Christian Encouragers #213
 

Welcome!

You've found a great place to come and vent, share or ask for prayer support. This is a great group who will be very encouraging, caring and loving....anyone is welcome to join!

A Servent's Prayer

Jesus, My Jesus....How marveleous your ways....
Far more splendid than my mind can envision.
What an honor to be chosen by you.
A lowly child I am, but empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the great hope to which you have called me.
I give myselt totally to you, Lord.
Take my imperfect heart and make it perfect.
Peel away the hadness.
Close the doors I have opened to the temptations of this world.
Gently remove the roots of painful memories, sins, doubts and fears.
Discard anything that separates me from you.
Lord, fill the emptiness with the light of your love that I might be a beacon calling the lost back to you.

To love as you love.....
To serve as you serve.....
To forgive as you forgive.....
Always mindful of my nothingness while doing great and marvelous things in your name and for your glory.
This I pray, Jesus, in YOUR name.
Amen
__________________

Good morning everyone
 

Lent
 

I am not Catholic, but I have vowed to give up certain things for the lenten season......I would say forever, but......

1. chocolate
2. softdrinks
3. all cussing (this will be fun - I'll have to come up with some alternative words):tape:

I just came back from walking in my park and it is a marvelous day outside. Breezy and high 70's. Last night I bought Walk the Line and Pride and Prejudice. My DH and I watched Walk the Line. Such a good movie. Tonight DH will be at school, so my DDs and I will watch Pride and Prejudice - also a good movie.

I hope everyone is doing well. Prayers to all for good health, strength, patience, and will power. :dust:

Have a blessed day.

Biblical question ! !
 

Hi everyone

Really good posts lately. Just what I have been looking for:recipies and talk about God.

Have continued to be really busy this week getting house ready to sell. It is finally listed and the cleaning ladies are finished. House smells really nice. Now we just need to pray that the right people will come by to buy quickly. Have sent out deposit and paper work for the new house. We have decided to go ahead and purchase the property in Tampa.

Haven't been exercising much for the last week, but have been trying to get all the water in and eat right. Really miss exercising but it is hard to do with my mum visiting and getting the house ready.

Pixiefalls--will pray for your aunt

Gary --I love the discussions and thoughts. Will print it out and try to get to reading it. Love the recipies also

Wilma--This looks easy to cook and delious

Sue55--I think that you need to go out for lunch. The time that we spend with our children is important. We need to learn how to make good food choices where ever we are.

Christine--keep praying about the schools. God will start eliminating them for you.

Marilyn-- Hope the house prep is going well with you. Will look at your question sometime next week when I can sit down quietly.

Have a good day everyone. Praying for you all

Nancy

Marilyn - good question
 

Let me be the first to boldly stick my neck out on this controversial subject. First, I do agree with one thing and that is I truly believe that most, not all, do not choose to be this way. Mainly, because of cases (I remember seeing an interview with a man who is an identical twin who was raised as a girl and thought something was wrong with him/her until parents explained to him that he was really a boy. He spent many years in therapy as a girl thinking he was gay because he was attracted to other girls - long story, will stop there). I have had friends since high school who are gay. I really don't think that they wake up one day and say "hey, I want to be gay."

Second Even so, I still can't be comfortable with gay marriage. My kids and I don't quite see eye to eye. They, being of the younger generation and being exposed to more things then when we were younger, believe that gay marriage should be legal. I guess it is mainly because I have never known anything other than man/women relationships.

However, I believe that God created them and loves them too. And, yes they too can be saved. And why not.......we were saying earlier that murders, rapist, drug addicts can be saved in the eleventh hour......why not them?

There are some cultures, not of Christian background, that actually revere those of a "3rd" sex. Asian, I believe, but not sure. I know that it is more acceptable in some other countries.

I think that when the Bible speaks out against sodomy, they might be talking about the act of "conquering" the enemy. Like in prisons. Sodomy like rape is also an act of power, not necessarily sex.

Anyway, just thought I would jump out there. My opinions. I did a little research a few years back, because I thought that my daughter might be. Turns out she is most definately not. Likes boys too much. She was just extremely tomboyish. Even though I have to admit that I was relieved, I would have love the daylights out of her anyway.

In conclusion - the subject confuses me. I can only go with my gut. I choose, even though I am not comfortable with it, not to judge.

Thanks Beth
 

I appreciate hearing your point of view.

I don't know whether I made myself clear - (a) I like / love the person (b) I do not agree with the life style (c) I believe they can be saved (d) I believe God does love them.

But my thought goes to those that (a) Say the love the Lord - and I am not doubting that they do (b) That they attend church, study the Bible and are doing their best to follow what Christ wants them to do - I just wonder how the interpret this scripture and those in the New Testament about homosexuality.

It is a 'touchy' subject but would like to know how the interpret it.

Heh, Gary, we need our thoughts on this !! - our should I say I would like to hear what you have to say about it.

Ash Wednesday
 

HI GALS~:wave:

Happy Ash Wednesday to those who acknowledge it. We were going to church tonight, however my ex-wife is bringing our taxes back and wants to go over them with us. She just finished them and Angie needs them to finish the financial package for Lara's college info. YES! my ex-wife does our taxes, she does them for a company during tax season. We share a lot of info around here with each other.

Anyone else giving up anything for Lent besides Beth and her dirty ;) mouth?

So, MARILYN you want me to comment on your topic do ya? Isn't that a little queer?:lol: I promise that I will, if not tonight ~ tomorrow, but I want to catch up a little first ~ Great TOPIC though girl!! I am sorry that it didn't work out with your daughter and son's siblings. I agree with your decisions, funny how the other "parents" expect you to be understanding but seems like they feel they don't have to.

I am kid of getting the feeling lately that WE~ whoever WE are ~ have to cater to the Gays ~ people in our country illegally ~ Muslims "rights"

Now then before anyone gets too upset ~ I have gay friends, plenty of mexican friends, many that don't have papers ~ no Muslim friends though. And yes I KNOW not all MUSLIMS are terrorists! just seems that FREE SPEECH in AMERICA is OK ~ UNLESS ~ it is about THEM ~ whoever them is!

BETH~ Love the comments on the cussing. Being in construction it just comes natural to me ;) . I will tell you what is AMAZING is that my kids ages 24, 22, 18 and nephew 15 do not cuss at all ~ quite a testament to them. I told my wife last night that we need to buy Walk The Line, we were going to go see it at the theater but never did, WILMAwas too but I can't remember if she did either. I like your comments on the Gay topic ~ great news on your daughter liking boys!!;)


MAVNAN~Good luck selling your home! My wife and I sold a house we built in Washington last October. We built it last year and were going to live there for a couple of years then decide if we wanted to relocate there, lived in it this past summer, then I decided I wasn't ready yet, so we sold my wife's dream home (I still am paying for that ;) ~ anyway, we sold it in ONE day! I pray you have the same results!! I live right next to a retirement area, there are a lot of Florida transplants here, they say Florida is too humid for them, here in southern California it is rare for the humidity to be a problem at all ~ how is it in Tampa? Love the BUCS!! next to my Raiders.

Back in a sec~~

WILMA~Wow did Canada have a good Olympics:carrot: ~ the USA had some great moments and some not so good. Looking forward to Vancouver in 4 years! The ratings were way down here, I didn't watch as much as I usually do ~ I knew the results at 5am (internet) and the finals were not on TV here until 10:30 ~ 11:30 at night ~~ way too late for one that gets up at 4:30!! Congrats to Cindy Klassen.

HILARY~How is that computer doing? Prayers for your aunt.

CHRISTINA~I hope you pick the right school for you ~ such a bummer having sooooo many choices isn't it? How do you stay so HUMBLE being soooo WANTED!!;) Rub it in your DH's face every chance you get so he knows how "lucky" he is! :lol: :lol: :nono: Don't you dare!! How is your pops doing on his job search?

DANCEFORJOYSUE~I see you posting around dear ~ can't hide too long from me ;) . My neice just got accepted to U-DUB....she used to live in Seattle ~ Mercer Island.

Well Angie is calling dinner.............

LOL Hi EZMoney... I really wasn't trying to hide. :) Congratulations to your niece! You said she used to live in Seattle so not sure where she is now... but she is VERY fortunate to be coming back here, as it is sooooo gorgeous! Our Japanese cherries are starting to "explode" now. Much as I love the winters here, I can't help but love to see the glorious springtime!!!

Dance

Good Morning!!
 

I have decided to take a day off. I put in a lot of extra hours so my boss agreed to let me have this day off. I start training a new employee next week and just need a day to myself to regroup and gain some ooomph again.

I go to see my doctor this a.m. Hopefully she has good news about my BP.
Other than that I plan to get some groceries and then do whatever I want to. I've been a bit under the weather so maybe a nice little walk and then a rest. Who knows?

Gary: Yes. Canada had an awesome olympics this time. We are very proud of our athletes. We spent a lot of time watching in the evenings and enjoyed it. We're looking forward to 2010!!

I have not gone out to get the Walk the Line DVD but will very soon. I loved the movie. It's about Johnny's life and his courtship with June. You have to like Johnny's music to like this movie.

dance4joy: Your trees are blossoming already?? It must smell amazing there. We just came through a winter storm and have another 3 inches of snow to clear up.

Sprout: You asked a very controversial question. I too believe that homosexuality is wrong in God's eyes according to the Bible. That doesn't mean we treat them any differently than we would anyone else. God loves everyone no matter what sins they're doing. My question is why do so many have those tendencies and why are the characteristics of it so visible physically?

Nancy: My prayers for a quick sale for you. I've been there and know what kind of stress selling a house can be.

Beth: Great job on the walking. I hope you enjoyed Walk the Line as much as I did.

To everyone else: Have a great day!

Walk the Line
 

I loved the movie. Did research on Johnny and June Carter Cash. I know some of the music, but now I am eager to hear more. They had rough bumps in their lives early on, but each had a strong Christian background. They did and gave so much to charities and were such an influence in the music industry. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon did awesome jobs acting and singing in the movie. I never knew that Johnny Cash toured with Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. Anyway, I give it 2 thumbs up and recommend it to those who have not seen it yet.

Checkin in for today March 2, 2006
 

Journal for March 2, 2006
 

Thursday
 

HI GALS~:wave:

Finished my after work chores, Angie is out running the dogs while I have a beer and listen to Andy Williams on the CD player ~~ smoooooth :).

First of all I love Johnny Cash, grew up with country and western music being played in the home. Have always listened to country music. Angie and I will probably get the movie this week-end ~ Reese is one of our favorites! just loved her in Sweet Home Alabama and Legally Blond.

Now then on the topic of homosexuality ~ and gay marraige ~

Not for me! ;)

All kidding aside, I will give my point of view and try to be brief and concise, which Angie and my children say is flat IMPOSSIBLE for me, especially after a couple of beers!:o

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I believe that homosexuality is a sin

I believe (now) that people are born into it because we are born into sin

I believe that God sees it no different than any other sin ~ any sin seperates us from Him

I believe that a person can be gay and still be a Christian

I believe that God wants them to FIGHT the battle of their urges through Christ to overcome the sin ~ just as he wishes the person addicted to drugs, pornogrophy, food, etc! to do

I believe that a person can be born gay ~ HOWEVER, being gay does not give them the "right" to act upon it ~ including marraige

I believe that there are organizations, that God has provided, to help them through it, just as there are for other addictions and sins we have

I believe the "sin" is no more harmful in God's eyes than any other sin ~ I believe as people (who JUDGE!!) that "WE" put different degrees on sin, as WE see fit!

I believe if a person is born homosexual that he isn't a sinner (based on that) until he acts upon it

I believe that we suffer different degrees of CONSEQUENCES by "acting" upon our sinful nature

I am not sure I believe that homosexuality is curable, but I believe it can be controled through Christ

I believe that the Christian homosexual will be in Heaven ~ I believe that he will suffer the consequences of his sins, as we all do for ours ~ whether it be on earth or heaven

Personally, I have known three homosexuals, one being my cousin, he passed away with AIDS ~ I do not believe he was a Christian ~ however he was a wonderful man and always treated me great when I was a kid, he was 15 years older than me ~ I also have another friend, female, who grew up in our church ~ she always had tomboy traits, joined the Navy, even dated my brother ~ just never seemed to fit in ~ UNTIL she met her "wife" ~~ is she a Christian? I believe so ~however, she hasn't been to our church for about 10 years other than to funerals for friends ~ not sure if she still reads God's words ~ has she backslid too far to get back to a personal relationship with Him? ~ how does this play into the "once saved ~ always saved? or are there just some folks that "we" believe are saved because we think we see them as believers? What is that scripture? ~ "you called my name in the streets, but you did not know me?"

Anyway folks, as God says "HATE THE SIN ~ LOVE THE SINNER!"

Off to dinner...............

Hi Wilma

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!!:carrot: :carrot: 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.

Have a good night!

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.

Feeling good
 

Hi!
 

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.

me again!
 

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!

Good morning everyone
 

Journal thought for March 4, 2006
 

Sprout-
 

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.

Temptation Sunday
 

HI GALS~:wave:

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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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! :yes: Does lean cusine really count as :jeno: ~ :chin: ~~ Great job on your own weight loss! Boy talk about :tantrum: complaining! wasn't too long ago you folks on the east coast were wondering "where is winter?" :snow4: ;) 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 :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: Sunday :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

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!! :bravo:

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 :dance: fun :carrot: 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!:cp:

:dance:4~JOY~I'll bet it is pretty now in Seattle with all the rain this last year ~~ who could have guessed it would :rain: in Seattle :shrug: That is why Angie and I built our house in Kennewick where it is always :flame: in the summer and :snowglo: 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

Hi Gary

Hey I like the new :dance: ~4~Joy you gave me!! Thanks!

Yah who would have guessed it would :rain: in the :snowglo: here!! LOL well I have a big advantage in that I :yes: rain and can't STAND :sunny: weather! I lived in Fort Lauderdale and it drove me :tantrum: !!! 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.

Hi there!
 

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.

Where Is Everybody?
 

HI GALS~:wave:

Quiet :listen: 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.

:chef: ENJOY

Hi Sue

Glad you enjoyed our city! I am going to Alaska in May for the first time... on a cruise, also my first!! Can't wait!

Update for March 7, 2006
 

Hi everyon

Have still been busy with the house. The new house will be ready around mid-April. We would like to stall out till late April cause my daughter graduates in mid-May from high school. But we still have to sell this one first.

My mum is still visiting for one more week so exercising has been put on hold for now. Don't like to leave her here alone when I go to the health club.

Next week is also busy cause our former youth group from Canada is coming to visit. This is their mission trip where they perform two plays that they have written about teens and salvation. My son was origianally in the first play about Columbine. It was scary for me because he was one of the shooters. The play is written from the prospective of the christian girl Rachel who was killed. One of the lines that my son had to say was to call out for his parents to save him as he realized that he was going to perish. This broke my heart as I sat there. I wanted to run up on the stage and snatch him back from Satan, but I realized that no matter how much we love our children we can not save them. They must cry out to Jesus on their own and accept his free gift of salvation. The youth group has had a very powerful response where ever they have preformed this play. I am now looking forward to their new play.

Gary thanks so much for the recipies. They are great when I can't think of what to make.

Marilyn I pray that things are starting to fall into place with your house and van. I get really miserable when things break down unexpectedlly.

Wilma and dance4joy it is good to hear that your BP is going down. Sometimes all it takes is to lose a few pounds. Keep up the great effort.

Sue it is good to hear that Frankie seems to be recouvering. Reaching out to others is so important in this life.

Everyone have a great day tomorrow and I will try and catch up sometime before the weekend.

Nancy (Have to figure out how to use all the icons)

Hi!
 

I haven't been around as have been very busy taking care of things-Frankie passed away on Monday morning at about 3:am. I got woke up and I talked to the Dr. She said He paged the nursed and said He was starving he wanted a sandwich to eat, so they ordered one, and before it came up he went into repiratory arrest. It has been a depressing week, but in truth it really was a God send, as we know He alwyas knows best. Frankie was going to have to start dialysis, and I was really upset about how he was going to cope with haveing to go back and forth to hospital several times aweek. He doesn't have to do that now. Thanks you to all who prayed for him. Then we had to have the county pay for the burial, we have big $1800 from them. So there will be no viewing just a memorial service, and later a service at graveside. So, I have been busy getting pictures together, and all that for the memorial service, which will be tom. night. We keep looking pictures crying, laughing ect. tough week.
Dance for joy- I absolutely loved Alaska- take a coat, if your going anywhere near the glaciers, it is really cold there. But absolutly beautiful
Sprout- Hope you were able to enjoy the skating, and pray that all things start coming together, and that your feeling better as well.
Mavnan- My youth group does a missions trip every year, this year its in New Brunswick. They do singing and skits ect. That play sounds great, very moving. They did a skit about a couple of friends who get killed in a care accident by a drunk driver, one is saved and one is not, because the one friend didn't share Christ. So the angel in white comes for one, and the angel in black for the other, that was a powerful little skit because it is so true, you never know, when you'll be called home.
E.Z. your dinner sounds yummy as usual.Sounds like fun relaxing to some tunes!
Well gotta run, Hi to all MIA's, thanks again for all the prayers. God Bless

Hi Sue

I am so sorry to hear about Frankie. You are in my prayers.

About Alaska... uh oh I don't OWN a coat; never wear one here in Seattle. But I will take something extra to put under my fleece shirt!!

Hi! I thougt I'd send a quick message before heading off to bed. It's been a couple of tiring days and with a new employee starting tomorrow I am going to have to find some more energy.

I wanted to let you know that DS found a temporary job. Temporary is good! It could lead to other jobs. He is on his feet for approx 4 hours and is finding it really hard on his knees. The therapy is working but he still feels pain when he works them too much. He feels so much better about getting out and earning some $$.

Other than that nothing major has been happening around here. I'm still waiting for spring and that could take another month or so.

doitforme: I'm so sorry to hear about Frankie. My condolences.

Nancy: Where in Canada is your youth group from? My son did something like that in high school. Only, instead of doing skits they helped people with home repairs, etc. It was a real stretching experience for him. He still talks about it even after 6 years.

Sprout: It sounds like you're doing great. Looking forward to seeing that ticker move. Mine is going very slowly. I'm starting to get more into exercising. I plan on doing a bit each evening and build up to when I can get outside (without snow!!) and go for long walks.

dance4joy: I would love to go to Alaska. One of these years!!

Gary: That recipe sounds awesome! I must try it. Quiet days once in a while are nice too!! My DH is gone a lot right now driving the ice roads up north so I don't see him too much. I look forward to spring when I get him back again.

Well, I'm starting to nod off so I'll say goodnight.

Sorry it's been forever since I posted...I re-started 1/1/06 with Weight Watchers on my own. Thought I better still stick around for the support. Now as more time passes, I realize I do need it. Miss you all! :wave:

Been away for a while....
 

It's been a few days. This past weekend, the family went to visit a college for oldest DD. She is still a junior in high school, but we are trying to start early. Wonderful Christian University - Howard Payne University. It is located in the middle of Texas in a small town called Brownwood. A very quaint town nestled beside another quaint town called Early, TX. She loves the idea of a small college (1200-1300 students) They have a very wide range of degree programs for being so small.

Afterwards we went to visit brother-in-law, girlfriend, and neice. That was a pleasant visit. Considering..........we got a call from DS, who stayed home. One of our cats was very sick. He and my father took him to the vet. Ended up he had a severe urinary track infection/blockage. With 1000-2000 dollars they could operate and treat, but there was no guarantee. So DH and I made a heartwrenching decision and gave permission to put to sleep.:( :cry: Never an easy decision.

Wilma That is so great about your DS finding a temp job. Yes, I have in my working life found 2 permanant jobs working on temp jobs that were only supposed to last a few days. It does feel great to be earning again.

Also, way to go on the BP. A triumph to kick the medicine. Prayers for more good BP readings in the future.

Dance4joy So you are making a trip to Alaska. How awesome! I think it would be beautiful. My parents are taking a cruise to Alaska in a couple of months. Wouldn't that be a hoot if you ended up on the same boat. They talked about going in May. Alot depends on how my mom feels. She will have just finished up her radiation treatments.

Doitforme Sorry to hear about your friend Frankie. He is in peace now and whole and healthy again. He was very blessed to have you and Anne in his life. I think many times that "adopted" families can be more special than real families. It sounds like it in your case.

Manvan So exciting about your new house. Prayers that your house will sell at just the right time needed.

My kids are involved in youth group at our church. A play sounds like an awesome way to convey the message of salvation to other teens. I wonder if our youth director has thought of that. They go on mission trips, but usually the traditional kind where they go and build something, but a play would be great. Thanks for the idea.

Marilyn Glad to hear that the First Place Program is working great for you. Our pastor's wife (also named Beth) approached me last week about starting some sort of nutrition/weight management program at our church. I think I am going to do some research on it. I already checked out the other thread. It would also be so much closer to me than my other weekly meetings (TOPS - which is also good).

Gary Yes, it is sad about Kirby Puckett. He was so young. I remember seeing him in person at a Twins game. He had already retired, but was a guest of honor at one of the games.

Thanks for the new recipe. I have gone back and copy and pasted many of the recipes in a word document.

Everyone who is MIA. Come back soon. Prayers for all.

Take care and God Bless.

Oh no Beth, I'm sorry about your cat. :( *hugsss*

Good morning everybody
 

Hi there!
 

I am doing good the wake is over, we'll bury him in May after the mud season is over. It just happened so fast.
Dance- Thanks! what cruise line are you going on, we went on carnival up and princess back.
Wilma- Thanks! so glad DS found a job and things are looking up for him
Welcome back Jackay, keep posting and let us know how your doing!
Beth- Thanks Sorry to hear about your cat, it is hard losing a pet, My niece is going to a small christian university Cederville in Ohio.
Sprout- So happy to hear the program is working for ya

Prayers to everyone else, God bless!