tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78975014586987048262024-03-13T20:15:45.954-07:00Just Thinking......Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-64101548336787774942018-03-20T18:08:00.001-07:002018-03-20T18:08:12.521-07:00Mennonite Girls Can Cook: Bread for the Journey-God's Plan<a href="http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca/2018/03/bread-for-journey-gods-plan.html?spref=bl">Mennonite Girls Can Cook: Bread for the Journey-God's Plan</a>: I see him in filthy clothing and a tattered and torn blanket. At times I see that coffee has been delivered to him in the morning, and ...<br /><br />
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<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-48106678856071520222010-08-25T19:47:00.000-07:002010-08-26T06:26:38.578-07:00The face.A very crabby lion. <br />
<br />
Makes me wonder what happened in his life this day, that made him so disagreeable. <br />
Could be the “food” got away. He is hungry. His mate is off on a “walk about”. Who knows? We can see he is mad about something. Was he disturbed in his nap time? Could be. Whatever it was I would not want to meet him on this day in his native habitat. I think, it would be best just to leave him alone for awhile and he will come around to be his jolly self again. <br />
Reminds me of some people I know when they get angry. It is called sulking. No one wants to be around someone who sulks. It shows a person is wallowing in self pity. That will get them nowhere and very quickly. <br />
Cheer up Mr. Lion. Life will get better and some delicious plate of food will soon come walking through your jungle and you can have your dinner. That is if you stop feeling sorry for yourself and prepare for the feast that maybe coming your way. <br />
Get off the grumpy bed you are in and do something to cheer yourself up. Roar a little. That should help. <br />
Better days are ahead.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-80992022501891610822010-08-23T12:55:00.000-07:002010-08-23T12:55:50.744-07:00LEARNING TO READ FOR PURE JOY OF READING AND LEARNINGReading is a good way to spend time. Each of us have favorite books and authors that we enjoy spending time with. <br />
My list grows daily as I find new authors and books that appeal to me and my way of thinking. <br />
I envy those who can write and put onto paper what others would want to read. Expression is the key to communication. <br />
There are those who write books, but they do not appeal to me at all, I have to be "hooked" after the first page, or I put the book down. <br />
<br />
Some of my favorite books are: <br />
<em><u>Sanders: Spiritual Leadership.</u></em> A great book for those who desire to be more spiritual in their leadership positions. <br />
<em><u>Carnegie: How to Win Friends and influence People </u></em> Great book that teaches people how to actually win friends and be an influence in thier lives. <br />
<u><em>Johnson: Who Moved my Cheese?</em></u> When life throws a curve at you this little book helps a person to understand that moving to another "challenge" is not so bad after all. <br />
<u>Dobson:</u> <u><em>Where is God when it Hurts?</em></u> Great book to help put hurting in the right prospective.<br />
<u><em>Edersheim: The life and Times of Jesus the Messiah</em></u> No book written by anyone I know of can beat this one. I loved that book.<br />
<u><em>Shepherd: The Christ of our Salvation</em></u>. Great book that tells about Jesus as he lived and taught <br />
<em><u>Max Lucado:</u></em> All his books I recomend. He has never written a bad one. <br />
<em><u>Khaled Hosseini: The Kite Runner</u></em> Wonderful story that helps a person to understand another culture and true cowardness and true bravery. <br />
<u><em>James Michener:The Source:</em></u> The beginning of man in a fictious novel. Great story <br />
<u><em>John Steinbeck: East of Eden:</em></u> You will not be able to put this book down until you are finished reading it in its entirety. <br />
<em><u>Francine Rivers: The Lion series:</u></em> Wonderful books about a real christian in a real world. A great inspiration to all who read it. You will cry when there is no more story to read. <br />
<u><em>Jane Austin Withering Heights:</em></u> A classic. A very good read<br />
<em><u>David McCullough 1776:</u></em> I love politics and the true behind what goes on. David McCullough has written some fantastic books that give us a picture of the real people in our history. <br />
<u><em>John Gregory: The Seven Laws of Teaching</em></u> : The fundamentals of teaching. The best of all the books on the subject. No frills, just how to teach. <br />
<em><u>Bruce Wilkerson: The laws of Learning:</u></em> Fantastic book and well worth the price if you are a teacher who wants the student to actually learn something in your class. <br />
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I think I need to quit with the list. It will go on forever. I think a person can be known by the books that person reads over a time period. <br />
Reading is enjoyable and a learning experience. Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-34627526934750453492010-08-14T08:27:00.000-07:002010-08-14T08:27:24.053-07:00The life of Gracie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a beautiful article of a women and her faithful dog. Read it with your kneenex box handy as you will shed some tears. No doubt this is the reason the dog is considered "mans best friend", as when he is loved a dog is forever faithful. Read and join me in saying </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"what an inspiring story". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AMAZING GRACIE'S DEVOTION </div><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Saralee Perel</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This month I began writing one column after another, but nothing clicked. I finally realized my mind's been on a subject that I've been postponing putting into words. But now it is time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">My dog, Gracie, is coming to the end of her life. If only she had lived the life she deserved. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">She was a year old when she was found abandoned on the streets of Fall River. When my husband, Bob, and I brought her home, she was terrified of us. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">One day she was next to me while I was making soup. As I often do when I cook, I was singing. When I belted out "Oklahoma," I raised my large spoon toward the ceiling for emphasis. She hit the ground on all fours and, petrified, scooted away as if I was going to hit her with the spoon. Clearly she had been abused. She wouldn't even let us hug her. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally one glorious day, Gracie made a decision. While cooking spaghetti, I told Bob, "Pasta is done when you fling a piece to the ceiling and it sticks." I balanced a gigantic clump of spaghetti on a huge spoon. "Dare me?""No!"I whipped the spaghetti straight up. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We watched the glob of pasta dangle from the ceiling before it plopped to the floor in one big heap. Bob said, "I guess it's not done."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Had I seen Gracie watching us, I'd never have swung the spoon. But there she stood, smiling, as dog lovers can attest dogs actually do. Then she planted happy sloppy kisses all over my face.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"Oh Gracie." For the first time, she let me hug her. "Welcome to your home, my golden dog."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Though it may seem silly, lately I've been singing my own version of "Amazing Grace" to her.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved and strengthened me. You once were lost, but now you're found Instead of spending her middle years doing fun dog stuff, all she wanted to do was protect me. After my spinal cord surgery, I could barely walk. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">She always worried about me. I scrunched her cheeks, "No more worrying. I want you to play, have fun. Be a dog!" But year after year, she would not leave my side, even for her breakfast or dinner. She was my keeper. Instead of playing in our fenced-in backyard, she'd sit outside the glass slider, looking in and watching me. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I told Bob how sad this made me."Gracie has never been happier, Saralee.""But she's always on full alert. She never has fun." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"This is her purpose. She was born for this. She is a lifeguard in every sense. The fact that she is YOUR lifeguard is the biggest gift you could give her. She is honored. She is noble. And she is happiest when she is serving her higher purpose."</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It is because of Gracie that I re-learned to walk, though I was scared. But with her assistance, I did it. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<em><span style="color: purple;">Twas Grace that taught my heart no fear, And Grace all fear relieved. How precious was that Grace was here The hour I first believed."</span></em></span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gracie, on my left, wore a harness. I had the grip of the leather as well as her strong body next to me for balance. With no training, Gracie knew to take one step, then waited while I took one step. After we repeated this process 4 more times, I shouted, "HALLELUJAH!" Gracie gave me a billion kisses while we hugged. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><span style="color: purple;">"Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far And Grace will lead me home."</span></em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Those glory years sped by all too soon.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Now, nearly 15 years old, she is feeble and in rapid decline. Though her eyes are cloudy, she sees shapes and knows which shape is me. Though she's stiff and aches, she always walks by my side. Though she can no longer hear, she feels the vibrations of me getting out of bed, and slowly pulls her body up from her heated dog bed to resume sentry duty.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sometimes I wonder if she is hanging on because she believes I can't make it without her. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Last week, out of my love for my beautiful dog, I told her something very hard to say. I believe she heard me. "Gracie, my golden dog." I glided my fingers through her fur. "I could never have walked without your help. But I can walk by myself now." I kissed her forehead. "You will forever be my hero and my lifeguard."</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I whispered through tears, "No matter how far I will walk, you will always be on my left. No matter how long I live, I will always see you, looking carefully in front of my path, making sure I am safe." And then, it was painfully hard to say, "If you're too tired, you can let go now, and rest in peace my golden dog. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh, my Gracie." I lay next to her with my head on her shoulders. "Thank you."</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><em>When her flesh and heart shall fail, </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><em>And mortal life shall cease. </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><em>I shall possess, within my veil,</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><em></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><em>Her loyal and eternal peace.</em></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">There is little I could add to this article. What a faithful dog says it all. God bless you all and have a good day, all day, no matter what it holds for you. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><br />
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</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-57353484540379691162010-07-11T10:15:00.000-07:002010-07-11T10:15:22.786-07:00Some things should not be hidden..I have had an interesting talk with a favorite person. As in most conversations in time, the subject rolls around to weather, politics, beliefe system and personal relationships. I guess there is not much else to talk about really. <br />
Being in a group of people that I do not know well, I am hesitante to "speak" what I actually think. Today it is called being "politically correct". There are just some things we should not express in public. Yet, those are our thoughts, feelings or personal convictions that we hold to be true. Do we deny them in order to be "accepted" by those within our circle of acquaintances? Not sure at this point. <br />
<br />
It would seem that if a person is true to their self, then when opportunity arises it is the right and automatic thing to do but to express our opinion, expressing it of course, in a mild and courteous manner. Perhaps that is the answer to it all; just being polite and not obnoxtious as some are. No one wants to be around someone who is rude. Expressing ones opinion then, in my understanding, needs to done in the correct manner. <br />
When someone asks me about a subject and wants an answer, then I must give my answer as I see it, as I know it to be true. Some questions are answered as we see it, while other questions are answered within the boundrys of the Bible or scientific authority. <br />
<br />
I suppose I lost a friend these days when I did not agree with what is happening in the United States as far as politics is concerned. I will not, nor can not agree with the present administration and the socialist leanings of our government. <br />
<br />
Another friend who has never understood the doctrine of the Trinty and where it came from, but can not belive there is only one God. He accepts the Trinity to be the only way to belive.<br />
To give up my understanding of the oneness of God, would be a great "turning away" from truth. There is no "political corrections" on the matter. There is no trinity in heaven but only One Lord and his name is Jesus. Many have been burned at the stake for beliveing in One God. <br />
Expressing ourselves in a godly manner is the correct way to express our selves. Not to offend, but to let the listener know what we actually belive. Be true to what you know to be true, no matter what others may think of you. <br />
<br />
Just some thoughts that I wanted to share with you today. What do you think?Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-16164493544894256692010-07-04T17:31:00.000-07:002010-07-04T17:31:09.404-07:00Independance Day 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE-cGaODQSY-TxTZKN6dP58loc-5SnEixJbBhBYh0mHbQmbDuksx_a9RaubFY0qhRttfWyf6kmyMorBtrqQxvceTg8jVq4kpTfHisLNZZuJsf43EP3XMutGa9lH5h6s_0xEry9WaYmYm_/s1600/declaration_of_independence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE-cGaODQSY-TxTZKN6dP58loc-5SnEixJbBhBYh0mHbQmbDuksx_a9RaubFY0qhRttfWyf6kmyMorBtrqQxvceTg8jVq4kpTfHisLNZZuJsf43EP3XMutGa9lH5h6s_0xEry9WaYmYm_/s320/declaration_of_independence.jpg" /></a></div>In the picture I have included are some of the signers of our Declaration of Independance. We celebrate that signing today July 4, every year in America. We must never forget what these men did for us in putting forth our reasons for wanting to be free to do and go and think as we would desire. <br />
We call these men and the others, the founding fathers of our nation. Today I want to honor those who gave their very lives for our country. <br />
As they signed the document they all pledged thier lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to the document. I hope we will always honor what they gave to us. God is for us in that we are free to worship and tell others of God´s mercy and grace. <br />
I pray today that evil men who seem to rule our land will be made to see the danger they are placing our country in as they proceed with evil deeds. May God help us.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-45273464147944304142010-07-02T10:11:00.000-07:002010-07-02T10:11:06.159-07:00The Declaration of Dependence | jamesrobison.net<a href="http://www.jamesrobison.net/?q=node/33">The Declaration of Dependence jamesrobison.net</a>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-28230717066240276952010-06-27T18:47:00.000-07:002010-08-02T12:17:44.720-07:00Letting off some steamAfter a very long absence in posting things on my blog, I have decided to let off some steam that has been "building up" within me. <br />
Nothing so great or horrendous but just some rambeling thoughts. Not sure how many or if any one will read this, but at least I will post the thoughts. <br />
Seems to me that there is a strange thing about having children who are adults. <br />
As a mom who lives 10,000 miles from her offspring it seems that I am forever begging for pictures of my children and grandchildren. I use the words kindly, but it is always me asking for more pictures of the family that lives so far away. "please", "when you can", "send me more pictures". Just a mom wanting to see their pictures. <br />
The grandkids grow daily and they change so quickly that I love to see all those funny things they do, but can not enjoy them close up. Pictures have to do for me. So, I beg and plead (softly) for more picutres of all the loved ones in my life. <br />
Yet, there is one side of this that I have been pondering for awhile...<br />
No one of the kids ever ask me for my or their dads picture. No requests come this way from any of them. Strange, when I think of it. Is this love affair just one sided? Not sure, but it seems to me that it is one sided in this respect. <br />
We are old now and not so handsome to be sure. Yet, we are Mom and Dad and I wonder why no requests come to us for our pictures. <br />
<br />
Small pensaments of my head today? Not sure, but I do wonder. <br />
Then I looked around my house and I see not one picture of my mother, dad or any of my in-laws. Nary a one! So, I am just as guilty as what I am complaing about. I will be putting some up tomorrow for sure. <br />
I loved my mother and even though I barely knew my father, his picture will also go on the wall for me to remember who he was and what he looked like. Without him and my mother I would not be here to be writing this little thought tonight. <br />
<br />
Someone said... What goes around .....comes around... So, I will leave my thoughts for you to consider wither they are valid or not. Whatever your thoughts are about this "steam release", we will remain friends. It was good to at least write it down.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-91838155242616147542009-10-10T15:13:00.000-07:002009-10-10T15:14:00.111-07:00A Year in Bread<a href="http://ayearinbread.earthandhearth.com/">A Year in Bread</a><br /><br />Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com">AddThis</a><br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-5481529224527166912009-09-19T03:49:00.000-07:002009-09-19T03:49:53.903-07:00Son Michael Duane Walmer<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8JNNe2r-5gEn3ZWNnv1S_yVHtBGrM70SwK2LxfKTdS7ppRaBfEJEw_XAnFVs9LEWuLJxUHbPdKmixL6c-Pb4GSUKMKov45tZ48xK61rGtHIWtxU5WXvybd_VXaXs1AjaWExm5TToVcYo/s1600-h/OK+District+Conference_01.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8JNNe2r-5gEn3ZWNnv1S_yVHtBGrM70SwK2LxfKTdS7ppRaBfEJEw_XAnFVs9LEWuLJxUHbPdKmixL6c-Pb4GSUKMKov45tZ48xK61rGtHIWtxU5WXvybd_VXaXs1AjaWExm5TToVcYo/s400/OK+District+Conference_01.JPG" /></a> </div>Michael Walmer in service somewhere in the USA. He has now traveled more than two years raising his support to return to Uruguay South America. I<br />I can see that he is very tired and weary as the traveling does get very difficult after about six months.<br />Travel on my weary son. You will complete your travels and be back in the country that God has called you to.<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-4091074553481077252009-09-07T07:36:00.001-07:002009-09-07T07:36:35.985-07:00Being<a href=http://shar.es/1akhN>Being Poor</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-45606001758008254502009-08-27T17:26:00.000-07:002009-08-27T17:26:04.628-07:00KIDS SAY THE CUTEST THINGS; ESPECIALLY GRANDDAUGHTERS<blockquote><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2KyhblCAWB8ziH8pV7n9NkhdoaMK-olEiOOCZ-icJRIZbGAPMdoQ5V2E0zwnyeQlhTFek0CbzFwPbVPjKIP6WQsnx14MWvpL7N5HU1gDGG7XrhTFLCWNyQ7pqA4DDQyDir_eHl3sG5-s/s1600-h/LACI+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2KyhblCAWB8ziH8pV7n9NkhdoaMK-olEiOOCZ-icJRIZbGAPMdoQ5V2E0zwnyeQlhTFek0CbzFwPbVPjKIP6WQsnx14MWvpL7N5HU1gDGG7XrhTFLCWNyQ7pqA4DDQyDir_eHl3sG5-s/s320/LACI+1.jpg" /></a></div><blockquote>When Laci was four years old, she loved to tell stories and read lots of books. We would play "school" when she would come to visit me or I would babysit for the day. </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>I told her the story of the Three Bears and she wanted to tell me the story of Little Red Riding Hood. She knew all the details and she was very animated in telling me how little red riding hood went through the woods with her basket. <br />
As she told me the story, she came to the part where the man (wolf) was asking her what she had in the basket. She explained to the man, (wolf). The wolf left her and was going to the grand mothers house to hurt her, or worse.<br />
<br />
Laci told me, " Little red riding hood reached into her pocket and got her cell phone and called her Grandmother and told her the wolf was going to get her so get in the closet quick". <br />
I tried hard to not laugh but knew she was a modern little girl, who is used to the cell phone and just figurerd that Little Red Riding Hood had one also. <br />
What a modern age we live in and what smart <strong>grand </strong>children we have today! <br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><span></span> </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-67366497328726622792009-08-27T16:13:00.000-07:002009-08-27T16:13:37.812-07:00STEPHEN AND JENNIFER WALMER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchbruKMK-UiQczX-sdXvGP299fykR8ujQzWsZ65p2pscawxdsWbnS-BkD-w9zpB4EsdnpK970fzY6Xm44_wh4Cv6_9v4w0xkFcnAsYWl7Pt9MbNzk9KmBif1rPsNgyMVdXyZRpwE7lHdt/s1600-h/STEPHEN+AND+HIS+FAMILY+12-2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchbruKMK-UiQczX-sdXvGP299fykR8ujQzWsZ65p2pscawxdsWbnS-BkD-w9zpB4EsdnpK970fzY6Xm44_wh4Cv6_9v4w0xkFcnAsYWl7Pt9MbNzk9KmBif1rPsNgyMVdXyZRpwE7lHdt/s320/STEPHEN+AND+HIS+FAMILY+12-2008.jpg" /></a></div>When we found out we would have a baby when we comtemplated going to Brazil as missionaires, it was a shock. Not one that I did not want, but a shock anyway. My reaction was "now, Lord"? The timing did not seem so great, at least to me. <br />
After all the years have gone by and here he is with his own family and he has brought us much joy and pleasure through the years. The children are precious; Savannah Love and Laci Joy. Each one is more precious than the other. Soon we will have another little girl to add to this picture; anytime now in August 09. Maybe today? <br />
Stephen is pastor on staff in Stockton, CA. We are grateful for this miracle in our life and in our sons life. He always said he would NEVER be a preacher like his dad or his older brother. But, alas, God had other plans. <br />
A gift from God, he came to us on Dec 28. He is our special gift that keeps on blessing and blessing.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-14066187497622660052009-08-27T15:58:00.000-07:002009-08-27T17:40:40.280-07:00MICHAEL AND IVONNE WALMER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgN7yC_5Wh4LU-CtuZCAFiJQoKzm433h7noHiXzIo1OVkObbWjJejNt-WiLRp3yBEnBG-lsmSZmCa1pNG2yoKoSuVbwHYTdhbsBNXDG_7OVfIxSpPKS28waz6B7Cm8bZ34Ss_5QgkJniH5/s1600-h/s41655ca109070_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgN7yC_5Wh4LU-CtuZCAFiJQoKzm433h7noHiXzIo1OVkObbWjJejNt-WiLRp3yBEnBG-lsmSZmCa1pNG2yoKoSuVbwHYTdhbsBNXDG_7OVfIxSpPKS28waz6B7Cm8bZ34Ss_5QgkJniH5/s320/s41655ca109070_16.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JsnJR0fJDn71RzhI0OZ4Q53aOvCKx56EJZm3BK7DxexfZ90Rzs4KgAgqPbh2UJ6Koz7vyk2XyOOQoUdlNTKBvdTBnxTPqQyzqTrfCTmJwVlJlaz0g7OnmGpEcjavWDPMHe4aOp_IxrDm/s1600-h/Mike+and+Ivonne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JsnJR0fJDn71RzhI0OZ4Q53aOvCKx56EJZm3BK7DxexfZ90Rzs4KgAgqPbh2UJ6Koz7vyk2XyOOQoUdlNTKBvdTBnxTPqQyzqTrfCTmJwVlJlaz0g7OnmGpEcjavWDPMHe4aOp_IxrDm/s400/Mike+and+Ivonne.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white;">Our son Michael Duane and his lovely wife Ivonne are our joy in life. They are hard working missionaries in South America. Over 15 years in Brazil and now going to Uruguay. They have brought us much joy and happiness and we are glad they serve the Lord and want to do His will in this life. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Being in Brazil makes it hard to get together very often. I suppose that is the worst part of living on the mission field. Yet, there are many rewards to enjoy here on this earth. We are greatly blessed in knowing they and the other children have made their commentment to the Lord. What could be more important than that?</div><br />
Christian Lucas and Jonathan Michael are their sons. Christian is an A student and travels with his parents in the states raising the funds to go to Uruguay. He has felt the presence of the Lord many times and I belive someday he will be called to work for the Lord also. He is very tender towards the things of God. <br />
Jonathan is in Florida and is working in the computer area. He studied computers in Brazil and was able to get a very good job in the first few weeks of coming to the states. God was good to him in that regard. <br />
Seeing them grow up and not be with them is difficult but we pray for them and love them dearly.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-18227229677564410702009-08-26T12:29:00.000-07:002009-08-27T17:30:58.134-07:00Daughter Rachel Mardell and Stephanie and VanessaBeing in Brazil, South America it is not possible for me to be able to enjoy my<br />
children, nor my grandchildren. So, there is one way I can do that and that is through<br />
pictures. I have a lot of them. Pictures that some would say, " you have too many".<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSunjyfywoJRW8gcG96fvlCcD0kiy7lSPuRjfQy0jWQWeQHb6q8xSLLcQ9DKxvMA4GzFNlvLNlxW3odnynutGwNIk75lcA6u_9WYUbHHHEhtpBH4K_flveTVIdvYUkMLrIawk2RjieE4Nq/s1600-h/CCI00001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSunjyfywoJRW8gcG96fvlCcD0kiy7lSPuRjfQy0jWQWeQHb6q8xSLLcQ9DKxvMA4GzFNlvLNlxW3odnynutGwNIk75lcA6u_9WYUbHHHEhtpBH4K_flveTVIdvYUkMLrIawk2RjieE4Nq/s400/CCI00001.jpg" style="clear: both; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="254" /></a><br />
That is a matter of opinion of course, and I shall be entittled to mine. Having the<br />
Pictures is the way I deal with the feelings of loneliness that comes to me ever<br />
so often. So, if I post a few pictures it is because I enjoy looking at them. Humor me.<br />
<br />
Rachel and her girls are very precious to me and to my husband. She is so much like her father in so many ways. She works hard at what she does and never stops until she has finished her project. She has unending enery. <br />
She teaches high school students who do not speak English. She can teach anyone anything. It is a true gift from God. One day, I hope to see her using her talents in the ministry. She will be a blessing to many when that day comes. <br />
Stephanie and Vanessa are two girls who won our hearts the day we saw them. Each one is special and so precious to us. They are great students and are excelling in all their subjects. May God use each of them for His glory.<br />
<br />
God has blessed me in so many ways. I have no treasures in my purse, only the children God allowed me to have. Michael Duane, Nathan Wayne, Rachel Mardell and Stephen Andrew. They are my treasures and I think and pray for them every day.<br />
<br />
I have seen them at their very best and at their very worst. I have seen them through sickness, pain, joy and seeing them recieve the Holy Spirit into their lives.<br />
<br />
I have seen them marry and knew they were struggling to make ends meet. I have seen them worship God when I knew it was very hard to do so. I have seen them discouraged to the point, I was not sure they would continue to love and serve God; but they did. Each time they have proved to me that God is with them also and that life to them is precious as they serve the Lord.<br />
<br />
Each one has given me immense joy.<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-37790180197173118062009-08-22T16:18:00.000-07:002009-08-22T16:21:48.767-07:00Consider this today.<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I am posting an article that I think is "right on" and hope you will also. Give some time to read it and let me know what you think. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE<br /></span><br />When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day not enough is, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.<br /><br />A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.<br /><br />The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full . . . They agreed it was.<br /><br />The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous, "yes."<br /><br />The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.<br /><br />“Now," .said the professor, as the laughter subsided.<br />“I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.<br />• The golf balls are the important things . . . God, family,<br />children, health, friends, and favorite passions . . . things that if everything else<br />was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.<br />• The pebbles are the other things that matter . . . like your job,<br />house, and car.<br />• The sand is everything else . . . the small stuff."<br /><br />" If you put the sand into the jar first," . . he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.<br /><br />If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,<br />you will never have room for the things that are important to you."<br /><br />“So . Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.<br />• Play with your children.<br />• Take time to get medical checkups.<br />• Take your partner out to dinner.<br />• Listen when your mate speaks to you; really listen.<br />• Be a friend to someone who needs a friend.<br />There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.<br />Take care of the golf balls first . . the things that really matter.<br />Set your priorities . . . the rest is just sand."<br /><br />One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee<br />represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked . . . it just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem . . . there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-72376802821880424552009-05-26T07:06:00.000-07:002009-05-26T07:29:31.982-07:00What is HE to you?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxEa8FlXB9qK_XRQt5BGS01qT8zSw-1-K25ZjM5olPRpl-S89oypmzB2eNn-6fPocwWsRtULEgsesJ3C0clLTQ2-Ryt7vgVcKb5XokbsYjyD06l10DP12FQrjXsgsahIXZbl3dLWfDr7c/s1600-h/Linda+is+smiling+again.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340138440031925442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxEa8FlXB9qK_XRQt5BGS01qT8zSw-1-K25ZjM5olPRpl-S89oypmzB2eNn-6fPocwWsRtULEgsesJ3C0clLTQ2-Ryt7vgVcKb5XokbsYjyD06l10DP12FQrjXsgsahIXZbl3dLWfDr7c/s400/Linda+is+smiling+again.JPG" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">I have been thinking and reading on a certain subject that may seem '' over the top'' to some of you who frequent my blog. However, in light of current tendancies in the church world today, I know that my feelings on the matter are valid. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">There was a time when I thought it was indeed wrong to express my thoughts of others in the crowd would not be in agreement. This way of thinking has changed within me and I think it is morally wrong to not be true to ones self. There are ways to do that without being an offence. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">In todays church world we hear so many ministers telling the people that "God will supply every need you have; just come join my church, be faithful to this church and you will get everything you need from God" Never think for one minute that I do not belive the God will not supply our needs; as I know HE will do that. However, they may be a bit different than what we think is our needs. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">To many people today, this trend in evangelist circles has made people to treat God as though he is a Bellhop or an office boy that is forever at our beckon call and comes running to fulfill all the requests of the day. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Is God at your beacon call? Is He a present help in time of trouble? Yes, He is that and much more. However, what you ask HIM to do for you needs to be in accordance with what HE knows is best for you. As you do not have a crystal ball, He is the only one who knows what is best. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Our every wish is not always granted. Shame! But, I need that! Why, of why does not God give me that job, house, girl or whatever we demand from HIM. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">Is God only good when he gives us things? Is he bad when we don`t get what we ask for? </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">When I was operated on for cancer seven years ago, and I was given the results of the operation that it was a good report and the doctor felt I was free of any further problems, I was thankful. I praised God for his mercy in my life. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000099;">A friend called me and said to me '' God is good as you are ok and do not have to go through any treatments''. I told her then, "if the results are bad or good.....God is still good to me.''. I feel that God is always good to us all. Some have a harder time in life than others. Just look around and you will see I am right in this. Not everyone has a rosy life style. Some have a very hard time just living. But, God is always good to us. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">The only way to live is to believe correctly as to the position of God in our lives is to belive that if something is Gods will, then that is the way it will be. That will be the best way for us in the long run. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">God is not my office boy. He does not have to run and do what I demand of HIM. What kind of parent would do that? One who does not really love their child. Many things are witheld from us because He loves us. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">Think about it. Consider it and never waste your time resenting God because you don1t get what you want just when you want it. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;"></span></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-14362668681890181172009-05-11T09:28:00.000-07:002018-03-03T10:03:04.181-08:00MAKING DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">Lately I have been hearing people talking about decorating their home and buying new clothes and going on trips and buying this or buying that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">On the same day I read about the economy in the USA and know that it is really bad and many people are suffering daily because of it. Thousands have lost their jobs due to bad decisions of our government. Sad to say, but it is true. How can a country spend more than it brings in? Raise taxes! So now, all those who are not working can collect from the government money it does not have unless they take it from the PEOPLE. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">I am of the opinion that most folks have forgotten to "make do" with what they have. Making do does not mean you can never do better, but it is the understanding that for now we can not do or go or buy what we THINK we need. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">There is a huge difference between needs and wants. Most people in the United States do not understand this whatsoever. Sorry, but that is my thought. It is my blog! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">Living in Brazil for so many years has helped me to see another side of life. How can so many people in the world be content to have so little, while there are others who have so much already and are not at all content in thier life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">Now days it is easier to just go in debt rather than just "make do" until the money is available to do more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">No one wants to just "make do" with what they have. If they can't have something new or better than others around them then they feel they are being left out or they feel underpriviledged. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">The thought is now days........"will it match my decor? "if not, then I could not possibily use that". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">Is it the right color? if not, then I could not possibly use it". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">"Throw out all those decorations as in the new house they would not fit in". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">Some folks only know how to make do with what they have. They accept the fact it is impossible to have a refrigerator for now, so they will just get by until they can afford to buy one that works. That would be difficult for me to do, but I know many who can not afford the luxury of a way to keep milk or water cold. Yet, they don't whine and cry about it day and night but just plan towards the day when they can. They use what they have ability to pay for until they can do better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">I admire this way of life. I guess I have been here in Brazil to long and known to many people who I admire a great deal who live with so little and yet they are really happy and find contentment in having a bit less of this worlds goods and pleasures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;">Maybe some would say I have a "salvation army" attitude. Maybe I have had to "make do" for so long it is a way of life. Is being content with little a bad thing? I don't think so. Godliness with contentment is great gain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 130%;"></span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-54823818103212783382009-05-11T09:21:00.000-07:002009-05-11T09:25:29.023-07:00Grandmothers Hands<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2t-BgIk0Vqg/SghRUroMTPI/AAAAAAAADUs/ZVkzl4tEPvc/s1600-h/Grandmas+Hands.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334603174370888946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2t-BgIk0Vqg/SghRUroMTPI/AAAAAAAADUs/ZVkzl4tEPvc/s400/Grandmas+Hands.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">GRANDMA'S HANDS<br />Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK .</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear strong voice . </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?' I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Grandma smiled and related this story: 'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.' </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. </span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face. </span></strong></div><br /><div></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-54908491477784921962009-04-29T13:29:00.000-07:002009-04-29T13:50:46.007-07:00As you kno<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2t-BgIk0Vqg/Sfi6fdTFNcI/AAAAAAAADUg/a00pIW87Oyc/s1600-h/C7RL6FCA5ZU7CLCA9MGPTECAHF15Q5CATXSARYCA9NVG8UCAGM9OI5CA0P2E2BCA9BDG3KCA5XOTNHCANL8INMCA7H1X6ICAV88PVQCA6IO73KCAVTFVJVCAQHPA7OCA3L5SNGCAQ5WA9FCA1PFWXT.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330215208596354498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 128px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 93px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2t-BgIk0Vqg/Sfi6fdTFNcI/AAAAAAAADUg/a00pIW87Oyc/s400/C7RL6FCA5ZU7CLCA9MGPTECAHF15Q5CATXSARYCA9NVG8UCAGM9OI5CA0P2E2BCA9BDG3KCA5XOTNHCANL8INMCA7H1X6ICAV88PVQCA6IO73KCAVTFVJVCAQHPA7OCA3L5SNGCAQ5WA9FCA1PFWXT.jpg" border="0" /></a>w my political thoughts may not be exactly yours, but we can still be friends. It seems to me that the world is turned upside down right now and our politicians have lost their way in life. When I hear things like this: Our president will now make it mandatory that all youth serve in a special Help core where they will be taught the current administrations views on all matters. That this was passed in the Senate and the House is beyond my worst fears for America. It would seem I am watching as the spirit of the AntiChrist takes over the minds of the people who were once free to think as they wished. Now, it is different; we must think as we are told to think. This is wrong and it has always been wrong.<br />So, what can we do about it? <strong>Write to your President</strong> and tell him what you think. Remember, if enough of us write him, he will know he has to please the people at some point in his time in office. This is only one example.<br />Mr. Ted Kennedy has sponsored the bill and it has passed. Read about it by going on the internet and make up your own mind. <strong>HR1388.</strong> Could it be history is repeating what they did in Germany so long ago? <br />I write the President about all the things I can do nothing about because I am not elected to "represent" the people. Now, we have been told that anyone who does not accept Abortion on demand, has a gun in thier home, belives in a man marrying a women instead of another man, or believes people should have permission to live in this country if they are from another country. All those kind of people are now considered "threats" to our country as they are the right wing conservatives.<br />Our government gave billions to Hamas in Palestine so they could end up shooting more Israeles and yet we at home are now considered dangerous because we belive in conservative values.<br />Well, if you have a complaint, you had better get out your pen and paper and send a letter to the Senator or your state or the President of the USA. Remember, He is the top man; the angry people will be heard sooner or later. It seems more folks getter madder by the minute. It does not matter what the news casters tell you; the folks are home are not happy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2t-BgIk0Vqg/Sfi5nbYU1yI/AAAAAAAADUQ/KuJPkaORPPU/s1600-h/ts.jpg"></a>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-79113823001470654272009-04-23T05:02:00.000-07:002009-04-23T05:28:02.847-07:00Remembering when......<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQqWMpLWLiRlNq6bLgEQdqZOKsBdpmNRU7lpp2UmC4U6s3vjpczGG5CsrfddA1unq_lSFIAjoOEbhQXIrhZlHRPkmF2umqiAoQ0oIFj42pHPPdabc0Rq3nTz4xADTi7a-gA9TuVZQxl0h/s1600-h/PERIWINKLE+CREEK+WHERE+I+PLAYED.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327856315133769010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQqWMpLWLiRlNq6bLgEQdqZOKsBdpmNRU7lpp2UmC4U6s3vjpczGG5CsrfddA1unq_lSFIAjoOEbhQXIrhZlHRPkmF2umqiAoQ0oIFj42pHPPdabc0Rq3nTz4xADTi7a-gA9TuVZQxl0h/s320/PERIWINKLE+CREEK+WHERE+I+PLAYED.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>What you are looking at in this picture is a creek that is below the house, down the hill, from where I grew up. It was a delightful place to play and all my cousins and I, and others who came to my house would go there. It was the first thing everyone wanted to do; lets go to the creek. </p><p>We would run ourside, climb down the embankment and hang on to the bushes and trees to get closer to the water and then we would play in the creek. It was fun. </p><p>There were crawdads in the creek. I guess that would be a crab of a sort. I know I used to catch them and bring them home to my mom. Sometimes we had 30 of them in a pool of water at our house. I don´t recall ever eating one as the water was contaminated even back then, but we would play with them then take them back to the creek. How we enjoyed finding them. </p><p>Sometimes the creek would overflow its boundries and in the winter a city block (where the creek was located in a huge hole near our house) would be flooded and a torrent of water would go through the conduits the city had put in our creek. It was frightening to say the least and yet we would go and just watch the water as it flooded by us and took everything in its sight. We stayed up far away from the water of course, but it was fun and fasinating to see it going by down below. </p><p>When things would get back to normal we would begin our times of exploration at the creek. There was always new trails to follow and some even down to the might river Willamatte. It was a big river and our little Perriwikle creek would flow into that one. </p><p>Why do I write about that time of my life today? Strange, but it seems I now wonder what in the world my mom was thinking to allow me to play in such a place. There was a railroad track beside my house, and a lot of "travelers" were on those trains. They were not paying passengers but just people who traveled on box cars. Sometimes they would get off and go down to our creek. </p><p>It was a dangerous place to play, in that we could have slipped and fallen into the creek and no one would have known for hours. There was so many places we could have been badly injured there but not once did we ever think of that. Now, I know I would NEVER have allowed my kids to play there. Well, at least I don´t think I would have. </p><p>Those days were so different. There were evil people then as there has been since the beginning but nothing in the magnitude of today. Peoples minds today are continually on evil and what they can do to promote their evil ideas. Our laws have it is easy for evil men to become wealthy exploiting others. </p><p>Society today has accepted bad behaviour as "normal" or a "choice" and nothing more. Freedom has given the worst of us to prey on the innocent and be accepted as having a different way of living or thinking about what is correct or what is normal. </p><p>Normal has become a setting on the dryer and nothing more. </p><p>I saw the picture of Perriwikle creek and it made me remember a different day. One where the people had a code of life that was intererly different from todays. Many things in our world today are good and many improvements have been made. These have made our life better in many ways. But, there is a change that has come to all of America. We are accepting more and more the things we used to believe were wrong. It would seem to me there is little that is "wrong" anymore. Do whatever seems good to YOU to do........that is the message of today. </p><p>I for one, do not agree and still believe there is a right way to live and a wrong way to live. God has decided that and it was a long time ago. </p><p>Hugs for all who take the time to read this thought today. </p><p> </p><p> </p>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-59704232979744407162009-04-19T16:21:00.000-07:002009-04-19T16:27:01.289-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd_DAZEBeZYwE8-0t1SU2bJk80yvwFQSBGdOd67sQVvhYvh71v7vnoiTtz8j90uS6HZ-veVLRsct-mHqQ0-09OlYC9ExZGYq3R0AwxTRwnq5QBACK24Rnv_uU0MLgyGhMU12HfBfiurkC/s1600-h/PHILIP+AND+LINDA+IN+BRAZIL.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326546947283578034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTd_DAZEBeZYwE8-0t1SU2bJk80yvwFQSBGdOd67sQVvhYvh71v7vnoiTtz8j90uS6HZ-veVLRsct-mHqQ0-09OlYC9ExZGYq3R0AwxTRwnq5QBACK24Rnv_uU0MLgyGhMU12HfBfiurkC/s320/PHILIP+AND+LINDA+IN+BRAZIL.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">Just wanted everyone who reads this today that I have written my letter to Mr. Obama and I hope he will get to read it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">I was polite. I can say that for myself. However, I did tell him I was not a terrorist because I live by the USA constitution and that I believe it is OK to have a gun. I am OK because I do not believe in Abortion, nor same sex marriages, nor letting people who don´t work get paid by the governemtn by the people who do work. You and Me! </span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">I told him all that a lot more. I hope he reads it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">But, if you hear I have gone to jail for telling him how I feel, at least you know what I told him. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">Have you written a letter to him yet? It is your oportunity to tell him just how you feel about how he is running (ruining) the country. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">For now, that is our priviledge. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">Linda </span></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-33932431102366872032009-04-18T16:22:00.000-07:002009-04-18T16:45:57.896-07:00Pillars<span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;">Pillars. Just what are they anyway? They speak of strength. They speak of foundational strength. To some they are landmarks in a persons life that give you strength. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Landmarks. Something that happens in a persons life that marks that period of their life that could never be forgotten.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Long ago I experienced somehting in my life that has been a "pillar" of strengh to me. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">We were planning to go to Brazil as missionaries and it seemed at the time there were many obstacles in our path of ever seeing the land that we knew God had called us to. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I remember standing at my kitchen sink washing dishes and I was praying and asking God to help us in our situation and provide the way for us to get to Brazil. I was very depressed and praying as I washed my dishes. God understands no matter what some might say or think. He does care and he does understand our difficulties of this life. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I remember how I was praying and wanting to belive in a miracle for our family, when I truely felt God´s love and his arms around me. I felt so much comfort that day; it was so real to me. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">I was not discouraged any longer. I had felt God´s presence. I knew HE was with me and HE would see to it our needs were met. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">That has been over 35 years ago. We have been in Brazil all these years and that experience has been a "pillar" in my life. I look back and remember what God did then and I can look ahead because of that day and KNOW that what God did for me then, HE will do again for me. I will always look back to see the many pillars God has set in my path. <br /><br />I can not see the future nor do I want to see the hard times ahead of me, but one thing I know when life throws me a curve and I think surely I will not make it past this trial, I will remember, what God has done, He will do again. I do not know how, or when or anything about it but I know God is real and He delights in helping HIS own. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Thank God for the gift of remembering. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Love to you all who joined me today in reading my thoughts. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Linda </span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-9239276226043133462009-04-16T18:22:00.000-07:002009-04-16T18:31:27.417-07:00Share the Secret<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8z2iodBfHMO90uHzHlqjzqjYPJsLylBVyrYDV9wktPPPOTZ8U2ExAJiCE6f7kRRakYCafZzrHu6Y5pmMoxggAwzAuk5nElG_CUxRSKVLONmrH9dzxxBvlcbJ6cpVEogOT5s-onqA8ub1/s1600-h/PHILP+AND+LINDA+WALMER.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325464803421947602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8z2iodBfHMO90uHzHlqjzqjYPJsLylBVyrYDV9wktPPPOTZ8U2ExAJiCE6f7kRRakYCafZzrHu6Y5pmMoxggAwzAuk5nElG_CUxRSKVLONmrH9dzxxBvlcbJ6cpVEogOT5s-onqA8ub1/s320/PHILP+AND+LINDA+WALMER.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Secret<br /> <br />One day, one friend asked another, "How is it that you are always so happy? You have so much energy, and you never seem to get down."<br /> <br />With her eyes smiling, she said, "I know the Secret!" "What secret is that?" To which she replied, "I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise toshare the Secret with others."<br /> <br />"The Secret is this: <em>I have learned there is little I can doin my life that will make me truly happy. I must depend on God to make me happy and to meet my needs. When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God to supply according to HIS riches.I have learned most of the time I don't need half of what I think I do. He has never let me down. Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy."<br /> <br /></em>The questioner's first thought was, "That's too simple!"But upon reflecting over his own life he recalled how he thought a bigger house would make him happy, but it didn't! He thought a better paying jobwould make him happy, but it hadn't. When did he realize his greatest happiness? Sitting on the floor with his grandchildren, playing games, eating pizza or reading a story, a simple gift from God.<br /> <br />Now you know it too! We can't depend on people to make us happy. Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that. Trust HIM! And now I pass the Secret on to you! So once you get it, what will you do?<br /> <br />YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too! That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!But it's not really a secret... We just have to believe it and do it... Really trust God! </div><div> </div><div><br />Graphics By: Mark C. PhillipsAuthor of message unknown</div><div> </div><div>I know this may seem to you that I do not share MY thoughts in that putting someone else thoughts. However, in reading the thoughts here stated, they are much better that my own. I hope you will enjoy reading this thought of the SECRET. Let us all spread the news. (the secret must not be kept secret) Tell everyone. </div><div> </div><div>Linda </div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897501458698704826.post-13801939509020215192009-04-12T16:15:00.000-07:002009-04-12T16:22:14.237-07:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2t-BgIk0Vqg/SeJ2LSNwklI/AAAAAAAADRw/NeTvgZ662aI/s1600-h/TRIP_TO_BENTO_GONCALES___RS__MARCH_1__2009_047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323947645745533522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 128px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2t-BgIk0Vqg/SeJ2LSNwklI/AAAAAAAADRw/NeTvgZ662aI/s320/TRIP_TO_BENTO_GONCALES___RS__MARCH_1__2009_047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Loveliest flower was I to see, In the garden of Gethsemane.</div><br /><div>My head erect, my pure white face </div><div>Such a delight for all to embrace.</div><br /><div>For all who entered the garden gate,</div><div>I'd boldly lift my head and wait'Til they gazed upon my beauty fair.</div><br /><div>All who came would see me there.</div><br /><div>On the night before he was crucified, Jesus entered.</div><br /><div>He passed me by. He wept and prayed in silence there.</div><br /><div>All my friends bowed their heads in prayer.</div><br /><div>In pity and sorrow they gathered round, Except for me. </div><br /><div>I could not be found. I would not join in. </div><br /><div>I was much too proud. Bow my lovely head?</div><br /><div>No, I would not allow! News spread quickly, the very next day.</div><br /><div>All 'round the garden, I heard everyone sayJesus was going to be crucified.</div><br /><div>Oh, I wanted to run. I wanted to hide!</div><br /><div>I'd been much too vain to hang my head low,</div><br /><div>That first Good Friday; long, long, ago.</div><br /><div>I would not join the others who prayed with our King.</div><br /><div>Now, how can I bear such a sorrowful thing? </div><br /><div>No longer will I proudly face the sun.</div><br /><div>My head will hang lowly, ashamed of what I've done.</div><br /><div>My blossom forever will down turned be,</div><br /><div>In honor of Jesus; at Gethsemane.</div><br /><div>Dot McGinnis</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09300924218768301224noreply@blogger.com0