May 16, 2016 - Msg 104688: Thanks, Ro.

I shouldn't have brought up the subject here on the porch. I was just hurting and it's usually a place I come to for comfort. I love all of you and I know bringing up something like this is going to bring out some uncomfortable feelings and conversation.

It's just hard when it's your child, and you have been dealing with the pain, and panic, and heartache for 20 years. I have come to a place of peace with God over it. My son was born very different..much like the boy you mentioned above. I knew very early on and I started praying, begging, bargaining, you name it. I hurt my own child by saying hurtful things to him over things he didn't have control over at a young age. He didn't get along well with his dad because as much as Bruce hates to think about it now, he was sometimes cruel to Sean. Sean wasn't the boyish, athletic child Bruce wanted. He had to come to a place of loving Sean the way he is. He has always been a great kid, but has had many burdens to bear. It has made him an understanding and compassionate young man and I am very proud of him. He has the constant burden of having to fight with the feelings that he does not accept or want. He begs God over and over to just take them away, but they continue. He loves the Lord and serves in church and he loves people. He doesn't live the lifestyle and prays everyday that he will be able to overcome temptation. Sometimes he has to fight feeling of worthlessness and shame, even though he didn't choose this. Would it be right to tell him that he is a sinner for something that he is trying so hard to overcome? He says he will live alone and never marry, even though he longs for a family. He worries about my health because he fears losing me..he knows that as long as I am still here, he won't be completely alone. Now, I have been through more turmoil and pain than a parent with kids who don't have these issues could even imagine..you just haven't walked there. Does my ability to be compassionate and loving have to mean I am saying God made a mistake? I know better. God has been with us every step of the way, and that is all that matters. I know not everyone will agree, and that is ok.

Boo
May 16, 2016 - Msg 104689: I too think we are basically "on the same page" as it were, Ro. And you make some good points. However(isn't there always a "however"?), the very small percentage who may have some inborn traits of the opposite s#x may also be influenced by culture, or by some other event or trauma in their life, which you touched on in your post. Add to that the normalized rationalizing taking place in the world and that leads to many people being misguided into thinking they are something they are not.
I have been surprised myself, when there has been some people(male and female) I know who to look at them, or talk to them, you would think they were homos#xual, upon first impressions. Then I get to know them better and find out in many instances they are married(to the opposite s#x), are happy, and some even are good, God-fearing Christian folk. It has been teaching me to not judge a book by its cover. So in that respect, couldn't those people who seemed "different" while they were growing up have been influenced in some way, by for example as I stated before in the culture, media, traumatic childhood experience(like molestation)or even by kids who called them names because of their behavior, and under different circumstances grow up to be like those I mentioned above? But now that children are being lead at a younger and younger age down a misguided path by misguided people, is it any wonder that there are more and more people involved in that, and claiming they were born that way?. Could that not also be the case with the "quiet" ones who don't make a fuss? We don't know everything that someone has grown up with and gone through in their lives.

I agree with you that it is the politicians mostly who are the problem, but they also have backing of some of those very vocal activist groups.

Well, that's enough from me. Although that's one thing you just can't talk about enough... sin.

Boo, I just wanted to clarify that I wasn't talking about you when I spoke of people on the road to eternal damnation. I know you know Jesus and love Him. We just have some different (doctrinal?) thoughts on the matter.

-Sterling Holobyte

-Sterling Holobyte
May 16, 2016 - Msg 104690: Oh Boo, I have to beg for your forgiveness. I didn't read your post fully when I wrote what I just wrote, and I am sick about it. I had to keep going back to Ro's post in the archives to reference her comments and I didn't pay attention to what was on the swept page.

I had no idea you were speaking of Sean. I can only imagine what turmoil this has caused in your lives and my heart breaks for you and your family.

It's not that I don't believe what I wrote, it is just not a good time to write it, and I am truly sorry Boo.

Floyd, if you are there could you please delete Msg 104689 of mine? It does not do any good and I don't need to add to the problem.

-Sterling Holobyte
May 16, 2016 - Msg 104691: Sterling, have no fear. If I know Boo, and I think I do, she will not take personal offense. She has a tolerant, loving heart (forged no doubt by the experiences she just described for us) and always extends the benefit of the doubt. I'm sure there's not a one of us who hasn't wished we could go back and erase something we've posted. I know I have, and probably will again.

I hear what you're saying regarding the behavior in question, and can't say I disagree in principle or belief. God's word is plain, and sin is sin. However, many things are sinful, not just homos3xual behavior. That's one of the most difficult concepts of God's word, in my opinion. When I think of the young man down the street, who murdered an elderly woman just out of his own anger - he didn't even know her - it's hard for me to accept that God doesn't see that sin as any worse than my own if I don't tell the truth, or in any way break one of God's laws. Sin is sin, and He sees it all equally. Tough stuff to understand, but we're not supposed to judge one sin as worse than any other. Also, to be tempted is not sin. Acting upon temptation is. We have little control over our impulses and thoughts, but we do have control over how we act upon them.

I completely agree that society is out of control in this respect, and social engineering is obviously pushing impressionable children and even some adults into behaviors that are not natural for them, convincing them that they really are gay or transgender or whatever. I even saw a case where a five year old girl is being raised as a boy by her parents, even though she's a biological female, and is obviously too young to even be concerned about it. Her parents have just convinced her she's really a boy. God have mercy on their souls. Then we have the school that was cracking down on "s3xual harassment" and suspended a little first-grade boy because he dared to kiss one of the little girls! By doing that, they have generated guilt and questions in that little boy's mind that are way above his ability to cope with. Shame on them.

Finally, and I say this in all Christian love, we must all be careful in being too certain of our opinions. I don't mean to be wishy-washy, but just to be sure that we remain aware that things may not always be what they seem. As I quoted the Kingston Trio earlier, tell your parents not to muddy the water around us, they may have to drink it soon. I remember, many years ago, when Dale's younger brother married, his fiancee was two months pregnant. One of his aunts was very vocal about it to my MIL, even saying she couldn't understand how MIL could love the baby when it was born, considering the circumstances! MIL told her to mind her own business, but she continued to talk to anyone in the family who would listen. Just all in a huff because of the "sin" those kids had committed! Yes, what they did was wrong, but they married and made a good home, and "auntie" was sinning when she stood in judgment over them. Her own daughter was present at the time, hearing all the talk, and auntie didn't know it, but she was muddying the water around her. Unknown to auntie, the girl was three months pregnant at the time, and her boyfriend had ditched her. In a few months, auntie had to drink that muddy water.

It's a good thing we serve a loving and forgiving God, because we all need it. That's why Christ died. Blessings, porch. Keep on loving each other. That's why this porch has endured. --Romeena
May 16, 2016 - Msg 104692: Oh my, Sterling, please don't feel bad. I am really sorry. You are a treasured friend who has prayed for me and my family and encouraged me countless times over the years. We won't let a disagreement change a thing. What is great is that we can love without always agreeing. The bible is full of the command to love each other and that we can all agree on. :)

Ro, what ever happened to your aunt and her daughter? Did she end up accepting the grandchild or was it given up for adoption? Just wondering.

Boo
May 16, 2016 - Msg 104693: You're a peach, Boo. And you are not even from Georgia, but I won't hold that against you. ;-) You just seemed very upset in your post at the top of the page, and I didn't want to add to your grief. Thank you for your understanding and friendship. You as well, Ro.

****ccrrrrreeesssshsshhhhh****
That's the sound of the soapbox being put away. (forgot to do that earlier)

-Sterling Holobyte


May 17, 2016 - Msg 104694: Good morning gang ! Rain and storms here....good for garden...which is looking good !...well see yall at waffle house on Boo and possum ..SPOT
May 17, 2016 - Msg 104695: Storms in Boo's neck of the woods too... News shows a lot of flooding... Hopefully Bernie has pontoons for his brood.
http://wereblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ready-for-the-flood.jpg G-F
May 17, 2016 - Msg 104696: .....Bernie didn't want to make a Big moulage about it though!...G-F again
May 17, 2016 - Msg 104697: Good Morning all.
We have some stormy weather here also Spot.

I went to a piano recital last night in which two of my Granddaughters were performing. They both did excellent, even though I am a bit biased. Mariah, the oldest at 10 now, has been playing for over a year, and is a bit of a ham anyway, really enjoyed herself. Amy, who is 8, has only been playing for a few months now, and is quite the opposite from Mariah, in that she is more reserved and bashful. She was as nervous as anything, but did great also. Sure is great being a Grandpa. 10-4 GF?

Well some very deep and interesting discussions going on here. Let me just say that I appreciate the thoughtful respect that has been shown, even in disagreement. I think that's the way it ort to be. I think you all have made good and valid points, and Romeena, the wisdom and insight you bring into the discussion is priceless. Your real life experiences pretty much says it all. I particular appreciate your cautioning on "being too certain of our opinions". Back in my youngers days, when I was brilliant and had it all figured out, I was guilty of such behavior. I look back on those times and cringe inwardly on the way I behaved at times. Not in what I said or believed, but in how I said it, or felt compelled to defend my beliefs. I could be pretty obnoxious I am sure. I hope today, I am more thoughtful and reserved. My views have not changed a great deal, although some have been tempered by things I have seen or experienced.

Boo, You are such a sweet spirited woman, and a kind and thoughtful Mother and Wife. Society can be hard and cruel sometimes. But you have stayed the course and are always trying to do what is right. You and your family are always in my prayers.

And Sterling, I know you are devoted to your family and your faith. It shows in your posts. And you seem to be in the fight alone a lot of the time. I hope and pray that you and your Wife can become more unified in your parenting efforts. It will always require some give and take, as no one is always rights 100% of the time. You and your family are also in my prayers friend.

Well I got a call last night, and again at 4:00 this morning on a fire alarm system in a trouble mode. It sends an audible warning to the guards office, and must be keeping him awake. I am pretty sure it is a back up battery problem, so I told the guard there was not much I could do until the supply store opens. He wanted me to come in and disable the system. I said nope, can't and won't do that. Even though it is in a trouble mode, it is still functioning. He called me something, and I don't think it was sport. :)

Better go see what's up.

Prayers for all.

Asa
May 17, 2016 - Msg 104698: Thank you, Asa. I hope so too.
Congratulations on your grandkid's recital. You should be proud, and you are.
My cousin is a classically trained concert pianist. Or he used to be. Now he mainly plays as music director for his church.
He was over at our grandma's house one time in my younger years, and I remember him telling me that I have good fingers to be a pianist. I never pursued that. Just didn't have the patience to learn piano. Or the skill.

Folks, can I complain about the weather?(Don't say, "I'm sure you can.") But I am about sick of this cold weather we have been having I could just about scream. I will be glad when this chill in the air is gone and I can put away the jackets. This morning when I took Kai to school it was in the lower 40's.
Enough already! Here it is more than halfway through May and it is still chilly. And our summers already don't last but 3 months if we are lucky. Pretty soon I am not even going to need to mow the grass, and I'll just keep the snow blower out year round.
I guess I should just be glad I don't live more up North where they have even shorter summers. But right now, living in a desert sounds good to me.
Ok, that's all I will say on that subject. For now.

-Sterling Holobyte


May 17, 2016 - Msg 104699: Thanks Asa, you are very kind. Thank you for the many prayers over the years.

G-F, Bernie and his wives are doing just fine since the flood. They had a perch to sit on. Yes, Bernie is a polygamist, but I figure it's ok under the circumstances. I am not typically in favor of polygamy, though. Of course, he aint really married either, so that's another problem. ;)

That is still pretty cold for this time of year, Sterling. You would love it here. Its been in the 80's all day. Of course, it did flood around here yesterday. Much of the little town we live in was flooded but we remain high and dry with all this sand around us. One thing you can say about the weather, though...wait long enough and it will change; summer is bound to come. Any more developments on the school for Noah issue?

St. Susan and I went to a home and garden store today and I bought some new cushions for my front porch rockers so I'll be ready for rocking. I also bought some citronella candles but I doubt they will have much effect on the mosquitoes that are about to burst forth around here. There is still much standing water in our area.

Today a bought a couple of Cokes in a bottle and an orange soda in a bottle. I am going to try to talk the kids into throwing a handful of peanuts in like we used to do in the old days.

Boo
May 17, 2016 - Msg 104700: .... Now is that "Coke" a real "Coke" or is it really a Dr. Pepper that y'all call a "Coke"?.. I'm confused!....
"Who's on First?"....No, Who's on Second!.....lol I love that skit...G-F
May 17, 2016 - Msg 104701: Real Coke...teehee

Boo
May 17, 2016 - Msg 104702: Good evening, porch. Just got home from a fish fry, and was it ever good! Once a year, the deacons at my church have a big old fish fry, and the widows of deacons who have passed are always invited. The present deacons will call and offer to be the escort. In my case, it's usually the husband of my SS teacher. I've known them for years, they're good friends, and he always calls me and another of our friends. It's always a pleasant evening. This time, there was waaay yonder too much fish, so we all made up take-home boxes, and I've got my lunch for tomorrow! Or probably supper. Tomorrow is English class, and a group of us will probably go out for lunch afterward. We usually end up at a little Thai restaurant that's owned and operated by one of our teachers, who is from Thailand. The food is so good, and they serve that wonderful purple, sweet, sticky rice that I love so much.

Thanks, guys, for your kind words. I never feel very wise, mostly just old! Nevertheless, it's nice to be appreciated, and I thank you.

Boo, it was Dale's aunt who was criticizing Dale's younger brother and his wife, who had a "seven-month baby." The girl had her baby and kept it, and "auntie" learned that you can love a "sin child" (her words) just as much as any other, and she had a lot of words to eat. For a while, she tried to peddle a story that the girl had been married and her husband had deserted her, but everyone knew better, no one believed her, and she finally just let the story die. Lesson learned, I think.

Boo, maybe you should get Foghorn Leghorn to come in and perform a group wedding for Bernie and the girls. Isn't he a senator? If so, would he be authorized to perform a wedding? If not, it won't matter. I'm sure he could "wing it."

My little wood duck is still hanging out in the squirrel nest box. I haven't actually seen any eggs - the box is about fifteen feet up on a tree trunk, and I have better sense than to get on a ladder to check, have a duck fly out in my face, and cause me to fall. I wouldn't bounce like those baby ducks will. Even if I didn't fall, it might cause the mama duck to break some of the eggs if I startle her. So, I'm just going to observe. Their incubation period is about 29 days, so I figure we've got a while to wait for any babies to appear. Such fun!

Well, I'm tired, and ready to settle down with my tea, get Toye Starr in my lap, and watch a little TV. Blessings, porch. --Romeena
May 17, 2016 - Msg 104703: 80's are good, Boo. Low to mid 70's are the perfect temperature, I feel. Not too hot, and definitely not too cold.
And no, no new developments on the Noah/school front.

I have never been to a fish fry, Romeena, and I don't know why. I love fish. Our church doesn't put on fish fries, though. The Catholic church where I used to go put on some, but I never went to them either. ...Purple rice?

Whenever I start feeling judgmental upon seeing a girl who is pregnant and I know they are single, or even too young, I think about what she COULD be doing to the baby instead. Then I appreciate that they are going through with the pregnancy. It is a hard road they have chosen, but the rewards will be great.

Noah is still going to his Ju Jitsu classes, and he just had one tonight. Pretty soon he will be able to throw me around if I don't get him candy when he wants it.

-Sterling Holobyte
May 17, 2016 - Msg 104704: That's a good way to look at it, Sterling (about the pregnant girls). I think about that, too.

I haven't been to a fish fry since I was a junior in high school. The kids in band threw a big one at the local VFW to raise money to go to the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. We worked hard that year to make the needed finances. Sold all kinds of things, even raffled a car. It was all worth it because we had the time of our lives in Phoenix.
I don't think high school bands do that anymore. We took two out of state trips when I was in high school.

Hard to believe it was so long ago and now I have a child in college and one going into high school next year. Time surely does fly, sadly.

It's raining again here and the kids and I went out to walmart and saw quiet a lightening storm. Seems to be quiet now, though.

Boo
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104705: HI gang. I shall remain in 'tick-a-lock' mode
regarding the above topic, as i may get too
opinionated, but Boo, you know that I pray for your family like the lady before the judge! (know that parable? :) So, anyway... I'll move on to Mayberry. :) I watched the
Gomer joins the Marines ep tonite, and boy did ME-TV chop it up!! I never have had TV-Land, but from you all's
comments about it, I think ME-TV is starting to go that route! Too bad that the dollar is always priority one.
Well, we were suppose to get carpet installed
today, but the truck bringing it from the mill is delayed due to weather. We are doing the carpet in two stages, that way we dont have to 'empty the house' to accomplish this task. Only thing is... we need the carpet! :)
Prayers for all.
MDC
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104706: Good morning gang rain here ...I-Hop on me back in a bit ...SPOT
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104707: Fish Fry's.... That reminds me of the Old Days when Dad and his buddies would take their annual fishing trip up to Canada for Walleye. When he got home he'd do a big fish fry, Mom would have to clean up the greasy mess left behind and the smell of fried fish would be in the house for a week!..lol
He also would fry his potato chips with them too!... That was Dad's only attempt at cooking, to Mom's delight!...lol

Thanks for the memory blast, even tho it was a mess and smelly, the fish were Good!... G-F
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104708: Good morning, porch. About the fish fry thing - there are a few secrets to a successful fish fry. A. The men do the cooking. 2. They do it outside, in a big gas-fired kettle made for that purpose. And C. You use paper plates. No mess, no smell, and very little clean-up. One concrete rule, in my opinion, is that there must be a big bowl of green tomato relish to go with the fish, especially if it's catfish, which most of ours was. Green tomato relish rocks!

Gotta run, time to go teach a little English. See you later, taters. --Romeena
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104709: One other thing. It's 58° here today! Go figure. --Romeena
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104710: Good Wednesday afternoon porch, running by the porch on my way back to work.

had lunch and now waiting on my afternoon clients to get here.

been a busy week as usual. Beth celebrated birthday number 22 on Monday. she is looking for a job now so please pray she will find a good starting place for her.

better get busy. will stop by later in the week.
prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104711: Good afternoon, porch. Yep, Sterling, purple rice. It's delicious. The menu might call it "black rice" but it's actually a very deep purple, and will leave a purple stain on clothing. Trust me, I know. Anyway, the grains are large and plump, and there's that little "snap" to them, like wild rice. The rice is cooked in coconut milk, I think, and is indeed sticky. Sweet and sticky, and there's usually a little bowl of coconut cream to be spooned over your rice. Absolutely delicious. The little restaurant we go to also serves a soup, called Tom Yum soup, and it's wonderful. A very simple soup, with a thin but very flavorful broth, and it contains small bits of chicken, chunks of fresh tomato and other veggies, and lots of flavor. I really like it. Of course, they also serve pad thai noodles, and they're very good. It's a buffet lunch on Wednesday, which fits with our English class schedule, so we eat in there about twice a month. So good!

I've got some gladiolas opening up! they're just so pretty, and they came from a handful of bulbs I acquired somewhere, just stuck in the ground to get them out of sight, and now I've got gladiolas blooming! Such fun.

Four squirrels are having a little squirrelly hoedown in my back yard right now. I put a pile of cracked corn and standard birdseed, and some sunflower seeds on the stones, they found them, have feasted, and now are just having fun. They're such fun to watch. A bluejay came in and thought he was going to get a snack, but they ganged up and made short work of him. He's now sitting on the fence scolding and they're ignoring him. Oh, the little dramas that occur in my back yard!

I haven't seen my duck today. I checked this morning before I left, but didn't see her, and I haven't seen her since I got home. I hope some hateful cat hasn't disturbed her, or done her harm. Why don't people keep their cats at home? You can be fined for letting a dog, even a tiny, harmless one, run loose. Yet people's cats go everywhere, killing songbirds, ripping open trash bags, pooping in flower beds, and generally making nuisances of themselves, and nobody does anything about it. And don't tell me it's not possible to keep a cat in the yard. I know that. That's why you keep it in the house! Dave and Brittney have two cats, and they stay in the house all the time, would be horrified and would sit at the door and yowl if they were put outside.

Well, guess I'll go watch a little TV. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104712: Hahaha! I just read back through the posts from when I was out of town. I had scanned, but hadn't read everything closely. Ritchie, thank you, but I don't know everything. I only think I do, and I'm very vocal, so it makes you think I know more than I really do. Mostly, I'm just old.

You'll remember that David was working on my car last week, fixing the door lock that wasn't working on the front passenger door, and the window that wasn't working on the same door. He was also replacing the actuator on the a/c system. It's all fixed now, and there was a little unexpected bonus. I have an after-market 6-disc CD changer in the glove box. It worked fine on four discs, but would never play the other two, it would just skip over them. I finally just decided to convince myself I had a 4-disc changer and forget it. Well, Dave had to remove the changer to get to an access door to reach that actuator. It's all fixed, and he put the changer back in. Well, guess what. It now plays all six discs! I guess it just reset , or maybe it jostled something that was stuck, who knows. Anyway, it works, and I'm happy.

Now I'm going to go watch TV. --Romeena
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104713: She's there - I just saw the duck. She looks fine. --Romeena
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104714: Supper ? left overs...? been in garden SPOT
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104715: This link is for TOM http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/cleveland/dick-goddard-announces-his-retirement/202304744
Who can we trust now?.....G-F
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104716: Just a quick check in before bed. Back to work tomorrow! I hope its a good one.

Hope you all have a great day. Glad the duck is OK, Ro.

Boo
May 18, 2016 - Msg 104717: Big Maude--Happy Birthday to Beth, will be praying about the job situation.
RO--Glad the duck is doing OK. The flowers sound grand!
SPOT--thanks for checking in. You dont chat as much as you used to, but then you have a lot 'goings on' down on the 'farm!' ha
BOO--what year did you come to the Fiesta Bowl?
The first one was around 1975 or so.
School trips are always fun. One year when I was teaching, we took a load of 8th graders to Disneyland. That was quite a 'trip' in many ways :)
GF--we have a longtime weatherman here too who ius about to retire!
God bless,
MDC
May 19, 2016 - Msg 104718: Good morning all.

Well not so good on my end of the porch. Last Thursday a co-worker came up missing. After attempts to get hold of him by radio, a search was launched. Both he and his company truck had vanished. Around that same time a father and son had tried to abduct a mother and 4 of her teenage daughters. The daughters got away, and managed to call 911. The father and son both high tailed it out of there, fortunately not killing anyone, although beating the mother. Anyway, a police search for them began. They had told another family member that they were not going to be captured without a fight. On Saturday morning the father turned himself in to police in Wyoming, and the search continued for the son, who was captured on Sunday without incident. Police then began to piece things together and wonder if the missing worker and this father son duo were connected. Well the co-workers body was found on Tuesday in a remote area of Wyoming. Although still very much under investigation, it appears the father and son car jacked my co-workers company truck and took off for Wyoming, killing him somewhere along the way. Right now there is a massive search going on for the missing truck that will connect all the dots. In the mean time, there is a Wife, three sons, and 6 Grandkids who have lost there Patriarch. Just heartbreaking. Please pray for the Ricks family as they go through this ordeal. Kay Rick was a devoted family man, deeply faithful to the Lord, and an all around great guy who will be missed by all who knew him. This has been in the national news, and I am sure will make more news as things come together in the investigation. The family is strong, but I know prayers on there behalf would be much appreciated.

Asa
May 19, 2016 - Msg 104719: ..Oh my Asa, that is horrible!... What is this world coming too?... Prayers for the Ricks family for sure!...G-F
May 19, 2016 - Msg 104720: Dear Lord! Asa, that's just terrible. My heart breaks for that family. Such a senseless thing for those two men to do - a father and son, no less! - prayers for the Ricks family, and the woman they beat. Thank God the daughters got away. One can only imagine what would have happened there.

One of my good friends, who was with us on the San Antonio trip, came home to find her back door, which was glass, had been beaten in and shattered. Her TV was stolen, along with some heirloom jewelry. Her little dog was unharmed, thank the Lord. The thieves didn't get much, because there wasn't much to get. There was a similar break-in about a year ago, and a lot of jewelry was taken then, along with TVs and other electronics. The only thing she had replaced was one TV, and still had a little jewelry that the first thieves didn't find. She had no alarm system, has windows that face onto an alley, (rear-entry garage) with a school track and athletic field on the other side of the alley. Those windows have no blinds or draperies, so her activities are visible to anyone standing in the alley or on the field. We all told her to get an alarm system and drape those windows, but she just says "It's just material things, my real treasure is in Heaven." I'd like to shake her.

I know what she's saying, but for pete's sake, that doesn't mean you have to just take no measures to protect yourself! Anyway, now after this second attack, I think she's considering at least getting an alarm system. As for covering the windows, she says "I'm always dressed when I'm in that part of the house, and I'm not doing anything I'm ashamed of, so if someone wants to see in, well, let them!" I think she's a nut! I told her that someone could be watching her to see if she's alone, and could break in and do her harm, maybe even kill her. She said, "Well, that's okay, I know where I'm going!" Good grief. I know where I'm going too, but that doesn't mean I'm just going to stand still and let somebody send me on my way! I've got my gun, and I will use it against anyone who enters my home and threatens me. Her response to that? "Well, that's fine for you, and it's your right, but I just don't feel that way. God is in control." Yes, He is, but even Jesus told His disciples to arm themselves, as they were preparing to go to the garden on that last night. He knew He would be taken, because He was going to allow it, but He wanted His disciples to be able to protect themselves. Well, anyway. I just hope my friend will at least get an alarm system.

OK, gotta run. I need to go to the post office, the grocery store and my insur@nce man's office. All three of those are within a block of each other. I love Irving! Blessings, porch. --Romeena
May 19, 2016 - Msg 104721: Prayers for the Ricks Family. That is just so tragic,utterly senseless,and heartbreaking. I'm sorry for the loss of your co-worker Asa. Peace be with you all.

************
possum u.a.r.
May 19, 2016 - Msg 104722: Thank you for those prayers friends.
The company truck was found this morning in Wyoming. My guess is that it holds key pieces of evidence that will lead to charges and prosecution.

Asa
May 19, 2016 - Msg 104723: Oh no, that is so sad. Prayers for the Ricks family. People can be so horrible..just plain evil.

Boo
May 20, 2016 - Msg 104724: I hate hearing about such senseless killings. Prayers for all involved and affected. Sorry for the loss of your co-worker, Asa. It is especially scary and sad when something like that happens so close to you to people you know and respect.

Romeena, it is good that your friend knows where she is going, but does she have to take the bullet train to get there faster?! Good grief.

-Sterling Holobyte
May 20, 2016 - Msg 104725: Ha! That's pretty much what I said to her, Sterling. She's an accomplished, highly-educated and well-educated woman, a critical care nurse for many years and now a high-school educator, in the health sciences department. She was married for a long time to a functional alcoholic - functional in that he kept a job and earned a living, but crawled into his bottle every evening when he came home. He passed a few years ago, and she appeared to handle it well. However, recently she seems different somehow. I think she may be depressed, and just puts up this super-pious, all-trusting front as a coping mechanism. I'm thinking maybe she just really doesn't care what happens. Trusting in the Lord so completely is a wonderful thing, and we are told to do so, but it shouldn't mean that we just court danger and refuse to even put up drapes so people can't see into the house! I trust Him too, and when He calls me, I'm ready to go, but I still take reasonable safety precautions. As I said, I have the means to protect myself, and if the occasion arises, I will do so. There are "bullets" in my house, but honey, they have nothing to do with a train! To fail to protect one's own self is a form of suicide, in my opinion, and as I told my friend, that's a sin, too! So there! I said it and I ain't takin' it back.

Well, I think Starrbaby and I will hit the hay. We can sleep late in the morning, but I'm tired, so think I'll go on and get some rest. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
May 20, 2016 - Msg 104726: Rats! First line above, I meant "highly-motivated and well-educated woman." It's a bit redundant the way I wrote it. Sorry. --Romeena
May 20, 2016 - Msg 104727: HI
UPDATE MY SIS HAVE 3 BLOCKAGER IN HER HRART AND NOW TALKING ABOUT BYPASS SURGERY ,

TOM

May 20, 2016 - Msg 104728: Yea MDC I got this garden going on and fighting these storms...im still cheer though!..Prayers to all familys in airliner crash...and I got to start this second shift...yall want me to cook?...SPOT
May 20, 2016 - Msg 104729: TOM, Prayers for your Sister, hope all goes well!....

Getting ready to head out at the crack of dawn to hang with the Mayberry folk at the "Mayberry in the Midwest" event this week-end. I send salutations from the Porchsters, and Yes TOM I'll TRY to "Act Like Somebody", cuz you probably have spies in Indiana too...lol

G-F....
May 20, 2016 - Msg 104730: I'll be praying for your sister, Tom. For what it's worth, my dad had a 4-vessel bypass in his heart when he was 72, and he lived a perfectly healthy life until he passed at age 86. He did have Alzheimer's for the last few years of his life, but physically, he was in great shape. Heart surgery is so common now, it's very safe, and the results are usually great. I expect your sister will do just fine. How is her health otherwise, other than her heart?

Spot, if you're about to start another shift, you don't need to cook. We'll bring you something! I'm going to make some chicken and rice - how does that sound?

My little wood duck is still in that nest box, I see her several times a day. I don't know when she's getting out to eat and drink though. I haven't seen her leave the box at all. Do you suppose she would do that at night?
Well, TAGS is on TV, guess I'll go watch. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
May 20, 2016 - Msg 104731: Praying for your sister, Tom. Bypass surgery can sound like a scary thing, I know because it is what Kai had, but those doctors and crew really know what they are doing nowadays. Prayers for quick healing if that is needed.

My brother called me today and said that during a visit to the doctor, he was advised to stay over at the hospital for some testing. He has been having shortness of breath and has been getting winded very easily for a while now, and the doctor wanted to test for blood infection, which he said can be treated with an intravenous antibiotic. I am just glad he is finally getting it looked at, but prayers are appreciated that everything goes well.

Well folks, my prayers, as well as prayers from the porch, have been answered, and guess who is going to the Christian school for kindergarten next year?!
Yep, my wife finally brought up "the question" that I had been dreading again about if I had enrolled him in school yet. I took the time to state again that I would really like him to go to the Christian school for kindergarten, but I mentioned "just for kindergarten" this time. To my surprise she didn't blow up at me with a resounding "No!" this time, and said that it would be ok with her but half-joked that she wanted it in writing that it would only be kindergarten.
I didn't even have to use any of my arguments for sending him there, but that could have been because she said she had talked to Kai about it and asked her, and Kai had given a good word about going to the school. I did offer anyway something that my mom had talked about that this would be Noah's first time away from her dad for an extended period of time during the day, and it would help him if he went to school somewhere that he was familiar with and with some kids he knew.
So PRAISE THE LORD! I think I will be able to enjoy my summer a little better now. Thanks for all your prayers!

Better go get supper going. It is spaghetti night, every Friday. The only day of the week that I know what I am going to make.

-Sterling Holobyte


May 20, 2016 - Msg 104732: Sterling, for what it's worth my two kids went to Christian Day School and Kindergarten, then they went to regular school.
In their case a lot of their friends from Cristain School remained their best friends thru out all their school years.

They had a real good Christian school training that was the "grass roots" lessons for their whole lives. They also joined the Band which was a great experience for them too, along with all their other Church friends too... They never had time for the school drama and peer pressure stuff!.... Thank the Lord!....

Hope this word of advice gives you some piece of mind for a difficult decision?.....

G-F
May 20, 2016 - Msg 104733: Great news, Sterling. Glad you can relax now and enjoy your summer. :)

Saying a prayer for your sister, TOM. It must be scary for her. I know it would be for me. Lord give her (and you) peace.

I have been busy the last couple of days with work and one of my best friend, Donia, is coming to spend the weekend with me tomorrow. Donia and I were big buds while I was growing up. She was really my first friend and we spent endless days together as children. We lived next door to each other until middle school and we lost track of each other until 6 years ago. It has been such a blessing to have her back in my life because we share so many wonderful and happy childhood memories. She is coming down from the Houston area because her grandmother lives here and recently had a bad stroke and has been sent home to die. I hope it isn't too hard on Donia because she has struggles of her own with Lupus and is not well most of the time.

Romeena, I wanted to mention something interesting I found out about that Westboro Baptist group that pickets the funerals of fallen soldiers, etc. I heard in an interview with Fred Phelp's son Nathan, that Fred was excommunicated from his own church shortly before his death because it seems he had a change of heart and expressed sympathy for the g@y community. The church kicked him out! So, in the end, he was a victim of the hatred he taught to his church members (most his own children and grandchildren). I thought that was pretty interesting. His son, Nathan, is an atheist who left the church and the family as soon as he turned 18. He had been estranged from his dad for all those years because of the severe abuse he claims to have suffered from his father. He has a brother who makes the same claims. Phelps was an interesting character, and I am being nice.

Boo


May 21, 2016 - Msg 104734: HI ALL,
I have been busy with carpet guys, and missed a couple days here.
First, ASA, I am SO sorry to hear about the murder of your co-worker!! My goodness..Senseless for sure and so bad for his family. My thoughts and prayers are there. I just hope that you are also doing OK thru this. It must be so hard to be working with a guy one day, and then he's gone the next!
TOM, as said above, your sister should come thru OK. Prayers for her for sure.
STERLING, Praise God! Maybe the bathroom deal DID have some influence on her stance to basically say OK with no blow back.
BOO--have a good weekend with your friend. That is so neat.
SPOT--love the FB posts of your pop at work!
Prayers for all,
MDC
May 21, 2016 - Msg 104735:
TOM, I am sorry to learn that your sister will need heart surgery. My mother had multiple bypass surgery when she was in her 70's that was successful and extended her life. After my mother's heart surgery, she had to attend cardiac therapy sessions that involved riding a stationary bicycle. Although the bicycle does not go anywhere, that was the first time my mother ever rode a bicycle. We will keep your sister in our prayers.

Asa, I am so sorry to learn that one of your co-workers was murdered. What surprises me is that the stories I've read after the capture of the father and son suspects, there was no mention of how their kidnapping was related to your friend's murder. I guess it is too early in the investigation.
This reminds me of when I was rehabbing a house as an investment. I used a local handyman to assist me. On the side, he earned money doing odd jobs in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, while I was attending a real estate investment seminar, he went to collect on a debt and was shot and killed. Then his body was stuffed in a garbage can and set on fire. So I understand how you feel to lose a co-worker.

from Poor Horatio