ARE WE LYING DOWN ON THE TRACK?

"Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the track of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him."

--Dwight D. Eisenhower

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"Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged."

--Ronald Reagan

My Thoughts As I Try to Remain Cheerful...

Whatcha' think about this?

You betcha'!!!
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Now a blast from the past!

I had forgotten just how awesome he was, until I read and remembered some of the stuff he said... and stood for .



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'Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose.'

- Ronald Reagan


'The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'

- Ronald Reagan


'The trouble with our liberal friends are not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.'

- Ronald Reagan


'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.'
- Ronald Reagan


'I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.'

- Ronald Reagan


'The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal

government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.'
- Ronald Reagan


'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.'
- Ronald Reagan


'The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.'

- Ronald Reagan


'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.'

- Ronald Reagan


'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.'

- Ronald Reagan


'Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.'

- Ronald Reagan


'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'

- Ronald Reagan



'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.'
- Ronald Reagan

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And I keep reminding myself of this:

GOD HAS A PLAN!!!

AS SEPTEMBER 11 APPROACHES...

JOIN US IN

FLY THE FLAG CAMPAIGN

With the important election coming up this year it is even more important that we fly our flag.

Not only in remembrance of 9/11, but to remind us of the importance to pay attention to the issues in this election, and be preparing to vote on November 4th.

Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign. It is just 4 days to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America.

THE PROGRAM IS THIS: On Tuesday, September 11th, 2007, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States.

Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this seventh anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, AND those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared.

Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

So here's what to do: (1) Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you. (2) Fly an American flag, of any size, on 9/11.

Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.

SUSAN (A.K.A.PENLESSWRITER) says: "We fly a 3'x5' most every day, unless the weather is really bad. Mickey went out yesterday and purchased two of the little flags to put on our vehicles on 9/11. Remember the ones that clip on the window that so many of us flew right after 9/11?"

I love those ideas Susan!

Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America.

And in case you haven't noticed---

I support John McCain for President!

I love the following statements from Senator McCain's speech last Thursday night!

"Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, and that's an association that means more to me than any other.



My friends, if you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them."

QUOTEWORTHY

"Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged." --President Ronald Reagan

"Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the track of history to wait for the team of the future to run over them."
--Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged." — President Ronald Reagan

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 ???

Amen!!!

I absolutely LOVE the following quote!

"For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned."

--Benjamin Franklin

Oh the time I've wasted searching for that one piece of paper I didn't file right away, or that craft item I purchased and didn't put in my craft closet!

Organization is on my brain this week as I'm co-hosting a Bridal Shower for a very special someone here in my home this Friday evening. My desk is piled high and deep! Well, not as high and deep as week before last! I remember now that I hurriedly shoved some papers and catalogues in a drawer when I heard someone was coming over! Now that stack is still in that drawer and I have a new, fresh stack of paperwork to contend with crowding my mind this week. I'm not the type to normally hide and shove items in closets and drawers. I'm a firm believer of EVERYTHING MUST HAVE AN ASSIGNED PLACE AND EVERYONE MUST RETURN EVERYTHING TO ITS PLACE. I have some pretty shelves I want hung and some pictures I need to arrange but being the perfectionist that I am, (I'd like to be able to type "Recovered Perfectionist" here!) I leave stuff out, lying in a corner until I can put it in its proper place. I know it doesn't sound very perfectionistic, but if you observe most perfectionists, they are also great procrastinators! We don't want to attempt any projects until we are sure we have time to do them correctly and completely. Therefore, many things go undone, which can make us appear AND FEEL very unorganized! That drawer full of old mail and catalogues is heavy on my mind, so I'm now off to purge it! Maybe then I can sort through this fresh stuff on my desk before Friday night!

A Timely Quote

Even though the following words were spoken by Thomas Edison many years ago, we should take it as wise advice and encouragement in today's climate. Wouldn't you agree?

"Be courageous! Whatever setbacks America has encountered, it has always emerged as a stronger and more prosperous nation...."
"Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith and go forward"

--- Thomas Alva Edison

OF course, as a Christian with a strong faith in God, I know HE has the future in HIS almighty hands. I am committed to prayer as I see my country seemingly spiral downward, further and further from being the great nation that our founding fathers intended. As we see contention rise during this political season, let's agree to commit each candidate and our citizens into God's hands and pray for HIS will to be done. Whatever the outcome in November, I will pray for my new president.

1 Timothy 2:1-5

vs. 1)I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

vs. 2)For kings, and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty,

vs. 3)For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

vs. 4)Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

vs. 5)For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

I wonder, if we spent as much time and energy in prayer for those in authority and for each other as we spend criticizing - - -would we experience more of that peace and holiness as mentioned above in verse 2?

Good Beyond Measure!

I wanted to share with you, my friends, some of the most beautiful words I've ever had the privilege of reading. They were sent to me in an email a while back. I can't help but smile and be overcome with peace when I read them!


"God is gracious and good beyond measure to bless with hearts like yours, to share that little quiet space with... a friend to worship with...
Thank you, Pam, for sharing you with me, and giving glory to Him ...Together, let's keep walking with Him towards Home! "
All's grace...
Ann

"All that happens becomes bread to nourish, soap to cleanse, fire to purify, a chisel to carve heavenly features. Everything is a channel of His Grace."

Boo!!!

Did I frighten you? Due to my "missing in action" for so many days, I bet you weren't expecting to see a new post here! Things have been a bit "squirrly" around our home lately. What do I mean by "squirrly" you ask? Well, I don't know, just couldn't think of a better word to describe the series of unfortunate events occurring in our lives. Oh don't worry, nothing serious, just lots of "squirrliness"!!!! Now if that isn't vague, I don't know what is.

We've had a couple of fun "outings", we've been "sick", we've feverishly been "learning" (school work!). Hubby must work Thursday and Friday, even though they were his scheduled days off. This is due to some of that "squirrly" business that's been going on. It wouldn't be prudent to tell all here, but let's just say that hubby needs your prayers around 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

Oh and Boo Hoo! My candidate came in 4th in the Florida primary on Tuesday! I love America and the freedoms she offers! We must all do our part to protect those freedoms. I'm afraid we who are Christians are losing ground here in our great land. Let's commit to praying daily for our leaders, whether we like them or not, whether we agree or disagree. Make it a daily routine to pray and ask God to guide our leaders and gift them with wisdom. It is a biblical principle afterall. I also pray that they will come to know Christ as Lord and Savior in a personal way, if they don't already. I still pray for Bill Clinton. He needs the prayer, I need the practice! Anyways, back to our exciting Tuesday evening! Agustin, Shane, and I went out to vote, rushing into our new precinct, the new Toyota dealership, with only 40 minutes until poll closing time! One of the poll workers was a most jovial man. He was assuring us and those even later arrivals, that all who were in line by 7p.m. would most definitly get to vote. However, the dealership would be locking their doors at 7 and we wouldn't be able to get out unless we bought a new car first!

We were thrilled to see democracy working! The line of folks waiting to vote began downstairs on the sales floor, winding it's way up a huge staircase, going to the end of a hall, u-turning back around down the other side of the wide hall and finally into the room where the polling stations were set up. Of course, as I stood in line, rejoicing that so many folks were out taking care of their responsibility of voting, I wondered how many of those people were counter balancing our votes!

After checking in, Shane went with his dad to the booth to vote and I went to mine. What an honor to hit that touch screen! Shane loves voting and always begs to select the box by the candidate his dad tells him to vote for, and/or the ammendments. He wears his "I Voted" sticker proudly.

After the big vote, we got in our vehicle and drove around the corner to a family owned Mexican restaurant, and once again, I was struck with the greatness of my homeland! Here these immigrants, whom my husband has gotten to know quite well, seeing as how they are from the same country, were supplying us with a service we enjoy. Eating authentic Mexican food prepared by authentic Mexicans! I had my regular, "Carne Asada" con ensalada de Guacamole y frijoles refritos! My hubby had the "Bistek Mexicana" which is covered with a jalapeno salsa. Shane of course had his usual chicken sandwich!! Aye Aye Aye! God bless America!

Oh and if someone reading this hasn't registered to vote yet, let me urge you to do so. There is still time to get registered so that you can partake in the general election in November of this year, IF YOU ACT QUICKLY AND DON'T DELAY!!!


Now, I shall leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

".. people will forget what you said .... .. people will forget what you did . .. but people will never forget how you made them feel."

I hope I've made you feel good, my friends!

I read this quote just this morning...

"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend
yourself on the work before you, well assured that
the right performance of this hour's duties will
be the best preparation for the hours or ages
that follow it."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sounds good to me!

Cleanse my soul O Lord, I beseech thee, from whatever is offensive to thee,

and hurtful to me, and give me what is convenient for me.

Watch over me this night, and give me comfortable and sweet sleep to fit me for the service of the day following.

Let my soul watch for the coming of the Lord Jesus; let my bed put me in mind of my grave, and my rising from there of my last resurrection;

O heavenly Father, so frame this heart of mine, that I may ever delight to live according to thy will and command, in holiness and righteousness before thee all the days of my life.

—George Washington, Wednesday Evening Prayer from his daily prayer journal

God Thought of Me Today!

A blogging friend, Mishel, is going through a very difficult time right now. It has been several months of health issues of her own and now she is caring for her mom who has some serious health issues as well. Mishel always blesses my heart with her testimonies and faith in God! Her sweet spirit comes through her blog and even though I have never met her in person, I feel that she must be one of the most loving people I've ever *met*! LOL (Didn't I just say I'd never met her?) Well, you bloggers know what I mean!

Please remember Mishel and her mom in your prayers. Mishel would love to be able to leave Alabama and return home to her family in California. Yet she doens't want to leave her mom until all is well. I know she would appreciate prayers from fellow believers!

Mishel posted the following quotes on her blog this week. They were EXACTLY what I needed! Of course, my God knew that! She has taken them out of a daily devotional book by Dr. Paul Chappell.

"We all have needs that come into our lives, and each time of need presents an opportunity for us to either trust God or worry."

"Peace is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the presence of God."

"It's one thing to hear the words of God, but it's another thing to grab hold of them and believe them to be true in your own life."

I LOVE THIS QUOTE!

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.
~Author Unknown

Two Great Men!

"I believe with all my heart that standing up for America means standing up for the God who has so blessed our land. We need God’s help to guide our nation through stormy seas. But we can’t expect Him to protect America in a crisis if we just leave Him over on the shelf in our day-to-day living."

--Ronald Reagan, November 16, 1982






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PRAYER AND FAITH IN THE NEWS

Coach Tony Dungy fields questions from participants in
“Ask the White House” on April 23. Dungy, an active Christian, gave testimony to his faith during the session. Photo courtesy of the White House.

Coach Expresses Appreciation for Christian Campus Group

The NFL Champion Indianapolis Colts were honored at the White House this week during a ceremony on the South Lawn. As a part of their visit, Coach Tony Dungy, known for his dynamic Christian faith, took questions as a part of “Ask the White House,” a regular feature on the White House website. “Christopher” of Grafton, ND asked Dungy’s opinion of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The following is Coach Dungy’s answer: What do I think of FCA? It means a great deal to me because the Fellowship of Christian Athletes really brings together two things that are close to me: athletics and my Christian faith. I think that’s a great organization to volunteer with as well as they help out in junior highs, high schools, colleges, and help student-athletes become more aware of their surroundings and their eternal life and that has been a great, great benefit to me as I’ve grown up.

Great Quote for the New Week!

My brethren, let me say, be like Christ at all times. Imitate him in "public." Most of us live in some sort of public capacity—many of us are called to work before our fellow-men every day. We are watched; our words are caught; our lives are examined—taken to pieces. The eagle-eyed, argus-eyed world observes everything we do, and sharp critics are upon us. Let us live the life of Christ in public. Let us take care that we exhibit our Master, and not ourselves—so that we can say, "It is no longer I that live, but Christ that lives in me."

—Charles Spurgeon

A Quote That Makes Me Smile!

I never worked a day in my life.
It was all fun!
-- Thomas Edison --

What a terrific outlook!

I LOVE THIS QUOTE!

“I long to worship Jesus with the heart of a child, in a state of pure and true adoration. Yet so many things of the world cloud my thoughts and pull on my heart until it’s no longer just a girl in the arms of the Father”~ Darlene Schacht ~

Little Musings!

I recently read the following quote somewhere and jotted it down because it had such a profound message. It was one of those things that made me stop and examine myself.

"Don't speak unless you can improve the silence."

Anonymous

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A delicious breakfast, recently prepared for my husband and I, by Chef Shane! Notice we each have a cereal bar, cup of juice, bagels w/ cream cheese, and cereal bowl. Oh and he also set the fruit bowl out for us.

What a blessing this little guy is to us!

Scary Quote!

" Parents give up their rights when they drop the children off at public school. "-- Melinda Harmon, Federal Judge, 1996

I could'nt tell you in what context this Judge made this statement, but isn't it enough to scare you a little?

Awesome Quote Speaks Volumes

"Your cheerfulness can only spring up freely and healthily out of your heart when your heart is truly at rest in God; when you are satisfied with His ways, and wishing no change in them."

--Priscilla Maurice (1810-1854)