Please Contact Your Senators to Support Federal Marriage Amendment

May 22, 2006 A grassroots effort is under way to tell U.S. senators that America wants marriage constitutionally protected. A coalition of pro-family groups is looking for volunteers to tell senators that America overwhelmingly supports an amendment to the U.S Constitution to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The Marriage Protection Amendment (MPA) passed the Senate Judiciary Committee last week on a 10-to-8 party-line vote. It's expected to be introduced by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., on Monday, June 5. That's when senators must know what Americans expects. Please contact your U.S. senators by either e-mail, fax, or phone and let them know you are for protecting traditional marriage and family. This link can help you get started: NOTE: The Senate is expected to vote on this important issue today, June 7th. Please do not delay in sending your senators your support of traditional marriage and family.

America's Funniest Home Videos

Lately we have stumbled on the America's Funniest Home Videos with Bob Saget. I had forgotten how hilarious this show is - only with Bob Saget though! Of course there is the occasional video that is a little offensive or suggestive ( how one is dressed,etc.) or weird, but overall it is a good choice for family entertainment. I tried to send in a video about our weiner dog several years ago, but it was never appreciated though! Oh well! They just didn't appreciate her funny antics like I did! :)

Helpful Hints

Put a sealed envelope in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap.
> The envelope can then be resealed.
> ============================================
> Use empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can
> write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
> =================================================
> For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing
> liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze.
> =================================================
> To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then
> take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
> =================================================
> Crayon marks on walls? This works wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda.
> Comes off with little effort!
> =================================================
> Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol
> on paper towel.
> =================================================
> Whenever I purchase a box of SOS Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut
> each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly
> pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. And now a box of SOS
> pads last me almost indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get sharpened too!
> =================================================
> Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and
> proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! =================================================
> Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows.
> This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows
> really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will
> probably streak.
> =================================================
> Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each
> room when the light is turned on.
> =================================================
> Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed
> for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.
> ================================================
> Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
> ================================================
> To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake
> vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers
> looking like new!
> =================================================
> To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap
> and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop.
> ================================================
> Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based
> sauces and there won't be any stains.
> ================================================
> Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
> ================================================
> When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural
> sweetness.
> ================================================
> Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing
> will go away.
> ================================================
> Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and
> sauces.
> ================================================
> To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience
> instant relief.
> ================================================
> Ants, ants, ants everywhere. Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your
> chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.
> ================================================
> Use air freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell
> to the shine.
> ================================================
> When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle.
> Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most
> splinters painlessly and easily.
> ================================================
> Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer.
> ================================================
> Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The
> citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.
> ================================================
> Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and
> drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
> ================================================
> Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for
> two minutes.
> =================================================
> Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak
> for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
> ================================================
> Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain
> followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water.
> ===============================================
> Do your friends a favor. Pass this timely (and some not-so-timely) information on to a friend!
> I just did. Makes you wonder about ingesting Alka Seltzer, doesn't it?

Lucy Turns Businesswoman

"Come here. Are you tired of paying high prices? Are you interested in a little high class beef? Do you want a bargain? Tell you what I'm going to do. I've got sirloin, tenderloin, t-bones, rump roast..."


Lucy turns businesswoman in this episode. Does anyone know which episode it is and what year it is aired?

A Simple Confession

This is the confession that we said tonight at church and use it quite a bit at Wednesday night services. Confessing our sins brings healing and newness in Christ.

"I confess that I have sinned against you this day. Some of my sin I know-the thoughts and words and deeds of which I am ashamed-but some is known only to you. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask forgiveness. Deliver and restore me that I may rest in peace."

Lucy Freaks Out at Carwash

This Lucy has claustrophobia!! How about you? It used to be that going through a car wash such as one at BP or any other gas station was a normal activity that I could handle! HOWEVER, that has changed over the past few years, and I no longer find it amusing or fun to go through these car washes!!! My husband and son took me through one this past Sunday to "help" me get over my claustrophobia, and I was SO relieved when we were out of there!

The last car wash that I drove through was about two years ago, and I freaked out. I kept thinking what if those big machines malfunction, and we can't get out of there? I just tried to stay calm and say some prayers. When we got to the last step and that bar came down in front of our car and came towards my windshield, I was none too calm. I didn't remember seeing it before! I guess the telephone pole that had rolled down in front of me (on the windshield) about ten years ago when a young man hit it to avoid hitting our son in the backseat, (Our car had died.) left a pretty traumatizing mark upon me. It was explained to me by my very calm and laid back husband and son on Sunday that that bar is there on purpose to keep the car from going too fast and can be dried by the hot air shooting out! I just don't like being surrounded by those big machines! I wonder how many people are as freaked out as I am about these car washes!
Just call me goofy! :)

A Thank You to our Military

This e-mail was circulating around members of our congregation, and I wanted to share it with you for Memorial Day. It is SO EASY to take our freedom for granted. Yes, more and more liberals are trying to take away our freedoms; however, we still do have the freedom to worship the One and only True God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And we are free to go where we want to, spend our time as we want to, etc. May we take this time to thank God for our freedom and for the brave men and women who have stood in harm's way to preserve our freedom. Also, may we take the time to thank God for our president who has had the faith and courage to preserve our freedom by standing strong and not letting other countries push us around. Also, he believes in our military. Most of all, he believes in Christ. Yes, he has made mistakes and so has our military, but they are all sinners just like us. They need our prayers and support! (spouses and families of servicemen too) By the way, I heard today that the heat in Iraq is sweltering hot. That takes committment for our soldiers to endure that for us, doesn't it? Wow, I have to admit, I would be a wimp of a soldier!

Here's the email: "Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we had boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who?d been invited to sit in First Class (and was seated across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. No, he responded. Heading out? I asked. No. I'm escorting a soldier home. Going to pick him up? No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family. The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he did know them after so many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do. Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door [so as to] allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign. Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American. So here's a public thank you to our military for doing what you do so we can live the way we do." Stuart Margel, Washington,DC

The Apostles' Creed

This is such a simple but beautiful creed about the Triune God.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Time With Your Spouse

My husband, Scottius Maximus, and I are having a lot of fun gardening. I remember when I used to be the one who always planted the flowers and bushes due to his busy schedule not allowing him time to do so. Now God has granted both of us the time and desire to work on our landscaping and gardening together which is a LOT MORE fun. A few years ago I hoped but couldn't have EVER imagined that we would be sharing this great hobby together! It is REALLY important that couples have common interests and spend good quality time together. Even if you and your spouse haven't been able to spend a lot of time together, you can ALWAYS start! It is NEVER too late! God has to let all things happen in His time. Just as it takes time for a beautiful garden to grow, it takes time for a beautiful marriage and friendship to grow as well.

If you and your spouse are not doing this, you can start by trying to do just one simple thing together which can grow into doing more things together. It just takes time and a thankful heart. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

Do You Remember This Character?

Who remembers this cute little creature? And what year did this creature make his debut? My husband and I LOVED watching him and would just laugh hysterically at him show after show!!! We even have a stuffed animal of this little guy somewhere around our house!

Why We Home-school

The BIGGEST blessing in my life is being a child of God and having the gift of faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour and eternal life with Him someday when He calls me home to live with Him in heaven.

The second GREATEST blessing in my life is being a wife and a mother as well as a teacher to our children. To be a good Christian mom, wife, and home-school teacher is a challenge that requires the grace of God to help me each step of the way. Below are the reasons that our family has chosen home-schooling which we have been doing for several years now.

1 - God put the desire to teach our children in my heart. It started with that, but it took a little
while for me to be convinced that it was really possible. Having a teaching degree (which
isn't necessary by the way) gave me the confidence to do it though. I know parents who
don't have a teaching degree but are much better at it than me. What it takes is faith and
hope in Christ as well as a deep abiding love for Him as well as your family.

2 - The Lutheran school where our son first attended was showing major signs of problems
(lack of discernment, questionable doctrine, and misplaced priorities). Our children need
many survival skills to live in this world which grows darker and darker by the day as the
end draws nearer for Christ to return. They wouldn't get that at this school. Though we
knew our school wouldn't be (and isn't) perfect or sinless, we knew that we would be led to
teach them what they needed for survival. They must have a rock-solid and unshakeable
foundation in Jesus Christ.

3- We didn't have the money to put our children in the only other parochial school here in our
community.

4 - There just didn't seem to ever be enough time to teach what we needed to teach before and
after school.

5 - It would give (and does give) plentiful opportunities for talking out and walking through
the problems of everyday life together. In our particular case, we needed that extra time
and communication for healing after our separation and divorce, even after my husband and
I got remarried to each other.

6 - My heart was aching to be "home" and not teaching other people's children.

If you are thinking of home-schooling or just discouraged about it, I would encourage you to really pray about it and seek God's will in His Word. He can help you do the impossible. Prior to junior high, I wondered how I could ever teach junior high. The Lord led me (and us as my husband helped me for two years while working full-time) step by step through junior high. Then came high school which is a lot of fun. Is it challenging and hard work? You bet it is, but it is worth it. Is it time-consuming? Yes because one has to learn to make life and school "flow" together - organization and preparation are very important. Don't I get sick of our kids? No, I don't get sick of them, but we have our arguments and need some space sometime. Someday those rough spots of the course will be missed though. We won't have our children forever. We must spend as much quality time with them as possible.

One important note needs to be made though. This doesn't work for every family, and sometimes families who home-school have to put their kids back in traditional schools. That's okay. What God has planned for one family may not be the same for another family.

In one of the next few posts, I will share some ideas and resources.

Today Is a Gift

My hairdresser, a blessing from God, told me something really neat so I wanted to share it on my blog. She also told this to the grandmother of the young lady who was killed in a car accident a few weeks ago.

Yesterday is a MEMORY,
Tomorrow is a MYSTERY,
Today is a GIFT.

A Mother's Prayer

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!!



A Mother's Prayer

By Ruth Simrall Mackoy

Make me a wise mother, O Lord. Keep me calm and give me patience to bear the small irritating things in life's daily routine.

Give me tolerance and understanding to bridge the gulf which exists between my generation and that of my children.

Help me to bear silently the physical and mental pain of those whom I love by reminding me that only through suffering may they understand the distress of others.

Let me be not too ready to guide my children's stumbling feet, but allow me to be ever near to bind up their bruises.

Give me a sense of humor that I may laugh with them but never at them.

Let me refrain from preaching with words. Keep me from forcing their confidence, but give me a sympathetic ear when they seek me out.

Help me to teach them that life must not be filled with compromises, but it should be replete with victories.

Keep my children close to me, O Lord, though miles may separate us. And let thy light so shine upon me that they, too, will see thy glory.

Home-schooling? You'll Like These Pictures!

Home Schooling

The kids start the day with Mom supervising breakfast.


Then off to school they go.
Everyone has an assigned seat in the classroom.



After resting up, they're ready for some fun.
Where's Waldo is their favorite game.



Before you know it, everyone is tired out.



When the kids get home from their busy school day, it's time for a bath.
Then they dry off before bedtime.


Put a smile on your face,
And a song in your heart!

"A Wilderness Faith" (More About C.W.F. Walther)

This is the daily devotion from Portals of Prayer for Sunday, May 7th, 2006 in commemoration of Dr. C.F.W. Walther.

What confidence it must have taken to start a "college" in a little log cabin in the Perry County wilderness of Missouri! Dr. C. W. F. Walther was one of four founders of the tiny school, established to provide a Christian education to its pupils. It must have seemed an impossible dream, considering the fact that not one of the founders was financially well off. Still, the school was built, and in 1839, seven boys and four girls were in attendance. In 1843, the school was moved to St. Louis, where it became a theological seminary.

In 1847, when The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod was founded, Walther became its first president. He served for nearly half a century in that office. He is still honored today as a champion of pure doctrine based on Scripture, centered in Christ crucified.

Walther believed and confessed that our most basic need was for Christ and the salvation He won for us through the cross and gives to us in the Gospel and Sacraments. We may not be financially well off, but when we have Christ, we have what we need the most.

Even today, human reason thinks we have more pressing needs than Christ. Human reason still thinks the crucified God is a foolish scandal. Yet, in the wisdom of God, He is salvation to all who believe.

Dr. Walther would be ashamed of how the LCMS has drifted away from the Word and Sacraments and given way to false doctrines. There are always LCMS congregations that are the exceptions though. May they stand strong for TRUTH!!

Correction on the "There is Always Hope" Post

It was brought to my attention that my "There is Always Hope" post about the young woman who died gave an impression that people have been brought to Christ after her death due to her own merits and faithful work here on this earth. I am sorry if I gave this impression. She was a very humble young lady who knew that EVERYTHING she did was with the help and strength of Christ and not of her own doing. It was the convicting power of the Holy Spirit who stirred faith and hope in the hearts of these people! To God be the glory for all the blessings and miracles that have come from her death!! And may her family be comforted through these blessings and miracles!

There Is Always Hope

Several years ago the mother of a young woman who was killed almost two weeks ago gave me a verse that I love and recall so very often. It is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Now this mother, a very strong Christian (the whole family is and the young woman was) must rely on that hope only found in Christ. This young woman touched so many lives as she witnessed to the truth of Jesus Christ and now through her death others have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.

We never know what the next day will bring for us. It may bring joy, or it may bring sorrow in various forms. We may think that we have come to the end of our rope and that there is nowhere to turn. We may think that there are no options or answers, but there are ALWAYS options and answers with Christ. What we must remember though is that those options and answers don't always come to us right away. The hardest part is waiting on God, at least that has been one of the hardest lessons I have had to learn in the last several years. Though I have failed Him so many times, I do know that His timing and planning is perfect. He ALWAYS knows what is best in ALL circumstances even the hardest to understand such as taking a young life. And, I know and trust that He has a specific plan and purpose for each of our lives however long we live on this earth. I hope and pray that you have hope and see His magnificent hand working in your life as He works out His will for your life.

HELP!

Lucy fans, do you remember this episode when Lucy has trouble crossing the border from Italy to France because she didn't have her "passaport" (according to Ricky's lingo)? Remember that phone call she made to Ricky and left the message of "Help!" for Ricky? Ricky would automatically know that once again a problem in Lucy's life had arisen!





The Beatles apparently agreed with her and made a song just for her (Okay, so who am I kidding? We all know it was John Lennon pleading for help in his life. He is the one on the far right with the acoustic guitar for those who don't know and think that a beatle is an annoying bug). HELP! ---You will probably need Flash 8 Player to view this promo video.




I would like to add a simple "thank you" to our son who made this post possible thanks to his extensive Beatles' knowledge (He is a Beatles fanatic).

Vitameatavegamin Trivia

Desi Arnaz says of Episode #30, "Lucy Does a Commercial" (Vitameatavegamin): "The scene where Ross Elliot and I had to watch her rehearse the commercial was so funny that both of us got sores from having to chew the inside of our cheeks to keep from laughing." (The Lucy Book by Geoffrey Mark Fidelman)

I don't know about you, but we always get a kick out of the episodes where we can hear Desi's bellowing laugh in the background! They were quite a pair!

How many of remember Lucy and Vitameatavegamin? I love this episode! How about you?

The Best Way to Get Rid of Hiccups

Okay, you're probably wondering what this woman is doing, right? Well, she is getting rid of her hiccups.

A long time ago my husband, Scottius Maximus, told me that the best way to get rid of hiccups is to bend over and drink a full glass of water while you are bending over. The catch (besides not falling over :)) is that you need to drink on the opposite side of the glass (furthest away from your chin and closest to your nose). Try it and see if it works for you. It works for me 98% of the time.

Today is another day, another gift from God. If you are feeling down or discouraged today, take heart in these words from Lamentations. You are just as precious to Christ as this little lamb in this picture.

"Because of the LORD'S great love , we are NOT consumed, for his compassions NEVER fail. They are new EVERY morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore, I will wait for Him.' The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him."
Lamentations 3:22-25

Good Ol' SweetTarts

How many of you love that good ol' tart candy called Sweettarts? Besides chocolate, they are my favorite type of candy. I have such fond memories of when I was a little girl and my parents or my brother would come home with a couple of those big fat Sweettarts!! They were the best candy!! I loved those things and unfortunately one can only buy a semi-version of the old ones. They are big, just not as fat or thick! I also love the kind as pictured here that can be bought in a roll or the kind that contain three to a package. And now, they even package the hearts for Valentine's Day and bunnies and chicks for Easter! Spree are good too! I personally have to watch how many I eat though, or I will end up with sores in my mouth!! :)

Life is So Fragile

Death ... it hits all of us in one way or another. It stings and is so utterly painful to lose someone. I have lost my real dad many years ago and just lost my step-father last year (Mom remarried a few years after Dad died.) and have lost a lot of family members and some friends. A person can be here one minute and gone the next.

Once again the reality of death has hit our community as we mourn the death of a young Christian woman, the oldest of four children. We have known her parents for a long time and have been so touched by their kind and gentle spirits and love for Christ. It was only two and a half years ago when our family was touched by another young Christian's death. Step by step with Christ by their side this family walked through the valley of the shadow of death and survived through the wrenching heartache of losing a child.

May we all remember that Christ will come like a thief in the night and may we be ready with repentent hearts to go with our Savior as the ones before us have gone.

And may we remember to take time to read God's Word daily to prepare us for whatever lies ahead for us each day. And, may we remember that love covers a multitude of sins and to be thankful for each other. And, may we take time for each other, for our spouses, our children, our parents, our families, and our friends. We may never have another day with them. And last but not least, may we love each of them enough to encourage them to commit their lives to Christ if they haven't already done so so that we may see them in heaven someday, praising our ever-loving and gracious God.

Speaking of Marriage ...

Speaking of marriage, I thought I should mention that Scottius Maximus is my husband. Some of you besides TK may have figured it out already. :) He keeps me in stitches, and I keep him in reliving the Lucy shows with my Lucy moments! :) Just for the record, it isn't the conniving schemes that he relives! It is the zany things I do or say!