Who let the dog out...

Lethargic…this is what the Veterinarian said to look for after our Min. Pin (small dog about 12 pounds), had just spent almost 48 hours running at both ends. And the Doc. was worried about LETHARGIC signs….just saying the word causes the effect, lethargic, lethargic, and lethargic. Hey wait, that sounds more like I feel!  After 24 hours(all night long too)of trying to get to the door on time and running out of dog towels and washing and drying more and picking up all Oriental rugs and blocking off all the entrance ways to the rugs I couldn’t move.  My little Green Machine worked over time and so did the canine’s digestive track.  The best description of what was going on for all you culinary people was ketchup out the back and mustard out the front, and the dog in the middle.

Telling myself, BLOT the rug! Don’t rub!  Although I am very happy after the subcutaneous fluids and antibiotics finally took an effect sometime late last night or should I say the beginning of day four, and although-it was absolutely crucial to do our most for the beloved pooch,  I am the one who is sluggish, tired, weary, lacking of luster, languid,(?) and just downright exhausted.

All medicines have been poked down and special bland diet prepared, this creature, I just have to say it, is dog tired…

P.S. We love you Torre Jo and would do it all over again because  just as the vet described you in your chart, you, are a very sweet girl and your weakened high –fives paw shake tells me you are going to be alright.  

Bar Codes....

690-692 ... then it is MADE IN  CHINA
00 - 09 ...   USA   &  CANADA
30 - 37 ...   FRANCE
40 - 44 ...   GERMANY
471  ...  Taiwan
49 .. JAPAN
50 ..   UK

BUY USA & CANADIAN MADE by watching for "0" at the beginning of the number.

We need every boost we can get!

To home-school ....or not...this is the question.

Two home-schooled Mis. Kids on furlough

The other day on one the news networks they reported how popular homeschooling has become in our nation. Two out of the three reasons highly rated home schooling. The least, of the ratings, was a social one.  Children that are home-schooled lack in social skills. It sounds too that the home-schooling era has become a culture in and of itself.

 ‘’More than one million American children are schooled by their parents. As their ranks grow, home schoolers are making headlines by winning national spelling bees and excelling at elite universities. The few studies conducted suggest that home-schooled children are academically successful and remarkably well socialized. Yet we still know little about this option to one of society's most essential institutions. Beyond a vague notion of children reading around the kitchen table, we don't know what home schooling looks like from the inside” Princeton University.

Very simply, homeschooling offers an opportunity to have some control over the curriculum taught, including the way it is delivered (how, when, why). Your children are safe from abuse, you know where your children are, whose caring for them and the motive in caring for them. You can create a culture of care, respect and nurture both academically, physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Families grow up all too quickly; this is an opportunity for Mom and Dad to reconstruct their lives around their children rather than around their employer, to focus on goals and interests. The family unit is an intricate, carefully orchestrated, designed God given construct which governments are clueless about, have no interest in and will never be able to nurture or understand.

It is hard work (like myself I was consumed to the point where the rest of my responsibilities as a housewife and Mom took its toll). And a big responsibility providing home education for your children, but that is also the secret and key to homeschooling, you are responsible for your children, and not any other person school or organization. If you don't think this is important find out what God has to say about children and education.

I was home-schooled part of my life out of necessity and not choice.  Deep in the jungles of Brazil schools were void, nada, zip.  When we did come back the USA…and although I was an above average student on the field…I got messed up was trying to fit in yet another culture. First public school system, then American vs. Brazilian then just being around lot of people that wore cloths and spoke English....I suppose all four cultures collided  and as I look back I was quite confused at times.
I am glad that I worked through a lot of those issues and and glad to have experienced growing up in a paradise beyond description... I am fluent in several languages and tend to be flexible to other cultures. Almost opposite of home schooling we did it to survive.

Best Workout Ever...

Taking time to praise ...

Someone has said that there are 126 psychological experiences all recorded in the Book of Psalms.

It’s the only book, of the bible, that contains every experience of a human being. The Psalms run the psychological range/series/gamut.  Every thought, every impulse,and every emotion that sweeps over the heart is recorded in this book. That is why as we read the Psalms it will always speak to our soul and seems to find just the right chord that responds to our need.

It records deep devotion, and feelings,also the emotions that run high and then low to a point of dejection or a very dark place.
But,unlike the pros out there, it does tell us where we will and can, find the answers and whom/where/ to really take them to...

John Calvin: “They (the Psalms) are the anatomy of all parts of the soul.”

Please read:
John 10:10 

John Calvin

Jessie Anna 2005

It’s hard to imagine that it has been 6 years since these high school senior class pictures were taken.  The photographer freaked us out when he photo-shopped my smile into your mouth!!!!  As you can see we choice the braces over my teeth in your mouth, because that is who you were at the time…now you are a senior in collage and on to graduate school.

Jessie Anna: 2011

The Only Psalm...

PSALM 62, IS THE ONLY PSALM where the word “ONLY” IS SIGNIFICANT.

Truly=Only

Simple faith=confidence in God.

This Psalm talks about one of David’s greatest heartaches. A time in his life that was very dark.yet he is living above the storms, shocks, and stresses of life. This psalm has been a good one for me through some dark times too.

V.1 Only God can give salvation through faith.

V.2 He only is my rock and my defense I shall not be moved.

V.3 they the mischievous men, are running over him as a mob runs over a fence, but he says it’s all right if it is God’s will

V. 4 two faced-friends but still if God has permitted it so he would trust him even when they only consult to cast him down.

V.5 my soul waits only upon God; for my expectation is from him. David was truly in prayer because of the word expectation. Praying without ceasing for what truly is best.

V.6 He “only” is my rock

V.7 -8.Only God is my salvation, my glory my strength, my refuge.

V.9 Only God can be trusted because he is not fickle. As soon as we take our eyes off of only him and towards men then is when discouragement, disillusions and disappointments set in.

V.10 Men or material things are undependable….only God.

V.11 Only God has the power to do anything.  He has all the power and He can do anything he wants.

V.12 Only unto thee, O Lord, belongs mercy; for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Just a Gentle Reminder...

When you think of promises, you don't want to think of what's broken, of brokenness. It's human nature to want a sure thing and for someone to back up the certainties, guaranteed, no questions asked. But it's just like God to think of the unthinkable, to show us that the impossible is possible, that there is one kind of brokenness that holds everything together and in which promises are kept.

Great Idea and I Have Already Started A Pair.

The winter holiday probably has you and your friends dashing all over town to tie-up lots of little details. Take a much-needed breather and give those tired feet a rest with a homemade brown-sugar foot scrub and a pair of cozy Mary-Jane-style house slippers. The scrub will bring softness to overworked feet, and the house slippers will surround your toes in warming comfort.

Gather your Friends
Your friends will probably welcome the chance to sneak away from the winter holiday bustle. Invite them to your house to reconnect over these simple holiday craft projects that can make thoughtful homemade gifts. The adorable Homemade House Slippers made from felted wool sweaters may require some light sewing, but if you’re all thumbs with a needle and thread, try your hand at the Brown Sugar Foot Scrub. Use this handy Shopping List for all your project supply needs.
Project 1: Homemade House Slippers
Give old wool sweaters new life in these toasty House Slippers.

• Step 1: Get Materials: Look no further than your very own closet or a thrift store for a pure wool sweater, blanket, or coat to felt. Tightly-woven, 100% wool works best, so try to shy away from polyester blends. Buy some batting for insulation and a strip of hook and loop tape for the strap. If you love a few details, collect some extra buttons for accents.
• Step 2: Felt the Wool: Put your 100% wool sweater, blanket, or coat in the washing machine and wash it with a little bit of soap on the longest, hottest wash cycle. Then dry on high heat for as long as possible, but don’t forget to clean your lint filter several times throughout this step. Feel free to have everyone do this step at home before they arrive.
• Step 3: Cut Patterns: With your felted piece lying flat, trace the outer edges of each of your feet, twice for each foot, and cut out with scissors. These are the “soles” of your slippers, so leave a little bit of room on the outside edge to allow for seams. Cut two of these same-sized pieces from the batting. Then cut two “over-the-toe” pieces and two “strap” pieces.
  
• Step 4: So Sole-ful: Place one of the soles right side up on a flat surface. Top this piece with another sole lying right side down, and top this with a piece of batting. Using a needle and embroidery thread, whipstitch these three pieces together, or, if you feel like a tighter stitch, use a sewing machine. Leave space near the toe open, with enough room to turn the entire piece right side out. Once the right sides are facing out and the batting in is the middle, use a pen or pencil to shape the batting into place. You won’t have to close the top, since you will do that when you attach the top piece to the sole. Repeat for the other foot.
• Step 5: Top It Off: Fold the right foot over-the-toe piece in half, right sides touching, so the piece looks like a candy cane. Pin together at the toe and heel, and sew the heel edges together with a gradual curved line. This will start the heel. Next, pin the hooked edge of the “candy cane” to the center of the right foot sole at the toe (the hook should be facing in toward the slipper). Flip the over-the-toe piece inside out, and pin the heel of this piece at the corners at the sole. This shapes the heel of the slipper.
  Tip: To add some decorative reinforcement to the heel of the slipper, cut off the ribbed cuffs of your sweater, trim to fit around the heel and stitch on.
  Using a tight whipstitch, sew together the touching edges of the top piece and the sole. Repeat this process for the left foot pieces.
  Attach the straps across the tops of the two slippers with hook and loop tape and garnish with a button or two. Enjoy and stay warm!

Chritmastime Past.

 It's All About the STAR.

Homemade Christmas Fun 2010

What a fantastic five weeks I spent with Ma and Pa, this Christmas season. Wonderful in many ways, but mainly because I felt like that little girl that I was way back in the 50’s. Not long ago I found a letter that I had written to my Grandparents when I was twelve, telling them that I was putting up our tree, so it seems that even at that young age I was allowed to decorate.  I do remember that both my parents would be heavily involved in the production of our Christmas pageant. Ma was usually the costume designer and lead voice in the cantata.  Pa always had a new script to write and show to rehearse and produce.  The whole town would come and the birth of our Savior was portrayed each year to the thousands of natives from up and down the Amazon River and tribes that lived deeper in the jungle.

Obviously, I must have still “believed” in Santa Claus so the tree was very important to us to guide Rudolph to our home deep, deep, in the jungles of Brasil. And then what presents we all would receive.  Recycled wrapping paper (four years at least) and sometimes the gifts seemed a bit familiar as well…yet the thrill and JOY was beyond words and forever engraved in my memory

    

Old thought for the New Year!!! BY Ray Pritchard

In the last several years I’ve thought a lot about how Christians should respond to the pressures we face every day. We know that in this world we will have many trials. Jesus said as much in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  Both parts of that statement will be true in the new year:
You will have trouble in the world.
Jesus has overcome the world.
What do we need to stay strong in 2011? I can summarize it in three words. We need . . . 
Tenacious winsome courage.
Tenacious means we hang on to the truth that Jesus is Lord.
Winsome means we face life with a smile, not a scowl.
Courage means we do what needs to be done.
Tenacious means we keep believing when it would be easier to give up.
Winsome means we don’t lose our temper and say something stupid.
Courage means we take our stand for the truth.
Tenacious means we keep on praying.
Winsome means we are cheerful when others attack us.
Courage means we do hard things without complaining.
Tenacious means we love people anyway.
Winsome means we display grace under pressure.
Courage means we speak up instead of wimping out.
We need all three qualities together to face what life throws at us. So perhaps this is a good Monday morning prayer. “Lord, grant me tenacious winsome courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, help me to keep going. Grant me a cheerful spirit when things don’t go my way. And give me courage to do whatever needs to be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Tis the Season

I can't believe I have ignored my blog for so long... I will do things different 2011.

Take time to define BILLOWS...

Everything that could be moved was lashed to the Esperance's deck or bulkheads.  No one seemed inclined to joke as the ocean's mild swells grew into frothy peaks.

  "All ship's company, below decks! No hands on weather decks!"  The orders were barked out repeatedly over the ships internal address system as well as the exterior bullhorn.  Excited sailors, some pale and sweaty with fear, glided down the steel ladders to safety with newly acquired dexterity,fueled by adrenalin.

Paul Schlener young Navy recruit.  Fighting for freedom!

You can purchase your copy/box by clicking add to cart button... 

Both prices include shipping.

Take Time to Read..WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

60 Years Later....look who's in-charge :))

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

The wind howled and roared as Paul Schlener found himself plunged into the ravages of the powerful typhoon Cobra, Stationed on an open bridge, 62 feet from water level, the sailor boy clutched to a vertical one-inch pipe while being pelted by 100 mph stinging rain and salt water spume.

Fear gripping his heart, Schlener watched the small aircraft carrier’s planes being tossed, tumbled, and swept into the sea like toys. Would this be the last day of his life? Far from home at the age of eighteen, Schlener wondered if he’d ever live to see his parents and his pretty girlfriend, Jessie, again...

An amazing book that tells about how a young sailor came to faith in Christ, and how his life was changed forever! Great witnessing tool! A "Gospel-tract" in book format!

You can purchase your copy by clicking ADD to the CART button

both prices include shipping.

WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

Pappy and Mother Schlener, Paul and Jessie,Grandma and Pa MacDonald

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

Four of us high school buddies took off in a Model A Ford one summer, hoping to join the Forest Services disease control crew.
Before skipping town, I charged a pair of expensive logging boots to my dad's account at Kreugel's Men's store, and purchased a one-pound can of pipe tobacco..... 

You can purchase your copy by clicking ADD TO CART button.
Both prices include shipping.

WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

The wind howled and roared as Paul Schlener found himself plunged into the ravages of the powerful typhoon Cobra, Stationed on an open bridge, 62 feet from water level, the sailor boy clutched to a vertical one-inch pipe while being pelted by 100 mph stinging rain and salt water spume.

Fear gripping his heart, Schlener watched the small aircraft carrier’s planes being tossed, tumbled, and swept into the sea like toys. Would this be the last day of his life? Far from home at the age of eighteen, Schlener wondered if he’d ever live to see his parents and his pretty girlfriend, Jessie, again...

An amazing book that tells about how a young sailor came to faith in Christ, and how his life was changed forever! Great witnessing tool! A "Gospel-tract" in book format!

clicking add to cart button.

Both prices include shipping.

WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

The wind howled and roared as Paul Schlener found himself plunged into the ravages of the powerful typhoon Cobra, Stationed on an open bridge, 62 feet from water level, the sailor boy clutched to a vertical one-inch pipe while being pelted by 100 mph stinging rain and salt water spume.

Fear gripping his heart, Schlener watched the small aircraft carrier’s planes being tossed, tumbled, and swept into the sea like toys. Would this be the last day of his life? Far from home at the age of eighteen, Schlener wondered if he’d ever live to see his parents and his pretty girlfriend, Jessie, again...

An amazing book that tells about how a young sailor came to faith in Christ, and how his life was changed forever! Great witnessing tool! A "Gospel-tract" in book format!

You can purchase your copy/box by clicking ADD TO CART...
both prices include shipping

When Sea Billows Roll....by Paul Schlener, author of, PORT OF TWO BROTHERS....

YOU MUST CONTACT ME VIA THE "COMMENT BOX first.

You can purchase your copy by clicking buy now... for $12.50  includes SHIPPING

(Less if you purchase a box of 56.) plus shipping.

YOU MUST CONTACT ME VIA THE "COMMENT BOX first.

This makes a wonderful gift for the Veterans in your life.

This book is about a young man in his teens who runs off to join the Navy to fight for his country. It gives a very accurate account of surviving one of the worst typhoons known in world history as

the "COBRA".

This book is written by one of our nations  few living WWII Veterans,

Dr. Paul L. Schlener.

If you are interested in a copy or have any questions about purchasing a box please leave your name and e-mail in the comment box below and I will contact you.
on how you can receive your copy/copies.

Letters from Africa

http://www.fh.org/work/africa
Oct.26,
Long day today but a real good day. Feel like I am in the Amazon where you were raised. It rained today too but it didn't cool off at all.

They just told us that we might have internet up at the round huts we stay in.

Love,
Larry

oct.26
Dear Cindi

I only was able to get on internet now since we talked last night. The signal is always weak and most of the time not available. Tomorrow we leave for out in the sticks and will not have internet until Saturday. We start heading home on Saturday and arrive in Albany Monday night.

Pastor Tomas says that at times we will have a phone signal so will try to call between tomorrow and Saturday while we are out there.

Love,
Larry
 Hi Cindi:
I have been texting but I guess you have not been receiving. We got in save and sound. Many delay for mechanical reasons. Its 1:35 AM and I just got into the room and we have internet. I preach in the morning at Tomas church.
I called the house a few minutes ago and left a voice mail message. I also called Presley so he would know all is well.

Love,
Larry

 Hi Cindi:
Just got back to the room after a real long HOT day. Its like in the high 90's and high humidity. Church goes a long time ... hours both in the morning and evening. Tomorrow we leave at 6 AM to start with the FH staff.

Had fish for supper tonight. Roballo. Was real good. I just went online and saw the temperature. Already getting cold every evening there.

Tuesday we go to Gorongoza were we will not have email .. but the phone does work every once in awhile. .. if you can get to the right spots. Gorongosa is were those round houses you have seen in the pictures. Tomorrow is staff here in Beira and than we are up there with the pastors.

Sleep well with our two little friends.

Love,
Larry

Taking Time to be Thankful...

My husband, who works for the organization called Food the Hungry, (www.fh.org) takes these by-yearly trips to Mozambique, Africa.  He is the translator and one of the Bible Institute teacher to 200 African Pastors (or more) the trip usually takes three day, two nights and the one day’s trek to the bush country. The last couple of trips he has been able to communicate via texting/e-mail so I sent him on his way without any worries because I knew he could touch base.  He always calls when he arrives to the field of service and always calls when he is on his way back home.  This time however, he didn’t.

I was fine for the first 24 hours then as one day turned into three I became considerable worried.  No word at all through any avenue of communication.  So I began to call around, everyone I asked that could promised to call as soon as they heard anything at all good or bad.

So my mind started imagining the worse and preparing for it. I love the film called, Blood Diamond, so that came to mind in my despairing thoughts. I pictured him taken captive by that scenario. The show, Lost, played havoc with my thoughts one whole night as I tried to sleep, I didn’t want to watch the news because it can be so graphic at times I feared seeing the plane in a field with nothing left but the smoking remains of the fuselage.

The fact that, from all the people I contacted, hadn’t heard anything either, just seemed to multiply my apprehension. I tried to keep busy, sang out loud, and prayed without ceasing.

He left on a Wednesday afternoon…and finally 1:35 AM Sunday morning Mozambican time,(5 days ) I get the call from a very tired weary yet relieved traveler.  After 3 days and 4 nights and lots of flight delays and mechanical situations he was there safe and probably not so sound for the lack of sleep. He apologized because he had tried to communicate and knew they couldn’t and there was nothing they could have done about it.

You know what I did, of-course, I took the TIME to be thankful. After realizing all that could have gone wrong I was grateful it hadn’t.

O...let us give thanks...
http://www.fh.org/work/africa