Actually we have flowers all year round here and green grass... but not as many as in springtime! I have actually seen the cherry trees bloom as early as January, but not usually. LOL one year it snowed all over the pink blossoms...gorgeous!
It is an incredible site as there are pink cherries and white somethings I don't know what are... but they are everywhere (!!) and the petals blow in the wind so much that it looks like it is snowing pink and white... and they are all over the streets and everywhere, sometimes in big piles!
I have been in most of the states and several foreign countries... and I have NEVER seen anywhere else as spectacular as the Pacific NW!!!
Hello guys!!! I posted a few weeks ago and then kinda disappered. Sorry about that. Thanks for finding the reciepe for the others. My dad had some medical tests run and was really freaked out about them. So I spent a lot time with him. Then this last Sunday we recieved a call about my father-in-law. He had suffered a stroke and we were needed. Tonight is the first I've been able to read over the posts. I really missed out on a lot. I will have to go back later when I have more time to read more throughly. Some very interesting info there. So to say the least with all this stress, my diet has failed terribly. My husband and I were talkin the other night about all this and I told him maybe God is testing our faith. Are we relying on Him to get us through these times or are we trying to fix it ourselves? I for one know God has been my saving grace. There is no way I could get up daily and do this thing we call life on my own. If I did, well I sure wouldn't be one you would want on here. So could you please be so kind as to pray for my dad and my father in law ? I just want to praise God for being a forgiving God!!!!!!!
I thought I would drop in quickly to let you know how things went with the DR this a.m. She checked my blood pressure and it was normal!! She said she had never seen such a drastic drop in BP before. She took me off the medication saying that she thinks that I may have had high BP because I wasn't feeling well. The dizziness that I've been feeling lately was probably a side effect of the medication. I go back in 2 weeks to have it checked again. Thanks for your prayers. I am so grateful to be off the medication and hopefully it'll be a long time before I go on it again. This has been a lesson for me to keep eating properly and start getting the exercise I need.
Yay Wilma! Glad for the good news! My doctor has been having me monitor my BP as it was high... I think she is going to be in for a pleasant surprise when I go back... I got a reading this week in the normal range yippee.
Have gone for my walk this morning, have eaten correctly, have read some scripture, done some Bible Study, did 1/2 with daughter in school (need to more of that) so am feeling fairly good.
What is not so good is our van. Wednesday on our way to the Rec Plex for our walk - loud crash - front passenger side tire came off - had to walk home carrying our pup as we didn't have him on his leash - had to have the van towed and then repaired. Apparentely it was a ball joint that snapped and send a rod towards the tranny just missing it. Cost to repair $106.00. Mechanic suggested bringing it in and pay $13.00 and they will go over the complete van to see what is 'wrong' - he gave us some things that we know has to be repaired but we want to see what 'else' there is. Anyway we get it back - and low and behold we go out this morning get into the van - and it won't start - we have radio - but nothing else. Believe starter is gone!! So Norm has made an appointment for Tuesday morning at 8 am to have it towed - again - back to the mechanic and to have this problem repaired - and they will also do the 'check' to tell us what else should be repaired. The mechanic said that he believes it should all come under $1,000 - but that is still an ouch as it is an older van - 1988 Dodge Caravan. We just had our income tax done and e-filed so we should have it back within 5 - 10 working days - hopefully it will be back by next Friday so that we can get all this work done on it. The mechanic suggested to not the cheapest parts in but the medium cost so that we could keep the van running for another 2 - 5 years which would be nice. Meanwhile after our house sells (we have to get it painted first) we will be purchasing a newer vechicle and just using the van for around home. If it doesn't rain it pours right
I have updated my 'signature' and you will see that for every 5 miles has been walked - notice that there are 2 of them - I have actually walked 11 1/2 miles so will soon be able to add another little guy. Am getting there slowly but at least I am moving.
dance4joy - I agree your doctor will be please - as you should be - to have lowered your blood pressure - good job - where about's do you live to have such a pretty site at this time of the year
wilma - congrats to you also on the blood pressure
alwaysfaithful4him - sorry to hear you dad has had some problems andyour fathre having a stroke - will hold them up in prayer. Keep looking to your Lord and you will be uplifted
Gary - am sure you will enjoy the movie - we saw it at the theater and am now going to buy it. It really protrays his 'tough side' prior to becoming such a strong believer. Well worth seeing.
Gary I appreicate your comments on the question I had asked - must say I tend to agree with them. As you said, love the person, hate the sin.
I do believe, as you mentioned, that a gay person can be a Christian, can be saved. And as for as once saved, always saved, I believe this also - just that when we get to the judgement seat we will be held accountable for our lifestyles - what we did and did not do. I thought it interesting your noting the difference between a 'gay' to that of someone who has an addiction say to 'drugs, booze, or porno' - never thought of it along that line. I guess the thing that would bother me the most is if the person is living the lifestyle - acting upon it - and at the same time professes to be saved and takes communion - just makes me uncomfortable I guess. I am not judging the person - they have to do what they feel is 'right' - but I know that for me when I know I have commited a 'wrong' in the eyes of the Lord - yes I could still profess to be saved - but to follow through and take communion - doesn't seem right to me - but I leave that at the feet of the Lord as He is the one that really has to make the 'call' - I think as a believer, should we see someone 'sinning' as it says in scripture there are steps to take to help them overcome the sin and I think this should be done at that time. I know a pastor we had at one time put it this way: All people are welcome into the church I pastor - gays, lesbians, druggs, people living common in law, all people - we accept them as God would accept them but we do not necessarly accept their lifestyle. But should one of these people - such as the person living common in law or the gay acting on these desires - come and want to take communion - the church will take the appropriate steps according to Scripture to show through Scripture that what they are doing is not necessarily acceptable to Christ - and should they then persist to continue with this lifestyle and still want to take communion - they would be asked nicely to please leave. This pastor said he had to approach one couple in all his years - walked them through the Scriptures as directed by Scriptures - this couple (they were common in law couple) said they had not had it pointed out to them with so much love and concern, that they saw what they were doing was not according to God's will for them - they got separate living accomadation, took a marriage counseling course and were married 6 weeks later.
Have to go now and update my 'food chart' that I have started to keep as of yesterday.
Sprout- Awesome post on Cain's wife! There is a good series on creation by Ken Ham, which explains all of that really well. If your interested in checking it out. I agree with almost everything that E.Z. said except I do not believe that MOST HOMOSEXUALS are born that way, nor do I believe they want to be that way. I believe as they are going through very young years toddlers ect. There are issues that impact them that shift them in the wrong dirrection example very domineering father or mother, or father or mother that is gone alot, no positive male or female role model. ect. Which predisposes them to fixating on a same sex person. This may not be 100% the cause but I believe a big cause of it. They should be welcomed into any church as their sin is no worse than anyone elses however they need to admit it is a sin, repent and ask for forgiveness and changes, as any sinner does. I don't believe they can go on in that lifestyle as EZ said no more than someone alchoholic ect. I think they justify this, because the verses dealing w/homosexuality are in old testament which they feel are not relevent to today. WRONG! I believe in order to take communion you need to get right w/ God- trully repent and ask for forgivness, if you plan on going right back home into the same relationship, I don't think that has happened. In our church. Pastor explaind everytime, that we practice open communion. If your a believer and your not right w/ God do not take it as it can bring death, punishment, (sickness ect.)
If your not a believer and you take it, there is no effect. Because the admonishment is to the saved person. The whole thing is a tough nut to crack, Some may be born predisposed, we see genetic problems with people born as hermaphrodites ( born w/ combinations of both sex organs) and they try to surgically place them either male or female. Who's to say if the Dr. puts them in the right area. The truth is only God knows the heart.
E.Z.- glad you had a great b-day, you deserve it. I agree with you on almost every point on this one, what do they say great minds think alike I am missing the sun, it has been frigid here could you send some sun A.S.A.P. before I turn into a big ole iceberg. Its been in the teens for days now. Not above freezing. The good thing is we get through March and it should start warming up some.
Pixie- Glad you'll be able to get your computer fixed. Prayers for your aunt, for health and healing.
Wilma- Awesome! BP down that is great news.Thanks! for the recipe will have to try it. Sounds yummy.
Fitchick2be- Skip lunch/ never- I agree with dance. order the salad and enjoy your lunch- you should never skip meals throws metabolism off.
Ms. Beth- I have the same issue w/ my mouth when I get really mad or fustrated with something some very colorful language pours out, it is a beast that is not easily tamed, I have been trying to work on it. Especially after a bible study in James.
Mavnan- Prayers that all works out with your old house that it sells quickly for the right price, and that the move goes well and all with new house goes well.
Always faithful4Him- Prayers for both the dads and God's strength and blessing through the trying times.
I have been well, but a handicapped person I take care of Frankie He is in an apt. by himself in my apt. building. He is a brittle diabetic, I found him collapsed on the floor last night and couldn't get him to come to and had to call 911, would love some prayers that he is alright today. He banged his head when he collapsed they did all kinds of tests last night in hospital, just pray everything comes out well. Will see him today before I go to work. God's blessing for a great day!
It seems to be somewhat quiet in here lately - a lot of the the 'regulars' seem to be missing - praying that you are all well and will be back with us soon.
Our van is 'down' once again and won't be up and running till Tuesday - here it is the weekend and we are 'stuck' at home - mind you even if it was running we would be spending more time at home anyway - but it just feels so confining not to have a running vehicle.
doitforme - praying that your handicapped friend is ok - how nice it is that he has you as a friend to help look out for him. Yeh, the information that I posted re Cain's wife I found just helps explain it somewhat better - the author was able to put it into words better than I could.
Have been following a better plan of action re weight loss / exercise - and I believe I am seeing the start of good results. Am working through 12 weeks on the First Place Program - there is a thread here for it should anyone be interested in it - have worked through the program once before and in 12 weeks lost 30 pounds - this time around am going to do the 12 weeks and then start over and do it again - until it all become habit. And during the 12 weeks I am taking it one day at a time.
Looking forward to reading a lot more posts later on today
Thanks! Frankie is about 20 years older than me, but he is a good guy and does well most of the time, me and another lady take care him making sure he eats, gets to doc. ect That his money lasts long enough to cover all his bills. He looked better yesterday at hospital gotta stop back after church before I go to work.
That's a bummer, no vehicle! Pray all goes well getting it fixed Tuesday, never know how much ya miss it till it broke. The program your doing sounds good- 30 lbs 12 weeks, not bad at all. I always seem to do my best just plan old counting calories, then if I really want something I can usually have it, or something close to it. Like pizza- lean cuisine puts out a couple that are pretty good for 310 calories, if I am craving something sweet Jello puts out snack packs pudding fat/sugar free for only 60 calories so its not too bad, once ya get to know the calorie count to follow. I continue to love the little thoughts you post, ask God. Thanks pray your weekend speeds by, so you soon get your car back and are not confined its a bummer when ya have to stay home, not so bad, if you choose to. Congrats on 10 miles plus walking, your doing great. Keep it up. Gotta go eat breakfast and get ready to go to church. Hi to everyone else take care.
Angie and I went to church last night since she had to play bells. The service reminded me of the topic we have been discussing on homosexuality and turning from it ~ along with our other sins. Here is the introduction from our bulletin this week:
AS WE GATHER ~ "Christian Growth - Preparation For Temptation"
How do you fare when you are tempted or tested? Is it no contest? Do you give in right away? Do you struggle to fight it for a while and eventually give in? Or do you stand up to it, and fight it? Do you ever win against the temptations in your life? the devil knows us well, he knows our weaknesses as "he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he will devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The Devil tempts us directly and also uses the world around us to draw us away from our Lord. Pride, guilt, self-reliance, indulgence, work, even our family and friends are tools that the Devil can use to lead us astray promising us pleasure, fortune, or recognition and then consuming us with frustration, pain, and misery.
It is comforting to know that our Lord struggled with temptation too. The first Sunday in Lent is traditionally called "Temptation Sunday". It deals with the temptation of Christ in the wilderness. As Adam and Eve were first tempted in the Garden of Eden and failed, Christ, who is the Promised Savior, is tempted and overcomes the Devil. Then, He ultimately defeats sin, temptation, and the Devil for us on the cross. This gives us strength in our own struggles with temptation in our lives. "We have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4: 15-16). Through our Lord giving us His Word and Sacraments, we receive the strength to endure and to overcome temptation in our lives!
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AUNT SUE~ So sorry to hear about Frankie, he will be in my prayers. You are so good to help him! but then we all know that! Does lean cusine really count as ~ ~~ Great job on your own weight loss! Boy talk about complaining! wasn't too long ago you folks on the east coast were wondering "where is winter?" I really don't think all homosexuals are born that way either. It really doesn't matter how they became that way, they are messed up and need help ~ but since it sure looks like the "new fad" to me ~ I am pretty sure many won't look in the right direction for that help. Enjoy your Sunday
MARILYN~So sorry to hear about more bad news on your car. car trouble really stinks, around here we can all manage to get rides to work or school pretty easily, but it is always a burden not to have your own vehicle working! I hope your First Place really does the job for you. You have really been putting in the effort this year through all your struggles with the car, house, etc ~ Quite a testament to you girl!!
I did buy Walk The Line and the 50th Anniversary Edition of Lady and the Tramp on Friday, we haven't watched Walk the Line yet, maybe today after a Costco run.
WILMA~Really glad to hear your blood pressure results, that can be a nasty thing. I am really curious about mine since the last two times I gave blood they said it was borderline high ~ always before they said it was excellent ~~ have yearly physical coming soon. Have fun training the new employee
ANGIE just got home from walking the mutts 3.5 miles according to her pedometer...I am so proud of her!
4~JOY~I'll bet it is pretty now in Seattle with all the rain this last year ~~ who could have guessed it would in Seattle That is why Angie and I built our house in Kennewick where it is always in the summer and in the winter My neice moved with her mom and step-dad from Seattle back to southern California, she really liked Seattle for the 6 years she was there so that is why she applied to U of W, she also has been acepted to Arizona so we shall see where she goes.
BETH ~ MAVNAN ~ ALWAYSFAITHFUL ~ CHRISTINA ~ HILARY and all I missed ~ Come and catch up when you can, Prayers for all.
Off to do the grocery thing with Angie...have a great day ladies...Gary
Yah who would have guessed it would in the here!! LOL well I have a big advantage in that I rain and can't STAND weather! I lived in Fort Lauderdale and it drove me !!! So I moved back to gorgeous Seattle!
Wow Seattle or Arizona are totally different choices for your niece! Hope she likes whichever one she chooses.
I decided to check my posts before going to bed.
E.Z. Tis so true! This world just seems to keep sinking, just look at the movies (some of them picked for awards, I didn't watch the awards tonight but never would have picked some of the movies they did.)
Amen! God's love and Grace! Thanks! I was sick of the cold needed some sun, thanks for the prayers for Frankie, he is still in the critical progreesive unit, he has an upper respiratory infection, and maybe the bug, as had an upset stomach today. He also is having alot of issues with his kidneys probably be put on dialysis soon. Frankie is my buddy, we go camping, and play cards together, he is like my son, he has no family that pays any attention to him, but has a heart a country mile wide. They were going to make him go into a group home several years ago, because his diabetes became to unmanaged. When me and Anne my second mom she is 68, said we would take care of him and keep him on the straight and narrow. So he eats dinner every night at annes' and she helps him manage his money and I kind of fill in with taking him to doctor's or whatever. Will keep ya posted on his condition.
Dance for Joy- Seattle is beautiful, we went through it when we went to Alaska and back. I like the sun! The days are starting to get longer which is nice, so can do more when its warm enough.
Hi to all MIA's I give up time for bed, catch ya later.
Quiet around here today. It is at my house too, Amanda is doing research at a marine base in the desert, Lara at her dad's, Ron at tennis practice, Ryan coaching track and Angie grading papers. I'm just veggin' listening to a couple of Jim Brinkman CD's. Mourning the loss today of Kirby Puckett.
Recipe for tonight's dinner:
Pork Chops with Tomatoes, Onion, Garlic and Feta Cheese
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large sweet onion halved and sliced thin
4 pork loin chops
salt ~ pepper ~ garlic salt
1 can diced tomatoes
3-4 cloves of minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried basil
2.5 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
4-6 ounces feta cheese
Cook onions in a tablespoon of oil until golden brown ~ set aside
Heat pork chops in olive oil with salt, pepper and garlic salt to your taste until desired doneness or (you can brown the chops and then braise for a half hour in a cup or so of chicken broth for more tender chops)
Remove chops and keep warm
Heat a half to tablespoon of oil in the skillet, return onions and add tomatoes, garlic and basil ~ warm through and place in serving bowl. Add balsamic vinegar with some salt and pepper to bowl.
Put the warm sauce over chops and top with feta cheese.
We usually have this with jasmine rice and a veggie.
I will have to go back later when I have more time to read more throughly. Some very interesting info there. So to say the least with all this stress, my diet has failed terribly. My husband and I were talkin the other night about all this and I told him maybe God is testing our faith. Are we relying on Him to get us through these times or are we trying to fix it ourselves? I for one know God has been my saving grace. There is no way I could get up daily and do this thing we call life on my own. If I did, well I sure wouldn't be one you would want on here. So could you please be so kind as to pray for my dad and my father in law ? I just want to praise God for being a forgiving God!!!!!!!
5 miles has been walked - notice that there are 2 of them - I have actually walked 11 1/2 miles so will soon be able to add another little guy. Am getting there slowly 
but at least I am moving.
I am missing the sun, it has been frigid here could you send some sun A.S.A.P. before I turn into a big ole iceberg. Its been in the teens for days now. Not above freezing. The good thing is we get through March and it should start warming up some.
Does lean cusine really count as 
~ 
~~ Great job on your own weight loss! Boy talk about 
complaining! wasn't too long ago you folks on the east coast were wondering "where is winter?" 
fun 
in Seattle 
That is why Angie and I built our house in Kennewick where it is always 
in the summer and 
in the winter 
around here today. It is at my house too, Amanda is doing research at a marine base in the desert, Lara at her dad's, Ron at tennis practice, Ryan coaching track and Angie grading papers. I'm just veggin' listening to a couple of Jim Brinkman CD's. Mourning the loss today of Kirby Puckett.
ENJOY
