Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Fall Is Leaving Us





I still have a couple more pictures of Caleb in the leaves that I must scrapbook.  This will probably be the last one in the book when it is published...but there will be one more page. 

 Fall is leaving us in more than one way.  While leaves are still falling, the weather is turning really cold here in Ohio and fall is leaving, winter is coming.

While the weather is changing, I am hoping for another change that should take place soon now. We have been praying 34 days of our 40 for the election. 

My mind is set. I've studied the candidates and the issues. I've studied history, because it repeats itself. And most of all I've prayed fervently that God will lead me and others in voting for the one who will turn this country around and bring us back to the God loving nation we have known for well over 200 years.

This is a walk I'd like to see our president take.  Watch it here .

And remember, you don't have to wait until Tuesday to vote. You may vote any time now.  Go and serve the Father, your God  in heaven.  Your vote will count now, and perhaps in the judgement. 

Please help us have a nation that is a safe place for my grandchildren and your own families to grow, one that will not bankrupt us and steal our futures.  


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Leaves



We are back in the leaves.  Just can't skip working with these darling pictures off this precious grandson. That smile brightens my world.  And at a time like this, that's  very important.

Some of you are here just to see our family. Others tune in for inspiration for their own scrapbooking.
And still others are interested in the state of our nation and hoping for a new tomorrow, where we can truly be free to make our own decisions and follow our own paths.

This is day 33 of our 40 days of prayer for our nation.  The election is just one week away. This time next week, we will be watching the results  roll in from the polls.  At least with God's help that will happen. I believe it would not be to  our president's advantage to prolong the election process, since the closer the election is, the weaker his numbers are. 

The last time we had a president this unaccomplished, was with Jimmy Carter . Many of you are not old enough to remember him. The worst thing I remember was that we could only get gasoline on certain days and then we had to wait in long lines to get it.  But there were other crippling things he did to our nation. It was the perfect climate for a real man of God to take over and lift us off our knees. It is that way today.  More and more of us have no way of taking care of ourselves and have to depend on the government to take from other people and give  to us  the bare necessities of life. 

I hear some say they do not like Romney...but it is out of ignorance.  They do not know anything about Mitt Romney.  All they hear from the press is that he is a rich man. (And for some reason, we've learned to hate rich men.) We tend to forget that they are the ones who make jobs for others.  I have heard people say that Mitt has a temper...without any substantiations whatever.  However, we have video of our president very visibly losing his.   If you have only heard from the press or on TV about the Romneys, it would be to your advantage to seek out the truth. Never accept what others say without checking it out with several sources.  Study to know when you can trust a source.

It is time again to choose a God fearing man to lead our nation...one like Ronald Reagan who once said,"To preserve our blessed land we must look to God... It is time to realize that we need God more than He needs us...

Let us, young and old, join together, as did the First Continental Congress in the first step, in humble heartfelt prayer. Let us do so for the love of God and His great goodness, in search of the guidance and the grace of repentance, in seeking His blessings, His peace,and the resting of His kind and holy hands on ourselves, our nation, our friends in the defense of our freedom, and all mankind, now and always.

The time has come to turn to God and reassert the trust in Him for the healing of America... Our country is in need of and ready for a spiritual renewal.  today we utter no prayer more fervently than the ancient prayer for peace on Earth."




Monday, October 29, 2012

Let It Snow


Caleb was at Laughing Buck Farm for his farm class, while the ground was covered with snow. I think he has adapted to the snow quite well and he really enjoys his class.  

The little  girl in the foreground of this picture is Amanda. And she has a green jacket as well.  I love these bright  lime green jackets and will have to take a picture of me with mine to show Caleb how we match. 

This is Day 32 of our 40 days of prayer leading up to the election. We are in the midst of the 'Perfect Storm'. I'm trying to decide if this is part of God's answer to our prayers.  However, I suppose I'll have to wait to see how it all plays out. 

I know that God loves us and has been listening to our fervent prayer for revival of our nation.  But while knowing God is a loving God, I also know of the other side, the side that finally has enough and no longer tolerates disobedience.  Think of Sodom and Gomorah. He destroyed them because of their wicked ways. He warned  them.  They didn't change. He rained fire upon them and obliterated both. He saved only Lot and his family.  Then when Lot's wife looked back on the city, she was turned to a pillar of salt.

God is God.  He is all knowing and good.  He does what is best for us, but sometimes it involves discipline. Let's not give Him reason to be angry with us. Whenever we sin, and we will, let us be sorry and try even harder to avoid things that go against His loving nature.  

We must even love our enemies.

Matthew 5:44
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"

Pray for our president.





Sunday, October 28, 2012

Narnia Party







Edie, a friend of the triplets, had a Narnia themed birthday party.   All the kids had a good time, at least the triplets did.  Ashley tried out one of Edie's presents in the top left.  

Dressing up like something you are not and hoping to fool someone is a popular trick these days.
Many who run for office do not dare let the people know what they are really about lest they lose their election and have to go back to the real world in which  the rest of us live.

The only way to tell what they really are is to know their history.  For some reason one of our candidates for president this year has spent millions of dollars to keep us from reading any of his records.  It' is obviously a cover up, but we don't know what or why.   But hiding such things sends up a red flag. We need people with open minds to think about things like  that instead of just sticking with a party or listening  to their speeches which tell you instead what they want you to hear.

This is day 31 in our prayer for the election. We need to study to find the truth and then when we've done our best we can read these verses to bring some peace into our lives:  Hebrews 10:35-36: "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  We need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has  promised."


Saturday, October 27, 2012


It's late. I'm tired. Need to get up early for church in the morning.  So, here are some pictures from the Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan Rally last night in North Canton, Ohio.  We had a great time.  Talked to so many great down to earth people. It bolstered our feelings for Mitt and Ryan.

The highlight it my eyes was when we all sang Amazing Grace together, after we had sung The Star Spangled Banner. 

I thank God for this wonderful country and ask you to pray  today for the return of the country we know, looked up to throughout the world as a place of freedom, where all have the right to work and achieve, where we are free to worship as we please without interference from the government.

God Bless America! 

Friday, October 26, 2012

A Continuing Saga



Caleb and the Leaves...a continuing saga.,,

We went  to a political shindig in North Canton tonight. It was called a victory rally.     I am a little tired. It was quite an eventful evening. I'll have to tell you about it soon.



Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom
Come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day
Our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who
Trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver
Us From evil...
For Thine is the
Kingdom and the power and the glory
Now and forever
Amen.

This is now the 29th day of our praying for the election... 11 to go. I know of some who are fasting. If you are so inclined, then I encourage you  to do it as well.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Legacy for Our Children






I really enjoy doing these layouts in the leaves. Fall is my favorite time of year. And of course, my grandchildren are my favorite kids. So it is a great combination that gives me joy.


Now in our 28th day of prayer for our nation's election, I've added an admonition from the humble and wise man of God, Billy Graham, in which he advises that we vote our biblical principles.  Please enlarge and read his statement here



May God lead us day to day as we maneuver through this erring world. May we keep our feet on solid ground and be found faithful.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Home Depot Kid's Work Shop



Ashley is more interested in the craft workshop at Home Depot than are her brothers.  She always makes sure that Chelle gets up early enough on Craft Saturdays that she is able to do her thing.

Last night a friend told me he didn't believe that Barak Obama  was a socialist.  In case you think that way as well, consider that these three socialists (communists) have opening supported Obama for the presidency. If I knew nothing else about them, that would convince  me he was not the one best suited for the office.

This is day 27 of our 40 days of prayer for the election.   Please consider earnestly praying that God will help us elect the one person who would make the best president, one that will lead us back to God instead of further away from him. Also pray for members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Pray they will be given wisdom  from God, so they are able to make hard decisions that will right out country once again.

Pray and then be confident. Remember this verse:  Exodus 14:13

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again."



Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Curves Girl



Once in a while, I have to do a layout just for fun. It was a silly whim I had one day last week to see if I could use  the Curves girl, which is painted on the wall, in a fun layout. I took a picture of her and then on a later day, asked Carol, who works there, to take a picture of me kneeling on a recovery board.  I then 'cut' her off the wall, added shadows and  attempted to make it look as if she were standing on my shoulders.  

I like the quote on the digital paper I used from Angie Briggs, A New Me collection:  success is a journey...not a destination.  And I really enjoy Curves. It is a place where I can exercise and have a good time with  new found friends  at the same time.  We talk about everything including politics and food.

And speaking of politics, we are praying here for the upcoming election. We are on day 26, with 14 to go.

Tonight I talked to two Christians who said they wouldn't vote for either candidate. I believe as Christians,  we are obligated to stand for what is right, what is godly. I can allow for the freedom of those who want contraceptives to get them, for those who want abortions, to have them and for those who want to date those of the same sex to do so. However, I cannot support that kind of behavior. I should not be forced to pay for something the Lord has told me is sinful.  I can love the sinners.  God said we MUST love the sinners.  But I should not condone the sin. Therefore it is the least I can do to vote  for the man who will not force us to go against our Lord.

I pray each one of us will  talk one on one with our Lord and ask Him to show us what to do on November 6.


Monday, October 22, 2012

Debate Mania


I did redo yesterday's layout. Am still not pleased with the result.  However this time it will have to do. I'm having an artistic dry spell.

Today was the big finish with the seawall. It took several hours with several volunteer workers, four of whom are named Dave, to do the concrete work.  I took lots of pictures. It is not every day that a large cement truck drives across our 'lawn', squeezes between large oak trees and down to the lake.  I will be working on pages to represent this huge undertaking of my husband.  He did promise, in front of witnesses, today that this is his last wall. You wouldn't believe what a relief it was to hear that proclamation.

This evening was a big ending to a very busy day at our house. We almost stayed awake for the entire debate.  I must say though I was disheartened early in the debate by our president sitting calmly, facing the camera and making untrue statements with such clarity and seeming sincerity that those listening, who haven't had the time to spend daily keeping up with exactly what has been happening, would have no clue were mistruths. 

This is day 25 in our 40 days of prayer for the election.  One prayer I am praying today is that the untruths spoken by the candidates and those working for them will come to light early enough that the election will be affected rightly. 

A few days ago I watched a tribute to Ronald Reagan in which he made a statement  answering the question, "Is God on our side?" He said, the question should rather be, "Are we on his side?"And there you have another prayer topic.  Please pray that when choosing our candidate we will choose the one who is on God's side.


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Not Satisfied


Before you form any opinions about this layout, I have to let you know that I am not satisfied at all with the way this is turning out.  However in order to publish this blog tonight, I'm using this layout, as ugly as it is.  These girls deserve a much better page and I expect to deliver one as soon as I can wake up my brain and receive some artistic intervention, at least some inspiration.

Be as it may, the girls are quite a wonderful bunch...ORU Opinions R Us... All the opinions you'd ever want to hear and many, many more.

We were gathered at Lake Forest Country Club in a farewell to Teresa, centered in the front row. She has the nerve to leave us so that she and her husband can take up residency in Florida.  She is not the first one of us to move away, but she has been with us for so very long that it is a struggle to say good-bye. We are letting them go with promises of visits and expecting them to visit us as well. Thank God for the internet where we can continue to brainstorm.

We will be praying their move is uneventful and smooth.

We are now in Day 24 of our 40 days of prayer for the election. Related to the election is some of the problems we are facing now, which would be solved if the election goes well.

One  concern needing prayer at this time is the persecution of Christian's with businesses. Read below and pray for the Green family and others who are undergoing similar plights.


We must support and encourage these people and businesses that are attempting to stand fast to their beliefs!!!  First it was Chick fil a, now Hobby Lobby.  This is just the beginning!!!
Column: Christian companies can't bow to sinful mandate
By David Green
When my family and I started our company 40 years ago, we were working out of a garage on a $600 bank loan, assembling miniature picture frames. Our first retail store wasn't much bigger than most people's living rooms, but we had faith that we would succeed if we lived and worked according to God's word. From there, Hobby Lobby has become one of the nation's largest arts and crafts retailers, with more than 500 locations in 41 states. Our children grew up into fine business leaders, and today we run Hobby Lobby together, as a family.
We're Christians, and we run our business on Christian principles. I've always said that the first two goals of our business are (1) to run our business in harmony with God's laws, and (2) to focus on people more than money. And that's what we've tried to do. We close early so our employees can see their families at night. We keep our stores closed on Sundays, one of the week's biggest shopping days, so that our workers and their families can enjoy a day of rest. We believe that it is by God's grace that Hobby Lobby has endured, and he has blessed us and our employees. We've not only added jobs in a weak economy, we've raised wages for the past four years in a row. Our full-time employees start at 80% above minimum wage.
But now, our government threatens to change all of that. A new government healthcare mandate says that our family business must provide what I believe are abortion-causing drugs as part of our health insurance. Being Christians, we don't pay for drugs that might cause abortions. Which means that we don't cover emergency contraception, the morning-after pill or the week-after pill. We believe doing so might end a life after the moment of conception, something that is contrary to our most important beliefs. It goes against the Biblical principles on which we have run this company since day one. If we refuse to comply, we could face $1.3 million per day in government fines.
Our government threatens to fine job creators in a bad economy. Our government threatens to fine a company that's raised wages four years running. Our government threatens to fine a family for running its business according to its beliefs. It's not right.
I know people will say we ought to follow the rules; that it's the same for everybody. But that's not true. The government hasexempted thousands of companies from this mandate, for reasons of convenience or cost. But it won't exempt them for reasons of religious belief. So, Hobby Lobby — and my family — are forced to make a choice. With great reluctance, we filed a lawsuit today, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, asking a federal court to stop this mandate before it hurts our business. We don't like to go running into court, but we no longer have a choice. We believe people are more important than the bottom line and that honoring God is more important than turning a profit.
My family has lived the American dream. We want to continue growing our company and providing great jobs for thousands of employees, but the government is going to make that much more difficult. The government is forcing us to choose between following our faith and following the law. I say that's a choice no American — and no American business — should have to make.
David Green is the CEO and founder of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Pitching Machine


Don't know if it is because I'm a proud gramma or because Caleb's mother is from an athletic family, but  we are quite impressed by the pitching arm on this little two year  old.  Why, he is a powerful  pitching machine.  Look at the overhand throw.  His aim is good as well.

Well if our aim is correct, we will still be praying for the upcoming election. This is day 23 of our 40 days of prayer.

There are so many needs for prayer in any election.  It is not only very important  to study the presidential candidates, but also those running for the House and Senate and then there are the state officers and local ones as well who make decisions that affect us all.  Let's be diligent and know the candidates before we go to the polls.  Pray for wisdom and understanding.

We are praying that our God in heaven will lead us to decisions that will protect us from persecution and allow us the liberty our God gave us and that our Constitution promised.

I was so saddened today to talk to an elderly man at lunch time in Wendy's. Actually, it was a pleasure to speak to him.  He asked us to sit with him and we obliged, knowing he was needing some friendship.

Sometime  during our patter, I asked if he were ready for the election.  He said that he  really didn't like either candidate; but he would vote for the president again. Naturally, I asked why that was.  He told me that because the other guys were going to take away money from the old people.  How sad that the Democrats would prey on these sweet people with lies like that, especially while they themselves are actually doing just that.  The healthcare bill dictated by Obama  took $700 billion  away from Medicare, while the Republicans vow to not do that; but to make it stronger to last for those who need it so badly.  How is it that these ugly lies hurt the very ones who would help the elderly?  Someone is not doing his/her job.

It seems to me if you have elderly relatives, it would be kind of you to explain that these falsehoods they are being told are for the purpose of scaring them into voting for someone they really don't like. Encourage them to think for themselves and not rely on CNN and other news reporters who are not only biased, but often bought by the  Party...which no longer is the party of the people.

Invite them to pray with us that God will lead us to candidates who are God fearing men and women, those whose decisions would be based in love and respect for their fellow man, not dividing people and pitting one segment of the population against another.








Friday, October 19, 2012

Cottonwood Leaves



Caleb had a great time with all the leaves. They were mostly cottonwoods. That reminds me of the tree across the street from our last house. It was a huge old cottonwood and we were down wind of it. I didn't really notice the leaves in fall, since we had so many of our own; but in spring that cottonwood showered our yard with what seemed like tons of 'cotton'.  It looked like snow.  I'm looking forward to Caleb's return to this environmental learning center in the spring and to his response to that ground covering 'cotton'.

This is Day 22  of our 40 days of prayer for the election.

Please pray that all our troops will get their ballots in a timely manner even though it looks now as if it isn't possible.  Remember with God all things are possible.  Pray believing and it will be given you.

Father in heaven, It seems to me that we are seeing a change in the wind and more and more are turning toward Romney. I pray that if that is your will, that it will come to pass and that you will also have your presence known in a way that fraud will be held to a minimum and will not affect the outcome. I pray that it will be a decisive victory so that there will not be wasted time and money on challenges and recounts.

I pray as well, Father, that we will unite in love and care for one another and those around the world who are suffering under cruel leadership. For your first two commands are to love God and to love our fellow man.

I pray that those who want to divide us are motivated to drop their hatred and join in with the rest of us in love, so that we can again be a great nation.

Thank you, Father, for the wonderful outcome of the Annual Al Smith Charity Dinner. In Jesus name, we pray.  Amen

For those of you who may have missed that dinner in New York city  for any reason, including you didn't have $2,500 laying around after taxes, you can see and hear the comedic speech given by Romney here.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Work, Work, Work



Ron is STILL working on the seawall. He was  building the forms for the concrete here.  Since these  pictures were taken on October 6th, he has filled in bricks and dirt behind the forms.  They are now ready to pour the concrete.  However, our neighbor traveled to Cleveland today to pick up an extra long concrete chute since no one around here seemed to  have one long enough. And  they can not get a truck close enough to the lake.

This is Day 21 of our 40 days of prayer for the election.

No matter what drivel you hear being thrown around today, our nation was built on the founding fathers' faith in God.  He is our strength and protection.

Let's  take a little walk around the capitol to see some of the references to God  built into the city monuments. Click here.


"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies."  Psalm 18:2-3

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

CSU Environmental Learning Center


What a fancy name for a natural park.  It is the Colorado State University Environmental Learning Center! Certainly there is a shorter name for it.  Can you imagine your two year old asking to go here? Maybe one would say the CSU ELC. Well, I really don't think Caleb is worrying about it. He's just enjoying the fresh air and all that God has created, from dirt and rocks to trees and leaves. I doubt he even knows it is the Cottonwood that presents that pretty yellow color.

We are on Day 20 of our 40 days of prayer for the election... the half way point.

I was elated a few minutes ago to open an email which said Gallup's new poll gives Romney a 6 point lead.  Hallelujah.  But we must not get cocky.  I feel God is moving. But let's keep up the prayer. God wants nothing more than a relationship with each one of us. Talk to Him.  Tell Him what is on your heart...your fears as well as thanksgiving for what He has given us. Since He has lived on this earth like we do, he understands everything we feel. 

All things are possible through Christ, but without Him, nothing is possible.



Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Grasshopper



Caleb is now a biology student, studying this grasshopper 'close up and personal'.  I'm really surprised that insect is ignoring the fact that Caleb is holding that stem up near his face, while Beth is snapping away from his other side.  He is surrounded, yet attending to business.

This is Day 19 of our 40 days of prayer. That means we are nearly 1/2 the way there.  

Many of us were praying right through the 'debate' tonight.  They were able to get the format changed from debate to town hall meeting in order to help the president make a better impression than he did last time. He did do better than in the first debate; but he still insisted that Romney stood for things that he doesn't and said things that he didn't, even though the facts could be checked.  I suppose they know that people who are likely to vote for Obama will believe anything he says.

Dear Father in heaven, we praise your name, for you are good.  You know the truth.  You have said that truth will set us free. Father, please give us light and let us all see the truth so that we can vote for the man who would call on you for understanding and wisdom.

Father we pray that you will give us light to see. Help us unite.  Strengthen us. We pray you will appoint and anoint our next president. 

In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.

Monday, October 15, 2012

First Snow



No, it hasn't snowed in Ohio.  But I can't say the same for Colorado. As a matter of fact it has been over a week since that first snow hit them on October 6.  It didn't take Caleb long to 'warm up' to the snow. And he enjoyed having a reason to wear his Disney Pixar Cars Boots. 

This is now Day 18 in our Pray for America campaign.  We are praying that God will enable the man who is closest to him to win this election, so that we can again be governed in a way worthy of a Christian nation. 

By the way,  a report in our newspaper last week made it appear that we Christians are now in the minority in this nation.  It is getting uncomfortably close, but not quite. It was a clever twist of words that made it appear to be that way.  The article divided Protestants and Catholics to make it sound like there were more atheists, Buddists, etc.  When Protestants and Catholics are combined, and they are all Christians, they are still the majority.  I'm not sure a lot of people realized that, because I heard several people after seeing the article stating that we are now in the minority.  The liberals have an obnoxious tendency to use words to confuse those who are not careful. Sad thing is, they get away with it often.  Don't let them do it to you. Read carefully and check the facts.

Since we are praying for the country, I am using an email tonight that I've received several times this year and that showed up in my inbox again today.  It was written for the New Year, but is pertinent now as well.  Watch it here  then pray, pray, pray.

Be sure to watch the debate tomorrow night, if you can call it that.  They have changed the format  to make it easier for our teleprompter dependent president to do well. Pray that it will be obvious which man knows what he is doing and has a plan that will actually be good for this country.

Sunday, October 14, 2012



Every Autumn Barbertonians offer a Mum Fest at Lake Anna. It is always quite pretty.  This year there was a floral arch that was especially vibrant with color. Ron and I just stopped by for a few minutes after we had eaten at Angie's, several days after the festivities were over.   It was easy to take pictures, we got around quickly, but we did miss all the street vendors and happy faces on people as they enjoyed the flowers.

I concluded that the crowds are part of the fun and I may try to get there during the actual weekend festival next year.   It's not that we have to make a long trip to get there. We just have to not have conflicts those days. I'm not sure why, but generally we are busy with other pursuits during that time.

Make sure that you have your calendar in order for November 6. The election is much too important to miss because of any other commitment.  Many are voting ahead to make sure there are no conflicts. But of course many more of us have not done that.

This is our Day 17 of prayer preceding the election.

This morning in church we had a guest speaker and during our Bible Study time, he was asked to lead prayer. He made a request that I think is valid and very good advice.  He prayed that we should vote for a man who in closes to God...one who walks and talks with Him daily. I can't think of any better criteria for choosing a president.

Let's pray that we will be able to discern which men fit that picture, not only for the presidency, but for any and all offices.




Saturday, October 13, 2012

Puzzled?



Caleb is a big boy. He has proven it by working a puzzle.  

It is a  puzzle why some people much older than Caleb are not able to put pieces together and come up with a logical conclusion. Have not most of us learned that history repeats itself?  If you keep doing things over and over the same way, you cannot  expect  to get different results.

This is day 16 of our 40 days of prayer prior to the election.  We have been instructed to pray for our leaders. Have we done that? Often when we totally disagree with what is being done in government, we do not pray. But pray we must.  Our nation needs to change direction and return to the Lord God, creator of all.  

Let's pray that we will elect leaders who will call on the living God for wisdom and counsel. 

Friday, October 12, 2012

Not Reluctant to Pray



When Chipper raised up and saw my camera, she gave me this reluctant look, as if to say,"There you are with that stupid camera again.  Don't you ever give it a rest?"

I'm not reluctant to speak about the VP debate.  I finally saw it tonight and am so glad I did get to see it personally. If I hadn't, I would have had an entirely different impression of how it went.  I kept hearing about what a super debater Biden was. Well, in truth, two different times he ignored the questions and gave his prepared speeches very well.  However, a debater must be able to listen and contradict if necessary.  He couldn't do that. He was extremely rude, grinning, shaking his head in disbelief, mocking, interrupting with denials but no real facts.  He quoted all the Democratic talking points that have been proven false.  It was really a poor showing for someone who could actually become president if something happened to Barak Obama.  That  possibility is actually frightening.

On the other hand, Ryan did exceptionally well. He stated his case with facts and was kind in spite of  Biden's downright disrespectful actions.  It did tickle me a little to see the slight smile on his face. It seemed that Paul was quite surprised  that Biden was so, can I say, unprofessional? Perhaps immature is a better word.


There is a Bible verse that seems to describe the debate last night.  "If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet." Proverbs 29:9

We are now on Day 15 of our 40 days of prayer for the election.

This election is a very important one as our enemies are growing stronger under our poor foreign policy. Some are building armies and weapons to be used against us. We can only do so much to protect ourselves at any time.  We must rely on God to help wherever we lack anything.   Read this Bible verse and pray that God will deliver us.

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. " Psalms 18:2-3

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Spinach Leaves


Caleb is a good eater. He decided  he likes to eat 'leaves'.  That's what he calls spinach.

Ron and I ate with our friends at a restaurant near Cleveland  tonight that we generally go to about 8 times a year.  I hadn't noticed having the same waitress several times; but when we started to place our order, the she smiled and said "I think I know what you want", and then she told us down to the details. She was right and we were surprised and impressed.

From there we went on to Playhouse Square in Cleveland where we heard Joe Garry tell us about the play Anything Goes.  He always makes the excursion even better during"The Buzz" where he gives us a good background of the playwright, a brief synopsis of his life, why and how he wrote the play. He'll often tell about some of the actors as well.  It always turns out to be a long evening with the drive to and from, picking up friends, dinner, the Buzz and the performance.  tonight was no exception. It is late now and I am plenty tired.

I couldn't miss our Day 14 of prayer for the election.

Tonight I'll just quote a passage from the Old Testament with no comment. Let's just read it and praise God for his sovereignty.

"Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.  And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country."  Deuteronomy 28: 1-3

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

80's Cabaret



Here I go again with a layout of Ashley. I've  been blessed by lots of good pictures of her lately. In September, she sang the hit What About Love by Heart in a special 80's cabaret.  She really got into it and now says she loves the 80's.

 Weren't the 80's just a few months ago?  How did it get to be 2012 already?

The 80's seem not far behind me, but at the same time the year 2008 seems like forever ago.  Could anyone have imagined how much damage could have been done to a country in just four years? I would never guessed it possible...but we are seeing the consequences now of voting for Hope and Change.  We now hope to change the direction we are taking, by taking a closer look at our constitution and remembering how very well things were going before the Democrats took over the house and Senate in 2007 and crashed the housing market by insisting that banks loan money to people who could not afford to make the payments...some who couldn't even sign their names.

 I am incredulous. How did we let this happen?  And then we voted.  What a disaster... no corrections, just more of the same failed policies over and over. Instead of letting banks go back to making loans only for those who could pay for them, we forced other regulations on them and blamed them for bowing to the pressure of Congress.

We are now in Day 13 of the 40 days of prayer preceding the election.  At Bible study tonight, we were talking about prayer and Philippians 4: 6-7 came up on the table.  Many of us have felt some anxiety about the election and this verse speaks to that problem.

" Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let you requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

So continue to pray, letting your requests be known to God.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Dolls and a Tea Party


It's nice to see Ashley taking out her dolls once again.  Being a gramma, I believe it is too soon for her to sign off on the American Girl dolls.   

Today it seems kids are in much too much of a hurry to grow up, yet when the time comes for independence , they often revert to a crippled state, living with parents, taking a check from the government...


Today is Day 12 in our commitment to prayer for 40 days prior to the election. Prayer is powerful and we've been told to pray in all situations.  There are many little things for which we can pray every day and then there are major things for which to pray that mean a great deal to us and to many others.  The election is something that can make or break our nation. It had come  down to a time when there is a clear choice on the ballot.  We can continue to be the greatest nation on earth, no apologies necessary because we are a benevolent people, blessed by God...or we can head down the road of socialists, where everyone has his or her hand out, begging for whatever it is they want, not learning to stand up and strike out with a plan to earn whatever it is. It is the difference between making our own decisions or sitting back and being told what to do step by step.  There has never been a clearer choice. Yet many do not understand what is at stake.  We must not be fooled by  a flashy smile and promises of a perfect place where no one has to work too hard, but where everyone has what he or she  wants.


Please search your heart for what you think is right according to God's law. Then vote for the candidate that is more aligned with right and wrong.  Please pray that the eyes of the nation are opened and true knowledge will be revealed to us

Monday, October 8, 2012

ORU




ORU stands for Opinions R Us... we have enough opinions to keep you busy for hours any time you'd like to listen.   We are a multifaceted group, so be ready for some real inspiration.

Recently, we have been handicapped by the fact that we can rarely get  more than four or five of the board together at any given time.  There are just too many varied commitments that have come between us.  Some would say that is life.  And I suppose we would have to agree; but it is a real handicap, since the world would really profit from us brain storming more regularly.

Because of this lack of time together, we got all the way to October without celebrating three of our birthdays.  I'm sad to say that none have yet made national holidays. It is sure to happen; but until then, we are determined to do our part and to keep working to that end.

We missed Robin's birthday in July, Jill's in August and Teresa's in September. This has never happened before. Could it have something to do with the fact that none of us is anxious to be another year older?...or perhaps I am the only one with that problem?  In any care,  we are hoping to do better next year.

We are now on Day 11 of our 40 days of prayer for the election.

Tonight I have a serious prayer concern.  There have been a multitude of heinous threats made on Twitter against Mitt Romney and his family. Is is sad that there are always people who have no love for their fellow man and will do Satan's bidding.


According to federal law, the individuals who made the threats should expect a visit from the Secret Service:
(a) Whoever knowingly and willfully threatens to kill, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon—
(1) a former President or a member of the immediate family of a former President;
(2) a member of the immediate family of the President, the President-elect, the Vice President, or the Vice President-elect;
(3) a major candidate for the office of President or Vice President, or a member of the immediate family of such candidate; or
(4) a person protected by the Secret Service under section 3056 (a)(6);
shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
Many do  not expect this to be handled according to the law, since the Black Panthers got away with voter intimidation during the last election.  If that be the case, we must depend on God for safety.

Please pray for protection of Mitt, Paul  and their families and safety for all during the election.