The View From My Front Porch: July 2012

Monday, July 30, 2012

My Special Friend Mr. Moon...

I was reminded of a special friend that I've neglected for a while.

while I was reading a blog post by Christy Jordan, a yummy recipe for Orange Rolls, and a Story about a special moment in her life with her grandmother.. It reminded me of my special friend Mr. Moon.

One of my special memories is my daddy holding me in his arms and looking out at the moon. Sometimes we were in the house, sometimes outside. He would always ask me If I could see the man in the moon. We would recite the children's rhyme "Star light Star bright" and then we'd try to count the stars.

I loved when daddy would tell me that no matter where we were. Even when I was grown up, we could look at the moon and know the other was looking at the same moon.

I do that today too. My friend Mr. Moon.. I can look at him in MI and know my friends in Ky. are looking at him too. Counting the same stars and maybe wishing on them too.

I have looked at my friend Mr. moon many times over the past 50 + years. He gives me a great sense of comfort and security. When I was out in Colorado or in the U.P. on trips without my husband, I could look at Mr. Moon and I knew all was well. Somehow he seems to connect me with those I love and care about.

Daddy can't look at the moon with me here.. I think he may have to look down at it from his place in Heaven. but I know if he can see it that we are connected. I may even ask him if he can see the man in that old moon..

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Oh The Fun I'm Having This Week...

Oh The fun I'm having this week. It's Vacation Bible School Time!!! I love it. I look forward to it.

And I'm glad when the week is over. LOL

This year our Bible School is titled Awesome God, Amazing Power. We are traveling the world on Amazing wonders Airline. I have the joy of being part of the Team that provides the snacks for the evening.

(fist pump here)

LOL, wow it's fun. We not only get a chance to provide a yummy snack but we get to talk about what the kids are learning. We go over their Bible verse for the night with them, and my favorite, I get to pray with them.

This week we've talked about God's Amazing power over Nature, circumstances, Sin, and tonight about His power over death.

Since we are winging our way around on the AWA (Amazing Wonders Airline) We are serving

In Flight snacks: (chips, pretzels, cheese balls, and gold fish crackers)

Matter Horn yodeling pudding cups

aviator applesauce

Grand Canyon Boulders (bagel bites)

Victoria Falls Fish sticks

Tarmac tater tots

Paricutin Pancakes

Roll and Dive Sausage

Polar dogs

and

Pilot Popsicles

I have a great team that help me get everything ready. It's about 3 hours of standing most nights. We all laugh about our swollen ankles and feet. Well those of us who swell do :-)

I can't imagine not being part of this great week.

What a joy to have this special time to share with children all about

the Awesome God who created them, Loves them, and wants them to follow Him.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Act Of Valor, A Great Movie That Made Me Think

I'd been waiting to see this movie. I knew it would be bloody and such, but how could a "war" movie (so to speak) not be. I found it at the Redbox today and grabbed it. Wow. It was an amazing movie. I think one of the things I like best about it, is that there are Real life Seals in this movie. Action packed yes, lots of blood and not appropriate for children, But with parents watching I think older teens would learn a few things.

I would have grabbed my box of tissues, I knew from the opening monologue I would need them, but I didn't want to leave my seat. To see the Heroism. The love of family and County. The Courage and Bravery portrayed was inspiring. I have been privileged to follow a page on facebook called Seal Of Honor. It's a great page and Full of information on Navy Seals and Operation Red Wings and Lt. Michael Murphy

While watching the Movie I wondered just how many times Men of Courage, Men of our Special forces units deploy in just these situations. To rescue Americans, To find those Plotting against the United States and destroy their plans to do us harm. I wonder about all those times we won't ever be aware of the actions that took place.

I may never know who these men are. I may never know their names or anything about them. I do know that I want them to know how Thankful I am for them. For their courage, their strength that goes beyond humane comprehension. I am thankful that they are willing to sacrifice it all for me and for our Great Country. I will pray for them and their families daily. Those nameless Warriors. Those Watchmen on the wall.

I was moved by this poem written by the great Chief Tecumseh.

“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the Service of Your People. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”

~ Chief Tecumseh ~

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Oh Happy Day... Hubby's Last Radiation Treatment

It's difficult to believe that we walked into the Cancer center and say this just a few weeks ago. I know the fear that gripped me on that first visit. I'm sure Husband Ken had fear too. A lot of fear. We didn't want to be here and I wouldn't look at this quilt. I looked at it after a few days, but it took a while.

The little garden wasn't in bloom then. The water falls was running, but the benches and chairs had not been put out and it was all still kind of dead looking from winter. When I looked at it today it was wonderful. I hadn't noticed all the different types of flowers and trees. I hadn't noticed the ponds with Lilly's and frogs, or the little bridge. It was great.

After the first week or so of treatments I had some appointments that kept me from going with hubby. He went himself.. After a few days I noticed he was leaving almost an hour and a half early. I asked him why. He said if they weren't busy they'd just take him in. He also enjoyed talking to the others there.

Ken would come home every day telling me about a new person he had met. He loves to talk. If you want to talk to him or not, he'll talk to you. He met a man who had been a POW in Vietnam. He listened as the man told how he had been captured and how he had escaped. I wish I had met him. What an amazing man.

He came home with others stories too. Stories of the brave folks who were coming for treatments. Some for the a different cancer, a new cancer, or an old cancer that had snuck up on them.

He loved the stories. Then he told me a few sad stories. Ones of loss, and grief. He was moved by them, so was I. I try to remember to pray for those whose fight continues. Brave souls they are.

As you can tell Ken was kind of happy on his last day. He was grins from ear to ear. The photo above is a picture of "Slim" the tec who gave him his last treatment. She was thrilled too.

Ken told me a few days before the last treatment that he wanted to get "his girls" something nice as a thank you. He thought roses would be good. He had me call and order pink roses. I had them add greenery, and a pink bow. He wanted to make sure they had water, so we also added a tube for water for each. He got 12. He wanted to make sure he had enough for everyone.

I can't tell you the Joy it gave him to hand those roses out. They brought some extra smiles. I still think his was the largest.

One of the girls waiting for her first treatment for a Tumor on her face remarked. "I hope I'm as happy the last day of treatment as that man is". I told her he was my husband and that I was sure she would be happy too.

I took a photo of the certificate Ken got for completing treatment. It mentions courage, determination, and good nature. I never realized that it does take a great deal of courage and determination to walk through those doors and take the radiation, chemo or both. Like the Finns would say. It takes a whole lot of Sisu.

I am so proud of those who determine to fight. Even when they tell us they are not sure it's helping. Even when the Dr. says they have to take another round of radiation and or chemo. Their courage and their Strength amazes me.

The Dr. said there will be more tests and check ups. Ken will be seeing him at least twice a year for the next 5 yrs, but that's OK. that's easy.

Today we celebrated. Today He is Victorious. Today HE WINS...

Thursday, July 5, 2012

OK, Who Volunteered Me To Bake In This Heat??

Oh my goodness.. Who volunteered me to bake in this heat? oh, uh, ya.. That would be me. I did volunteer and it was a week or so ago. Our Youth from Church are going on Mission Trip to Joplin Mo. They leave Friday. I need to bake for them today. They want some snacks for the road and for munching on while they work in the 100 + degree weather. They will be helping with clean up, repair, and may be working with the families of the area. They will know more when then are there. It's kind of a "this is the job we found for you today" kind of thing. The cool thing is that while they'll be working they will be sharing Jesus with folks too.

They had some great T-shirts made up. Ones that will make people want to ask who they are and why they came from MI to Mo. in the heat to help people they don't know. I know God will use their work and their witness for His Glory. I can't wait to hear all about their trip when they return, but for now I have to get out in the kitchen and bake. Please pray with me for our students and their leaders to touch hearts and lives..

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

My Wall Of Heroes.. Land Of The Free, Because Of The Brave

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY !!!!!

I wanted to post this to my face book wall. I will attempt to, but I don't want anyone left out.

Over the past 9 yrs. I have had the honor and privilege of packing care packages for 58 wonderful men and women of our Military.I've also had the opportunity to meet many more.

Their sacrifice and service are what makes America great.

With all her faults America is still the greatest country in the world. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

this will be a long post. Enjoy the Photos.. I won't be posting full names except for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

God Bless America!!!