May 13, 2008 - Msg 62746: Boo-Boo? Curious...

Boo (singular)
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62747: Aw shoot, I swept with that moronic post!
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62748: Don't cry Boo. Things are not all that bad.... yet.
MDC, Congrats on your Daddy's 90th. That's a major milestone indeed. Is he still in pretty good health? I bet he's got some good stories he could tell.

Deep subjects you all been discussing here as of late. No easy answers to them I suppose. We as a nation have been blessed with much and have been beaten up by many in trying to help other nations. Many within our own Country. I guess we can't be the worlds police force, but I know many feel compelled to help out when we see such atrocities going on. But what do we do as individuals? Just pray for peace, try and keep our little corner of the world nice, and hopefully elect decent honest and honorable people to represent us in Goverment.
Auh20, I agree with your thoughts concerning allowing the free market to operate. It has been proven to be the best and longest lasting means of operating a society. It needs some regulation of course, but to operate best it just needs to be left alone for the most part and let it work. Not sure why that's such a difficult thing for folks to do. Probably because it intrudes on their power base, you reckon?

Whew, where's my lunch? All this contemplating has given me a powerful hunger.

Asa
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62749: I guess it's like the story of the starfish I shared last week...every good deed matters to the one who receives it. We can't save the world, but we can help those within our reach and pray for those who aren't. I think one of the things we will be most surprised about when we pass from this world into the Kingdom of Heaven, is how much was possible through prayer, and we will be grieved that we didn't pray more. I personally, believe it is the greatest tool we have for changing this world for the better.

Go eat something, Asa.

By the way, I talked to the woman from the shelter and she is bring Gizmo over this weekend so I can take him to meet my mom-in-law. She is really excited about him so I hope it works out ok. I happened to catch a bit of a show on animal planet about a very angry little chihuahua who almost bit his owner every time she tried to put a leash on him. It was a very insightful show and the dog trainer gave some good tips on that breed of dog and how to handle them. I hope Gizmo adjusts well because I get a good feeling about his personality and that he will be very sweet once he feels comfortable with the family.

Better go...

Boo
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62750: ...oh, and the best part??...he will be shedding in her house and not mine...hehe

Boo
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62751:
Prayers for Mynamar, Oklahoma, Kansas, MO, TN, AR,
China, etc. Lord be with us.
Boo- I hope I wasnt too harsh with my advice, but I think that girl has had enough warnings.
TOM- thanks for the nice poems lately! They are truly inspirational.
ASA_ yup, 90 is pretty amazing, plus he takes NO prescriptions!
Have a good day, Jesus is Lord!
MDC
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62752: Asa we had McDonalds...you not get your nuggets?..good sweep Boo..I love the remark "moronic"...hee hee..well I get off at 6 and going to go home and get about an hr"s worth of work on the barn then Idol night..lets go Mr. Cook!..gota love David A. too..well ..MDC 90..wow..my grandermother who I was very close to..lived on the farm died 3 years ago at 98...still had a good mind...my great aunt just passed a few months ago at 96...Tom good to see ya bud...my dad will be 77 in dec and can work circles around me but just a steady gate...well lets grill tonight "hum"..lets do K-bobs!..beef and chicken,peppers,onions,veggies..big maude slaw,rice,sweet tea...well prayers to all ...let me get finished up here...see yall at the bbq..Rev watch out for the bround truck for your meal if yer on the road...prayers...SPOT
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62753: I hear you, MDC. It's hard to put up with that kid of thing but I am always very careful about how I handle things since I'm not a professional and they have counselors. I am thinking of talking to one of the staff about it. The girls are on a point system and lose privelege for bad behaviors.

Well, Erin has a t-ball game in a little while so better go get ready. I'm going to have to miss American Idol, SPOT! (Bummer)...I like both of the David's but I think David Cook has alot of charisma. Watch it for me!

Boo
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62754: Hey, Boo. I agree with MDC, it's time to rein that girl in just a bit. "Christian" doesn't have to equal "pushover". Certain standards of behavior should be observed, and that has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity. It's just plain good or bad manners, and what she did was beyond rude. I would have a little talk with her, and tell her that one more stunt like that and you will be discussing it with her counselors. Tell her also that you will suggest that one privilege to be taken away should be the privilege to attend the Bible study, since that's where she has been acting out. Tell her you love her, and you want her to be there, but if she misbehaves again, then she has made the choice herself not to come back. Then follow through. You never know who else is watching, and sizing you up - whether you mean what you say or not. One thing that has been missing in those girls' lives, I'll bet, is consistent, fair, loving discipline. It's time they saw some.

For a number of years, our church had a music minister who paired up well with our youth minister, and they took our kids on trips all over the country. They sang in New York, in Chicago, in Washington, in Florida and in Los Angeles. His rules were few, and simple. No alcohol or tobacco (of course). No leaving the hotel without permission, and then never alone. Everyone in their room at curfew time. (He taped the doors!) At a meeting for trippers and parents, the rules were laid out, and parents were told that if their child broke a rule, he or she would be sent home, at the parents' expense, no exceptions. The second year, one boy decided to test him, and left the hotel after curfew. Not knowing about the little piece of tape on the top of the door, he got caught. The next day, he was on a plane home. His parents were outraged - at the leader, not the kid, which probably explains why the kid was a rule-breaker. Anyway, that was the first and only time the leader ever had to send a kid home. They knew for sure that he meant what he said.

Well, Starr is asking for a cuddle, so guess I'll oblige. Poor little snaggle-tooth puppy. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62755:
Hello porch family.

Boo...I'm sure Gizmo will make your MIL a great friend.

Ro....Jake had the double fangs also but while the vet had him anestetized to have him neutered, she removed all the extra baby teeth.

MDC....YES...Jesus IS Lord!

Well Spot....Braves dropped one tonight to the Phillies.

Everyone have a blessed night and be sure to shine Jesus' Light with someone tomorrow. Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62756: Do you have a Boo-Boo, Boo? ;)


Wife comes back Thursday, and then is turning around and going back to Hawaii for a longer stay on the 25th. Her Grandma is in a coma now, but even so my wife has said that she stuck out her tongue when asked to and also turned her eyes and looked at my wife, with a tear in her eye. Haven't heard the latest, but that was from a day or so ago.
Her dad is still hanging in there. It can't be to good for him though, as sick as he is, and with his mom dying.




Maybe that is what you should have called Starr, Ro, Snaggle-Tooth! ;)

-Sterling Holobyte


May 13, 2008 - Msg 62757:
Hello everyone.

To Romeena, thanks for the email reminder.

It's been a while since I last posted here. I think it was around the beginning of the year.
I have been keeping busy. And I'm still trying to resolve some long standing issues that depresses me to talk about.

But I have got some good news. I got married to my Canadian girlfriend in a Christian ceremony up in Canada. Unfortunately, that doesn't make me an automatic dual citizen. I still have to apply and wait in line like all of the other immigrants. My wife is up in Canada and I'm here back in the USA.

That's all for now.

Poor Horatio
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62758: Congratulations, Poor Horatio. It is so good to hear from you again. We think of you often and wonder if you are well. Please remember your porch friends as often as you can and my the Lord resolve those issues you spoke of.

Sterling, no, I don't have a boo-boo but my heart hurts for your wife and her family. How very hard it must be to be in the position she is in now and I feel so sorry for her father and grandmother. My earnest prayers for them at this terribly difficult time.

Boo
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62759:
Hey Folks

Well, we hit $4.00 at the pump here in Western New York. What we need to do is build more refin ... wait we just did that ... never mind.

ASA-As always, I think you hit the nail on the head, it's the power.

Poor Horatio-Great to see ya again and Congratulation! Praying for ya.

Sterling-Prayers, it seems to come in bunches sometimes, doesn't it?

Romeena-Leave to me to not even understand the question, sorry. I do think that IF we can (and that is a huge IF) get food to the children in those countries we should, natural selection be d@mned.

REV-Ya know, I love just stopping by and reading your posts before I hit the hay. It's great to know there are people like you out there, always thinking of the greater good.

Did I mention we have $4.00 gas here now?!! $4.00!

auh2o
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62760: Looks like I'm the first one on the porch with my mug of coffee this morning. Anyone want to share the porch swing and a quilt?

I am in need of a little counsel this morning from you experienced parents who have or have had teenagers. Last night Sean wanted to spend some time talking with me and I could tell something was troubling him. He told me he has been feeling depressed and has been worrying about things and feeling very stressed. He said he used to feel happy all the time but now he doesn't very often. I don't know if it's because we took him off the Paxil and put him on Zoloft or just normal adolescent-hormone stuff, or just that he is cooped up in the house most of the time since he is home-schooled. He is out alot in the evenings but because he is not being very diligent lately with his studies, he has lost time with friends on the weekends (being with friends is what makes the world go around for Sean). I feel like Sean needs a "purpose" besides school work and going to church. He wanted to volunteer at the local shelter but they said he had to be 18. He also expressed desire to visit the local nursing home (but not to wax the steps or take the bolts out of the wheelchairs...) and I am thinking of some ways to make him feel like he is doing something to make a difference. He has been getting more physical activity lately and has even been out working on the homestead but he needs something more. He sees his counselor on Friday so maybe he can help Sean with his anxiety. I hate to resort to changing medications again. Your prayers for him are appreciated, as always.

OK, off the swing and on to getting Erin ready for school (only 3 more days).

Boo
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62761: Hey there Auh2o, 4 dollars...scary because we haven't even hit summer yet.

Boo
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62762: Morning Boo. Nice quiet morning on the porch.
I don't have much time to talk this morning, but let me ponder on your question concerning Sean and see what I can come up with. I will say this. He has one great thing going for him. A loving Mother and Father who also love the Lord and want to do the right thing by Him. That puts Sean light years ahead of the curve.

Asa
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62763: Good morning porch, hope all is well this Wednesday.

Good to see everyone. Congratulations to Poor Horatio. It is good to see you back on the porch.

Boo, I think it is good for all teen agers to have something besides school to be involved with and something that gives them a sense of purpose. It has been my experience as I am sure it is yours with all your experience in in raising kids and in working with the rehab group.
Depending on the age and the personality of the kid it can be a challenge to find something that fits them. Some of the assisted living facilities in our area use volunteers to visit the residents and just spend time talking to them. Our church youth group also gets the youth
involved with some of the older church members, sort of an adopt each other kind of thing. The kids send cards, make goodies or homemade things and visit about once a week or so. These things may be good ideas for Sean or not but maybe they will lead you onto some other ideas. Sometimes changing meds is a good thing but it does not always address the problems we want addressed.
Prayers for you and Sean.

Prayers for Sterling and family.

Hello to ASA, SPOT, Romeena,Auh2o, and everyone else today.

Thanks for your prayers for Patrick and his test on Monday. He thinks he did okay, said he started right afer 8 am and finished about 12:30. He will find out in July what he made. We attended honors night at the high school last night and he was given an honors award for AP Biology. He and 3 of his classmates all were given an award because they all had the same grade. I am so very proud of him because he worked hard and stood strong through this challenging class.
I hope you guys don't mind me bragging about my kids.. can't help myself.

Lunch will be: BBQ sandwhiches, SLAW, potato salad, chips, baked beans. oatmeal cream pies for dessert. sweet tea, kool aid to drink.
see you at lunch.

Big Maude
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62764: I love hearing about your kids, Maude and I rejoice with you that they are doing so well. Thank you for your sound advice on Sean.

Thank you also, Asa, for those kind words of encouragment. I appreciate it very much.

Boo
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62765: An amen and a second to that, ASA.

Good morning everyone. I sure wish we all could be swinging on the porch with a cup of coffee (or tea). Maybe one of these days.

We're at around $3.80 for gas today. See, I look at it this way, if the price goes up much more I can justify quitting my job and staying home--it'll actually be more cost effective ;).

BOO: I will be praying for Sean's situation. It's funny, but I do feel a ceratin kinship with him.

HORATIO: Really nice to see you and congrats! Stop back as often as you can. I always enjoy your posts.

ROMEENA: Thanks for the e-mail. It started my day off right.

Y'all have a great morning. Just like a bad penny, I'll turn back up later.

Me-They
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62766: Also, prayers fro your wife's family, STERLING. Keep us posted.

M-T
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62767: Hey! You two done rocked right on my toes, MAUDE and BOO. Keep bragging about yoru kids, MAUDE. I love to hear it.

M-T
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62768: Mornin' Y'all! Maude,you have every right to be proud,so keep bragging! That's great! Hope he aced his test!

Boo,wish I knew what to tell you in regards to Sean.I do agree with Asa,and feel the Lord will lead y'all where you need to go with your son. Prayers continue.

Sterling,I neglected (didn't mean to) to comment on your wife's family situation back when you first mentioned it.I sure am sorry to hear all that and God Bless.

Congratulations on your marriage,Poor Horatio! Good to see you on the Porch again and I pray all works out for you.

Gas was $3.62 here yesterday-probably gone up.Seems like it does EVERY day! Crazy!

Ro,I LOVED the slide show.Gave me the "warm fuzzies" to go back & remember those times. Good times,indeed.Thanks for sharing. Y'all check your e-mail-if you got something from Romeena,I promise you-you'll love it!

Gotta go.I'm trying to rent a cabin up in the NC mountains for next weekend.Can't get the people on the phone-just answering machine. I hate to want to do something like that and can't! I spoke to the man yesterday,so I know they DO answer the phone.

Ok,I'm off to try to "call the man" again.Y'all have a good day!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62769:
Yippee! Got my cabin! Whoo hoo!

possum again
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62770: Hello Porch Family:

Thank you all for your kind words about my mother's car accident. After her hospital visit she went to her personal doctor and he is forbidding her to drive anymore. I will gladly drive her anywhere she needs to go.

Louisiana is doing great during this energy crisis. The govenor Mr. Jindal said the tax revenues are bigger than they were in the 70's including adjusting for inflation. The energy companies found what is believed one of the top natural gas fields in American history in about 10 parishes in northwest part of the state. The land owners who have signed mineral rights over are getting nice monthly checks and the rural economy with energy and farming is booming. The field is called the Haynesville Shale. They are using new horitzontal drilling techniques to get to the natural gas. I have many friends in the energy business from owners to roughnecks and they are living large. Roughnecks, deckhands, drillers and tool pushers are making great money with benefits. $4.00 gallon gas will make this country down right miserable but certain sectors are happy. My friends say there is so much energy to be tapped it is unbeleiveable. My offshore working friends tell me there are great potential fields off the California and Florida coast and the rigs would be so many miles offshore that the tourist couldn't see them. With the Anwar Field in Alaska just sitting there growing Caribou and the offshore potential we are the laughing stocks of the world. China is drilling off the coast of Cuba. I am afraid all 3 of the presidential candidates have got the anti-drilling bug. I know McCain is going on his ECO-GREEN FRENZY.

Thanks for letting me Vent and to sit on the porch.

The "Dud"

May 14, 2008 - Msg 62771: I have eaten with Martians. They serve some fine Gucamole and Fried Green Tomatoes.

The "Dud"
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62772: BOO:

Sorry about you situation with your friend and his problem. My uncle died of alcoholism. Many people like my uncle get depressed and kill them selves slowly with alcohol. It is basicaly slow suicide. I wish him luck, my uncle died at 32, was handsom, only boy in the family of 6 and would have taken over the family farm. He had such a bright future.

The "Dud"
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62773: Good morning, everyone! Possum, sounds like your idea of camping is a lot like mine. A cabin, a potty of some description or other, and water available. Flat-out "camping" is a verb, and implies more work than play, in my opinion. I love to be out in nature, for me a river is a necessity, and I can ride a tube on that river all day, or swim, or just sit and watch it flow by, but at night, I want a clean bed in a bug-free room. I do not wish to argue with mosquitoes over drilling rights to my blood.

Poor Horatio, congratulations on your marriage. Prayers for your ongoing concerns, and I hope you find resolution soon.

Sterling, I will be praying for your wife's family, and for her (and you) as well. These end-of-life situations can be so heart-breaking.

Auh2o, like you, I just can't see refusing to feed hungry children, but the problem is, in most cases they don't get the food, all we manage to do is fatten their leaders. And again I stress the point - if we don't do something to reduce the population growth at the same time, we're simply making the problem worse. Boo, you mentioned an organization that takes a different approach. Another one is Heifer International, to which I contribute a small amount every Christmas. Same idea - give animals to families in a hungry village. Not to eat, but for breeding purposes. It's a simple concept, and it works. Google "Heifer International" for more information. It works from the old adage - "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."

Gas has hit $4? Argh! It's still $3.59 here, but was $3.49 last week, so still going up. I think it's time we told the caribou to move over, and start drilling in Alaska. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to tell the Arabs what they could do with their oil? Or would it? Like I asked before, would that create pressures in those countries that would eventually erupt into more terrorism, or worse?

Well, on that happy note, I'll mosey on down the road. Got things to do --- be blessed, all. --Romeena
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62774: So sad, Dud. My friend is 43 and what you describe is really what he said to me. I think he is hoping the alcohol will kill him. I emailed him but he hasn't responded. I am praying for him often.

Thank you M-T, its not so funny that you should feel a kinship with Sean. Often, when he is struggling I think of you and what advice you would give because I know you understand some of what he is going through. Your emotional support from here on the porch is a real help (and those goes for each of you and your many prayers).

Thank you, too, Possum for your kind words and prayers.

Ro, yesterday, I was driving Erin home from school and for some reason, I just saw Karen's face in my mind, just out of the blue. The affect was a real shock. Right there on my way home, I had to pull the car over and just fell apart. The pain that I thought was over just flooded through me. I guess I have not come as far as I thought I had, or maybe it has something to do with the anniversary of her death being this week (Sunday). I was very surprised by how overwhelming my pain was for those minutes. Where does that come from? I guess it's just buried there in the heart. I am missing her this week.

Well, have to go to the store so I will have something to feed these varmits around here...

Boo
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62775: Oh hey there, Ro...I have heard of Heifer Int. Good organization to give to.

Boo
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62776: SPOT: Count me in for the BBQ. I love those K-BOBS. I was dating an airline attendant when I lived in Dallas. She was bragging about her cooking. I invited her over to the house for K-BOBS and while I was preparing the meal she was looking over my shoulder. She let out a mighty halleluah, and commented: "You par-boil your vegetables before you put them on the skewers?" She said she has never met a man who did that. She thought it was her little secret. I told her I was going to culinary school. I think it was love at first bite. Count me in for the New Orleans Style French Garlic Bread and some Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalopena Peppers.

The "Dud"
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62777: Gas prices in southern Indiana and around Louisville are now at 3.99.

hm
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62778: Romeena:

You are living in the Dallas area. When I was living there last year the energy companies were going great guns with the Barnett Shale Gas Field in the Fort Worth Area. They were drilling gas wells right in the back of peoples' suburban homes and finding gas and paying the city of Forth Worth royalties. I wouldn't want a gas well in my back yard for long without getting a royalty check. These homeowner's were plenty mad. Most of the wells are completed within a couple of weeks and the activity settles down and they might see a gas well head on the drilling site.

The "Dud"
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62779: Hey, Dud. They needn't think they're going to come tromping around in my back yard, stepping on my flowers, tearing up my grass, breaking my sprinkler lines, and drilling some stinky well. They might find themselves in court, or looking down the barrel of a shotgun, I'm not particular about which one. I know, I know, you can't fight something like that, but I'd sure want to try. Let them go next door. She has nothing in that yard but a trampoline that no one uses, I doubt she'd even know they were out there, or care.

Boo, I know all about those sneak attacks of grief. They followed me around for years after Dale's death, and still hit me at times. Tomorrow morning, at 10:10, it will be twelve years since I lost him, and it still feels like yesterday. I don't think the pain ever stops, you just learn to cope with it. Grief is a strange thing. I was out in the yard one evening, cleaning up the flowerbed beneath my window, and of course the Plum's little marker is there, above her grave. As I pulled a stray weed that had dared to sprout there, I just suddenly found myself sobbing for my little lost friend. Little Starr was at the back door, watching me intently, waiting for me to come back in, and that's nice, but I miss my Plum. She was a link to Dale, because after everyone went home, she and I grieved for him together. She was deeply attached to him, and her silent grief was so pitiful. Now she's gone too, and I miss them both.

Well, guess I'd better go see what Starr is into. She's too quiet. Like a child, "quiet" is a warning signal. I'm sure she's shredding something. Snaggle-toothed she may be, but she sure can tear paper into confetti in a hurry. But I love her! --Romeena
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62780: Romeena: The shame of the situation is the city of Forth Worth owned the land behind the peoples homes and had the right of way due to utilities, etc.... They even drilled about a half a mile from an elementary school. I wouldn't want to be on the drilling crew that tried to mess with you and that shotgun. The homeowners of course were scared that a well would blow behind them.

The "Dud" Dudley Wash
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62781:
Boo- I understand what you are going thru on many so many levels. Lord knows that your family is in my daily prayers. I pray that you feel His presence in these trying times.
As for Sean's situation, you know that I am not happy with how we are drugging our kids today. But i also realize that Sean's problems are complex. However, i did Google zoloft and there are many stories of kids actually becoming MORE depressed on that drug. If there is any way you could slowly wean him off of it and see how he reacts, it may just be a blessing.
It is just my opinion, but these mind affecting drugs can cause many effects, it's not like an antibiotic to kill bacteria. I know that i am not there and dont really know the FULL story, but i just wanted to reiterate the many effects that drugs like ritalin, zoloft etc, that are advertised like they are just the greatest gift to mankind, are not always so, and that we often see with tragedy that they can be more about making big bucks than they are about helping people.
OK, my box is sliding under the porch until i get "official verification" to use it again.
Prayers and peace and God bless, MDC
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62782: Good afternoon all,very busy here MIL passed away on Monday. We're trying to get ready for the funeral on Saturday.We're waitng on her brother and sisters from AR,NE and SC.Fritz,his siblings and FIL are doing pretty well,we were all with her when she left us ,it was very peaceful.
Gas is 3.65 a gal. here.
Well better go call sister in law ,we're plannig out what to feed everyone.
You are in my thoughts and take care. PEACE Dr P
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62783: I’m back…

Sorry to hear that, DR. P. Prayers for peace for your family.

BOO: I often feel like you're the big sister I didn't have.

I heard that James Garner is recovering from a stroke. Hope he heals up soon. In case anyone is interested, TCM will be playing “Support Your Local Gunfighter” on Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m., I believe. (Right after that is another good-un, “Operation Petticoat” with Cary Grant at 3:45. And, while I’m at it, on May 20 TCM is showing a bunch of Jimmy Stewart movies, with “the Glenn Miller Story” at 1:30, followed by “Vertigo,” “Rear Window,” and some other classics.)

We recently received our tax rebate, or, as I like to call it, my loan from the Chinese for my own money. I’m sure the whole thing was a bad idea but I have no intention of sending it back! We are donating a good portion of it, though. As Val Kilmer (as Doc Holliday) said, “My hypocrisy goes only so far.”

I won’t say much more about yesterday’s serious subject du jour (okay, I hearing the clapping…), but I will add that two things come to mind. Christ told us that we are to treat others as ourselves, and that means that we should regard people outside of our families as important as us. He also said that what we do unto the lowest of us we do unto Him. So, when we ignore someone in need—whatever the reason—we are ignoring Him. I don’t believe that national borders serve as a corollary to that.

There are many situation where the money and aid this nation—which, I add, is hands-down numero uno in helping other nations—send others is wasted, confiscated, abused, stolen, or otherwise misused. However, if a family is starving and we send them a bag of rice, and their corrupt government steal all but a cup full of it, then at least that family has a cup full more than they did. It may not be fair, but thank God we’ve got it to give. And we do have it give.

Please keep me in your prayers, if only over something that most would consider silly. We will be leaving for vacation in three weeks. We are going to Chincoteague Island, and will be staying, as we usually do, in a big house with my parents and aunts. The problem is that each year is gets increasingly more difficult for me to sleep in a strange place. Even though we’ve stayed in this house before, and it’s quite nice, I’m just about apoplectic about sleeping on a mattress so many others have. And I won’t even get into my new over-the-top fear of bed bugs (you should Google the growing “epidemic” sometime). Last year, I wouldn’t allow luggage in the house and everything (and I mean everything) had to be laundered and go directly to the van. This year, the Mrs. is working with me to try and mitigate the anxiety. We have decided to get new pillow at home so we can take ours and then discard them, and we’ve bought a queen sized plastic mattress cover. Of course we’ll take all our own beddings, and plenty of Lysol. Anyway, I’m still registering in the red zone whenever I think about it. So please, though it may be silly, remember me in your prayers. Thanks.

ROMEENA: Still wondering if you got my pics okay.

I’ll see y’all tomorrow.

Me-They
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62784:
Today is the 60th Birthday of Modern-day Israel!!
This is significant in so many ways, especially since the surrounding arab countries thought they could wipe Israel off the map after the land was legally given to the Jewish people. Instead millions have now moved there and turned a desert wasteland into thriving orchards and croplands. Many of our fruits and veges now come from tiny Israel. In fact, when they handed over gaza, the arabs quickly burned down wonderful greenhouses that the Israelies left for them!
These are indeed very amazing days in which we live. Many things are being played out in the world that could only happen at this time in history, such as the gospel literally being preached thruout the whole world due to satellite, TV, internet etc. Oops, OK, so I didnt get official verification, but i DID get the work order to fix the stop sign. (:
Have a wonderful day in the Lord!
MDC
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62785: Good afternoon, all. Just stopping by on my way to work. Me-They, the opinion you have expressed regarding feeding the hungry lines up pretty well with what I really think, in my heart of hearts. I do give to various organizations, as well as my own church, which in turn gives aid in several places. I could never say we shouldn't do that - but I can't help but wonder if it's the best thing in the long run. Not a pretty thought, and likely not a very Christian one, but sometimes it seems we're only making the problem worse - saving these children for - what? I guess that's not for us to question, just do what we can and trust God to do the rest. And I still think we could do as much or more good by helping to promote population control.

You mentioned those pictures earlier, and I looked for them, but couldn't find them. Now I've looked again, and glory be! There they are. I am so sorry, they got shifted in with some other stuff in my email, and I overlooked them. I'll get them done right now. Please forgive me!

Dr. P. - so sorry about your MIL, I know it's difficult. Prayers for you and yours, dear. Be strong!

Blessings, everyone - and check the album in about twenty minutes for Me-They's pictures. --Romeena
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62786: Hey, Me-They, I just remembered you wantd some pics taken down - email me the titles, and it will be done. Again, sorry about the delay. My memory is really failing. If I don't do something immediately, I forget all about it. I'm so sorry.

Just saw my little tailless pigeon again - still no tail, not even a sign of any emerging feathers. Poor thing. --Romeena
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62787: Hi All.

LOVING SHEPHERD, I KNOW
YOU AGONIZE OVER THOSE WHO
ARE LOST. I PRAY THAT YOU WILL
EMPOWER MISSIONARIES
WORLDWIDE TO SPEAK THE TRUTH OF
THE GOSPEL WITH BOLDNESS, I
PRAY THAT YOU TOUCH THE HEARTS
OF THOSE WHO HEAR SO THEY WILL
EXPERIENCE YOUR SALVATION. USE
ME IN WHATEVER WAY YOU
CHOOSE TO BE A PART OF THE
SPREADING OF YOUR SALVATION.

TOM

May 14, 2008 - Msg 62788: Oh my gosh! I am totally in love with Me-They's place...beautiful. It is exactly the kind of place I would want to live. That lush green grass, mowed in such perfect lines and the trees! The house is gorgeous, too. You have done a great job on your place, M-T. How about some photos of the kitchen remodel now?...pretty please?

I remembered to look at MDC's bee pictures. Really neat pictures with that 50's and early 60's style! haha...loved your haircut in that earliest picture, MDC.

Wonderful prayer, TOM, thank you so much for sharing it. I was praying right along with you on that one.

Better go get Erin out of the shower and into bed..

Boo
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62789: Oh, and by the way, M-T, I am very proud to be your "cyber-sister" and I will pray for the anxiety you are experiencing. It doesn't seem silly at all to me. The older I get, the more things bother me, too. I am starting to get really freaked out about the bed bug thing. The plastic mattress cover and your own pillows is a great idea and should give you the protection you need.

Thanks also to Romeena for sharing your heart concerning your experiences with grief. You have such an amazing gift of being able to open your heart and share exactly what's in it. I think the Lord uses it to help others (bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ..).

I almost forgot to tell you something great. My depressed friend that some of you have been praying for the last couple of days called me today and told me that he goes into rehab tomorrow! He is actually going to get the help he so desperately needs. Thank you for your prayers in his behalf!

Love,
Boo
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62790: Hi,porch friends,

I have sad news...I was heard last night that James Garner suffered a stroke and is in the Hospital.-

Heres the news story-
James Garner undergoes surgery after stroke


Garner, 80, who built a six-decade career playing ruggedly charming, good-natured anti-heroes, suffered a stroke at home last Friday and was admitted to a Los Angeles-area hospital, publicist Jennifer Allen said.

The actor underwent surgery on Sunday, and his prognosis following the operation was described as "very positive," Allen said, adding that Garner's vital signs were good and that he was conscious and "responsive."

Allen said Garner was expected to be discharged from the hospital soon, but she had no further details about the circumstances of Garner's stroke or his condition."


I am praying he will make a full recovery and be able to go home soon,and I know you guys will want to keep him in your prayers too!

So far there havent been any further news updates.

I was very sad when I heard the new,and couldnt help but think about how Kirk Douglas suffered after his stroke.
I wish we all didnt have to get old.


Jim Rockford


May 14, 2008 - Msg 62791:
Hello to my porch family.

Poor H....so good to see ya back in your rocker. And congrats on your marriage.

auh2o.....$4.00 a ding....WOW. That hurts. I get about 9 mpg in my motorhome which comes to .45 every mile that I go. That adds up very, very fast. Also, thank you for those kind words.

Boo....when my daughter was 15, she began to go to the local nursing home to visit all the residents twice a week. They would look forward so much to her coming every week. It meant so much to my daughter also because she felt that she was making a change in someone else's life. If Sean could start doing something like that it may be a big help to him. I will surely be praying for him.
Also Boo...great news with your friend!

Sterling......prayers for your situation also.

Dr.P.....so sorry to hear your news. Prayers for you and your family.

M-T....nothing is silly when it comes to prayer. You bet I will be praying for you.

Well better get ready for bed. You all sleep good and know that I'm praying for each of my porch family. Remember, we don't have to hope that Jesus loves us...we can KNOW that He loves us!
-REV.
May 14, 2008 - Msg 62792: Romeena-
I think you're right on track regarding personal responsibilty and promoting population control.
Our current society is rewarding people for being irresponsible and selfish,they know they dont have to be responsible and will be bailed out.
by shouldering the burden and passing the buck to someone else,people learn they can ride the abuse the system for their own gain.
In the past parents tried to instill ethics and common sense into their children,there were consequences for your actions.
Not so anymore,everyone seems to have the attitude that they can do whatever they want and they dont need to worry because society will take up the slack.
We need to return to the values of the past and teach people that if they make poor choices,that they have to suffer the consequences.
I have often thought its funny that all the environmentalists who are forcing all of us to drive roller skate cars and trembling over global warming have never dared to speak one word about the incredible damage overpopulation is doing to our earth.
More people= more trash in the landfill,more fuel and electric consumption,more nature torn up to developement,more crowds,noise,traffic.
And its all pure selfishness!
We control the dog and cat population because they breed unchecked.
We are supposedly an intelligent species and yet we show areas of glaring stupidity and arrogance when it comes to our own importance.
We need to take a lesson from China.there are so many people out there you cant even own a car unless you prove you have a place to park it.
The really sad thing too,at least here in California,is that it seems only the stupidest people are breeding.
the outlook for the future is pretty scary.

We need to bring back personal accountability and responsibilty.


May 15, 2008 - Msg 62793:
Morning everyone

Boo- Like Rev's daughter, when my daughter turned 14 she started to volunteer at a sheltered workshop. The workshop has a horse arena and, I guess, it's very therapeutic for people with emotional or mental issues to interact with horses. So, she helps the riders and she loves it. My other daughter, who is 12, volunteers at her former elementary school. There is about an hour of elementary school remaining after she gets done at the Middle School. She'll help in the library, run errands for the staff, but what she loves to do is help the kindergartners. She'll read to them or help with snacks or their projects. We never encouraged our kids to volunteer, never once suggested it. But, we have tried to show them there are people who need a hand and we should help, we can. I am soooo proud of those kids and it has made a difference in who they are. And Boo, I can't tell you how often we are told our girls are so shy, so quiet. I think if Sean had the opportunity to do some volunteering and it was a good fit for him, I'd recommend it. But, it should be a good fit for him. What Me-They said is so true, with you and his Dad in his corner, it puts him so far ahead of the curve already. Try not to project your young teenager in front of you right now as a grown adult, I think he'll be fine. I was such a confused 15 year old and look at what a mastermind I've turned into. I can stop by here in the morning, drink a cup of coffee, and solve all the worlds problems. (M-T just spit coffe all over his computer)

auh2o
May 15, 2008 - Msg 62794:
Boo- That one part should have read, "...and when we can help, we should."

auh2o
May 15, 2008 - Msg 62795: Who was post #62792? Was that you, Rockford?

Well, I just finished my coffee and drug Erin out of bed and she is having her breakfast. Just one more day of getting her up and ready for school until the end of summer!

I had a tough time falling asleep last night. I think it was about 1:30. Just had that restless feeling and then we had a thunderstorm that woke me. Today will be a rather long day for me, lots to do.

I'll try to drop in later for a chat, during my next coffee break!

Boo
May 15, 2008 - Msg 62796: Hey Auh2o, that is great advice, thank you so much. It is great about your girls but with a dad like you, they have to be very special young ladies. Thanks for sharing..

Boo
May 15, 2008 - Msg 62797: Hello everyone:

BOO: I am glad about your friend entering rehab. This is a big first step. He will probably have limited weekly visitation, phone calls and no e-mail access. It is very important that you stay in touch with him and give encouragement, maybe by even snail mail. I have had some friends enter rehab and on the first time through only about 10-8% stay clean for life. If the client can stay clean for over a year the odds increase greatly. I will pray for you both.

I had to take my 83 yr old mother who had the car wreck last week back to the hospital because she was in so much chest pain. The kept her for 12 hours and ran test and thank God everything checked out allright. She is very depressed about not being able to drive anymore and the ins. company totaled her car. I am thankfull that she had collision ins. on the vehicle and they did settle for a fair price according to the Kelly Blue Book Web site and usedcars.com.

I agree with the post #62792. Illegal immigration will be one of the down falls of our great country. Living in the Dallas area for over 19 years I was amazed at new immigrants who would live 10+ people in a small apartment and as soon as possible all the men would all buy vehicles. I had employees at the restaurant I managed in Dallas who lived in a one bedroom apt. and after their shift would all drive big SUVs and Pickups back to their tiny living place. All the presidential candidates including Sen. McCain seem to be for no controls over our borders.

The "Dud"
May 15, 2008 - Msg 62798: Hey Boo - since Sean and Casey are about the same age I thought I would share that Casey is having a hard time fitting in at school right now. He is a "good" kid - not a trouble maker, a teacher pleaser, an adult pleaser, I want the other kids to like me pleaser. He has been caught twice cheating this nine weeks and it is all due to peer pressure. He is afraid that if he stands up and says no that they won't play with him during lunch recess. Casey is just a sweet boy. He got caught today and he got sick over it. Jess has a rough time because he can't pronounce his r's very well and it makes him sound very immature. It is very hard sometimes.

hm
May 15, 2008 - Msg 62799: By the way all the employees at the restaurant my boss hired were family members from Mexico of other employees who have been with him for over 10 years. They all had the proper documents to be hired and we were unable to investigate. Congress voted sometime back on an employer system that we would take the SSN. card of the prospective employee and call an 800 number to the Federal government and they would verify if the number was valid. This would stop hiring of illegals with hardly andy cost with computers. The politicians and business owners do not want to know if the new hire is an illegal.

Thanks for letting me vent.

SPOT: What is for lunch today?

The "Dud"
May 15, 2008 - Msg 62800: hm: My duaghter had trouble pronouncing her R's too. We took her to a speech therapist and she eventually corrected the problem. It was very cute but we were concerned. She just turned 11 years old and she is such a leader. Everything has to be Robyn's way or no way sometimes, she has been disciplined by school, my ex and of course myself. She is very headstrong and not scared of anything or anyone. I give her mother and the fine private school she is attending in Dallas much credit for molding this incredible child. I am going over to Dallas to get her and bring her back to the Bayou State for at least a week this June. Good luck to you all.

The "Dud"


May 15, 2008 - Msg 62801: Good morning, friends. Just stopping by on my way home from work - looking for my bed! Boo, thanks for the kind words, but I just calls 'em as I sees 'em, and many times I talk when I should be listening. By the way, I think the notion of Sean doing volunteer work is a great idea, and I think a nursing home would be a great place for him to start. He has such a tender heart - does he like elderly people? My David always did, and still does. If you know someone who is in such a place - perhaps a church member - he could start out by just visiting that person, and I would bet he'll take it from there.

I don't know, auh2o, it read pretty well in the original version. Made sense to me!

REV, I'll bet the gas prices are about to do you in. I imagine you're really having to plan your routes, and I can see how that could be very difficult.

Rockford, if you want confirmation of what you expressed, and what I've been beating to death, just Google "Jose Angel Gutierrez" and see what you get. It will scare you, and it will definitely point out what we're up against. You nailed it - the least responsible and least able to provide are the ones producing the most offspring. I guess it's always that way, worldwide. The whole country is on the "spay and neuter your pets" bandwagon, and I'm beating the drum about it too, as it is definitely something we need to do. However, as you said, at the same time people are reproducing at an astronomical rate, and we're expected to feed, clothe and educate them. In their language, yet. Something is definitely wrong with this picture! Can anyone spell "realistic immigration laws, with teeth?"

Well, I'm off to bed. Have to go back to work tonight. I'm sure there will be several new moms with their little American citizens to care for. And I will. They will get good care. God will not allow me to do any less. --Romeena
May 15, 2008 - Msg 62802: Hi, Dud, didn't see you there. Yep, you were in Texas long enough to get a good handle on the problems we have here. Actually, I think those problems are spreading across the nation now. Last week I had an 18-yr old in to have her third child. Last night it was a 17-yr old, having her first live child, second pregnancy. No, she didn't electively abort the first one, it was a miscarriage, but she would now have two children had that one made it. Fathers barely involved, and the girls' fathers strut around like roosters - "just look what my daughter has done, made me a grandpa again!" They're so proud! My father would have been horrified - I can't even imagine his reaction, don't want to try. It's a big problem, and I don't know what can be done. --Romeena
May 15, 2008 - Msg 62803: Good morning everyone. It’s another beautiful day here, though I think we’re in for rain later.

Thanks for putting the pics in your album, ROMEENA. It’s great that you have that for us to share. And thanks for all the kind comments about our house and yard. Actually, I wish I hade waited to send the pics—with the week-long bout of rain we had last week the grass looks really lush now and the flowers are looking great. Plus, I finally got the annuals in the ground. I love this time of year.

We enjoy our house. It’s small (about 1,200 square feet plus the apartment my grandmother lives in) but that’s what we wanted: less to clean and no wasted space. My grandmother used to have a little plaque that said “Love grows best in small houses.” I know that’s not always true, but I hope so in our case. Plus, money wise we could have had a big house and very small yard, or vice-versa, but not both. We will be adding on over the apartment this fall. Right now, Veda is still in our bedroom upstairs (which actually is two rooms) and Chad and Nora room together downstairs. The house was built with no closets, of course. Some have been added, but not enough. So, we’re adding two bedrooms (but will lose one of our rooms upstairs) and a bathroom (right now we have one 7x7 bathroom) and lots of closets space.

Our house is old, too (the center portion is about 125 years old), which creates another set of difficulties (note my peeling roof paint). We enjoy the yard, too. We have about 1.75 acres. Not huge by some of your standards, I’m sure, but that’s pretty good around here. Plus, we have a few neighbors but are mostly surrounded by farms. We’re only several miles from a major highway, and not that far from shopping centers, but it feels like you’re worlds away. I grew up about 8 miles away. It’s a great place to raise your kids.

BOO: Praise the Lord about your friend going into rehab. Prayers are answered! I’ll keep him on my prayer list. You too. Thanks to you, REV, and everybody for your prayers for me.

AUH2O: Y’know, we not agree on some things, but we’re in the same ballpark and I know your convictions are based on prayer, intelligent thought, and genuine concern for our well-being. I’d rather live under that than someone who agrees with me 100% but for all the wrong reasons. The means are just as important as the ends. I guess I’ll post that “AUH2O for President” after all. By the way, if you win, you will be throwing employment patronage around, won’t you? I could use government benefits…

To message #: I agree with your concern, but not with some of your statements. First, your statement that environmentalists are not concerned with population growth is plain wrong. Almost every major organization has a strong stand about it. In fact, it is one of the areas where they draw criticisms (including me). The more liberal the environmentalist the more likely he/she will claim that human overpopulation is one of the major reasons for environmental destruction.

Regarding your touting of China as an example, I would remind that China’s efforts at population control are not voluntary and forced abortions are not uncommon. China’s population control efforts are one the world’s greatest human rights abuses, in my opinion. Their goal may be okay, but the way they have gone about reaching it is horrible. Like I mentioned before, the end does not justify the means.

There is no question that the greater the population the greater the strain on our planet. That’s simply mathematical. The hard part is trying to figure out how to do something about it that isn’t coercive and everyone can live with. When groups try and spread contraceptives to third world countries, some criticize (including many Christians). We could try and educate, but that takes time and lots of money. If we offer incentives to “get fixed,” that can be seen as coercive. (Frankly, to me it seems a little distasteful to tell a starving person that we will give them something if they undergo a medical procedure to sterilize them.) And what about hypocrisy? I have three kids, so who am I to preach forced limitation of families? Yes, I may be able to take care of my kids but I could find myself jobless and on the dole in a heartbeat. Nope, there are no easy answers. How about we try and do the right thing and give it over to the Lord?

About people taking responsibility, well, I agree that we have walked away from that, but I know a whole lot of middle-class and upper-middle-class parents who aren't teaching their kids responsibility. It ain't just an immigrant or poor problem, it permeates our entire culture, top to bottom.

I think something real has to be sone about immigration, too. Not just the shwo we've been given. But I can't but think, if I was born into poverty in Mexico and either had to wait in line for maybe years to feed and clothe my kids or sneak across the border, it would not be a hard choice. I know it's wrong. But I have a hard time slapping someone for doing something I'd probably do in teh same situation. It's a blessing we cannot imagine to be born in this country. We could have been born anywhere. To whom much is given, much is expected.

Well, I’ve chewed your ears enough for one morning. Coffee break is over!

Me-They