!" Well, okay then.
One more oddity.. Andrew mentioned Kagogi and wouldn't describe what it was..so I looked it up... Maybe I don't want to mention it either, but suffice it to say.. you don't want to eat your pets!!
3rd place goes to Vegetables.. many many many!!!
Brussels Sprouts are tied at the top of the list with Asparagus with 4 votes each. Taste and smell seem to be the problem here.I hope those who voted against Asparagus meant the frozen or canned type, as I grow my own and it's a totally different flavor all together.. but then , you are entitled to your opinion.
John said he couldn't eat anything with brine- (vinegar)..pickles, olives, etc.. oh, boy, that leaves more for me!!!All of the other veggies were named for texture , smell, and just general dislike.. Green peas, acorn squash, pickled artichokes (bitter), and Dave named the ever popular 'plastic anemic tomatoes' you can buy in the grocery or get on a salad in the winter.. tasteless!Grapeleaves, onions, peppers, beets, lima beans, carrots, turnips, radishes, mushrooms, spinach, and baked beans all get dishonorable mention. Lou Ann relates that okra that is batter dipped and fried is not bad, but boiled with tomatoes and onions makes a slimy mess that would go down easily, but would make her gag. I'm with you, Lou Ann.
Fruits.... Though JJ and Mandy think bananas stink, they apply their rule to this food.. if it smells bad, you shouldn't be eating it..I disagree and love bananas and don't notice any bad odor. To each his own....Bill has a colorful description of his dislike of cantaloupe- "Mlaaaaah!" Jeremy says the consistency and taste are what he doesn't like about coconut. I like coconut, but could say the same thing about pears.
There are a few things that just couldn't be catagorized, but some folks still don't eat them. Mike doesn't like creamy things and Mayo and Ranch dressing are at the top of his list. He thinks he ate so much cheese as a child that he won't eat it any more. Mary Ellen said gravy is too fatty and has no appeal for her. She also included dark chocolate because of the lack of sweetness.
Amanda dislikes eggrolls- they just don't appeal. Jen mentioned black licorice as a non-favorite. Robb informed me that bleu cheese was moldy spoiled cheese and not meant for human consumption.
Nancy doesn't like 1% milk, mentioning it as pig feed and that if used on cereal, it was utterly tasteless!
Diet coke is on her NAY list too because of the aftertaste. Vince chose sloppy Joes as one of his least favorite foods. He says the word 'sloppy' is key here. Nancy said peanut butter stuck to her upper plate and pulled it loose, so it is not a favorite for her.
Well, there is one more disgusting item on the menu.. er .. poll.. and that's grubs. Now, Kelly, I have this feeling you've never tasted them. . but I will agree, they look disgusting- I don't even like to kill the little beasts in the yard!!
Okay.. poll is over.. I thank you all for participating. There are no prizes here,but we all agree on quite a few items. Maybe I'm more picky than I originally thought, but I am also set in my ways and probably won't change any time soon..
RAIN RAIN GO AWAY......
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:2
It's raining outside today. There is much to be thankful for today.. for the Valentines will be arriving here some time this afternoon. It'll be a fine and happy time this week. We are praying that the rain will stop for a few days so that the children can enjoy the outdoors and sunshine. We'd love to picnic too, and visit Grampa at Raccoon Park one day this week.
I am gainfully employed today- but I'm the 3rd secretary and am also praying that the hospital will be slow and not need me, so I've put my name in for downsizing. We'll see.
I'd like to have a day with my family.
Time is fleeting by this morning.. I need to get ready for work- at least be prepared in case they do need me.
Pray for us. Pray for good weather.
Ephesians 4:2
It's raining outside today. There is much to be thankful for today.. for the Valentines will be arriving here some time this afternoon. It'll be a fine and happy time this week. We are praying that the rain will stop for a few days so that the children can enjoy the outdoors and sunshine. We'd love to picnic too, and visit Grampa at Raccoon Park one day this week.
I am gainfully employed today- but I'm the 3rd secretary and am also praying that the hospital will be slow and not need me, so I've put my name in for downsizing. We'll see.
I'd like to have a day with my family.
Time is fleeting by this morning.. I need to get ready for work- at least be prepared in case they do need me.
Pray for us. Pray for good weather.
SUNGLASSES DAY
Good morning bloggers... It's Sunglasses day today.. I'm afraid we won't have a lot of use for them, for once again it is raining and not much promise of anything more pleasant.
This date is also the 67th wedding anniversary of Wendell's Uncle Keith and Aunt Ethel White.
AND..... the birthdate in 1880 of Helen Keller. Now there is someone to admire. Blind and deaf from birth, she became famous as an author and lecturer.
Monday, June 26, 2006
MORE ADMIRATION
Well, I just got to thinking about all the folks I admired, and thought I'd mention a few more..
My employer, Dr Mitra, for his patience, strength, and knowledge.
My Mom ranks high too for her perseverence through the many catastrophes in her lifetime and yet never losing her focus on the Lord.
I admire missionaries in general for their ability to pick up and move to another land or another area of the country to serve others as they serve God.
I admire the military servicemen who put themselves on the line for me daily- Courageous people. And those who fought in wars before to make our country strong.
And don't forget the firemen and police too..
I admire women who stay home and raise their families. I always wanted to do that, but was never able.
I admire gentleness in men, kind hearted, and tender. Men who are not ashamed or embarrassed to love their wives in public as well as at home. It warms my heart.
Okay..... on to other things.. Who do YOU admire?
My employer, Dr Mitra, for his patience, strength, and knowledge.
My Mom ranks high too for her perseverence through the many catastrophes in her lifetime and yet never losing her focus on the Lord.
I admire missionaries in general for their ability to pick up and move to another land or another area of the country to serve others as they serve God.
I admire the military servicemen who put themselves on the line for me daily- Courageous people. And those who fought in wars before to make our country strong.
And don't forget the firemen and police too..
I admire women who stay home and raise their families. I always wanted to do that, but was never able.
I admire gentleness in men, kind hearted, and tender. Men who are not ashamed or embarrassed to love their wives in public as well as at home. It warms my heart.
Okay..... on to other things.. Who do YOU admire?
ADMIRATION
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:10
Today was to be the day I pulled all my data together from my poll and give the results. It's gonna have to wait another day. I still have a few people to hear from. If YOU want to participate in the poll, the questions are:
1. Name at least 3 foods you dislike or would never eat.
2. Explain briefly .. why?
3. May I use your first name on this blog if I decide to use names?
Send your answers to Jemit97@aol.com and I'll add your information.
Today is Beautician Day, but I wish there was one called "Admiration Day".. there are so many people that I admire for one reason or another.
I admire the tenacity of my sister Jane, who just keeps on going and moving even with her physical limitations. She amazes me so.
I admire JJ for her respected position in the hospital, and her skill handling difficult situations and remaining calm and cool in the midst.
One has to admire Amy as she does homeschooling and then takes the children to all their various meetings and classes so that they will be 'well rounded'. Not many would attempt that. It's a hard job, and should be admired.
I admire Wendell's ability to not become stressed to the limit when the doctors told him to go home and wait for Monday when they would repair his heart.
Vince also comes to mind- he always seems to have time for everyone, prepares excellent sermons weekly, cares for his family, and always has an answer.. Admirable qualities.
I admire my best friend Sandi, who is gainfully employed outside the home, is going to computer classes to improve her skills several times a week, provides a wonderful haven for her husband, crochets for the homeless with a group she has organized, and still finds time to write to me daily.
And what about Uncle Bob who is probably the most learned man I've ever known? I admire his knowledge and the fact that he shares it with me.
Nicki comes to mind too.. she continues a long fight with her health problems, but is able to cope with them- incredible.
Oh, and my friend Rick (Sandi's husband).. I've always admired him. He has a gentleness and compassion that is unsurpassed.
Well, these are just a few of the many many more. Just because I didn't mention YOUR name, doesn't mean I don't admire you or that you don't have admirable qualities.. it just means that it's 6am and I am just getting awake and forming my thoughts!
The weatherman says it's going to rain again today...... well, so be it. God is in control, and though my feeble human brain says we've had enough, He knows our needs and will provide them.
My coffee cup is empty. Have a beautiful day between the raindrops!
Pray for our health and stamina.
Today was to be the day I pulled all my data together from my poll and give the results. It's gonna have to wait another day. I still have a few people to hear from. If YOU want to participate in the poll, the questions are:
1. Name at least 3 foods you dislike or would never eat.
2. Explain briefly .. why?
3. May I use your first name on this blog if I decide to use names?
Send your answers to Jemit97@aol.com and I'll add your information.
Today is Beautician Day, but I wish there was one called "Admiration Day".. there are so many people that I admire for one reason or another.
I admire the tenacity of my sister Jane, who just keeps on going and moving even with her physical limitations. She amazes me so.
I admire JJ for her respected position in the hospital, and her skill handling difficult situations and remaining calm and cool in the midst.
One has to admire Amy as she does homeschooling and then takes the children to all their various meetings and classes so that they will be 'well rounded'. Not many would attempt that. It's a hard job, and should be admired.
I admire Wendell's ability to not become stressed to the limit when the doctors told him to go home and wait for Monday when they would repair his heart.
Vince also comes to mind- he always seems to have time for everyone, prepares excellent sermons weekly, cares for his family, and always has an answer.. Admirable qualities.
I admire my best friend Sandi, who is gainfully employed outside the home, is going to computer classes to improve her skills several times a week, provides a wonderful haven for her husband, crochets for the homeless with a group she has organized, and still finds time to write to me daily.
And what about Uncle Bob who is probably the most learned man I've ever known? I admire his knowledge and the fact that he shares it with me.
Nicki comes to mind too.. she continues a long fight with her health problems, but is able to cope with them- incredible.
Oh, and my friend Rick (Sandi's husband).. I've always admired him. He has a gentleness and compassion that is unsurpassed.
Well, these are just a few of the many many more. Just because I didn't mention YOUR name, doesn't mean I don't admire you or that you don't have admirable qualities.. it just means that it's 6am and I am just getting awake and forming my thoughts!
The weatherman says it's going to rain again today...... well, so be it. God is in control, and though my feeble human brain says we've had enough, He knows our needs and will provide them.
My coffee cup is empty. Have a beautiful day between the raindrops!
Pray for our health and stamina.
JUNE 26- BEAUTICIAN'S DAY
" Beautician's Day is your chance to show your appreciation to those who make you look beautiful and stunning.
Beauticians include your hair stylist, as well as manicurists. Their talents and training transforms the everyday you into the beautiful woman you always knew was inside of you. They make you glow, and feel great about yourself.
The guys appreciate your Beautician, too. Proof positive is when they turn to watch as you go by.
It's fair and fitting that you show your appreciation to your Beautician today. But, we also found some reference to suggest that Beauticians consider this a day for them to show their appreciation to their patrons. Now, that's a novel and admirable concept. "
Sunday, June 25, 2006
BINDER ANNIVERSARY
This is an old photo of my Uncle Ed and Aunt Grace Binder. Both are gone now, but today would have been their 81st wedding anniversary. Grace was my mother's sister. I was named for her.
WHAT DAY IS IT??
LOG CABIN DAY
"The log cabin is a structure that has become the American Folk Dwelling - it's a symbol of both self-reliance and practicality. When people started moving west across the country, they needed homes that could be built fast. The log cabin was the answer since it could be built with materials found on hand. Presidents Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln were both born in log cabins. "
This day is not celebrated everywhere, but recognized in Michigan. I thought my Michigan family would know about it- so we'll see. I'm hoping they'll make a comment on what festivities they'd chose for this special day for them.
See JJ's Blog for pictures. She lived in Kentucky and visited the Lincoln birthplace/homestead.
Today is also the anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn.
"The Battle of the Little Bighorn — which is also called Custer's Last Standand Custer Massacre and, in the parlance of the relevant Native Americans, the Battle of the Greasy Grass — was an armed engagement between a Lakota-Northern Cheyenne combined force and the 7th Cavalry of the United States Army. It occurred June 25-25, 1876, near the LIttle Bighorn River in the eastern Montana Territory. The battle was the most famous incident in the Indian Wars and was a remarkable victory for the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne. A U.S. cavalry detachment commanded by Lt Col George Armstrong Custer was annihilated."
Today is also the Sabbath. It is a day of rest and spent in worshipping our wonderful Lord.
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." Exodus 20:8-11
"The log cabin is a structure that has become the American Folk Dwelling - it's a symbol of both self-reliance and practicality. When people started moving west across the country, they needed homes that could be built fast. The log cabin was the answer since it could be built with materials found on hand. Presidents Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln were both born in log cabins. "
This day is not celebrated everywhere, but recognized in Michigan. I thought my Michigan family would know about it- so we'll see. I'm hoping they'll make a comment on what festivities they'd chose for this special day for them.
See JJ's Blog for pictures. She lived in Kentucky and visited the Lincoln birthplace/homestead.
Today is also the anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn.
"The Battle of the Little Bighorn — which is also called Custer's Last Standand Custer Massacre and, in the parlance of the relevant Native Americans, the Battle of the Greasy Grass — was an armed engagement between a Lakota-Northern Cheyenne combined force and the 7th Cavalry of the United States Army. It occurred June 25-25, 1876, near the LIttle Bighorn River in the eastern Montana Territory. The battle was the most famous incident in the Indian Wars and was a remarkable victory for the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne. A U.S. cavalry detachment commanded by Lt Col George Armstrong Custer was annihilated."
Today is also the Sabbath. It is a day of rest and spent in worshipping our wonderful Lord.
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." Exodus 20:8-11
PICNIC
What a beautiful day we had yesterday.. the sun shone, the temperature was in the mid 70s, and NO RAIN. Of course, we'd had rain all week- every day- with a break yesterday, and then, it rained again this morning. Jane called last evening to say they must have had a horrendous storm north of Butler, as the traffic lights were out near her house and there were puddles, wet roads, etc.
The picnic was grand. Lots of food, fun, fellowship. Everyone had a good time and the last of the guests left a little after midnight. My digital camera won't upload at the moment, so I took pictures with JJ's camera and we should have those to share some time this week.
Today I am gainfully employed. Though we managed to give away as much of the leftovers as our guests wanted, we still have lots. I'll be making a dandy lunch to take with me today.
Gotta get moving.. you'll hear more about the picnic when we get the photos.
Remember us... we covet your prayers.
The picnic was grand. Lots of food, fun, fellowship. Everyone had a good time and the last of the guests left a little after midnight. My digital camera won't upload at the moment, so I took pictures with JJ's camera and we should have those to share some time this week.
Today I am gainfully employed. Though we managed to give away as much of the leftovers as our guests wanted, we still have lots. I'll be making a dandy lunch to take with me today.
Gotta get moving.. you'll hear more about the picnic when we get the photos.
Remember us... we covet your prayers.
ANNABELLE
Today is the first anniversary of the passing into glory of our dear cousin Annabelle. I sometimes imagine her with my Mom enjoying their heavenly home together- they were so very close.
Today will be an especially hard day for Dieter. Please uphold him in prayer.
Annabelle was a Christian woman who spread the gospel message wherever she was. This picture was one of the last ones taken of her.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
THIS IS THE DAY
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
Well, this is the day.. the big picnic. All is pretty much set in place and being accomplished.
John and Mandy have worked hard to make this a special day for all the family and friends. We will be looking forward to seeing most/many of you today.
I'll have pictures to post later.
God has given us a beautiful sunny day after a week of rain. Thank you Lord.
Gotta get busy here. Lots to do yet.
Pray for us today. We are thankful for you.
Well, this is the day.. the big picnic. All is pretty much set in place and being accomplished.
John and Mandy have worked hard to make this a special day for all the family and friends. We will be looking forward to seeing most/many of you today.
I'll have pictures to post later.
God has given us a beautiful sunny day after a week of rain. Thank you Lord.
Gotta get busy here. Lots to do yet.
Pray for us today. We are thankful for you.
CELEBRATE YOUR SENSES DAY
June 24.. Celebrate the senses day.. another interesting day. Well, I don't quite know just HOW we celebrate our senses, but I'm certainly glad for all 5 of them. Sight is just so precious.. I may have to wear glasses to improve it, but I can see.. The Lord gave us 2 of them too.. doubly good. Do you know most people blink
every 2-10 seconds? In a day, you may have your eyes shut 30 minutes more or less!
Wendell always tells me I'm color blind.. statistics say one in every 12 males is color blind!
The sense of touch is ever so important.. Just touching someone's shoulder can ease pain or grief or give that person a lift. Who among us doesn't like their shoulders or back rubbed, eh? I love to have my feet rubbed..very relaxing. Listen to your cat purr the next time you pet it.
Speaking of cats reminds me of the sense of taste..... no, I don't eat them.. but they sure do a lot of licking. Taste buds let us enjoy the foods we eat..sour, salty, sweet, or bitter. The taste buds are only located in the mouth..
Oh.. the sense of smell..this helps us enjoy foods too.. As JJ always says, if it doesn't smell good, I don't eat it! Smells can be calming or exciting.. they can jolt our memories.. Remember the cucumbers in vinegar that Grandma Imm used to make.. ?? I think of her every time I smell that dish. I relate the smell of camphor to being ill as a child..ugh!
The sense of hearing. I've lost much of mine. I have to remind people that I hear better in my left ear than my right. One day I'll have a hearing aid and be able to hear in both ears. So I'm celebrating my senses today.. I can't imagine life without one of them. It would be so difficult.
These 'holidays' are interesting.. I'm learning a little bit as I investigate each day.
Can't wait to see what tomorrow's special day is!!
Friday, June 23, 2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE
BIRTHDAY WISHES GO OUT TO OUR COUSIN DAVE EHRHARDT TODAY. HE'S .............
WELL, OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!
AND MANY MORE!!!
JUNE 23-TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY
Though I was trying to stick to just one of our national/world holidays.. and there is at least one for every day of the year.. I had to choose 3 for today- just too good to pass over.
So let's get started.
Today, June 23rd, is officially TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY.
"Take Your Dog to Work Day calls attention to the wonderful companions dogs make and encourages pet adoptions from animal shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups. Every year in June, owners and co-workers enjoy the companionship of furry friends while employers are able to experience first hand the benefits of pets in the workplace."
There are rules, do's and don't's of taking a dog into work.. for example: don't take your pit bull with you, or you may be alone at the end of the day.. or make sure your dog is well groomed- it's raining today and the smell of a wet or smelly dog turns my stomach and would not please my employer if I had to go home with a gastric upset.. You get the idea.
So, all you dog owners.. get those pets groomed and take 'em in to work. Don't forget to ask permission from your employer too.. they may or may not love little Fido like you do.
Today is also "LET IT GO DAY".
"Let It Go Day" was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Pennsylvania. In their own words, "Whatever it is that is bugging you, drop it! It's only eating away at you and providing nothing positive."
Whereas this is a good message on the surface, I believe that one needs more than a decision to 'let it go' to make life less stressful. Scripture provides some help:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Seems to me this is the place to begin. Peace doesn't just come by snapping one's fingers..
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Isaiah 26:3
UNITED NATIONS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY
"The United Nations Millennium Declaration emphasises the role of democratic and participatory governance in assuring the rights of men and women to live their lives and raise their children in dignity, free from hunger and from the fear of violence, oppression, or injustice. Experience demonstrates that without good governance, nationally or internationally, and an efficient,competent, professional, responsive and highly dedicated public service, sustainable development and livelihood are jeopardized. The Secretary-General, in his speech at the World Youth Forum in 1998, stressed the importance of public service by encouraging the worlds youth to enter into this field. In this spirit, the General Assembly, by its resolution A/RES/57/277, designated 23 June as the United Nations Public Service Day to celebrate the value and virtue of service to the community."
So let's get started.
Today, June 23rd, is officially TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY.
"Take Your Dog to Work Day calls attention to the wonderful companions dogs make and encourages pet adoptions from animal shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups. Every year in June, owners and co-workers enjoy the companionship of furry friends while employers are able to experience first hand the benefits of pets in the workplace."
There are rules, do's and don't's of taking a dog into work.. for example: don't take your pit bull with you, or you may be alone at the end of the day.. or make sure your dog is well groomed- it's raining today and the smell of a wet or smelly dog turns my stomach and would not please my employer if I had to go home with a gastric upset.. You get the idea.
So, all you dog owners.. get those pets groomed and take 'em in to work. Don't forget to ask permission from your employer too.. they may or may not love little Fido like you do.
Today is also "LET IT GO DAY"."Let It Go Day" was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Pennsylvania. In their own words, "Whatever it is that is bugging you, drop it! It's only eating away at you and providing nothing positive."
Whereas this is a good message on the surface, I believe that one needs more than a decision to 'let it go' to make life less stressful. Scripture provides some help:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Seems to me this is the place to begin. Peace doesn't just come by snapping one's fingers..
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Isaiah 26:3
UNITED NATIONS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY"The United Nations Millennium Declaration emphasises the role of democratic and participatory governance in assuring the rights of men and women to live their lives and raise their children in dignity, free from hunger and from the fear of violence, oppression, or injustice. Experience demonstrates that without good governance, nationally or internationally, and an efficient,competent, professional, responsive and highly dedicated public service, sustainable development and livelihood are jeopardized. The Secretary-General, in his speech at the World Youth Forum in 1998, stressed the importance of public service by encouraging the worlds youth to enter into this field. In this spirit, the General Assembly, by its resolution A/RES/57/277, designated 23 June as the United Nations Public Service Day to celebrate the value and virtue of service to the community."
Thursday, June 22, 2006
IT'S A GUY THING DAY
Well, isn't this interesting....
"While women tend to obsess and over-analyze everything, men take a different tack, reacting mindlessly to the world at large." I found this on the internet.. I wondered about 'guy things'..
I don't think it is true for all men..nor for all women.
I discovered a bunch of strange activities.. all with sexual connotations not suitable reading, so I'll just pass on those for the day.
Not without my own comments however.. Over the years, I have noted what makes Wendell's eyes shine.. the Big Butler Farm Show.. TRACTORS !!!!! TRUCK PULLS!!! ANTIQUE AUTOS!!! Now, these don't start my heart beating faster, but just mention them to Wendell, and he starts to salivate..
It's a guy thing.. obviously. He's had his share of 'boy toys' in the past. Now, he delights in his job at the park- playing with other peoples' toys.. tractors, etc..
Guys like to hunt.. not my idea of a great date.. but then, it too seems to be a 'guy thing'. Our daughters are all fishermen...er .. fisherwomen..
I suppose that's enough for one day on this dopey topic..
"While women tend to obsess and over-analyze everything, men take a different tack, reacting mindlessly to the world at large." I found this on the internet.. I wondered about 'guy things'..
I don't think it is true for all men..nor for all women.
I discovered a bunch of strange activities.. all with sexual connotations not suitable reading, so I'll just pass on those for the day.
Not without my own comments however.. Over the years, I have noted what makes Wendell's eyes shine.. the Big Butler Farm Show.. TRACTORS !!!!! TRUCK PULLS!!! ANTIQUE AUTOS!!! Now, these don't start my heart beating faster, but just mention them to Wendell, and he starts to salivate..
It's a guy thing.. obviously. He's had his share of 'boy toys' in the past. Now, he delights in his job at the park- playing with other peoples' toys.. tractors, etc..
Guys like to hunt.. not my idea of a great date.. but then, it too seems to be a 'guy thing'. Our daughters are all fishermen...er .. fisherwomen..
I suppose that's enough for one day on this dopey topic..
A SOGGY DAY IN BUTLER
It's a soggy morning here in Butler. It's been raining all night.. thunder, lightning, and just , well..... soggy.
Wendell is aching so much today, he may not go to the park.
I'm sitting at my computer desk... the frogs /toads are having a joyous time outside my bedroom window. Such a chorus!! Today is office day. I'm all ready with paperwork.. now, to just get myself going.
Wendell isn't the only one with aching from the weather. It will be a longer day today- I believe I have 9 patients to see.
Not much to report today.. not much happening at the moment.
Have a glorious day. Don't forget to pray for us...
"Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. "Ephesians 6:23-24
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
MAKING MUSIC IN OUR HEARTS
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving
thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
Ephesians 5:19-20
NOW, THAT'S JUST SILLY
Did you know that every day is a 'holiday'? June 21 brings us:
Baby Boomers Recognition Day Easy to spot one- they have gray receding hairlines.. and wrinkles!
Summer Begins (Northern Hemisphere) Oh boy! bring it on!!!!
Winter Begins (Southern Hemisphere) They have my sympathy..
Birthday - Martha Washington (First Lady) Happy birthday , Martha!!
I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow's Wacky day is.. sure to be a silly one!
Baby Boomers Recognition Day Easy to spot one- they have gray receding hairlines.. and wrinkles!
Summer Begins (Northern Hemisphere) Oh boy! bring it on!!!!
Winter Begins (Southern Hemisphere) They have my sympathy..
Birthday - Martha Washington (First Lady) Happy birthday , Martha!!
I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow's Wacky day is.. sure to be a silly one!
WENDELL & MARILYN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
JUNE 21, 1969If you check Wendy's blog, you can see a picture.
In those 37 years, we have shared good times and bad; happy and sad times. But we always did it together. We have 4 wonderful married children, and 4 wonderful son/daughter in laws. We also have 7 of the most wonderful and incredible grandchildren.
God has blessed us and continues to do so richly. Thank the Lord- he's been so good to us.
I can only pray that he gives us many many more years of time together.
Our first year of marriage was spent in Killeen Texas while Wendell finished out his tour of duty with the US Army. We returned to Butler when it was over, and we've been here ever since. His dad gave us a piece of property, and we built our present home there. 4 children were added to make our family complete ; and cats, dogs, a pet rat, a guinea pig, and even a horse.
We have no plans for our anniversary.. but will quietly celebrate at home.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." Ephesians 5:31 Congratulations to Cory & Wendy
on their 8th Anniversary !!
POP QUIZ
I'll give you the line.. you guess the document..
#1:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--"
#2:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this.............."
#3:
"Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation: conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. "
#4:
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. "
#1:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--"
#2:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this.............."
#3:
"Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation: conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. "
#4:
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. "
Monday, June 19, 2006
CONSERVATIVE TRUTH 6/19/06
This came via email today.. really good article.. I thought I'd share..
CONSERVATIVE TRUTH 06/19/06
Fathers Can Be Like Bumblebees
By Tom BarrettPublisher@ConservativeTruth.org
Bumblebees can't fly. This has been proven scientifically by aeronautical engineers. Yet they do fly.
Fathers can't raise their children to be adults they can be proud of. The odds against them are too great.
Just look at the teen suicide rates, the gang violence, this generation's lack of respect for their parents and authority in general, the teen pregnancies and abortions. It's hopeless, some say. But some dads are like bumblebees. Although it seems impossible, with God's help many fathers are raising children that anyone would be proud to call their own. What's their secret?
Of course, mothers play a huge part in successful parenting. But this is Father's Day, and fathers do have special responsibilities to their families, so today we'll concentrate on what dads can do to ensure that their kids grow up as victors instead of villains. This will not be your typical "pat dad on the back because fathers are great" Father's Day article. Instead it will be a discussion about how we fathers can better fulfill our responsibilities to our children.
But first, the bumblebees.
In the early days of aeronautics, some engineers did studies on bumblebees. Based on the surface area of the bee's wings, the weight and shape of the insect, and the amount of muscle force it had available, they determined that it was impossible for bumblebees to fly!
"Engineers say they can prove that a bumblebee can't fly," said Michael Dickinson, a biologist at the University of California, Berkeley.
"And if you apply the theory of fixed wing aircraft to insects, you do calculate that they can't fly." (www.HowStuffWorks.com.)
In other words, bumblebees are not airplanes, so you can't use aerodynamic principles to study bumblebees.
By the same token, if we accept conventional wisdom concerning our children, all we can realistically do is try our best, "be there" for our children, and hope they turn out all right.
That didn't work too well for the parents of the Columbine School murderers.
It doesn't work for the thousands of parents who are bewildered when their children turn to witchcraft and Satan worship.
And it sure doesn't work when kids come home and tell their parents, "I've discovered that I'm a homosexual."
So, in the words of Dr. Dickenson, "You have to use something different." In the case of child-rearing, that "something different" is not something new. For thousands of years parents have raised great kids using principles found in what I like to call The Owners Manual, also known as the Word of God. God made us, so he sure knows how to maintain us, and He has been gracious enough to share all His wisdom with us in the Bible.
This weekend, one of the Elders in our church, Ken Burton, asked the question, "What is Satan's religion?" Good question. Many people would say that, being Satan, he has no religion. But in fact, he founded his own religion. It is preached in all of our public schools, and, unfortunately, in many organizations that call themselves churches today. It is the religion of secular humanism.
We could spend hours describing secular humanism, but in a nutshell it is a man-based religion centered around "me, myself and I." Man's needs, man's wants and man's desires are all that are important.
This religion may sound charitable and generous, but it is completely selfish. Man is worshipped, and God is forgotten.
Sadly, most of our "modern" concepts of parenting have come from this religion. Some have even crept into our churches.
We are told that, at all costs, children must be free to "express themselves," without any hindrances from outside authority. So children are allowed to shout at their teachers, wear clothing with filthy words on them, and disobey their parents, because stifling their "creativity" might cause irreparable psychological harm. Hogwash.
Child psychologists tell us not to punish children. More hogwash.
Parents have abdicated their responsibility to teach their children right from wrong because they are cowards. They are afraid of everything: afraid of being politically incorrect; afraid of being compared to more liberal parents (Susie's dad lets her."); afraid their kids won't love them.And we are warned that we should not attempt to influence our children's decisions regarding religion. They should be allowed to "choose for themselves." Worse hogwash.
If we don't teach our kids about the Word of God, on what will they base their decisions?
Well, that's enough of what the religion of the world, secular humanism, has to say.
I'm getting nauseous.
Why don't we look at what true religion says about how fathers should raise their children. After all, God is the greatest Father of all, and he has been teaching fathers here on earth how to successfully raise their children for generations. Even if you are not a Christian, listen to wisdom that will help you be a better father.
First, as I mentioned at the beginning, fathers have special responsibilities in the family. In Ephesians 5:23 and in many other places, God makes it clear that fathers are responsible for the spiritual instruction and well-being of their families. Of course, if the father is absent or refuses to fulfill his God-given role, the mother must step in. But God's plan is for intact families in which the father serves as a loving priest to his wife and children.
Second, as Ken's wife, Carole, mentioned in our church service, scriptural discipline is mostly about training. We associate punishment with the word "discipline," but God teaches us that discipline involves proper training for our children. If we train them the way the Bible teaches us to, they will grow up to be strong and loving adults.
Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
This clearly debunks the secular humanist concept mentioned above that we should allow children to somehow drift into whatever spiritual place will make them comfortable. Ephesians 6:4 tells fathers regarding their children to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
Third, discipline does not exclude punishment.
Proverbs 13:24: "A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them."
Proverbs 19:18: "Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them."
Proverbs 29:17: "Discipline your children; you'll be glad you did - they'll turn out delightful to live with."
Finally, in Malachi 4:6, the Bible says that God will "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers."
That's what happens when fathers accept the role and responsibility God has given them.
CONSERVATIVE TRUTH 06/19/06
Fathers Can Be Like Bumblebees
By Tom BarrettPublisher@ConservativeTruth.org
Bumblebees can't fly. This has been proven scientifically by aeronautical engineers. Yet they do fly.
Fathers can't raise their children to be adults they can be proud of. The odds against them are too great.
Just look at the teen suicide rates, the gang violence, this generation's lack of respect for their parents and authority in general, the teen pregnancies and abortions. It's hopeless, some say. But some dads are like bumblebees. Although it seems impossible, with God's help many fathers are raising children that anyone would be proud to call their own. What's their secret?
Of course, mothers play a huge part in successful parenting. But this is Father's Day, and fathers do have special responsibilities to their families, so today we'll concentrate on what dads can do to ensure that their kids grow up as victors instead of villains. This will not be your typical "pat dad on the back because fathers are great" Father's Day article. Instead it will be a discussion about how we fathers can better fulfill our responsibilities to our children.
But first, the bumblebees.
In the early days of aeronautics, some engineers did studies on bumblebees. Based on the surface area of the bee's wings, the weight and shape of the insect, and the amount of muscle force it had available, they determined that it was impossible for bumblebees to fly!
"Engineers say they can prove that a bumblebee can't fly," said Michael Dickinson, a biologist at the University of California, Berkeley.
"And if you apply the theory of fixed wing aircraft to insects, you do calculate that they can't fly." (www.HowStuffWorks.com.)
In other words, bumblebees are not airplanes, so you can't use aerodynamic principles to study bumblebees.
By the same token, if we accept conventional wisdom concerning our children, all we can realistically do is try our best, "be there" for our children, and hope they turn out all right.
That didn't work too well for the parents of the Columbine School murderers.
It doesn't work for the thousands of parents who are bewildered when their children turn to witchcraft and Satan worship.
And it sure doesn't work when kids come home and tell their parents, "I've discovered that I'm a homosexual."
So, in the words of Dr. Dickenson, "You have to use something different." In the case of child-rearing, that "something different" is not something new. For thousands of years parents have raised great kids using principles found in what I like to call The Owners Manual, also known as the Word of God. God made us, so he sure knows how to maintain us, and He has been gracious enough to share all His wisdom with us in the Bible.
This weekend, one of the Elders in our church, Ken Burton, asked the question, "What is Satan's religion?" Good question. Many people would say that, being Satan, he has no religion. But in fact, he founded his own religion. It is preached in all of our public schools, and, unfortunately, in many organizations that call themselves churches today. It is the religion of secular humanism.
We could spend hours describing secular humanism, but in a nutshell it is a man-based religion centered around "me, myself and I." Man's needs, man's wants and man's desires are all that are important.
This religion may sound charitable and generous, but it is completely selfish. Man is worshipped, and God is forgotten.
Sadly, most of our "modern" concepts of parenting have come from this religion. Some have even crept into our churches.
We are told that, at all costs, children must be free to "express themselves," without any hindrances from outside authority. So children are allowed to shout at their teachers, wear clothing with filthy words on them, and disobey their parents, because stifling their "creativity" might cause irreparable psychological harm. Hogwash.
Child psychologists tell us not to punish children. More hogwash.
Parents have abdicated their responsibility to teach their children right from wrong because they are cowards. They are afraid of everything: afraid of being politically incorrect; afraid of being compared to more liberal parents (Susie's dad lets her."); afraid their kids won't love them.And we are warned that we should not attempt to influence our children's decisions regarding religion. They should be allowed to "choose for themselves." Worse hogwash.
If we don't teach our kids about the Word of God, on what will they base their decisions?
Well, that's enough of what the religion of the world, secular humanism, has to say.
I'm getting nauseous.
Why don't we look at what true religion says about how fathers should raise their children. After all, God is the greatest Father of all, and he has been teaching fathers here on earth how to successfully raise their children for generations. Even if you are not a Christian, listen to wisdom that will help you be a better father.
First, as I mentioned at the beginning, fathers have special responsibilities in the family. In Ephesians 5:23 and in many other places, God makes it clear that fathers are responsible for the spiritual instruction and well-being of their families. Of course, if the father is absent or refuses to fulfill his God-given role, the mother must step in. But God's plan is for intact families in which the father serves as a loving priest to his wife and children.
Second, as Ken's wife, Carole, mentioned in our church service, scriptural discipline is mostly about training. We associate punishment with the word "discipline," but God teaches us that discipline involves proper training for our children. If we train them the way the Bible teaches us to, they will grow up to be strong and loving adults.
Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
This clearly debunks the secular humanist concept mentioned above that we should allow children to somehow drift into whatever spiritual place will make them comfortable. Ephesians 6:4 tells fathers regarding their children to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
Third, discipline does not exclude punishment.
Proverbs 13:24: "A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them."
Proverbs 19:18: "Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them."
Proverbs 29:17: "Discipline your children; you'll be glad you did - they'll turn out delightful to live with."
Finally, in Malachi 4:6, the Bible says that God will "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers."
That's what happens when fathers accept the role and responsibility God has given them.
POST FATHER'S DAY THOUGHTS
As I read over JJ's memories of her dad, I started thinking about my own dad.. and remembering all kinds of things.
Dad was a television repairman. He spent a lot of time out 'on the road' going into peoples' homes and fixing their errant tv sets. Sometimes he brought them home with him to his shop to work on when the problems were more than just a tube here or there that he might carry in his toolbox. Interestingly, probably most of the people who would read this blog statement won't have a clue about tubes in tv sets..all the circuits are 'printed' now. But Dad was really into electronics. I often wondered if he had lived longer if he would have been into video equipment.. I feel sure he would. And he would have had a computer too!!!
He was good at almost anything he did. He knew all about gardening and would have made an excellent farmer. I think Charlie and Bill inherited that ability to grow things. Dad knew how to graft branches on trees, and could grow plums and peaches on one at the same time.. interesting. He knew so much.
He built a big barn behind our house on 7th Street Road and then we got our horse, King. We were the envy of every kid in the neighborhood.. hehehe.
Dad knew all sorts of games.. and when we were needing to be entertained as children, he took spikes and hammered them into a board and we used Mom's jar seals to toss them at the spikes.. each spike had a score under it.. so we had an original Ring Toss! Fun!
I remember once he went out in the back yard with little cans and "planted" them here and there in the ground.. then went into the woods and cut sticks to make golf clubs for us, and then whittled the balls! He knew about whittling too.. and was really good at it. He made us toy guns, sling shots, and whistles that actually worked out of wood or tree branches. I think P2 still has one or two of the guns he made him out of a piece of wood.
I never got the hang of the stilts he made for us.. I just never had the right balance. But he could walk with them all over the place and encouraged us to try.
He made picnic tables, lawn chairs, and built his own house and kept on building his repair shop.. He was very skilled.
Growing up, we had a tv in every room except the bathroom.. and probably would have had one there if it had been big enough.. I remember seeing the 6" screen tv he was working on. It had a green screen and you had to wait till it warmed up to function. Back then, there wasn't much on the tv, and it signed on at noon and off after 5pm.. Can you imagine?
The first program I remember watching on tv was Howdy Doody..
They don't make programs like that any more.
Dad took us to church every Sunday- and he and mom went too.. We took the neighbor kids as well. It was sometimes crowded in the car, but the distance wasn't too bad. No seat belts back then, but far less traffic and speed wasn't an issue either.
Dad knew how to have fun.. he showed us that we didn't need fancy sleds to sled-ride. He'd use the top of Mum's washer (yes, the lid was removeable).. but the best of all was the cardboard from a new tv set he'd sold a customer.. WOW! We could put 6 kids on one piece and it FLEW down the hillside! More than once a Flexible Flyer would sit on the top of the hill while all the kids jumped on the cardboard.. Dad would ice the top of the hill with a bucket or two of water.. and off we'd go!
In his later years, he had grandchildren, and they all loved going to the big house in Logan's Ferry. As we grew up, we always had swings.. and when we moved to LF, it was one of the first things he did.. put up a swing. Wendell tells about the day when he had to climb a tall ladder on a tree to put the ropes on.. Dad had given up climbing the tall trees by then, but the desire was to have swings for the kids.
We had sheep in LF.. Muttonhead and Lambchop.. Interesting.
I bought him a tractor.. the Farmall A that JJ now owns. Cute little thing.. Dad used it to plow his garden for a while.. Wendell had to show him how it was done. He'd never driven a real tractor before. Then came the high lift (boy toy).. he'd never driven one of those before either, and kept slipping the track off.. Our cousins from down the road would come up to help get the track back on for him.. no charge .. Such a great family! He bought the highlift to plow snow in the winter. The driveway was really long and wound up into the hills. We called it the mountain..for it was, actually. With this toy.....er... tool, he was able to dig holes and smooth out the land.. and dig up the gas line too!
Our kids adored him.. P2 rode with Gramma and Grampa from church every Sunday to their house for lunch. It was a great time for him.
JJ had her own spot at the dining room table.. and don't let ANYONE try to take it..it was at her Grampa's side.
He was pretty special.. We rarely took a family vacation, but we had great fun at home.
Oh, he was an amateur photographer also.. took all his own pictures and developed them too. Many of the photos I have are ones he took.. and developed at home. I have inherited that from him I'm sure- I'm a very visual person and love pictures of anything and everyone.
If he were living, he'd be 91 this year. He never even knew we were going to have Amanda.. she never got to know him. Wendy was not 2 yr old when he passed away.. and she has little to no recollection of him either.
There is so much more I can remember, but I'll leave it at this. Anyone want to post a memory?
Dad was a television repairman. He spent a lot of time out 'on the road' going into peoples' homes and fixing their errant tv sets. Sometimes he brought them home with him to his shop to work on when the problems were more than just a tube here or there that he might carry in his toolbox. Interestingly, probably most of the people who would read this blog statement won't have a clue about tubes in tv sets..all the circuits are 'printed' now. But Dad was really into electronics. I often wondered if he had lived longer if he would have been into video equipment.. I feel sure he would. And he would have had a computer too!!!
He was good at almost anything he did. He knew all about gardening and would have made an excellent farmer. I think Charlie and Bill inherited that ability to grow things. Dad knew how to graft branches on trees, and could grow plums and peaches on one at the same time.. interesting. He knew so much.
He built a big barn behind our house on 7th Street Road and then we got our horse, King. We were the envy of every kid in the neighborhood.. hehehe.
Dad knew all sorts of games.. and when we were needing to be entertained as children, he took spikes and hammered them into a board and we used Mom's jar seals to toss them at the spikes.. each spike had a score under it.. so we had an original Ring Toss! Fun!
I remember once he went out in the back yard with little cans and "planted" them here and there in the ground.. then went into the woods and cut sticks to make golf clubs for us, and then whittled the balls! He knew about whittling too.. and was really good at it. He made us toy guns, sling shots, and whistles that actually worked out of wood or tree branches. I think P2 still has one or two of the guns he made him out of a piece of wood.
I never got the hang of the stilts he made for us.. I just never had the right balance. But he could walk with them all over the place and encouraged us to try.
He made picnic tables, lawn chairs, and built his own house and kept on building his repair shop.. He was very skilled.
Growing up, we had a tv in every room except the bathroom.. and probably would have had one there if it had been big enough.. I remember seeing the 6" screen tv he was working on. It had a green screen and you had to wait till it warmed up to function. Back then, there wasn't much on the tv, and it signed on at noon and off after 5pm.. Can you imagine?
The first program I remember watching on tv was Howdy Doody..
They don't make programs like that any more.
Dad took us to church every Sunday- and he and mom went too.. We took the neighbor kids as well. It was sometimes crowded in the car, but the distance wasn't too bad. No seat belts back then, but far less traffic and speed wasn't an issue either.
Dad knew how to have fun.. he showed us that we didn't need fancy sleds to sled-ride. He'd use the top of Mum's washer (yes, the lid was removeable).. but the best of all was the cardboard from a new tv set he'd sold a customer.. WOW! We could put 6 kids on one piece and it FLEW down the hillside! More than once a Flexible Flyer would sit on the top of the hill while all the kids jumped on the cardboard.. Dad would ice the top of the hill with a bucket or two of water.. and off we'd go!
In his later years, he had grandchildren, and they all loved going to the big house in Logan's Ferry. As we grew up, we always had swings.. and when we moved to LF, it was one of the first things he did.. put up a swing. Wendell tells about the day when he had to climb a tall ladder on a tree to put the ropes on.. Dad had given up climbing the tall trees by then, but the desire was to have swings for the kids.
We had sheep in LF.. Muttonhead and Lambchop.. Interesting.
I bought him a tractor.. the Farmall A that JJ now owns. Cute little thing.. Dad used it to plow his garden for a while.. Wendell had to show him how it was done. He'd never driven a real tractor before. Then came the high lift (boy toy).. he'd never driven one of those before either, and kept slipping the track off.. Our cousins from down the road would come up to help get the track back on for him.. no charge .. Such a great family! He bought the highlift to plow snow in the winter. The driveway was really long and wound up into the hills. We called it the mountain..for it was, actually. With this toy.....er... tool, he was able to dig holes and smooth out the land.. and dig up the gas line too!
Our kids adored him.. P2 rode with Gramma and Grampa from church every Sunday to their house for lunch. It was a great time for him.
JJ had her own spot at the dining room table.. and don't let ANYONE try to take it..it was at her Grampa's side.
He was pretty special.. We rarely took a family vacation, but we had great fun at home.
Oh, he was an amateur photographer also.. took all his own pictures and developed them too. Many of the photos I have are ones he took.. and developed at home. I have inherited that from him I'm sure- I'm a very visual person and love pictures of anything and everyone.
If he were living, he'd be 91 this year. He never even knew we were going to have Amanda.. she never got to know him. Wendy was not 2 yr old when he passed away.. and she has little to no recollection of him either.
There is so much more I can remember, but I'll leave it at this. Anyone want to post a memory?
HOORAY FOR RAIN!!!
"You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. " Psalm 68:9
The past week has been so hot and dry. It was very good to awaken to the sound of gentle rain on the windows. My joints don't like the drop in barometric pressure, and require an extra round of Tylenol to combat it, but it's tolerable now. The garden will be happy and the grass will grow in places it hadn't before. It's all good.
Yesterday was Father's day. The day started with a phone call from Wendy... wishing her Dad a happy father's day. Wendell and I were able to go to church together finally. The perfect start to a Sabbath day!
Paul , Amy and the kids came in the evening for a visit, picnic, and some good fellowship. Paul is our official "grillmeister" and really does a great job at that. He also set up our campfire ring and got the fire going for later on. The soil was so dry and loose from the previous day of leveling the area, and no wind meant no chance of the fire getting away from us. (smile)
While P3, Daniel and Joyce rode their bikes all over the yard and driveway, David spent his time in the dirt.. tossing it in the air and yelling "BOOM"!! He has quite the imagination. Hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, chips, and then cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream......mmmmmm! yummy!
Later, when the campfire was just right.. we toasted marshmallows and made s'mores! That has to be the highlight.. It's been too long since we did this- and the fire was just right.. the marshmallows were perfect!
While I was cleaning up this past week, I found 12 boxes of sparklers.. so we took about 4 boxes and used the tiki torches to light them.. the kids loved it!
John and Mandy bought the torches for the upcoming picnic.. and filled them with citronella oil to keep the bugs at bay.
There seemed to be a number of mosquitos last night- they weren't biting, but were sitting on my arm pretty often. I finally went inside to avoid them.
So Wendell had a pretty fine day.. and went to bed a little after 8pm.. he was really tuckered out.
I wanted to get up with him this morning to read JJ's blog. It has so many memories of her dad that she posted yesterday. Really sweet! Unfortunately, I slept through the time he was up and by the time I got up, he was going out the door and had no time to look.. we'll try on Wednesday when I'm off for the day.
We both feel so blessed by our children and their children.. What a joy it is! How we thank the Lord for every one of them.
Remember to pray for us.. God is so active in our lives and we rely on Him.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
REAGANISMS
"Here's my strategy on the Cold War:
We win, they lose."
- Ronald Reagan
"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
- Ronald Reagan
"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant: It's just that they know so much that isn't so."
- Ronald Reagan
"Of the four wars in my lifetime none came about because the U.S. was too strong."
- Ronald Reagan
"I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress."
- Ronald Reagan
"The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination."
- Ronald Reagan
"Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other."
- Ronald Reagan
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
- Ronald Reagan
"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."
- Ronald Reagan
"I've laid down the law, though, to everyone from now on about anything that happens: no matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting."
- Ronald Reagan
"It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first."
- Ronald Reagan
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."
- Ronald Reagan
"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."
- Ronald Reagan
"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.
- Ronald Reagan
We win, they lose."
- Ronald Reagan
"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
- Ronald Reagan
"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant: It's just that they know so much that isn't so."
- Ronald Reagan
"Of the four wars in my lifetime none came about because the U.S. was too strong."
- Ronald Reagan
"I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress."
- Ronald Reagan
"The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination."
- Ronald Reagan
"Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other."
- Ronald Reagan
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
- Ronald Reagan
"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."
- Ronald Reagan
"I've laid down the law, though, to everyone from now on about anything that happens: no matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting."
- Ronald Reagan
"It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first."
- Ronald Reagan
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."
- Ronald Reagan
"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."
- Ronald Reagan
"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.
- Ronald Reagan
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUCKY
Birthday greetings go out today for Wendell's nephew Bucky .. aka Paul R.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!
FATHERS DAY
The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day."
In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.
Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.
In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.
Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
THANK YOU !!!!!!
This is an open letter of thanks to our children.
We thought we were getting a regular full sized bed
from JJ and Keith- a used one. We had NO idea
what you had planned for us.. for our anniversary.
Today, we bought a queen size bed.. new. We are
so overwhelmed by it all. What a wonderful gift
for your parents... so to each of you Wendell
and I send our thanks from the bottom of our hearts:
Paul & Amy, Keith & JJ, Cory & Wendy,
and John & Mandy
GOD BLESS YOU
CANNING
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
So glad to be able to blog another day. This poor computer seems to be on it's last leg, but still functioning today.
It's SATURDAY!!! I'm not gainfully employed today, so I have the time to continue working here.. cleaning, painting.. whatever needs done at home. I love being at home and look to the day I can retire from my jobs with great joy. It will be a few more years likely, but within reach.
Today is to be a warm one, as is tomorrow. Charlie has the garden planted and things are growing nicely. That reminds me of pickles...... ?? Yeah, pickles. When I was a child we had a huge garden- much the same as what Charlie plants here at our homestead. My dad planted cucumbers and my mother made pickles in a huge crock. I can still remember digging down through grape leaves and brine to get to them- oh... so good! I can almost taste them now!
Mother loved to can every summer and fall, and we always had tomatoes, corn, beans, peaches and jelly. Lots of great smells came from our little kitchen- and delicious foods all winter long.
I love to can also, and for a long time, I thought that one could only can certain foods. With the help of Mum many years ago, and the purchase of a pressure canner, I learned differently.
I've canned about everything and anything I could get in any quantity. Beef, chicken, pork, ham, about any vegetable or fruit you could think of with few exceptions are still canned in my kitchen today. I even can cake which is delicious, and cinnamon rolls, and brownies! I've made my own fruit leathers and jellies, jams, and soup. Once I even canned french fries! There is one food the children definitely turned thumbs down.. that is hot dogs. You just can't can them-the pressure is too great and they taste lousy. But sausage and kielbasa work well, and not long ago I canned meatloaf for Wendell so he could slice more uniform pieces off.
I wouldn't suggest trying to can asparagus, broccoli, bananas or watermelon- the textures get lost, and yes, I've tried it.
I bought my canner when the children were very small and Mum and I shared it. It's one kitchen tool I wouldn't want to part with unless I had another to take it's place. It is very safe and has a safety valve in case too much pressure would build up. It has no gauge, but a weight that controls pressures. In 30 years of use, I have only replaced one part, the seal. When I ordered it , they wanted to sell me 2 since my canner is so old. I figured if the original lasted 30 years, I won't need it for another 30 more, and by then I won't be around or too old to can anyway. And if I bought one as a spare, it would dry rot before I'd ever use it.. so I opted for one seal.
Canning is a lot of work, but the rewards are tremendous.
Have a happy and productive Saturday.. pray for us daily.
So glad to be able to blog another day. This poor computer seems to be on it's last leg, but still functioning today.
It's SATURDAY!!! I'm not gainfully employed today, so I have the time to continue working here.. cleaning, painting.. whatever needs done at home. I love being at home and look to the day I can retire from my jobs with great joy. It will be a few more years likely, but within reach.
Today is to be a warm one, as is tomorrow. Charlie has the garden planted and things are growing nicely. That reminds me of pickles...... ?? Yeah, pickles. When I was a child we had a huge garden- much the same as what Charlie plants here at our homestead. My dad planted cucumbers and my mother made pickles in a huge crock. I can still remember digging down through grape leaves and brine to get to them- oh... so good! I can almost taste them now!
Mother loved to can every summer and fall, and we always had tomatoes, corn, beans, peaches and jelly. Lots of great smells came from our little kitchen- and delicious foods all winter long.
I love to can also, and for a long time, I thought that one could only can certain foods. With the help of Mum many years ago, and the purchase of a pressure canner, I learned differently.
I've canned about everything and anything I could get in any quantity. Beef, chicken, pork, ham, about any vegetable or fruit you could think of with few exceptions are still canned in my kitchen today. I even can cake which is delicious, and cinnamon rolls, and brownies! I've made my own fruit leathers and jellies, jams, and soup. Once I even canned french fries! There is one food the children definitely turned thumbs down.. that is hot dogs. You just can't can them-the pressure is too great and they taste lousy. But sausage and kielbasa work well, and not long ago I canned meatloaf for Wendell so he could slice more uniform pieces off.
I wouldn't suggest trying to can asparagus, broccoli, bananas or watermelon- the textures get lost, and yes, I've tried it.
I bought my canner when the children were very small and Mum and I shared it. It's one kitchen tool I wouldn't want to part with unless I had another to take it's place. It is very safe and has a safety valve in case too much pressure would build up. It has no gauge, but a weight that controls pressures. In 30 years of use, I have only replaced one part, the seal. When I ordered it , they wanted to sell me 2 since my canner is so old. I figured if the original lasted 30 years, I won't need it for another 30 more, and by then I won't be around or too old to can anyway. And if I bought one as a spare, it would dry rot before I'd ever use it.. so I opted for one seal.
Canning is a lot of work, but the rewards are tremendous.
Have a happy and productive Saturday.. pray for us daily.
Friday, June 16, 2006
GETTING ON WITH THE DAY
Good morning..nearly afternoon..
I'm having computer problems and couldn't even get online this morning. I thought this computer crashed for a while. But it's up and running again..
I took pictures last night, but can't get them to upload.. wahhhhh!
It's been a kind of low day.
Gainfully employed today.. at the hospital.. and I haven't even had breakfast and it's already after 11am.. brunch will do nicely.
JJ and Keith came last evening.. brought me some clean laundry..and some good conversation.
They had been to Kennywood for Keith's company picnic. It's been so many many years since I've been there or any other amusement park for that matter.
Things are changing here.. John and Mandy are so busy after work each night. Paul comes when he's able, and you wouldn't believe what a fantastic job he and his friend Drew are doing!
All the old cars are pretty much gone and they are taking the scrap metal out too. It's looking much much better.. Thanks Paul! You are so appreciated!
Okay.. onward to the day..
Pray for us.. and have a fabulous day everyone!!!!
I'm having computer problems and couldn't even get online this morning. I thought this computer crashed for a while. But it's up and running again..
I took pictures last night, but can't get them to upload.. wahhhhh!
It's been a kind of low day.
Gainfully employed today.. at the hospital.. and I haven't even had breakfast and it's already after 11am.. brunch will do nicely.
JJ and Keith came last evening.. brought me some clean laundry..and some good conversation.
They had been to Kennywood for Keith's company picnic. It's been so many many years since I've been there or any other amusement park for that matter.
Things are changing here.. John and Mandy are so busy after work each night. Paul comes when he's able, and you wouldn't believe what a fantastic job he and his friend Drew are doing!
All the old cars are pretty much gone and they are taking the scrap metal out too. It's looking much much better.. Thanks Paul! You are so appreciated!
Okay.. onward to the day..
Pray for us.. and have a fabulous day everyone!!!!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
NEVER GIVE UP
"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1
Never be sad or desponding,
If thou hast faith to believe.
Grace, for the duties before thee,
Ask of thy God and receive.
from an old hymnal
Never be sad or desponding,
If thou hast faith to believe.
Grace, for the duties before thee,
Ask of thy God and receive.
from an old hymnal
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain.
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness.
America! America!
God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.
O beautiful for heroes prov'd
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life.
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry grain divine.
O Beautiful for patriot dream
that sees beyond the years.
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears.
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.
I AM THE FLAG
I am the Flag
by Ruth Apperson Rous
I am the flag of the United States of America.
I was born on June 14, 1777, in Philadelphia.
There the Continental Congress adopted my stars and stripes as the national flag.
My thirteen stripes alternating red and white, with a union of thirteen white stars in a field of blue, represented a new constellation, a new nation dedicated to the personal and religious liberty of mankind.
Today fifty stars signal from my union, one for each of the fifty sovereign states in the greatest constitutional republic the world has ever known.
My colors symbolize the patriotic ideals and spiritual qualities of the citizens of my country.
My red stripes proclaim the fearless courage and integrity of American men and boys and the self-sacrifice and devotion of American mothers and daughters.
My white stripes stand for liberty and equality for all.
My blue is the blue of heaven, loyalty, and faith.
I represent these eternal principles: liberty, justice, and humanity.
I embody American freedom: freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the press, and the sanctity of the home.
I typify that indomitable spirit of determination brought to my land by Christopher Columbus and by all my forefathers - the Pilgrims, Puritans, settlers at James town and Plymouth.
I am as old as my nation.
I am a living symbol of my nation's law: the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.
I voice Abraham Lincoln's philosophy: "A government of the people, by the people,for the people."
I stand guard over my nation's schools, the seedbed of good citizenship and true patriotism.
I am displayed in every schoolroom throughout my nation; every schoolyard has a flag pole for my display.
Daily thousands upon thousands of boys and girls pledge their allegiance to me and my country.
I have my own law—Public Law 829, "The Flag Code" - which definitely states my correct use and display for all occasions and situations.
I have my special day, Flag Day. June 14 is set aside to honor my birth.
Americans, I am the sacred emblem of your country. I symbolize your birthright, your heritage of liberty purchased with blood and sorrow.
I am your title deed of freedom, which is yours to enjoy and hold in trust for posterity.
If you fail to keep this sacred trust inviolate, if I am nullified and destroyed, you and your children will become slaves to dictators and despots.
Eternal vigilance is your price of freedom.
As you see me silhouetted against the peaceful skies of my country, remind yourself that I am the flag of your country, that I stand for what you are - no more, no less.
Guard me well, lest your freedom perish from the earth.
Dedicate your lives to those principles for which I stand: "One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
I was created in freedom. I made my first appearance in a battle for human liberty.
God grant that I may spend eternity in my "land of the free and the home of the brave" and that I shall ever be known as "Old Glory," the flag of the United States of America.
JUNE 14- UP EARLY
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Isaiah 26:3
It's almost 5am. I'm up because I have a splitting headache. I'm having coffee with caffeine to see if it will relieve the most of it. My list for "to do" today says I have to do more cleaning here in the bedroom and consider painting also. One small section at a time..
I did work all 8 hours yesterday. They needed me pretty badly. The first 4 hours I spent on my own unit. I wish I'd had a camera to show the chaos there. Every chart was out of the rack at one point.. 24 charts with orders, and then doctors , nurses, social workers, and whoever else needed them kept taking them out and putting them back above my head. The other secretary, Tina, was overwhelmed with orders AND they had her orienting a new RN for the department. The phone just wouldn't stop ringing, and each time we would have to get up and try to find the person who was being paged. And then risked someone taking our seat at the computer and slowing us down. At any one time, there were over 20 bodies in the nurses' station, and it was indeed chaos. We had so many discharges and then the beds were filled immediately with new admissions. Before one patient was gone, another was being registered for their beds. Very confusing. But by 3pm, there were only 5 charts left in the orders rack, and I was told to go to 5 North to help out . When I got there, I wasn't the help, but the other secretary left to observe a patient who was a 'one to one', and I was THE secretary. Here was another busy unit- they take orthopedics and most surgical patients. It was like Grand Central Station with people coming and going constantly. I wish I had been more help to them, but I didn't know where they kept their supplies and had to be constantly looking and asking for small items and papers. UGH. I was so glad when my relief showed up at 7pm. I went back to get my handbag from my locker on 5 Main and the secretary asked me if I could stay and help her get caught up. I guess it had been crazy even after I left, and the rack of orders was overflowing again. But I'd had enough for one day, and that is where the headache began- all I wanted to do was go home.
Well, today is Flag Day.
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Isaiah 26:3
It's almost 5am. I'm up because I have a splitting headache. I'm having coffee with caffeine to see if it will relieve the most of it. My list for "to do" today says I have to do more cleaning here in the bedroom and consider painting also. One small section at a time..
I did work all 8 hours yesterday. They needed me pretty badly. The first 4 hours I spent on my own unit. I wish I'd had a camera to show the chaos there. Every chart was out of the rack at one point.. 24 charts with orders, and then doctors , nurses, social workers, and whoever else needed them kept taking them out and putting them back above my head. The other secretary, Tina, was overwhelmed with orders AND they had her orienting a new RN for the department. The phone just wouldn't stop ringing, and each time we would have to get up and try to find the person who was being paged. And then risked someone taking our seat at the computer and slowing us down. At any one time, there were over 20 bodies in the nurses' station, and it was indeed chaos. We had so many discharges and then the beds were filled immediately with new admissions. Before one patient was gone, another was being registered for their beds. Very confusing. But by 3pm, there were only 5 charts left in the orders rack, and I was told to go to 5 North to help out . When I got there, I wasn't the help, but the other secretary left to observe a patient who was a 'one to one', and I was THE secretary. Here was another busy unit- they take orthopedics and most surgical patients. It was like Grand Central Station with people coming and going constantly. I wish I had been more help to them, but I didn't know where they kept their supplies and had to be constantly looking and asking for small items and papers. UGH. I was so glad when my relief showed up at 7pm. I went back to get my handbag from my locker on 5 Main and the secretary asked me if I could stay and help her get caught up. I guess it had been crazy even after I left, and the rack of orders was overflowing again. But I'd had enough for one day, and that is where the headache began- all I wanted to do was go home.
Well, today is Flag Day.
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
JUNE 14 FLAG DAY
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Francis Scott Key
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
WORK WORK WORK
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. "
John 1:1-4
We worked hard yesterday. There is definitely evidence of it. The front of the house looks a bit different with the flower beds refurbished, the weeds gone, and new flowers in their places.
The lawn is mowed and the picnic table is now renewed with a coat of deck sealant.
My day started off with cleaning up the kitchen and washing both that floor and the bathroom floor, and just general tidying up. Then I started in my bedroom. It took hours upon hours to dismantle the big bed. I had to have help removing the mattress and the headboard, and then the rest came apart fairly easily. Charlie took the headboard to work on making a bookcase. I had the same idea, but with the 2x12s that were the frame of the bed. John took the plywood framework to redo the bed of the cart outside. The doors from the pedestal I saved for Charlie. I think he'll maybe be able to use them.
There is a lot of dust where the bed stood.. I'll be getting to that today hopefully if the hospital will let me be on call instead of actively at work. I made myself a "nest" on the floor and that is where I slept last night. It wasn't too bad- more like camping out than anything, but I don't want to do this too many days. It's hard on my back and getting on my feet is somewhat frightful. After the cleaning is done, I'll be looking at painting. I'm not sure I want a white color this time. My bedroom hasn't been painted since the first coats of paint were applied when we built this house many years ago.
Lots to do here. It's almost too much for one body, but I have determination (one of my best traits sometimes). Things are changing.
Today John left for work at 3am, Wendell at 6am, and Mandy will be leaving around 8am. I am scheduled 11am-7:30pm- the odd shift, but may be asked to stay home since that shift is for the extra secretary in case we get really busy. I'd be happy for the extra time off here.
It looks like the day will be beautiful again. I don't mind the coolness at all.
JJ stopped by last evening for a short visit and took my laundry and extra laundry with her to do at her house. She is such a blessing to me. I can't carry the bags to the laundromat, and the water is too bad here to try to go down to the basement to wash.. besides, the washer has been refusing to spin the clothes to the point one can use the dryer.. and there is another problem. Well, the answer has been weekly visits to the laundromat until JJ offered to help me. Priceless!
God has really been blessing us in so many ways.
Remember us with prayer, please. For health, stamina, and trusting in Him for all things.
And for hearts that turn to Him daily.
Have a beautiful day, fellow bloggers and all who read here daily.
John 1:1-4
We worked hard yesterday. There is definitely evidence of it. The front of the house looks a bit different with the flower beds refurbished, the weeds gone, and new flowers in their places.
The lawn is mowed and the picnic table is now renewed with a coat of deck sealant.
My day started off with cleaning up the kitchen and washing both that floor and the bathroom floor, and just general tidying up. Then I started in my bedroom. It took hours upon hours to dismantle the big bed. I had to have help removing the mattress and the headboard, and then the rest came apart fairly easily. Charlie took the headboard to work on making a bookcase. I had the same idea, but with the 2x12s that were the frame of the bed. John took the plywood framework to redo the bed of the cart outside. The doors from the pedestal I saved for Charlie. I think he'll maybe be able to use them.
There is a lot of dust where the bed stood.. I'll be getting to that today hopefully if the hospital will let me be on call instead of actively at work. I made myself a "nest" on the floor and that is where I slept last night. It wasn't too bad- more like camping out than anything, but I don't want to do this too many days. It's hard on my back and getting on my feet is somewhat frightful. After the cleaning is done, I'll be looking at painting. I'm not sure I want a white color this time. My bedroom hasn't been painted since the first coats of paint were applied when we built this house many years ago.
Lots to do here. It's almost too much for one body, but I have determination (one of my best traits sometimes). Things are changing.
Today John left for work at 3am, Wendell at 6am, and Mandy will be leaving around 8am. I am scheduled 11am-7:30pm- the odd shift, but may be asked to stay home since that shift is for the extra secretary in case we get really busy. I'd be happy for the extra time off here.
It looks like the day will be beautiful again. I don't mind the coolness at all.
JJ stopped by last evening for a short visit and took my laundry and extra laundry with her to do at her house. She is such a blessing to me. I can't carry the bags to the laundromat, and the water is too bad here to try to go down to the basement to wash.. besides, the washer has been refusing to spin the clothes to the point one can use the dryer.. and there is another problem. Well, the answer has been weekly visits to the laundromat until JJ offered to help me. Priceless!
God has really been blessing us in so many ways.
Remember us with prayer, please. For health, stamina, and trusting in Him for all things.
And for hearts that turn to Him daily.
Have a beautiful day, fellow bloggers and all who read here daily.
Monday, June 12, 2006
WEB SITE COUNTER
Shortly after I started blogging, I decided to put a web site counter on it. Today it has reached 2900 !!! I am amazed at the number of times my site has been accessed. It works out to approximately 40 hits a day! Mind boggling...
LOVE
" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." I Corinthians 13:4-7
Good morning Bloggers. It is to be cool and beautiful again today with a small chance of rain.
How grand. How was YOUR weekend?
I worked for 12 hours yesterday. I haven't done that for some time, but found that after the first 4 hours I longed to go home. I could have easily gone, we weren't that busy. But I remembered the tires for Wendell's car and asked God for the strength and stamina I needed and finished my 12 hours without any more hesitation. It's done and I'm no worse for wear.
In fact, I went to bed at 1am and woke up at 6am ready to start my day.
Wendell has gone to work and Mandy and John both will be working the daylight shift this week leaving me time by myself. I plan a lot of cleaning- we seem to get so far behind inside the house on weekends that I work. I get absolutely nothing done. Mandy and John have been planting flowers and have a lot to go yet. I love flowers but haven't been able to plant them for so very long. John has the grass mowed, but there is much to do yet.
I haven't seen my little Butler grandchildren for several weeks now and seem to be missing them. Their schedule is so busy much of the time. Perhaps we will be able to get together soon? I have brownies to make.. and several boxes of craft supplies from my friend Sandi.. I'm sure we can find something fun to do.. and take some pictures too!
Slow news day here from our house.. not much to blog.
Remember us prayerfully. Love one another.
Good morning Bloggers. It is to be cool and beautiful again today with a small chance of rain.
How grand. How was YOUR weekend?
I worked for 12 hours yesterday. I haven't done that for some time, but found that after the first 4 hours I longed to go home. I could have easily gone, we weren't that busy. But I remembered the tires for Wendell's car and asked God for the strength and stamina I needed and finished my 12 hours without any more hesitation. It's done and I'm no worse for wear.
In fact, I went to bed at 1am and woke up at 6am ready to start my day.
Wendell has gone to work and Mandy and John both will be working the daylight shift this week leaving me time by myself. I plan a lot of cleaning- we seem to get so far behind inside the house on weekends that I work. I get absolutely nothing done. Mandy and John have been planting flowers and have a lot to go yet. I love flowers but haven't been able to plant them for so very long. John has the grass mowed, but there is much to do yet.
I haven't seen my little Butler grandchildren for several weeks now and seem to be missing them. Their schedule is so busy much of the time. Perhaps we will be able to get together soon? I have brownies to make.. and several boxes of craft supplies from my friend Sandi.. I'm sure we can find something fun to do.. and take some pictures too!
Slow news day here from our house.. not much to blog.
Remember us prayerfully. Love one another.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
GOD IS IN CONTROL
"For the kingdom is the LORD'S; and He is the ruler over the nations." Psalm 22:28
In the last few years it seems like there has been an outpouring of Satanic practices in the world.. as if Satan himself has been unleashed upon us. I try to avoid the headlines, but they are ever present around me. It would appear that evil is triumphing. Scripture says not. The Lord is on His throne and He is totally in control over ALL nations. I take my hope and trust in the future from that. I believe it with all my heart and God will deliver us.
Today is the Sabbath. I will be gainfully employed for 12 hours today. Unusual for me, but I am hoping that the day will go quickly and smoothly. The overtime I earn today will buy badly needed tires for Wendell's car. He drives about 90 miles a day to work and home and needs good tires for his safety.
Yesterday John rolled the big tractor tire out to the end of the driveway and set the big flat stone in it that has our house number chisled into it. Mandy and he will plant flowers in and around the tire. It should be pretty. It is also functional. We have needed some kind of marking for our house for a long time, and the township requires it, so they will be happy too.
On to breakfast. I have to leave soon and will need some fortification for the day.
Pray for us please. Uphold us yet.
In the last few years it seems like there has been an outpouring of Satanic practices in the world.. as if Satan himself has been unleashed upon us. I try to avoid the headlines, but they are ever present around me. It would appear that evil is triumphing. Scripture says not. The Lord is on His throne and He is totally in control over ALL nations. I take my hope and trust in the future from that. I believe it with all my heart and God will deliver us.
Today is the Sabbath. I will be gainfully employed for 12 hours today. Unusual for me, but I am hoping that the day will go quickly and smoothly. The overtime I earn today will buy badly needed tires for Wendell's car. He drives about 90 miles a day to work and home and needs good tires for his safety.
Yesterday John rolled the big tractor tire out to the end of the driveway and set the big flat stone in it that has our house number chisled into it. Mandy and he will plant flowers in and around the tire. It should be pretty. It is also functional. We have needed some kind of marking for our house for a long time, and the township requires it, so they will be happy too.
On to breakfast. I have to leave soon and will need some fortification for the day.
Pray for us please. Uphold us yet.
Friday, June 09, 2006
SORT OF LIKE A DANCE
"Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you." Psalm 143:8
Morning is my favorite time to pray when my mind is clear from a good night's rest. It gives me a chance to look to the day and plan easily what is to be done. Most of my infamous lists are done at that time. God leads, I try to follow.. sort of like a dance.
Today I'm gainfully employed again at the hospital.. and the weekend too. I'm praying for a calm one, we'll see.
Not much happening at the moment- gotta get moving.
Pray for us as we pray for you.
Morning is my favorite time to pray when my mind is clear from a good night's rest. It gives me a chance to look to the day and plan easily what is to be done. Most of my infamous lists are done at that time. God leads, I try to follow.. sort of like a dance.
Today I'm gainfully employed again at the hospital.. and the weekend too. I'm praying for a calm one, we'll see.
Not much happening at the moment- gotta get moving.
Pray for us as we pray for you.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
PRAYER
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. " James 5:16
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
A DAY OF GOOD NEWS
Yesterday was so uplifting hearing all the good news about our son-in-laws and their new jobs. God is faithful and has answered prayers on their behalf.
We also got news this week from the state. The fiscal year ends July 1, and the letter says that Wendell may be layed off at that time. That's MAY be layed off, not for sure. It's okay. There is still unemployment remaining for him, and we are looking into early retirement this fall for him. Health is a real issue, and though he's working on a limited scale, he is still healing from his surgery, and this may be a blessing for him. We are not discouraged, but put all our trust in God who continues to supply all of our needs. It's really quite awesome.
Uphold us in prayer.. thank the Lord for his richly blessing our family in all ways.
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