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!