Rhonda C

ReTooled & ReFueled - Essential Christian Life Skills Seminar

2011-11-30T16:25:00.001-06:00

With ReTooled and ReFueled you'll learn real solutions to real-life struggles, how to overcome the pettiness that holds us back, refreshing, optimistic, informative, and challenging strategies and a bucket-load of great 'take-aways' for immediate improvement! ReTooled & ReFueled is a profoundly Biblical seminar featuring 5 Powerful Sessions. This positive, up-beat approach is a welcome breath of fresh air for teens and adults who are burdened and broken by the stresses of life.

Learning Something Old But New

2011-08-23T10:59:00.001-05:00

Steve Diggs writes an interesting article. Enjoy!

God Thru The Arts.com

2011-08-22T13:24:00.002-05:00

Clutter Clues

2011-08-15T13:46:00.002-05:00

I accumulate clutter, particularly paper clutter; it seems to be the nature of information gathering. Whether I'm gone a few days and come home to a stack of paper and the decisions of which to keep, deal with, file away or discard, the process can feel overwhelming, to the point that I start little piles in several places. When I realize that my 'coping' is adding to the clutter, I gather all the piles and move them to the dining room to be 'dealt' with once and for all. It's the 'holding' table. Nothing is lost, it's just suspended in time, there, on the table, 'safe', but blatantly clutter:) Don't laugh, I see your desk:)

The amazing thing is that now the rest of the house feels calm, clutter is cleared away. Surfaces wait, revealed, ready to receive a dusting even, well maybe, they look pretty good actually, as they've been covered in CLUTTER:) Won't Bruce be surprised:)

Correction Needed

2011-07-16T11:07:00.000-05:00

Frankly, we appear to have gotten on to the 'Progressive' highway a while back, traveling in a direction we did not realize, headed for a destination we did not understand or fathom. What bathroom we stop at, compromising along the bi-partisanship way, does not negate the fact that WE are on the WRONG HiGHWAY!!!!!!

2011-03-19T09:01:00.002-05:00

Hey, Friends. I would personally love it if you could help the family of Gary Miller by checking out this link http://www.acappella.org/vocalunion/garymillerproject/index.html and contributing to it if you are able. Gary was the sole income earner for his family and his sudden passing has left his family in a quite a financial bind. Your contribution will help cover some of the immediate financial needs his wife, Debbie, is facing. Also, the music you’ll receive from this offer will truly bless your life. I know it did mine! Thanks and Shalom!

Morning Musings

2010-06-09T10:53:00.001-05:00

Morning Musings

I can't help but wonder how long my cat, P, will be able to resist the temptation to jump off the back deck to reach the grass growing below. She has been out here with me for about an hour now and the other cat, B, has been content to now retreat into the coolness of the indoors. But P is pacing the window screen which I have perched in front of the stairway, and she is giving particular attention to the ground below as she pokes her head in between the railing posts. Again she retreats and lays out in a sprawl on the beams of the deck floor, in the shade. You can always rely on her to find the first sunbeams hitting the deck, but now it is the cool of the shade in which she rests, and I feel the warmth of the sunbeam as it falls across my neck and hands at the mini keyboard before me, typing these words of thought.

It is a grand morning and we have thoroughly enjoyed the morning sounds and breezes. The mature jasmine resting in the corner is sharing such glorious fragrance this morning that it is a heady experience. Birds are chirping away and a bee is buzzing just outside the railing that it is a wonder that P is so calm now. There is a small fountain gently coaxing water down the frog and lily pad theme and it masks other sounds which are surely in the distance, as we are not all that far from the interstate and it is abuzz with activity on this fine morning in Alabama. There is just enough breeze for the chimes are singing their own cheery tune and one can watch but for an instance to know that there is a lot of life happening in the out of doors today.

I hear the sounds of trucks moving about and so surely there is some building and moving of things around; all the normal sounds of today and there is comfort in that.

If one were to read the papers today; one would find a lot of turmoil, some self inflicted and some at the hand of outside forces. The oil spill in the gulf is still making the news but not on the front page of the Wall Street Journal today. It has been fifty plus long days already and the major headline for most of it, as it well should be. I wonder if people will come away more informed about oil and how we get it into our homes and cars and such, or if after the sensation of this episode eases, we continue the path of those generally uninformed about how things work in this modern world and economy of ours? I wonder.

I hope to dig out a bit of compost today and plant the two remaining tomato seedlings from the greenhouse as well as a couple more pepper plants. It would surely be nice to have all the tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash that I can stand to eat, share and preserve as possible this summer; perhaps the insects will cooperate with me and share this time. There is a hay bale garden that seems to be coming along pretty nicely out back now so we'll see how well this does. It seems that we don't quite have enough hours of sunlight in any one place to really thrive in this gardening sense but we keep giving it a try and I've done some selective pruning of limbs in the sky so that maybe there will be enough. One can hope.

That was quite the jolt to look up and see that I had inadvertently hit the + and enlarged the text to 195% on the screen, how did that happen:)

The wind seems to have picked up as it is rustling the trees in the woods and leaves are all a flutter. I feel a deep breath coming and find that it relaxes me and P; as she does a roll over onto her side, enjoying the moment; good girl.

I guess B is content to be inside by himself as he is not tapping on the door to return to the deck with us; content in his own company for now. We could all learn something about that from him. B is the one who will go off and sleep for hours and then reappear and crawl up into my lap for for stroke time. He is a truly loving cat; and will insist on this face time, even if I'm doing something else, typing on a computer perhaps:) He is always waiting for his opportunity though and has pushed through onto the keyboard in my lap when necessary as if to say, "enough about that" for now:)

I enjoyed a good face book chat with an old friend, Jayne, this morning and marvel at the distances of time and space that we now breach with just the type of a keyboard and moments online; all of which used not to be. For all the criticisms of the non personal nature of the internet, I find it to be quite the contrary, allowing contact with people who I would never be able to see and communicate with any other way; impaired by time, finances, and the nature of modern life. It would be nice to just travel around visiting with old friends, family and acquaintances all the time, but who can do that really, and so we have face book, and for that I am thankful; just a tool for sure, but one that is useful.

I've finished reading a few more words by Isaiah and will continue it for several more days. Has anything really changed since he penned these words from God, I think not. He has surely done marvelous things and if you were close enough this morning, you would have heard me singing this song, as it came to mind as I read. I think God is smiling at me.

The quiet has now been joined by the sound of a mower next door and so it feels a little hotter out here now. Interesting isn't it, how noise changes other things, but just wanted to take the time to jot down some thoughts this morning as they come and go. I wonder what more will come today and it would be good for me to make it to the grocery and restock the pantry, as I polish off a peach from the refrigerator. There is one more in there but maybe there is some nice fresh produce waiting for me at the market today. Much to do and it is good; breathe deep:)

Ah, now P has moved over onto my feet and is rolling around as if to thank me for the morning, nice:)

Nashville Flood - What you didn't see!

2010-05-11T11:46:00.000-05:00

Video on Lyme Disease - very informative, please watch-really, please watch.

2010-03-24T11:30:00.002-05:00

Concert For The Kids - November 21 - Oxford, AL

2009-11-06T08:49:00.002-06:00

Join us at this event, it'll be fun, and supports a good cause.

His Own Words

2009-08-04T12:00:00.001-05:00

Sarah Palin - July 26, 2009

2009-07-27T10:32:00.000-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

J.C. Watts Interview: this is a wise man

2009-05-19T10:46:00.000-05:00

MOMS - THE Party of No

2009-05-08T14:51:00.001-05:00

Sunday is Mothers Day, an annual day of honor and celebration for Moms. If you’re fortunate enough to have a Mom who is still living; spend time in her presence or on the phone with her, send her a card, do something nice for her; tell her you love her; let her know you recognize she has been given a God assigned role and she works hard at being Mom. She is very important to your life and well being. Say a prayer of thankfulness for your Mom. She loves you. She is a blessing; she counts, count her.

Moms wear many hats; some fit better than others. Moms are compassionate, caring and connected to feelings. Moms just ‘know’ when you’re in trouble or headed that way. They know the signs. Moms also say no, regularly. Moms mentor, teach and explain. Moms say no, regularly. Moms ask you if your friends wanted to jump off a bridge would you join them, just because ‘everyone’ else is doing it. Aggravating, yes; cliché, yes, but necessary. Moms say no, regularly. Sometimes it’s so sweet you don’t realize it was ‘a negatory’, but Moms say no, regularly. Sometimes it is discipline and privileges are taken away from you so that you will remember essential lessons. Moms say no, regularly.

Moms seek to protect your best interests. Moms want you to thrive and succeed, even though you question her definitions at times. Moms would love to be able to say yes dear, you can have anything you want, and suffer no consequences for your decisions. Moms don’t want you to get hurt, so Moms say no. All this so that one day you’ll know how to say no to yourself and to your children; when you don’t have the money to spend; you can’t afford to buy the fancy car; you can’t afford to pay the mortgage and living expenses on that big showy house; or you don’t have enough hours in the day to do all the things you want to do and still be a good Mom or Dad. Moms say no, regularly. Moms would rather you didn’t have to make all the mistakes they made in their life; so, Moms say no, regularly.

Moms are not perfect but Moms say no, regularly.

We live in a challenging political time. We hear people and parties criticized for wanting to talk about it, say ‘wait a minute’ or saying no way, no how. Do we hear ourselves? We have a whole ‘list’ of things we want to do, that others have kept us from doing, and now no one can stop us, so we are going to do whatever we want. We don’t have the money but are sure we can ‘take’ whatever money we need to pay for what we ‘want’ from someone else.

Moms call that stealing.

Everyone is doing it; this is the way that it’s done; don’t rain on our parade; we ‘will’ do what ‘we’ want and you can’t stop us. We will lie; we will cheat; we will say whatever we want about whomever we want, after all, it’s just the news, it’s just politics.

Make your Momma proud; BE the party of NO. Someone needs to be. Love you Mom!

Early tomatoes

2009-03-18T14:00:00.002-05:00

I'm a little late on this news as we ate our first tomato back on March 8th; had to pick a couple and take with me on a trip to Arkansas/Oklahoma and ripen on the counter.

Now we have abundance and are ripening between the counter and the greenhouse. It's a good thing:)

IRS Handle Census

2009-02-10T09:32:00.002-06:00

Rhonda is wondering why the US Census can't be handled by the IRS. Everyone file your tax forms and you count:)

It would create some jobs at the IRS and save a bunch of money over all.

Why not?

He Gave His Life by Vocal Union

2009-02-09T10:39:00.000-06:00

Video work by Ryan Smith

Wasteful spending needs to go.

2009-02-06T14:37:00.001-06:00

Interesting times.

2009-02-06T11:32:00.000-06:00

These are interesting times. Patience no longer seems to be a virtue.

Haste makes waste. I think we are witnessing this, in the actions of Washington, again this week.

Over the years our family has developed some rules for living. One of those rules is the one that deals with those product demonstration offers you get on the phone which require the presence of both my husband and myself. Those don't get scheduled at my house. My husband doesn't want to see and if you can't deal with me alone on it, I guess we just won't see your pitch. It makes those calls easy to deal with.

Another rule we have comes to those deals that are just good for 'today', right now. Let me clue you in. If you tell me I have to 'decide' right now, or I'm gonna lose this deal, my answer will be 'NO'. Any decision that depends on me being impulsive and not being given time to evaluate and research the proposal is going to automatically get a 'NO' answer. It's the 'RULE', a wise one I'll add, and has kept me from making some really poor decisions over the years. If a decision doesn't measure up to the scrutiny of a reasonable amount of 'time', it doesn't have a foundation based on wisdom.

Maybe you can see the benefit of having a rule such as this too. I hope so but you can decide for yourself.

List and Tree

2009-01-22T10:32:00.003-06:00

Today I made a list. It just seemed like time. I like having a list because there is a lot to do and most times more than six things. I know, the ideal list only has six things on it, but mine has more than six.

There is a certain satisfaction to being able to draw a line through things on the list. I suppose this is to solidify my belief that 'it all counts'. Yes, there are some things that are more important than others, nevertheless, they all have to get done sometime, and so 'they all count', because anything done is going to take up some moments of time. And time is a commodity that is to be redeemed.

I like the word redeemed. My minister has been talking about it for the past couple of Sundays. I think I will try and use it as much as possible this year. Hmm, maybe that was a resolution, we'll see.

One thing on my list today is the un-trimming of the tree. Yes, I am aware that I am running late on this task. I would normally have done this in the week immediately following Will's return to college but that ran a little later this year and it just wasn't 'time' yet. Today it is 'time'.

It has been an unusual season for us this year and probably adds to feeling that the tree needed to be up a while longer than 'normal'. While we are traditional in having a tree for the Christmas season, we haven't ever been traditional in when it needed to go up or come down. It is usually a group effort in that the tree is bigger now, with the tall ceilings, as is the box it is packed in. Bruce or Will are good about helping get it down here, put together and the lights hooked up to work properly. We found early on with this tree that I am apt to leave some of the lights un-lit and not even notice. Once plugged in, all I notice is how pretty it looks. This happens to be a nono when living with expert lighting fellas. This year Bruce did the honors.

As I reach for each ornament, I remember the time of it's purchase, gift or making. They are a bit like treasures as they are part of our family story, and dependable in that they are always ready to be re-hung and assisting in sparking the memories again. Not all of the ornaments will be wrapped and tucked back away in the attic. Some remain out and are placed around the house to keep a bit of the season close, particularly some of my angel ornaments, which I started receiving and giving a few years back with some good prayer partners in Kentucky. I hear that tradition continues on there as well as here. I think I may even hang a few angels from the dining room light this year just for a bit of whimsy as that has become my sewing room as well.

So now you know and on we go. Make it a good day.

Another See You Later

2009-01-08T09:02:00.001-06:00

Marcus M. Jones III

OXFORD — Funeral services for Mr. Marcus M. Jones, III, 67, will be at 3 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2009, at K.L. Brown Memory Chapel in Golden Springs with Dr. Roland P. Brown and Wayne Dunaway officiating. Entombment will follow at Forestlawn Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Friday from 1:30 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home. Mr. Jones passed away peacefully at his home in Oxford on January 6, 2009 surrounded by his family. Mr. Jones was born and raised in Calhoun County. He attended Jacksonville State University. He worked for the Alabama Highway Department and later retired from Anniston Army Depot after 34 years. For the last 10 years, he worked as a computer analyst for Robbins Gioia. He was a lifetime member of Ohatchee Church of Christ. For the last ten years, he had attended Golden Springs Baptist Church with his wife, Jean, and was active in the Fisherman's Sunday School Class. He was loved by many for his gentle and kind spirit. He will be dearly missed. Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus M. Jones Jr. and Vernice Calhoun Jones; a sister, Rebecca Jones Nunnelly; and his brother, Stanley Jones. Mr. Jones is survived by his wife, Jean Waldrop Jones; a daughter, Stacey Jones, of Gardendale; sons, Brett Jones and his daughter, Alexis, of Anniston, and Timothy Lucero, of Fort Bragg, N.C.; and blended family members Kelly Shrout and her husband and son, Mark and Garrett, of Huntsville.

Pallbearers will be Virgil Waldrop, Danny Nunnelly, Greg Calhoun, Jerry Calhoun, Jason Jones, and Ricky Jones. The family wishes to thank Melissa Matthews from New Beacon Hospice for the unwavering care she gave to Mr. Jones. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.klbrownmemorychapel.com

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests donations be made to the Alabama Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 361767, Birmingham, Ala. 35236 (www.alabamachild.com); G and P Ministries, P.O. Box 138, Ohatchee, Ala. 36271; or to ChildHaven, P.O. Box 2070, Cullman, Ala. 35056 (www.childhaven.com). K.L. Brown Memory Chapel, 620 Golden Springs Rd., Anniston, Ala. 36207 (256) 231-2334
Published in The Anniston Star on 1/7/2009

Aunt Martha

2009-01-04T17:44:00.003-06:00

Born in Owensboro, Kentucky on Feb. 22, 1930
Departed on Jan. 2, 2009 and resided in Owensboro, KY.

As a kid I would tell my Aunt Martha that she looked like Elizabeth Taylor. I think she liked that. She made the best pecan pies. She will be missed..rc

Martha Duke Wilson, 78, of Owensboro, Kentucky died Friday, January 2, 2009, at her home. She was born on February 22, 1930 in Daviess County, Kentucky to the late Arch and Lottie Duke. She was a very active member of First Free Will Baptist Church, where she in the Ladies Auxiliary and women's Bible study group. She retired after 40 years of employment as bookkeeper for R.L. Wilson Masonry.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Lee Wilson; two sons, Richard (Connie) Wilson and Charlie (Sheliah) Wilson all of Owensboro; three daughters, Sharon Reeks (Mike Haven) of Owensboro, Darlene (Donnie) Taylor of Hanson, KY and Mary Jo (Butch) Davis of Owensboro; ten grandchildren, Charlotte (Jeff) Davis, Ricki Lee (Nicky) Chambers, Jenny (Terry) Koller, Kevin (Leslie) Wilson, Fonda Reeks, Dustin (Stephanie) Taylor, Don Charles (Julie) Taylor, Kelley (Alan) Russell, Khristina (Chad) Onstott and Kimberly (John) Hill and eighteen great grandchildren, Taylor & Madison Davis, Keign & Des'ire Chambers, Corey, Mary Kaitlyn and Alyssa Koller, Preston Wilson, Emily and Lauren Taylor, Zach, Seth & Cody Taylor, Savanna & Davis Russell, Laney Onstott and Kendra & Addison Hill.

Services are at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2009 at First Free Will Baptist Church in Owensboro. Burial will follow in Rosehill Cemetery in Owensboro. Visitation is from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday at James H. Davis Funeral Home and after 9:00 a.m. on Monday at First Free Will Baptist Church. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donation to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 723 Harvard Drive, Owensboro, KY 42301 or First Free Will Baptist Church, 4314 W 5th Street Road, Owensboro, KY 42301.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T08:44:00.002-06:00

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
-- Proverbs 21:30

Monday Morning

2008-12-29T09:32:00.003-06:00

I did not awaken early this morning but the cats were determined to get me up to fill their food dishes. They succeeded.

The coffee is brewed. It is a new pot, a Cuisenart, probably not spelled correctly. It is capable of grinding the beans and making the coffee in one action, all together. Interesting. But today I just scooped six portions of already ground coffee into the filter and pressed the button. Of course, the grinder started right up so I had to stop it all, push the no grind, and then press the ON/GO button. Interesting. My coffee is a bit weak compared to the brew that my husband has been making for us since Christmas. Interesting. I need to add more grounds.

The dryer is working hard in the laundry room. One load in and another finishing up in the washer. A good portion of laundry is washed, dryed, folded and put away on Mondays, if not all. I add dryer sheets to the magnetic dry erase board now residing on my refrigerator door, another holiday gift to me from my husband. It is interesting those things that make life run a bit more efficiently.

The rugs are shaken and draped over the deck railing to get a bit of air, while I sweep the kitchen and laundry room floors. This could be done twice a day, but it isn't. We have a couple of indoor cats and with that comes the litter box. I am not complaining. I am thankful for a good litter box and odor absorbing litter, always waiting to be purchased on the shelf at Wal-Mart.

I used a broom on the floor this morning, rather than the semi-new swivel sweeper contraction that I had ordered from QVC a while back. Sometimes you just need a broom and today is it. It a quiet process and if I were smart, I'd mop it now. But usually I reserve that activity for after I vacumn the bare floors, an even more exact cleaning, if there is even such a thing.

I notice as I walk through the living room that the surfaces are dusty. It is particularly noticable as I have opened the front door, allowing in the suns warmth and light. I wonder if the couch is dirty and pop the arm with my hand to see dust scatter everywhere. Yep, it's dirty. I should drag out the Kirby and tackle the surfaces today, but I don't know if I will or not. We'll see. After all, the sun is shining and it might be the perfect day for some outside leaf cleanup, and Will and Bruce are both home.

There have been times in life when I would find this list of activities a bore and possibly even unimportant, but now is not that time. I have learned better. It is an illusion to think that life if a canvas of everchanging tasks, each one more interesting than the first. In reality, we do many things over and over again because they continually need to be done. We get them clean but for a moment and then it's time to do again, depending on the level of clean you require to be satisfied. That is a varying measure to be sure. The list of such is endless really and that in itself is proof that we look at it wrong to come to that conclusion. There is bill paying, grocery buying, laundry, cleaning, emptying the trash, cooking, maintenance on any and everything mechanical, to name just a few. It all counts. A novel statement but remember it. It is important.

I'm glad that God is gracious enough to provide me with a continual cleaning of my sins. Just about the time I get cleaned up, there's another mess in the making. He knew there would be and so, there is my Messiah. The good news is that we get to share Him. Now 'that' is satisfaction in a job well done. Thank you God. I must be about the Fathers' business now.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2008-12-24T21:30:00.001-06:00

Confessions of a pack rat

2008-12-19T12:11:00.000-06:00

I confess. I am a pack rat. It is official. I inherited the gene, from my Dad, best I can tell.

It started innocently enough with the tissue paper, gift sacks, store sacks, box, bow & assorted ribbons and such like. Let us not forget to acknowledge all of those clear plastic zipper bags that linens and such come in these days, yes, I saved those too. Well, you know, they come in handy sometimes, something to put 'stuff' in. :)

But, it is 'out of hand'. Most things like this do get out of hand eventually, when you 'store up' things.

I just opened the chifferobe doors and won't tell you how much of this stuff is packed into it and falling out of it. Time to repent, recycle and purge it. Yep, I confess.

Acappella - Lift Every Voice

2008-12-04T23:58:00.000-06:00

Hi Daddy!

2008-11-19T11:40:00.002-06:00

As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.

Silence

2008-11-17T13:22:00.002-06:00

Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

Veteran's Day Montage - American Anthem - Norah Jones

2008-11-16T19:01:00.000-06:00

All Tangled Up

2008-11-13T14:14:00.001-06:00

When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knots.

Appeasement

2008-11-11T15:55:00.000-06:00

Lauding the fight of Finland, Churchill criticized the neutral countries.

"Each one hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, that the crocodile will eat him last."

The reaction in Norway, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland and Belgium was often hostile. Criticism, however, did not dissuade him.

"Criticism in a body politic is like pain in a human body. It is not pleasant, but where would the body be without it."...Winston Churchill

American Red Cross

2008-11-06T12:48:00.003-06:00

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster.

The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Heartlight.com

2008-11-05T10:27:00.000-06:00

VERSE:
[In response to John the Baptist's question as to whether Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus said to tell him] "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."
-- Matthew 11:5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+11:5

THOUGHT:
The clear sign of the Messiah's presence was a time of true blessedness for all who know and follow him. Just think how glorious it will be and all the blessings we will share when he comes again!

PRAYER:
Lord God Almighty, I praise you for the time of blessing that accompanied Jesus' first coming to earth. I rejoice looking forward to his return and to the glorious blessings that await me and my brothers and sisters in Christ when our Savior returns. In anticipation of that Day, I thank you in Jesus' name. Amen.

Sarah Palin Votes in Alaska

2008-11-04T12:13:00.004-06:00

Such an honor...I appreciate a free and fair election...Sarah Palin

Today We VOTE!

2008-11-04T07:32:00.000-06:00

Vote Values on Nov.4th

2008-10-29T15:58:00.000-05:00

SPREADING THE WEALTH

2008-10-21T10:11:00.015-05:00

It is disturbing that citizens are embracing the notion of Wealth Redistribution in this grand democracy of America, where so many have bled and died to protect our freedoms of life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness.

Have we indeed come to the turning point where the promise of tax cuts to 95% of middle class/lower class tax payers, (class warfare terms that I find appalling; and totally different from the concepts of lower, middle, & upper income), and a penalizing of those who have succeeded in building wealth, building small businesses and building the job base; to pay even more taxes (already #2 in taxes paid in the world); to 'Spread the Wealth?'

So the proposal to penalize some, the top 5%, (the rich, the upper income, 'those "rich" people',) who already pay a disproportionate amount in taxes, the Obama version of government takes more of the 5%'s hard earned money and it becomes Obama money to dole out to others, whoever is deemed deserving and willing to relinquish their 'votes' even those who haven't paid any taxes, thereby 'Spreading the Wealth.'

Hmm, sounds like Socialism, doesn't it?

And all it costs you is your 'VOTE' for Obama. I guess 95% is the magic number to equal the number of VOTES that Obama needs to win the Presidential election. So if 95% of the people get a tax break, then they trade in 'their' VOTE, 'their' principles, 'their' ideology, to GET 'their' tax cut.

Enough tax cuts equal enough Votes.

I wonder what the tax cut actually is? How much do you put in your pocket at the end of the day? How much am I willing to 'sell' my Vote for? Are we talking about $100, $500, $1000, $5000, $10,000 to sell out?

And if that amount is not enough we'll throw in free health insurance and $4000 free money to send your kids to college (you do know you can't go to college for $4000 don't you? And by the way, you'll agree to a two year exchange of your time for that money working with the peace corp. or some other government deemed appropriate and authorized organization). Is the pot of gold big enough yet?

Big enough to overlook the level of inexperience in this candidate Obama? To overlook that in all his short career of politics, he hasn't 'actually' produced much? To overlook that he might just not be too 'work brittle.' To overlook that he's spent more time campaigning than 'actually' doing his job as a Junior Senator? (Someone actually said that 'running his campaign' qualifies him to be President of the United States of America, huh?) To overlook his friends on the radical fringe? To overlook his voting record, such that it is, 'mostly just present', as being extremely 'liberal' i.e., there is no such thing as a government that is 'too big.' To overlook his close ties to ACORN? To overlook his long list of unidentified campaign contributors?

So much to 'overlook', 'sell', 'trade-in' for our 'VOTE'. And yes, we are ONLY supposed to get 'ONE' vote.

Is this the price that we 'sell' our liberty for? Seems kind of cheap, considering the price that many have made with their very lives to defend that liberty for us, doesn't it?

And is it just our VOTE we are selling? Perhaps we'll find that we have sold our 'voice' in this exchange as well. Perhaps an unintended consequence of 'naming' our price, we lose our voice and the right to 'ask' the hard questions. Perhaps we'll find ourselves a part of a class system where the 'elite' rule us. We've been 'paid off' and 'paid for', so "sit down and be quiet" till we're needed. Our part to play is during elections when our 'VOTE' is needed to continue the reign of power, and we get our next round of 'pay offs.'

Would 75% be the magic number if it produced ENOUGH votes to win the election? I guess 95% is the calculated number needed to sway the number of votes needed? And that's all based on 'believing' that the promise is actually delivered, by a candidate with 'NO', repeat, 'NO' record of cutting anyone's taxes, a promise he has broken before.

Is this the RIGHT lie, to the RIGHT number of people, at the RIGHT time, to win an election for Barack Hussein Obama and the Democrat Party?

I hope not.

President of the United States - a review from Encarta

2008-10-09T11:45:00.007-05:00

INTRODUCTION

President of the United States, chief executive officer of the federal government, leader of the executive branch, and the commander in chief of the armed forces. The president has the power to make treaties with other nations, with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate. The president also appoints, with Senate consent, diplomatic representatives, Supreme Court judges, and many other officials.

The president and vice president are the only government officials in the United States elected by and representing the entire nation. Although the president shares power with Congress and the judiciary, he or she is the most powerful and important officeholder in the country. The president has no vote in Congress but is the single largest source of legislative proposals that become law. As the principal foreign policy maker, the president of the United States has become the world’s most important leader in international affairs.

QUALIFICATIONS & SALARY

The Constitution requires presidents to be natural-born citizens of the United States who are at least 35 years of age and have resided in the United States for 14 years. As a tacit statement of America’s commitment to democracy and equal opportunity, the Constitution gave any free white male citizen of the country the opportunity to become president.

All males gained the right to become president in 1870 when the 15th Amendment to the Constitution gave African Americans the right to vote.

Women were excluded from running for the office until 1920, when the 19th Amendment to the Constitution gave them the right to vote.

The Constitution specifies that presidents receive compensation (salary and benefits) for their work, and Congress sets the specific amount. The salary of presidents cannot be increased or diminished during their term of office. Nor can the president receive additional payments from the federal government or any of the states while in office. The Constitution also disallows presidents and other federal officials from receiving any title of nobility, gift, payment, or official position from a king, prince, or foreign state. All gifts to a president from foreign governments belong to the people of the United States rather than the president.

Congress establishes presidential salaries. Originally, the president earned $25,000, and this was doubled to $50,000 in 1873. In 1907 Congress added an annual $25,000 stipend for expenses connected with the office. The president’s salary increased to $75,000 in 1909 and went up again to $100,000 in 1949. At that time the expense allowance also increased to $90,000. In 1969 the salary advanced to $200,000, with $100,000 budgeted for travel and another $50,000 for expenses. In 2001 the salary increased to $400,000 plus $50,000 for expenses. Because the president’s official duties incur far more expenses than the expense budget can cover, agencies of the federal government often assume responsibility for presidential events. The Department of Defense, for example, pays the cost of having a military band perform at White House social functions and ceremonies.

For most of America’s history, retired presidents did not receive a pension. In 1958 Congress passed the Former Presidents Act, which gave retired presidents a pension of $25,000 per year, an office, and a staff. Congress has increased the pension several times. Former presidents now receive a pension that is based on the annual salary of a cabinet secretary, which was $161,200 in 2001. Former presidents have historically been given a generous allowance for office and staff. Beginning with Democrat Bill Clinton, presidents (or their surviving widows or widowers) will receive funds for an office and staff for four and one-half years after they leave office.

More to come from Encarta.

$300 Stimulus Payment - October 15th Deadline

2008-10-09T09:52:00.005-05:00

Many have not filed for the stimulus payment offered by the US Government this year. You have until October 15th to file your taxes and claim it.

Dan Boone, an IRS media specialist, said that people who usually do not file a tax return, HAVE to file a return to qualify for the payment. No obligations, no hassles and, honestly, no scam involved, but you have to file a return.

In Alabama, there are 86,000 people eligible who collect Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits that have not filed, according to the IRS. The payment will NOT affect their government benefits, which, Boone said, perhaps might be a misconception.

Boone said people who filed an extension have to file their taxes by Oct. 15. He said about 120,000 in Alabama filed for the extension. He said they would likely be eligible for a stimulus payment.

As of Aug. 29, the IRS had issued $93 billion in economic stimulus payments to 114.8 million people and families.

Boone said in talking to people who receive Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits, some have the misconception that because their benefits come automatically through direct deposit they do not have to do anything to get a stimulus payment.

He said a tax return has to be filed to receive a stimulus payment.

He said others who may not have filed a tax return for several years think that if they file a return for the stimulus package they will be “back on the rolls” and have to file a return every year.

Boone said that also is not correct. He said they will not have to file a return in the future, assuming their income stays below the filing levels.

“This is a one-time thing to get this payment,” Boone said. “We’re definitely encouraging people to ask their elderly friends or relatives, ‘Have you filed for your stimulus payment yet?’”

He said only a few lines of the 1040A form have to be filled out to qualify for the stimulus payment and said an example is at IRS.gov.

He said two mailings were sent out, one in April and another in July, and that had all the necessary information.

Boone said information is available on the IRS Web site and that several vendors also offer free e-filing.

This information is taken from an article in the Gadsden Times:
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20081009/NEWS/810080273/1016/NEWS&tc=email_newsletter

700 Billion is now 850 Billion - smell that bacon fry.

2008-10-02T10:51:00.003-05:00

What began as a 3 page plan to rescue the U.S. Financial system for 700 Billion or so dollars went to 150 pages in the House of Representatives, was defeated, and was revised by the Senate on 400 pages for 850 Billion, that's Eight Hundred Fifty Billion Dollars and 400 pages of red tape, and under cooked pork barrel spending.

Now we know why Paulson wanted it quick. Given enough time, Congress will fry bacon with a bill, EVERY time. Yep, sounds broke.

1984 - 16% fixed rate 20 year mortgage

2008-09-25T10:04:00.001-05:00

1984 - 16% fixed rate 20 year mortgage - life lessons

more later.

Follow His Lead by Diane Anderson

2008-09-20T22:37:00.002-05:00

Tribute to James Anderson:

If you would have asked my father-in-law to sum up his life, he likely would have told you it was a simple one. He lived most of his 78 years in the small town of his birth. Although retired from his profession as a carpenter, he enjoyed going daily to his son's shop to work on smaller projects, many of which turned into gifts for his family. The family, which he was so proud of, includes his wife of 57 years, their 10 children, 26 grandchildren, 20 spouses and 19 great grandchildren.

In earlier years, he served his country in the army and for a time he shared his woodworking ability with students of three different colleges, teaching them the basics of the trade. These last years he held down the fort at Bert's Woodworks while the rest of the crew went out on the job. He faithfully answered the phone and took messages from those who stopped by. The shop became a local gathering spot for a group of men who came for coffee, goodies and an old fashioned gab session during break time.

What will I remember about Jim Anderson? His warm smile and tender heart. His humble spirit. His genuine interest in all who crossed his path. The love he had for his family, although not often spoken, was so evident. His devotion to God and the church were unparalleled. He was everyone's friend, and paid special attention to those who were alone in the world. He had a deep bass singing voice he loved to share. Although he was never a wealthy man, he was always able to provide for his family and was generous in sharing when he could. Joy radiated from his life, and he really enjoyed a good joke.

Did he live the perfect life? None of us can. The Bible, in Romans 3:23, tells us we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And yet Jim knew where to go when he did make a mistake. He personally knew our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who died on a cross to pay the price that would take away those sins. Somehow I think Jim knew the secret that, even in our mistakes, God takes the bad and turns it into good for His purposes. It reminds me of a favorite verse of mine, Romans 8:28, which assures us all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purposes.

Jim's sudden departure from this life doesn't seem like a good thing to those of us left behind. And yet I believe there is a greater good to be accomplished as we look back on the way he lived and strive to follow his lead. The footsteps he left have a familiar look to them. As we think back, we will remember another who was born in a small town, worked as both carpenter and teacher, was a friend to all and went about doing good. Jesus was His name. The example Jesus set is one Jim followed. In fact, if he were alive today, Jim could easily have joined the apostle Paul in saying “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1Corinthians 11:1)

Who are you patterning your life after? Perhaps you were blessed to know someone like Jim who left a good example to follow. If not, there is no need to worry. Simply find yourself a Bible and turn to the Gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. There you will read about the life and times of Jesus while He walked this earth. In studying the life of Jesus, you will also get a good taste of the kind of man Jim was. It was hard saying good-bye when God called him home, and yet we know it wasn't really “Good-bye” but instead “See you soon!” When you think about it, even many years are just a short span in the scope of eternity,. Until then, we will rest in knowing Jim is now part of the great cloud of witnesses referred to in Hebrews 12. They are surrounding us as we run with perseverance the race marked out for us. The chapter goes on to encourage us to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of faith. It was faith that brought Jim through his life on earth, and through faith we know we will one day see him again. Until then, we hold on to precious memories and do our best to follow his lead.

Good Policy

2008-09-18T12:48:00.001-05:00

Never take a 'no' from someone who doesn't have the authority to give you a 'yes'.

Sarah Palin is welcome!

2008-09-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

I like Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and she is welcome any time at my kitchen table. What an amazing personal story and I hope she does indeed 'break' that glass ceiling for women everywhere.

Sometimes we all want to wait around and see how everything 'shakes' out about a 'perceived' new face on the political scene. But she is a capable, competent American woman and I find myself optimistic about the possibilities of the benefits her perspective and perseverence can have on our country at a national level.

She certainly has made the conversation interesting and hopefully we'll see record numbers of Americans register and vote in November. We do all have the means to participate in this national conversation; VOTE.

Like I said, kitchen table, pot of coffee, and maybe even a bit of hot breakfast food if you give me a little notice:)

Blessed Indeed

Gilchrist, Texas photo

2008-09-15T13:01:00.001-05:00

David J. Phillip, pool via Reuters, took this photograph yesterday.

American Red Cross

2008-09-15T10:34:00.001-05:00

Help here; Help Now.

Gasoline - AL

2008-09-15T10:08:00.003-05:00

We bought gas on Friday for $3.99 a gallon in Oxford. That was several dimes more per gallon than the prices posted just one day previous. Bruce noticed on his drive home from work that people were behaving irratically and lines were forming at gas stations along his route. It had all the signs of a panic in the works.

Apparently the governor had issued a State of Emergency in Alabama due to the impact of damage in Texas and Louisianna that Hurricane Ike was going to have on gasoline flowing to consumers in Alabama, who's ranks have expanded as well, due to the evacuations taking place from Ike and Gustav. Alabamians are opening their arms to the evacuees but goods and services are being impacted.

We made the drive to Ohatchee for the church gathering yesterday and realized that many gas stations are out of gas in this area. We saw lots of bags over the pump handles and many signs no longer show a price. They are out of gas.

Now might be a good time to mention that we all need to conserve. Some supplies may need to be diverted from the midwest and northeast to help the states affected here in the south. With search and rescue in full swing; widespread damage coming to light; relief agencies on the move to assist; and the cleanup and rebuilding lining up; we are all in this together.

Easy Money

2008-09-15T08:27:00.003-05:00

When the monies too easy, the money ain't right...Bill Hemmer - Fox news 9/15/08

Remember - Reflect - Renew

2008-09-11T10:39:00.014-05:00

September 11, 2001

A touching video: http://www.pentagonmemorial.net/home.aspx

Ann Landers Quote

2008-09-09T12:44:00.002-05:00

One out of four people in this country is mentally unbalanced. Think of your three closes friends; if they seem OK, then you're the one...Ann Landers

Yes, I know there are five in the picture:) I liked the picture..rc

Thought for the day

2008-09-05T14:19:00.000-05:00

Things get done by those who 'do'.

Have a good day now:)

McCain/Palin

2008-09-04T09:49:00.003-05:00

It looks like Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is the real deal. How refreshing! She certainly knocked the ball out of the park last night for at the Republican National Convention. John McCain takes the stage tonight to offer his vision for America.

This election season sure seems to be shaping up to offer us more than we may have been expecting. Is it possible that more citizens will make the effort to educate themselves on the issues and show up to vote on November 4th?

I hope so and pray that wisdom will prevail.

Bravo McCain!

2008-08-30T11:25:00.001-05:00

What a difference a day can make. Way to go Sarah Palin! Bravo McCain!

A Shame

2008-08-29T11:04:00.003-05:00

Well, it's official. Hillary Clinton won't be the democratic vice presidential candidate. What does that say about Obama? I'm not exactly a Hillary fan on policy, but you 'have' to give her credit. It's a shame that Obama didn't.

Patient Waiting

2008-08-25T11:25:00.001-05:00

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
-- Romans 8:25

Thomas Jefferson

2008-08-13T16:24:00.001-05:00

"A government big enough to give you everything you want,

is strong enough to take everything you have."
-Thomas Jefferson

Summing It All Up

2008-08-11T10:42:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:8-9
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse...Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

2008 Presidential Election - Executive Summary

2008-08-07T08:51:00.003-05:00

I know that some of you don't like to read long drawn out missives...

so here's the Executive Summary.........

John McCain - 26 Years-Congress /22 yrs-Military

Barack Obama - 143 Days-Congress / 0 - Military

Summary Concluded!

3 Things

2008-07-31T15:53:00.000-05:00

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -

1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person -

1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose-

1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable -

1. Love
2. Family &Friends
3. Kindness

Three things in life that are never certain -

1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Three things that make a person -

1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

Three things that are truly constant - Father - Son - Holy Spirit

I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today; to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way. God's love is always with you, God's promises are true. And when you give God all your cares, you know God will see you through.

Pass this along to People you want God to Bless - I just did!

shared by my friend, Diane Anderson.

Tony Snow

2008-07-15T10:28:00.002-05:00

Tony Snow - 1955-2008
Former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow was only on the OC campus for a few hours but during that time he touched the lives of many. Snow spoke to a receptive audience at OC on November 29, 2007 in which he spoke openly of his faith in God and in the future of America. “Tony Snow was an inspirational person who demonstrated his love for his family and his nation throughout his career. He was a man of faith who fought his battle against cancer with courage and grace,” said OC President Dr. Mike O’Neal. Mr. Snow passed away on July 12 at the age of fifty-three. The OC community offers our condolences to the Snow’s wife, Jill, and their three children.

***
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 Snow Keynotes Enterprise Square Revitalization
Tony Snow, former White House Press Secretary, will help highlight Oklahoma Christian University’s effort to renovate Enterprise Square and breathe new life into its purpose to promote liberty and free enterprise. He will appear on the OC campus Thursday afternoon and will speak to approximately 1,500 students, faculty, staff and friends of the university. Snow is appearing as part of the Hatton W. Sumners Distinguished Speaker series.

A planned $6 million renovation will transform the former free enterprise education center into a 65,000 square foot facility that will serve as a conference center and home for the Academy of Leadership & Liberty, as well as provide much needed additional classroom and office space for the university’s burgeoning graduate and undergraduate business programs. The fundraising campaign, which includes $4 million in endowment for programs in leadership, liberty, and free enterprise, began last month and more than $1 million has been committed to date. OC president Mike O’Neal emphasized that the original purpose of the facility, to educate our citizens on the merits of free enterprise and principles of liberty, would be perpetuated.

Snow served as the White House Press Secretary for the George W. Bush Administration from May 2006 to September 2007. In 1991, he served as Director of Speechwriting and Deputy Assistant to the President for Media Affairs for President George H. W. Bush.

He has spent a quarter of a century in the news business. He’s worked in all three major media—print, radio and television. He started his career in 1979 as an editorial writer for The Greensboro Record in North Carolina and went on to write editorials for The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk. He ran the editorial pages in both The Daily Press of Newport News and The Washington Times. He’s written nationally syndicated columns for both The Detroit News and USA Today.

For seven years, he served as the host of FOX News Sunday. Most recently, he reached Americans all across our country as the host of The Tony Snow Show on FOX News Radio, and Weekend Live with Tony Snow on the FOX News Channel.

Tony Snow was born in Berea, Kentucky, on June 1, 1955. He was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where his father taught social studies and was an assistant principal at Princeton High School. His mother was a nurse who died of colon cancer in 1973 when he was 17 years old. After graduating from Princeton High School in Sharonville, Ohio, Snow obtained his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Davidson College in 1977. He taught physics and geography in Kenya, and was a substitute teacher in Cincinnati, teaching everything from calculus to art. He also worked as an advocate for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled in North Carolina.

In February 2005, Snow was diagnosed with colon cancer. After successful colon surgery, Snow began a course of chemotherapy treatment and returned to work at FOX News in April 2005. In March 2007, 10 months after becoming White House Press Secretary, Snow’s doctors discovered his cancer had returned. Vowing to fight the disease once again, he underwent surgery. In April 2007, Snow resumed his White House duties and began a second round of chemotherapy treatment, which he completed just prior to leaving the Bush Administration.

Snow is an avid musician. He plays the flute, saxophone and guitar, and belongs to a cover band, Beats Workin’.

He is married to Jill Ellen Walker. They have one son, two daughters, three dogs, a cat and three guinea pigs. They live in Virginia.

Uncle Edwin remembered

2008-07-08T10:18:00.003-05:00

Last night's dinner was a bit of a tribute to my Uncle Edwin, who passed on to his reward Sunday, crossing over Jordan, as my Dad likes to say. He was my Dad's uncle actually but we 'all' called him Uncle Edwin.

I cooked up a bit of brisket plus some green beans and potatoes. The first time I can recall eating brisket would have been at a family reunion out in Possum Kingdom Texas back in May of 2004. Uncle Edwin had cooked up the secret family recipe and it was mighty fine. He explained the seasoning and rubbing and cutting of the meat to get that texture and taste. It was good.

I'm afraid my version last night was the best that Sadlers Tender Split BBQ Brisket could do. It was an adequate substitute but suspect that I'll need to pull out the family recipe and give it a go at some point. My Dad has already been working on a version of brisket since 2004, serving it up at the 2006 gathering. It was mighty fine.

Here's to Uncle Edwin, good brisket, and all the tomatoes you can eat (another story for another day).

A twist of fate this July 2nd.

2008-07-05T14:42:00.003-05:00

July 2nd took a little turn as Bruce made an improper dismount from a ladder, broke the stew out of his wrist, hence swan neck break, making a visit to the Stringfellow Memorial Hospital ER where the staff took excellent care of him, met Dr. Stokes who performed surgery to make necessary repairs and installed an external fixation device that you see here in the photo. A night was spent in the hospital where more excellent care was given and then sent home to recover and rest, something that is hard to do in a hospital. That's the short version:)

In Search of Trust by Darrell Scott

2008-06-24T06:25:00.000-05:00

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.

They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:

'Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.

'The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.

'In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defen d the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.

I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question 'Why?'
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

'Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational
systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount o f gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

'As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your
own heart before casting the first stone!

My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!'

Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech.. Please send this out to everyone you can.

God Bless

Exactly The Right Words

2008-06-18T12:24:00.000-05:00

"A grandfather was walking through his yard when he heard his granddaughter repeating the alphabet in a tone of voice that sounded like a prayer. He asked her what she was doing. The little girl explained: 'I'm praying, but I can't think of exactly the right words, so I'm just saying all the letters, and God will put them together for me, because (God) knows what I'm thinking.'"

Susan Diamond-Montgomery, AL

God is wondrous!

2008-06-17T08:45:00.004-05:00

I get a daily dose message from Elice McNeely. They are usually short and to the point but they had been missing for several days and yesterday she caught up.

It is wondrous how God works this all out for our good, in his timing, as we have had an 'interesting' season here lately. Yes, that's code talk but I'll let you figure it out.

Anyway, let me share the six doses I received yesterday, in order of my receiving them, notice that they are not in the order that they were sent. Let me confess to you that I read the first two then started deleting them, thinking that I was receiving duplicates, an email snafu of sorts, plus, I was 'very' busy, but then realized that God was deliberately encouraging me through these messages, at a very important time, so I retrieved them. So, here they are:

10:56 am sent; received at 11:14 am

God sends trials not to impair us, but to improve us.

11:00 am sent: received at 11:16 am

God may conceal the purpose of His ways, but His ways are not without a purpose.

11:01 am sent: received at 11:55 am

God guides us...He leads us step by step, only when we look back do we realize that He was always there...leading us.

10:57 am sent: received at 11:58 am

To defeat Satan, surrender to Christ.

11:15 am sent: received at 12:01 pm

Our best friends draw us closer to Christ.

11:02 am sent: received at 12:03 pm

While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us.

I am blessed indeed!
Rhonda

A side note: as I was typing this today, Abbey the cat has snuggled up next to me on the sofa and is laying her cheek at my left elbow and is purring.

First Tomato of the Season

2008-06-12T08:24:00.002-05:00

My first ripe tomato of the season came from an unexpected place. Not from the big whiskey barrel planters I carefully set my best tomato transplants and cages in. No, from the small compost pile at the edge of my lawn. I had some scraggly looking transplants left over and a pile of grass clippings. As I recall, I just scooped out a hole in the grass clippings and stuck a couple of tomato plants in them and watered. Yep, first ripe tomato came from there.

Sinking my teeth into that ripe tomato was a joy. Memories of many ripe juicy tomatoes came flooding back. This is a taste you just don't find at the big box store it seems, and never in the off season. Anyway, as I was enjoying that first moment of tomato joy, I realized that I needed a picture for my Dad. He's been asking me if I have any tomatoes yet ever since we completed the construction of the backyard greenhouse in January. I started from seed and Monday I picked the first tomato. A few more are now on the counter riping up for me but here's a picture of the first one, minus a big bite, taken with my cell phone.

Yep, summer has come to Alabama:)

Waiting

2008-06-03T17:35:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been tired to the bone? So tired your face hurts? I've had a nagging headache for about three days now. I think it is stress related.

It seems the times are trying and some answers that I need are not coming along too quickly. I think waiting is a very hard task. Maybe you have it mastered?

Perhaps I will wonder out to the greenhouse and piddle with my plants. It seems to be a good place to be to get reminded of the One who has all the answers. Perhaps in the quietness of it all my headache will ease in the company of the One.

Rules for Driving in Tulsa

2008-05-07T11:54:00.002-05:00

I didn't write this, someone named Vaughn Clark did, but it is so true, I thought it good to share, as someone who has driven in Tulsa many times. Here I was all these years, thinking it was only me:) Enjoy!

Only those who drive in Tulsa or have driven in Tulsa will appreciate this. If your Tulsa map is more than a few weeks old, throw it out and buy a new one. If you're in Broken Arrow and your map is one day old, then it is already obsolete. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Tulsa has its own version of traffic rules. All directions start with "Get on Memorial" which has no beginning and no end. Everything in Tulsa is "just off Memorial." The morning rush hour is from 6 to 10. The evening rush hour is from 3 to 7. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended, cussed out and possibly shot. When you are the first one on the starting line, count to five when the light turns green before going to avoid crashing with all the drivers running the red light in cross-traffic. Construction on I-44 is a way of life and a permanent form of entertainment. All unexpected or strange sights are explained by the phrase, "Oh, we're in Jenks." If someone actually has a turn signal on, it is probably a factory defect. All old ladies with blue hair in Mercedes have the right of way. PERIOD. I-44 is called the Skelly Bypass. No one has ever figured out what it bypasses... State Highway 51 is either the Broken Arrow Expressway or the Keystone Expressway, depending on which way you're headed. US64 comes up Memorial from Bixby, joins 169 for a few miles, and then heads west with SH 51 towards Sand Springs. Several highways like the Creek Turnpike have no number. We don't understand it either. Maps of Tulsa show an Interstate 444 in downtown Tulsa. If you find it let us know. The alleged I-444 is half of the inner-dispersal loop, which is not for the faint of heart. Highway 169 in rush hour is the Tulsa equivalent of NASCAR. Just shut up and drive like the rest of us. If asking directions along North Utica or in west Tulsa, you must have knowledge of Spanish. If you're on east 21st Street, Mandarin Chinese or Vietnamese will be your best bet. If you stop to ask directions on Pine or Peoria, you better be armed. The minimum acceptable speed on the Broken Arrow Expressway is 85.Anything less is considered downright sissy. If it's 100 degrees, Thanksgiving must be next weekend. If it's 10 degrees and snowing, it's homecoming at TU. If it's rained 6 inches in the last hour, and it is spring, it's opening day for the Drillers. If it is fall, the Tulsa State Fair is going on. All amusement parks, stadiums, arenas, race tracks, airports, etc., are conveniently located as far away from EVERYTHING as possible so as to allow for ample parking on grassy areas.
With these simple rules in mind, you are now ready to drive in Tulsa. Please try and keep up.

The Womans Remote

2008-04-23T15:25:00.002-05:00

Notes from a friend...

2008-04-23T14:53:00.002-05:00

Remember:

"A good friend will come bail you out of jail....
But a true friend will be sitting next to you saying
WE screwed up, but we had fun!"

I've learned...that life is like a roll of toilet paper.
The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned...that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned...that money doesn't buy class.

I've learned..that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved. !

I've learned...that the Lord didn't do it all in one day.
What makes me think I can?

I've learned...that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

More Chocolate?

2008-04-07T12:31:00.002-05:00

Did I forget to tell you that the van broke down in Tulsa and while having it fixed, someone stole the merchandise trailer? Thought not. More chocolate anyone?

March On.

2008-04-03T14:07:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it? March has passed. It was a busy month for sure. Two trips to Tulsa; a recording session for 225 singers; an exhibit for 3 days on concrete floors; a visit to OK City to see my Son; a visit to my parents in Arkansas; a visit from my Mom as she rode back with me and stayed for 2 weeks; a trip to the doctors office to check out her chest pains, which he diagnosed as muscular, still not sure what that means; a visit from my son for Spring Break; a trip to the Atlanta airport during the tornado; two trips to the Birmingham airport; one mad dash at DFW airport; one cancelled flight out of Tulsa; five gate changes at DFW airport; one lost bag; one found bag; one delivered bag; dogwood trees blooming; pink, red and white azaleas blooming; five wheelbarrow loads of compost dug and spread; and time to dig and divide hostas. Oh yeah, the van broke down so JJ is still in Tulsa getting it fixed.

Yep, March has passed.

A Few Cups of Coffee

2008-03-10T15:07:00.002-05:00

A Few Cups of Coffee
copyright 2008 David Clark/Cochran, Ga.
For permission to reuse, please contact the author.
P.O. Box 148 - Cochran, GA 31014
dclark@outofthesky.com

My work as a "second" for my new client took me to an interesting
meeting. There were a dozen high-powered individuals there.

I was there only as an observer. My client asked me to go so I could
better act as a sounding board on the topic.

Supposedly everyone at the table knew why we were there. It was a
friendly meeting to discuss an agreement that had supposedly already
been reached.

Within three minutes, I knew the meeting was a bust. It took an hour
and twenty minutes for the meeting to break up, because everyone at
the table kept talking, and of course four different lawyers had to
weigh in several times to further complicate the discussion.

I kept wanting to raise my hand and say: "Didn't anyone talk to
anyone else before y'all came here?" I didn't do this, of course,
though it would have saved everyone a lot of time.

My client and I walked back to his office afterwards. My client said:
"Well, what did you think about that?"

I laughed. "Well, it was a great example of what happens when a bunch
of good men assume everyone already knows what everyone else thinks."

The next day I saw another one of the men from the meeting. He and I
shared similar roles in the meeting. Neither of us was the
decision-maker but we both worked for the man who was. He said:
"Well, that meeting didn't go so well, did it? What did you think
about it?"

I said: "Well, it seems like it would have gone a whole lot smoother
if two men had shared a cup of coffee and a little conversation
before they got there."

"What do you mean? I thought they were disagreeing about the terms of
the contract."

"The contract had nothing to do with it."

"How can you say that? That's what the lawyers kept talking about."

"Yes, that's true, but that's what lawyers talk about. The real
problem was a simple human mixup. The two parties came to the table
without knowing how each other felt. All they had to do was talk
things out a bit before they got there."

He laughed. "You know, I think you're right. Both men had definite
thoughts about why they were there, but neither man knew what the
other man's thoughts were."

I've thought alot about that meeting in the last few days. I wonder
how many times a minute that same thing happens in this old world --
where two people, two neighbors, a husband and wife, two towns, two
states, two countries, two groups of any kind -- manage to assume
they already know what the other side is thinking but never take the
time to sit down and talk about it.

I know this is oversimplifying many situations. But in the last week
I've been involved in helping last week's bad meeting approach
resolution. All it took was a few cups of coffee over good
conversation.
-*-
Email David Clark at , or write him at P.O.
Box 148, Cochran, Ga. 31014.
-*-
NEW BOOK RELEASE:

David Clark is releasing a new book called "Simply America." It is a
book of stories about our country, about freedom, about Veterans,
about people met on the road, all describing a thing very precious.

Also now available is "The Peanut Farmer Stories" and "Letters to
Cagney, Wisdom is a Deep Well." These old reader favorites have been
out of print for a couple of years now, but are back in stock.

Order these books by mail using the form below, or go to Clark's
website if you want to use Paypal or a credit card. The web catalog
address is;

http://www.outofthesky.com/basic/catalog.html

Bloomin

2008-03-01T17:31:00.003-06:00

Lightning Show

2008-02-29T15:40:00.004-06:00

We had the most spectacular lightning show on Tuesday morning at 4 am. I have never seen anything like it. The whole house was lit up and there was no place to run from it, even though I was scurrying around trying to unplug every media, computer and appliance in the house, as power was coming and going and eventually went.

It was the sound of wind and hail though that sent us to the closet wondering if we would have a house standing when we came out. The weather radio indicated a cell located 6 miles north of the Talladega airport. Actually I don't know where the Talladega airport is but figure we must have been a few miles north of that and so we were spared the worst of the weather damage. The roof is still intact and the greenhouse weathered the storm well, all pieces still in place.

I scoured about the area to locate some dry ice since I had actually gone to the grocery store the night before and those of you who know me, know what that means, food in the frig. I ended up making a trip to Gadsden and did indeed buy dry ice. It was a real educational experience and kept our frig and freezer from thawing out during the 15 hour power free zone. It wasn't like I could do anything else and it turned into a nice dry, a burger at Sonic, and my first trip to drive into downtown Gadsden and see the main row there.

Lots to be thankful for. I only wished that I had pictures of that lightning storm. I really thought we might just explode on the spot but looks like we didn't, so just counting all those blessings. God is good!

A Cranky Tractor by David Clark

2008-02-24T22:57:00.000-06:00

A Cranky Tractor
copyright 2008 David Clark/Cochran, Ga.
For permission to reuse, please contact the author.
P.O. Box 148 - Cochran, GA 31014
dclark@outofthesky.com

My Daddy's old Ford 8-N tractor is a wonderful old machine. She's a beautiful 1951 model, and generally speaking, gives no trouble. She will do anything I need to do.

She is a great example of the finest of American work. I just replaced a rear tire on it, which is an expensive proposition. But, Daddy would say that the bad tire didn't owe me anything. It had been on the tractor since 1951, so I didn't feel bad about it when it fell to pieces one day this past December.

Last week I went out to crank up the old tractor so I could plow some of my little field for cabbages and potatoes.

There's a way to crank this old tractor. You approach from the left side. Put one foot up on the clutch, turn the gas shut-off valve to open so a little gas will flow, switch on the key, and work the throttle lever back and forth twice. Then you reach over with one hand to prepare to pull out the choke lever, and press down on the foot-operated starter button.

She'll turn over, and you pull out the choke briefly and let it back off.

Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, she'll fire right up.

But, you know how things go. I'd let her sit for a couple of months while I was up in Chicago and other places fiddling around doing things other than riding Daddy's old tractor.

She turned over just fine, and just began to catch and run. But nope, she didn't fire off. I tried her again. A little bit of cough, following by a whole lot of nothing. I tried 'er one more time with the same result.

The grand old slightly rusty gal had a firm answer: "Nothing doing."
I switched off the key, took my foot off the clutch, and turned the gas valve back off.

I rubbed the engine cowling. "No hard feelings, old girl. I think I got the message." And I put my gloves in my back pocket and went and sat down for awhile in the rocking chair on the front porch.

My Daddy's old tractor is a wonderful machine. She runs best when she's running often. She feels important when I take her out plowing on a regular basis. She likes to work hard.

And like most living things, she gets ill-tempered when I ignore her for awhile. One thing I've learned over the years is when my Daddy's old tractor is ill-tempered, there's one best course of action: Walk away and ignore her for a day. She always cranks up the next day.

Two days ago a friend mentioned how his co-worker was carrying on.
"He's ill-tempered. He doesn't want to work. He doesn't want to get along with anyone. He's valuable to us, but nobody knows what to do about him sometimes."

I told my friend about my Daddy's old tractor. He grinned. "I think I'll try out your approach."

-*-

Email David Clark at , or write him at P.O.
Box 148, Cochran, Ga. 31014.

Thankful

2008-02-06T11:32:00.001-06:00

I am thankful today that my family, scattered all over the south, has weathered the storms that passed through here last night and this morning.

There are many who were not so fortunate and the weather front continues it's path across the east stretching from north to south. We pray for those families who were not as fortunate and for those who have lost loved ones in the path of this storm.

I am also thankful to see the bright yellow blooms of daffodils peaking out in my back yard. A cheery reminder and I confess, I needed it.

Multi-Tasking; the Illusion of Efficiency

2008-02-02T10:29:00.000-06:00

1-26-08

Multi-tasking by it's very nature severely limits high quality results. It is the illusion of efficiency.

All it really guarantees is that you'll 'touch' it. So you have multiples of 'touching' things, issues, projects. This is not the same as dealing efficiently with multiple details in a high quality way. How can it?

That definition is the illusion. It is unattainable, demoralizing in both the long term and short health of the person attempting it, and defeating the purpose and goal of high quality results.

Is your goal to produce high quality results? Do you want projects handled with a high level of attention given to detail?

To use a golf axiom to illustrate my point here. Drive for show, putt for dough. Multi-tasking is the act of driving for show. Tiger Woods putts for the dough. His singleness of purpose is to get to that green so he can putt, for the dough. It doesn't mean he doesn't do what needs to be done to hone the skills necessary to get him to the green. But his craft in completing his mission, closing the sale, so to speak, is to get to that green, so he can putt.

So where does that take us with Multi-tasking? It is true that we need to be able to 'manage' multiples. However, it is unrealistic to set your sites on bringing multiples to their conclusion, simultaneously. Closing the sale takes attention, focused attention. If you are not allowed to give this proper attention to the details of quality, you will not produce quality results. We should not be surprised by this phenomenon.

Important people and projects in our lives deserve dedicated attention. Giving your full attention to a child cannot be substitued with anything. Nothing else measures up to a child like having your undivided attention. Roll that around in your mind for a while. They will go to great lengths to get your undivided attention. Explains a lot about the behavior we witness in children, doesn't it?

If an employer expects their assistant to be an expert multi-tasker. That employer should not be surprised that there will occasionally be areas of weakness witnessed in the results. You sacrifice quality for the quantity folks. Plain and simple. Think about what you're asking for and quit beating up your employees because they don't 'measure' up. Your definition is faulty. That's what I'm saying.

Knowing the Proverbs

2008-02-01T13:00:00.000-06:00

Knowing the Proverbs
Proverbs are brief sayings which have in them some concentrated wisdom usually learned by experience.

One first grade teacher wanted to teach her group of 6 year olds some of our American proverbs. She gave them the first part of a famous proverb and asked them to finish the statement.

If you think you understand the mind of a 6 year old, read their answers.

1.
Don’t change horses……
Until they stop running.

2.
Strike while the……
Bug is close.

3.
It’s always darkest just before……
Daylight Savings Time.

4.
Never underestimate the power of……
Termites.

5.
Don’t bite the hand that……
Looks dirty.

6.
No news is……
Impossible.

7.
A miss is as good as a……
Mr.

8.
You can’t teach an old dog new……
Math.

9.
If you lie down with dogs, you’ll……
Stink in the morning.

10.
The pen is mightier than the……
Pigs.

11.
An idle mind is……
The best way to relax.

12.
Where there’s smoke, there’s……
Pollution.

13.
A penny saved is……
Not much.

14.
Two’s company, three’s the……
Musketeers.

15.
Don’t put off till tomorrow what……
You put on to go to bed.

16.
Laugh & the world laughs with you, cry and……
You blow your nose.

17.
There are none so blind as……
Stevie Wonder

18.
Children should be seen and not……
Spanked

19.
When the blind lead the blind……
Get out of the way.

20.
If at first you don’t succeed……
Try new batteries.

Well, those are fun, but the Biblical proverbs are of real practical help; such as:
(Most everybody’s life would be better if we listened to these proverbs.)

Listen to the instruction of your father (4:1).
If you have signed on to guarantee a loan for a friend, do not rest until you have freed yourself from that legal obligation (6:1-5).
A gentle answer turns away wrath (15:1).
Better is a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city (16:32).
Wine is a mocker and strong drink a brawler (20:1).
The borrower is servant to the lender (22:7).
If you are a glutton, put a knife to your throat (23:2).

Borrowed from:
http://www.waterview.org/news/index.htm

Thankful Thursdays

2008-01-25T08:17:00.000-06:00

I enjoy reading Tea With Tiffany. She writes a Thankful Thursday Blog every week. Here's the link. Take a look yourself. Maybe we should all do this more often.
It's a good thing. http://teawithtiffany.blogspot.com/2008/01/thankful-thursday-january-24th.html Oh, the picture is from my Thursday sunset. I was counting my blessings too.

Tax Rebates

2008-01-24T11:15:00.001-06:00

Here's an idea:

Why don't we ask the States and Cities to give a tax rebate to stimulate the economy? We seem to always look to the Federal government for this, but why not those entities closer to home? Most states have an income tax, they for sure have a substantial sales tax, property tax, and if you get to looking at the bills and services coming in to be paid every month at your household, you'll find an array of other fees and taxes added onto your bills.

It's worth some conversation and consideration, don't you think?

Snow in Alabama

2008-01-21T17:46:00.000-06:00

We don't get to see a lot of snow in Alabama. However, Saturday we had some. It wasn't as much as predicted and it didn't last long once is stopped falling, but I took some pictures. The unique sound of snow flakes falling and the chillness in the air made for a few moments of beauty as God strokes the canvas with a whisp of marshmallow. Sweet!

Pearls

2008-01-15T18:06:00.000-06:00

If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always gotten.

Or worse.

Think about it.

Measured Progress

2008-01-14T10:10:00.000-06:00

There has been a week of progress made with the greenhouse. Bruce has run the electrical so I can run a heater and installed the lights, automated vent and bottom vents as well. We have a programable thermostat coming soon and an exhaust fan.

We've moved some plants into the greenhouse now and repotting projects are beginning and some rooted cuttings are going into pots. We had a couple of cold nights and things worked smoothly, all the ducks flying in formation and such like. Ah, breathe in deeply, it smells like a greenhouse. I have missed it.

Neat As A Pin

2008-01-07T15:13:00.000-06:00

There are still vents, electrical and such to be added, but as you can see, she's a beautiful greenhouse!

Almost There

2008-01-06T15:41:00.000-06:00

Flooring

2008-01-05T12:54:00.000-06:00

Fill and bedliner now in place.

Framed

2008-01-03T10:48:00.000-06:00

You get the picture now?
Here's the link: http://www.greenhousecatalog.com/

Greenhouse Framing

2008-01-03T07:59:00.000-06:00

Will worked like a trooper putting the rest of the framing together Wednesday. Are you wondering what those poles sticking up in the air are for? I'll have another picture for you soon to help the puzzle come together. We'll need a little warmer day to add the glazing sheets. It's coming together:)

Assembly Required

2008-01-02T15:25:00.001-06:00

The Solexx Gardener's Oasis Greenhouse arrived in six boxes from The Greenhouse Catalog of Salem, Oregon. The site preparation and assembly process has begun. Yes, I am smiling.

by Max Lucado

2007-12-25T09:53:00.000-06:00

"It's Christmas night.

The midnight hour has chimed and I should be asleep, but I'm awake. I'm kept awake by one stunning thought. The world was different this week. It was temporarily transformed.

The magical dust of Christmas glittered on the cheeks of humanity ever so briefly, reminding us of what is worth having and what we were intended to be. We forgot our compulsion with winning, wooing, and warring. We put away our ladders and ledgers, we hung up our stopwatches and weapons. we stepped off our race tracks and roller coasters and looked outward toward the star of Bethlehem.

More than at any other time, we think of Him. More than in any other season, his name is on our lips.

And the result? for a few precious hours our heavenly yearnings intermesh and we become a chorus. A ragtag chorus of longshoremen, Boston lawyers, illegal immigrants, housewives, and a thousand other peculiar persons who are banking that Bethlehem's mystery is in reality, a reality.

For a few precious hours, he is beheld. Christ the Lord. Those who pass the year without seeing him, suddenly see him.

Emmanuel. He is with us. God came near.

Soon life will be normal again. But for the moment, I want to savor the spirit just a bit more. I want to pray that those who beheld him today will look for him when the gifts are history and the carols quiet. And I can't help but linger on one fanciful thought: If He can do so much with such timid prayers lamely offered in December, how much more could He do if we thought of Him every day?

For after all, the One who came that Christmas morning so long ago still comes. He comes every time a seeker turns his face heavenward and says, "Yes!" to the Savior. A Savior sent by a God who so loved the owrld that He game his one and only son." ~ Max Lucado

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T16:11:00.000-06:00

Deer Meat and Chocolate Fudge Visits

2007-12-15T11:14:00.000-06:00

Last week I went to Arkansas on a short trip to do some business and visit my folks. Since I've begun teaching a Ladies Class again on Sunday mornings, I restricted my travel to Monday and returned on Saturday. It was a great week to be moving about the highways as the air was crisp and I enjoyed a visit with my Aunt Margaret from KY who was also visiting my folks for several weeks.

I should mention also that I have now had the experience of processing deer meat. My Dad had the good fortune of successfully bringing home two nice deer from his hunt, a good thing since he's not had much luck for a couple years in that vein, so he was indeed thrilled with this accomplishment. He likes to trim out the meat himself and remove most of the fat where he says the deer stores the 'wild' in the taste of the meat. Mom did the meat wrapping and labeling. I took on the operation of the meat grinder, as you may know, Mom has had recent shoulder surgery and my Dad broke his back in July. Did I mention that this was a old fashioned hand meat grinder?

I really thought I might be in trouble after the first five minutes or so of grinding; which came after about ten minutes of instruction and demonstration by my Dad. He is a good teacher but rather particular, not necessarily a bad thing, but it does contribute to getting to do things all by yourself, in some situations. Enough said on that front. Anyway, I thought I might be in trouble with that hand grinder. I could feel the muscles in my right arm doing a bit of an about face on me, really wondering on what I'd gotten myself in to. After a couple pounds of meat had been ground, I found myself having to take it apart to clean up the blade and so it was put back together, tightened further, btw, this is important step, and the rest of the grinding went more smoothly. It tooks several hours to grind two deer, in case you're wondering. Don't bother to take your shower before starting this project, by the way.

I figured that I wouldn't be able to move the next day, did I tell you that I had to hold the one side of the grinder with the left hand to keep it steady on the table edge, and move the grinder handle with my right hand, all from a standing position, since I'm a bit short and couldn't get the leverage from a seated position. So much to my surprise, I felt no pain, the next day. Not the next day either. I cannot explain this. Either I am stronger than I thought, or more was going on in that family event than can be explained with rational reasoning. Anyway. It was a good productive day with the family. I should probably mention that I am the oldest daughter of four, to a man with no sons. Translation, I have been taught to be quite 'handy'. Shhh, don't tell anyone else.

I also spent an afternoon making chocolate fudge with my Mom and her 'best' fudge recipe. It is the best chocolate fudge and this batch met expectations and beyond. I brought home a small container of it and we distributed some to the sisters, because you can't keep that much fudge in one refrigerator. It'll ruin the diet every time. Apparently it is also my Dad's favorite candy, however, we have learned that chocolate gives him a headache. Not good. So it was part of the deal to get most of it 'out' of his house to remove the known 'temptation.'

Ah, the battles we face.

Peace

Become as little children

2007-12-13T13:19:00.000-06:00

A remarkable phone call from a 12-yr old boy to Houston radio station KSBJ FM 89.3. So profound, the station has it posted on their website. Click below to listen to it. It's short, just 2 minutes.

www.godtube.com/flvplayer.swf

Mary & Martha - revisited

2007-11-14T16:52:00.000-06:00

Luke 10:38-42 38.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
40. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41. "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,
42. but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it willnot be taken away from her."

I think we are prone to identify with what I'll call 'layer one' of this account. We see ourselves as either the Mary at Jesus feet or the Perfectionist Martha, busy about the house. Perhaps it is because of our awareness of the 'Martha Stewart' factor in our 'today' world. I personally enjoy learning from Martha Stewart and consider her a genuine teacher so I don't want to 'dish' her; just use to illustrate.

Consider with me 'layer two'. Jesus makes a promise here that what Mary seeks, won't be taken away from her, by Him. Roll that thought around in your mind for a while and tell me where the Spirit leads you with it.

Consider with me 'layer three'. Identify your other 'Martha' opportunities. You may not have identified with the 'homemaking' Martha; but how about the 'work-a-holic' Martha? The 'volunteer-a-holic' Martha? Name your 'Martha'.

Wouldn't anything that keeps us from seeking GOD FIRST, be a 'Martha?' Just some things to consider, ponder, pray and chat about.

Is Your Refrigerator Running?

2007-10-31T14:50:00.000-05:00

The good news is that my refrigerator is running, now. The bad news is that it stopped running last night and so we had a few casualties.

It is amazing how fast bread products start to soften in the freezer and how soft ice cream is similar to cool whip.

I kept hearing a click last night and went to check the stove to make certain that I'd turned all the burners off. Yep, they were off. Then another click. Went back in and checked the coffee pot and other plug in applicances on my counter. Hmm, no culprits. Another click and it really did seem to be coming from the refrigerator so I checked the ice maker and yep, there was ice and it seemed to be running. Another click. What could it be?

Then I went to scoop me a bowl of ice cream. Soft serve a la chocolate chip mint. It was soft and getting really close to cool whip soft. Well, that explained it. The refrigerator was going out or maybe already out, so I closed it all up, reset the switches, reset the plug and hoped for the best. But, the morning did not bring the best.

It's times like these when you're really glad to have good neighbors. You know they're good when they'll clear you off a shelf in their refrigerator for your 'stuff' and make room in the freezer for you. Jeanie and Marcus are great neighbors.

We didn't save everything and I did do some cooking and grilling this morning to take care of the things that had thawed, salvage I guess is what you'd call it. Bruce commented on having pizza for breakfast and couldn't remember the last time he had:)

The good thing about all this is that the refrigerator got cleaned out and all the expired labels were honored and sent to the designated trash can, and my refrigerator is now running again. The nice Sears repairman came and took care of that for me.

Be blessed and thankful for a running refrigerator.

The Aroma of Home

2007-10-13T13:03:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful day in Alabama. My son, Will, is home from college for a few days of fall break and he has just celebrated his 21st birthday this week. I browned a roast this morning and have it cooking in the crock pot (slow cooker for our Canadian friends) with some onions and a bit of salt and pepper. Layered onto that oh so good smell is the smell of chocolate as I have just pulled two pans of german chocolate cake, prepared by Bruce, from the oven to rest on the counter. With a slathering of chocolate and then german chocolate pecan icing, it will be a 'good thing' later in this beautiful day and we will celebrate twenty one good years as well.

It occurred to me as I gathered the ingredients for this weekends meals that it isn't just the final result on the table that brings us to the point of feeling 'at home.' My goal of course was to make the time feel special, particularly as we have learned in this season of life that the moments are just that, moments, and indeed fleeting ones at that. The people encountered along the way in the gathering process itself add to the whole experience of preparation. I commented to the check out gals that my son is coming home and thus the way must be prepared. Special foods are being purchased and prepared for it is 'special' time.

And so, there is the aroma. The oh so sweet smell of care and thoughtful preparations under way. The time 'set aside' so that care will be taken and the feasts will be ready, but the process produces a wonderful aroma, when all goes well. The smell permeating my home is delicious, even at this mid point and I have slipped upstairs to pen a few words while they are fresh.

The windows are open, a cat is sprawled out lazily in the upstairs window, as I type. We hear birds and we smell the aroma coming from downstairs. I hear the murmur of voices from the driveway as Bruce & Will explore the door of the Camry to figure out why the window will not lower, a particular inconvenience to a man traveling home for his visit and being unable to work the window at the McDonalds drive thru for late night coffee. And so, they work together to fix it. I am enjoying the view and the sights and sounds of the aroma of home.

There are times when we light the candle of fragrance such as apple pie with cinnamon and one would enter and scout about to 'find' the feast waiting, only to be disappointed by the flicker of a candle in a glass. The scent is there but the pay off is a bit short. It is what it is though and brings about a remembrance of a time of feasting. It is a substitute but then sometimes that is all the time we have made preparation for.

It is now time to close my writing for today and be about the business of home. Green beans and sweet potatoes and maybe a few other treats to round out tonights meal. The smell is delicious. A sweet sweet aroma. Home.

Sunny Day pictures

2007-10-11T10:45:00.000-05:00

Morning glory picture

2007-10-11T10:42:00.001-05:00

They just keep blooming.