Can you say hail?

We were out of power for a few hours last night then we had quite the hail storm this afternoon. Winter is certainly here.

Waiting for Santa...

Casey found his favorite spot.

The First!

Our first resident moves in on Wednesday! It looks like we will avoid bankruptcy after all. Things were becoming a bit worrisome 'round here.

Make Me a Blessing

Out on the highways and byways of life,
Many are the weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Chorus:
Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His pow'r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True every moment you live.

Give as 'twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.

Words by Ira B. Wilson
Born: September 6, 1880, Bedford, Iowa
Died: April 3, 1950, Los Angeles, California

Wilson’s sister taught him to play the violin and organ while still at home. Around 1902, Ira began studies at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. In 1905, he went to work for the Lorenz Publishing Company in Dayton, Ohio.

Listen to this hymn here or here.

A Thanksgiving Proclaimation

By Abraham Lincoln

It is the duty of the nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.

We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subject to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins; to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

Giving Thanks

This week I have been thinking about what I am most thankful for at this time of my life. Each time I got in my car to drive to work or to visit a patient, I contemplated the thing of person or philosophy or what ever that meant the most to me. It was easy to say God or family of life or any other thing. Yet each thing can be preempted by something else. How can I find one thing that I am most thankful for when I have so much? So, here is my list of things I am thankful for. It is a partial list and in no particular order.

The grace and mercy of God. This is the reason I live. This is the reason I know why I am here and where I am going.

My Soul Mate. I don’t know that God puts just one person on earth for each of us to be our soul mate. If He does, I am so grateful that I found mine.

My family. Each member of my family offers a different piece for which to be grateful.

God’s Creation. The change of seasons, the glorious vistas, the little details—all are part of an amazing world in which we live.

Accents

Found this one over at Patrick's. I guess that this is the accent you get when you are raised in Iowa and North Central Washington and now live in Oregon...

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
The West
The South
Boston
North Central
The Inland North
Philadelphia
The Northeast
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

Today, 143 Years Ago

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a short speech at the close of ceremonies dedicating the battlefield cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Requested to offer a few remarks, Lincoln memorialized the Union dead and highlighted the redemptive power of their sacrifice. Placing the common soldier at the center of the struggle for equality, Lincoln reminded his listeners of the higher purpose for which blood was shed.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Can't Feel At Home

This world is not my home I'm just a passing through
My treasures and my hopes are all beyond the blue
Where many friends and kindred have gone on before
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

Over in glory land there is no dying there
The saints are shouting victory there's singing everywhere
I hear the voice of them that I have heard before
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

Oh Lord you know I have no friend like you
If heaven's not my home oh Lord what would I do
Angel's beckon me to heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

Heaven's expecting me that's one I know
I fixed it up with Jesus a long time ago
He will take me through though I am weak and poor
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

Oh I have a loving mother over in glory land
I don't expect to stop until I shake her hand
She's gone on before just waiting at heaven's door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

Recorded by the Carter Family May 23, 1931. Both Alan Lomax and his father, John, were devoted to finding and recording as much American folk music as possible. They were two of many folklorists of the early 20th century who were traveling through the country gathering the roots of true American culture, folk and blues music. This is just one of many songs that may have been brought to American with the earliest immigrants and passed down from one generation to the next until it was finally captured and preserved by folklorists.

Test

This is a test to see if a recent update has enabled me to post again. So, far it seems to be working as I can at least type. Here goes...

Trouble

I am having some trouble posting apparently due to my computer. I will be back soon, I hope!

It's Official!

As of about 8:30 this morning, we own a licensed adult foster care home. Yikes! A few mixed emotions happening--excitement, anxiety, terror, relief, etc.

Absense

It has been a bit hectic lately with little time to post. I hope that absense does make the heart grow fonder and my readers have not moved on to greener pastures.

I've done several walks lately.

• One volkswalk took us through downtown looking at a variety of fountains and landmarks. There is one called the Car Wash Fountain. It stops when the wind gets to 2 mph to protect pedestrians from getting wet. We also saw Portlandia from a new vantage point.
• There was a beautiful walk through a small town with fields and fields of dahlias. I will post some photos later.
• Several of us from work did the Race for the Cure in Portland on Sunday. It is the largest on the west coast with 50,000 entrants. Although I enjoyed walking with my coworkers, I had a hard time seeing all the women wearing pink and the bright "In Memory of" signs with names and photos.

On Friday, we had an inspection for the business. There were just a couple of minor things that needed fixing. She is returning on Tuesday morning and then we should be up and running. If you know anyone with dementia that needs a wonderful place to live, please drop me a line. With only 5 availabilities, we won't have room for long!

After the inspection, we headed to Newport to pick up one of DH's sculptures. He sold it from his website to an art teacher in Florida. So, he needs to refresh it a bit and ship it off. We took the long way home and wnet through the little town where he went to high school. There was a home football game and we wanted to sit back and relax a bit. It was a lot of fun. A former classmate was there and his son was the starting QB.

So, there is just a touch of what has been going on lately. Hopefully, I will be back to posting more regularly now.

In Memory of 1 of 2996

Felicia Traylor-Bass

Felicia, 38, was an only child who found a way to be an aunt anyway, playing the role with zest for the children of her five cousins. "She loved dancing and music," said one of them, La-Rae Shelton, recalling the rose tattoo on her cousin's left shoulder and her very short, chic haircut. "She really liked children, but she wanted to wait to get her career started before having a child." She did just that. After half a dozen years of marriage to Andrew Bass and a career that had taken her to Alliance Consulting, on the 102nd floor of the World Trade Center's second tower, she and Bass had a son, Sebastian. "She loved being a mom," Shelton said. "All her co-workers heard about her baby, the hair stylists, everybody." Still, Felicia made time for dancing after work, before heading home to Brooklyn. She took classes at Dance Space, on Broadway and Canal Street. "They did a dance tribute to her, as a memorial," Shelton said. Sebastian may be too young to remember that, but a generation of cousins who loved his mother will be sure to tell him.

Her husband remembers her as “a kind and generous soul who loved life and people. She was a beacon of joy, fun, and vibrancy to all of her family and friends. Becoming a mother in 1999 to our beautiful son Sebastian, Felicia seemed to find her true calling. She sacrificed and adjusted her life to be there for Sebastian at all times. Thankfully they got to love and enjoy one another, albeit too short a time, but none the less they had time together. The hardest thing to deal with is telling my son why his mother is no longer here. May all of us pray for calmer times ahead for our children.” As Sebastian grows older, Andrew sees Felicia’s looks and her feistiness, spunk and “the thirst to be on the go.” Lisa, Felicia’s cousin honors her with this tribute, “Her warmth, sense of humor and overall sweetness will leave a void in this world.”

Take a moment to read more tributes to Felicia at September 11, 2001 Victims, Legacy.com and Newsday.

Hat Tip: NYT, CNN. com (And Patrick & Benning for formatting help!)

Under the Pear Tree

This morning DH called me downstairs. Standing just 10 feet from the back patio was a beautiful deer. She stood quietly as a queen surveying her subjects. We had wondered if there might be deer nearby because we back onto a creek. Yet it is just a small area that is bordered on roads and neighborhoods. How doesn't make a difference in the excitement and wonder experienced.

Time to relax...

It has been busy around here so it is time for a little fun!

You are Milk Chocolate

A total dreamer, you spend most of your time with your head in the clouds. You often think of the future, and you are always working toward your ideal life. Also nostelgic, you rarely forget a meaningful moment... even those from long ago.

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

You Are 58% Independent

Overall, you're a pretty independent woman. You don't follow trends just to fit in. You've got your own cool thing going on, though you sometimes still care too much about what other's think.

How Independent Are You?

Wildwood Trail Trial

Today a group from work did a 10 km run which we walked. There is a contest at the corporate office to get the staff active. Teams of 3-4 people earn points by completing different tasks. All this to win an Ipod.

It is one I last did as a run, but it was neary 10 years ago and about ?? pounds ago. It is one of my favorite places. I have talked about the 26 mile Wildwood Trail before. It meanders through Forest Park and this run is on a part of the trail I seldom get to walk. The photo is of me at the finish. We actually finished in 1:44:39.

Indescribable

From the Highest of heights
To the depths of the sea
Creation’s revealing Your Majesty
From the color of Fall
To the fragrance of Spring
Ev’ry Creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming:

Chorus:
Indescribable,
Uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And you know them by day
You are amazing, God

All powerful, untamable
Awestruck, we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim
You are amazing, God

Chorus 2:
Uncomp’rable,
Unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart
And you love me the same
You are amazing, God

Who has told ev’ry lightening bolt
Where it should go?
Or seen heavenly storehouses
Laden with snow?
Who imagined the sun
And gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us
The coolness of night?

None can fathom…

Today

Well, 19 years ago any way...

O Glorious Love!

In my darkness Jesus found me,
Touched my eyes and made me see.
Broke sin's chains that long had bound me.
Gave me life and liberty.

Chorus:
O Glorious Love of Christ my Lord Divine.
That made Him stoop to save a soul like mine.
Through all my days and then in heaven above,
My song will silence never,
I'll worship Him forever,
And praise Him for His Glorious Love!

Oh amazing Truth to ponder,
He whom angel hosts attend.
Lord of Heaven, God's Son what Wonder!
He became the sinner's friend.

By John W. Peterson

John W. Peterson was born in Lindsborg, Kansas, and began his musical career while he was still in his teens. During World War II, he served as an Army Air Force pilot flying the famed "China Hump." Later, he attended Moody Bible Institute and served on the radio staff there for a number of years. In 1953, he graduated from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and shortly thereafter settled in Pennsylvania to continue his songwriting career. He then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where for over ten years he served as President and Editor-in-Chief of Singspiration, a sacred music publishing company. He now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he continues to write music. He also serves on the board of Gospel Films, Inc. of Muskegon, Michigan. He has had wide experience as a choral director, and throughout his career has been in great demand as guest conductor of his own works.

In 1967, the National Evangelical Film Foundation presented Mr. Peterson with the Sacred Music Award in recognition of his accomplishments in the field of sacred music. In the same year, he received the honorary degree, Doctor of Sacred Music, from John Brown University. In 1971, he received the honorary degree, Doctor of Divinity, from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon; and in 1979, he received the honorary degree, Doctor of Fine Arts, from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1977, his autobiography, THE MIRACLE GOES ON, was published by Zondervan Publishing House, and a film by the same title was released by Gospel Films. In 1996 at MusiCalifornia, Mr. Peterson received the prestigious Ray DeVries Church Music Award. He is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and is listed in WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA as well as WHO'S WHO IN THE WORLD.

Hat Tip: New Hope Music

Talk about sloow...

Apparently, I have been noticing oddities in the world this week. You'd think at that speed they'd caught up with it a lot sooner.

In this photo released by Kellie Copeland-Burnup via the Post and Courier, Willy, a tortoise, belonging to Kellie, walks past the family dog Sunday, Aug. 21, 2006, in Ridgeville, S.C. After a month on the lam, the 40-pound tortoise with a 2-foot-wide, gold-colored shell is back in the wading pool at his owner's home. Kellie reported the tortoise escaped about July 1. A local emergency medical services technician spotted Willy on Sunday along a rural road about five miles away. During six weeks on the run, Willy averaged .005 mph, well short of a new land speed record. (AP Photo/Kellie Copeland-Burnup via the Post and Courier)

Wildlife

My sister visits me and suddenly my yard becomes a haven for new wildlife.

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves me this I know,

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak but He is strong.

Chorus
Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He who died,

Heaven's gates to open wide;

He will wash away my sin.

Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay

Close beside me all the way;

If I love Him, when I die

He will take me home on high.

Without doubt the hymn that has influenced children for Christ more than any other is this simply stated one, written in 1860 by Anna Bartlett Warner. Miss Warner wrote this text in collaboration with her sister Susan as a part of one of the best-selling novels of that day, a novel written by Susan entitled Say and Seal. Today few remember the plot of that novel, which stirred the hearts of many readers. But the simple poem spoken by one of the characters, Mr. Linden, as he comforts Johnny Fax, a dying child, still remains the favorite hymn of children around the world to this day.

Anna and Susan Warner were highly educated and deeply devoted Christian young women who lived all of their lives along the Hudson River in New York, in a lovely but secluded area apart from the busy world. Their home was near the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and for a number of years these two sisters conducted Sunday School classes for the young cadets. Their home, Good Crag, was willed to the Academy and made into a national shrine. Both sisters were buried with military honors in recognition of their spiritual contributions to the lives of the young military officers.

After the death of their widower father, a well-known New York lawyer, the Warner sisters were left with a meager income and of necessity turned to serious literary writing. Susan became especially noted for several of her works, including a popular book, The Wide, Wide World, considered at that time to be the best seller after Uncle Tom's Cabin. Although not as well-known as Susan for her literary fame, Anna wrote a number of novels under the pseudonym "Amy Lothrop" and published two collections of verse, Hymns of the Church Militant, 1858, and Wayfaring Hymns, Original and Translated, 1869.

The popularity of "Jesus Loves Me" soon spread quickly beyond the boundaries of our own land. Numerous stories are told by missionaries of the universal appeal this hymn text has had with children in every culture. It is often one of the first hymns taught new converts in foreign lands. The hymn has even been appropriated by other religious sects; missionaries have reported that they have heard groups in Buddhist Temples singing, "Yes, Buddha loves me, Yes, Buddha loves me..."

Hat Tip: Dr. Chadwick’s Hymn Backgrounds

Family Fun

My sister and her family were visiting from So Cal this weekend. We celbrated sis's birthday, picked blackberries for breakfast, shopped, played games, had a picnic and just laid around. It was great! I sure wish she lived closer. (Hint, Hint!)

John Tigard House

Sunday afternoon, Casey & I headed out for a volkswalk. It was a 10K starting in King City and walked through a variety of neighborhoods and through downtown Tigard. Along the way we passed the museum housed in the former residence of John Tigard, the son of the founder of the town. It is a sweet little place. I love the fancy work the and craftsmanship that went into the old places. I thought you might enjoy them, too!

John Tigard constructed the three room Carpenter Gothic Victorian house in 1880 at the corner of what is now Pacific Highway and Gaarde Street. The house was threatened with demolition in the late 1970's, but due to the efforts of the Tigard Area Historical and Preservation Association, the house was restored. In 1979, the house was entered in the National Register of Historic Places and now resides at the corner of SW Canterbury Lane and SW 103rd in Tigard. The Tigard Area Historical and Preservation Association operates the house and opens it on the third Sunday afternoon of each month to showcase special exhibits.

The house is one of two Tigard sites listed on the National Historic Register. John Tigard was the eldest son of Wilson Tigard, the founding father of Tigardville. John operated a coach route from Tigardville to Portland.

Thanks to the foresight of the The Tigard Area Historical and Preservation Association, the John Tigard House continues to serve as a link to Tigard's early beginnings.

Hat Tip: City of Tigard

On Jordan's Stormy Banks

On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan’s fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie.

Chorus:
I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound for promised land,
I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound (I am bound)
I am bound for promised land.

All o’er those wide extended plains,
Shines one eternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns,
And scatters night away.

No chilling winds nor poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore;
Sickness, sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more.

When shall I reach that happy place,
And be forever blessed?
When shall I see my Father’s face,
And in His bosom rest?

Lyrics by Samuel Stennett (ca. 1727-1795)

Dr. Samuel Sten­nett was born in Ex­e­ter, in 1727. He was con­vert­ed and was bap­tized when young. Like his fa­ther he was a man of super­i­or tal­ents and great er­u­di­tion. Iv­i­mey says, “His pro­fi­cien­cy in Greek, La­tin and Or­i­ent­al tongues and ex­ten­sive ac­quaint­ance with sac­red lit­er­a­ture, are so abundantly dis­played in his val­u­able works that they can­not fail to es­tab­lish his re­pu­ta­tion for learning and genius.”

He had been ac­cus­tomed to move in the so­ci­e­ty of per­sons of re­fine­ment; and on en­ter­ing up­on his pas­tor­al du­ties in Lon­don he was remarkable for the ease and suavity of his man­ners, for the good breed­ing, the pol­ished lang­uage, and the graceful ways of the true gen­tle­man. He was fre­quent­ly in com­pa­ny with per­sons enjoying the high­est so­cial dis­tinc­tion and in such si­tu­a­tions as gave him an op­por­tun­i­ty to com­mend Bap­tists and aid Dis­sent­ers of all de­nom­in­a­tions.

In 1763 he was made a Doc­tor of Di­vin­i­ty by King’s Coll­ege, Aberdeen. Among the no­ble men who wait­ed upon his min­is­try and loved him with the af­fection of a friend was John Howard, the philanthropist. In a let­ter from Smyr­na, writ­ten to Dr. Sten­nett Au­gust 11, 1786, Mr. Howard says, “I bless God for your min­is­try; I pray God to re­ward you a thou­sand fold. My friend, you have an hon­or­a­ble work; ma­ny seals you have to your min­is­try.”

He min­is­tered to the Lit­tle Wild street church as his fa­ther’s assistant for ten years; and as its pas­tor, af­ter his fa­ther’s death, for thir­ty-sev­en years. The meeting house was rebuilt dur­ing his min­is­try. His fa­ther, Jo­seph Sten­nett, D. D.; his grandfa­ther, Jo­seph Sten­nett; his great-grand­fa­ther, Ed­ward Sten­nett; his bro­ther, Joseph, and his son, Jo­seph, were all Bap­tist min­is­ters—and Sab­bath-keep­ers.

Hat Tip: Cyber Hymnal

Ta Da!

It is finished.

The deck is completed.

The inspector has been here and approved it.

Tonight we celebrate with a BBQ.

Our new 650 sq ft deck wraps around two sides of the house. It is made from composite for little maintenance and no slivers for those of us who hate wearing shoes. (Yep, that would be me!) There are two sliders leading from two bedrooms and a set of french doors to the breakfast room. There are no stairs, instead it has a ramp at the side of the house for better access. We hired the frame done due to the bureaucracy surrounding an 8’ high deck, but DH did the rest. (He is truly an amazing guy!)

Hydrangea

TV Meme

This meme is from Anna at A Rose By Any Other Name. I thought it looked like a bit of fun. So, here goes mine. Anyone can fly with it if you choose.

Instructions: Bold all of the following TV shows which you’ve ever seen 3 or more episodes of in your lifetime. Bold and italicize a show if you’re positive you’ve seen every episode of it. If you want, add up to 3 additional shows (keep the list in alphabetical order).

24
3rd Rock from the Sun
7th Heaven
Adam-12
ALF
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Alias
Allo Allo
Amazing Race
American Idol /Pop Idol/Canadian Idol/Australian Idol
America’s Next Top Model/Germany’s Next Top Model
Angel
Arrested Development
Babylon 5
Babylon 5: Crusade
Battlestar Galactica (the old one)
Battlestar Galactica (the new one)
Baywatch
The Ben Stiller Show
Beverly Hills 90210
Bewitched
The Bob Newhart Show
Bonanza
Bones
Bosom Buddies
Boston Legal
Boy Meets World
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Bug Juice
Chappelle’s Show
Charlie’s Angels
Charmed
Cheers
China Beach
Columbo
Commander in Chief
Coupling
Crossing Jordan
CSI
CSI: Miami
CSI: NY
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Dancing with the Stars
Dark Angel
Dark Skies
Davinci’s Inquest
Dawson’s Creek
Dead Like Me
Deadliest Catch
Deadwood
Degrassi: The Next Generation
Designing Women
Desperate Housewives
Dharma & Greg
Different Strokes
Doctor Who (new Who)
Doctor Who (series 1-26)
Dragnet
Due South
Earth 2
Eight is Enough
Emergency!
Entourage
ER
Everwood
Everybody Loves Raymond
Facts of Life
Family Ties
Fantasy Island
Farscape
Fawlty Towers
Felicity
Firefly
Frasier
Friends
Get Smart
Gilligan’s Island
Gilmore Girls
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Green Acres
Green Wing
Grey’s Anatomy
Grounded for Life
Growing Pains
Gunsmoke
Happy Days
Head of the Class
Highlander
Hill Street Blues
Hogan’s Heroes
Home Improvement
Homicide: Life on the Street
House
I Dream of Jeannie
I Love Lucy
Invasion
Iron Chef (Japan)
Iron Chef (USA)
Hell’s Kitchen
JAG
Jackass
Jeopardy
Joey
John Doe
Kath and Kim
LA Law
Laugh-In
Laverne and Shirley
Law and Order
Law & Order: SVU
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Leave it to Beaver
Little House on the Prairie
Lizzie McGuire
Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Lost
Lost in Space
Love, American Style
M*A*S*H
MacGyver
Magnum P.I.
Malcolm in the Middle
Married… With Children
Mary Tyler Moore
Melrose Place
Miami Vice
Mission Impossible
Monk
Moonlighting
Mork & Mindy
Murphy Brown
My Family
My Favorite Martian
My Life as a Dog
My Mother the Car
My So-Called Life
My Three Sons
My Two Dads
Mysterious Cities of Gold
NCIS
Newhart
Night Court
Nip/Tuck
Northern Exposure
Numb3rs
One Tree Hill
Oz
Perry Mason
Picket Fences
Prison Break
Profiler
Project Runway
Psyche
Quantum Leap
Queer As Folk (US)
Queer as Folk (British)
Queer Eye For The Straight Guy
ReGenesis
Remington Steele
Rescue Me
Road Rules
ROME
Roseanne
Roswell
Samurai Jack
Saved by the Bell
Scarecrow and Mrs. King
Scrubs
Seinfeld
Sex and the City
Six Feet Under
Slings and Arrows
Smallville
So Weird
Spaced
Sports Night
Square Pegs
St. Elsewhere
Star Trek
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Enterprise
Stargate Atlantis — New season
Stargate SG-1 — New season
Superman
Supernatural
Surface
Survivor
Taxi
Teletubbies
That GirlThat 70’s Show
That’s So Raven
The 4400
The Addams
Family
The Andy Griffith Show
The A-Team
The Avengers
The Beverly Hillbillies
The Bionic Woman
The Brady Bunch
The Colbert Report
The Cosby Show
The Daily Show
The Dead Zone
The Dick Van Dyke Show
The Flying Nun
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Golden Girls
The L Word
The Love Boat
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
The Mighty Boosh
The Monkees
The Munsters
The Mythbusters
The O.C.
The Office (UK)
The Office (US)
The Pretender
The Prisoner
The Real World
ROAR
The Shield
The Six Million Dollar Man
The Sopranos
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
The Twilight Zone
The Waltons
The West Wing
The Wonder Years
The X-Files
Third Watch
thirtysomething
Three’s Company
Top Gear
Twin Peaks
Twitch City
Upstairs, Downstairs
Veronica Mars
Wings
What Not To Wear (US)
What Not To Wear (UK)
Whose Line is it Anyway? (US)
Whose Line is it Anyway? (UK)
Witchblade
Will and Grace
Wonderfalls
Xena: Warrior Princess
Young Hercules

When We All Get To Heaven

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.

Refrain
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when traveling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.

Words by Eli­za E. Hew­itt

Eliza, also known as Lidie H Edmunds, was born on June 28, 1851, and died on Ap­ril 24, 1920, in Phil­a­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia, where she lived all her life.

After grad­u­a­tion from school, Eli­za be­gan teach­ing. How­ev­er, her ca­reer was cut short by a ser­i­ous spin­al prob­lem. She par­tial­ly re­cov­ered, but was an in­val­id most of her life. She then turned to hymn writ­ing, which ran in the fam­i­ly—her cou­sin was hymn­ist Ed­gar Stites.

She was Sun­day School sup­er­in­tend­ent at the North­ern Home for Friend­less Child­ren, and lat­er at the Cal­vin Pres­by­ter­i­an Church. She was al­so a reg­u­lar con­trib­u­tor to Sun­day-school Helps.

Hat Tip: The Cyber Hymnal

Korean War Memorial

Today's volkswalk took us to Wilsonville for a festival and a walk through a couple of parks. In one of the parks is the Oregon Korean War Memorial. It is spoken of as the Forgotten War. We remember WWI because of it was the war to end all wars. We remember WWII because of its magnitude. We remember Viet Nam because of the conflicts as home. There are not many of my generation that can tell you much about the Forgotten War. Honestly, all I know about the Korean War, I know from M*A*S*H. I have an uncle who was in the military then, but I don’t even know what branch much less if he was stationed in a war zone. It is a sad tribute to the gift that these men gave us.

A portion of the memorial is dedicated to Medal of Honor recipient

Sgt First Class Loren R. Kaufman

Dogs & Light Bulbs

How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?

Border Collie: Just one. Then I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code.

Rottweiler: Make me!

Lab: Oh, me, me! Pleeease let me change the light bulb! Can I? Huh? Huh?

Dachshund: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!

Malamute: Let the Border Collie do it. You can feed me while he's busy.

Jack Russell Terrier: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls.

Greyhound: It isn't moving. Who cares?

Mastiff: Screw it yourself! I'm not afraid of the dark...

Doberman: While it's out, I'll just take a nap on the couch.

Boxer: Who needs light? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.

Pointer: I see it, there it is, there it is, right there!

Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb?

Australian Shepherd: First, I'll put all the light bulbs in a little circle...

Old English Sheep dog: Light bulb? That thing I just ate was a light bulb?

Basset Hound: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Westie: Dogs do not change light bulbs -- people change light bulbs. I am not one of THEM so the question is, how long before I can expect my light again?

Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned-out bulb?

Two Good Things

Sunshine & Baseball

Does Jesus Care?

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth and song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain
O yes, He cares- I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary,
The long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares. (He cares.)

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks ­
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Words by Frank E. Graeff

There was a man who lived around the turn of the last century named Frank Graeff, who was known as the “Sunshine minister,” because wherever he went he always had such a sweet disposition and such a sunny outlook that he brought cheer to all those who came in contact with him. Children loved him. People loved to be around him. Everywhere he went it seemed that joy followed him. However, Frank Graeff went through -- just like all Christians do -- some enormous times of trial and temptation. You may not have known it if you were just meeting him on the street or even if you were among those whom he pastored; but he, nonetheless, went through many times of intense, personal grief. One evening, as he looked to the Word of God, he came to this verse in 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

It leapt out to him and discovered to him a new joy. He was so touched that he wrote a hymn, entitled “Does Jesus Care?” This hymn speaks to the heart of any child of God who goes through times of difficulty and trial and questioning and pain. Each one of the verses of Graeff’s hymn asks some intensely personal and important questions, and we want to answer these questions from the Word of God.

Hat Tip: Baptist Bible Hour

From the Garden

I love macrophotography. I have not done much of it since I went to a digital camera since I did not have a great one for it. Today I am playing with my sis's camera. (Mine is somewhere around here, but with the move...) Here are a few shots from the garden this morning. It does a pretty good job for an inexpensive digital.

Red Basil

The Birth of a Fir Cone

Impatiens

Petunia in a Hanging Basket

Indoctrination

I was having lunch with someone this week and we were discussing plans for a cooperative between a local school and a new facility. I really enjoy setting up intergenerational partnerships. We discussed working with the clubs in a high school. We then began talking about working with younger students. I spoke of a partnership I arranged with a 4th grade class and seniors and I talked about how much I loved watching the fear in the students’ eyes disappear over the winter. I loved watching the relationships develop between my seniors and the students. I said that I could make it work if I just got one teacher to buy into the vision. I continued to say, “I can get a 4th grade student to buy into anything.” My luncheon partner, a teacher for many years agreed that you can get a child that age to buy into anything.

It didn’t occur to me until days later exactly the truth of what I had said. Our schools can get children to believe anything that is taught as truth. When there is passion and emphasis placed on anything, a child will believe when it is said often enough. So, homosexual marriage, global warming, evolution are all fact to them through the same type of indoctrination I use to get buy in to the idea of helping seniors. It really struck me. I had always known that if we had children that I could not bear to send them to a public school. But this realization put the heart knowledge into words. My values and beliefs are not supported by the public school system. I believe that if I wanted my children to grow into strong, independent Christians I need to instill those same beliefs in them. I could not expect them to have those convictions if they were trained by people whose belief system was diametrically opposed to mine.

2nd Amendment Rights

I very seldom post on politics. I read political blogs and comment on them; I listen to talk radio and argue with the callers and the hosts. There comes a time when something is so wrong and it hits close to home. Like what is happening to my cousin, Kristi, and her husband, Rick. Please read this and spread the word. What is happening to Rick and Kristi is wrong. They were doing nothing illegal; they were following their rights as citizens of the United States.

On June 7 2006, ATF, FBI, and Canadian ATF raided KT Ordnance in Dillon, Montana. They only had 1/2 the search warrant, the other half (the affidavit needed to get the warrant) is "secret and sealed". They took inventory of 80% frames ($30,000.00 approx. value), 3 of Rick’s personal firearms he made for himself (but left one that he made for himself), all his paper records (including the appraised value certificate of Kristi's diamond ring), the titles to their cars, a copy their hard drive. They also took all the non-regulated gun parts. No one showed any I.D., only verbal. Rick was not arrested nor charged with a crime. FBI was very interested if Rick was starting a militia. Rick had sent all the churches in Dillon, plus the Sheriff, an article written by Dr. Edwin Vieira: Are you doing your constitutional duty for "Homeland Security"?

There are several specific questions including: Why was the affidavit for the warrant “secret and sealed”? Why did they seize three of Rick’s personal firearms but leave one? Why did they seize the appraised value certificate of Kristi’s diamond ring?

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they work their way through this. Also, anything you can do to help spread the word of this injustice will help. There is nothing like the outrage of conservative American citizens to bring justice to an unjust situation.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

I have trouble sleeping sometimes, especially when I get stressed. My brain starts running as soon as my head hits the pillow. Everything I needed to do that day or need to do later darts through my mind like a never ending list. The list scrolls on and on and I cannot relax to sleep.

The only thing I have found to stop the mental treadmill is reciting scripture. A verse here and a verse there helps some of the time. The more stressful life is the longer it takes. Those times I need a longer passage like Psalm 1. So I make myself quote it straight through without error. If I make a mistake or loose my place, I start over. It was a chapter I studied many times growing up. Reciting it allows my mind to focus and let go of everything. I suppose in many ways it is my life motto. It reminds me of where my focus needs to be all the time not just when I cannot sleep.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Tips to Improve Your Writing

1. Avoid alliteration. Always.
2. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
3. Employ the vernacular.
4. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
5. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
6. Remember to never split an infinitive.
7. Contractions aren't necessary.
8. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.
9. One should never generalize.
10. Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
11. Comparisons are as bad as clichés.
12. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.
13. Be more or less specific.
14. Understatement is always best.
15. One-word sentences? Eliminate.
16. Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
17. The passive voice is to be avoided.
18. Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
19. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
20. Who needs rhetorical questions?
21. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
22. Don't never use a double negation.
23. capitalize every sentence and remember always end it with point
24. Do not put statements in the negative form.
25. Verbs have to agree with their subjects.
26. Proofread carefully to see if you words out.
27. If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing.
28. A writer must not shift your point of view.
29. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction. (Remember, too, a preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.)
30. Don't overuse exclamation marks!!
31. Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10 or more words, to the irantecedents.
32. Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.
33. If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
34. Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.
35. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
36. Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.
37. Always pick on the correct idiom.
38. The adverb always follows the verb.
39. Last but not least, avoid clichés like the plague; They're old hat; seek viable alternatives.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Chorus:
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Words: Civilla D. Martin (1866-1948); Music: Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932)

The song, "His Eye is on the Sparrow," was made popular by singer Ethel Waters who loved the song so much that she used its name as the title for her autobiography. It was based on the words of Jesus, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father… So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

The words to this song were not inspired by someone who always lived on the sunny side of life. Mrs. Civilla D. Martin (1866-1948) wrote the lyrics in 1905 after she and her husband visited friends by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle in Elmira, New York. These were true saints; Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nearly twenty years, and her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Dr. and Mrs. Martin noticed that despite their afflictions, the Doolittle’s lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while with the Doolittle’s, Dr. Martin commented to his wife about their bright hopefulness, so they asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and his wife. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience - the poem was written that very night and sent the next day to Charles Gabriel who put the words to music.

Hat Tip: Dr. Chadwick's Hymn Backgrounds

My Celebrity Husband

I feel the need to brag about my hubby for a few minutes. Yesterday afternoon he received a call from a Korean man he sold some artwork to last fall. Chang was in Seattle on business and was coming to see DH and take him to dinner. Chang is an outgoing businessman and has been interesting to work with especially with his limited English. DH, on the other hand is pretty reserved and has a hard time accepting a lot of praise for his kinetic hardwood sculptures. We had realized that the clocks he made for the Time Story Museum must be popular because of all the clips on the website. However, we didn’t know how popular. Apparently, DH is becoming quite a celebrity in Korea.

He left his job as a computer programmer 5 years ago to start the business. He had burned out with computers and was becoming a bear to live with at home. I though it was a great idea and encouraged him as much as I could since I have always loved his work. His enthusiasm and his vision were something I could not dampen. It has taken a lot of work to get to this point. Now that he is working on the new house so much, he hasn’t had a lot of time to work on his engineering and new ideas. Yet if he had not taken the challenge to start the Gravity Shoppe, I don’t think we would be looking at starting this next venture. Hopefully, as soon as we are up and running here, he will be back on the orders he has lined up for the fall. In the meantime, I want him to celebrate his celebrity status in Korea.

9/11 Tribute Update

This tribute is not about politics; this is about people. It is not about the prepetrators; it is about the victims. In honor on the 2,996 lives lost on 9/11/01, take the time to join the project and honor a human life.

For those of who do not know what I am talking about please go here. It is well worth your time to read all about a blog tribute for all victims of the attacks on 9/11/01. There is a new button on my sidebar which will direct you to regular updates for the 2996 Project, just click on it to learn more. If you are participating and wish to have the button on your blog, click here for the HTML code.

Excuse my rant...

So, this evening a 120 lb Rottwieller is meandering around our yard. Of course, the little dogs (our Casey & my sister's Anna) are going nuts because some big bloke is invading their territory. At this point, I could make political parallels, but that would be digressing from my rant, so I won't...

Back on task--I went out to check on him and try to get him to move along. He is actually a very nice calm dog complete with tags. (I have never had that big of a dog so I never realized how they can shoot a stream of pee... Oops! Digressing again.) However, the tags are just the license and the rabies tags. No personal ID at all. I think no problem, I will just call Animal Control. The number is right there on the license. Well, of course, one cannot call just one number. To make a long story short--never mind I really want to make the short story long.

I have to call another number to get to talk to someone because it is after 5 pm after all. The guy I talk to can't help me because the tag is too new and he doesn't have the owner's information and he only pick's up animals that have been hit and takes them to a veterinarian. So, our choices are keep the dog until tomorrow and call animal control again or just let him go. My sarcastic tongue gets the best of me and I reply, "So, we let him go so he can get hit, then you'll come and get him." (I really need to read the book of James about bridling the tongue again.)

The point to this that really ticks me off is this: I pay to license my dog every year that money goes to Animal Control and the one time that I need them they are closed. I hate paying fees and all that to begin with, but when I don't even get what I pay for I really hate it.

BTW, we hooked the dog to a fire hydrant just out of site of our house. We will call in the morning if the owner doesn't pick him up. We just couldn't let him go and get hit...

UPDATE: When DH took Casey out for his evening walk, the dog was gone. He saw him tied up in a yard where he walked.

It's Official...

I did something I didn't know if I would ever do. I joined a Blog Roll. I had not heard of this one until Patrick over at Born Again Redneck mentioned it with a nudge my direction. I took a look at it and decided that this was the one to join. So, I am officially a member of the Conservative Oregon Blog Roll Alliance. Although I do not post on politics very often, I am very conservative both socially and fiscally. Oregon is a state that though run by some very liberal politicians seems to be growing more conservative within its populous.

Anyway, I have done it now. But I maintain my right to change my mind. I am a woman after all...

Blogiversary

It was one year ago today that I made my first post. A lot has changed in a year. Then I was an administrator of an assisted living community working up to 70 hours a week. I spent my weekends sleeping to recover enough to go back to work the next week. I loved the people I worked with, both the staff and the residents, but I was overwhelmed and under supported. This year, I work part time as a volunteer coordinator for a hospice company and am working on starting an adult care home for seniors with dementia. It will be interesting to see what the next year brings.

One of the things I wanted with this blog was to remember to celebrate the simple pleasures in life. So, here are a few things I am thankful for today not in any particular order.

• Stuff. Yes, I’ve complained about having stuff in the past. But today I was unpacking stuff and putting heirlooms in a cabinet that was my Great-Grandmother’s. I have some things that have no monetary value, but tremendous sentimental value. There is the plastic PT Cruiser from my siblings on my birthday after my mom died next to the engraved glass my great-grandmother gave my mom in 1946 and a tea cup my sister made in memory of another sister. All have great value to me and I am grateful for the reminders of the memories.
• My soul mate and my family. DH is my rock and keeps me going when times get hard. My family is what made me who I am today. They are the ones who love me without reservation or condition. I could talk for days about why I am thankful for them.
• My baby, Casey. He is a comfort to me and he is my motivator to keep walking. He either gets out for his daily walk or he drives up crazy by staring at us.
• Salvation by grace and not by works. God has given me the opportunity to spend eternity with Him. He has not asked that I be a good person to do so, I only need to ask Him to let me.
• Warm, sunny days. I am a much happier and contented person when the weather is bright.

It is so easy to get caught up in the details of our daily lives and let things go on by without taking note of beauty and wonder. We all need to take a few minutes and remember the simple pleasures in life.

It's a BOY!

We have a new nephew! He was born this morning on Maui. He joins an older sister and brother. So, excuse me while I update my profile and await photos.

Since Jesus Came Into My Heart

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have light in my soul for which long I had sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

Chorus:
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Floods of joy o'er my soul Like the sea billows roll,
Since Jesus came into my heart.

I have ceased from my wand'ring and going astray,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And my sins, which were many, are all washed away,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

I'm possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

There's a light in the valley of death now for me,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

I shall go there to dwell in that City, I know,
Since Jesus came into my heart!
And I'm happy, so happy, as onward I go,
Since Jesus came into my heart!

Lyrics by Rufus Henry McDaniel

Born: Jan­u­a­ry 29, 1850, near Rip­ley, Brown Coun­ty, Ohio.
Died: Feb­ru­a­ry 13, 1940, Day­ton, Ohio.

McDaniel was ed­u­cat­ed at Park­er’s Acad­e­my in Clare­mont Coun­ty, Ohio. He re­ceived a preach­ing li­cense at age 19, and was or­dained a min­is­ter of the Christ­ian Church in 1873. After serv­ing at var­i­ous lo­ca­tions in Ohio, in­clud­ing Ham­ers­ville, Hig­gins­port, Cen­ter­burg, Su­gar Creek, and Cin­cin­na­ti, he re­tired in Day­ton, Ohio. He wrote more than one hun­dred hymns dur­ing his life.

Withdrawal!

Whew! I survived. I haven't had an internet connection since Monday! We moved this week so things have been in a bit of upheavel. I am so glad I can get back to posting and visiting some of my blogger friends!

The Star-Spangled Banner

—Francis Scott Key, 1814

O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O thus be it ever when free-men shall stand
Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust!”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

To read the story behind the writing of our anthem click here or here.

Standing on the Promises

Standing on the promises
of Christ my King,
Thru eternal ages
let His praises ring;
Glory in the highest
I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises
of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises
that cannot fail,
When the howling storms
of doubt and fear assail,
By the living word of
God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises
of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally
by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with
the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Lyrics By: R. Kelso Carter, 1849-1926

R. Kelso Carter became an ordained Methodist minister (1887) at the age of 38. A year earlier, he was a professor at the Pennsylvania Military Academy. There he wrote a hymn, "Standing On the Promises," after reading one of Apostle Paul’s letters in Second Corinthians. It was Chapter 1, Verse 20 that caught his attention: "For all the promise of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."

"Standing on the Promises" is described as a " ... straight-forward ... gospel hymn ... (and) a favorite with God’s people for ... a century ..." It was published as part of a hymnal, "Songs of Perfect Love," the same year it was written.

Carter was an interesting individual with diverse interests. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on November 18, 1849, he was an outstanding athlete at Pennsylvania Military Academy. He was also a member of that school’s first graduating class in 1867. He returned to teach a number of subjects--chemistry, natural science, civil engineering, and mathematics–over several years.
Woven through Carter’s life were other occupational pursuits. He was the author of several novels as well as a number of textbooks used in his classes. He saw personally the texts were printed and distributed; that makes him a publisher.

Carter assisted in collecting sacred music for two hymnals; one was mentioned earlier. He wrote many of the selections himself. During his career as minister, he became an active leader in Holiness, camp meeting movement.

Carter also spent some time in California as a sheep rancher. Later he studied medicine and became a practicing physician in Baltimore.

R. Kelso Carter died August 23, 1928 at Catonsville, Maryland.

Hat Tip: Workers for Jesus

Lavender

I was headed to Newberg this afternoon to visit a couple of our patients. I passed by a lavender farm that I have never seen open before. I love lavender--the plant, the color and the scent. So I had to stop and get a bunch to take to the ladies I would be seeing. The kids were manning the booth while Mom took a break. The middle child, a boy, asked if he could help me and seeing I was wearing a dress and high heels, he gallantly asked if he could pick a bouquet for me. I told him that would be very nice of him. He then asked which kind of lavender that I would like. The field was full of several varieties that I had never seen before. I didn't have to think long to say I wanted a little of each. While he was cutting my bouquet, I had to take a few photos of the wonderful field and an artist quietly working with her pastels. I am happy to share the photos, but I wish I could share the delightful scent as well!

I Will Sing the Wondrous Story

I will sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me,
How He left His home in glory
For the cross of Calvary.

Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me.
Sing it with the saints in glory,
Gathered by the crystal sea.

I was lost, but Jesus found me,
Found the sheep that went astray,
Threw His loving arms around me,
Drew me back into the way.

Days of darkness still come o'er me;
Sorrow's paths I often tread.
But the Savior still is with me;
By His hand I'm safely led.

He will keep me till the river
Rolls its waters at my feet;
Then He'll bear me safely over,
Where the loved ones I shall meet.

Words by Francis H. Rowley, 1854-1952

Francis H. Rowley was born in Hilton, New York, on July 25, 1854. Later he became a Baptist minister and served churches in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Illinois. He has given the following account for the writing of this hymn: I was minister of the First Baptist Church of North Adams, Massachusetts in 1886. The church and community were experiencing a period of unusual interest in religious matters, and I was assisted by a remarkable young Swiss musician by the name of Peter Bilhorn. One Sunday following the evening service he said, "Why don't you write a hymn for me to set to music?" During the night these verses came to me. The original poem began "Can't You Sing the Wondrous Story?" However, when the song was first published by Ira Sankey in 1887, the phrase was changed to "I Will Sing..."

Peter P. Bilhorn was born in Mendota, Illinois, in 1865. With the death of his father, Peter was forced to leave school at eight years of age to help support his mother and family. At the age of fifteen he moved with his family to Chicago, where his voice became a great attraction in concert halls and among his worldly comrades. When he was twenty he was converted to Christ at one of the meetings conducted by Dr. Pentecost and musician George Stebbins. Following his conversion, he was used greatly of God in various forms of Christian service.

The organ he used in services was a small folding organ bearing his name. Feeling the need of a small portable organ for use in the street meetings,he had designed a folding organ weighing only sixteen pounds and had started its manufacture in 1887. This venture proved most successful, and the organs were widely used around the world.

It is estimated that he wrote approximately 2,000 gospel songs. This particular hymn is one of his finest compositions. Peter Bilhorn is also the author and composer of "Sweet Peace, The Gift of God's Love". His evangelistic ministry carried him into all the states of the union, to Great Britain, and to other foreign countries. He preceded Homer Rodeheaver as Billy Sunday's song leader prior to 1908.

P. P. Bilhorn was not only a skillful songwriter and leader but also an earnest soul-winner. One night, while conducting revival meetings in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, he retired to his room but later felt strangely compelled to dress, take his folding organ, and start walking down the street, even though the weather was bitterly cold. Seeing a gleam of light from a basement window, he knocked and was admitted. He found a group of men gambling. Bilhorn began to sing to the men "Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight?" Six of these men made their peace with God that night. "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story" was presented by Rowley and Bilhorn to Ira D. Sankey as a gift. Sankey was so impressed with the merit and usefulness of this hymn that he published it in the 1887 edition of Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs and Solos. It soon became one of the most popular songs in the entire collection.

"God sent His singers upon the earth With songs of sadness and of mirth, That they might touch the hearts of men, And bring them back to heaven again." Longfellow

"The Christian life that is joyless is a discredit to God and a disgrace to itself." Maltbie D. Babcock

Hat Tip: Dr. Chadwick's Hymn Backgrounds

Are you right or left brained?

Just a bit of fun to try. If I had taken this many years ago, I would have come out the other way. But I think I became wiser as I have aged. I don't sweat the little things so much anymore. So, what are you?

Brain Lateralization Test Results

Right Brain (68%) The right hemisphere is the visual, figurative, artistic, and intuitive side of the brain. Left Brain (38%) The left hemisphere is the logical, articulate, assertive, and practical side of the brain

Are You Right or Left Brained?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Hat Tip: View from the Cloud

A Call for Help!

I saw this wonderful project for the fifth anniversary of 9/11 from Gayle over at My Republican Blog. It is a great way to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Please take a look and decide if you can commit to participate.

Original post follows:

I have a project and I need the help of a few bloggers to make it work.

2,995 bloggers.

September 11, 2006 will mark the 5-year anniversary of the attacks that killed 2,996 innocent people on American soil. A few months ago I started wondering what, if anything, I would write in my blog that day. A remembrance? A tribute? Anything I came up with seemed shallow, cliché, not enough.

About a week after the attacks the president ordered all flags returned to full-staff. This seemed too soon to me. A common practice for other deaths had been one day per victim. But when I realized that this would mean flying the flag at half-staff for over sixteen years (remember in those first days the death toll estimate was much higher) I realized that that sort of symbol wouldn’t be healthy for the country. Even with the actual death toll, one day at half-staff for each victim wouldn’t see the flag raised until November 24, 2009.

But any idea I came up with gave me the same pause: Nothing I could do could possibly do tribute to all those people. And in the last five years I’ve heard precious little about the victims, but I’ve heard the names of the guilty over and over.

So here’s my proposal:

I’d like 2,995 blogging volunteers to help me with a tribute to the victims of 9/11. If you’d like to participate, you’ll be assigned the name of someone who was murdered on September 11, 2001. Then on September 11, 2006 you’ll post your own tribute to that person. It can be anything you want it to be: a photo tribute, an essay, a remembrance, a poem…it’s up to you. Then link back to a page I will create which will give the names of all 2,996 victims and links to the blogs that will remember them that day.

But, and this is critical, I don’t want any of us to remember the murderers. Do not refer to the terrorists. Or their organization. Or their goals. Let them fade into nothing. Let them be forgotten. Remember those worth remembering.

What help do I need?

A lot.

• I need 2,995 bloggers who are willing to participate for one day.
• I need people to pass on this message to others, because 2,995 people don’t read this blog.
• I need a name for this goofy thing.
• I need some sort of graphic or banner we can all drop in our entries.
• And I need suggestions as to how to make this work.

Anyone game?

I was and I have my name to honor in a post. Are you willing? Click here or here to be one of the 2,995.

My Soul Mate

On June 21, 1986 my life changed. The day began hot and sunny in eastern Washington as I prepared for my first time away from home. I was to work at a Christian camp for the summer. Lake Retreat was several hours from home in western Washington. I was both excited and nervous about making new friends and being farther from home for an extended time than I had ever been before. My dad dropped me off at camp and got me settled, but he had to leave to get back for a service that evening. It was a long afternoon until more people arrived. My anxiety rose to new highs over the hours.

When the time for dinner came and I went down to the dining hall, it was with great trepidation. A person approached me and introduced herself and asked if she could introduce me to some of the others. We went over to a group of about 8 others and each person said hello. One guy gave a little wave and smiled with such sincerity that I wanted to get to know him a bit better. Over the next few days, our paths crossed during our training. And within the next two weeks, I knew he was the one. I was going to marry him.

Even though I knew he was a great guy and he make me laugh, I had no idea at the time just how much of my soul mate he would become. We married 14 months later. Over the years, I have come to rely on him for my sanity. He is the world to me and I would never want to be with out him.

I love power tools!

My Father

My dad taught me how to hammer a nail, tape sheetrock, butcher chickens and pour concrete. My dad was the one I would recite my verses to at the end of each school year to earn a trophy. He was the one that made the rules that were firm. As I was thinking about what to write about him, I thought of too many good memories to pick just one. There was the afternoon he taught me to tape sheetrock when we worked side by side and talked about whatever came up. Then there was the day he started teaching me to drive and we couldn’t communicate if the clutch was in or out. Or the sunny afternoon when we were in the Forest City parade, or ice fishing, or camping, or ... There are so many times when we laughed together and other times when we have cried together. My dad is not perfect; he has shortcomings like anyone else. But he is my dad and I am glad he is. So, today is for him and all the imperfect, wonderful dads like him.

I love you, Daddy!

Flag Day

We were listening to Lars this afternoon when he talked about this and played the recording. I think it is fitting for both then and now.

Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance

By Red Skelton

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I -- me, an individual, a committee of one.

PLEDGE -- dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.
ALLEGIANCE -- my love and my devotion.

TO THE FLAG -- our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!
UNITED -- that means that we have all come together.
STATES -- individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.
AND TO THE REPUBLIC -- a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION -- one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"
INDIVISIBLE -- incapable of being divided.
WITH LIBERTY -- which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.
AND JUSTICE -- the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.
FOR ALL -- which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance...

UNDER GOD

Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?