The Way It Is

The Nissequogue Queen

2011-08-10T16:25:00.009-04:00

You should know that I’m not someone who loves the water, nor do I like it. Yet, here I am, living on Long Island, literally surrounded by the very thing. It’s the ocean that I fear the most. To stand on its sandy beaches while its water roars with profound power makes me shrink in humility. Lakes and rivers have the same negative effect on my psyche. I can only imagine that if I were to step into nature’s water stores that I would either drown or attract leeches – like poor Mr. Allnut on “The African Queen.” It’s beyond me why I would set myself in a canoe at the head of the Nissequogue River, (a tidal river, which actually flows two ways— south during the incoming tide, then north with the outgoing tide), but I did – two Saturdays ago.

The tide was coming in when we began our adventure. The river was rising as our vessel passed beneath two low bridges, causing us to hunch over and duck our heads. Unable to paddle, my husband moved us through the water, hand-over-hand on the crisscrossed rebar above us. Our rented canoe slid through the water at quite a clip as it headed toward the concrete platform that supported the bridge above us. “Push off with your paddle!” my husband warned me as we rapidly approached the platform. But I was crouching, and I couldn’t swing the paddle around to make contact with the concrete. And so we hit the platform, and instead of gently bouncing back and away, our steel canoe rode up the side and flipped both of us into the water. I was stunned. Certain that the river was as deep as the ocean and would carry me to a watery grave, I clung, completely traumatized, to the merciless, concrete wall. As my flip-flopped feet searched for a place to hold onto, my hands lay flat on top of the muddy platform, slipping , sliding, and trying desperately to get a grip! I was sure there were all kinds of gruesome, aquatic creatures swimming past me and attaching themselves to my clothing and skin. This was my worst nightmare—to drown in leech-infested waters. With broken nails and no more energy to hang on, I gave up. “I’m going under Rand! I can’t hang on anymore…” Perplexed, he looked at me. “Why don’t you just stand up? The water’s only waist deep.” If ever I’ve felt totally ridiculous, it was right then. The only word to escape my mouth was a simple, “Oh.”

The next time I’m asked to go canoeing, I think I’ll be too busy watching "The African Queen" and feeling oh-so-sorry for poor Mr. Allnut.

Hey, it's Franklin!

2011-08-01T20:52:00.000-04:00

Our backyard is home to countless creatures, including this Long Island turtle.

Last Christmas, Abbey gave me this little door and windows for the pine tree stump in our backyard. It used to look like wood, but the sun did a fantastic job of bleaching the thing out! Anyhow, Franklin the turtle looks like he's on his way home from a long day at the office.

Athiests got nothin'...

2011-07-23T10:42:00.000-04:00

God has shown himself at the very core of our beings - He is what holds us together. This is simply amazing.

What would you do?

2011-07-20T17:56:00.000-04:00

I am curious as to how my faithful readers would handle a situation in which I find myself, howbeit by no will of my own. There is an individual out there in cyber-space who, in spite of my instruction to cease and desist, chooses to dishonor my wishes through lengthy e-mails seeking to correct and instruct me. I guess I would describe this person in the same manner the Bible does - a busy-body. Many have told me to set my blog to private - but this is not an option for me. What are your thoughts? At what point does e-mail harassment become a crime and can it be reported?

~About Happiness~

2011-07-12T11:59:00.002-04:00

Who says it can't be done?

2011-07-06T22:23:00.001-04:00

After almost a year of patient waiting, our orchid has finally bloomed! I was told that orchids are difficult to grow. Perhaps. The hardest part was waiting and wondering if the thing was actually alive! Then one day, tiny sprouts shot through from the base of the leaves. These turned into stems with over a dozen flower buds! So far, two of those have bloomed. Here's the first flower...

Thank God I am FREE!

2011-07-04T11:15:00.000-04:00

I am immensely grateful to be a citizen here in America. The freedoms we once held in this land were God-given and God-blessed ~ and I have enjoyed them! I am, however, miserably saddened to see our beautiful country slumping beneath a heavy load of sin placed upon her once-beautiful shoulders by those who have the freedom (!!!!!) to put it there. Let freedom ring? How can it? There is no freedom in the tyranny of the government that now occupies the highest offices of our nation (and has for years and years). There is wickedness in high places ~ I will not elaborate. Read history, read the news, and read the polls of our people ~ you will come to your own, well-informed conclusion.

There is, however, a freedom much greater than that once found at the shores of American soil. There is a freedom that will satisfy that deep longing found in every human soul. It is a freedom from the bondage of sin and the havoc it wreaks in the souls of men and women. The repentant sinner can find this freedom at the foot of the cross of Christ. To be free from the tyranny of sin is the single, most blessed thing that has ever happened to me in my lifetime! And while for the moment my feet are planted on American soil, I am looking for a better country ~ that is an heavenly! Hebrews 11:16 I hope I will see you there...

I'll never stop loving this...

2011-07-03T17:21:00.000-04:00

A baby in the backyard...

2011-07-01T20:45:00.000-04:00

At 6:30 this morning a lovely view of our backyard presented itself from my kitchen window. While I made the coffee, a mother robin flew back and forth among the Leyland Cypress trees that separate our yard from the neighbor's. She kept it up for such a long time that I decided to take a closer look...

As soon as I opened the back screen door, she flew away, leaving her little baby among the pine branches...

He was sleeping as I approached...

... but quickly snapped to attention at the click of my camera!

I was concerned that the little fella had fallen out of the nest and couldn't fly. Herod, the neighborhood fox, would be certain to find such a vulnerable creature - and that would be the end of the story. But, as soon as he saw me move, Robin flew away into the Maple tree in the neighbors yard!

It's a rare thing these days...

2011-03-28T21:56:00.001-04:00

It really is a rare thing these days to find a Christian who’s willing to lovingly confront a brother or sister in Christ who is in error according to the Scripture. But can you agree with me that it’s even rarer to discover that diamond of a Christian who will humbly receive correction with an attitude that exemplifies humble Christian behavior? “I’m sorry! I’ll try not to do that again.” “I see that I’ve hurt you; will you forgive me please?” “You’re absolutely right – I was wrong and I’m sorry. I’ll do my best to change.” These words of genuine humility are the exception rather than the rule in these troubling days. These things ought not to be so – do you agree?

From last summer!

2011-02-11T18:07:00.003-05:00

I found these pictures on my camera from last summer. There's a creepy cat in our neighborhood that looks like it has a mask on (or a bonnet - it all depends on how you look at the thing). It tormented Higgins every afternoon by laying around on our brick sidewalk waiting for the chipmunk to pop up out of the drain pipe. And yes, he's still around this winter, hanging around the bird feeder.

When you're the best of friends...

2011-02-11T18:00:00.003-05:00

The little girl in the middle missed nearly two weeks of church and school - she is, quite obviously, glad to see her little friends again!

2011-02-04T16:59:00.000-05:00

I'm back.

2010-03-03T07:22:00.003-05:00

NASA recently released the most detailed photos of planet earth to date. You can see the photos and read the article here. And when you're looking at all the magnificent beauty and brilliance, consider this verse in spite of Earth's magnitude:

"Thou God seest me."
Genesis 16:13.

Red on White...

2010-03-01T21:00:00.000-05:00

Our last winter blast brought several species of birds to our front yard feeder, but none was more prolific than the brilliant cardinal! I didn't catch them all, but we have three couples - 3 males and 3 females, that love to dine at our Squirrel Buster. They're just beautiful against the stark white of the snow...

Thanks for reading!

A dog's best friend...

2010-02-28T21:38:00.002-05:00

I thought you might enjoy these cute photos of Toby and his favorite toy - a horse. A Dakin horse to be exact; and the thing is nearly as big as he is. Toby carries it all over the house and even hides it behind the couch so he doesn't have to share with Mr. Higgins. He throws it in the air and shakes it violently when it lands on the living room carpet. Then he tenderly picks it up and licks it as if to say he's sorry for being so rough.

Wearing Winter...

2010-02-26T18:00:00.002-05:00

Randy and I took a walk outside in the falling snow this late afternoon. As the snowflakes fell against the dark suede of my jacket, I realized how beautiful they were! I grabbed my camera and managed a few quick shots before they so easily melted away into water. Aren't they just beautiful? And to think that no two are alike - amazing...

Thanks for reading!

6 a.m. and falling...

2010-02-26T06:18:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, all the snow from our previous snow storm completely disappeared from our lawn and neighborhood. The heavy rain that melted it so efficiently turned to snow sometime while we were sleeping. Winter clings to its last few weeks...

Thanks for reading!

I think I NEED one of these...

2010-02-21T16:23:00.004-05:00

I saw this today in our local newspaper. Winner of the "Best of the Best," silver medal for kitchen gadgets, this Lasagna Trio pan looks pretty nifty to me! The article said you can use this pan for bread, meatloaf, and a bunch of other kitchen creations! Imagine slicing a slab of lasagna without the rest of the recipe running all over the pan! Yes sirree! This is the pan for me! Get it here if you want it, too. And while you're at it, check out this lovely thing! It's a bit pricey, but if you make lasagna a lot it might be worth the money!

This is for the birds!

2010-02-20T20:57:00.002-05:00

I used to think that the Guinea hen was an okay kinda creature - but now I have changed my mind. Right now, there are 2 dozen (that's right, 24!) Guinea hens that roam around our neighborhood and for some strange reason, they simply love our yard AND front porch. To show their appreciation for whatever it is they like about our property, they leave all kinds of "packages" in the driveway, on the sidewalk, on the porch, and in the grass. Will some dear reader offer me some advice about how I can keep these bird away from here? Ummm... yes, we do have a shotgun, but I don't think it's a good idea for this situation. Any other ideas? I need HELP! Thanks for reading!

FACEBOOK

2010-02-19T10:34:00.002-05:00

Have you tried the Facebook thing? I have. And I've discovered that I don't enjoy it nearly as much as I enjoy blogging! Oh, I'll keep my Facebook account just to keep in touch with family and some friends, but I promise you'll find me here much more often. I've got stories to tell, photos to share, opinions to write, etc. Best of all, I get more than 420 characters to do it!

RESCUE 911

2010-02-17T12:18:00.005-05:00

It can get a little bit crazy around here. Toby—a pint-sized puppy full of rambunctious energy—and Mr. Higgins—an older, more distinguished canine—can create quite a loud fuss over just about anything. A stolen tennis ball or a snatched-away treat are all it takes to declare war between the two—and it happens at least once every single day. Toby is always the instigator. I dropped him off at the vet very early this morning. The long drive home gave me time to think about the peaceful afternoon I was about to enjoy! A day without snapping and yapping and begging to go out—I could hardly wait to get there!

When I pulled into the driveway, good old Mr. Higgins, lazy as he is, greeted me at the front window. When Abbey pulled in behind me, I had to look twice at what appeared to be a huge, stuffed animal sitting on her lap. “What on earth?” I thought out loud. “Did she go pick up Toby? Why would she do that—he hasn’t been there but for an hour.” But it wasn’t Toby—it was a shaggy, long-haired, cream-colored Lhasa Apso, in desperate need of grooming (yep, that's him, right there to the left). “I found him wandering in the street,” she said. “I couldn’t just leave him there—he might have been hit by a car!” I envisioned my entire afternoon swallowed up by caring for this unknown animal. “Let’s get back in your car,” I told her. “I’ll help you knock on doors.” So we did and we found the rightful owner of Mr. Lhasa Apso. “What’s his name?” we asked her. “Hampton,” she said, obviously grateful we had restored him to her. “Goodbye Hampton,” I sang as we walked down the driveway to Abbey’s Honda. "Hello peaceful afternoon!"

Thanks for reading,

2010-02-12T17:41:00.006-05:00

Randy brought home a puppy this past summer - cute as a button he was/is. But he came with a long list of chores simply because he's ours. You know - feed me, bathe me, play with me, walk me... "Walk me." That's the one that takes all my time. That's the one that interrupts whatever it is I'm doing. That's the one that forces on the boots, hat, gloves, coat, scarf, etc. ARGH! THAT'S THE ONE I HATE - or used to anyway. Since we've gotten Toby I've made it my job to walk him and Mr. Higgins everyday at 4:30 pm. We usually walk until about 5:30 and if the weather is cold it doesn't take me to long to warm up. And guess what? I've grown to love this daily adventure - I've even lost a few pounds. Even Mr. Higgins is starting to slim down! Exercise really IS everything it's cracked up to be. Here's a little list of excuses for not exercising that I received in an e-mail today. Read it and then try to get moving - you won't regret it, I promise!

1. There's no time. True, there never seem to be enough hours in the day, but if we consider all of the minutes we fritter away chatting, surfing the internet, or watching TV, the likelihood is that we can squeeze in a walk or a few reps with handheld weights. Remember that exercise need not be long to do the job. A few short spurts of exercise throughout the day have been shown to be as effective as a longer chunk of workout time. You might also try multitasking. Plenty of people have toned up by walking on the treadmill while watching TV or lifting weights during commercials. When all else fails, schedule exercise into your planner. Use every minute you've got and you'll work up to a substantial fitness routine!

2. It's too hot/cold/rainy/snowy/sunny to be outside.Take your workout indoors, whether that means a gym or your living room. Weather doesn't get in the way of 99 percent of the other things we do during the day, so it shouldn't stop a workout either. If you typically exercise outdoors, craft a go-to indoor routine as well.

3. I don't feel like it. This could mean a dozen things - you're hungry, tired, feeling lazy, irritable - but none of these moods matter. In fact, if you can just build up enough motivation to begin your workout, chances are that you'll be in a better state of mind because of it (thanks to that endorphin boost). Recognize if you are truly hungry and eat something small and energizing like a granola bar or peanut butter on toast that won't over-fill your stomach and then get to it.

4. I'm embarrassed. Maybe you don't have a coordinating workout wardrobe to wear to the gym, or you feel out-of-shape running down your block in front of the neighbors. None of this matters once you get going. Fitness, to borrow from a common saying, is not a destination, it's a journey. And it begins with the first step you take. Remind yourself that nobody feels glamorous while working out (even when they're dressed to the nines), but the post-workout satisfaction is something we all share.

5. I should do the laundry/make dinner/vacuum/take out the trash first. Face it; there will always be something else that you could be doing instead of exercising. We all work hard to fit every last chore and obligation into our day, but the reality is that some things will always be left undone. Let the dishes lie in the sink and go out and break a sweat. They'll still be there when you get back and you will have taken some well-deserved time to treat your body right.

6. I don't know where to start.Pick an activity, start small (if you haven't jogged in years, make it your goal to run once around the block) and ask for help and instruction when you need it. If you have the means to work with a personal trainer, he or she can customize a workout plan for your ability and goals. If you have a friend who exercises regularly, ask if you can accompany him on his next trip to the gym. Or simply ask a family member to go for a brisk walk with you. There - you've started!

7. I can't afford a gym membership/exercise equipment/a personal trainer. There's no question that these can all be expensive. But there was a time when gyms, elliptical machines and trainers weren't around- and people still exercised. Think of activities that you can do in your home or around your neighborhood. Pull the basketball out of the garage, pump it up with air and shoot hoops. Drive to your local high school after hours and jog around the track. Do the classic exercises like sit-ups and push-ups that pricey trainers still recommend to their clients today.

8. I hate exercise. Try something that doesn't feel like the exercise that you hate and change up your routine all the time. Working out doesn't mean logging endless hours on the treadmill, staring at the wall. It means getting out and moving, and having fun while you're at it!

9. I'm too old. Try saying that to the 94-year-old man who completed the London Marathon in 2008. You certainly might feel old when the soreness sets in after your first big workout session, but every workout is a step toward being young! Take it easy and gently and build up to a workout that your body can handle regularly. You'll be adding energy and strength to your life- no matter what your age.

10. There's no one to babysit the kids. We all know that kids are bundles of energy- so bring them along and get a fresh perspective on exercise. Get to the park for a family game of soccer or keep them occupied with tennis balls and rackets while you play doubles with a friend. They'll learn by your example and make exercise a priority for life.

Thanks for reading!

2010-02-10T23:06:00.002-05:00

It's after 11 pm. The snow is still falling... and our snowman is still standing between the two pine trees in our front yard. He still has a smile on his face and the baseball cap we put on his head has gathered several inches of snow. And he'll be there in the morning telling the birds hello and looking up at our picture window waiting for our morning faces. Perhaps by then the storm will be out to sea.

Thanks for reading!

2010-02-10T12:23:00.001-05:00

Our masterpiece!

A Marshmallow World in the Winter

2010-02-10T09:17:00.003-05:00

The snow falling on Long Island is simply beautiful! Here's a little video I made at 8:30 this morning. As I type this post it's nearly 9:30 and already the snow has accumulated to about 5 or 6 inches. Abbey and I are goin' out to make a snowman - pictures soon!

2010-02-08T19:31:00.004-05:00

Okay, I almost forgot that I did create this thing called a blog. I haven't paid it much attention lately. I've got a little project goin' on that's keepin' me pretty busy - should take me about a year to complete. I'll tell ya all about it when I finish. For now, I'm thinkin' about the major snow storm blowing it's way across the states right toward Long Island. I like snow, but I think I've had enough of the white fluffy stuff this year. I'm ready to move into spring. Lowe's has seed packets out already and I'm thinkin' about getting some vegetables and flowers going right here inside my house. Perhaps it'll help hurry the warmer weather into the days ahead. I miss warm, don't you?

Are you spiritually minded? Are you SURE?

2010-01-05T17:21:00.004-05:00

The following, entitled "Inventory of the Heart," offers a thorough look into the deep recesses of one's heart. Are you brave enough to consider its thoughts? Are you big enough to make the changes where necessary? I CHALLENGE YOU TO LOOK UP EACH VERSE and seriously consider whether or not you are living up to what God requires from the Christian. Perhaps you'll think this list absurd and its content unattainable. Those who truly know Christ as Saviour can read a list like the following and completely agree with all of it; those who truly know Christ will want to comply with each and every subject to the very best of their ability...

Matthew 6:12-14 Is there anyone against whom you hold a grudge? Anyone you have not forgiven? Anyone you hate? Anyone you do not love? Are there any misunderstandings that you are unwilling to forget? Is there any person against whom you are harboring bitterness, resentment, or jealousy? Is there anyone you dislike to hear praised or well spoken of? Do you allow anything to justify a wrong attitude toward another?

Matthew 6:33 Is there anything in which you have failed to put God first? Have your decisions been made after your own wisdom and desires, rather than by seeking and following God’s will? Do any of the following in any way interfere with your surrender and service to God: ambition, pleasures, loved ones, friendships, desire for recognition, money, or your own plans?

Mark 16:15 Have you failed to seek the lost for Christ? Have you failed to witness consistently with your mouth for the Lord Jesus? Has your life not shown to the lost the Lord Jesus?

John 13:35 Are you secretly pleased over the misfortune of others? Are you secretly annoyed over the accomplishments or advancements of another? Are you guilty of any contention or strife? Do you quarrel, argue, or engage in heated discussions? Are you a partaker in any division or party spirit? Are there people whom you deliberately slight?

Acts 20:35 Have you robbed God by withholding His due of time, talents, and tithe (a tenth of your income)? Have you failed to support mission work in prayer? In offerings?

I Cor. 4:2 Can others depend on you so that you can be trusted with responsibilities in the Lord’s work? Are you allowing your emotions to be stirred for the things of the Lord but doing nothing about it?

I Cor. 6:19-20 Are you in any way careless with your body? Do you fail to care for it as the temple of the Holy Spirit? Are you guilty of intemperance in eating or drinking? Do you have any habits which are defiling to the body?

I Cor. 10:31 Do you take the slightest credit for anything good about you, rather than giving the glory to God? Do you talk of what you have done rather than of what Christ has done? Are your statements mostly about “I”? Are your feelings easily hurt? Have you made a pretense of being something that you are not?

Ephesians 3:20 Are you self-conscious rather than Christ-conscious? Do excuses of inferiority keep you from attempting things you should in service for God?

Ephesians 4:28 Do you underpay? Do you do as little as possible in your work? Have you been careless in the payment of your debts? Have you sought to evade payment of your debts? Do you waste your time? The time of others?

Ephesians 4:31 Do you complain? Find fault? Do you have a critical attitude towards any person or anything? Are you irritable or cranky? Do you carry hidden anger? Do you get angry? Become impatient with others? Are you ever harsh or unkind?

Ephesians 5:16 Do you listen to unedifying radio or television programs? Do you read unworthy magazines? Do you partake in worldly amusements? Do you seek satisfaction from any questionable source? Are you really satisfied with Christ?

Ephesians 5:20 Have you neglected to thank Him for all things—the seemingly bad as well as the good? Have you virtually called God a liar by doubting His Word? Do you worry? Is your spiritual temperature based on your feelings or on the facts of God’s Word?

Philippians 1:21 Are you consumed with the cares of this life? Is your conversation or heart joyful over things rather than the Lord and His Word? Does anything mean more to you than living for God and pleasing Him?

Philippians 2:14 Do you ever by word or deed seek to hurt someone? Do you gossip? Do you speak unkindly concerning people? Do you carry prejudice against true Christians because they do not see everything exactly like you do?

Philippians 4:4 Have you sought to be pleasing to Him in all things? Do you carry any bitterness toward God? Have you complained against Him in any way? Have you been dissatisfied with His provision for you? Is there in your heart any unwillingness to obey God fully? Do you have any reservations as to what you would or would not do concerning anything that might be His will? Have you disobeyed some direct leading from Him?

Colossians 3:9 Do you engage in empty and unprofitable conversation? Do you ever lie? Do you ever exaggerate? Cheat? Steal? Carefully consider...do you overcharge?

II Tim. 2:22 Do you have any personal habits that are not pure? Do you allow impure thoughts about the opposite sex to stay in your mind? Do you read that which is impure or suggestive of unholy things? Do you indulge in any unclean entertainment? Are you guilty of the lustful look?

Hebrews 10:25 Are you irregular in attendance at services? Have you neglected or slighted daily or private prayer? Have you neglected God’s Word? Do you find the Bible and prayer uninteresting? Have you neglected daily family devotions?

Hebrews 13:17 Do you hesitate to submit to leaders in the church or elsewhere? Are you lazy? Do you rebel at requests given to you to help in the work of the Gospel? Are you easily corrected or are you stubborn and unteachable in spirit?

James 1:27 Have you allowed yourself to become “spotted” by the world? Is your manner of dress pleasing to God? Do you neglect to pray about the things you buy?

James 4:6 Do you feel that you are doing quite well as a Christian? That you are not so bad? That you are good enough? Do you insist on having your own way? Do you insist on your rights?

James 4:11 Have you dishonored the Lord and hindered His work by criticizing His servants? Have you failed to pray regularly for your pastor or other spiritual leaders? Are you more concerned about what people will think than what will be pleasing to God? If you have been honest and true in the matter of admitting your sins, then you are ready for God’s cleansing. Sins that are admitted are sins that are confessed. Remember these three things:

1. If the sin is against God, confess it to God, and make things right with God.

2. If the sin is against another person, confess it to God and make the sin right with the other person.

3. If the sin is against a group, confess it to God and make it right with that group. If there is full confession, there will be full cleansing.

Would God lie about forgiveness? I John 1:9

Does God want you to be filled with the Spirit? Eph. 5:18

Then can we trust God to fill us if we ask with a clean heart? I John 5:14-16

Oh yes we can!

Happy New Year!

We have no right to complain, my friends...

2010-01-04T18:45:00.004-05:00

Click on the photo below. The internet will take you to Bro. Sujon's blog where you can read about his work in Bangladesh. The story there will break your heart and make you grateful that there's a Bible-believing, Christ-exalting, soul-winning missionary doing the work is such a needy country as this. Leave Bro. Sujon a comment and let him know that you're praying for him and Bro. Nathaniel as they labor in the villages of Bangladesh. Then thank the Lord for everything He's done for you...

Thanks for reading!

2009-12-27T09:13:00.003-05:00

No sooner did we plant my new Squirrel Buster bird feeder in the ground, than a gorgeous red cardinal sized it up as his new food source! See those little "windows" near the bottom? When a squirrel sits on the ring, his weight pulls down little metal "shades" that close down the feeder. Crows, doves, and other heavier birds cannot access the bird seed. Only songbirds are able to eat at the new feeder - I love it!

Thanks for reading!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-25T11:44:00.002-05:00

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪We Wish You a Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♥ ♥ ♥We Wish You A Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...And A Happy New Year!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...

2009-12-15T14:33:00.004-05:00

You simply must go over to Bro. Sujon's blog, People after God's Will, and read his most recent post. As it turns out, Bro. Sujon is not only a very spiritual man, but he's also got a great sense of humor!

Thanks for reading!

A new blog from Bangladesh

2009-12-15T10:09:00.004-05:00

There's a new BLOG online by Augustine Sujon Baroi, pictured to the left. Become a follower of his writings and encourage this new convert in Christ to continue his work for the Lord in Bangladesh. To have a fruitful work in there is nothing short of a miracle...

Thanks for reading!

Yes, our tree is real, but not really...

2009-12-06T19:41:00.007-05:00

Every year, there are folks who ask me, "Do you have a real Christmas tree?" Here's an article I wrote years and years ago about why our real tree is really artificial...

It was a chilly December evening when we decided it was time to buy a pine tree for our Christmas tree stand. A tall, tubby tree with tons of symmetrical branches was what we really, really wanted. So off we went to the Home Depot—a no-nonsense, home improvement store where Christmas trees of every shape, size, and species are lined up in rows like soldiers in green fatigues waiting for daily roll call. And each and every one of them seemed to beg us as we strolled by to, “Get me outta here!” And even though we felt “sorry” for the trees we didn’t pick, we were happy with the one we did—it was tall and tubby with a perfect, symmetrical shape and long, graceful branches. Abbey fell in love with it, big brother bought it, and soon it was roped across the top of our car, on its was to being “planted” in front of the picture window of living room. Oh, what a happy tree it was—for no one had noticed that beneath those green, graceful branches lay its only flaw—the most crooked trunk ever found on any Christmas tree at any time during the entire course of Christmastime history. Our ignorance was bliss while it lasted.
We spent an entire evening embellishing our Christmas tree with trinkets large and small. The white lights that cascaded in spiral fashion down its length illuminated the entire upper floor of our split-level home. This tree was simply delightful! It was absolutely divine! It was hopelessly defective... At one o’clock in the morning, our pine tree became exhausted from standing on its crooked “leg” and crashed onto our living room sofa. My husband and I, tired as we were, knew we could not leave our Christmas tree sprawled out on the couch like that! So we very carefully stood it upright in its stand and filled the reservoir with water. We left the fallen ornaments on the sofa, floor, and end tables to be hung again the following morning and went back to bed.
Then, at three-thirty a.m., the pine tree’s “leg” gave out again—this time it fell flat on the floor. Our family formed a circle around our fallen Christmas tree, staring at it with our heads bowed low—no one speaking a word. Our little white dog carefully examined it with his nose while the jingle bells attached to his collar made the only sound in the room. That night we made the decision to get a different kind of tree the next year—one that wouldn’t collapse onto our sofa or fall flat on our living room floor—one that wouldn't shed needles. And we've had our real artificial tree ever since and I've never looked back...

2009-12-01T09:17:00.001-05:00

This article will make your blood run cold. Read it here.

This will make me a criminal...

2009-11-08T16:49:00.000-05:00

Mr. Higgins and Toby

2009-10-29T15:12:00.002-04:00

We're getting along quite well, actually.

Mr. Higgins has finally conceded... the backyard belongs to both of us...

Cute overload...

Huge paws! I wonder if this is an indication of how big Toby will be...

Right now, his feet are bigger than those of Mr. Higgins.

Copy and paste to your blog...

2009-10-21T18:08:00.002-04:00

This video was taken inside Congress. IT WAS TAKEN OFF THE VIDEO TAPES OF THE FLOOR OF OUR NATIONAL LEGISLATURE. Watch it and see what our government doesn't want us to hear...

New York, New York

2009-10-16T10:01:00.004-04:00

Terry and Phyllis, neighbors from years ago, came to visit our family last weekend! They drove, yes drove, from northern Illinois, right through New York City and to our house on Long Island! They are - officially - the bravest mid-westerners I know. Here they are - looks like their train to Penn Station is just arriving...

We took them to see the Statue of Liberty, the NBC Building, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square-

We even came across a movie that was being filmed!

Our friends at the Empire State Building.

So sad to see them go, but are thankful for the memories!

Meet the brothers...

2009-10-03T10:32:00.005-04:00

My whole family with my two brothers... Dan (on the far left) was making everyone laugh! My brother Mark is third from the right...

All the Engesetter brothers. I love this picture!

Abbey with her two brothers and my brother, Mark.

Randy and his big brother, Gary.

My son Neal and my brother, Dan. Look at those dimples, will 'ya? It's in the genes...

For the record, I have seven brothers and Randy has four - I have no sisters and neither does Randy.

Photos from Wisconsin

2009-10-01T17:16:00.002-04:00

Starting with my 90-year-old grandmother sitting at the table in the background, Neal, Dan, my father, Abbey, and me.

Abbey and her long lost grandfather...

Me with my father who, because of circumstances beyond my control, I hadn't seen in 44 years...

2009-10-01T17:08:00.002-04:00

My Grandmother with her very first great-grandson, Neal.

Daniel with his great-grandmother...

And Abbey too...

She was so proud of all the great grandkids! I was so happy for her - it was her first time ever meeting them...

Pride is a Cheater

2009-09-28T09:30:00.001-04:00

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny…
Because you demand your own way.

I cheat you of contentment…
Because you “deserve better than this.”

I cheat you of knowledge…
Because you already know it all.

I cheat you of healing…
Because you’re too full of self to forgive.

I cheat you of holiness…
Because you refuse to admit when you’re wrong.

I cheat you of vision…
Because you’d rather look in the mirror than out a window.

I cheat you of genuine friendship…
Because nobody’s going to know the real you.

I cheat you of love…
Because true love demands sacrifice.

I cheat you of greatness in Heaven…
Because you refuse to wash another’s feet on earth.

I cheat you of God’s glory…
Because I convince you to seek your own.

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I’m always looking out for you.

Untrue.

I’m looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, I admit, but don’t worry…
If you stick with me—you’ll never know.

38 Seconds

2009-09-14T16:17:00.002-04:00

Mainstream, liberal media refused to cover this historical gathering of America's finest citizens this past weekend. 2 million people showed up and very peacefully protested the overspending of our money by the government. My husband was there along with several other good men from our church. Watch it - it only takes 38 seconds and it's amazing!

Just a favorite picture...

2009-09-13T22:17:00.002-04:00

It's a little blurry, but I love this photo of Randy and Abbey enjoying one another's company! I thank God for my family and for the wonderful relationships He has given us. There's no one I'd rather be with than these two fantastic people!

Happy Birthday Neal!

2009-09-01T10:13:00.000-04:00

Today is Neal's twenty-ninth birthday!

Moving to Mexico?

2009-08-31T10:50:00.004-04:00

Moving to Mexico? I doubt it - but read this anyhow.

Dear Mr. President:

I'm planning to move my family and extended family into Mexico for my health, and I would like to ask you to assist me.

We're planning to simply walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and we'll need your help to make a few arrangements.

We plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws.

I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here. So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Calderon, that I'm on my way over?

Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:

1. Free medical care for my entire family.

2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.

3. Please print all Mexican government forms in English.

4. I want my grandkids to be taught Spanish by English-speaking (bi-lingual) teachers.

5. Tell their schools they need to include classes on American culture and history.

6. I want my grandkids to see the American flag on one of the flag poles at their school.

7. Please plan to feed my grandkids at school for both breakfast and lunch.

8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.

9. I do plan to get a car and drive in Mexico , but, I don't plan to purchase car insurance, and I probably won't make any special effort to learn local traffic laws.

10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from their president to leave me alone, please be sure that every patrol car has at least one English-speaking officer.

11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put U S. flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.

12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, or have any labor or tax laws enforced on any business I may start.

13. Please have the president tell all the Mexican people to be extremely nice and never say critical things about me or my family, or about the strain we might place on their economy.

14. I want to receive free food stamps.

15. Naturally, I'll expect free rent subsidies.

16. I'll need Income tax credits so although I don't pay Mexican Taxes, I'll receive money from the government.

17. Please arrange it so that the Mexican Government pays $ 4,500 to help me buy a new car.

18. Oh yes, I almost forgot, please enroll me free into the Mexican Social Security program so that I'll get a monthly income in retirement.

I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all his people who walk over to theU.S. from Mexico. I am sure that President Calderon won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.

Thank you so much for your kind help.

You're the man!!!

Sincerely,

Your supporter

2009-08-30T10:51:00.003-04:00

Higgins calls him "Homewrecker," but we named him Toby. 8-weeks-old, feisty, funny, and completely adorable. And yes, we're crazy.

Thanks for reading!

They finally bloomed!

2009-08-25T17:39:00.002-04:00

After soaking them for 24 hours, I planted two packs of morning glory seeds at the beginning of May. They sprouted and began to grow. Then the continual rain came, and along with it came the slugs. They ate nearly all the plants and only 6 were left to climb the corner stake in our front yard's garden. For the longest time they produced no flowers - only vines. So I did what I thought would work - I pinched back all the new growth. Lo and behold... look what I got!

Thanks for reading!

And then there were 2 dozen...

2009-08-22T10:58:00.005-04:00

For at least three years now, we've had a single lonely Guinea hen roaming the neighborhood searching for insects and such. He (or she) has survived the cold winters, alone, and the hot summers, alone. And we've always felt kinda sorry for the poor old thing. Today, the ugliest bird ever created, was proud as a beautiful peacock, as he (or she) showed 24 young Guinea hens "the ropes." The old bird walked them all around the perimeters of our home, looking in the windows and strolling across the driveway. Why do we like these birds so much? Because they eat BUGS! Including spiders, ticks, ants, and slugs. Better in the Guinea hens than on our dog and plants. Hooray for the Guinea hens - we're glad to have 'em!

Thanks for reading!

Higgins in the clouds

2009-08-11T10:13:00.006-04:00

Here's a profile pic of our dog, Mr. Higgins... now look at the picture below...

John Graf took this photo of "Higgins on Cloud Nine" at last night's Yankee game and sent it to us via cell phone. I think the resemblance is quite profound!

New York State Constitution Party

2009-08-07T13:37:00.004-04:00

R.S. Engesetter speaking at a meeting for the New York State Constitution Party. To get involved with this grassroots party, click here. Exercise your freedoms while you've still got them.

Thanks for reading!

LEMON Aid

2009-08-06T17:20:00.001-04:00

Sarcasm at its finest...

2009-08-05T15:44:00.002-04:00

Not quite ten minutes, and well worth every one - watch it!

Nothing's free...

2009-08-01T15:13:00.000-04:00

Do you think the angels are rejoicing?

2009-08-01T12:48:00.002-04:00

They most certainly are!

Matthew 15:7 "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

Matthew 15:10 "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

Rejoice with them!

Bayport Bay - Long Island

2009-08-01T11:20:00.001-04:00

I simply must learn how to sail...

Grand Canyon Pictures

2009-07-29T22:38:00.006-04:00

On a recent trip way out west, our family was able to "experience" the Hoover Dam. In no way does this picture capture the length, depth, height, or width of the Hoover Dam. I've never been so happy to get off anything in my entire life. This is not a place for people who are afraid of heights - and I'm never going back there.

See this almost-finished, brand new bridge? It made me hang on for dear life, inside the car.

The arch above is merely a platform from which the builders "string" themselves while they work on the actual, half-finished bridge below.

The Grand Canyon doesn't make me feel any better, but at least it's beautiful! Just as I was ready to snap this shot, a graceful hawk appeared on the wind.

Randy and Abbey, the bravest souls I know!

The three of us. As soon as this picture was finished, I practically crawled to a safe spot, FAR away from the edge.

For lunch, we went to the El Tovar Hotel, which sits on the south rim of the canyon. Teddy Roosevelt entertained guests there in this dining room, which was built especially for him. Randy is Teddy Roosevelt's biggest fan. Sitting here made him happy!

More pictures to come!

BRAVO!

2009-07-20T21:27:00.005-04:00

This video records the activity that took place at a town hall meeting in Delaware. The citizen here is confronting her congressman - Mike Castle. I have no idea who came up with the nickname for Barack O'Bama, but the content of the video is worth posting!

Updating Ion4Life.com

2009-07-11T12:53:00.001-04:00

Check out my other blog.

Gettysburg 2009

2009-07-05T16:28:00.002-04:00

Randy and I traveled south for about five hours on Friday afternoon. We went out to eat, did some shopping, walked, talked, and completely enjoyed ourselves! On the Fourth of July, we took the girls a picnic lunch and ate at Gettysburg beneath the shade of a giant oak tree. Then the two of us hiked to Little Round Top - it's always so solemn there.

Union soldiers...

Civil War lady lookalikes...

Ashley, Abbey, and Melissa...

Randy and me. Abbey took this photo; I love the fact that there was someone walking behind us, an American flag displaying its stars and stripes in the strong wind!

2009-06-30T19:53:00.003-04:00

This was a fun little test that Abbey sent to me. Try it and see how you do!

79 words

Typingtest

Thanks for reading!

Look at 'em now!

2009-06-25T20:07:00.004-04:00

Compared to the June 17th photo, these guys have really grown! Good thing children don't grow this fast... Click on either image for a cute closeup!

New on the blog roll!

2009-06-18T18:04:00.004-04:00

Alkaline ionized water is on Long Island! Click on the photo below and see our new blog!

Thanks for checking it out!

Presenting...

2009-06-17T17:56:00.002-04:00

Five baby birds. Still a little hard on the eyes, but getting cuter every day! They look okay for having hatched on Saturday! It's been pretty chilly here - especially at night. I was actually quite surprised to find all five of them hatched and growing; let's hope they all make it out of the nest...

2009-06-13T21:23:00.004-04:00

If you open the lid on our outdoor propane tank, you'll find a Carolina wren's nest! There were five eggs in all; since this photo was taken, three have hatched. The tiny birds are not at all cute and fluffy right now, but when they are you'll get a picture!

The parent birds are tiny as they can be and keep themselves busy all day long, darting in and out of the tank. Their song is very loud and distinct as heard on this website. They are very vocal, especially in the morning and we've enjoyed hearing their happy song!

2009-06-07T23:59:00.003-04:00

I was so surprised at how prolific the lilacs were since we were told they probably wouldn't bloom at all for at least one year. I just love the white rims around each little flower! These have been gone since the end of May, but I though I'd show you anyway.

The pollen was prolific too, and made an otherwise invisible spider web visible.

Pansies in a pot on our front porch...

Lantana, a new favorite of mine. It grows in the worst soil conditions and tolerates full sun - a perfect plant for me!

Our new bird house, all the way from Tennessee! Abbey saw a little house wren hopping around the yard today. I so hope it will take up residence our "bird barn."

White daisies with a blue center. I'm hoping that these will be abundant around the Fourth of July along with our red impatiens.

Our unusual variety of Peony.

Very few petals with a bright yellow center.

The wisteria has fragranced our entire town this year. It's blooming like crazy and Gina said it smells like we sprayed the entire neighborhood with air freshener!

More Lantana. I just adore the little flowers on this plant. Yellow, pink, red, and orange - all on one flower! Amazing.

Evening at the seaside

2009-06-06T23:03:00.007-04:00

John and Sarah took us to their spot by the seaside just before twilight. The beauty of the sunset was captivating! Peaceful and quite except for the voice of the Lord upon the waters. (Ps 29:3)

Four of God's children and a favorite photo of mine!

John and Sarah - our good friends.

Walking, talking, and waving "hello!"

Something to be aware of...

2009-06-03T13:14:00.004-04:00

Who our president really is. Times they are a changin'...

2009-06-03T10:47:00.001-04:00

Is this really what our country is coming to? When you were in grade school, did these thoughts ever even cross your mind? Yet these poor children will be forced to consider such wicked sin. Absolutely appalling.

2009-05-29T13:33:00.003-04:00

And to think she doesn't even know the English language yet! She's definitely got something to say - her parents have got their work cut out for them with such a smart little peanut!

What? Out of money?

2009-05-23T11:19:00.001-04:00

Should we be surprised? Click here.

More from Ruby Falls, Tennessee

2009-05-22T16:35:00.022-04:00

We enjoyed reading this plaque at the entrance to the cave.

The entrance to the falls in on the right. The door on the left is an alternative exit through the cave in case the elevator fails.

Here's a shot of Abbey and our tour guide. We walked and and he talked for about a half mile through the cave before we finally arrived at the falls.

A rock formation. This is be classified as a stalactite - a type of rock formation that develops from mineralized water dripping from the ceiling of a cave.

The next two pictures are of "caves within the cave," large crevices on either side of the walking path. The colored lights lend vibrancy to the different formations.

This formation is called a column and happens when a stalactite and stalagmite meet.
Other than the waterfall itself, this was one of my favorite cave scenes.

These two make me happy :o)

Just another beautiful cave scene.

This is how life looked for 1/2 mile.

I left this shirt on the back of the bathroom door at the Hilton Garden Inn in Chattanooga. :o(
Randy said the cleaning lady is probably wearing it now.

THE GRAND FINALE! In no way does this photo depict the real beauty of Ruby Falls - the sound, the cool humidity, the colorful lights, and all the oohs and aahs each have a big part in the whole experience. I hope you can go there one day (if you already haven't!).

Thanks for stopping by my blog on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. I'm off to plant my morning glories and some other flowers I bought at the Bloomin' Haus in Holtsville.

HE'S BACK!

2009-05-22T12:55:00.002-04:00

Our neighbor said this white squirrel lives in his yard, but this photo is proof that he visits ours! I assumed that he is an albino, but because the eyes are not pink he cannot be classified as such. I love our home and all the wonderful and beautiful things God has given us to enjoy - right in our own backyard!

How dandelions travel...

2009-05-20T17:59:00.002-04:00

Look closely now. This little guy was out early this morning munching on a dandelion stem that had already gone to seed. While he munched, I watched the stem get shorter and shorter while tiny little parachutes, each carrying a dandelion seed, escaped from the stem and floated ever so silently over to the neighbor's yard.

Thanks for reading!

2009-05-14T23:09:00.002-04:00

Ruby Falls

2009-05-13T18:27:00.002-04:00

I'm in Nashville. So happy to be "away from it all." Can you relate?? Pictures soon.

Seeing Double!

2009-05-04T22:13:00.005-04:00

This set of twin dollies are our new neighbors - they had so much fun playing with Mr. Higgins this past Saturday! We're looking forward to getting to know their family.

Thanks for reading!

2009-04-29T13:21:00.004-04:00

This cartoon from an issue of the Chicago Tribune, circa 1934, during the Great Depression sums up the current state of affairs in our beloved country. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana, The Life of Reason, Volume 1, 1905.

Click on the image for a more readable view of the text.

Swine flu info.

2009-04-29T09:35:00.003-04:00

Whatever you do, don't panic.
Click on the little piggy to the left to
read some valuable information
about the swine flu.

Jonah and friends...

2009-04-20T11:30:00.001-04:00

Jonah visits our Sunday school class from time-to-time, and the kids just love him! Here are five of our students having a good time on the best day of the week...

When the plain sense makes common sense...

2009-04-16T14:27:00.005-04:00

I'm with you, Alan Keyes.

2009-04-15T00:01:00.006-04:00

A birthday's a beautiful thing when the people you love love you back! My life is full of people like that, and I am blessed indeed...

2009-04-01T10:14:00.002-04:00

Are you REALLY a TRUE CONVERT of Christ? Go here.

Twenty-nine years today...

2009-03-30T11:13:00.000-04:00

Thanks for reading!

2009-03-18T12:19:00.002-04:00

There are many voices ringing out in the media today, exhorting us about how to respond to the troublesome times in which we live. These troublesome times are known as "the end times" and are written about in the Bible, pointing to the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The wisdom and exhortation in the Scripture exhorts us not to prepare for troublesome times, but to prepare our souls for eternity. Here's how to make sure you'll be eternally safe and secure.

Thanks for reading!

2009-03-18T09:16:00.002-04:00

March is most definitely my least favorite month. Dreary, drab, nothing really pretty to look at. But then our family saw these in a field near our house - a beautiful family of deer looking for tender shoots of early spring grass. Still, I'm glad March is already half way over...

2009-03-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

Check this out! Even Mountain Home, Arkansas is getting involved!

2009-03-11T10:35:00.002-04:00

If you've got little girls who like to color, Mary Englebreit has a beautiful selection of printable coloring pages on her website. Just click and print! Something fun to do while we wait for spring to make it's grand, WARM entrance. Click HERE to access her site.

Thanks for reading!

The "change"?

2009-03-06T11:08:00.003-05:00

Looks like the promised "change" is showin' up everywhere... I've been a shopper at Sam's Club for at least 15 years and this sign is a first for my eyes. Looks like Sam's is gettin' ready for the inevitable. Click on the photo below for an interesting article.

2009-03-05T19:01:00.002-05:00

Randy went to a Rangers game tonight! This picture was sent from his iPhone.

2009-03-02T13:37:00.007-05:00

This gentle mourning dove found shelter from the *COLD* and blowing snow on our front porch this morning. Even though he saw me, he stayed while I took his photo. It would have made me whimsically happy to put a little red scarf around his neck and a knit cap upon his chilly head.

In like a ROARING lion!

2009-03-02T07:22:00.007-05:00

It snowed and blowed while we were sleeping last night. We woke up to 12 inches on the ground with more on the way this afternoon. March has definitely made its entrance as a lion - I'm hoping it goes out like a lamb...Thanks for reading!

2009-02-26T10:37:00.002-05:00

If you're have a hard time understanding the president's stimulus bill, head on over to Tadd's blog. He gives a brilliant illustration of how the stimulus bill works. Thanks for reading!

Say you're sorry...

2009-02-24T17:45:00.001-05:00

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." Romans 12:18

This post was intended for February 14th. The dentist gave me an ice pack to hold on my face for Valentine's Day and blogging was the very last thing I wanted to do. Some Valentine, huh? So here I am, ten days later, wondering if you recognize the couple right over there to the left. If you do, I know how old you are—approximately. If you don’t, you haven’t missed a thing—these two went and told the whole nation, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Puleeeeeeeeze! I've been married for almost thirty years now. I think I'm a little bit qualified to proclaim that those two words—I’m sorry—are absolutely vital to healthy relationships. And not just the married kind—ALL relationships—family, friends, neighbors, business associates, etc.

So what is an apology, anyhow? Well... let's first think about what an apology is not. An apology is not some kind of insincere, manipulative tool for getting someone "off your back." i.e. "Okay, okay, OKAY! I'm sorry, alright? I'm SORRY!!!!!" Nor should an apology be used to introduce a hurtful comment, “I'm sorry, but I've just about had it with you!!!" To the contrary, an apology is a deliberate, heartfelt effort to right a wrong; it's taking responsibility for causing a breach within a relationship. Years ago, I wrote down an outline in the back of my Bible. Our pastor, concerned that his people know such life-enhancing character, was teaching us how to apologize. Here are those worthy notes, expounded upon by this blogger:

Be tenderhearted toward the offended, not proud. Humility is most important here—bathe yourself in it! Think about what you have done to offend this person, try to understand how he or she must feel.

Acknowledge the offense and identify the proper biblical behavior that would have been appropriate in the situation. “I’m sorry, I was wrong for charging that item on your credit card. I should've asked you first.” Okay, folks. This is only an example... Mary did not shop for hundreds of dollars worth of goods using her husband's credit card :o)

Seek forgiveness, not justification. “If you would have given me cash, I wouldn’t have taken your credit card.” Again, my friends, an example only... :o)

These are such simple principles, yet (because of pride) so difficult for human nature to endorse and practice. Over the years, I've received apologies and I've given apologies. And every single time those two sincerely spoken, simple words—I’m sorry—were able to heal a hurting heart and fix a broken relationship. They generated forgiveness when forgiveness was needed. Those two words—I’m sorry—when genuine and coupled with the proper behavior, have power to restore and strengthen relationships. Say 'em when you need to...

2009-02-19T12:22:00.004-05:00

BRAVO RICK SANTELLI!
Click on this link and listen to the video - my thoughts exactly are expressed here. GO!

2009-02-17T13:05:00.006-05:00

I've been absent from the bloggosphere for awhile, but I'm back now. For now, here's an article by Ann Coulter that's well worth a few minutes of your time:

Goodbye, America! It Was Fun While It Lasted

It's bad enough when illiterate jurors issue damages awards in the billions of dollars because they don't grasp the difference between a million and a billion. Now it turns out the Democrats don't know the difference between a million and a trillion." Why not make the "stimulus bill" a kazillion dollars?

All Americans who work for a living, or who plan to work for a living sometime in the next century, are about to be stuck with a trillion-dollar bill to fund yet more oppressive government bureaucracies. Or as I call it, a trillion dollars and change.
The stimulus bill isn't as bad as we had expected -- it's much worse. Instead of merely creating useless, make-work jobs digging ditches -- or "shovel-ready," in the Democrats' felicitous phrase -- the "stimulus" bill will create an endless army of government bureaucrats aggressively intervening in our lives. Instead of digging ditches, American taxpayers will be digging our own graves.

There are hundreds of examples in the 800-page "stimulus" bill, but here are just two.

First, the welfare bureaucrats are coming back.For half a century, the welfare establishment had the bright idea to pay women to have children out of wedlock. Following the iron laws of economics -- subsidize something, you get more of it; tax it, you get less of it -- the number of children being born out of wedlock skyrocketed.

The 1996 Welfare Reform bill marked the first time any government entitlement had ever been rolled back. Despite liberal howling and foot-stomping, not subsidizing illegitimacy led, like night into day, to less illegitimacy.

Welfare recipients got jobs, as the hard-core unemployables were coaxed away from their TV sets and into the workforce. For the first time in decades, the ever-increasing illegitimacy rate stopped spiraling upward.

As proof that that welfare reform was a smashing success, a few years later, Bill Clinton started claiming full credit for the bill.

Well, that's over. The stimulus bill goes a long way toward repealing the work requirement of the 1996 Republican Welfare Reform bill and rewards states that increase their welfare caseloads by paying unwed mothers to sit home doing nothing.

Second, bureaucrats at Health and Human Services will electronically collect every citizen's complete medical records and determine appropriate medical care.
Judging by the care that the State Department took with private visa records last year, that the Ohio government took with Joe the Plumber's government records, that the Pentagon took with Linda Tripp's employment records in 1998, and that the FBI took with thousands of top secret "raw" background files in President Clinton's first term, the bright side is: We'll finally be able to find out if Bill Clinton has syphilis -- all thanks to the stimulus bill!

HHS bureaucrats will soon be empowered to overrule your doctor. Doctors who don't comply with the government's treatment protocols will be fined. That's right: Instead of your treatment being determined by your doctor, it will be settled on by some narcoleptic half-wit in Washington who couldn't get a job in the private sector.

And a brand-new set of bureaucrats in the newly created office of "National Coordinator of Health Information Technology" will be empowered to cut off treatments that merely prolong life. Sorry, Mom and Pop, Big Brother said it's time to go.

At every other workplace in the nation -- even Wal-Mart! -- workers are being laid off. But no one at any of the bloated government bureaucracies ever need fear receiving a pink slip. All 64,750 employees at the department of Health and Human Services are apparently absolutely crucial to the smooth functioning of the department.

With the stimulus bill, liberals plan to move unfirable government workers into every activity in America, where they will superintend all aspects of our lives.

Also, thanks to the stimulus bill, the private sector will gradually shrivel and die. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the cost of servicing the bill's nearly trillion-dollar debt will shrink the economy within a decade.

Robert Kennedy famously said: "There are those who look at things the way they are and ask, 'Why?' I dream of things that never were and ask, 'Why not?'

The new liberal version is: There are those who look at things and ask, "Why on earth should the government be paying for that?" I dream of things that never were funded by the government and ask, "Why not?"

2009-02-06T16:29:00.002-05:00

I decided it would be fun to plant some forget-me-nots in the middle of winter. Michael's had some tiny little planting pots - seeds included - for one dollar. Not sure that they would grow on my cold windowsill, I took a chance, spent a dollar, and planted five tiny seeds. And whadyaknow? I've got forget-me-not sprouts! I made the most visible sprout the only green thing on this photo so you could see it clearly...

And yes, I collect little, whimsical birds. Someday, I'll show them all to you..Thanks for reading!

Very well said, Mr. Krauthammer

2009-02-02T10:43:00.001-05:00

I recently read the following article in the Washington Post. I couldn't agree more with the thoughts of this writer. See what you think:

Every new president flatters himself that he, kinder and gentler, is beginning the world anew. Yet, when Barack Obama in his inaugural address reached out to Muslims by saying, "to the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect," his formulation was needlessly defensive and apologetic. Is it "new" to acknowledge Muslim interests and show respect to the Muslim world? Obama doesn't just think so, he said so again to millions in his al-Arabiya interview, insisting on the need to "restore" the "same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago."

Astonishing. In these most recent 20 years—the alleged winter of our disrespect of the Islamic world—America did not just respect Muslims, it bled for them. It engaged in five military campaigns, every one of which involved—and resulted in—the liberation of a Muslim people: Bosnia, Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The two Balkan interventions—as well as the failed 1992-93 Somalia intervention to feed starving African Muslims (43 Americans were killed)—were humanitarian exercises of the highest order, there being no significant U.S. strategic interest at stake. In these 20 years, this nation has done more for suffering and oppressed Muslims than any nation, Muslim or non-Muslim, anywhere on Earth. Why are we apologizing?

And what of that happy US-Muslim relationship that Obama imagines existed "as recently as 20 or 30 years ago" that he has now come to restore? Thirty years ago, 1979, saw the greatest U.S.-Muslim rupture in our 233-year history: Iran's radical Islamic revolution, the seizure of the U.S. Embassy, the 14 months of America held hostage. Which came just a few years after the Arab oil embargo that sent the United States into a long and punishing recession. Which, in turn, was preceded by the kidnapping and cold-blooded execution by Arab terrorists of the U.S. ambassador in Sudan and his chargé d'affaires.

This is to say nothing of the Marine barracks massacre of 1983, and the innumerable attacks on U.S. embassies and installations around the world during what Obama now characterizes as the halcyon days of U.S.-Islamic relations.

Look. If Barack Obama wants to say, as he said to al-Arabiya, I have Muslim roots, Muslim family members, have lived in a Muslim country—implying a special affinity that uniquely positions him to establish good relations—that's fine. But it is both false and deeply injurious to this country to draw a historical line dividing America under Obama from a benighted past when Islam was supposedly disrespected and demonized.

As in Obama's grand admonition: "We cannot paint with a broad brush a faith as a consequence of the violence that is done in that faith's name." Have "we" been doing that, smearing Islam because of a small minority? George W. Bush went to the Islamic Center in Washington six days after the Sept. 11 attacks, when the fires of Ground Zero were still smoldering, to declare "Islam is peace," to extend fellowship and friendship to Muslims, to insist that Americans treat them with respect and generosity of spirit. And America listened. In these seven years since Sept. 11—seven years during which thousands of Muslims rioted all over the world (resulting in the death of more than 100) to avenge a bunch of cartoons—there's not been a single anti-Muslim riot in the United States to avenge the massacre of 3,000 innocents. On the contrary. In its aftermath, we elected our first Muslim member of Congress and our first president of Muslim parentage.

"My job," says Obama, "is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives." That's his job? Do the American people think otherwise? Does he think he is bravely breaking new ground? George Bush, Condoleezza Rice, and countless other leaders offered myriad expressions of that same, universalist sentiment.

Every president has the right to portray himself as ushering in a new era of this or that. Obama wants to pursue new ties with Muslim nations, drawing on his own identity and associations. Good. But when his self-inflation as redeemer of U.S.-Muslim relations leads him to suggest that pre-Obama America was disrespectful or insensitive or uncaring of Muslims, he is engaging not just in fiction but in gratuitous disparagement of the country he is now privileged to lead.

Iran has already responded to the Obama overture. In perfect tune with Obama's defensiveness, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared that better relations might be possible—after America apologized for 60 years of crimes against Iran. Note the 60 years. The mullahs are as mystified by Obama's pre-1979 (or 1989) good old days as I am.

Thanks for reading!

2009-01-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

So "the change" begins...