September 05, 2007 - Msg 55520: Sterling and Romeena, and Rev, thank you much for your kind words and prayers. They are such a blessing in my life. You just don't know.
I'm dealing with this well now, but I know the real deal will be sinking in soon, and it will be harder and harder everyday to feel like I've done all I can for them and said all I needed to say. I pray for that strength.
And I thank you all again for being there for me when I need friends the most. You all beat everything, you know that?
I'm going to try to sleep some....if the steroids keeep me awake, I may be back.
g'night!
Milllie
September 05, 2007 - Msg 55521: A nice clean sweep at this hour? Better check for dust balls in the morning.
Millie
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55522: Millie, I just got my internet service working again. I just caught up on the archives. It's 3am and I will try to stay awake over at Sarah's if you need to talk.

from Poor Horatio
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55523:

Good sweep, Millie. Glad to see you checking in. I am so sorry your news couldn't have been better. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers always.

Sterling, I think the nicest person in Mayberry title would probably go to Opie.

So Whoopi defended Vick?? Well she just went down a few notches in my book.

Have a safe trip, Ro.

Hey back to ya, Spot!

~DeS~
.
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55524: Well tied with Opie would have to be Leon (funny how those Howard brothers are so much alike. Anyone whose constantly offering food to others gets some kind of nicest person prize. Mr. Schwump's not so bad either. Always a somewhat deranged smile on his little face.

Lydia
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55525: Millie, I am so sorry to hear your news . May GOD bless "you and yours" through this time.

BIG JERRY
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55526: Millie, I just read your post and am really sorry for what your going through. My prayers will continue for you, and for your family. I wish there was some way I could wave a wand and make you all better. You are dealing with this with so much class and dignity, you are an inspiration to us all. We are all going to face someday what you are right now. I hope I can exhibit the same courage and peace as you. You are obviously very close in your relationship with God. And he has need for you on the other side of the veil.
God bless you and your family Millie.
We love you.

Asa
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55527: Millie, thanks for checking in, we missed you so much. I e-mailed you a couple days ago, did you get it? I'll try to be on Sarahs tonight, if you're up to chatting. Take care, my friend.
- Hazel
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55528: Oh my word. This paragon of spelling, the queen of good grammar, the doyenne of the English language just realized that I said "whose constantly offering food," with regard to little Leon. Who's constantly offering food, of course! So sorry, just had to correct myself. It's common for the compulsive writer/editor in me to come out, not only with regards to what others have written, but in my own faux pas. OK, we can go back to Porch business, vilifying Michael Vick and Whoopi, etc. now.

Lydia
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55529: We will let you get away with it this one time Lydia, but do it again and you will be forced to eat pretzels, in the sun, while bowling and chit chatting, and then ride home in the back seat of the squad car with the windows rolled up! You follow!? :)

Asa
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55530: Good Morning porch family. Just stopping in for a minute to catch up. Millie, I am so sorry for all you and your family are enduring. I am sure God will take care of you and them forever. You are such a strong and beautiful person and I know you will leave them with what they need. You have done such a wonderful job thus far. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Big Maude
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55531: Good morning, all. Just a quick stop, on my way to the airport. You know, it occurs to me that I may be guilty of spreading a false rumor. I don't think so, but it's possible. Before the sweep, someone warned me not to watch "The View" because of what Whoopi said, and I concluded that she must have defended Vick. Probably she did, but I don't know that for sure. However, I have not seen that clip, I know nothing about that clip, and therefore I'm not qualified to comment on that lamp, er, clip. If that wasn't what her remarks were about, then erase what I've said. If it was in defense of Vick, then take whatever I said and double it.

Lydia, apparently you suffer from the same malady as I. Compulsive self-editing. While I may notice misspellings and such in the writings of others, I read right on through them and they don't bother me. I read for content, and intent. In my own writing, though, it really upsets me when I notice an error. I said "notice", because I'm sure there are many that escape notice. None of us are infallible, and in the grand scheme of things what does it really matter - so don't go beating yourself up inside over it, you hear?

And now, I'm off to San Antonio. Will be back tonight - see you all then. Could someone cover my rocker in case it rains? Thanks! --Romeena
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55532:

That lovely Mr. Foley was a gem, too.

~DeS~
.
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55533: AN ATTITUDE OF GRATIUDE.

THERES AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
IN EVERYTHING I DO,
FOR ALL THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME
AND DREAM THAT HAVE COME TRUE.
I'M THANFUL FOR THE GIFTS HE GIVES,
EACH BLESSING I HAVE KNOWN,
FOR FRIENDS I'VE MET ALONG THE WAY
AND STRENGTH TO CARRY ON.
THERE'S AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
WITH EVERY PRAYER I SAY,
FOR SOMETHING GOOD HAS COME MY WAY
EACH AND EVERY DAY.
THROUGH TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS,
I'VE FELT HIS PRESENCE THERE,
AND I HAVE OFTEN FOUND RELIEF
BENEATH THE WINGS OF PRAYER.
HOWEVER BAD MY CICUMSTANCE,
I KNOW THING COULD BE WORSE,
BUT CHRIST HAS BEEN MY ANCHOR
WHEN THINGS HAVE BEEN ADVERSE.
I KNOW HOW TRULY BLESSED I AM,
AND GOD WILL BLESS YOU, TOO!
THERE'S AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
IN EVERYTHING I DO.

TOM

September 06, 2007 - Msg 55534: Good morning everyone.

ROMEENA: Yes, Whoopi did defend Vick, mostly by claiming that dog fighting was a Southern thing and that Vick obviously didn't see what he was doing was wrong. Sickening. Watching the clip, it looked at if Joy Behar was going to throw up.

MILLIE: Oh, dear, I just don't know what to say. You are constantly in my prayers. As a parent, I can only imagine just the tip of how you must feel. Remember that He loves your children even more than you do, if you can imagine that, and though He has used you to nurture, protect, and love them, He doesn't require you. He is an awesome God, and He will be there for your family. Prayers.

Hey to the rest of you. I need to take a little time...

Me-They
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55535: Father God...please be with Millie and her family now. Bless their time, heal their hearts and give them a supernatural comfort during this time. We pray for Millie in her health, that she'd be free of pain and that your hand would move on her in a mighty, healing way. Though we don't know the plans or direction that You have ordained, we do know that Your perfect plan will work for the betterment of our lives. Give her strength Lord, strength to stand during this time of hurt and trouble. Give her peace during a time of turmoil, and give her rest in her body and mind to know that You have everything in control. Be with her family during this time Lord, let them know that You're taking care of Mille and them as well, and let them know that no matter what time brings, Your grace is sufficient and Your arms are big enough to hold them close.

In Your name...amen.

God bless you Millie...we'll continue to pray for you.

Rod (Goober...)
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55536: Bless your heart, Millie. You and yours are in my prayers.

Prayers for all the other needs among us as well.

AFD
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55537: Amen.

M-T
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55538: We sure love you, MIllie. We miss you so much when you're unable to post. When you have the cutting edge surgery, please have Mr. Millie keep us posted. OK? I hope he understands the entity of this porch and how close we all really are even though separated by cyberspace. Great prayer, Goober. Great sentiment, TOM.
Charlotte Tucker
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55539: Amen,Goober.

God Bless You,Millie.We all love you,friend.

possum under a rock
P.S. Spot,you were right on with your rant about dog fighting- I sure didn't grow up around it here in SC either! A Southern sport? NOT!
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55540: Thank you all, really. Tom I enjoyed that very much. Goober, thank you for your special prayer, it was obviously heartfelt.
I'm feeling pretty good today, and this place is such a comfort, I'll probably be here a lot. It's so good to "hear" from all of you. Thanks for y'all's support.
Millie
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55541: Mornin' Dears, MILLIE,your're my Hero. You have shown so much courage and strength to us here on the porch. You and your family are in my thoughts daily. PEACE Dr P
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55542: I think we all need to go on an old-fashioned picnic. I will bring the drinks(coca cola and pepsi ) in an old wooden tub covered with ice and my wife will deep-fry up some chickens.
All are invited to this gathering at Myers Lake at 7 tonight.
If it is not too hot , maybe we can have a band concert.

BIG JERRY
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55543: MRS JERRY, where is my Horn?

BIG JERRY
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55544: That sounds fine, BIG JERRY, as long as we don't go poking around in any old caves. You know that bats will fly in your hair, lay their eggs, and you'll go crazy?

MILLIE: Here's looking at you, kid.

Me-They
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55545: "Mildew!"

M-T
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55546: M-T, thanks for that Bogey quote. Love it. I've got one for you,....."the stuff dreams are made of...."
Millie
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55547: Afternoon friends....Rev we will work some and play some on my time off!...you motor safe...possum you are right we grew up in the south and aint never seen a dog fight sept the ones we tried to break up!..ha ha..hey Millie good to hear from you girl.and good sweep!.we missed you...Tom yall getting any rain?..we are gona be dry for a while they say..hey Ro,boo,auh20,horatio,lydia,m-t and all...bush hogging the garden..still got peppers and okra..it will bear till frost...well gona read in a bit got to get back to work...hey big maude!...supper will be turkey and dressing with all the trimmings....SPOT
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55548: Hey Spot! I'm still holdin' down the fort here in Richmond....We're already being invaded by the race fans. They're here! Hope you have a great day and a good golf game.
Millie
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55549: Millie, my dear you are such a good person and I am truly blessed by your presence. You be strong and know our hearts and prayers go ever with you and your family. It's not easy to walk a hard road, but you do it with grace and style. I wanna be like you. :D

~ Mrs. Wiley
"Yes, yes Miss Vickers... we're still holding on to Richmond."

September 06, 2007 - Msg 55550: See y'all at the picnic! ~ Mrs. Wiley

Band Concert Tonight ~~~ Listen to Music Under The Stars!

September 06, 2007 - Msg 55551: Millie - you are a blessing to us all. You are such an inspiration. . .we know that God will be bringing home a true angel. . .

I am praying for your children tonite. . .I can't even imagine all that you will be going through in the next few weeks. I am so glad that you have spent some quality time with them all.

Peace and comfort. . .

homemaker
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55552: Mrs. Wiley - do you think the band knows "It is Well with my Soul"?

hm
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55553:
Sorry, just a "fun girl speed thru town!"
"They must be doin' 50!"
Prayers continue. praise God for millie checking in!
MDC
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55554: I don't know about that sign, Mrs. Wiley. Looks like it might be cloudin' up. And when they hear the music, they'll know it's tonight. I'd forget the sign, if I were you...
Lydia and Romeena, about those misspellings and such. All I got to say is that who'll know the difference in a hundred years. (Well, Barney's not the type to forget, that's for sure.)
- Hazel


September 06, 2007 - Msg 55555: Millie, your faith shows through so well. My prayers are with your loved ones.
ray
September 06, 2007 - Msg 55556:
Hello porch family....good to see you folks tonight.

Asa...now don't be so hard on Lydia.

Ro...we'll take good care of your rocker while you're gone.

Tom...that was such a nice poem. Once again, you posted the right poem at the right time.

Goober...Amen to your prayer!

Millie...I'm so thankful that you're feeling better today.
You are so right about this porch being so comforting. This is our porch family.

Spot...be sure to have more play time than work time on your time off.

Well tonight I had an outdoor concert on Lake Murray here in SC. Had around 500 folks there but the greatest news is that 10 new decisions for Christ and 17 re-commitments.
Yes; God is good; all the time. And all the time; God is good.
Prayers for all...Have great night and keep your eyes on Jesus.
-REV.

September 07, 2007 - Msg 55557: Good evening, all. Well, actually, it's good morning. I got in around 9:30, have just been catching up on a few things. The service for my cousin was lovely, simple, homey and comforting. The pastor who conducted the sermon is not especially eloquent, nor highly educated, but he offered the most beautiful and touching words, and finished up with about the best summation of the plan of salvation I ever heard. The whole service was a celebration, as it should be.

My cousin Jerry (no, not Big Jerry) picked me up at the airport and we drove through the old neighborhood in which he and I grew up, found all our old homes, all but one which has been torn down. Then we went to the service, and I rode from the service to the cemetery with another (girl) cousin whom I haven't seen in a while, so we got a good visit in. Then Jerry and I went to Texas Land and Cattle Company and had a lovely dinner. On to the airport, where we just sat and visited in the terminal until my flight was called, and I came home. It was so good to reconnect with loved ones. I'm glad I went.

Well, I'm beat to the socks, and my friend Ted will be here at 7 a.m. to move my furniture back into my bedroom, put a fallen squirrel house back up in a tree, and try to figure out why the pilot keeps going out on one of my water heaters. I'm so thankful for Ted, he keeps things working around here, and I would trust him with anything I own.

Millie, prayers for you and your family, love. See you in the morning. --Romeena
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55558: Mornin' Y'all! Doesn't seem like it's been 4 years since Laci came into this world,all 3lbs.and 15 oz. of her! Our little miracle girl turns 4 today. Her party is Sunday afternoon and I'll get some pics of her to Ro so everyone can see how much she's grown.

Romeena,glad you made it home safely and got to spend some good moments with loved ones in light of the circumstances.

Millie,one of my favorite Bible verses has been coming to mind when I think of you-2 Timothy 1:7- you are a shining example of these words: " For God has not given us a spirit of fear,but of power and of love and of a sound mind." God bless you on your journey home.I will be praying for your family.

Y'all have a good day-love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55559: Good morning everyone. I've got the coffee and doughnuts...

Happy Birthday Laci!

Thinking of you all, especially your and yours, MILLIE.

Me-They
"Little old ladies ought never to clank."
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55560: Good Morning, all. Happy Birthday to little Lacy! Everyone Hug someone,today and tell them you Love them. Take care. PEACE DR P
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55561: No way can Laci be 4 already Possum. You're kidding right? Mercy sakes, time just moves right along. You give her a hug and a Happy Birthday for me Possum, bless her heart.

Mrs. Wiley, you're a sight for sore eyes. Good to see you here. Hope you are doing a little better at least.

Asa
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55562: Stale doughnut, anybody?

M-T
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55563:
"Well, I just don't like my main dish to be concealed in a heavy sauce."
Just saying hello. Will visit longer later tonight.
MDC
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55564: Hello Front Porch AGAIN!!
It's been a long time since I pulled up a rocker and set a spell. It's so good to be back. Life has been on the hectic side with me goin' back to school to get a little more edjakshun...Think I need to stay in school? Yep, decided to get my RN (that means REAL NURSE!!) Will be stoppin' by a little more now, I'll take a sweet tea if ya don't mind. ~New Neighbor
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55565:
Well New Neighbor, welcome back to the porch. My goodness it has been a while. Hope you make it thru to that degree!!
We had a 40 car pile up on a Phx freeway last evening and there were only a few minor injuries.! praise God. We got one of those sudden cloudbursts from the remnants of the western huricane Henrietta, and in Phx, because it rains so rarely, the roads get super slick with a little rain because of the built up oil on the surface. Well, that and the fact that it occured as cars were going west into the setting sun, made for quite a mess.
I guess Boo is moving. I pray for her folks being alone in that house again. Hope they make the transition ok.
Some real tight pennant race here in the west SPOT and Rev and MD (Anyone seen mayberry deputy lately?)
Ya all have a great evening, and know that prayers are with you.
MDC
Goober: Two things I know about Op, cars and guns. Dont know much else, but I do know cars and guns.
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55566:
Hello porch family...Good to see ya'll. I pray you had a blessed day!
The porch is a little slow today.

Welcome New Neighbor. Come on back often. So glad you found your rocker.

Ro...Been praying that you had a safe trip. Good to see ya home safe. Get some rest.

Happy Birthday Laci. You are growing up sweetheart.

Hey Spot....those Gamec#cks are coming to spur those Dogs tomorrow buddy.heehee
Hope you and Miss Sherry are enjoying your time off.

M-T...I'll take one of those stale doughnuts and put it in the microwave.

Prayers for all the porch family. Sending love and prayers for our Millie.
-REV.
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55567:
Hey there MDC...Good to see ya buddy. The pennant race is getting down to the nitty grtty now. My Braves are having to really dig out of a pretty big hole. Not sure if they can do it. Still pulling for them. You guys in the west have a good race going. Speaking of race, I'm watching the finish of the Busch Series race as I post this. Pretty good race even though I'm not a big Busch Series fan.
Bless you brother and prayers for you!
-REV
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55568: Hello porch family. Had a good but busy day today. My oldest moved into his first apartment and we had to send him off right. Lots of visistors stopping by. But I've been thinking about y'all all day. Had a nice chat with Hazel tonite too. What a dear friend. You all are so dear to me. What would I do if I hadn't found the porch? Heaven knows.
Thank you all so much for helping me through this. I love you guys.
Millie
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55569: Well, Millie--we think you're the CATS.
Charlotte Tucker
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55570: Hey MDC! Thank God those people weren't seriously hurt. That sounded like a doozy.


Rev, you know what I always liked? I'd buy an apple fritter and put it in the microwave for about half a minute(not to be confused with half a boy). Mmmmmmm, now that's good eatin.

Hey Millie.
Hey to you too, Charlotte.

-Sterling Holobyte
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55571: Good late evening, everyone. Just got home from playing bunco with my rowdy friends. (heehee) We do have fun. The hostess tonight served tamales, a very good queso sauce and tortilla chips, guacamole, and probably the best key lime pie I ever ate. Yum! We meet once a month, and it's always a lot of fun. More talking and laughing than playing, but we finally finished four rounds.

Well! New Neighbor, I declare it's good to see you. I was thinking about you the other day. And here you've run off to school and about to join the nursing profession. Well, good for you, hon. I'll move over and you can have my place. After 28 years, I'm about done with it. If I could find a way to supplement my income adequately, I'd retire, but can't do it just yet. It's been a good 28 years, though, and I'd do it again. Welcome aboard!

Millie, it's good to see you here. I'd love to join in one of those chat sessions, but I haven't been too successful at getting in over there. I'm glad you and Hazel have such lovely chats, it sounds wonderful. I'm glad the two of you have such a great friendship. Prayers for you, love - always. --Romeena
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55572: Romeena, whatever happened to that rental property you were trying to get rid of?

from Poor Horatio
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55573: Holy smokes, New Neighbor? Is that really you?
Good to see you again kiddo.
I got to meet New Neighbor and her lovely Daughter eyeball to eyeball a few years back when she brought her out here to go to college. Very sweet lady and a very lovely daughter. Welcome back.

Asa
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55574: Well, I'm back. We are moved in but still have a few things to get out of storage, etc.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.

Millie, I am glad you are having some good days! So, Sean has moved out and is on his own? Hope you taught that boy to cook...in your earlier post, you mentioned preparing your kids for the future and I wanted to be sure and encourage you by telling you that my friend Karen's children, Zach (13) and Allie (8), have done so amazingly well since Karen went home to the Lord in May. There was no preparation for them and it was all such a shock that I thought they would never be able to recover from it, but I saw what seemed to me like a miracle. Those children have just done so well, I would never have believed it. They were extremely close to their mom, but they are going on and even enjoying their lives. It's only been 4 months and they are doing well in school, involved in sports, are able to laugh and have fun with their friends just like before. It has been a huge relief to me and I am really rejoicing in it. I have learned something about how resilient children really are. They don't seem to lose hope the way adults do, they face the future and go on, even able to live with joy again. It's a beautiful thing. I want you to know that if the Lord chooses to take you on ahead of us, we won't forget about your children (and husband) but will continue to pray for them. You may go on ahead, but we will still be here on the porch for awhile interceding on their behalf until it's our turn. Love you much!

I'm beat...I should hit the sheets. Goodnight,

Boo
September 07, 2007 - Msg 55575: Oh yeah, HEY New Neighbor...don't be such a stranger!

Boo
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55576: Evening porch. Im sorry I failed to keep my promise in posting on a more everyday basis, not gonna make anymore promisies because I don't think it'll happen.

Anyways, I still try and read up often and just read up on some of millie's post's. Please trust my thoughts are with you millie. Take care.

Hey to the rest of the porch!

Deputy Warren Ferguson
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55577: Just a quick run-by on my way to the ironing board. Poor Horatio, I've still got both houses, and at the moment, both are leased. I've instructed my agent to approach the tenant in the biggest house, though, about purchasing it. He had asked about it when he leased it, and at the time I refused. Now I'm thinking it might be the best thing to do, and invest the proceeds in a smaller rental in an area that's holding firm, not sinking the way we are here in Irving. Meantime, the man's wife has passed, so now I don't know if he's still interested. I'm not going to give it to him, but if he wants to pay what I'm asking, or close to it, I'll sell.

Hey, DWF. It's good to see you. Come around more often!

I just learned something that made me feel pretty good. The puppy I'm getting was born on my dear husband's birthday, July 29. Isn't that just like God, to give me that little bit of confirmation that I'm getting the right pup? I should be picking her up on Nov. 6. I'm starting to get a bit excited about it now, but sure do miss my little Plum. I guess I always will. She was one special little angel.

Well, I'm off to bed. See you all in the morning. --Romeena
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55578:
Hey there Boo...I know you're tried from all that moving. So glad you're about done.

Millie...as always, it's so good hearing from you. Prayers, prayers and more prayers!

DWF...hey man, good to see ya back.

Sterling...I like apple fritters too. Goooooood stuff! (Fritters not critters)

Night all and prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55579:
Ro....didn't mean to rock on your toe. That is so neat about the puppies birth date. Can't wait to a pic.
-REV.
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55580: Yipee!! Sounds like a confirmation to me, Ro....well, why not, we have been praying for the right pup. That just blesses my heart to no end. Can't wait to see a picture of her in November. God cares so much about you (and all of us). I am thinking about what Jesus said in Matthew, I think, about how our heavenly Father is a good father who gives good gifts to them that ask Him. Jesus was talking about the Father giving the Holy Spirit to us in that passage, which is the best gift a Father could give, but he also provides for us in so many ways (including Star). It's good to be his child, even (and especially) when times get rought.

Prayers continue for Millie and her family. She is just on my mind so often. Funny how you can love someone that you never saw face to face. I feel like we all really know her because of her open heart and willingness to share the good and the difficult with us. To me she is like an angel on earth and I have learned to much from her. She's really a beautiful person.

Finally went out for our anniversary last night to an older steakhouse in town. Pretty good food and great service. The atmosphere was nice, kind of dark with lit candles on the table and quiet. Bruce and I are always on a quest for quiet places to eat because of his hearing problem. Anyway, best loaded baked potato I ever had and fresh roles right out of the oven, yum!

We are off to the storage unit to fish out the washer and dryer and kitchen table. It should be really HOT outside. I think it was 100 degrees yesterday. That's what is so hard about the whole moving process. The heat really drains you.

Hope you all have a great Saturday!

Boo
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55581:
Romeena-Sometimes we can see things that aren't there but that sure does look like a confirmation from here. It sounds like a bit of a passing of the torch also. Didn't you say one time that your husband gave you the Plum and then to have this new pup share your husband's birth date, that's neat.

auh2o
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55582: I enjoyed the chat with you too, Millie. And folks, just to clarify, this time we didn't chat over at Sarah's chat line, we actually chatted on the phone! It was very nice to actually hear her voice! I sure appreciate and value our friendship.
Nice to see you again, New Neighbor! And congrats on being a nurse!
- Hazel

"Perfectly good hoot owl. Just plum waisted."
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55583: Ooops, speaking of not proofing. That would be "wasted", not "waisted".
- Hazel
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55584: Good afternoon, everyone. Yes, auh2o, my Dale did give the Plum to me. She was the last "big" gift he ever gave me. He gave me little things all the time, but she was the last enduring, precious one. I can imagine that God let him know He was thinking of sending me a new puppy, and Dale chose this one, born on his birthday. Maybe he asked the Plum, and she agreed, so between the three of them, little Starr is coming my way. I know, I have nothing on which to base such conjecture, except the good feeling it gives me. I have a very overly-religious acquaintance who on one occasion chided me for my "earth-bound" imaginings of events in Heaven. She reminded me that Heaven is beyond our imagination, and that the little mortal events that I picture will disappear in comparison. She could be right, but you know what? It gives me a lot of joy in this life to imagine sitting on a porch having a conversation with my beloved grandmother, or to eavesdrop on a conversation between my dad and his nutty cousin, with all the good-natured teasing and laughter. Who knows, maybe my parents and my aunt and uncle will even play a few games of "42", and I'll get to enjoy the quiet chatter that goes on. Right now, it makes me happy to imagine Dale and the Plum together again, having a conversation with God. She loved him dearly, and I can just see her, perched on his shoulder again, her favorite spot. Maybe my baby grandson will be on his lap. Scenes such as that sound heavenly to me. So honeys and dears, if Heaven is even better than that, then bring it ON! Whoever gets there before I do, find the big man with the fluffy little dog, and tell them I said to save me a place, I'll be there soon enough. --Romeena
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55585: OK, Ro, I want to share something with you that happened to me a few years ago. I think I shared it at that time but you may not remember, so here goes: Bruce, Sean and I were making a trip to Houston to take Sean to his Neurologist. Sean was asleep in the backseat and I was quietly contemplating heaven. I was imagining what heaven would be like to me so I imagined this country farmhouse with big windows in the front and a big white porch. I let my mind just wander and I saw myself standing in front of this house and it was late evening, just getting dark and there was a light snow falling. I could see people through the glowing windows. There was my mom, completely well and young, cooking in the kitchen, and there were many others that I loved in life all gathered in the house having a celebration. They were waiting to welcome someone home...me. They were laughing and having a wonderful time and I just wanted to stand there and take it all in. As I stood there, suddenly, here came the animals from my childhood...Whiskers and my cat Bo. They were very happy to see me. I wanted so much for it to be true! Anyway, the thought soon vanished as something else on the trip caught my attention, but later in the Dr's office. I picked up a magazine and flipped it open and my eyes landed on a full-page picture of a house just like the one I had imagined. Glowing windows, snow and all. I tore out the picture and kept it in my dresser for awhile just to look at. Could be crazy, but I felt like an encouragement from the Lord. I think heaven will be every bit of that and more. Some things we can't imagine, but some things we can. Hold on to those images that comfort you...

Boo
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55586: Oh...and one more thing...I believe that sometimes God gives us a little taste of heaven with the "joy that is shed abroad in our hearts"...in those times when we are praying or praising and we feel God so near. It is an unspeakable, supernatural joy of His presence, and it is a taste of heaven. Being in the very presence of the Lord when we go to be with Him is what I am really looking forward to. Unbroken fellowship with Jesus. Wow! And to think, we will get to share it with so many people we love, for eternity. How thankful we should be for the gift of God's grace and his salvation through Christ. We couldn't "be good enough" so Jesus was good enough for us. No more fear of judgement but we are looking for His mercy. I heard something the other day that I though I thought was worth passing on. I heard that the differece between religion and Christianity is that religion tries to build a ladder to God, but Christianity is God building a ladder down to man...to do for man what man couldn't do for himself. Thank God!

Boo
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55587: Friends, some of you that visit Miss Crump's Blackboard may be familiar with one of our students that goes by the name "Uncle Nat". Nat is quite a character and has an extensive collection of Mayberry memorbilia that he has collected over the years. I am coming to you here at the porch to request prayer for Uncle Nat's wife as well as Nat. His wife had a heart attack a few months ago but was improving. Then she started getting sick again with breathing problems and has been treated for pneumonia for quite a while...but was not getting better. Last week she learned that she has lung cancer. The prognosis is not good. The doctor says he cannot cure it but with chemo he can kill the cells and she will have some relieve from the pain she is having. He says it will likely come back again but on the other hand, it might not. That is about the only hope he has given them if I understand correctly. Yesterday Mrs. Nat had a very bad day and was in terrible pain and was smothering. She has now been admitted to the hospital and placed on oxygen. Nat is by her side.

Friends, if you don't mind, could you please remember Nat and his wife in your prayers? God can heal and God can comfort. This is a very difficult time for them and I know they would truly appreciate your prayers. I don't know their real names...but God does and that is what matters. Please pray that God would give strength and healing during this very terrible time.

Thank you.

Regis
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55588: I forgot to mention that Nat himself is still recovering from recent back surgery. He has been in pain for a long time but the surgery has helped some, eventhough he is no longer able to work a full time job like he once did. Nat has a lot on him as does his wife...so please pray for both of them for healing and strength to endure during these bad times.

Thanks again...

Regis
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55589: Absolutely, Regis. Prayers for Nat and his dear wife. Such a sad situation.

Boo
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55590: Thank you for sharing that, Regis. Dear Lord, we ask for your comforting and healing hand to be on Nat and his wife right now, tonight. Give both of them ease from pain, remove all fear, and hold them in the hollow of your hand. Comfort them as only You can. We ask in that name that is above every other name, the name of Jesus. Amen.

Boo, what a lovely memory for you, and you're very kind to share it. I agree, God does give us little glimpses, to strengthen and encourage us, and I'm so glad He does.

I spent the afternoon with my dear friend Eloise and our youngest grandson, then met the other grandson and his mom for dinner. What a hoot!

Now I'm beat to the socks, and headed for bed. Good night, friends. --Romeena
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55591:
Hello porch family.

Ro...That is such a realistic picture you have painted in our minds. And yes, I also say that if heaven is better than that (and I believe it will be) then we are in for.......well.....HEAVEN!

Prayers for Nat and his wife. That is so sad. Thank you Regis for letting us know.

Prayers for all the porch family. Have a good night.
-REV.
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55592:
Regis-Prayers for Uncle Nat and his wife. I've been reading the posts over to Miss Crump's (I haven't jumped in yet) and Uncle Nat's name is familiar to me. Thank you for asking, you're a good friend.

The chat is great and the moulage is wonderful but the power of prayer here on the Porch and the rest of this site is truly amazing!

auh2o
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55593:
Oh, Hey Rev

auh2o
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55594:
... and Romeena

auh2o
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55595: Hi friends,
You know, I don't wish to keep bringing this up but I don't have alot of time, so I'll just tell you; my wife just now gave me an opening not to go to Vegas, and I don't know if I should take it or not. We were talking as she went to bed, and I had said that I was tired and haven't been sleeping very good lately. She asked if it was because of the trip. I came right out and said yes.
So in her usual style she just said, "well, don't go." She said she thought it could be a nice vacation for us, but now she'd just be mad either way.
I told her to just let me get through tomorrow(I worked late today and have to work early tomorrow, so if I am rambling, it is because I am kind of tired), and I'll think about it.
So now, after all my worrying about what would happen to Kai if our plane went down or something, and myself feeling like I am going against my principles by even going to Las Vegas(sin city), I am given an "out". And I wonder, is God giving me this out, and trying to tell me not to go?
For that matter, is our marriage on the "outs", and would it be better to go against my principles and go, while knowing pretty much that we probably wouldn't be married forever anyway, or stay with my beloved Kai, wondering the same thing, but at least I would never have set foot in Vegas, which I despise?
I must say, I have been feeling an ever increasing dread about this trip, and I don't know if it is my spidey sense tingling, or if it is just because this would be my first plane trip without Kai, and worrying about what would happen to her if something did go wrong. Because I know that there would be a fight for her from my MIL, who is, and has been, quite obsessed with Kai. Even though my wife and I both agreed(in fact, she brought it up at the time) that Kai should stay with my brother and his wife. We were writing that up all legal-like when my MIL found out, and went ballistic and put my wife on a guilt trip about it, so nothing more has been said, or done, about it after that. And it scares me.
Ah, what to do, what to do. I can be pretty assured that my wife would probably have a better time without me there, because I cannot see myself having a good time there, there is just a lot of factors going against it, and she would get mad if she saw me not acting like I was having a good time, and on and on.
Well, I will try to let you know what I have decided tomorrow if I have time. We leave early, early Monday if I go. I mean, EARLY. So early it could almost be called Sunday. So any prayers, or advice, you could give would be very appreciated.

Prayers for Millie, Nat, and his wife.

-Sterling Holobyte
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55596:
Boo...So glad you and Bruce had a nice, quite dinner together. And I so much agree to what you posted concerning our Millie.
And the story you shared of your vision of Heaven was so touching.

Spot....hey buddy, those Gamec#cks spurred those Bulldogs tonight.

Gotta get to bed....I have concerts in the morning.
-REV.
September 08, 2007 - Msg 55597: Sterling, I'm not going to presume to advise one way or the other. There are too many factors that are unknown to me, and in the final analysis, it's none of my business. I will simply pray that God will lead you and will make the better choice clear to you.

REV, may God use you in a wonderful way in your concerts tomorrow. God bless you, dear brother.

Now, this time, I'm really heading for bed. --Romeena
September 09, 2007 - Msg 55598: Sterling that is a rough situation you have, I like romeena there know nothing about your marrige and any further personal details, but from a glimsing standpoint my view on things like this is always "a little time apart never hurts"...maybe one of you SHOULD take the trip alone and see if you two don't miss each other a whole lot? Again, sorry if I sound kinda blunt, just an amature's take on things.

Evening to all!

Deputy Warren Ferguson
September 09, 2007 - Msg 55599: Mornin' all-
So nice to read up on all the busy folks on the porch. We sure is busy people. Ro-take joy in the little things--but remember No will ever take Plums place in our hearts. I can still see her in her cheerleading outfit cheering us on in the softball games!!! Such a sweetie bringin' us water bottles! Well, off to church to get a little more "book" learnin' from the good book. See ya all in the pews! ~New Neighbor
September 09, 2007 - Msg 55600: Wow, Sterling. So sorry for your situation. I am going to give a little bit of advice....hope it doesn't make you feel worse. You are worrying so much and thinking things over in your mind anxiously and I believe it is causing confusion (I know that happens to me sometimes). If you think about it, there is a greater chance that you will be killed in an accident on your way to church this morning than in a plane crash. I pray you can find a way to lay your burdens down, so to speak. I know you have decisions to make and that can cause some real frustration but the clearer your mind, the better decisions you can make. Seek the Lord's peace and fill your mind with what the bible calls good things...."whatesoever things are good and praiseworthy, etc"..Philipians 4, I believe. If I can be honest, what really concerns me is that you say your marriage is probably on "the outs" and that you won't be married forever. If you really feel that way, please find a pastor or counselor to go to. You need some help dealing with all of this, Sterling and there are people out there with lots of experience that could help you. If you aren't ready to give up on your marriage, please try to find someone to go to for counseling. Even if your wife won't go, you should go. Kai is going to need alot of support and you have to be in the shape to be able to help her. Hope I didn't say too much...I do care very much.

We had another problem at school this week. There is a 15 year old boy at Sean's school who is kind of a problem child. He is being raised by his 70 yr old grandmother, who is also raising several of her other grandchildren and has no control over the boy. Anyway, the boy has already been in trouble with the law and Sean says he is often in fights outside of school and was actually in trouble for making a homemade bomb at home. Anyway, this kid was picking on Sean during lunch and asked him in front of everyone, "Are you a homo?"..well, the teacher heard the kid say it and told him to go see the pricipal. The kid turned to Sean and said (loudly), "If I get in trouble for this, you are going to pay, and I know where you live!". Well, Sean being only 12, and knowing what kind of kid this boy is, was afraid. The pricipal of the school expelled the boy from the school for good (he was already on probation), there is 0 tolerance for threats in any school these days, I suppose, but what bothers me is that nobody bothered to tell me about it. I had to call the school myself at the end of the day when Sean told me about it. The pricipal had already left for the day but the secretary explained what had happened to me and said the whe had known the boy for a long time and he isn't "a real threat"...I don't think she knows him as well as she says. In the public school system, if a child makes a threat against someone, the police are notified AND the parents. I'm not saying the police should have been involved, but I think I should have called when it happened. I think I will send Bruce to talk to the principal about it on Monday. What do you all think about it?

Boo
September 09, 2007 - Msg 55601: Mornin' Y'all- Sterling,I really feel badly for you,and like others have already said,I don't know the ins and outs of what's going on between you and your wife. However,one thing has ALWAYS shone through in your posts,and that is how much you love and care for Kai.If all you are going to do is worry yourself sick about her if you stay behind on the trip,then perhaps you should "buck up" and go along.Sometimes as parents we do things we don't really want to do,for the sake of our children-I'm sure you realize that.I really can't encourage you to go or stay home,but I am concerned about you worrying yourself to pieces about Kai if you stay behind. I'll be praying that God leads you to make the best decision.You take care,Sterling.

Prayers for Uncle Nat & his wife.

Rev,I wish I'd known you were doing a concert up at Lake Murray-I would've driven up to see you! Next time you're performing at home,let me know,ok?

Hope everyone has a nice day-Laci's party is this afternoon and I'll save y'all some cake & ice cream!

P.S. Welcome back New Neighbor!

*******************
possum under a rock
September 09, 2007 - Msg 55602: Boo - the best thing to do would be to send Bruce. The school just "dropped the ball" because of their familiarity with the family and the situation. It wasn't a slight to you or to Sean, but really to them - it was not a "big deal" -
I do agree that you should have been called. But please remain calm about the situation. Pray about the situation. The school should change their policy with all the nutso's that are now out and about.

Millie - I am so glad that you and Hazel had a real live chat. You are one of the most amazing people here on this porch. . .We love you and we are amazed by your strength and courage.


homemaker