October 16, 2007 - Msg 57056: Evenin' Porch Family:
Just checkin' in for a short time. Glad to see everyone up and about. Sorry about the sore throat, Merri! Praying for relief for the pain and irritation. Keep those fluids going!
We need rain too... so if ya don't mind, have the Lord spread the rain on the East Coast, that should get us. We're starting to feel the drought. Gonna go sit on my porch for a while. Oh yea, the neighbette test results are back and she has a circulation problem in her legs. It has a long name to it. We meet with the specialist tomorrow so he can tell her where we go from here. Please pray for her...(it's gonna be a challenge to keep that one still!!) ~New Neighbor
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57057: Hey- a sweep- Did I do that??? Not too bad (I don't even sweep that good at home!) ~New Neighbor
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57058:
Andy: Go ahead, I'm all ears.
Barney: You always was.
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57059:
Good one Boo, and good sweep NN !
That's what the Rockies did to my Diamondbacks!
REV- My Dbacks hit the self-destruct button!
Boo- Another good one... Did you know that there are no women in Heaven?
Yup, cause in Revelation, it says heaven was SILENT for a half hour! ha
OWW. that leg-o-lamb hurt!! ha
Good aim!
MDC
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57060: Prayers for Neighbette, New Neighbor. Would be interested in the actual name of the condition, when you get a chance.

Daphne, I didn't receive an email, so I would bet your suspicion is right. My spam filter gets a bit overzealous at times, and when I clean it out, if I don't recognize the address, it gets dumped. If this refers to the project for Millie, I'll bet she'd be pleased if you just gave the amount to your own church or favorite charity. If you'd prefer, though, send me another email and I can send you the address of the church her husband designated. Just put TAGS in the subject line, and I'll recognize it.

Speaking of TAGS, I hear the familiar whistle, so guess TVLand is showing some eps. I must go watch! --Romeena
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57061: Prayers for all ya'll, especially Merri's tonsils, Lucy's back, Neighbette's legs and thanksgiving for Brittney's good news, Romeena.
Belle

"You would have to show up today, Otis. One loaded goat at a time is about all I can handle."
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57062: Did someone mention goats?
hm
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57063: Yeah....loaded ones.

Prayers for your daughter, NNeighbor. Hope it's nothing serious. Let us know what you find out as soon as you can.

Funny, MDC...funny as a hangnail.

Boo
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57064: Oh, forgot to tell you that I got a call from Jill tonight and little Layla is in the hospital with a staph infection on her bottom. I think they are giving her IV antibiotics and if that doesn't work, they said something about surgery? I can't imagine. I just saw her a week ago and there was nothing on her bottom that I could see. Please remember her in your prayers. Thanks,

Boo
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57065: Oh, my. Boo, I'm sorry to hear that about little Layla. All sorts of implications there, unfortunately. The old Carpenters' song comes to mind - "Bless the beasts and the children, for in this world they have no voice." Sad, but true. Prayers for that baby.

Blessings, friends. --Romeena

October 16, 2007 - Msg 57066:
Hello porch family.

Ro...that's the great thing about having your house on wheels.
Praise the Lord for Brittney's report!

Merri W.....praying you get feeling better real soon.

New N.....praying for your Neighbette.

MDC...yep....you're right about the D-Backs. Self-Destuction button.

Prayers for little Layla.

Hey Spot....praying for your rain buddy. It's dry in SC too. Se ya at breakfast.

Prayers for all the porch family. Have a Jesus filled night.
-REV
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57067: Hey, Just wanted to check in and say good night. Here's a site some might find interesting esp. those with kids. It is a Camera set up at a watering hole in Africa. http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/wildcamafrica/

Anyway, we enjoy watching it. We've seen elephants, gazelles, lots of cool birds. It works best though if you don't have dial-up.

Prayers for all the porch family. Esp. little Layla.

My boys are enjoying the baseball post season.

Remember my 14 yo tomorrow. HE's taking the PSAT. He's just a freshman so it won't really matter for the National Merit Scholarship or anything. He's just taking it for practice. He tests well, but for some reason he's nervous.

Hubby went to play practice again for me tonight. I"ve got to go Thursday because he has a meeting. I'm getting better at not being upset about my little guy's hurt.

Blessings to all. Where's breakfast tomorrow?


OPiemom
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57068: Oh goodness. I feel absolutely sick about baby Layla. She's on my mind so much as it is. I was hoping that being removed would give her the fresh start she so desperately needs. BOO, I want to do something for her, but I can't. All I can do is pray. Oh, when you see her, please give her a hug from me. I'd appreciate it.

I stopped in to say thank you to each and every one of you who wished me well! You all are so caring and so willing to send up prayers and good thoughts for everyone. It's just so darn nice!

MDC, LOVED your Professor story! I really got a kick out of it, especially since it's nice to know that there are others out there like me! HA!

We had a mock funeral tonight for my computer. It literally went KAPUT! and then promptly died. Thankfully, I had an old spare in my closet...you'd be amazed at what's in my closet but that's another topic for another day. I'm feeling pretty puny so off I go.

Love you all! Many, many blessings to each of you. PEACE.

Merri W.

Anybody been up late enough to watch reruns of
"Designing Women" on TVLand? Alice Ghostley is in an episode I'm watching right now--she was a hoot!
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57069: Shoneys on ME!...morning Rev my buddy,Tom,boo,ro,possum,auh20,M-T,horatio,opiemom,new N,dr.P,merri,mdc,md,lucy,belle and all...at work now and got to get logged in....SPOT
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57070: Uh, Merri W.....I think you confused MDC with DES. I can tell you that I highly doubt that MDC had a crush on the Proffesor...although, we don't discriminate around here....hehe.

Thanks for the prayers for Layla. I am torn over whether I should try to visit the hospital. I really don't want to have to deal with Jill or her husband if they are there. I have a good friend who works at the children's hospital who can do some investigating for me and then I will decide.

Better scoot...

Boo
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57071: Mornin' Porch Family:
Off from "work" today, so now MAYBE some darn squirrel won't short out all of town and the electricity won't go off. THEN I CAN SWEEP MY HOUSE FOR SURE!!! Thanks for all the prayers for neighbette. We have a 3:00 Dr. appt. today with the cardiologist to tell us the dirt on her legs. I'll post this evenin' when I get the name of the problem.
Prayers especially for little Layla. Staph is especially dangerous,as there are so many "bugs" that are now antibiotic resistant. They are now called "super bugs". See, we don't need an atomic bomb to go off to wipe out the population. We are dying from the inside out!! Lord, put your arms of protection around little Layla. Give the Dr. wisdom, and the antibiotic extra super-natural strength to fight the infection. In Jesus's name. AMEN ~New Neighbor
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57072: Good morning everyone. It's going to be another abnormally warm day here today (drat you Al Gore!). They are saying that the current drought will likely continue through December. The bottom is literally falling out of the umbrela business.

Prayers for NEW NEIGHBOR's young un and poor little Layla. Heck, and the rest of you and your families, too.

AUH2O: I am very, very disappointed regarding your pronouncement yesterday. I understand where you are coming from, and that you don't want to be a catalyst for a moulage. But I am a little angry that I can't engage in friendly conversation with you in an area I really enjoy chatting with you about all because of some third party (yes, I really said third party Helen). You certainly can choose to comment on what you like, but don't fault me if I try and draw you out from time to time.

Where's ASA? APB for CHARLOTTE, IDELLE, LUCY (hope you back is feeling better), AFD, GOOBER, et al. Maybe we need to have a reunion. But don't invite that Sharon DeSpain; she's thinks she's such a big fish.

See y'all at lunch.

Me-They
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57073: THis is for you, AUH2O: Did you read the report about the Lynn Cheney interview yesterday? No joke, she revealed that her research for her new book uncovered that Dick Cheney and Barrak Obama are actually eighth cousins. Stranger than fiction.

M-T
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57074: Romeena! Later today i'll dig out my last email to you and resend it. :)

Boo, thanks for your response. I should have known politics would eventually be banned from such a peaceful place as the front porch. ;)

I'll remember that next time.

You all have a terrific time a'rockin and may God bless you all HEAPS today.

~Daph.
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57075: Hey, as far as I'm concerned, Daph, politics are NOT banned from the porch. Please feel free to express you opinions and concerns; that's what friends do.

Continued prayers for Neighbette.

Me-They, we are having summer weather here. Supposed to be 92 today and 95 tomorrow!! They are predicting a cool front on Moday but I hate to get my hopes up. I heard on the news today that 43% of the country are in a drought. Hope that ends soon.

Boo
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57076: Good morning all. M-T, please continue on as always. I certainly don't expect you or auh20 or anyone else to curtail anything for a 3rd, 2nd or even a 1st party. Politic-on my friend. So, please don't be disappointed or angry any longer. Now I hope we can put this behind us and get back to the normal porch.

BOO, I should have figured I got the wrong porchster last night! Sorry MDC, I meant DeS. My blooper. Please keep us posted on what you decide to do about a hospital visit.

We're supposed to have severe weather this evening with the talk of a couple possible tornadoes. I love a good thunderstorm but start to get a bit nervous when they talk about tornadoes. Basements aren't very common in this area so storm shelter choices are very limited. Usually, it's the interior bathroom for us.

By the way, Hey to DAPHNE. I don't think I've gotten to know you since I've started posting not long ago. Good to see you here!

Well, better get back to chores. Have a great day everyone.

Warm wishes---Merri W.
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57077: Morning Folks

Another nice fall day here, 55 and sunny.

Boo-Thanks for your kind words the other day. Ya know, what you were speaking of there was the only time I was ever mad reading something here. And, I was mad. Prayers for "Little Layla."

New Neighbor-Prayers for your neighbette and you.

Spot-Hey! Shoney's sounds great. I think? We don't have them up this way but if you recommend it I'm sure it's good.

M-T Yes, I did read that article that you mentioned, very neat. They have so much in common why didn't we see it sooner? I love genealogy, just love it. Most of my family got run out of England during the 1600s, something about believing in the Lord and not the king that upset them. You probably won't find this too surprising but I am a direct descendant of Benedict Arnold, among others.

Barney: "Knock it off, Floyd."
auh2o
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57078:
Hey Merri W- Be safe. Thank goodness we don't deal tornadoes too much around here.

auh2o
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57079: AUH2O: I wrote a paper on Benedict Arnold in college entitled, "Benedict Arnold: True American Patriot." No foolin.

MERRI: I was just funnin' with the "third party" crack (remember that line from the epsiode where Barney and Thelma Lou get in a fight and Barney ends up breaking Andy and Helen up over it?). Anyway, I'm not angry with you or anybody else. As far as I'm concerned, all is normal on the porch, even through a moulage. Sometimes, the peace gets broken and that's okay. It reminds me of that episode where Andy and Aunt Bee are sitting on the porch and she is remarking about how peaceful it is, then Andy says "watch this" and gets all the dogs in town barking. That's funny. And life.

Me-They
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57080: Good morning, everyone. Merri W, you are a classy lady. No particular reason, you just are. And yes, I've been watching "Designing Women". It was one of my favorites when it originally ran, I've enjoyed the occasional rerun periods over the years, and I'm glad TV Land is running it now. It manages to take very serious subjects now and then, put the point over, and still be funny as all get-out.

One of my favorites ran the other night. In it, Suzanne attends a high-school class reunion, and is humiliated when many of her classmates make remarks about her weight. Her speech as she accepts the award for "most changed" is very touching.

That episode also spotlighted world hunger, and the writing was brilliant. They made the obvious contrast between Suzanne's weight problem, and the fact that children starve worldwide, but it was handled with such sensitivity, not at all preachy or contrived. In the episode, they stated that 40,000 children starve DAILY, worldwide. In a few days, that would equal the number of people who died in Hiroshima. That sent me to the internet to research it, and I found differing reports, possibly due to the passage of time and the efforts of relief organizations, but still the numbers are chilling and heartbreaking. One report says 27,000 children die daily. Not quite 40,000, but the only acceptable number would be 0.

I'm not trying to start a moulage here - I don't think this topic is moulage material - but it's certainly something to think about. It's a very difficult problem, with a lot of facets.

What's the root cause of all this hunger?
Should the US send aid, when we have proof that most of what we send is siphoned off by corrupt governments?
Over-population in countries too arid to produce much food seems to be a factor - should we link aid to birth control?
How do we convince uneducated people that birth control is a good thing? Should we try?
Now here's a really knotty question, and I have no answer. Is it right to provide temporary support for starving people, when their first response is to reproduce, which only compounds the problem? Would it be better to let the inevitable course of events solve the problem, as it does in nature? How does this fit with Jesus' command to feed the hungry?

Well, there you have it. Now, see there, Merri, what a mess you got us into? You mentioned "Designing Women", and all this popped up! (heehee)

Comments, anyone? --Romeena
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57081: auh20 shoneys is a GOOD buffett breakfast bar...lunch is home made chili and ham samaches..cold milk...busy here at work...SPOT
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57082: Hello Merri W., nice to meet you!

Boo, thank you for your message.

Okay Romeena, yank me from your SPAM folder... your message awaits! :)

Smiles to you all,
~Daphne.


October 17, 2007 - Msg 57083:

Mornin' honeys. Mornin' dears.

Ro, I think you hit the nail on the head with Option 1, i.e., "siphoned off by corrupt governments." Only it's not always siphoned off. There have been many cases in which perishable food sat waiting for its hungry recipients and allowed to rot due to what can only be described as good old punitive evil and meanness. I don't think this is reason to give up trying to get food to the hungry, though; so much does make it through. I don't think attempts to educate people about birth control should be abandoned either. It's so frustrating to see people reproducing with abandon despite impoverished living conditions, but cultural mores and indoctrinations run very deep and are the hardest to overcome. Sometimes it all appears futile and it's hard to remember that many of these people are innocent victims of greedy, corrupt governments, and in many cases, cruel and barbaric cultural traditions. There are several grassroots organizations out there which do more than just hand out food. There is one that donates farm animals and teaches people how to use these animals and their small tracts of land as cornerstones to a lucrative future. There are also organizations, Christian and otherwise, that use education as their primary arsenal. I believe the situation can be changed, but it will take a lot of time and unrelenting effort.

Merri, great to see you posting. No worries about the case of mistaken identity; I'm honored to be confused with MDC. I hope that remote didn't do any permanent damage to the Mister. ;-) I also hope them 'naders don't come your way. Do you live in "Tornado Alley?"

M-T, I was talking to Lydia the other day. She lives in Raleigh and was telling me how bad the drought in that region had gotten. I had no idea. I hope you get some much-needed rain soon.

SPOT, Shoney's is great! I had chili yesterday, so I think I'll just grab one of them ham sammiches.

My prayers are going up for Layla, Boo. I think I'll put on Eric Clapton's (or Derek & the Dominos, to be precise) "Layla" in her honor. Please keep us posted.

Love to all!

~DeS~
.
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57084: Romeena, I often think about the problem of world hunger, among other things like persecution. I also feel guilty sometimes for being overweight when so many in this world are hungry. Just isn't fair. I think the only answer for this world is the spread of the gospel. Where the gospel goes, people change. Where people change, there is less suffering. I believe with all my heart that the reason this country has been so blessed is because of Christianity and our ancestors who passed their beliefs onto their children. It could happen elsewhere. I love it when Jesus talks about "the light" vs. "the darkness" and how evil men love darkness because their deeds are evil. Those evil men control countries and everyone suffers in the darkness, but when the light of the gospel comes, it can make all the difference. It takes time, though, and people willing to give and to go. One thing we can all do is pray and that can move many mountains. We can go when we can, too, like you. How are things in the mission in Mongolia? We haven't heard anything for awhile.

Oh, also there are christian organizations that can make a definite difference in other countries. We have to do our homework to find out where we can do the most good, but those opportunities are out there.

Boo
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57085: What a nice thing to do, DES. I'm sure Layla would thank you if she could.

Boo
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57086: Hey daph,des,boo,ro...apb on Asa....miss sherry and i are going on a bike ride this afternoon...supper will be grilled hamburgers and chips,baked beans,big maude slaw and tea...and some left over chili if ya want a bowl...well my day is about done then off till sat morning...Rev you look for that UPS truck for supper...hey ment to ask are you on the road or at home?..well dont matter we will get ya a plate....prayers to all in need...SPOT
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57087: I wonder, do you think our nation’s prosperity is a blessing, or perhaps maybe a curse? Unlike many “name it and claim it” prosperity-gospel advocates, I don’t think the Lord cares a wit whether we are financially well-off or not. And not because He doesn’t love us, but exactly because He does love us so much. The Bible tells us that a wealthy man has a better chance of climbing through that needle’s eye than making it into heaven. It’s not because the money and things he has are inherently evil—they’re just things after all. No, it’s because of what money does to a man; it makes him feel self-dependant, and powerful over his own destiny.

I believe that this country is moving farther from Biblical principles precisely because of its wealth. Where is the revival these days? Among the poor of Africa and Asia. People who have nothing to lose and everything to gain. In the meantime, our culture increasingly worships the god of money. When was the last time you saw someone giving everything to the poor and following Him in your town? People have all sorts of excuses: it’s a different time, I have to think of my family first, retirement, nest egg, kids college fund, etc. But the Bible is timeless. We will be judged accordingly. To him much is given, much is expected.

The situation of the world's poor is terrible. But I wonder if it's the rest of us who are really the ones to pity, especially if we fail this test.

Anyway, so ends my sermon of the day.

Me-They
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57088: Prayers for Layla and New Neighbor's little one.

Should we get up a posse to look for Asa? Hope all's well with him & his family. I recall Asa mentioning some time back that he was expecting a new grandbaby-just don't remember when it was due.Sure hope he's AWOL for something like that and not problems with Mrs. Asa's health.

Y'all have a good day!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57089: DES: Is that the same LYDIA from Miss Crump's?

M-T
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57090: I liked your sermon,Me-They. And it wasn't dry as dust either!

Seriously,you have a good point there-Amen.

possum again
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57091:

I don't think it's the same Lydia, M-T. This Lydia was the one from the original Frank's Porch from '95/'96.

Good sermon, btw. Lots to think about.

~DeS~
.
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57092: Agreeing with your comments M-T. I think our wealth makes us think we are in charge. We give to a couple of Christian groups which teach people how to grow crops, raise animals etc. Birth control isn't an answer. Children are a blessing from the Lord, Blessed is the man whose quiver is full. That concept is foreign here in the U.S.

Opiemom
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57093: I see your point, M-T, but I don't feel like I am being cursed when my Heavenly Father provides for my needs. I'm certainly no "prosperity, name-it-and-claim-it" Christian but I am thankful for everything good that God provides and I do absolutely think He has blessed this nation over the years. I believe that God has used the nation to send the gospel into the world and it is a shining example of freedom; freedom to love and worship God as we please, freedom to pursue what we believe. We are also a very charitable nation. I'm not ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Yes, wickedness does abounds, but grace abounds more...(my opinion).

Boo
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57094: Well said, folks, good points made. I, too, have thought that since at least some small portion of the aid we send does get to the people, perhaps we should keep sending, and ignore the fact that most of it is either stolen or wasted. However, I wonder if that's poor stewardship of resources. That's not an opinion, it's a question.

I realize that we're battling cultural beliefs in trying to promote birth control. It happens right here, so certainly it's strong in developing countries. It annoys me to no end to see some strutting little rooster acting all proud of himself because his 20-something wife has just delivered their fifth or sixth child. Never mind that the other kids are thin, barefoot and dirty, and are at the hospital at 3 a.m. because the family couldn't pay a sitter. He doesn't seem to realize when he tries to cadge an extra package of diapers out of us, or hides blankets under his shirt, that we might question his right to celebrate the birth of yet another responsibility.

I'll say frankly that these situations occur most often, though not exclusively, in either illegal or first-generation American Hispanic families. I say it because it points out the problem presented by cultural beliefs and traditions. Hispanics who have assimilated into this culture - such as my next-door neighbor - are appalled, and as she put it "I'd like to slap them upside their heads!" She's a kindergarten teacher, and sees the results of "daddy's macho pride" every day. She has two daughters, and has put them both through college.

I don't mean to be singling Hispanics out here - they're just the ones who happen to live near me.
We have some of the same problems with folks in Appalachia and other poverty pockets in the U.S. The common denominator seems to be ignorance - lack of education. I wish I had some answers, how to deliver appropriate education, and make folks aware that there's no glory in producing a child you cannot feed.

Well, somebody change the subject. That's enough doom and gloom. Daphne, I got your email, answer sent. Babe's sounds wonderful!!

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57095: Sorry, Opiemom, I didn't see you there. We must have posted at the same time. It would seem we have a different opinion about birth control, but I suspect we're not very far apart. I agree, children are a blessing from God, He encouraged us to be fruitful and multiply, but I think He also expects us to be responsible and not bring children into misery and want. In countries where most of the children die of starvation before the age of five, there's no glory in yet another birth.

I have four children, and lost a fifth at three months. We fed them, clothed and housed them, and educated them, so I make no apologies for having so many - I'm proud of them. However, when children are locked in a cycle of poverty and want, you have to wonder. Better to have one or two, and feed them adequately and maybe even educate them, than to have six, or eight, or ten, and everybody goes hungry.

One of the organizations you mention is very likely one that's a favorite of mine - Heifer International. I've contributed to them for years, and I think their whole concept is wonderful. There are others who operate under the same concept, I just got started with Heifer years ago, and have continued.

My unit manager at the hospital had a wonderful idea last year. She heard by the grapevine that we were taking up a contribution to get her a Christmas gift, and she asked that we pool the money and send it to Heifer instead of buying her something. We did, and I suspect people kicked in more than they had planned to, when they learned where it was going. Makes you feel right good!

Well, once again -- blessings, all. --Romeena
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57096:

Ro, Heifer International is one of the organizations I had in mind when I posted. I agree with you wholeheartedly that there is no glory in rampant reproduction for the sake of doing so (or out of ignorance). The innocent babies have no control over what environment they're born into. I agree that babies are indeed a blessing. So much so, they deserve the utmost consideration. With respect to the Bible, I can't help but note that the world was much less populous then. Unfortunately, things are much different now.

~DeS~
.
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57097: I agree with your birth control opinion, too, ROMEENA. I believe that is one of the most misinterpreted verses in the Bible. Children are indeed a blessing, but God gave a us a brain and good sense for a reason. We're not bunnies. That said, on this score each one has to discern for him/herself.

BOO: You're wrong, so nyah, nyah! Just kidding. I hear what you are saying and agree to a point. I, too, am very thankful for all my blessings. But I can't help what I see around me. I wonder how suprised our ancestors would be at what we today consider essential. How much more could we do without some of our "essential" luxuries? Yes, God has blessed this nation over the years, and he has blessed others, too. I don't think God is pro-democracy any more than any other (viable, benevolent) political system. In Christ's day, a democratic republic was unthinkable, and nowhere in the Bible are the principles of a democracy (any more than some other political systems) championed. That said, it's the best political system I am aware of, and I thank God I was born in the good old USA.

Interestingly, you say, as many others have, that, "God has used the nation to send the gospel into the world and it is a shining example of freedom; freedom to love and worship God as we please, freedom to pursue what we believe." I think you're right. But since our early Christian forefathers came from Christian Europe, might have Europeans claimed the same thing about sending the gospel here? And what about the Christian Romans before them? And the eastern Jews before them? Yes, God has used this nation--us--in spreading his Gospel. But we are not unique in this respect; He has used many, many peoples before us. At least that's my take.

Me-They
"Are you being obtuse?"
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57098: You make a good point, Me-They, but could God use a Frenchman?....hehe, just kidding. I do absolutely agree that the pedulum has swung too far when it comes to the lavish lifstyle of most of us Americans. Also, many terrible things are being done in the name of freedom and civil rights (my opinion...don't anyone throw a rock at me. I don't want to have to see the taxidermist). You said you were a "closet socialist" but I think you are "out of the closet" by now. I love the way you speak your mind on things.

Boo
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57099: Lawsie, I need to strap on my thinking cap and see if I can add my 2 cents worth without sounding like a doofus. Well, first off, I'm very jaded about the views on birth control. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that people who WANT to use bc but DON'T because of man-made religious doctrine. My mom was one of twelve kids. TWELVE KIDS growing up in the 50's and 60's. Her dad was a staunch pre-Vatican II kind of guy and would not hear of birth control, despite my grandmother's wishes. He believed his priest who thought God wanted Catholics to reproduce like animals so the pews could be filled, hence the world would eventually be Catholic. The repercussions of that irresponsible view is immeasurable. My mom told me awful stories of going to bed hungry many nights or only having a bowl of beans for the whole day. There was a winter where my grandfather was laid off of work and the kids went to school without shoes. The Nuns finally got together and provided shoes for the kids. There was never any milk in the house let alone a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. To this day, I think my mom's health problems are stemmed from malnutrition in her formative years. It was also incredibly hard on my grandmother who nearly died twice in childbirth and also lost a baby. I, of course, believe that Children are a blessing. But to reproduce without thought, with total abandon, is irresponsible (imo.) It can't be God's plan to have babies born into disease, filth, starvation, and almost immediately into a horrible death. What purpose does that serve but to further human suffering? It just perpetuates evil. God did indeed want us to be fruitful and multiply, but I think that has been somewhat misinterpreted over the years. When that was written, I believe God intended the Jews to go forth and be fruitful. I don't think it was a doctrine for modern history. With that said, I have no problem with people who choose to have large families as long as they can support the children in a healthy and productive environment. Actually, I don't care if you have a pet hamster, just be responsible for your choices.

When it comes right down to it, to me, there are the Shepherds and the Lambs. We are part of the Shepherds; we are born with responsibility and the capability to help the Lambs who are lost in this world. God has called each of us to do something--to use our lives for the better good of humanity. I strongly believe in that.

Well, that's enough outta me. Auh2O, thanks for the well-wishes. I'll be battening down the hatches and DeS, I'm not "officially" in tornado alley but real darn close. As a matter of fact, the particular area we moved to is historically prone to tornadoes so when we built our little house on the prairie, we made her all brick. At least I have a little peace of mind. I have neighbors that have built self-reliant bunkers. Steel enforced concrete that can take 200 plus mph! Maybe I should hang out with them tonight! Maybe I'll take over some meatballs...

ROMEENA, thank you for the lovely comment. That was such a sweet thing to say. I appreciate it. But remind me to never bring up "Designing Women" again! HA!! Just teasin'!

M-T, I know someone has said it before, but you're a bird in this world!

HEY to everyone else! Talk to you real soon.

Merri Weather (praying for "merri weather" tonight!)


ANDY: You can't be serious about resigning. What in the world will you do?

Barney: Oh, I don't know... I could go up to the pickle factory. They always need a brine tester.


*Oh how I love that Barney Fife!*




October 17, 2007 - Msg 57100: Sorry Porchsters, I always seem to leave a huge post. I'll try to work on that and trim it down some. Sorry about that! --MW
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57101: Are we going to have a halloween party and if so where at .

TOM
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57102: Well, I have to say that I see where Opiemom is coming from. While I don't advocate having children irresponsibly, I think that if Christian families would consider having larger families, they could make more of an impact for good in this world. I, myself, had my first at age 33 and wanted him very much, but after he was born, my husband wanted another and I refused, for rather selfish reasons. I just didn't want to be bothered. Then one day I attended a great conference on the family, taught by a terrific christian scholar by the name of Doug Philips. He talked about the impact godly children can make in this world, especially godly women. It really opened my eyes and right there in the pew I realized that it wasn't all about ME and I asked God to forgive me. I told him that day that if it were his will, I would raise a girl for him (or boy if he chose). One year later, Erin was born, even though my doctor called her a miracle, due to the ovarian cysts I had and my age, etc. I was almost 40 when she was born. Has it been easy having a young child at my age? No way! haha, but I am so glad I did. It gives me joy that I can't even express to hear my wild-eyed little blonde angel singing about Jesus. I know she is here because He wants her here and has a plan for her life. I have to remind myself of that when I am tempted to get so busy that I don't spend time with her as I should. I have a big responsibility and this life's not about what makes me happy, it's about what god wants, right? It is amazing, though, that when we let god have the reigns, even though things can get hard, there is great joy in living for Him.

Me-They, are you familiar with singer/songwriter/minister, Keith Green? He died in a plane crash at age 28. He was pretty radical and a real thinker. I believe you would really like him. You can watch his biography on YouTube and hear some of his songs. There is one called "Asleep In The Light" that I think you would like. You can listen to it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcVXF-sFeOo&mode=related&search=

Boo
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57103: Why, the Remshaw House of course, TOM.

Boo
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57104: Oh, boy, a party! Count me in - I'll bring some popcorn balls and some apples for bobbing. Our local Kroger has a supply of those wonderful Honeycrisp apples right now - I just bought five. they are so good!

Opiemom, it's definitely true that responsible people need to be raising children, in order to help combat the ignorance and suffering in this world. If you want to read the flip side of that, just Google "Jose Angel Gutierrez" and read the excerpts from some of his speeches. They will shock you. He is not a nice man.

I just love reading everyone's comments. Certainly there are differences of opinion, but what always fascinates me is the fact that we agree on more points than we differ. That's why this porch works so well.

I love and respect each one of you. Blessings! --Romeena
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57105:
SPOT- I saw pictures of your Lake Lanier on the news.. that is dog gone LOW my friend! Prayers your way. Even the boat docks were in dry dock!
MerriWeather- yup, that was DES. We gotta keep these 3 letter handles "straight." haha
Me like Mary Ann and Ginger, not too keen on professor. (Besides, why did he bring all those books on a 3 hour tour??) ha
"Pudintame, ask me again, and I'll tell ya the same."
Which reminds me, it's scares me to see Putin meeting with smiling A did a Jaud!
M-T-- Did you say "engage (in conversation)"
hey everyone, Andy and Helen is gettin engaged!
Dick and Obama huh?, I think the whole country is cousins, ha
Oh yeah, if RR is looking in, I saw MW riding to Mt Pilot with Gomer in his pickup truck. And you thought you had her in your hip pocket!
Well,Prayers continue for all.
MDC

October 17, 2007 - Msg 57106:
Hello porch family. Just checking in a qiuck second. I've got a concert tonight and I've got to get ready. Pray you all are having a blessed day.

Spot....hey brother...you asked where I'm at...well I'm in Tn tonight for a concert but I leave out tomorrow for Fryeburg, Me. I'll get us some lobsters for a huge porch cook out while I'm there.

Gotta go...prayers for all!
-REV.
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57107: MDC, you are seriously killing me! How funny are you?? Oh my goodness, that's the funniest thing I've heard today...

BOO, I agree with you about bringing up strong, Christian women and like I said, I really don't have a problem with parents who want large families and are able to care for them properly. They are doing the world a favor for certain. Just in my personal family's history, my grandfather was a Christian only by title and not by definition. He was an alcoholic and squandered the money he should have been using on supporting his large family, on beer and cigarettes. He was weak, bless his soul.

And then we have the third world situation where the people are bringing child after child into the world and the mothers are so malnourished, they are unable to even give enough breast milk to sustain their children. Anyway, I see where OPIEMOM is coming from, too. Any mom like her who can homeschool five children, have to be commended. I'll say it again, they really are doing the world a favor by raising such wonderful kids whom are going to go out into the world and make a difference for the better! Here I go getting wordy again...well, it's Wednesday night and since my house is a wreck (I just don't have the energy right now with being cruddy and chasing a 2 year old all day to do much) and hubby is at work, so I broke down and put a Stouffer's mac n cheese meal in the oven. The buzzer just went off and I need to make some peas and apple juice. TOM, a Halloween party sounds like a lot of fun! I have a Halloween poem I wrote for some party invitations I just put out. I'll have to submit it on the 31st.

Have a good dinner everyone. Toodles...MW

October 17, 2007 - Msg 57108: It look like MW and ROMEENA can uesd some help cleaning house?
So we can have a party of help cleaning are friend houuse for thim.

TOM

October 17, 2007 - Msg 57109: Hey Porchsters! Sorry to have been gone so long, we were in Gettysburg for a little over a week for a dog show & vacation & when we got back, there was so much to do here. Why is it, you can get ready, go out on vacation, no one is here at the house & there is so much to do when you get home? Wonder what causes that?? We had a ball in PA, Darla, the young Bull Terrier, took first in her class on Thurs, 4th in her class on Fri, didn't show on Sat & we missed Sun because we were running late! She did GREAT & all those Bullies in one place, I felt like I was in heaven on earth! They are such wonderful, funny dogs!
The battlefield is HUGE! Last time I was there, I was in elementary school, we went for a field trip, but I certainly don't remember the place being that big. Really gives you a feel for what the Blue & Gray boys went through fighting that war. We do plan to go back, it's a neat place to go!
Well, gotta get some furry kids fed & ready for bed, prayers for those that need them, gonna feed children & read the archives.
*Mavis
any old tramps down there?
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57110: Porch Family-
Hold your APB. Asa has been found! He wanted me to pass along that he is quite busy with his work, and trying to keep a household going. Tonight is especially a bad one for Mrs. Asa. He asks that we continue to hold her up in Prayer for strength and healing. The medicine she has taken has done some liver damage and now she cannot take the meds for MS. We also need to lift Asa for strength, patience, rest and endurance. They are such a great family, and are depending on us to carry their burden to the Lord. How about 9:00 ET tonight we bond together for them?
Now, about Neighbette, she has a condition called "Raynaud Phenomenon". It has to do with circulation, and temp.(although she doesn't notice that being a real factor) blood pressure, etc. Not life threatening, but a real nuisance.
Prayers for all the porch family. ~New Neighbor & Neighbette
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57111: Sorry there Mavis, didn't mean to rock on your toes. ~New Neighbor
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57112:
"Ring a ding ding, will you look at what just got off that bus!"
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57113:
It's MAVIS! good to have ya back.
MDC
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57114: Well, thank you, Tom. What a kind offer, and I can sure use some help getting this place cleaned up.

New Neighbor, I know a tiny bit (very tiny!) about Raynaud's phenomenon. I had a friend about 25 years ago who had it, and it mostly affected her hands. She was pretty much okay in warm weather, but in the winter, if she got cold, her hands just turned dark purple, and became very painful. I didn't know it could affect the legs as well. The treatment she was given involved rubbing Nitro ointment on her hands to improve the circulation. A side effect of that was a pounding headache, so she usually just avoided getting cold, wore gloves, and didn't go outdoors much in the winter. I hope there have been some improvements in treatment since then.

Yes, Asa and his wife need our prayers. They're going through a very difficult time right now. Pray for healing for her, and strength for him.

I declare, some folks just don't have a lot of smart. The agent who manages my rentals called, the tenant in the smaller house was complaining because her disposer just quit. So, I called my handyman friend, Ted, who went over to try to fix it. He had to completely dismantle it, which will cost me $45, but he got it running. Seems it was full of big chunks of broken glass! Yep, I'd think it would quit if you fed it glass. Not the brightest bulb on the tree, that lady. I may have to charge that $45 back to her. We'll see.

Well, time to scrounge up something to eat. Maybe one of those good apples and a piece of cheese. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57115:
New Neighbor-Glad to hear Neighbette is going to be fine. And, thanks for filling us in on Asa and his wife. I'll certainly keep prayer for our good friend's family. I know we all will.

M-T Benedict Arnold really was a hero, as well as, a villain. If it wasn't for that whole "treason thing," he probably would have been eclipsed only by Washington for Revolutionary heroics.

REV-I think last time I missed out on the lobster so I'm gonna make sure I get a seat this time.

Mavis-I just love going to Gettysburg. I can remember looking down on Seminary Ridge for the first time and thinking, oh my God, what they (the Confederates) must have went through.

R.I.P. Michael P. Murphy

auh2o
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57116: Yes, it is something to behold auh2o all the fields, monuments and the buildings right in town make for a great trip. My back was really bothering me, so we didn't walk a whole lot, but did enjoy it. Anyone who hasn't been to Gettysburg, if you get the chance...GO! You won't regret it.
Best get ready for bed, got an early day of it tomorrow & one of my hardest dogs to groom on the schedule. She is very sweet, well-behaved, even played the role of Sandy when our town theater did Annie, but she is sooooo thick and hairy, takes forever to get her brushed out & dried! So I need my rest.
Night Porch!
*Mavis
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57117: Hello everyone.

auh2o, I also wish to offer a R.I.P. to Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, US Navy, who will be posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor later this month. He was killed in action in Afghanistan back in June 2005. But let's not forget the other two sailors who died with Lt Murphy (Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny Dietz and Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson), and the 16 other unnamed troops who came to their rescue but were also killed when their helicopter was shot down by a "lucky shot" (according to a U.S. Army general). 19 dead on a single covert mission. Only one sailor survived and was eventually rescued.
Why was this so costly? Or was it just another example of bad things happening to good people? It kind of tests your faith, don't it?
May they all rest in peace.

from Poor Horatio
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57118: ATTENTION PORCH FAMILY--this is Merri Weather asking all my porch friends to start praying for us and our community. Tornadoes touched down and destroyed a home and barn. I had a tornado touch down a half mile behind my house and the storms are starting as we speak...please say prayers that we are all safe tonight and weather these frightening storms. Thank you all.
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57119:
Hello porch family. Well the concert went great tonight. We had a large croud and the Lord truly moved on hearts.

Mavis....good to see ya back.

Prayers for Asa and Mrs Asa.

New N....still praying for Neighbette.

auh2o....I'll be sure to get plenty of lobster so you'll have all you want. We'll get our buddy Spot to cook them up for us.

Better get to bed. I've got a long haul tomorrow. Probably won't get to check back in until the weekend so you all be good to each other and know that I'm praying for all the porch family.
-REV.
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57120:
Sure will be praying for the folks in the storm area and for our Merri Weather!
-REV.
October 17, 2007 - Msg 57121: Yep, some things just can't be figured out, can they PH? Good to see you back on the porch, BTW.

Good to see MAVIS, too.

Prayers for Asa and Mrs. Asa, bless their hearts. They must really be going through it. Tonight in church we were talking about Acts, chapter 1 and about the apostles suffered and were killed for their faith. We talked about how God gave them the strength to endure, or there was no way they could have. That same God that gave them the power to be crucified, imprisoned, beaten, shot full of arrows, and a myriad of other sufferings, is the same God we serve today and I believe He can strengthen and uphold Asa and his dear wife. His grace is sufficient in our weakness.

Goodnight Porch,

Boo
October 18, 2007 - Msg 57122:
Morning Porch

Merri Weather-Yes, Prayers for your family and area. Almost couldn't swallow my toast reading your post just now. Please check in when you get a chance. God Bless!

Merri-I just saw the report on the news unbelievable, again, God Bless!

Poor Horatio-Thanks for printing the whole picture. How is that more people know about Ellen Degeneres' puppy troubles then know what these hero's went through ... for us? I think part of the reason it was so costly, and this ties into earlier the faith discussion, I believe, is because this is a great country (with great men and women in our military). For sure with some short comings but nonetheless a great nation. The individual is valued in here. Our nation wasn't designed as some great gulping machine, who's only purpose was to exist. The individual was at the very beginning, "We the People..."

Rev-Thanks, but I'm still gonna get there early. Thanks also for the prayers.

Greg Brady: "My Sister, Benedict Arnold."

auh2o