Dress Rehearsal

We were snowed-in one day recently, and this puppet show is the result -- presenting.....Taaa Taaaa!!! -- The Disney Afratize Show! (Anna made up the title) - with Mickey Mouse, Ariel, Giselle, Buddy, and Puppy -----

011.MOV

Christmas Caroling

Start:	Dec 13, '08 1:00p
End:	Dec 13, '08 3:00p
Location:	Lighthouse Bible Church, Main St, Hunter, NY(across from the Hunter Post Office)

Join us in Hunter on Saturday for Christmas Caroling, hot chocolate and cookies. Dress warmly, and bring a smile and some cookies to share.

Catskill MountainThanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving snow on the pumpkin -- just a dusting. So pretty :)

We enjoyed a cozy family Thanksgiving in spite of the chilly weather outside. We have so much to thank God for!

Samuel

Laura -- I'm just sharing these with you for now...can you look them over, add whatever photos you would like (I don't have any infant pics in my collection) and check the dates? In your spare time, that is. I'd like to do one for Anna and for Elisia too. And eventually make up an "Anna Book", a "Samuel Book", and an "Elisia Book".

Warrensburg Weekend

Antique effect - kind of smoky looking, though.

For the second year in a row Dan and I enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing weekend in the Adirondacks at the Pastors and Wives Retreat sponsored by the Shepherd's Haven of Rest Ministries. This year we were able to stay at Cornerstone Victorian B&B -- beautiful. We had a great time...and the FOOD! Thank you Doug and Louise for sharing your beautiful space, and Charlie and Suzanne for sharing the heart of Christ with us and so many pastors and wives who have been touched by your ministry.

Anna's Album

Around the house: Grammy has a new camera phone, and Anna likes to take LOTS of pictures...here are a few originals from Anna's collection.

Purity

From:
Revive Our Hearts
To:
grammynan2
Date:

True Woman Make-Over: Day 29
 

The Beauty of Holiness

Sometimes pressures come at you so fast it seems like you can’t think straight. Learn to develop a biblical, sound mind so that you can think clearly no matter what is happening around you.*

You never get to the point where you don't need the grace of God to protect and safeguard your heart and keep you from sin.
The real test of your purity is who you are when you get home and how you treat those around you.
The goal of being pure of heart is not to make us look good. That's self-righteousness. The goal is to make God look good.





 
 


 
 
 

 
 

October Snow 10/28/2008

Winter arrived early this year -- a sign of things to come??

Samuel's Third Birthday Party

Lighthouse 5th Anniversary

We gathered on Saturday, November 1st to Celebrate Lighthouse Bible Church's 5th anniversary. We enjoyed an early Thanksgiving dinner -- turkey, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, etc. and then shared some songs and testimonies of how God has blessed us, individually and as a church family.
We first met as a church in October 2003, in a borrowed storefront in Tannersville, NY, a few miles east of our present location. We're thankful for the completion of our first year in our present spot on Main Street in Hunter. With our history of frequent moves during our first 4 years, a whole year in one place is a longevity record for us! From 2003 to 2007 we met in various places while praying and searching for a permanent church home: in 2 store fronts, a tent, a living room, a youth center, and in another church, who graciously had opened their doors for us when we were temporarily "homeless". God has always provided -- even keeping the rain away during our tent meeting days. We never had a rain storm during church time for that entire summer.....pretty amazing (and, no, it was NOT during a drought!). We had our first Vacation Bible School this past summer (see some pictures posted in another album on this site.) We are excited to see what God will do over the next 5 years and beyond!

Moving Mountains

I don't know who wrote this -- it was forwarded to me -- but I feel it expresses what has been on my heart as well. This is a time for prayer, perhaps as we have never prayed before!

God bless --

Nancy

 

Moving Mountains
 
Please Pray Now
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     Are you sensing that there is something different about this
presidential election?  Discussing it with someone just recently we realized
that it seems like this election is far more serious than those in the
recent past.  Something in my spirit is very uneasy. In the past I have felt
the need to pray for different elections but I have never felt so strongly
the urge to pray, and pray fervently, for an election as I do for this one.
I truly believe that if the wrong person (Obama) is elected this nation will
be changed forever.  We may not be able to undo the things that will be
unleashed during an Obama presidency.
 
    My concern about an Obama presidency is not based on politics; it is
based on righteousness.  Look at any of the major moral issues and you will
find Obama on the wrong side of the issue, and Palin and McCain I believe
are on the right side of the issue. Obama does not live or follow what the
Bible teaches on any issue, yet he claims to be a Christian. He only claims
to be a Christian, but scorns Christian principles.
 
What makes this so disturbing is that the Obama team has raised far more
money than McCain/Palin and the media is unabashedly supporting Obama with every story and headline they write.  Currently McCain/Palin is behind in
the polls and is having a very difficult time.  Some in the media have
suggested that the race is over and there is little or nothing McCain can do
to change the outcome.  Oh how wrong they are!
 
    Let me briefly share a story I recently read in 2 Samuel Chapter 5.
David had just become king of Israel and the Philistines went up to wage war against him.  So David inquired of the Lord and said, 'Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?' The LORD said, 'Yes I will surely hand them over to you.'   So David went and defeated them. He said, 'As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me.' 
    After suffering a great loss in the first battle the Philistines must have thought they now knew David's defense strategy and they would be ready
for him the next time, because once more the Philistines came up to attack
David.  So once again David inquired of the LORD, but this time the Lord
gave different instructions. He said to David, 'Do not go straight up, but
circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.  As
soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.' David obeyed the Lord and was victorious.
This story holds a very important lesson for us at this time.  In most
presidential elections a frontal assault, a face-to-face battle, is what is
needed.  But this is no ordinary election. McCain is trying all the normal
tactics but he is not prevailing. It seems no matter what he says or does it
is not effective.  I am convinced this election CANNOT be won using normal
methods.  Just as the Lord told David to go around behind the enemy and
attack him there, so we must go around the face of this election and wage
war where the battle is truly raging - in the spiritual realm!  The fact
that the normal physical methods are not effective this time should tell us
that this is a very important spiritual battle and we can only win by using
spiritual methods & Prayer!
 
    What about the sound of marching in the treetops? What is that?  I have
read on the Internet several accounts of fellow Christians being stirred up
in their spirits to pray. Many have been drawn into times of deep prayer and
weeping as they intercede for Palin and McCain.  Some have woke up in the middle of the night and sensed a great need to pray, others have told of how when they heard about Sarah Palin being chosen as VP that something came over them and they wept and felt a need to pray for Her and McCain. Many others are feeling the calling and urging of the Spirit to enter into a time of fervent prayer and fasting for Palin and McCain and our nation.
 
    What is this unusual stirring that is occurring?  I believe it is the
Sound of the Lord marching in the trees, calling his children to act quickly
to pray and fast for Palin and McCain. Think about this, what would the
marching have sounded like to David?  It may have sounded like the rustling
of leaves as when wind blows through them, but this time something was
different and out of the ordinary.  Maybe it was like the sound of the great
wind when the Spirit moved on the day of Pentecost.  Also, God's people are referred to as Trees of Righteous in Isaiah 61. So the sound of the Lord
marching in the treetops in David's time is a portrait of the Spirit of the
Lord moving among and stirring up his children today.
 
    So what are we to do when we sense this stirring of the Spirit?  Two
things, first we are to take it as the sign that the Lord is moving out in
front of us.  Anytime the Lord calls us to do something he goes ahead of us
to prepare the way and fight for us. When Joshua returned from spying out
Jericho the Lord gave him insight to see that the Lord had removed
Jericho's protection so Israel could defeat them.  When the Lord calls us
into battle he goes ahead of us, removes the enemy's protection, and fights
for us to give us the victory. Secondly, the Lord tells us when we sense the
stirring of the Spirit we are to act quickly and join Him in the battle
(through prayer, fasting, praise and obedience)
 
    This election is by no means lost.  For God would not be stirring up his
children all across this nation and indeed around the world, to pray, if he
did not want to give us the victory in this election. And he wants us to
join him in the battle.  God will hear the cries of his children if we will
only cry out to him with fervent, earnest, prayers for this election and
this nation. If those who are being drawn to prayer by the Spirit will
indeed enter into a time of prayer and seeking His face, then God will have
mercy on America spare us from having an ungodly leader, I'm sure of it!
 
        And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say
unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto
this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and
nothing shall be impossible unto you.  Mat 17:20 KJV
 
    And it only takes a little faith!
 
    This election can only be won by going around the face of the election
and attacking the enemy where he is vulnerable, through prayer, fasting and
praise.  If you hear the sound of the Lord marching in the tree tops, if you
feel the stirring of the Spirit calling you to pray, then move quickly into
a time of prayer, for God is moving ahead of you at that time to give us the
victory.  May God give us ears to hear the marching!
 
I ask now that each and everyone of you join me in fasting at least two
meals each day, and pray at least two hours of the twenty-four each day on
November 2nd, 3rd,and 4th having faith that God will save America from the
doom of Obama's becoming President of our country.
 
Another way of helping to save America is to, vote early, contact your local
Republican office and volunteer to drive people to the polls, who have no
other way of getting there to vote. Yes, gas is expensive, however it is a
small sacrifice in order to save America. All voters live only a short
distance from the polling places where they will vote. I have already voted,
and I will spend my two hours praying before the polls open on the 4th.
 
Live the Cause!
 
"SEE YOURSELF AS GOD SEES YOU"
 
"YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH GOD"
 
 

   Cherish today --  it's God's gift to us.
His compassions fail not, they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23  

Come What May

This is amazing, and worth the few minutes it takes to read/watch....At the end of the article is a link to watch the film.....Enjoy! -- Nancy

Moviemaker’s Goal: Real Life Imitating Art

Homeschoolers, production company depict challenge to Roe v. Wade

World Net Daily Article

October 11, 2008

Debate teams representing the 300 students at Patrick Henry College have won the Moot Court national debate crown twice in the school's eight-year existence, and they've defeated debating bastion Oxford twice, including once in England using UK laws, but now they're reaching higher. They are hoping that real life will imitate their art.

Combining with Advent Film Group, the Virginia evangelical school's debaters are featured in a new film presenting arguments that one day could be used to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that found a right to abortion in the U.S. Constitution. "Come What May," which already has been shown to packed houses in Grants Pass, Ore., and Harrisonburg, Va., is expected to

be available for screening online later this month.

In the movie, Caleb, a Christian student attending Patrick Henry, is caught in a moral tug-of-war as he challenges Roe v. Wade at the National Moot Court Championship. At the same time, the character's mother, a feminist attorney, argues the case at the U.S. Supreme Court, but on

the opposing side.

The microbudget project – essentially created with a volunteer team of students advised by a handful of movie professionals – already has had half a dozen offers for distribution, according to George Escobar of Advent Film Group. He told WND the plans are for the movie to be streamed online on GodTube later this month, but exact details still are being worked out.

"Our intention is that people see the compelling arguments for overturning Roe v. Wade if there are the right Supreme Court justices on the bench," he said.

In the Roe v. Wade opinion, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun hinted the decision eventually could be overturned, leaving abortion laws up to individual states. He concluded that if the "personhood" of the preborn could be established, "the case, of course, collapses, for the fetus' right to life is then guaranteed specifically by the [14th] Amendment."

The advances in scientific and medical knowledge over the past four decades have created huge conflicts over the issue of the beginning of life. Voters in Colorado will decide Nov. 4 on a ballot initiative that would recognize the unborn as a person – given the same constitutional protections as anyone else – from the moment of conception.

Grants Pass Valley Family Forum director Dean Welty believes the time for the issue to be given to American citizens is now. "This movie tells how Roe v. Wade can be reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court," he said.

"Moviegoers [at a screening] were excited or agitated on both sides, because the movie shows in dramatic fashion just how flimsy the legal footing stands for Roe. "New Justice appointees who believe in constitutional original intent will likely overturn Roe," he said.

Since the next president is expected to appoint at least a few new justices during the coming term, the tipping point for many of the previous 5-4 decisions that have upheld abortions could be approaching.

Welty noted it's possible a handful of voters in each precinct across the nation could make the choice between GOP candidate Sen. John McCain, who has a long record of largely pro-life votes, and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, who has advocated for abortions beyond even the demands of the

National Abortion Rights Action League.

"If this new movie gets widely known, and it could break out because it's very controversial, then watch out," Welty said.

Escobar has worked in the American Film Institute and in Hollywood as a freelance story analyst. He was assistant to the director on several television shows and vice president of product technologies for Tele-TV, which then was headed by Howard Stringer, now CEO of Sony. The founder of Advent Film Group in 2007, he confirmed distributors already are bidding for the rights to distribute the movie.

"We know that Christians love 'Come What May,'" said Escobar. "What surprised us were the secular, pro-choice audiences, some of whom have told us that 'Come What May' is causing them

to reconsider their position." He cited the huge impact of recent low-budget movies, "Facing the Giants," and "Fireproof," as a sea change in the movie industry. "Giants," about a high school football team, was made by Sherwood Baptist Church in

Albany, Ga., on a budget of $100,000. It earned $10 million in box office sales and – so far – has sold more than a million DVDs. "Our mission is to change culture for Christ through media," said Escobar. "We are drawing from the outstanding talent and strength of the homeschooling community.

"If homeschoolers can turn the public education monopoly upside down, they can do the same for cinema," he said.

Statistics indicate homeschooling is growing at a rate many times the rate of growth for schools nationwide, and there now are estimates of more than 2 million students who are homeschooled.

Endorsing the project were Michael Farris, founder and chancellor of Patrick Henry College, the nation's only Christian liberal arts college established to serve homeschooled students; Graham Walker, president of the college; and Michael Smith, president of the Home School Legal Defense Association.

The project, in which students also received on-the-job training in the film industry, already has been

honored. It was given a Redemptive Storyteller Award for 2008 from the Redemptive Film Festival.

Kurt Ramspott, founder of the pro-life group Guys-For-Life, said the film "could be a tipping point in this dramatic battle of Good vs. Evil in our lifetime." "It is a 'must see' that will spur you onto action," he said.

Click below to watch the film (it's free):

http://www.onenewsnow.com/comewhatmay/default.aspx

 

Roseires Royal Racers -- Part 1

One of the highlights of the Vermont State Fair were the pig races....unfortunately, we did not have a clear view of the pigs, but this video will give you a taste of the excitement in the crowd that we experienced that day! Sound the bugle, and let's go.....

The Finish Line

If you look VERY closely, you will see the pigs, racing for the Oreos (that's what gets the pigs moving -- Oreos at the finish line!)

Vermont State Fair

We spent Labor Day weekend in Rutland and enjoyed the State Fair which was right down the road...had a great time and the weather was perfect!

Favorite Animals

Surfer Grandma

THE COMPUTER SWALLOWED  GRANDMA

The computer swallowed grandma.
Yes, honestly its true!
She pressed 'control' and 'enter'
And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely,
The thought just makes me squirm.
She must have caught a virus
Or been eaten by a worm.

I've  searched through the recycle bin 
And  files of every kind;
I've even used the Internet,
But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Jeeves   
My searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative, 
Not a thing was found 'online.'   

So, if inside your 'Inbox,'
My Grandma you should see,
Please 'Copy,''Scan' and 'Past e' her
And send her back to me. 

 

This is a tribute to all the Grandmas who have been fearless and ..                

learned to use the Computer.....
They are the greatest!!!   

 

We do not stop playing because we grow old;
We grow old because we stop playing .
NEVER Be The First To Get Old!

Cactus Canyon

This is my sister Ellyn, holding one of the youngest "Cactus Canyon Kids"!

Better late than never -- here are just a few pictures of our very first Vacation Bible School which was held at our church, Lighthouse Bible Church, August 11-15. We had a great time and made many brand new contacts with families in the area. We know of 2 children who accepted the Lord this week. God did that!

Children and Flowers

Anna loves to pick flowers, but not from Mommy's garden!

Greene County Youth Fair and a Rainbow

Big and beautiful!

We had some fun in July visiting the animals at the Greene County Youth Fair. But Samuel and Anna REALLY loved the playground!

Matt and Beka's Visit

We loved having them visit. Hey, which way to Wal-Mart?

Matt and Beka arrived in Albany July 8th for a one week visit with us here in NY. We got most of the family together a couple of times during that week -- and snapped some pictures Unfortunately, the dads (Michael and Dan) were at work when these were taken.....

China is NOT all fun and games

Will Olympics overshadow religious persecution?

Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow - 7/20/2008 4:05:00 AM

President Bush has drawn attention, and will continue to do so, to the plight of persecuted Christians.

The President made the remarks during a 10th anniversary ceremony to honor the International Religious Freedom Act, which was signed into law to deal with religious persecution. Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs

(VOM) is hopeful that when people see coverage of the Olympics in China -- and specifically, the opening ceremonies which Bush will attend -- they will see more than just the beauty of China and the competition.

"[I hope] they will also remember that this is a country that persecutes our brothers and sisters," Nettleton adds. "This is a country where Christians are currently in jail simply because of their Christian faith."

This week, President Bush said he always tells foreign leaders, including China's president, that they should welcome religion in their society, not fear it. Nettleton hopes that continues as the Beijing Olympics approach. "I hope that if he does get opportunities that he will really make a point of saying, 'This is not just about athletes and gold medals. We also want to remember our brothers and sisters who are suffering in this country,'" the VOM spokesman explains.

Nettleton also is hopeful Bush will have the opportunity to meet with Chinese officials on that issue. "You know, so much of our discussion with China is about trade and making money," Nettleton contends. "Some of it is about military relationships, and we need to always remember to keep the issue of religious freedom on the table."

According to VOM and other similar agencies, China has conducted a crackdown against the underground church in recent months as a way of striking fear in the hearts of Christians involved in the movement and putting their leaders in jail.

 

Refreshing Tunes

If you are wondering where to find inspirational, soothing traditional songs of faith and worship I'd encourage you to try Abiding Radio at http://loudcity.com/stations/abiding-radio/tune_in

This music has been such a blessing and peaceful respite to me especially in the evening, when unwinding from the harshness and hectic pace of the day.

Enjoy, and may God bless you today!

Just for Fun

http://www.toonfever.com/toon.jpg
To begin the week with a cartoon, to help bring a smile.....God bless you today!

Nates Thing.MOV

As the 4th of July parade wound its way through Windham, several folks passed out fliers alongside the Mitchell Hollow Mission Church VBS float (the VBS theme is Western -- it's called Cactus Canyon -- hence the cowboy garb you will see on the video). Nate took on the personality and spirit of a very enthusiastic cowboy - inviting all to come to VBS and "check it out". You'll hear the Cactus Canyon theme song in the background too. They attracted quite alot of attention (and nobody threw apples, tomoatoes or anything else except candy). Also notice the handsome guy in the background with the red bandana.

Fourth of July Parade

This was my view of the parade from the covered wagon -- but I enjoyed watching the faces of the people, some of whom, when they saw Samuel and me sitting in the wagon, actually jumped into the street to take our picture. It was just like the potpourratzi (I have no idea how to spell that).

Just a few photos that was able to take from my vantage point - sitting with Samuel in a covered wagon, facing backwards toward the rest of the parade. The white truck that you see in the pictures was pulling the Mitchell Hollow VBS float which, unfortunately, I did NOT get a shot of. On that float were most of the children and parents, including Laura and Anna. Michael was riding in uniform on the VFW float. Dan was helping to hand out VBS fliers to parade watchers.....we had alot of fun. And the fireworks were fantastic this year!

Zoom Flume

Yes, that tiny speck is Anna, riding a rubber raft down the chute.

We spent a sunny day last week at this country style water park in Durham. It was my first time there -- lots of fun. Anna's a pro; Samuel's not sure about the water spouts and the totem pole that makes loud noises. Laura and Susan enjoy sitting by the pool. I'm thinking of getting a season pass. Reminds me of sitting by the pool at Arcola in the good ole days before sunscreen. But this place has even more fun things to do!

Christian Country Gospel Music Concert

Start:	Jul 19, '08 7:00p
Location:	Lighthouse Bible Church, Main St., Hunter, NY (across from the Hunter Post Office)

All are welcome to join us for an evening of Country Gospel Music with two of our favorite singers, John Osborne of Hunter, NY and Larry Barrett of Abingdon Virginia. You will be blessed and uplifted by the music and ministry of these two gifted gospel singers. Refreshments will follow the concert. Admission is free, A freewill offering will be taken.

Just for a Smile....

 

Remember...

Once you get over the hill, you'll begin to pick up speed.

 ...If it weren't for STRESS
I'd have no energy at all.

Whatever hits the fan...

Will Not Be Evenly Distributed.

Everyone has a photographic memory.
Some, like me, just don't have any film.

Dogs Have Owners ~ Cats Have Staff

If the shoe fits... buy a pair in every color.

Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian.

Not any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

 

 

Bills travel through the mail...

at twice the speed of checks.

 

Some days are a total waste of makeup.

Men are from earth.

Women are from earth.

Deal with it.

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.

 

Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.

Junk is something you've kept for years
and throw away three weeks before you need it.

Experience is a wonderful thing.

It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.

Learn from the mistakes of others.
Trust me... you can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

I've tried!!

Have A Wonderful Day!

---

Cherish each day -- it's God's gift to us.
His compassions fail not, they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Don't Forget to Celebrate I Forgot Day!

Did I forget something?

Today is a very important but little-celebrated holiday....

I Forgot Day

Well we’re 1/2 way through the year and today’s the perfect time to catch up on all those sundry things that have slipped our minds over the last 6 months or so. What were those New Year's Resolutions anyway? Did I remember to send a card to Aunt Tillie in Feb? How many heart worm preventative doses has Fido missed? Is it too late to get a flu shot (YES!) What about an oil change? Yikes - are those snow tires that I see on my car in July?? Are there any fast food plants I can put in my vegetable garden now that will have a chance to actually grow before frost? (like insta-onion or speedy asparagas? Do you want fries with that?  Maybe I'd better stick with winter squash.)

Whatever we've missed in 2008 we have time to make up for at least some of it today -- National I Forgot Day. Actually, I have made a personal decision to extend the celebration for a whole week....hope that's enough time.   I'd better get going before I start screwing up again. 2009 isn’t that far away!

It's Summertime!

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer...

WELCOME!!

Actually, I am still hoping for some laziness and maybe even some craziness, but the fact that the calendar says it's summer gives me some hope that long days of summer haziness can't be far behind! Remember how endlesss the summer days of childhood seemed? ("What do you want to do? I don't know, what do YOU want to do?") Those kinds of conversations took up quite alot of our time in those days.....Now the question more likely is, "What do I do first?"

Well, whatever the next couple of months holds in store, let's not forget to push the pause button from time to time (yes, I got that from The Upside Down Show) take a deep breath and ENJOY some summer sunshine. And a lazy day or two.  And maybe even chew on a piece of hay sometime between now and Labor Day.

What do YOU want to do?

Summer arrives today at 7:59PM EDT.
(And its the first day of Winter in the Southern Hemisphere!)

 

Talking about YouTube - Cardboard Testimonies

 

Quote This is an amazing video of our amazing God and His work in the hearts of His people!

YouTube - Cardboard Testimonies
 

Cardboard Testimonies

Life before and after Christ changed them. Don't miss this video -- it's a simple yet profound way to show how God is at work in the lives of His people today. It may encourage you and bring you joy, as it did for me!

Happy Father's Day!

2007 Father's Day Presidential Proclamation

Father's Day, 2007

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On Father's Day, we reflect on the many ways that fathers contribute to the lives of their children with spoken words and unspoken kindness.

Fathers are one of the most important influences in the lives of children, and their unconditional love is an indispensable anchor of certainty and strength. By placing their family's well-being above their own, fathers provide children with an example of what it means to be a responsible person. Through unwavering devotion and daily sacrifice, fathers work to create an environment where children are protected and encouraged. Fathers instill in their children an understanding of right and wrong and help them to grow in confidence and character. These dedicated men strive to give their sons and daughters the necessary foundation to make good choices and lead lives of purpose.

On Father's Day and throughout the year, we honor the men who have taken on the great joy and responsibility of fatherhood, and we celebrate their extraordinary impact and influence. All Americans are especially grateful to the many fathers who are serving their country as members of the Armed Forces, and we lift them and their loved ones up in prayer.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 17, 2007, as Father's Day. I encourage all Americans to express admiration and appreciation to fathers for their many contributions to our Nation's children. I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on this day. I also call upon State and local governments and citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Changing Times!

I received this by email (thanks, Mom!) and found it very interesting.  I've always said I didn't like change, but maybe in some ways it is a good thing......read on, and travel back with me in history to a simpler day -- my Grammy was 10 years old and this was the world she knew,  an uncomplicated time (but sometimes scary -- especially the part about hair care!)

THE YEAR 1908

This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
The year is 1908.
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1908 :
************ ********* ********* ******

The average life expectancy was 47 years.

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles
Of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower

The average wage in 1908 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year .

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which
Were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard. '

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used
Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from
Entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.

The population of Las Vegas , Nevada, was only 30!!!!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea
Hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind,regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health.' ( Shocking? DUH! )

Eighteen percent of households had at least
One full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A. !

Now I forwarded this from someone else without typing
It myself, and sent it to you and others all over Canada & U.S.A
Possibly the world, in a matter of seconds!

Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.
IT STAGGERS THE MIND!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

Smile, It's Friday! :-)

I received this by email today, and it made me smile.

Thanks, Dawn! Hope you enjoy it too...

 

20 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity

1. During lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars, and see if they slow down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Smuggling Diamonds."

7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

8. Don t use any punctuat ion

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme.

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won! I Won!"

18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity ........ Send This E-mail To Someone To Make Them Smile

 

GOD RULES

 

I've been thinking alot lately about suffering. The needs are so great as many around us are going through various testings and trials. In our ladies' Bible study, we are slowly going through the Book of Romans. We meet on Wednesday mornings, and yesterday's lesson was about God's Peace -- peace with God and the peace of God. Once we have accepted Christ as Savior we have peace with God. We begin a personal relationship with God, based on the blood of Jesus. No one can take that away, for God has given it to us.

But the peace of God is a very different matter. "The peace of God is to have perfect peace of mind and heart, no worry, an untroubled heart in spite of circumstances." We talked about how to access that peace in the midst of suffering -- physical pain, emotional loss, loneliness, death of a child -- and then the widespread pain of global disasters -- cyclone, earthquakes, terrorism, war, famine. The Scripture teaches us that God has promised us peace. Our God is bigger than anything or anyone that can threaten or harm us. We are in His hands. Why do we not experience His peace? Because we have taken our eyes off Him. God has a purpose in all of our trials. We can trust God when He allows tribulations in our lives -- He is using them to some advantage for us.

Have you asked God what He wants to teach you through this painful circumstance?

Lord, You are faithful. We trust you. Even when we don't understand. You are God. Thank You for Your everlasting, powerful and tender arms that hold us. Yes, thank You for that peace that is beyond our understanding, yet so real. We look to you, our Creator, Sustainer, Shepherd and Savior. YOU RULE!

Here are a couple of verses to turn to today, tomorrow, or any time your feelings lead you to doubt or fear. I'm writing these down on index cards so they are handy at a moment's notice!

John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 121 -- the whole thing!

P.S. I just love Elisabeth Elliott and her sweet yet deep insights into God's Word. Following is a link to her daily devotional:

http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/devotions/authors/elisabeth_elliot.html

Hey, thanks for "listening".

Nancy

Experience the Joy of Personal Revival - Nancy Leigh DeMoss

http://www.seekinghim.com/radio/today.php
="http://www.seekinghim.com/">

Welcome, Spring!

Laura is pleased with her garden -- most of the plants made it through the winter just fine. The pansies were just adopted from Kern's, however. Aren't they pretty??

We've waited so long......but, finally, the trees are green and blossom-y, the breeze is cool most of the time (as opposed to freezing cold, that is), the peepers have been peeping, the bunnies hopping, the bears have awakened -- well, you get the idea. We did have a young bear in the yard last week, but, alas, I did not have my camera....will try to get one posted one of these days.

Anna's Imaginarium

You are invited to join Anna in her world of pretend -- a pretty happy place to be :-)