A GREAT PHOTO and List

Sarah Palin holding her baby while working!






My sister put the following list together of reasons she is so happy about John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate. I'm thrilled too!
I love how his campaign kept the Gov. Palin's name under the radar.


JUNGLE MOM'S LIST

She is a church attending Christian


Mother of 5 children


Married to the same man for 20 years


She is smart!


She is tough!


Pro-life


Anti-same sex marriage


Pro oil drilling


Pro-Military, her son is in the Army


She takes her infant son, who has down syndrome, to the office with her


She is not a Washington insider


Pro homeschooling


Supports the second amendment


Lowered taxes


As a Governor, she has been commander in chief of the Alaskan National Guard

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My observation this evening: It seems the Democrats were given a "line" to include in their statements when asked by the media what there response is of McCain's VP choice. It seems to be "Well, Gov. Palin has a compelling story, but is inexperienced." I can't tell you how many talking heads I heard today to using the words 'compelling story'. For the most part, the liberals were dismissing Gov. Palin's accomplishments.

WELL DONE, JOHN, WELL DONE!!!

JOHN McCAIN . COM

Ode to the Backyard Clothesline

Check out this lesson which is a free download for this week only! It has many helpful hints such as:
Use the wide end of the ironing board to iron dress shirts! I had never heard that before, but the photo examples show how much sense that tip makes. There are many other helpful hints and photo illustrations. I think I enjoyed this lesson because of the "old timey" feeling to it. Go ahead, check it out. Its a fun read!
FOR THE LOVE OF LAUNDRY



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Oh and I just found this photo OVER HERE

Senator Lindsey Graham holding an Olive Garden button with his name on it! If you've read my blog much, you'll know why I thought this was so neat!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

I just popped over to Tiany's blog before heading off to bed. I was so dismayed to read the following post. Please, please lift this family up in prayer!
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Aug. 26, 2008
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!
Posted in Prayer Requests
Marsha of Our Homeschool Happenings is missing her 3 year old little boy right now and they are actively searching for him. They live near a wooded area and a pond. Please please pray that they find him. She too has little boys as do I and my heart stopped when I found out her sweet boy was missing. I felt like I would be sick. I can not imagine what our poor Marsha must be feeling as well as her family.Please pray that they find him safe and well!!!

UPDATE- Divers have ruled out the pond and are searching with Dogs now on land.

UPDATE: It is with a heavy and terribly broken heart I share with you that the divers pulled Marsha's sweet boy "Christian" from the pond behind their home. To write that out is more then I can bare! It hurts to think of the pain Marsha and her family are going through right now.Please lift Marsha her husband David, their two boys and their families in prayer. Keep them in your prayers in the coming days and weeks.

You Are An ENFJ

The Giver You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and you usually succeed. Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections. Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down. You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine. In love, you are very protective and supporting. However, you do need to "feel special" - and it's quite easy for you to get jealous. At work, you are a natural leader. You can help people discover their greatest potential. You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist. How you see yourself: Trusting, idealistic, and expressive When other people don't get you, they see you as: Bossy, inappropriate, and loud

What's" Your Personality Type?

'Tis The Season...

...for politics!

I know! I know! Many of you are sick of all the negativity that goes along with it already! Be not dismayed-it will be over, for the most part, on November 4th.
I'm very proud to be an American, but after hearing so many negative talking points about this great nation, one would think we are living in a third world country! After Hil*ary's speech last night at the D.N.C., Brit Hume mused that one would think we were living in Belarus or some such place!

Before clicking away from this post, let me compel you to read on.

While trying to stay away from too much political speak on my blog, I do think it important to include a few interesting tid-bits now and then to express myself and my worldview. I believe that many Americans are neglecting their role of being involved citizens. There is a possibility one may read the following information, and realize they aren't getting all the information they need from the main stream media. Let's be sure to read up on issues and not simply cast our vote for someone because of a short soundbite we may have heard on the news or radio. I encourage you to be certain you are educated about what is at stake for our country. If you're a Christian, let the Holy Spirit guide and direct you as you prepare yourself for November 4th.

I'm sure that if you've read my blog enough, you KNOW that I am a proud conservative. Above that, I'm a child of God and believe firmly in the Bible. Therefore, I base my voting choices on how they line up with the Bible. That being said, I am watching the Democratic National Convention. (oh-boy, you should try sitting on the couch beside me for that show!) I've been amazed at how they are trying to portray themselves as being so compassionate while insisting that it's good logic to murder babies. (abortion) Where is the compassion in that?

I've been much in prayer for both candidates and their families. More importantly, I've been spending much time in prayer for our country, my America. I'm thankful to be an American, but where is my country heading? I don't like many of the paths that are forming. Most times, it seems a Biblical worldview is a thing of the past. But it isn't!! Praise the Lord, there are still many, many American citizens who love God and His Word. Many men and women are still willing to sacrifice and fight to preserve our great land. Many parents are training their children in the Word, so that one day they may have the torch passed onto them to stand for what is good and moral.

To read up on topics discussed at THE DNC THIS WEEK, such as:

1)Not-S0-Rare Abortion
2)Planned Parent Hood passing out con*doms in bright magenta colored matchbooks with 10 slogans, one of which reads: "PROTECT YOURSELF FROM JOHN McCAIN"
(How tacky is that?)
3)Gay Activists Unveil Strategy-quote: "The Republican party is full of a bunch of bigots..." yada, yada, yada." (But oh how they accuse conservatives of HATE SPEECH if we say label anyone with such strong language!)

I urge you to please read the entire article at the link below:
THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION NOTEBOOK
(The Democratic Convention Notebook is a resource made available by
http://www.citizenlink.org/
Here is another site I'd love for you to visit: PRAY 4 THE U.S.A.

GOD SAVE AMERICA!
AND IF YOU'VE READ THE ENTIRE POST, GOD BLESS YOU FOR PERSEVERING!

A Signal of Warm Hospitality

Our first breakfast while on vacation in West Virginia (at Aunt Virgie's house.) Notice that pile of homemade biscuits in the center of the table right in front of that gravy! They were so so so very good! I think we had biscuits 4 out of 7 mornings spent there!

GO AHEAD! CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO ENLARGE AND SALIVATE!!!

There's no denying it! Biscuits on the table signal warm hospitality and are a quick way to butter up to people!

I saw the following recipes in one of my husband's industry magazine and started salivating. I haven't tried either of them yet, but I think the photo of the scones looked scrumptious!

Buttermilk Cheddar Drop Scones

All purpose flour 3 3/4 cups
Sugar 5 1/2 Tbsp.
Baking Powder 4 1/2 tsp.
Buttermilk 1 tsp.
Eggs 1 cup
Butter, cubed, chilled 5 oz.
Cheddar, shredded 1/4 cup
Chives, minced 1/4 cup

1. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs; set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the butter, and using the paddle attachment, mix together on low speed until mixture forms a coarse meal. Add buttermilk mixture gradually, mix just until combined. Mix in Cheddar and chives.

3. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop 1 inch balls of dough onto a parchment-lined sheet tray. In a 350 degree oven, bake 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Yields 26 scones


Crispy Biscuits

All-purpose flour 2 cups plus extra for dusting
Baking powder 2 tsp.
Baking soda 1/2 tsp.
Kosher salt 1/4 tsp.
Unsalted butter, cubed, chilled 5 Tbsp.
Buttermilk 2/3 cup

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using a fork or your fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture forms a coarse meal. Mix in the buttermilk until just combined. The dough will seem too dry at first.

2. On a floured surface, gently fold the dough over itself a few times until it begins to come together; roll out 1/4 in. thick Dust a round quarter-sized cutter. Punch out rounds, place on a parchment-lined sheet tray.

3. Bake in 475F convection oven for 10 minutes. (Longer in a regular oven)

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TIPS FROM BISCUIT PROS

A few simple biscuit-making tricks can make a big difference in outcome.

*Dust your cutter with flour before you punch out the biscuits. You need a clean cut to get the biscuits to rise evenly in the oven. --Executive Chef Erin O'Shea, Marigold Kitchen, Philadelphia

*Use a finely ground self-rising flour, preferably one low in protein, to help create a flaky, light, biscuit. --Pastry Chef Candace Rowan, Town Hall, San Francisco

*Bake the biscuits as soon as you make the dough. If the dough sits too long, the baking powder will react with the buttermilk and the biscuits won't rise as much when they are baked. --Randy Kibler, CEO Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits, Charlotte, N.C.

*To speed the next morning's biscuit prep process, measure out all ingredients separately the night before so that the bake can put the dough together quickly. --Jeramie Mitchell, Executive Chef, Busch Stadium, St. Louis

2nd INSTALLATION OF PHOTOS FROM OUR ROAD TRIP

When one arrives to the tunnels, one knows they are soon to enter into
"WILD & WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA"!!! That was our destination back in July. Shane was excited about these. He hadn't been in a tunnel since a small child.

First up, East River Tunnel. We're still in Virginia.

The approach to BIG WALKER MOUNTAIN!

Are you familiar with the folk song BIG BAD JOHN? (click and take a listen!)

Local legend has it that the accident happened here at Big Walker Mountain.

In the belly of Big Walker Mountain!

As in real life, there is always light at the end of the tunnel!

The first thing you see upon exiting the tunnel is this welcome sign. Now, you've arrived in my state of birth: "Wild and Wonderful West Virginia". By now, you've reached high elevation. My ears were plugged and crackling.

I enjoy clicking on this last photo for a close look at all the trees! While having beautiful scenery in Florida, this view was a nice change of pace.

I'VE EDITED THIS POST SEVERAL TIMES, TRYING TO NOT COME ACROSS MEAN SPIRITED, BUT I AM PUZZLED ABOUT SOMETHING!!

What a shame! In this particular photo, you can't see the little peace sign pave she was wearing around her neck.
Are Ba*rack and Joe trading spouses?

I FOUND THE LINK BELOW QUITE INTERESTING! (see FIRST link below) I sure haven't heard about it in the main stream media. I may have simply missed that story, but hey, I sure have heard an awful lot about how well Miche*le O*ama dresses! I suppose that really is more important to the media than a man's true character. (sense the sarcasm!) I just don't get that one!

Ji*l B*den, (wife of Senator Joe Bid*n) looked classy and tailored Saturday when B*rack Hu*sein Ob*ma announced Joe as his running mate, but I am still puzzled why Michelle chose to wear what she did! Did anyone else see what she wore on Saturday? It just seemed like such a let down after hearing report upon report about her being able to wear anything and what a wonderful dresser she is! Can anyone help me here?? I just thought it looked as though the dress didn't fit her well and it looked CHEAP!! I'm not implying that inexpensive is bad. That is the best some of us can afford; but you know Miche**e can afford something classy and appropriate for special occasions. Maybe she wanted to be understated, to relate more to the regular people. Not that I'm a fashionista by any means!!! The dress just didn't seem at all what I think a possible first lady would want to be wearing during a huge announcement/love fest!! (see above photos) A full body photo would demonstrate better what I'm trying to get across here. Maybe the dress would have looked lovely on another body frame. Michelle wore flats and seemed all spindly legged.

To be fair, I have seen Michel*e dressed well, (as in her photo on the front of Ebony magazine), but 9 out of 10 times, when seeing her appear on T.V. - I've turned to my husband and asked, "Why is everybody talking about how she is another Jackie Kennedy in style and fashion?" I just don't get that "WOW" factor from her! I know it is what is on the inside that really counts, but when a woman is in the national spotlight and/or international spotlight in this case, you would think she would want a smart, elegant wardrobe. Once again, it may be her goal to simply come across as any ordinary mom and housewife.

I've edited this post several times in order to not come across mean spirited. That isn't my goal here. I just need some clarification about style and taste. I think I know a classy dresser when I see one. Am I really off base on this one? I really am puzzled and all this rambling is just my humble opinion of course. We know it truly is our inside beauty that counts!

LAURA BUSH-I'M GONNA MISS YOU!

THEN AGAIN, THAT CINDY McCAIN SURE KNOWS HOW TO DRESS! (my fingers are crossed and my prayer life is full)


CLICK HERE!


To see a photo of the wives together, just click link below.


http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20220961,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines

You Will Have So Much Fun With This!

I sure did. I saw this on another blog and had to put it here for all my readers. Have fun!

Click here to YEARBOOK YOURSELF


Pam - 1974
I was to graduate in 1978, but did some summer courses and graduated in 1977. I didn't like the hairstyle that came up for me for 1976, so I chose 1974. This is exactly how I wore my hair back then! It was so long I could sit on it! I've been looking for my real yearbook photo to post here as well, but can't seem to find it! If you "yearbook yourself" you may wish to include your real yearbook photo as well!

How Much Do You Know About the Olympics?

Here's a fun little quiz I found. Enjoy! Oh, the answers are posted at the end!


There are 28 sports in this summer’s Olympics.
1. How many sports were included in 1908?

The five Olympic rings represent Earth’s continents.
2. What do those colors represent on the Olympic flag?

Nearly 22,000 bearers carried the torch this year.
3. Which Olympics used the fewest torch bearers?

Citius, Altius, Fortius is the Olympic motto.
4. What do those Latin words mean?

Russian gymnast Larissa Latynina won 18 Olympic medals.
5. How many of that record number are gold medals?

Today, gold metals are actually made of gilded silver.
6. What was the last year they were made of solid gold?


Answers: 1: 22; 2: Colors in all nations’ flags; 3: 1980 Winter Games (52); 4: Faster, Higher, Stronger; 5: Nine; 6: 1912





I'm so obsessed with the Olympics right now. You may see me here a little more consistently after the closing ceremony this week end. Did anybody see Beach Volleyball dream duet, Misty May and Kerri Walsh whoop up on the Chinese on their home turf? We got the gold!!! The two women were so happy and emotional, jumping and giggling like little girls. So cute! they also took time out to send a shout out to Presdent Bush who had visited them earlier in the week on the sand, taking a lesson or two from them. I also just finished watching the USA women's indoor volleyball team sweep out Cuba in the semi finals!





Here are a few more photos from our road trip to the mountains last month.

A pretty rest stop in North Carolina!

Our first view of mountains in a few years! I think I took this photo in North Carolina.

You just don't see rocks jutting out of hillsides or mountainsides in Florida! I'm always intrigued by the topographical variances from state to state!

I just loved spending time looking at the different types of flowers and scenery at this rest stop. (The variety of the human type are my favorite! LOL)

Mom and Dad strike a pose!

The Balloon Worked!

We are praising the Lord in a big way here in Tampa Bay! Dad's angioplasty worked this time! The Doctor told us he planned on putting a stint into the collapsed vein but due to the vein being so narrow, the balloon method was used. We were informed that dad must have been born with unusually small veins. They are aging now and collapsing, but for now, a higher amount of blood should be flowing. The artery remains 10% blocked but as you'll read in the following letter, that's much better than what it was! We praise God for today's technology and knowledge. With dad's history, we were very concerned with what kind of news we'd get today. We are on cloud nine. Thanks so much for your prayers again.
Pam

Below is the email dad's assistant sent out to church members today!
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Hello Smyrna Folk,

Hallelujah! Pastor Riffe's procedure is over and he is doing great! The problem artery was 99.5% blocked, can you believe that! The doctors performed an angioplasty and his artery is flowing well again, with only 10% blockage. Thank you all for your prayers, but don't stop - keep those prayers coming. The family has requested that Pastor receive NO VISITORS, either at the hospital or the house, for the next couple of days. Pastor has not slept well in days and he is really worn out and he needs to get some good rest. He will be kept in the hospital overnight for observation and will go home tomorrow. Pray that God will raise him up so that he will be able to be with us Sunday morning. God truly is good all the time!

Thanks,

Timothy S. Padgett
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

ASKING FOR PRAYERS ON DAD'S BEHALF AGAIN

AND PHOTOS FROM OUR FIRST DAY OF FAMILY VACATION!

Hi All! Just a quick note to rally all prayer warriors for my dad, Pastor Jack Riffe. He once again is being admitted into the hospital Friday for a heart procedure. He has had two major open heart surgeries in the past 9 years. 5 arteries were replaced in the first and three of those five were once again replaced in May of 2007 due to collapse. The cardiologist thinks possibly the 2 that weren't replaced again in 07 may be the ones with blockage now, causing the angina attacks. Dad spent 2 days in hospital just last week, and now has been told to report at 6 a.m. Friday morning. I've been spending more time than usual with my parents, trying to soak in each moment I can. This is all starting to wear on mom more than she will admit. Please pray for her as well. Thanks. I'll report on my blog later as to what takes place. As of Tuesday, cardiologist said he wasn't sure what he was going to do with dad as far as puttingin stints, etc. The 2 days in hospital last week were full of testing but no heart catherization was performed. Possibly a stint will open the collapsed veins again. That wasn't an option in the last two surgeries though. Dad was having chest pains while in the cardiologists office on Tues. Then while I was at his home Wednesday, he had what I thought was another heart attack. When he walked into the kitchen and proclaimed he had to call it quits. (the studying and preparing for service). He was breathless. The nitro pill took care of the pain, but dad was white as a sheet and sweated profusely. He had to give up studying for his Wed. night prayer meeting service and call a dear brother in the church to fill in for him. The Doc wanted to admit dad right away but dad insisted on being able to go to an appointment for his molds of his new high tech hearing aids! In one way, the Dr. agreed that was a better choice, as it would allow him time to set up for the catherization, etc. and dad wouldn't have to wait for all the paper work and red tape at admittance. Please remember us and be sure to check out my blog for updates.



Thanks so much. We know Dad is in God's hands!

NOW HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR FIRST DAY ON THE ROAD DURING OUR TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS!

Here's Mom, Dad, Agustin, and Shane, We packed a cooler with yummy sandwiches and fruit! I always think food tastes so much better at a picnic setting!! After lunch, I walked several laps around the entire rest area! Yea Me!

YUM! See the turkey, cheese, lettuce, mayo and red tomato? And boy was that Diet Coke so very cold! I usually drink water, so this Coke was a treat!

Some of our northern Florida flatland as seen while speeding by on I-75!

Dad and Shane watching a war movie on the laptop in the backseat. They made many special memories on this trip.

Dad making his way to the car after a good night's sleep in Charlotte, N.C. I thought it was so endearing that he got to carry "Buddy Bear", Shane's sleeping partner, who incidently got left in West Virginia!

Olympic Fever!

I'm S.O. wrapped up in the Olympic games, but took a moment to peek on line for news of my sister's arrival to Paraguay. Praise His Name, the family is there safe and happy! We had a busy but wonderful weekend. Photos later!

I am experiencing "Olympic withdrawal" at the moment due to taking time out from watching and cheering so that some very necessary errands could be completed around the house. (Changing the bedding, washing all of it, including mattress covers, vacuuming my mattresses, flipping the mattresses, walking and exercise routine, helping Agustin in the yard, paying bills, misc.)

Now I'm off to cook supper! So I can hurry and clean up the kitchen and watch
Mr. Michael Phelps do it again!!! Go U.S.A. !!! I'm so happy our President and his sweet wife are there in Beijing to show support our athletes. I'm also very pleased to sense a more humble, kind men's basketball team this time around!

But first I thought I'd leave you with a couple of my favorite quotes and ask you to guess who said them. Just leave your answer in your comment if you feel so inclined to play along!

"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."
-by ???
"All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing,"
-by ???

Prayers Answered!

Thank you , thank you, thank you all for your prayers concerning my dad and his latest hospitalization. We were a little concerned yesterday due to the fact he couldn't get his food down. Today, however, he did his morning walking routine and ate well. Praise the Lord! I believe the reason for my emotional day yesterday was due to learning that Dad, as recently as last week before his hospitalization, had written out his funeral wishes and made my brother aware of the envelope they are in. That just brought it home to me that dad is getting things ready. I realize it could be 20 years ormore before he goes. I could even pass on before him, but knowing your daddy is getting his "ducks in a row" to make decision making easier for the family is an emotional thing.

I'm realizing that as he ages, I find myself a little more concerned with each of his illnesses. Its really a selfish thing I know. He is in God's hands and is ready for heaven. I on the other hand, don't want to think about being left here without him around. I guess it's just another adaptation to a new season in our lives. For now, I'm going to try to enjoy each moment I have with my daddy!

Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts here. I'm not fretting now, just facing reality and talking about it. You all are wonderful encouragers and such blessings!

Shane's Blog

...is hosting a caption contest. Go on over and give it a try!
www.battleking-shane.blogspot.com

DISCHARGED at 8:00 p.m.

Hey -thanks for those prayers for dad. He was discharged tonight around 8 p.m. with orders to follow up with his primary and his cardiologist. The tests results showed a "little" ischemia. (blockage to an artery) The nurse discharged per Doc's orders over the phone so we didn't get a lot of details. I'm sure when dad sees his docs, more questions will be answered.

Oh we did also learn that dad's triglycerides were super high-over 700!! He was prescribed a new med high in omega 3, however his diabetes doc had already told him to double his over the counter supplement of omega3. This new script must be something! We'll see.

For now, we're all so thankful for your prayers and care and that dad is home in his own bed tonight. I'm sure he is happiest of all for that last one!

Oh and one more thing which blessed us all. A gentleman was moved into dad's room about an hour before we found out dad was being discharged. Rita and her crew were with us visiting dad. The nurse had drawn the curtain so the new "roommate " could have his privacy. We tried to keep our banter down so the poor guy wouldn't regret having to room with this "preacher" beside him. About 5 minutes after my sister and crew left, a nurse entered to remove dad's IV and let us know he was being discharged. Agustin, Shane, and I decided to leave, giving dad more space and privacy to change, etc. for the trip home. (Normally dad is in a private room, but the cardiac floor was packed with patients. Dad waited 4 hours yesterday in the emergency holding bay, for the bed in the double room.) As I was leaving, I noticed the roommate reading his well worn BIBLE! My heart skipped a beat. I always get excited to find other Christians out and about! I asked politely, "Is that the Bible your reading?" He smiled up at me, a man about 35 or so, and replied "Yes it is."
"Oh that's wonderful! You and my father could have church tonight, but the preacher is being discharged!" He grinned, "Yeah the nurse told me I was going to have my own private chaplain here tonight."
"Well you are about to have some peace and quiet now. What's your name? I'll pray for you that all comes out well."
"Oh I'm going home tomorrow. They just want to observe me tonight due to my heart murmur."
He reached his hand out for me to shake. "I'm Glynn. What's your name?"
"Pam" I smiled. A few more words were exchanged, then my family took our leave.

I called mom a couple of hours later to make sure they were home safe. She shared with me how she and dad had a terrific visit with the new roommate while waiting on the final paper work for dad. Glynn was saved in prison! He has been in a Bible study with a local pastor here in Tampa, Dr. Hank Lindstrom. He asked dad questions about tithing and requested prayer for his unsaved 15 year old daughter. Tears were shed as he said over and over what a blessing it was to have been encouraged by this man of God! He plans on paying a visit to dad's church soon. He has been attending a little baptist church near the same neighborhood, but hasn't joined there yet. He said he has been growing spiritually since May of 2007.

I ask you - could this possibly have been the reason my dad was admitted into the hospital? Was it to encourage this dear man? Was this man admitted right before dad's discharge, so that my dad's spirit was also lifted? It's amazing to watch how God works!

DAD

Dear Friends,
My dear daddy needs your prayers again. He is once again in the hospital after a week of headaches, chest pressure, numb jaws and chin, general fatigue. He started feeling "off" last Tuesday evening, but true to form, he refused to go right to the Dr.'s office. He promised mom that if he didn't feel better by Monday, he'd report to the Dr.'s. His Dr. told him this morning, to go right to the emergency room. There, many tests were performed. As of this evening, he was admitted for further testing. Mom is exhausted. I'm sure the stress of watching him feel bad all week has weighed on her more than spending the day at the hospital has. For those who may not know, my dad has had 2 open heart surgeries over the last 8 years. His last being in May of 2007. He has other health issues as well. He just turned 72 and is still pastoring a little church here in Tampa. He says he'll never retire, only refire!

It was very rewarding to have him along on our road trip a couple of weeks back. Many wonderful memories were made. I couldn't help but think during that trip, that is was possibly dad's last road trip and especially a road trip with us. Dad had been toying with the idea of not going to our family reunion in West Virginia, but once my Uncle Gary asked him to come preach a 3 night revival, Dad was packing his bags. There is nothing he loves more than preaching/teaching the Word of God.
Your prayers for this humble servant of the Lord will be greatly appreciated. My sister and I will keep you updated on our blogs I'm sure. My sis is scheduled to leave the area and head for Paraguay on Thursday. All of this with dad is weighing heavy on her heart I'm sure.

Oh Shane just posted on his blog as well. Poor little man came into my room crying tonight. Is seems he was lying in bed thinking about his grandpa. His sweet little post will touch your heart. Click HERE TO SHANE'S BLOG

Nothing Between

Are you familiar with the words to the beautiful hymn, "Nothing Between"? It says:

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
Naught of this world's delusive dream;
I have renounced all sinful pleasure—
Jesus is mine! There's nothing between.

Chorus
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor;
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

Nothing between, like worldly pleasure;
Habits of life, tho harmless they seem,
Must not my heart from Him ever sever—
He is my all! There's nothing between.

I've been letting a burden come between my soul and my Savior! The words to this beautiful hymn showed up in an email today, being exactly what I needed! Someone was listening to the Holy Spirit. Thank you sweet someone!