July 27, 2010 - Msg 80006: Oh, and thank you all for the birthday greetings. I 'preciate it! --Romeena
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80007: Well! I guess I'll be walking crooked for sure, after sweeping the porch. I just hate dust! --Romeena
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80008: Goooood morning, everyone! A beautiful sunny morning and a glass of morning orange juice. Mmm MMMMMM, that's good!

Thanks everyone, for letting me know where you all are. The way you all respond to each other tells me I have a lot of learning to do here on the porch. Hopefully, once I get to know you all a little more, I will be able to jump right in!

But for now, I think I might go rest a little. Feelin' a might poorly today. Not much sleep and one whopper of a headache. Ya'll take care, be safe and be careful and maybe later I'll come back out with some iced tea. I'll make up a couple pitchers and take em' out with me so ya'll can pour yourself a cup if you want.

John Masters
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80009: Morning porch, hope everyone is okay today. I have been AWOL the past few days, seems like.

Happy Belated Birthday to Romeena. hope it was a good one.

Welcome to John Masters, good to have you. My end of the porch is Northeast Tennessee, up in the very top corner of the state. We are about 1 1/2 hours from Knoxville and about a 20 minute drive to Johnson City. We are really close to Southwest VA, close to NC and not really far from KY. A beautiful part of the country that enjoys seeing all 4 seasons of weather.

still hot and humid on my end of the porch.. supposed to have some rain the next few days. It will probably rain while Beth and I are on our mini vacation. Oh well we need the rain and we can always find something to do that will be in doors.

Lunch menu will be: chicken salad sandwhiches, pickles, chips, brownies and tea to drink.
see you at noon.

Prayers and blessing to all.

Big Maude
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80010: Hey Y'all! Credit card? What credit card bill, spotty? I declare, I just don't know what you're referring to. You sure you didn't boink you head on one of them river rocks?? LOL

Asa, I hear your caterwauling, er, singing! Thanks for the James Taylor tune! I don't know about Boo, but I am getting excited about this big birthday celebration- Asa's reviving his act! Whoo hoo!!!

John Masters, I represent the South Carolina side of the Porch. I'm down near Charleston.( I'm a female possum,btw!) We have another SC Porchster,and that would be REV. He is from the Northwestern part of the state. Oh,hope you feel better!

Hey to Big Maude! How was the festival? I think I would have enjoyed the Zach Browne Band- Southern Fried.. right? LOL

Y'all have a good day- love to all!

*******************
possum under a rock
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80011: Sory you're ailin' JM. I didn't sleep well either because at around 12 am, the smoke alarms in the house went off...LOUDLY..all 6 of them at the same time (they are all connected somehow). They stopped and we searched the house and found nothing that would set them off. Well, they stopped and then would go off again for a few seconds about every hour until 4:30am. We searched the internet, the owner's manual and I tried calling the company to find out why it was happening but no solution. It finally quit around 4:30. I will call the hotline today and see what I should do. The manual said dust could cause them to go off. Guess i will change the air conditioning filters and try dusting the alarms or something. Crazy!

Hope you get some good rest, Romeena.

Boo
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80012:
YES! Especially on those older connected alarms, dust build up can cause that. You have to remove the cover and then blow on the inners. That will stop it.
MDC
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80013: But yours are new, boo! (I'll bite my tongue) :(
MDC
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80014:
John, my MDC stands for "Mr Darlin's Cuz." AFD is for "Andy's Favorite Dish." and REV is for Rev. HA!
MDC
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80015:
Oh, and you can see photos of many of us at Romeena's photo site in the "porchsters" album
romeena.myphotoalbum.com
That my help to get you to know us.
MDC
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80016: Boo. Maybe you need bigger wires on them alarms? :)
New regulations require all the alarms to communicate with each other. So if one goes off, they all go off. Makes sense in case of a fire but when you are having a problem like you are seeing can be a real pain in the petunia to find the culprit. Most likely you have one sensor that is dirty or bad that is causing your problems. So it becomes a detective game of trying to find the bad one. And they always seem to happen in the middle of the night. I forgot to change my battery back-ups in mine last time change and last week about 1 a.m. thet started chirping. Same deal. When one chirps they all do. I was looking for my 12 guage just before I isolated the one with the weak battery.
Your's are not carbon monoxide detectors as well as smoke alarms are they? Just make sure if they are you don't have a c.o. problem anywhere. Most of the combination alarms have a pre-recorded voice message telling you if it's smoke or C.O. but I don't know if they all do. Just make sure that it is not a C.O. issue. Am I getting through to you fellow? lol

Asa
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80017:
huh, huh, huh?? ROTFL
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80018: Asa, your education was worth every penny.
- Hazel
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80019: "New" doesn't seem to mean much these days, MDC! I think I will start buying "old". The owners manual suggested dusting each year...it has only been 6 months and my house is not dirty, so go figure. :-(

Thanks for your 2 cent, ASA...you are so funny. I was looking for my gun, too at around 3 am. No, they aren't carbon monoxide detectors. We don't have any sort of gas hook-up to the house and I don't think it would ever be a problem...possibly when the fireplace is burning (all three times per year!).

Indeed, Hazel, Asa is well educated and he will always be grateful for the 100 dollars his parents spend on his degree. ;-)...just kidding, buddy.

Well, we took mom to walmart, pushed her in her wheelchair while she pointed to things she wanted. She ended up filling up the cart with stuff totalling 150.00, but that's ok if it makes her happy. Food makes mom happy and that's about it these days. She told Sean in Walmart, "Your mom is in a bad mood today". Sean answered, "Uh, for her this is a good mood."...haha...stinker. I was just tired due to the smoke alarm thing last night and not very talkative. Any-hoo, we had supper at St. Susans (I made hambugers) and spent some time with family which is always nice.

Sterling, if you are reading this, I have a real dilemma on my hands that you might care to hear about. It is concerning Erin's school. Turns out the daughter of one of my friends was helping out in their VBS and heard some teaching that upset her. One of the teachers apparently was telling the kids that if they said things like "Gosh" or "Gosh Dangit" they were going to go to h*ll. The mom went to the teacher and asked her if it was true and if she really believed that and the woman said "yes". There have been a couple of other instances that i have heard about, too that have me thinking. Now I am going to have to take a look at what to do. I don't want to put her in public and the other christian school near us closed it's doors this year. i guess I could homeschool her but I just don't know what to do. Please send up a prayer for us. The last thing I want to do to my kids is have them go through what I went through when I was trying to serve God in fear of condemnation. I have tried to teach them grace and it is very important to me that they grasp it.

Well, better go put these swollen feet up and take a rest for awhile.

Boo
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80020: Hey yall ..and welcome John M...I try to cook most of the time here...(and I amd a male) possum is the girl.ha ha...but anyway Im on the southern end also..Ga...camp and fish alot....work for the power company 29 yrs now...and yea you can go to Romeena site and see alot of our mugs...well im back at work eating hamburger helper and PB&J...yall want one...ever had them grilled?...good...or ya can fry them...ok...back in a bit...SPOT
July 27, 2010 - Msg 80021: Good evenin' porch! Think I'll just pull this chair up here and set a spell! I'm sorry, folks that I didnt get the two pitchers of tea out here. Kinda fell back on chores and time went forward and I got lost in between! LOL!

Thanks for the welcome from Maude and SPOT! Again, it's much 'preciated and I am feeling more at home each day here!

Prayers sent up for Boo. I know you aimed your conversation at Sterling, but I thought that was a real situation. I mean a real situation! I think you send your prayers and follow your heart. I think I would homeschool!

Thank for your well wishes on feeling better. headache now gone and am looking forward to turning out the lights, pouring me a pop and watching some "King Of The Hill" I'll tell ya' what!

I promise I will make that tea and everyone can have a glass. Since i am getting ready for that Arkansas move, I am gaining ground here and there and losing ground everywhere else. LOL!

Have a great night, be safe and be careful and my best for you all!

John Masters
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80022:
nite'all
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80023: Well good morning gang..bet most of the porch is asleep still...but will slip the breakfast menu in anyway..menu: 2 eggs your way,bisquits and GOOD milk gravy,country ham,sausage links,hashbrowns,pancakes with blueberrys and maple syurp,coffee,oj and a news paper that I hope Boo will bring...Possum will you show up early to help set up and serve?....prayers to all and Rev where are you touring at right now...got to get that plate to ya brother.....SPOT
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80024: Hi All
Will my brother home from the hosp; the test just see where he had srug done befor.
S I L is mad at me because I did not called him; she say that I do not care about him.
I keep tell her that I do not have a pone but she keep calling me a lie.

A SONG OF FAITH.

Life shows her sharp vexations;
Each sorrow deals its loss;
Why not tell it all to jesus?
There's sweet solace at the crosss...
Tell Him of your soul-felt searchings'
Of your hopes and longings, too:
That you might work with purpose
In everything you do-
Open all your thoughts unto Him,
Speaking just what's on your mind...
The answer that you're seeking
Within your heart you;ll find...
He has promised to sustain you.
For in you He wants His best!
So ask Him for His guidance-
He will never fail the test!
Leave all your burdens with the Lord-
That one divvinely strong-
Quit now your heart from weeping!
Pick up and sing your song!


July 28, 2010 - Msg 80025: sorry forgit to sig this post up there
TOM

July 28, 2010 - Msg 80026: Morning Dears.

Boy oh boy Spot. Now that sounds like a good breakfast buddy. I'm lined up and loading up.

Tom, sounds like you're in the early stages of a family feud. Hope it all works out. Glad your Brother is home and doing ok. That's the important thing I reckon.

Boo, prayers for you to be lead to do the right thing concerning Erin. My youngest Daughter will be home schooling for the very reason you mentioned.

Glad your headache went away John. How come everytime I try out for any musi-cals you get a headache? Maybe you're allergic to my after shave lotion.

Possum, Boo, I'm working on a new gig for my act just for your birthdays. I won't tell you what it is, but just a hint. My pyro-tech permit will come in handy. :)

Hazel, I'm glad my ejukashin impresses you. I try not to flaunt it, but just like trying to tell a bird not to sing, trying to get me to not spew forth great intellect is just going against nature! :)

Well better go put that intellect to good use. Gotta go unclog a toilet.

Asa
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80027: Yeah, I'll serve breakfast Spot, but I expect tips! LOL
Wow, Asa, I am getting all keyed up for the birthday bash-can we expect sparklers dangling from your tool belt or do you have something even more spectacular planned??
Tom, try not to let family issues stress you out. I know how it can be. Prayers, friend.
Ok,I'd better get over there with Spot and start slinging grits or something- see y'all at breakfast!

*******************
possum under a rock
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80028: Oh ASA, I just love your posts. Can't wait to see the new act! Thank you for your prayers. I find it interesting that your daughter is homeschooling for the same reasons.

Thank you for the poem, TOM..just what I needed. Sorry you are having trouble with your SIL.

Thank you, too, John Masters. I appreciate your prayers and even though my post may have seemed directed to Sterling, it was meant for everyone and comments are always welcome. :-)

I've got that paper, SPOT. Here...catch!

Howdy Possum, sling some grits for me...I have to go take Sean to the dentist.

Boo
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80029: Morning porch, just checking in for a minute. at work as usual, but today is one of those days that folks have decided to cancel their appointments or just not show up. Very aggravating and directly affects my paycheck. UGH!

a bit cooler today thank goodness.

thanks for that breakfast SPOT and for Possum for being on the serving line and to BOO for the paper.

Lunch will be: chicken tenders, SLAW, broasted potatoes. pinepapple upside down cake for dessert. kool aid, tea to drink.

have a great day everyone.

Prayers and blessings to all.
Big Maude
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80030: Good morning, Porch. Here's those two pitchers of tea I promised! Just grab ya' a glass there and belly on up to the table!

Sorry I missed your breakfast, SPOT. Dadgum, sure sounded like a good one! If I am awake next time, I will sure bein' to stacking my plate full! Yum!

Not allergic to your after shave, Asa. Maybe we just dont have the right material for ya. Tell ya' what....next piece we rehearse, we'll have you do a speakin' part so your voice...your glorious voice...will stand out! Thanks for the well wishes too!

Your welcome, Boo. These dern kids today are a' getting a' might outta hand! It needs to be nipped in the bud! But...for the sake of your own offspring, I think you might justa keep them close and homeschool!

Well, Big Maude, I see you provided tea with lunch! I left tea on the porch so iffin anyone gets a little thirst after lunch it's there!

Have a great and stress free day, folks!

John Masters
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80031:
ASA- i think its your Bible knowledge that you aint suppose to flaunt! haha
JOHN- Just wanted to let you know that everyone may not answer every post. We tend to pick and choose, so don't ever feel we forgot ya, OK?
APB FOR LUCY!
Rev- Hope your concerts are going well.
HAZEL- I watched three wishes on DVD last night,
and sure 'nuf Andy mentions Boise, Idaho! cool.
And i forgot about some other great lines in there.
Floyd's "You're funny for a sheriff" ha
Barn's PPD comment,
plus extra sensitive perception, etc. Good stuff.
I got a letter fromPappa Bear. Still doing well in small town Indiana. (hey to HM)
Big Maude, let's eat!
Prayers for all!
MDC
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80032: No worries, MDC! I am just obliged that I have been made to feel so welcome. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go find Andy so I can let him be the one to tell someone else that they are out of the choir. LOLOL!

Pour me a glass of tea here before I leave the porch!

JM
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80033: Just in case anyone forgets...TVLand has TAGS marathons weekdays in the afternoons and on Saturdays too, I believe.

Hey! We need to bring a tv out here and set it up on a table, bring an extension cord through a cracked winder and watch while settin' here on the porch!

JM
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80034: Good afternoon, porch! I'm a wore-out old gal today. Last night was long, back hurting a lot, came home tired and went straight to bed. Just got to sleep, phone woke me - the hospital calling to verify an appointment. OK, thanks! Back to sleep. Few minutes later, Toye Starr starts barking and won't hush. Wondering what's ailing her, when the phone rings. It's my plumber - says he has been ringing the doorbell (I couldn't hear it) and had I forgotten he was coming this morning to open a very slow drain? Yes, I had. So up, throw on some clothes, and stagger around for nearly an hour while he did his thing. Glad to have the drain open, paid him, back to bed, and slept for about four hours. Feeling better now, but was beginning to wonder if I'd ever get any rest.

Wow, Boo. you do have a dilemma, and it may be that home-schooling is the answer, if that option is viable for you. However, there are other options. When we were raising our family, home-schooling was extremely rare, there was no organized support, no curricula, you were pretty much on your own, and you had really better be able to prove that you knew what you were doing, or the law could get involved. So, often our kids were being taught things with which we disagreed. We just tried to keep our ear to the ground, know what they were being taught, and correct errors where we found them. Evolution is an example. We taught them to be respectful in class, learn the material so they could pass the tests, but that they did NOT have to believe it.

Also, there were times at church when some teacher or other individual was putting forth information or attitudes that we felt were incorrect. We tried to turn those situations into "teachable moments." We explained to our children that sometimes adults were wrong, that some people could be mistaken, and could be led into error, and might then try to lead others in the same way. There was a particular situation, very similar to what you've encountered with Erin's VBS teacher. There was a SS teacher who was pushing a doctrine of works trumping faith and grace, which is essentially what Erin's teacher is doing. "Forget grace, you say a questionable word and you're toast!" We've all met the type, and they're always very aggressive and hard-nosed in their beliefs. (Remember ol' George, from a few years back?) The sad thing is, they're usually quite sincere. They believe it, and they're genuinely concerned that others are doomed because they don't.

Anyway, we taught our kids to come to us if anyone was telling them something that confused them, or seemed to disagree with our family's values and beliefs. When they did, we would explain that the person was in error, and that as children, they should just listen politely, not argue or challenge the person (I'm talking about younger kids here) but to always tell us about it. In the case I mentioned, Dale spoke to the person in question, learned that the kids' report had been correct, and he asked the individual politely not to pursue that line of thought with our children. He refused to comply. So Dale discussed it with the pastor, who was shocked to learn what the man was teaching, and as a result the man was gently asked to resign his position as teacher. He did, and later left the church, but that was his decision.

I think it comes down to this - our kids are going to be pushed this way and that by the world and all the various "isms" that seem to abound. As parents, we have to teach them to think for themselves, to take what they hear and hold it up to the model and pattern set by Christ, and see how it measures up. If it appears to be in conflict with what He taught, then it's not true and is to be discarded, no matter who is pushing it.

For Erin's case, it's simple. Ephesians 2:8-9 says clearly that "By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - not of works, lest any man should boast." I looked everywhere, but just couldn't find a phrase that added "unless you say 'Gosh Darn-it', in which case God will doom you to perdition forever!" Maybe that teacher has a different version of the Bible?

It's possible that the teacher doesn't really believe that, but in an over-zealous desire to make good, proper little Christians out of the kids, she is trying to scare them with threats of doom. Misguided and in grave error, but as I said earlier, possibly quite sincere. Those are the dangerous ones.

Well, enough of my pontificating. Tom, I'm sorry your brother's wife is giving you a hard time. Maybe she's just stressed and scared, and not thinking straight. Or maybe she's just mean! Either way, pray for her, and you'll feel better, whether she does or not. I'm glad your brother is doing well.

I'm tired, got to get out of this office chair and into my easy chair and see if I can get this cranky old back to quit hurting. Be blessed, friends! --Romeena
July 28, 2010 - Msg 80035: Holy Cow! (Oops, guess I'm doomed!) I wrote a bloomin' book! Sorry, folks! --Romeena
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80036:
Trouble check - Pleasant dreams!

MDC
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80037: I enjoyed your book, Romeena. :-) You make some really good points, thank you.

I am reading a book right now called, "Radical", by David Platt and it is a real challenge. Platt used to pastor one of those "mega-churches" and upon his missionary trips to Asia, with the underground church there, he began to see the vast differences in how they live out the gospel and how we do here in America. I read something in the book that really got my attention. A missionary went to some far island where nobody even heard the name of Jesus..(I forget where it was). He went to this one little village and began to ask if anyone knew who Jesus was and always got the same "no" response. Well, the leader of the village, who was a warm and friendly fellow, went into his hut and brought out a Coke for the missionary. The missionary thought, 'How is it that a cola company out of Alabama has been more successful in getting colored sugar water to these people than the church in America has getting the gospel to them?'...interesting thought. Here is another part that I will just copy from the book for you: "I remember when I was preparing to take my first trip to Sudan in 2004. The country was still at war and the Darfur region in western Sudan had just begun to make headlines. A couple of months before we left, I received a Christian news publication in the mail. The front cover had two headlines side by side. I'm not sure if the editor planned for these particular headlines to be next to each other or if he just missed it in a really bad way. On the left one headline read, "First Baptist Church Celebrates New $23 Million Buidling." A lengthy article followed, celebrating the church's expensive new sanctuary. The exquisite marble, intricate design, and beautiful stained glass were all described in vivid detail. On the right was a much smaller article. The headline for it read, "Baptist Relief Helps Sudanese Refugees." Knowing I was about to go to Sudan, my attention was drawn. The article described how 350,000 refugees in western Sudan were dying of malnutrition and might not live to the end of the year. It briefly explained their plight and sufferings. The last sentence said that Baptists had sent money to help relieve the suffering of the Sudanese. I was excited until I got to the amount. Now, remember what was on the left: "First Baptist Church Celebrates New $23 million Building." On the right the article said, "Baptists have raised $5,000 to send to refugees in western Sudan." Hmmmm, something wrong with that. I would urge my Christian friends here to buy and read the book. It is challenging but something we need to face as the church in America.

Well, better finish my coffee and get going with the day.

Boo
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80038: Good Thursday Porch, just passing through. working until about noon today and then taking off on my mini vacation. Hope to leave home about 1pm should be in Pogeon Forge by 3pm and then we will be home Sunday afternoon.

Please pray we have safe travels. I will take a penny that has been ran over by a train just in case! It seemed to help Malcom Tucker.

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80039: Good morni.....hmm.....doesn't seem to be anyone on the porch this mornin'. Well...that's ok. I'll just set here a spell and drink my mornin' OJ and enjoy the bright, clear scenery.

Interesting and thought provoking piece there, Boo. One of the most same but different subjects in the history of mankind is religion! How together or apart we can be is as different as night and day. I know that seems a little like double talk, but I believe you all get the meaning of what I say. That piece makes you want to put a pail on your head and take a thank under there!

Prayers to Big Maude for a safe and careful trip! Wonder if they'll do much adventure sleepin'??

Time to check on the day's news and take a spin around the web.

Have a great day, all! I'll put the lid on the OJ and if anyone else wants a glass, feel free to hep' yourself!

John Masters
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80040: Sure does, JM. I have been doing some soul-searching about why I have believed some of what I have believed. I think for me, I have been under the delusion that what I do doesn't really matter much, when you think of the needs of an entire world. Wrong way to think when you consider that Jesus took 12 disciples and changed the world. Makes you think about what it would look like to see all the believers in this nation put Christ in the place he belongs in out lives. Hmmm...with all of our resources. I remember reading something that KP Yohannan (founder of Gospel for Asia) wrote about coming to America for the first time. I think I shared tis before on the porch, but it was a long time ago. KP is from India and was granted the money to come to the US to study theology...I believe it was in Houston or Dallas...he was astounded by the big city and the extreme wealth. He noticed that there were many large churches that costs millions to build. He said he couldn't help but think about how the cost of just one of those churches would be enought to provide churches all over India and support so many missionaries there. Now, I'm putting the pail on my head and thinkin' some more...

Prayers for a safe trip, Maude.

Boo
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80041: Lunch time!Grilled cheese sandwiches,chips and kool-aid....SPOT
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80042: Mmmm...SPOT, you go to way yonder too much trouble! LOL! Hey, you got any pickles to munch on?

JM

BOO- Yeah, I have thought that same thing to myself. What difference will my dreams or passions make in the grand scheme of things? Then I remember who put those dreams and passions inside me and nutured me to let them take root. Then everything came full circle.

Oops, sorry...I shouldnt talk with my mouth full!

JM
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80043: I meant to say "nurtured" there.

JM
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80044:
"From the halls of monte..."
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80045:
"Nice, real nice."
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80046: Good evening, porch! I received this in an email from a Mayberry friend whom I met on the cruise two years ago, and who was on last year's cruise as well. Here's his message:

We've sadly received word that beloved Darling boy and Dillards founder Mitch Jayne is gravely ill in a Missouri hospital.

We're very much wanting to respect the privacy of Mitch and his family during this difficult time.

Probably the best thing we can all do is keep Mitch and his family in our prayers.

He stated that this information was in the "WBMUTBB", the daily Mayberry Digest. I hope I'm not passing on a rumor here, but I don't think so. Besides, even if it's not as stated here, I guess you can't ever hurt someone by praying for them, right? Allan, if you're within earshot of the porch, maybe you could fill us in on this?

Boo, in response to your comments above, I think we're all inclined to think that our little bit doesn't matter much, so why try? I know I have often felt that way, especially after I've poured a lot of energy and effort and shoe leather into meeting the needs of a demanding patient, and been rewarded with even more complaining. It happens to all nurses, so our sensitive and occasionally very wise manager posted this little gem in the nurses' break room. I won't quote it here, as it's lengthy, but here's a link:

http://www.prayerfoundation.org/mother_teresa_do_it_anyway.htm

Beautiful words, originally written in a more secular tone by someone else, but apparently modified by Mother Teresa and written on a wall in one of her care homes. The last line will "clutch ya!"

Well, guess I'll go feed my fluffy little roommate, she's been in here trying to tell me she's hungry. (What's new?) Blessings, friends. --Romeena
July 29, 2010 - Msg 80047: Thanks for sharing, Ro...it is between God and us in the final analysis, indeed.

I was thinking about your missin trip to Mongolia...I read today about a medical missions group that went to Africa and two of the American helpers got stuck by AIDs infected needles...their response? "We are glad it happened to us and not someone else."...wow, what loving and unselfish response.

Enjoy your time off, Ro.

Boo
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80048: Good Morning Good People of Our porch!..fixing to go home and snooze a little and back at 2 for 16..going up to 98 here in Ga today...whew..all you outside workers be careful and make sure the water coolers are full....Breakfast menu: thin fried pork chops,eggs fried or scrambled,toast,jelly,hashbrowns,oj,cofee,h2o and a paper from Boo.....rev watch for the truck...SPOT
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80049: Morning Porch T.G.I.F.

Spot, that breakfast sounds great. I may even have eggs both fried and scrambled, and my oj on ice. Yea buddy!

I'm sorry to read that about Mitch Jayne Ro. I'll be sure to keep him and his in my prayers. I read on another board somewhere that Andy wasn't doing so great either. But you know how the internet can be. Hope they are both ok.

Boo, your comments are thought provoking for sure. Although I tithe and donate other offerings, and have a significant amount of my income extracted from ne by the Gov. to fund things that I stand in complete opposition too (thats another subject for another day) I always wonder if I should be doing more. I know I could, and will never not do so if hit up by a cause I know to be legit. But at the same time I try to make sure the money I give is being used for the things I feel right about. It's one of the reasons I have directed most of my giving to my Church. I know that money is used in a manner that I am comfortable with.

John Masters, I sent away for this music from New York City for the try-outs. I hope it ain't over your head. I also got my larnyx squirter full and ready for action. I will be doing my voice calasthentics today.

MDC, how's things in your town after the ruling? This really is ticking me off. The opposition has spread up to Utah. Yesterday we had a bunch of groups in the State Capitol protesting and even making promises and threats of civil unrest if any kind of simular law is passed here. They are doing nothing to help their cause. All it's doing is getting more folks riled up. I really worry this could get ugly. Hope not.

Well I better get going. Been hot and muggy here. Usually don't get much humidity but have been getting some of the tropical flow up from MDC's way. It's bad because swamp coolers are quite prevelent here and work well in our dry climate. But when the humidity goes up they ain't worth a plug nickle.

Y'all have a great Friday.

Asa
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80050: Mornin' Asa...yep, that's kind of what we have done in the past, donated to causes within our church, which supports missions, etc. Good for you for being willing to give of your resources and doing so responsibly. I have been giving thought to prayer. I waste alot of my time on things that are kind of, well, a waste i guess...not things I enjoy, just time-wasters. One part of giving to the Lord is spending time in prayer for the lost, too.

It's hot here, too! wow, is it hot and muggy. At least we have air conditioning.

Better get going...things to do.

Boo
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80051: Where's my birthday cake and presents?? LOL

*******************
possum under a rock
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80052: Ahhh! I forgot your birthday, Possum!
so sorry...birthday cake is in the oven.

Boo
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80053: DAGBLAMEIT! Possum, I have your birthday right here on a note on my puter and guess what? I posted from a different office this morning and forgot all about it until I came into my office for break. There was my note and I jumped on here to wish you a Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday Possum. You always remember others and I for sure wanted to hit you up with it first. Hope it's a good one. And Boo's is tomorrow. Ro's was last week. My goodness you can't throw a dead cat around here with out it being somebodys birthday.
And just wait you see my new act. Pyro's and the works, including a laser light show. ;)

Asa
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80054: Good morning, porch! Happy Birthday, Possum! And Happy Birthday to you, Boo! I declare, I don't feel any older - do you? 'Course, I ain't feelin' any younger, either!

Spot, thanks for the great breakfast. I love those little thin pork chops for breakfast. They're goooo-ood!

Gosh, it's beautiful outside today, and maybe won't be quite as hot as it has been lately. It's only 82, at 10:40. We're usually at 90 by now. Not a cloud in sight, and a nice breeze blowing. Several of my roses are blooming, the crape myrtles are just bursting with blooms, the plumeria tree is wearing a red crown of blossoms, and the impatiens along the back fence are just a solid row of color. So pretty. Birds and butterflies everywhere, squirrels in all stages of amorous behavior - hopeful little boys chasing reluctant little girls, one of whom has a suspiciously round tummy already! Guess she wasn't fast enough. I hope she decides to den up in one of my nest boxes, so I can watch the babies grow up. So far, I haven't seen her checking the boxes out, though. She may have a treetop nest somewhere.

Well, guess I'll mosey. I need to go to the water garden store and get some filter medium for the pond filter. I'm running it now with just coarse medium, and there should be a layer of fine medium as well. It works, but probably not the best idea. I'll pick up Eloise and we'll go find lunch somewhere, then head for the pond store. Back is feeling pretty good today - thanks, Lord! Blessings, all. --Romeena
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80055: Thanks Y'all! It's been a good day so far. My daughter and Laci are on their way to my rock- more presents! Ha Ha!
Asa, I did the same as you with Ro's birthday. Had it written in my notebook next to the computer,then just completely forgot! Wonder what causes that? Could it be we're getting old?? LOL
Well, I'd better scoot. Yes, Boo is the birthday girl tomorrow- then our double birthday bash tomorrow night! Whoo hoo!
Y'all take care- love to all!
************
possum again
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80056:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO POSSUM AND BOO!!

You two are the cats!
Boo, well at least your A/C is still working! ha
ASA- the only ones getting arrested are the ones
bussed in from CA, and many of them are wilting in our AZ heat. Yes, it is sad to see this, carrying their flags etc, shouting demands, but this is only round one of a 14 rounder. Appeals have been filed. One reporter actually said on TV, "Why are there so few bill SUPPORTERS present? Because they are all WORKING!" funny, sad and true all at once! OK, I'll slide my
soapbox back under the porch!
Prayers for all,
MDC
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80057:
HAPPY B-DAY YOU TWO!
LET'S GO TO CRACKER BARREL!
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80058: Yay, Cracker Barrel!...but do we have to sit under the cow-castrator? That place has many things hanging from the ceiling!

Boo
July 30, 2010 - Msg 80059: I have a suggestion for Arizona, and every other state, in fact for the United States as a whole. Perhaps we should abandon our own immigration policies, and adopt a new one - identical to the one enforced by Mexico itself. Certainly Mexico can't complain about that, and in truth, it's far more strict than ours. Wonder how that would fly? Hmmmm? OK, no more from me on the subject, but check your email. --Romeena
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80060: Happy B-day Possum..and Boo..!.tonight is the party at the barn...everyone invited!!..will fire the smoker up and put the hams and chickens on...back in the morning with more details!....SPOT
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80061: Well its happy B-day to Possum and Boo!..its morning now (early)...fixing to leave work and head home to snooze...off till next wed...hey John Masters aint seen the throw downs we can have at the barn!...JM there dandys...ok let me whup up some breakfast and slep and get the barn ready..Asa you gona behave this time?..I need to make sure the camper is locked up...hum but last time yall used the windows...better just leave it unlocked...Miss Sherry will be at work..MDC will you park cars?..would ask asa but him never wearing shoes those field rocks smart..ok...gona be a good one..Romeena bring those tacky string lights and I will get the smokers ready...breakfast menu:Corn flakes with strawberrys,sausage links,toast,oj on ice,coffee....and boo since its yer B-day I will bring the paper...Rev look for the Fed-X truck....yee haw...there is gona be a wing ding tonight.....SPOT
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80062: Mornin' Y'all and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BOO!!!

What a party! Woke up with some kind of strange taste in my mouth- fermented mulberries, perhaps? Ha Ha!

I don't think I was the only one hitting the jug- last I saw of Asa he was up in one of them tall Georgia pine trees out near Spot's barn! Spot, you might need to get one them cherry pickers from your power company to get Asa down outta that tree!

We're having a high school reunion later today- everybody from the classes from the 70s is invited. I think I'll go for a while- might be fun seeing some YOUTS from back in the day!

Y'all take care!
*******************
possum under a rock
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80063: Thanks for those birthday wishes everyone!

Possum, go put on you bell-bottoms, haltar top and platform shoes and have a great time at the school reunion. :-)

YAWN...I feel like I could use another day or so of sleep but have to go get mom her coffee. St. Susan is out of town this weekend and I have been looking out after the folks. Yesterday I went over there to fix them lunch and mom had her little list of what she wanted me to cook for lunch...get this: Imperial Chicken, mashed potatos, peas and carrots and rice pudding for dessert. I cooked it for her and then she said, "I'm not hungry now, I'll eat it later". ha! So, I put it all away in containers in the frige...hope she finally ate something. I have to drive over there this morning and put her instant coffee in the microwave for her. My poor dad is so confused these days he can hardly run the microwave....or so he says....I am wondering...

Had a meeting with the church ladies retreat-planning committee and we decided not to but the pool table for the fellowship hall (just kidding)...we were meeting to talk about next years retreat but everyone has felt that perhaps the Lord was calling us to do something different this year. Our ladies group at church never really reach out beyond our church much or give to missions or anything and it was unanimously decided that we would use the funds we raise this year to send to missions instead and we will hold a missions/ministy conference at the church instead and give the women opportunities to reach out beyond their usual comfort zone, so to speak. I am presently working on securing a speaker for the event, hopefully someone from Gospel for Asia. I would really appreciate your prayers for this event because this is a very surprising and significant event for the women in our church. It will really be a call to discipleship for them. Thanks. :-)

Better get going.

Boo
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80064: It will really be a call to discipleship for "us" rather...not just "them".

Boo
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80065: Good morning, Porch. Just got time to breeze by and say Hi to everyone. Have life stuff going on (Such goins on, such goins on!)

Will be back up here to share a glass of tea and see if i can get in on some of these wonderful meals!

Happy Birthday to Possum and BOO!

Asa, I wil have to consult with Ms. Poultice about your progress!

I will try to be back soon, everyone.

Prayers and luck be with you. And by the way...Gomer says Hey!

John Masters
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80066: JUDY JUDY JUDY!! Hey, has anybody grabbbed my handle? So good to see names I recognize. Mrs. Poultice told me Asa cant sing....not a lick. Anybody ever hear from Briscoe Darling Jr?? He was supposed to bring me a jug of squeezins and I never got em. LOL
Hugs to all my old porch pals.
The one (and I hope only)
Fungirl
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80067: Hey there, fungirl, long time no see! You haven't changed a bit, in fact I think you look even younger! Glad you decided to drop in.

I slept very, very late this morning, and am having trouble getting my motor revved up. It's really too late for breakfast, I think I'll just go straight to lunch. I'm thinking maybe one of those little dollar hamburgers from McDonald's. They're really pretty good. There's a McD's just about a mile from me, beside a gas station and I need to fill up the car anyway. Sounds like a plan.

Well, it looks as though someone else is hungry too. The feeders are empty, and a little squirrel has hopped up on my window ledge, and is looking in at me. It's as though she's telling me that the critters need groceries out there. Very interesting. When she stretched up on the glass, I could see her little belly, and it's quite flat, and a bit wrinkled and saggy, as though recently stretched out. Also, her little "faucets" are visible. Dollar to a doughnut, she's got babies somewhere, probably born last night. Guess I'd better go put something nourishing out for her. I've got an apple and a banana that are showing their age - she'll love them. Also have a few grapes, and some shelled pecans that taste a bit "fridge-y", but she won't care about that. There are some dog treats that Toye Starr won't eat (too big) and of course, birdseed. Gotta feed the mama so she can feed the babies. This is a little bit out of time, they usually have their fall babies in September, but it's pretty plain to me that she's just delivered. Bless her squirrely little heart.

See you later, got things to do. Blessings! --Romeena
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80068: Fungirl! I have wondered about you often. So good to see you here again. Please come back more often~

Had to go to town today to get Erin's school uniforms. Academy had only 2 of the skirts erin needs and they were leftover from last year and only cost me 2.88. :-) Of course I had to pay 6 dollars each for the polo shirts. I look for them in thrift stores but everyone buys them up and they are difficult to find. I took Erin to lunch for my birthday, we ran by the bookstore and then home. I am going to spend the afternoon resting since its MY birthday!

Ro, I heard some really interesting conversation on a radio show this morning about hummingbirds and the way they migrate...amazing stuff...there are birds that know just how much to eat as to not get too fat but still have enough fat for fuel to live while they migrate large distances over water. Somehow they just know what to do...kind of makes us humans out as the stupid ones when you think about how animals know just what to do and we stand around scratching our heads. Maybe we have just not learned how to listen to our instincts over the years.

Boo
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80069: Ok gang wing ding plans,barn party at the dogs barn tonight...will get the lights strung up,70"s music going...MDC parking cars(dont forget to tip)..Asa ...hum well you just stay out of the punch till dark...got the smokers full of hams and chicken....Maude slaw,burgers and dogs,all the trimmings,baked beans...tractor ready for hay rides(yall behave on them hay rides)...camper powered up for those who ....well...need to sleep here....party hats..cake for Possum and Boo....ok...come on when ya can!...SPOT
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80070: Spotty, Check yer email! --Romeena
July 31, 2010 - Msg 80071: 10-4


August 01, 2010 - Msg 80072: 10-4 back atcha! Check again. --Romeena
August 01, 2010 - Msg 80073: Hello Porch Family:
Just checking in and saying Hi! I thought I would make it by Saturday night, but see that the Sabbath has sneaked in on me.
Happy very belated birthday Romeena, and all the others who will never grow any older!!!
Am getting my bags packed for our Nicaragua Medical Mission trip. We leave on Saturday Aug 7 and return on the 14th. The meds have been bought and now we are packing school supplies. it sure has been fun shopping for this trip.
We fly out of Baltimore BWI into Atlanta and then to Managua.
Please pray for our team and safety in travel. Will try to get the kids to post some of the pics when we return.
~New Neighbor
August 01, 2010 - Msg 80074: Oh prayers, absolutely, New Neighbor! Lord bless your mission with great success.

Boo
August 01, 2010 - Msg 80075:
Hi porchsters one and all.
Need to ask prayers for my 92 year old dad.
When i visited him Friday afternoon, he was quite lethargic and dehydrated, se took him to the hospital
which is 5 minutes from his place, and turns out that he has
pneumonia! They started leviquin and breathing treatments etc, and he is doing better, but at his
age, any other little thing can be a problem.
I'm doing OK, and if it's his appointed time,
then I think I'm good with it. you are all such good
pray-ers. THANKS! I'll keep ya posted! :)
MDC
August 01, 2010 - Msg 80076: Very sorry your father is ill, MDC. Prayers for him, of course...and for you. Stay strong. You're a good son.

Better get ready for preachin'.

Boo
August 01, 2010 - Msg 80077: Good Sabbath all.

MDC, I'm sorry your Father is ailing. I will include him in my prayers friend, along with you.

And prayers for N.N. as she travels on the Lords errand. Good for you Sandi for what you are doing.

FunGirl, goodness it's been awhile. Welcome back. Hope you are fine and dandy. What you been up too?

Boy oh boy Possum and Boo. You two really get into that retro 70's disco stuff. I have 'Disco Duck" stuck in my head now. Y'all are a mess I say.

I think I'll go to the later sermon with the Beamons. I hear tell it's a good one. But then again it could just be Opie, flauntin his bible knowledge again. :)

Have a blessed day all, and show the Lord you got some smarts.

Asa


August 01, 2010 - Msg 80078: HAHA..."..and show the Lord you got some smarts."...I like that, ASA. Hard to do sometimes, though. ;-)

This morning's sermon was on forgiveness...it was a good one but probably stepped on some toes cause more folks went forward to the altar than usual! Guess that is a universal struggle, trying to forgive.

Gotta get over to St. Susan's for lunch. Talk to ya'll later.

Boo