October 23, 2006 - Msg 46559: My typos are like the weather; everybody complains about them but nobody does anything about them. I got that from Calvin Coolidge.

Me-They
"Keep Cool with Coolidge" (an actual campaign slogan)
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46560: I swept with Calvin Coolidge.

M-T
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46561: Oh, Me-They, you gave me a stomach ache with the national debt soapbox moment! I really hate to think about it. Now, I think Mexico should cancel our debt due to all the illegals we are feeding in this country. Oh, and you are right about not getting involved with the family issues. I don't think they are looking to me for solutions as much as they are looking for me to take sides and I am NOT going to get caught in that trap. One of the sisters emailed me last night and told me that she did not want to have a meeting and try to work things out, it was the other sister's idea, and she wasn't going to do anything like that without her therapist being present...I think she's got something there, so I don't think anyone is going to get together to try to work things out and I don't have to worry about it at this point......So cute about Chad's pumpkin. I remember how excited Sean used to get over little pumpkins from the patch when he was Chad's age. Sad thing was, every one we bought rotted quickly in the Texas Heat. I kept one inside in the air conditioning once throught the fall and it lasted a long time. It's a nice 70 degree, sunny day here today.

Gotta go get ready to take Erin's little schoolmates on a feild trip to the bowling alley (there is not much else to do, locally).

Boo
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46562: Good grief! Me-They, I actually thought I was misreading your post about the national debt, so I googled it for confirmation. True, every word. That's really scary! Now I realize that debt between countries is not exactly like what I owe on my car, for example, where they'll come take it away if I don't pay. However, it makes me very uncomfortable to think we are in any way "beholden" to anybody, especially China and Mexico. Somehow, Britain doesn't bother me as much, it seems a bit like family helping family, but China and Mexico? Boo has a point, about what the illegals are costing us, and maybe that's how we should approach it with the Mexican government. You know, charge the illegals "rent" based on what their presence is costing us, and deduct it from what we owe Mexico. If the debt is in Treasury bonds that Mexico has bought, and apparently it is, then we could just reduce the value of each bond, on a pro-rata basis. That would reduce the interest due, which we're paying, and thereby allow us to use that money elsewhere. Make that little reduction annually, and soon there would be no debt. You reckon the Mexican government would find a way to keep their people at home?

Well, I heard from one of my daughters this morning, and she's coming next weekend to attend the 50th anniversary celebration at our church. Don't know about the other daughter, but since she was just here about three weeks ago, I can understand if she doesn't make the trip again. It's going to be great to have one daughter there, though, and of course my son who lives in the area will be there. The Florida kids won't be coming, of course. The weather promises to be gorgeous, and we should have a great weekend.

Have a lovely day, everyone. Sugarplum says 10-4. --Romeena
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46563: While I think BOO's idea has a great sense of balance and appropriateness about it, how about if the people we elect stop spending money that we don't have? But first, I guess we all have to stop complaining when they turn off the money spigot to our particular towns, counties and states.

That's great that you will get to see your daughter, ROMEENA. How far away is she? You have five children, corect?

Hey, BOO, when you were a teenager did you ever go cow-tipping? Later, it was field parties. When this comes up, some of my more "urbane" friends and co-workers wonder what they were. Around here, at least, it was a bunch of kids standing around in a remote farm field someplace (these were almost always held in the fall and winter) with someone's car radio cranked up.

Me-They
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46564: Hey, Me-They. I have four children, two sons and two daughters. Both daughters live in Fredericksburg, TX, about 4 1/2 hours from where I live. The older daughter was here just about three weeks ago, and now the younger is coming this weekend. They're both lovely, hard-working single moms. One of the dads is a willing participant in the lives of his sons, is helpful to my daughter and they have a friendly relationship. A good guy. The other pays his child support because he knows my daughter will work him over legally if he doesn't, and he is involved in his son's life primarily to the extent that he can use his involvement to annoy my daughter. Rat.

Both of my sons are married to lovely girls who are like daughters to me, and have happy marriages. One has two little boys (living, and another who died shortly after birth), and the other son, who lives in Florida, has no children.

I never went cow-tipping, but I did take a naive friend on a snipe hunt. Shame on me!

Sugarplum says 10-4. --Romeena
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46565:
Hey Folks

Well, things look back to "normal" here on the porch.

Me-They No need to fret about us frolicking in the snow. We only got about an inch or so.

As for the national debt, I agree that debt is a concern but all debt is not bad, even large debt. The auh2o's wouldn't have been able to purchase our home if we didn't incur a large chunk of debt and every month we pay a large VISA bill off, completely. The debt that is bad is unmanageable debt. But, being in debt in and of itself might not be a bad thing. I think if our government really wanted to help those who need help it would, to paraphrase a biblical passage, make it easier for people to fish instead of handing out fish. Hope the political discourse was not out of line.
Me-They<<<---- He started it.

I have to read the rest of the archives and I'll check back later.

miss ya colt & Asa,
auh2o
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46566: AUH2O: I didn't do it! HE did it!

Why, you sound like a regular New-Dealer. Actually, I agree with you completely. The problem is, to use your analogy, I think that the government is paying the mortage WITH the Visa.

You're also right about the fish/fishing thing. While sometimes we need to step in with a meal, we need to be sure to help people get the next one, and the one after that. Most of us need help from others at one time or another, but nobody worth anything wants to be a leech.

Wow. Right two times in one day. You are on a roll, boy.

Your family sounds nice, ROMEENA. I have been the recipient and the giver of snipe hunts. I don't recommend the former.

I miss ASA and COLT, too. Where's MILLIE, LUCY, IDELLE, MAVIS and some of the other ladies? Do you think they are all over Thelma Lou's planning to start up a girls' softball team?

Me-They
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46567: Woohoo! Just got a message from my younger daughter, telling me her sister is planning to come up here with her next weekend, so I'll have both of my girls with me, to attend the anniversary weekend at the church. Since they grew up in that church, it should be a lot of fun for them. People are coming in from all over the country, so they'll see a lot of old friends.

On the subject of fish/fishing - I still say if we had a program that required welfare recipients to check in each morning at a designated site, where they could be chosen and picked up by day-labor employers, and if they didn't show up they wouldn't get their checks, we could solve a lot of problems. The employers would send the workers' pay to the welfare offices, to help stop the taxpayers' bleeding there, and the workers would (a) get tired of digging ditches for welfare pay and would seek real employment elsewhere and (b) gain some sense of pride in their ability to provide for themselves. Incidentally, illegal immigration would decrease drastically, because the jobs they come in to do now would already be filled by welfare recipients. I know, it's too simple, it would never work.

Sugarplum says 10-4. --Romeena
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46568:
M-T What? A New Dealer! Them's fighting words! I think a New Dealer would be handing out fish, "The Great Society" and all. Handing out fish, hey that stinks. haha

Cow tipping & snipe hunts? I always thought they were "rural legends."

Don't things seem different without colt? I can remember reading the pipeman's posts when I first visited the Porch.

Romeena-I have to agree with the peacenik, your family does sound nice!

auh2o
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46569:
Ro-Well, right from the start, your approach to handling welfare recipients makes way too much sense; which, in turn, makes it an obvious nonstarter in Washington.

Ro-Also, great news about your family.

auh2o
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46570: You're right, auh2o, that alone would make it a no-go. Besides, if by some weird chance someone did try to push it through, you'd hear the ACLU bellowing clear to Timbuktu. What? Make those poor unfortunates work for what they get? What a preposterous idea! I can just hear it now.

OK, this time, I'm really heading for that nap before going to work. And I must go to work. I don't get freebies, you know. If I don't make my house payment, I don't have a place to live. If I want food, I must go to the store and buy it, with money, not colorful little pieces of paper. Oh, well, at least I do have a job and the strength to go and do it, at least most of the time. --Romeena
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46571: Kumbaya, AUH2O, kumbaya...

The Roosevelts are two of my favorite presidents, right after Calvin Coolidge, of course (he was such a talker).

Y'all have a great evening.

Me-They
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46572: hey everyone ,getting cold here ,suppose to be 32 tonight .Hope all racing porchsters enjoted the race yesterday.Everyone take care ,prayers for COLT, ASA, and all porchsters in need of them
MAYBERRY DEPUTY

October 23, 2006 - Msg 46573: ROMEENA FOR EL PRESIDENTE'!

Funny Auh2o (the peacenik thing)...no offense, Me-They.

M-T, I never even heard of cow tipping until about 5 years ago and we didn't have field parties, we had beach parties which is the same thing, only with sand and bonfires. Think of it; what's more scary that a bunch of drunk kids setting fires and swimming in the ocean after dark? Where were my parents?!

Glad your girls are coming to visit you Romeena! They are both so nice. For those who don't know, I had the pleasure of meeting Ro's daughters 2 or 3 Decembers ago. Even got to hear one of them sing (and it was beautiful).

I'm tuckered out. Been a very full day. Tonight I had the pleasure of volunteering at a nearby drug-treatment center for kids. I helped in their bible study. Wish you could have all been there, the girls were so sweet.

Talk to you all tomorrow,

Boo
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46574: Good Evening Porch,
I haven't forgotten y'all and I hope you haven't forgotten me! Time just goes by so fast these days. I rarely have much time at home so I'm not on the computer much.
Me-They- I used to go cow tipping and to field parties in middle and high school. They were so much fun! We saw Car's over the weekend and Nick asked me in the scene with the tractor tipping if that's what we used to do. I'm extremely well-mannered now and they think its a hoot that I did stuff like that.
Boo- I didn't read what's going on with your sisters, but anytime there's a therapist involved it has to be big. Good luck.
Tom-Enjoying the snow? My in-laws said its coming down around the lake.
Auh20- Which great lake do you live near?
Sterling- How's Kai?
Romeena- Have a wonderful time with your daughter's. I haven't forgotten the pictures. I need to make doubles of some at walmart because I'm making a calendar for the grandparents and need them.
MD- It's about 30 here in Atlanta tonight. I'm ready for chillier weather.
Things have calmed a little bit with Nick. We're sending the emergency custody papers tomorrow. He has started counseling so hopefully he'll calm even more. Mainly, he's so angry about everything and feels the need to comment even if it doesn't concern him. The boy will defend himself to the death. I was taught you say yes ma'am and that's it nor did I butt into their conversations with my sister.
Bryson's doing fine although he got caught stealing a small toy at the christian bookstore. I was yelling at Nick and didn't pay attention to what Bryson was doing. I read some verses out of the bible and he prayed. He's so sensitive that's all I have to do. I told him if he does it again then the gameboy will be taken back to the store.
I have a question. I'm not wanting to start anything, and I have a feeling this will. BUT, when you ask Jesus into your heart, do you go to heaven no matter what? If you're saved and you do deceitful or criminal acts, do you go to heaven? Bryan and I have different opinions, and I won't tell y'all what mine are nor will I be offended in your answers.
Y'all have a good rest of the evening.
Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46575:
Lucy, Good to see you again. I will ponder those questions and give my thoughts tomorrow.
Boo-Maybe it was KYgirl with the dool on top of the fridge.
"Don, his name just has to be DON!" ha
Methey- try some of the colonel's elixer on that virus. Pour it right on the hard drive ! ha
Sorry, not much time tonight! God bless,
MDC
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46576: Mayberry Deputy, I feel your pain. It was freezing here all day today and windy too. Big Maude, Glad to hear you had fun on your travels!
Charlotte Tucker

October 23, 2006 - Msg 46577: Hello to all still rockin' on the porch. I had a great day at work today. Just finished painting one wall of my bedroom. Lots to do.
Poor Horatio I have not seen Romeena's site, what is it? The other day when everything went down I had said thanks for serving our country as I have 2 children in the Army and know it can be a very hard thing to do. I would love to chat with you oneday if we get the chance.
Millie how are you feeling this evening?
Skippy
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46578:
Hey Porch,

It is on the cold side of cool here tonight. The weatherman says we are gonna get 3 or 4 inches of snow but we'll see.

Lucy-I live on the eastern end of Lake Eire about an hour south of Buffalo. Lucy with regard to your question about Salvation, I feel that if you truly accept the Lord into your life and accept Him as your Savior you are saved, that's it. The ACCEPT part is the main thing. I sure hope we don't have to be sin free to enter Heaven. There are people rocking here that are far more knowledgeable and also much more eloquent than I but that is my feeling on the matter.

Boo Me-They knows we love him. (Peaceniks think EVERYBODY loves them.) Just joshing with ya buddy, talk to you tomorrow M-T.

God Bless,
auh2o
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46579: Lucy, I can only hope that if you ask jesus into your heart and accept him as your savior that you can be saved, as with my father on his death bed ask me how to go to heaven and end the pain and I told him to accept jesus as his savior and ask him to come and take him away and he did and with in 6 hours he was gone. So I can only pray that he is there. As my father was never a religous man.
Skippy

October 23, 2006 - Msg 46580: Hey porch. Skippy, I'm hanging in there, still feeling kinda crummy. What you said to Lucy is so great......I hope none of my loved ones wait until they're dying to accept Christ as their savior, but if that's what happens, I know Jesus will be there, waiting. And I know you and your dad will be together again, in His time.
Millie
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46581: Millie thanks, crummy is suppose to go away...Did you have scouts tonight?
Skippy
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46582: Tonight we sold more popcorn, tommorow is our pack meeting.....wanna go to frappr for a chat? Maybe Poor Horatio will stop by. I'm going to be up making pies for awhile.
Millie
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46583: sure Millie
Skipper
October 23, 2006 - Msg 46584: Ok, I'm there....go to www.frappr.com/porchsters and click on chat....
Millie
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46585: Thanks for the chat, Skippy.
Millie
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46586: what happened?? A bunch of posts are missing all of a sudden?
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46587: I just typed a nice, long post that got censored and when I hit my back button to correct it, a page from the archives popped up and my post was lost. Strange....it is that time of year when the Count makes himself known and maybe he didn't like my theological opinion I was giving to Lucy..I think I'll let Romeena answer for me (we believe the same way, I think)....how's that for lazy?

Gotta get the kids ready for school and then I'll either come home and do housework or go visit my mother in law...hmm....tough decision, heehee.

Boo
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46588: Hello Porchsters!!
Its been a while again..and its the same excuse...very busy. And dont want to spend all day and night on the computer.
How is everyone? Someone update me, as I cant go back and read all the archives.
Well take care and I'll pop back in later..

Idelle
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46589: Good morning everyone. A nice day here.

LUCY: Here's what John MacArthur said regarding your question (and I agree): "The Bible says, 'No!' One who is saved 'has everlasting life, and ... is passed from death unto life' (John 5:24). Eternal life by definition cannot be temporary. It is the present possession of all those who have truly trusted Christ. Romans 8:28-39 reveals clearly that there is nothing in the universe that can separate the elect from the love of God. The One who chose to save you 'is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy' (Jude 24). According to Scripture, people who profess to know Christ at one time but later deny Him were never really saved to begin with. First John 2:19 says, 'They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, in order that it might be shown that they all are not of us.' A true believer will never depart from the faith (Philippians 1:6), so those who do so are revealing that they were never truly saved (John 8:31; Hebrews 3:14). Even true Christians can sin, however, and because of that may lack assurance of salvation (Psalm 51:12). A failure to grow spiritually can also rob us of the confidence that we are God's children (2 Peter 1:9). But anyone indwelt by the Holy Spirit is secure eternally, because He is the 'deposit guaranteeing our inheritance' (Ephesians 1:14).

Now, let's have a field party tonight! It's byob--bring your own blanket (it's chilly here!).

Me-They

October 24, 2006 - Msg 46590: You haven't missed much, IDELLE. Just some cow-tipping and snipe hunting. Oh, yeah, and AUH2O was right twice in one day.

Me-They
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46591: Me-They, you sure are different from any Methodists I knew growing up in the church. What a breath of fresh air you are to me! The church I was raised in was one very dry, cold church (I felt that way, at least) and I never in all those years heard an invitation to receive Christ. When I was born again, I was completely surprised by it...didn't even know what it was because I never learned it in church. I discovered what had happened to me when reading the gospels and the story of Nicodemus. Anyway, I like John MacArthur and listen to and read his stuff (along with RC Sproul) but I am having some trouble right now with their teaching on the doctrine of election....still ruminating on it and looking at the scriptures. I know that the word says that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world and that Jesus said, "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If ANY man would open the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with me". Also, If ANY man would come to me, I will in nowise cast him out. Then there are the scriptures about how noone can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him...gets a bit confusing to me but the Lord will show me if I continue to seek the truth.

Boo
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46592: Christmas is coming to our soldiers overseas and mail to them for the holidays needs to get out by the beginning of December. Wouldn't it be great if the Front Porch adopted one group of guys and sent them presents from The Front Porch? The Post Office has a flat rate shipping box. Whatever you can fit in is shipped for $8.10 and the box is free. We can send from own destinations - we will just include a note that we are from the Front Porch at Andy Taylor's house. Most of the soldiers have wish lists so whomever we pick, a wish list will be there.
(My own children have sent out packages this week to Airmen stationed near the Chinese border. There top temp is 20F.)
If you would like to be part of Operation Front Porch - email me at abaugh@nalu.net. I would love to get 10 boxes to our guys and gals from this wonderful Front Porch.
God Bless America!

homemaker

October 24, 2006 - Msg 46593: Hey, BOO. I know how you feel. But Methodists run the gamut. You can go to one that feels like a Catholic church, and right down the road there's bound to be another where they are rolling in teh isles.

As far as the election thing, I have made peace with the fact that I will probably never fully understand it. Still, it does have merit. For a very concise, lay description of it, check this out: http://www.gty.org/resources.php?section=issues&aid=176438

Later.

Me-They
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46594:
Me-They Are you sure it was twice? That would break my old record by two. Hot dog!
Thanks for the Biblical research.

auh2o
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46595: Good afternoon to all. just stopping by for a minute. work is slow for now which is a good thing. Cool and cloudy today.. only in the upper 40's. guess I should not complain. remember what Calvin Coolidge said about the weather "Everybody wants to complain about the weather but no one wants to do anything about it"
or WAS that Calvin Coolidge. I am ready for an afternoon snack. Little Debbie cakes and a big glass of chocolate milk. then a nap will do.
My son's last football game is this Thursday.. if they win they will go to the playoffs. the leaves are beautiful this time of year, yellows, reds, browns and golds. wish ya'll could come to the smokies to see the foliage.
Have a great day and enjoy the snack and the na.
Big Maude
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46596: that should be enjoy the Nap!! Big Maude
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46597: Im at work now.gona read.....supper menu in just a bit.SPOT
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46598: baked ham,green beans,mashed taters,corn on the cob,big maude slaw.....tea....SPOT
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46599: Dinner sounds delish guys. Little Debbies huh, BIG MAUDE? Do you have any Swiss Cake Rolls?

Great idea, HM. The Mrs. and I are already participating in a similar deal at our church.

Well, gotta run. Work to do before I head home. Y'all take good care.

Me-They
The Wisdom of Johnny Paul Jason: A horsehorse placed into stagnate water will turn into a snake.
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46600: BOO: "Romeena for El Presidente?" Well, if they can't get the Mexican election settled once and for all, maybe we could talk her into it. I bet she'd have 'em all straightened out quick enough. Either that, or the tide of immigrants coming across our border would turn into a tsunami ;).

Me-They
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46601: trouble check ...everyone have a great evening
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46602: Hi All
It to cold for me brrr.
tom
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46603: LIFE
A star above, a moon aglow,
An A pril rain,Dcember snow,
A bursting bud a rose in bloom,
A breaking dawn, a harvest moon...
A hAPPY SMILE, PERHAPS A TEAR,
The longest mile, the shortest year,
A butterfly, a bird in flight,
A happy day, a lonely night...
A cotton cloud, a sky of blue,
A gentle touch, a dream come true,
To reach success, and know wr're blessed-
It's all of these that make life the best.

Looking for wrapper but can not fine thim.
Will it going to be a cold night so someone add a log the the fire,

LOVE TOM

October 24, 2006 - Msg 46604: Thank you for the lovely poem, TOM. I have been looking for wrappers for you but haven't found any yet. Will keep looking...

Ya'll have a blessed fall night,

Boo
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46605:
Hi everyone!
LUCY- hope all these fine folks helped you with your questions. Paul or John also mentions the third heaven, which tends me to think there is some sort of sin judgement for those in Christ, for if one who accepted Jesus, for some reason murders in a fit of anger, let's say, then, as it is mentioned in the word, we are purged of sin as gold refined by the fire. I think this is where the catholic conception of "purge"-a-tory came from, tho it is not mentioned much anymore.
Homemaker- count me in, I will email ya, 2 nephews still there.
TOM- another winner! thanks buddy!
Maude, those leaves must be nice, here in the desert, we dont get much of that. The elm tree in our backyard suddenly gets brown, then they all fall almost overnight!
Schwan's truck coming for dinner tomorrow! help yourself!
MD- Spot, the chase is getting intense.
MARY WIGGINS, your Tigers are in the mix!!
Prayers continue for Colt, Dixie, millie and all ,
God bless!
MDC
October 24, 2006 - Msg 46606: yea it is getting intense for the cup racing...cant wait....home town Atlanta next!...they all love that track....snack time:Milk and captian crunch....breakfast will be at waffle house on me!...SPOT
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46607: Interesting view, MDC. I know the verse you are talking about when our works will be tried by fire to see which are gold and precious metal or wood hay and stubble...the verse that says that the man will be saved but as through fire. Very interesting passage, isn't it? I don't think we as Christians spend enough time examining our heart-motive for our good works. Some of us won't have enough gold to make a navel ring! ha...hope I'm not talking about myself! Also the third heaven thing is really curious...which I understood more about it. When I went to that seminar last week from the missionary to Asia, he talked about a phenomenon they had been seeing in which many muslims have been having the same dream of a man in a white robe telling them to read the scriptures. It seems to be happening to alot of them just before their conversions. He said you can look it up on the internet, just look for Muslim Dreams of Christ. Anyway, I was thinking, how wonderful it would be to see Jesus or heaven in a dream or vision, wouldn't it?

Gotta go get the kids ready for school!

Boo
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46608: Good morning everyone - it was a chilly 23 degrees when I left for work this morning. Brrr!

Captain Crunch sounds delish. . .haven't had that in years. Anybody up for some Cream of Wheat? It will warm your innards up. . .and here in Indiana - my innards need warmed up.

Lots of interesting theological topics here lately. Makes you go hmmmm.

Prayers for Colt and Asa! And all those that need them.

homemaker


October 25, 2006 - Msg 46609: Good morning, all! Just got in from work, a bit sleepy, but wanted to catch up with you all. Wow, some good discussion going on. Lots of theology flying around, so interesting. For me, John 3:16 pretty much locks it up. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Whosoever to me, means anybody, no restrictions. Everlasting,(or eternal) as Me-They said, clearly implies permanency. The key here is TRUE belief. Anyone can profess to believe something, but is it genuine? A false, or "pretend" believer will fall away after a while. So then, a TRUE believer will never sin? Not so. Everyone sins. A true believer will be grieved by his or her failure, however, and will try very hard not to do it again. So how can we tell one from the other? We can't. Only God can make that distinction. The only one we can be sure about is our very own self.
So, what about the unrepentant person who comes to Jesus on a deathbed, as the example was given? Well, remember the thief on the cross. He looked to Jesus, and asked for forgiveness, and Jesus told him, "This day you will be with me in paradise." That's a pretty good guarantee.

As for the scripture about none coming to Him unless the Spirit draws them, I don't see that as meaning that God is selective. To me, it says that we can't do it in our own strength and understanding, but it requires the influence of the Holy Spirit, leading us to God. It's like saying that my car won't run, unless there's gas in the tank. It's a requirement, and God sends the Holy Spirit to meet that requirement, for all.

Another anchor scripture for me is Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the GIFT of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." So then, if we are saved by grace alone, do works matter? Of course they do, but they don't save us. We aren't saved because we do good works, we do good works because we're saved. Works matter because they are a way of showing our love for God, which pleases Him, and a way of showing the world that we love Him, as well. Everyone who knew my husband knew he loved me, because he showed it in his behavior, every day. He was faithful to me, he helped me do things, spoke kindly to and about me - he just showed it! We are to do the same thing, to show our love for God. As the old kids' camp question goes - "If you were put on trial for being a Christian today, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

Well, that's about enough from me, I guess. Hope I haven't confused anyone. If so, I apologize, and suggest you read the extremely good counsel offered in the posts above. The very best advice I can offer is - pray first, asking for understanding, then read your Bible. God will meet you at your point of need.

Sugarplum says 10-4. --Romeena
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46610: Good morning everyone. Cream of wheat sounds great, HM. It's chilly here, too.

MDC: While I won't disagree with you, I would suggest that sometimes the Bible speaks in analogies, just as it often speaks of actual historical events. We must be discerning and contextual to distinguish the two.

My dad is Roman Catholic, and based on my conversations with him I believe that the concept of purgatory is extra-Biblical. It is based on church tradition, not necessarily on Scripture. We certainly need to read and study the Word, but as humans we have a tendency to make it much more complicated than it needs to be.

My son's pumpkin is turning gross. He has been carrying it around for two days and dropping it fairly frequently. I may have to get rid of it tonight. It's not going to be a pretty scene.

Y'know, he and I were sitting on the sofa last night wiating for Nora to get ready for bed. I was holding the baby (the Mrs. was at work) and he was just sitting there staring out into the room. All of the sudden, sighs and smiles and says, "I'm so happy." It made my heart melt. He's such a happy-go-lucky little boy.

Me-They
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46611:
Howdy All

Romeena & Me-They The "TRUE belief" that you two spoke of was the point I was trying to make. You two can be so clear when you speak and I need paper and markers, maybe an overhead, a couple hours of shut eye and then I might come close to what you convey in a couple of well worded sentences. Good job!

M-T That's nice, what your boy said. You must have been on cloud 9. Why is cloud 9? Any who, onetime our youngest thanked me for staying home with them, and boy, now, I'm not one that gets misty eyed too often but that touched. Still does when I think of it.

MDC-Hey buddy!

auh2o
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46612: Thanks, AUH2O, but I can't take any credit; I just posted a quote from John MacArthur. I have been accused (one or maybe twice, I think) of being verbose. My verbosity tends to be in direct proporation to my being right. Inversely proportionate, sadly.

"Hey, you, get off of my cloud, don't hang around 'cause two's a crowd..."

Hey, did anybody catch "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" with Glenn Ford, Shirley Jones, and Ron Howard on TCM Monday night? (I had never seen it before but had fond memories of the Bill Bixby tv show from the early 1970s.) Ron Howard must have been about seven when the movie was made, and boy, did he do a great job. His father, Rance Howard, had a small role as a camp counselor. It was a real entertaining movie. Even tugged on the heartstrings a few times. Don't worry, though, I won't go Glenn Fordin' it all over the place today.

Me-They
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46613: Me-They, I caught The Courtship of Eddie's Father about a month ago on AMC, I think. Love that one! When little Ronnie Howard is telling his dad about "bad" women having squinty eyes (and normal-sized breasts) and then when he meets Dad's girlfriend, he keep squinting his eyes at his Dad...so funny...remember, "Yes, my Excellant strong man. Yes, my SugarMan."! I could just eat Ron Howard up in that movie.

Well said, RO. I agree with your a#sessment of things (figured I would). I am a bit upset with the Southern Baptist Convention right now over the rule they came up with to prohibit missionaries from speaking in tongues in their private prayer time. Have you read in the paper about it? How can they tell people how they can and cannot pray in their personal prayer time? I'm not happy about it.

Well, been exercising and running around all morning so I think I will kick back for a little while. I seem to be going through another bought of sinusitis, darn it! I feel tired and the cough is getting worse. I think I am going to try a nasal wash (sound horrid but I am ready to try anything).

Boo
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46614: Oh, almost forgot. I love what you shared about your little boy. How true is is that the happiness of our children is our own happiness. I thank God we live in a country where our children can still be happy and fed. Also, as far as the rotten pumpkin goes, maybe you can replace it with something that he would like. Do you remember the old story about the little girl who has a string of fake pearls that she loves more than any of her posessions? She wore them everyday. Well, one night when her Daddy tucked her into bed he asked, "Honey, will you give me your pearls?". The little girl looked so sad because she wanted to give her daddy the pearls but she just couldn't part with them. The next night when Daddy tucked her into bed, he asked the same question, "Honey, will you give Daddy your pearls?" and this time the little girl's heart broke because she loved her Dad so much. With tears in her eyes, she handed over the pearls to him. Daddy took the pearls, put them in his shirt pocket and pulled out a velvet box and handed it to the little girl. When she opened it, it contained a beautiful little strand of genuine pearls. The Daddy did it to teach the little girl about God's love for her; that God won't take things from her to hurt her, that he wants us to give him our precious posessions because we love him and we need to trust him and he will reward us because of his great love for his children. Just wanted to share that, in case you had not heard it.

Ta-ta!

Boo
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46615: Hey everyone. Taking a break.

Just got an e-mail from my daughter's school that their emergency lock-down drill went okay. It's just such a shame that kids have to go through stuff like this, but I'm glad her school is trying to be prepared for the unimaginable.

BOO: Thanks, I never heard that story before. I wish I could think of profound lessons like the parents in some stories such as this one do. I just stumble through. Hopefully, it gets better with experience.

Well, that's my five minutes of brain down-time. So, until later...

Me-They
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46616: Me-They, I would be interested to know how they are doing the emergency drill at Nora's school. The school my children go to have increased security (requiring everyone who enters the school to sign in and wear a pass) but that is about it as far as I know. I want to talk about it in the next meeting and suggest a drill, if they haven't thought of it yet.

Boo
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46617: BOO: The school sent home a letter the other week explaining the various levels of emergency. In one scenario, like if they were notified a criminal was on the loose in the town or something, they would lock-down the school--physically lock the doors and post adults at entrances. In a worse scenario--someone is in the building--there is a coded announcement issued and students are locked in their classrooms with the lights off, and lay down closest to an interior wall away from windows and doors (this location is pre-arranged). Now, this last is the drill for the elementary school; the upper grades may have their own drill. There are additional instructions for teachers, but I don't know those.

You have to sign in and get a pass at my daughter's school as well. They just built a new part of the school, and now someone is in the lobby at all times. Even for events where parents are invited, everyone must still get a pass (but only during the regular school day--you don't need one at, like, the Christmas program).

Now, I want to know what kind of planning they have done for the possibility of a flu pandemic. That may sounds crazy, but I don't think it's unreasonable to have a plan for the possibility that schools may be closed for extended periods or have huge absentee rates.

Nighty-nighty, ya'll.

Me-They
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46618: Good afternoon, everyone! Had a nice nap after last night's 12 hrs work, and now I feel almost human again. It's cool, cloudy and drippy here today, a good day for sleeping. The weekend is supposed to be clear and beautiful, just right for the anniversary celebration at church, and my daughters' visit. Woo hoo!

auh2o, you're too kind. I think you're very articulate, a clear-headed thinker, and I always look forward to your take on things. Me-They, I enjoy your "verbosity" - when you have something to say, you say it. Nothing wrong there! Being a verbose person myself, I enjoy good conversation. I hate chitchat, but I love good conversation. (Actually, I enjoy chitchat, too.)
I love the sweet thing your little boy said, I can well imagine that your heart melted. How precious! As for the pumpkin, don't you just hate when life deals the kids a blow like that? It happens, though. Toys break, goldfish die, and pumpkins spoil. Little lessons to prepare them for the bigger blows of life, I guess.

School lockdown. Good grief. I recall when all we had was firedrills. I have a cousin who is two months younger than I, and our families lived together for a couple of years during WW2, when he and I were about 6 or 7. We were as mean as two little snakes, and full of ideas as well. Here's an example:
The school we attended was just a couple of blocks from our house, and kids roamed all over town in those days, so we often played up at the schoolground. It was a 2-story building, and the fire escape was a steel trough-like slide,quite steep, with a sandpit at the bottom. Well, one Saturday we figured it was about time for a fire drill, so we rounded up all the waxed paper we had been saving for just such an occasion and took it to the school. We spent all afternoon climbing the fire escape in our bare feet, then sliding down while seated on a fresh piece of waxed paper. We had that thing as slick as goose grease.
Sure enough, on Monday morning, the fire bell rang. As always, a teacher was the first to go down the slide, in order to catch the kids as they came down. That poor teacher, wearing a big full cotton skirt, sat down and pushed herself off down the slide. If she had been on ball bearings and wearing a jetpack she couldh't have gone faster. She flew down that slide, hit the little dip at the bottom and sailed into midair, screaming the whole way. She cleared the soft sandpit and landed flat on her bottom in the gravel on the other side, at least ten feet from the end of the chute, and just sat there screeching. The whole class was in hysterical laughter, so we blended in, and no one ever really pinned it on us, though I know they had their suspicions. We avoided hanging out on the playground for several weekends afterward, so as to throw them off our scent. Oh, we were awful!

Well, guess I'll round up a friend and go find something to eat somewhere. Have a great evening, all. Sugarplum says 10-4. --Romeena
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46619: Hey porch, supper's on me, chicken fried steak with gravy, roasted potatoes, peas, salad and sweet tea. Y'all eat up!
Millie
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46620: Hi all!!!

No, M-T, it's not!!! I just am an excited person!!! LOL!!! !!!:)!!!

Thanks for all of your prayers, and advice on my situation, and I will be taking the "high road" and not get tangled up in my family's mess!!!

Ya'll stay calm, and I'll see ya later!!!

Barnwannabe.
Barney:"Nip it, Nip it, Nip it, just Nip it!!!":)
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46621: P.S.: Mil: Supper sounds GRRRRRRREAT!!!

Barnwannabe.
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46622: Did the porch die???

I last posted about 4:30, and here it is 6:56, and no posts!!!

Hope all is well!!!

Barnwannabe.:)
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46623: M-T, most schools do have plans for flu pandemics - it is done at the top level of the school (the administration). We have had lock downs in place for some time and they are practiced just like tornado drills, fire drills, or any emergency. It is not uncommon here to see photo id's of teachers around the neck. Visitors are issued passes or badges once they sign in. Because I work in many different schools - it is very interesting to see the different levels of security within the area. Some are extreme to the bare minimum. I like the more secure - even in the country - there are loonies. The Amish tragedy shows us that. If you ask your school corporation - they will most likely share that information with you. Our school closes when a certain percentage of the entire school population is absent. We had one case of the flu several years ago that only 1/2 of the teachers arrived and 1/2 the students. School was not closed and within a couple of days - things returned to normal.

Time to go to bed. . .

hm
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46624:
Hey Folks

Romeena-Great story! I'm sitting laughing like a fool while the kids are watching "Dancing with the Stars." Somehow, I knew you had that story in ya. haha. By the way, thanks for the kind complement earlier.

M-T As for the lock down, our school has different codes, the kids are taught, for different situations. I hate even thinking about it.

BWB-Still alive and kicking.

auh2o
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46625: Oh, my, auh2o, I've got a million of 'em. That cousin and I were little terrors. I grew up to be a bit more circumspect, he didn't. He is just a constant source of laughter, even now. He's retired, but for years he owned a masonry contracting business. One summer, he had a contract to build a small shopping center. In south Texas, only huge buildings have basements, so this little center was to be built on a flat slab foundation. The forms were up, the plumbing in and the steel was tied, and they were ready to pour concrete when the rains began. It rained for days. His crews were not on salary, they got paid only when they worked. Every morning, they'd show up at the location ready to work, the heavens would open and the rain would come. Of course, you don't pour concrete in the rain, so another day's pay would be lost. Needless to say, the men were getting disgruntled and thinking about seeking work elsewhere, under cover so the rain wouldn't matter. On about the tenth day of this, the same thing happened, and my cousin overheard the muttering and knew his men were about to jump ship. He knew he had to lighten the mood somehow.
Suddenly the group of men heard a roar from one of the big grader machines, and everyone looked to see what was going on. My crazy cousin had gone behind the machine, removed his clothes, climbed into the open cab and fired the engine up. Then he drove that big chugging earth mover down the length of the property, about 50 yards out from where the men were standing, and as he passed them he was wearing only his cowboy boots, and was waving a big Stetson hat, and grinning like a raccoon eating yellow jackets.
Of course, the men cracked up, roaring with laughter, the mood changed, and they decided to stay in there with him a little longer. The next day the sun came out, they poured concrete and all was well.
That's just the kind of person he is. Full of fun, big heart and would do anything for anyone in need, grandkids adore him - what else can I tell you? He's one of my favorite people. We were terrible kids and a trial to our parents, but we had so much fun.

Sugarplum says 10-4. --Romeena
October 25, 2006 - Msg 46626: Cousin "Godiva" sounds like a real hoot, Romeena. Don't you just love people like him? The story of the waxed slide is a good one! Feel free to share all your stories with us.

Auh20, I haven't watched Dancing With the Stars in a couple of weeks. Who's left? Is Jerry Springer still hanging in there?

Better go to bed, I'm ready for some sleep...can't wait for that time change this weekend...

Boo
October 26, 2006 - Msg 46627: I want to thank those who want to be part of Operation Front Porch. We could still use a few more if you want to get in. . .hint, hint, hint.

Staying at home with a sick child this morning - hoping he'll go to school soon. He has an earache but no fever. The other one has been battling asthma all week. The goofy weather doesn't help.

homemaker

October 26, 2006 - Msg 46628: That's for sure, Homemaker! Here in South Texas, it's 90 degrees one day and 50 the next. My sinuses are going crazy...so glad I don't have asthma. I would like to know more about Operation Front Porch. I will email you.

Boo
October 26, 2006 - Msg 46629: Weird....looks like my post yesterday about dinner is gone. Ohwell. Homemaker , I want in on Operation Front Porch. Do I need to e-mail you?
Romeena, yer a hoot. I look forward to your posts everyday.
Hey to Boo, BWB, auh20, Mdc,MD,CT, Tom, MeThey, and all porchsters. Prayers for Colt and Asa.APB for Mavis, Dixie, Irishter, Kygirl,and any missing porchsters.
Thanks for the prayers, y'all. I got chemo on time yesterday, and seem to be better today. Y'all are such a blessing in my life.
Have a good day!
Millie
October 26, 2006 - Msg 46630: Good morning everyone. I just have a minute to say howdy. Looking forward to visiting again later when I've back-hoed the pile on my desk.

You are a hoot, ROMMENA.

MILLIE: Add AFD, REV, HORATIO, LUCY, DWF, STERLING, FRED GOSS, and a few others, including ASA and COLT, to your APB list.

Me-They
October 26, 2006 - Msg 46631: Millie - email me and I will give you the details.
I made microwave carmel corn this morning. Super simple and super yummy. If you want the directions - let me know.

Being from near Cincinnatei - we get to lay claim to Jerry Springer. He was mayor of the wonderful town but had a little problem when he paid a prostitute with a check. Then he went on to be a newscaster and always had those little thoughts for the day at the end of the broadcast. He is something else!

Take care -

homemaker