Saturday, October 25, 2014

Blink


Where does Time go? It is 2 months till Christmas and in a couple weeks we will gain an  hour when we turn our clocks back.  The days are already too short and I just wish we would leave the clocks the same all year around.  I know we all have the same amount of time in one day- and I always thought time went slower the older you got- but it does not I think?  Someone said  the best advice in raising kids, "Don't Blink"...For the rest of us, Cherish Each Moment You have today. We are enjoying some days with Jan's brother and sisters-Building Memories.
Warning: Dates in Calendar are closer than they appear

Time is money, especially when you are talking to a lawyer or buying a commercial.

Time is a great healer, but a poor beautician.

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot.

  I'm going to stop putting things off, starting tomorrow!

Friday, October 24, 2014

Southern Women by Bill Cosby


I actually do this blog as a hobby- I certainly am not trying to prove a point, in fact most topics are geared toward me, things that I need to work on and improve. I knew the title to today's video would get your attention-I am glad God made us all different and I am not laughing because she is a woman or a grandma- I just enjoy a good laugh. Laughing is good for you. I posted below some facts on why Laughter is good for your health. The Bible even confirms that in the Old Testament.  Bill Cosby has been one of my favorite comedians since I had one of his records in the 6th grade.
Laughter is good for your health
Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular
Ways to help yourself see the lighter side of life:
Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments. The best way to take ourselves less seriously is talk about times when we took ourselves too seriously.

Attempt to laugh at situations rather than bemoan them. Look for the humor in a bad situation, the irony and absurdity of life. This will help improve your mood and the mood of those around you.

Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your family or friends having fun.

Keep things in perspective. Many things in life are beyond our control—particularly the behavior of other people. While you might think taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is admirable, in the long run it’s unrealistic, unproductive, unhealthy, and even egotistical.

Deal with your stress. Stress is a major impediment to humor and laughter.
Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing

Thursday, October 23, 2014

The Butterfly Circus

Someone sent me this video and I had to share it with you- it is a bit longer than most of my videos, but if you can see it to the end, you will enjoy it. (Its almost 19 minutes long).  Several are attempting to book Nick for a Wenatchee Crusade, next year.  This movie is called the Butterfly Circus and has a tremendous message. God does not make junk or mistakes- God has a plan and a purpose for your life. We All have special needs.
“Courage is being scared to death – and saddling up anyway!” ~ John Wayne
“Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.” ~  Stevie Wonder

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

What is Pretty

Katie Makkai was asked to define Pretty in an essay- I think she did a good job and I think everyone needs to be reminded of what is pretty. at times. I feel sorry for the pressure that is put on young people now- it is not fair and not what God intended. Please take a moment to listen to her Essay, What is Pretty- besides a six letter word?
"The word pretty is not worthy everything you will be  and No Child of mine will be contained in six letters. You will be pretty intelligent, pretty creative, pretty amazing, but you will never be just merely pretty" Katie Makkai
The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember...
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
John the Baptist ate bugs
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer...
AND Lazarus was dead!
No more excuses now!! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger
The Song That Silenced the Cappuccino Machine
It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square . Early November weather in New York City holds only the slightest hint of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's enough to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and warmth.
For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right. Apparently, we were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing. It was a fun, low-pressure gig - I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. We mostly did pop songs from the '40s to the '90s with a few original tunes thrown in. During our emotional rendition of the classic, "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along.
After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked. "No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?"
To my delight, she accepted my invitation. "You choose," I said. "What are you in the mood to sing?"
"Well. ... do you know any hymns?"
Hymns? This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one."
"Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one."
"Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'?"
My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah. Let's do that one." She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop.
With my two-bar setup, she began to sing.
Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine ceased as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion.
I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free. For His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me.
When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar that would have rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, "Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!" But the ovation continued..
I embraced my new friend. "You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!"
"Well, it's funny that you picked that particular hymn," she said.
"Why is that?"
"Well. .." she hesitated again, "that was my daughter's favorite song."
"Really! I exclaimed.
"Yes," she said, and then grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual.. "She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week."
I said the first thing that found its way through my stunned silence. "Are you going to be okay?" She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. "I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine." She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.
Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night?
Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop?
Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the week before?
I refuse to believe it. God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that he could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival. It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting him and singing his songs, everything's gonna be okay.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Lollipop



We loved to take the grandkids to Chuck E Cheese in Spokane. Its amazing how much the kids have grown. I think I experienced my first chuck e cheese in Tacoma when we took our kids there in the early 80's. Its fun to be a kid again- we make our kids grow up too fast in this world. In 1958, this song, Lollipop became #2 on the charts I was only 4 at the time.


A child needs a grandparent, any bodies grandparent, to grow a little more securely into an unfamiliar world.

A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart.

An hour with your grandchildren can make you feel young again. Anything longer than that, and you start to age quickly.

Grandchildren are loving reminders of what we're really here for.

Do you know why children are so full of energy? Because they suck it out of their grandparents 






A blonde hurries into the emergency room late one night with the tip of her index finger shot off.
"How did this happen?" the emergency room doctor asked her.
"Well I was trying to commit suicide" the blonde replied.
"What?" sputtered the doctor. "You tried to commit suicide by shooting your finger off???"
"No silly!" the blonde said. "First I put the gun to my chest, and I thought: I just paid $6,000.00 for these breast implants, I'm not shooting myself in the chest.
"So then?" asked the doctor.
"Then I put the gun in my mouth, and I thought: I just paid $3000.00 to get my teeth straightened, I'm not shooting myself in the mouth."
"So then?"
"Then I put the gun to my ear, and I thought: This is going to make a loud noise. So I put my finger in the other ear before I pulled the trigger."

I have a button on my microwave that says "stop time". I assume it means the timer but I don't touch it, just in case

If anyone ever tells you they've lost their voice. They're lying.

Monday, October 20, 2014

It Is No Secret

Happy Birthday to Stuart Hamblen. I have been blessed by examples to look up to and follow in life. My parents always pointed me toward examples like Billy Graham and Stuart Hamblin. I never met Stuart Hamblen, but God turned his life around , saved his marriage, and I look forward to seeing him someday in heaven. He would fall under my Heroes that I have not met, but influenced my life. Sometimes I wonder how far we have dropped our standards and maybe have accepted Sin too much? Maybe we should see how far we can stay away from sin instead of seeing how close we can get? It is never too late to do right and Gods word does not change. This song was recorded in the year I was born.

Carl Stuart Hamblen
October 20, 1908 to March 8, 1989

Carl Stuart Hamblen was born on October 20th, 1908, in Kellyville, Texas, the son of a traveling Methodist preacher, and founder of the Evangelical Methodist Church, Dr. J.H. Hamblen. Stuart’s career as a Country Western Gospel singer, composer, radio-movie personality, and master storyteller all began in 1926, on radio station on WBAP, Ft Worth, TX and sister station WFAA, Dallas, TX, where he became radio broadcasting’s first singing cowboy. The next major turning point in his career happened in 1929 where he won a talent show in Abilene, Texas and with the $100 cash prize in-hand, he headed for Camden, New Jersey, to the Victor Talking Machine Company to seek his fortune. Recording four songs for the forerunner of RCA Victor, Stuart then set out for Hollywood, California, where he auditioned at KFI and went on the air as “Cowboy Joe”. Later that year, he became a member of the original “Beverly Hill Billies” as “Dave”, radio’s first spectacularly popular western singing group. Seeing the success of having a group, Stuart decided to branch out on his own and formed one of his very first groups, King Cowboy and His Woolly West Revue. His group changed, both in name and in personnel, and by 1931, and for 21 years thereafter, Stuart stayed on top of the popularity charts on the West Coast with his radio programs: “Covered Wagon Jubilee”; “Stuart Hamblen and His Lucky Stars”; and the “Cowboy Church of the Air”.

During that time, his motion picture credits included: “In Old Monterey” with Gene Autry; “The Arizona Kid” and “King of the Cowboys” with Roy Rogers; “The Plainsman and the Lady” and “The Savage Hord” with Wild Bill Elliott; “Carson City Cyclone” and “The Sombrero Kid” with Don ‘Red’ Barry; “King of the Forest Rangers” with Larry Thompson; and “Flame of the Barbary Coast” with John Wayne. In 1979 he also narrated a gospel movie, “Mountain Lady”. Stuart also was a guest star on television shows such as The Johnny Cash Show and The Jimmy Dean Show.

Later he wrote some of his greatest song classics: “It Is No Secret” – SEE FULL STORY (note: the original manuscript of which is buried in the cornerstone of one of the Copyright Buildings of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and which has been translated into over 50 languages around the world and was the first song to ‘cross-over’ becoming #1 in Gospel/Country/and Pop categories and starting the trend for ballad style gospel songs); “This Ole House” (which was awarded 1954 Song of the Year, and was number one song hit in seven countries at the same time, and even on Brian Setzer’s album, The Dirty Boogie, which was on the Billboard’s Top 100 for 43 weeks!); “Remember Me, I’m the One Who Loves You“; “Teach Me, Lord, To Wait“; “Until Then“; “Open Up Your Heart (and Let the Sunshine In)“; “How Big Is God“; “His Hands“; plus over 225 other songs.

In 1945, Stuart became the first man to fly a horse when he flew his race horse, EL LOBO, from Los Angeles, California, to Bay Meadows on the Flying Tiger Airlines. EL LOBO won the Burlingame Handicap … and they flew home the same day. The history of the race horse was forever changed. The Bay Meadows racing form, “War Horse” was called “The Flying Horse” the day after the race.


In 1949, Stuart and his wife Suzy attended a prayer meeting at the home of Henrietta Mears. This was one of the meetings of the Hollywood Christian Group, and on that particular night, a young man named Billy Graham was there to speak to the group. Suzy made sure they were there early, and she and Henrietta disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Stuart and Billy alone. The two men hit it off right away, and Stuart asked Billy if he would like to come on his radio show to promote his tent crusade. Billy did show up at the radio station, and after the radio interview, Stuart urged his listeners to go down to the tent to hear more of Billy, and ended by stating “Make sure you all come, cause I’ll be there too!” Well, Suzy wasn’t going to let those words ring untrue. That evening, as Stuart started to settle in for the night, Suzy appeared, all ready to go out the door. She looked at Stuart and said, “You ready to go? You told everyone that you were going to be there. You don’t want to disappoint your fans!” So, Stuart went and sat front row center. Night after night, Stuart was there, front row center, until he could take it no more. What a lot of people don’t know, is that Stuart was the son of Dr. James Henry Hamblen, an itinerant Methodist circuit preacher and the founder of the Evangelical Methodist Church denomination, and conviction was hitting Stuart hard. Knowing that the tent crusade was scheduled to end in a couple of days, Stuart decided to escape; packed up his hound dogs, and headed our for a hunting trip.

In the early ’50′s, Stuart’s radio show was syndicated nationwide. Back then, the commercials were performed by the radio host during the show. The syndicate sponsors came to Stuart to let him know that the commercial he was to promote was for alcohol products. Stuart refused, due to the simple fact of his recent conversion to Christianity, (with Billy Graham), and his public renunciation of his alcoholic ways. He was not a man to go back on his word. The sponsors told him they would pull the plug on his show if he refused to do the commercial, and as a man of his word, he didn’t. So, the syndicate pulled their sponsorship, and in the last several shows, Stuart used them to let his nationwide-listening audience know why he would be leaving the air. Hearing this, in 1952, the Prohibition Party asked Stuart to run for the President of the United States on their ticket. Stuart was the type of man that if it was something new, it was surely an adventure! He had never done that before, and so he did! When the first returns came in he was actually ahead! When the final votes were counted, he had set a new record for votes for the Prohibition ticket, running 4th to Dwight Eisenhower (see Election Results).

Married to his wife, Suzy, for over 55 years, Stuart lived with her on their horse ranch in Santa Clarita (Los Angeles), California, where he produced his weekly nationally syndicated “Cowboy Church of the Air” program. They also bred Peruvian Paso Horses, and their stallion, *AEV Oro Negro+, was 3 times U.S. National Champion of Champions.

Stuart Hamblen died on March 8, 1989. Besides his wife, Suzy, he leaves two daughters, Veeva and Lisa Obee, and 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. His beloved wife Suzy, followed him on June 2, 2008 at the age of 101.

“When you see me fall asleep, say amen but don’t you weep. I’ve got so many million years that I can’t count them.” -Stuart Hamblen

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Hand Sanitizer

I have never heard Tim Hawkins live, but I enjoy his humor. this video clip is called Church, Hand Sanitizer. I know God has a sense of humor- he made you didn't  he?  For you who cannot view the video, I posted a few jokes below to help make you laugh. Laugher is good for you.
A mother looked out a window and saw Johnny playing church with their three kittens. He had them lined up and was preaching to them. The mother turned around to do some work.. A while later she heard meowing and scratching on the door. She went to the window and saw Johnny baptizing the kittens. She opened the window and said, "Johnny, stop that! You'll drown those kittens." Johnny looked at her and said with much conviction in his voice: "They should have thought of that before they joined my church."

.Everybody on earth dies and goes to heaven. God comes and says "I want the men to make two lines. One line for the men that dominated their women on earth and the other line for the men that were whipped by their women. Also, I want all the women to go with St Peter." Said and done, the next time God looks the women are gone and there are two lines. The line of the men that were whipped was 100 miles long, on the line of men that dominated women there was only one man. God got mad and said. "You men should be ashamed of yourselves. I created you in my image, and you were all whipped by your mates. Look at the only one of my sons that stood up and made me proud, Learn from him!" Tell them my son how did you manage to be the only one on that line? The man said, "I don't know. My wife told me to stand here."

A Methodist minister meets three Baptist deacons on the golf course and invites them to come to his church some Sunday ...and not too many weeks thereafter, just as services are starting, they show up. Attendance was good in the small Methodist church, and there wasn't a pew available; several church members were already seated on folding chairs. When the minister, just starting the service, saw the three Baptist deacons enter, he leaned down from the pulpit and stage- whispered to the nearest usher, "Please get three chairs for my Baptist friends in the back." The usher, hard of hearing, leaned closer and said, "I beg your pardon?" "Get three chairs for my Baptist friends," repeated the minister, but the usher strained closer with a puzzled look still on his face. Once more the minister tried, speaking slowly and distinctly. "Three chairs. For the Baptists," he enunciated. The usher's face lit up in comprehension, and he turned to face the congregation. "All right, everybody," he called out to the assembled worshippers. "Three cheers for the Baptists!"

Friday, October 17, 2014

How to Kill 11 Million People



The Voters Guide arrived in last Saturdays mail. and Election Ballots arrived yesterday for us. I have already filled mine out and will drop it off this morning.  The last primary election had only 33% turnout.  Even sadder than that is how so many Christians will turn there eye to what some a party actually believes, yet support that candidate. The people who believe the church should not be involved in politics were present during Hitler's time as well  I do not like  the title of today's video- it scares me- but there is much truth in it and I must post it. Please take time to listen to the video.  Too often the church chooses to simply just sing louder to tune out the problems. Good Intentions are not enough. As your ballot sits on your counter, I must ask myself how many Christians will actually vote? I have more respect for those who cancel out my vote, than those who will not vote.  Please Vote, and Vote Your Values- Do Something for my grandchildren- VOTE.
From Joyce Williams;
I've had a number of folks say Christians should just be quiet, we are offending folks of a different viewpoint . . . but how will I tell my granddaughter I did/said nothing when I saw what was coming? How will I tell God I chose to be silent or to side with abortion, etc. when I stand before Him? And the old argument, Christians should vote Democratic to take care of the poor is misguided--Jesus told INDIVIDUALS to take care of the poor; not the govt. When govt. does it, we citizens become calloused Scrooges: "Are there not work houses . . .?"; I paid my taxes, let the govt take care of it. Also, if individuals live in an alert, caring way, collectively they WILL affect the govt. We must love all mankind, but evil wins when good people do/say nothing. I still have the right to speak out for those who have no voice; and if I don't speak now, those with no voice will be me and my family, my friends, my fellow Believers!

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Mr. Universe

I did a search for exercise humor, Not sure how this videos it fits in with exercise- but I needed a good reminder to focus on the importance of exercise today? As you know most of my blogs are geared toward myself, so I am reminding myself of the importance of exercise. So far, the Exercise Block works best for me.
Importance of Walking
Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7000 per month.

My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60. Now he's 97 years old and we don't know where he is.

I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

The only reason I would take up walking is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.
I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing..
I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.
Every time I hear the dirty word 'exercise', I wash my mouth out with chocolate.
The advantage of exercising every day is so when you die, they'll say, 'Well, she looks good doesn't she.'
If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.
I know I got a lot of exercise the last few years,...... just getting over the hill.
We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Let Them Be Little

Surely, two of the most satisfying experiences in life must be those of being a grandchild or a grandparent.  It seems kids when they are little do not mind photos taken- as they get older, they object to photos and using them in videos. Here is my last video I made of Caitlyn several years ago, who is 7 now. It is called "Let Them Be Little".   A Welsh Proverb says "Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild." Another bumper sticker reads "My Favorite People Call Me Grandpa". It's funny what happens when you become a grandparent. You start to act all goofy and do things you never thought you'd do. It's terrific.
A dying grandfather tells his grandchild, "I want to leave you my farm. That includes the barn, livestock, the harvest, the tractor, and other equipment, the farmhouse and $24,548,750.45 in cash."
The grandchild, absolutely floored and about to become rich says, "Oh grandpa, you are SO generous! I didn't even know you had a farm. Where is it?"
With his last breath, Grandpa whispered, "Facebook..."

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Seven Wonders of the World


I typed "Seven Wonders of the World" in under search, and received About 2,850,000 results. This child reminds us of How Great is our God! Sometimes we forget how wonderful our God is and we forget the real wonders of this world.


You use 200 muscles to take one step.
Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three.
A pair of human feet contain 250,000 sweat glands.
A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball.
The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blades.
The human brain cell can hold 5 times as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica.
It takes the food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.
The average human dream lasts 2-3 seconds
There is about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.
The largest cell in the human body is the female egg and the smallest is the male sperm.
Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil.
The enamel in your teeth is the hardest substance in your body.
Your teeth start growing 6 months before you are born.
When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate, they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate.
Blondes have more hair than dark-haired people.
Your thumb is the same length of your nose.
Now I KNOW you are placing your thumb on your NOSE, aren't you?

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Thou Shalt Laugh

I have raised 3 teenagers- just when I thought I knew something about raising kids, the rules all changed-(when they became Teens. Being a Grandpa may be the same? The young kids think Grandpa is perfect, and the older they get, the more they figure out he is not perfect. I am glad God has a sense of humor.
Q. What did the police officer say to the midget complaining that someone picked his pocket?
A. I can’t believe someone would stoop so low


1. Escalators don’t break down… they just turn into stairs
2. “I’m sorry” and “I apologize” mean the same thing… except when you’re at a funeral.
3. I intend to live forever… or die trying.
4. We never knew he was a drunk… until he showed up to work sober.
5. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
6. A blind man walks into a bar….And a table, and a chair.
7. At what age is it appropriate to tell my dog that he’s adopted?
8. Want to hear a pizza joke…. nah, it’s too cheesy. What about a construction joke? Oh never mind, I’m still working on that one. Did you hear the one about the rope? Skip it. Have you heard the one about the guy in the wheelchair? Never mind, it’s too lame.
9. I used to be in a band, we were called ‘lost dog’. You probably saw our posters.
10. I childproofed the house… but they still get in!

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Christian Comedy Night

Who says Christians cannot have fun? Laughter is good for us. We don't need to be drunk to have fun or use four letter words either. This is a brief video from Kerri Pomarolli on TBN.
An overweight colleague of mine decided it was time to shed some excess pounds. He took his new diet seriously, even changing his driving route to avoid his favorite bakery. One morning, however, he arrived at work carrying a gigantic coffeecake. We all scolded him, but his smile remained cherubic. "This is a very special coffeecake," he explained. "I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and there in the window were a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed, 'Lord, if you want me to have one of those delicious coffeecakes, let me have a parking place directly in front of the bakery.' And sure enough," he continued, "the eighth time around the block, there it was!"

The story goes that a certain court jester went too far one day and insulted his king. The king became so infuriated that he sentenced the jester to be executed. His court prayed upon the king to have mercy for this man who had served him well for so many years. After a time, the king relented only enough to give the jester his "choice" as to how he would like to die. True to form, the jester replied, "if it's all the same to you my Lord, I'd like to die of old age."

Friday, October 10, 2014

Parking Lot Women

Everyone has a different way to deal with stress and anger- humor is one way. so if you are under stress or angry, do not do what is happening in this video by these two women, but try laughing.


“Ephesians 4:26—‘Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”

“Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.

“Laughter is much better than anger.” 

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Semi Finals for Paul Potts

October is Respect Life month. Never judge a book by its cover- so often we judge people by looks or name- this video is inspiring as it shows what can happen when someone is given the opportunity to go for their dream! School has started this next year, I pray that kids are given the opportunity to go for their dreams and they will not be judged by their covers. I hope I never hear of kids picking on someone- that is not right and adults need to step in as needed if it happens. Even as adults- It is defined as toxic work enviroment at some workplaces- if you have to  look in parking lot to see who is at work today- you have a problem and it needs corrected.
Don't wait for someone to be nice to you and avoid "keeping Score".

Dont' be afraid to put yourself in Time Out so you can cool off before expressing yourself

Consider letting some things slide, expecially slights that you know are unintentional

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Mandatory Retirement


Someone sent me this video, with the title, "Why people over 70 should retire". I love older people, most have a good sense of humor and this must be a tv show? I admire these customers attitudes. So next time you are tested, think twice, and smile, you just might be on TV?

YES, I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN!

I'm the life of the party...Even if it lasts until 11p.m.
I'm very good at opening childproof caps..... With a hammer.
I'm awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.
I'm smiling all the time because I can't hear a thing you're saying.
I'm sure everything I can't find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.
I'm wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that's just my left leg.
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Yes, I'm a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Walk Like A Man

Later this month, Billy turns 1 1/2 years old. He certainly watches our actions and lives- fun to see how he looks up to his brother and sisters. He is growing up so fast and learning so much every day.  I added some photos to a 1963 song called Walk Like A Man- he may be watching you- set a good example.

You will find "Walk" 388 times in the Bible under search- here are a couple examples;

Exodus 18:20New King James Version (NKJV)
20 And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.

Leviticus 18:4
You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 5:33
You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.

Psalm 1:1
[ BOOK ONE: Psalms 1—41 ] [ The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly ] Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Church Childcare

I am proud of our church Nursery Staff and the wonderful ministry they provide!  Thank You! I was raised in a church nursery- my parents had 5 kids- and we were never given the option of not attending church on Sunday. I can remember when it was called the "craddle roll" class. I can also remember helping teach that class, (when it was our turn), and when we had kids in there. It is a very important ministry of the church.   The real question is how many of you have forgotten your child and gone home without them from church? ok- besides me...
How Asparagus Got It's Name
 A sixth grade child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible. Here is what he wrote;
The Children's Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says,"The Lord thy God is one," but I think He must be a lot older than that.  
Anyway, God said, "Give me a light!" and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden ... Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel. Pretty soon all of  the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.
There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, "Close the door! Were you born in a barn?" It would be nice to say, ''As a matter of fact, I was.’') During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.


A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, Ryan, 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'
Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Okay Ryan, you be Jesus!"

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?"
"I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied.
"Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered.
The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

After the christening of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong.
Finally, the boy replied, "That priest said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I want to stay with you guys!"

One Sunday in a Midwest city, a young child was "acting up" during the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out. Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Thank You Lord

Oct. 5th, 2008, we moved back into our house, exactly 6 months from our house fire.  I thought six months was a short time, I have seen other people displaced for much longer times. We can relate to those who lost homes this summer due to the fires. (I am not sure if we were supposed to wait for permit to move back in which did not arrive for another month?)  People were so good to us, and reached out in so many ways to bless us.  I used to sing a song in church called "Count Your Blessings"- God is so good to us. This song is one of my favorite Gaither songs, sung by the Easters, I love the words- I added photos of our house during that six months. We so appreciate Darcie letting us stay in her camper during that time, the shower the church gave us, the many meals, and how people reached out to help us in so many ways. Words cannot express it.  Pemco Insurance and France and Company were very fair and good to us as well.   I am thankful for my job that I have been at for over 22 years now. Thankful I passed my DOT physical last week again.  Our Tumwater house should close this month and be sold. I am so thankful for family, friends and grandkids!  And To have someone stick with me for over 40 years is amazing- I so love my wife Jan. Such Great Memories I cherish and new ones every day! Another song I used to hear is "I know I am the richest poor man on this Earth"....You sure can't measure wealth just in money.  We certainly do not have to wait for Thanksgiving to count our blessings! "Thank You Lord for your Blessings on me."
 Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Momma, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Pastors

October is Pastor Appreciation Month and I am so thankful for my pastor, my previous pastors, and those pastors who have influenced my life and our community even though I do not attend their church.  Pastor Jerry Beebe (Wenatchee) has been my pastor the longest- since 1987 he has stuck with me and I hope he does not retire. He was at our house before the firemen left when we had our house fire in 2008. We have also had Ron Masters,(Marysville) Rick Ross,(Richland) Ron Hastie,(Olympia) George Smith,(Olympia)Leif Malmin,(Spokane Valley) Carl Smith,(Electric City) Harold Hanson,(Electric City) Floyd Earlywine,(Federal Way) Eugene Bull, (Tacoma)Paul Keil,(Sawyer) and several others while growing up. Then you must count the many associate pastors who spent so much time with me as well- many now are senior pastors of their own church. Few can say they have been married to a Childrens Pastor for 22 years- (God knew I would never really grow up.)  I just did not have time to make a video-so I am sharing this video "Momma, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Pastors". (it is a only a humor spoof- I do not believe it- Pastoring is a high and special calling) I  love the sense of humor my Pastors have. I appreciate the support, friendship, encouragement, accountability, education and wisdom I receive from them. Retired or not, I can still call on any of them for help and prayers.  "Thank You, to my Pastors!  May God Richly Reward You." Everyone of my pastors are still faithfully serving the Lord or are now sitting in his presence! What great examples!  Lead On!  Finish Strong! God Bless You!
PARTING WORDS OF A LOUISIANA PREACHER TO A DEPARTING FRIEND AT THE AIRPORT: “MAY GOD AND YOUR LUGGAGE GO WITH YOU.”

THERE’S A PREACHER IN TEXAS SO RELIGIOUS HE HAS STAINED GLASS WINDOWS IN HIS CAR.

Here are some things that a Pastor dreams of hearing in his church.
1. Hey! It's my turn to sit in the front pew.
2. I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon went 25 minutes over time.
3. Personally I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.
4. I've decided to give our church the $500 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.
5. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.
6. Forget the denominational minimum salary, let's pay our pastor so he can live like we do.
7. I love it when we sing hymns I've never heard before!
8. Since we're all here, let's start the service early.
9. Pastor, we'd like to send you to this Bible seminar in the Bahamas.
10. Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment like our annual stewardship campaign!
11. I couldn't find space to park outside. Praise God!

A local Pastor joined a community Service Club, and the members thought they would have a little fun with him. Under his name badge they printed, "Hog Caller" as his occupation. Everyone made a big fanfare as the badge was presented.

The Pastor responded by saying, " I usually am called the "Shepherd of the sheep"... but I guess you know your people better than I do."

A mother called her son on Sunday morning to make sure he got out of bed and was ready for Church.
"I'm not going," he replied.
"Yes you are going, so get out of that bed!" his mother demanded.
"Give me ONE good reason why I should go," said her son.
"I'll give you THREE good reasons ... One, I'm your mother, and I say you're going. Two, you're 40 years old, so you're old enough to know better ... and three, you're the Pastor, so you need to be there."

Friday, October 3, 2014

Birth to 13 in 3 minutes


Someone did a good job showing how fast our kids grow up in this video called Birth to 13 in 3 minutes. Come to think about it, all my videos try to show how fast time goes by, and each video is a look back no matter how current the photos may be. One of my videos is called Don't Blink- that is how I feel today. Seems only yesterday I was graduating, only yesterday I was married, only yesterday our kids arrived, only  yesterday our grandkids arrived, (my oldest  granddaughter is already 13 if you can believe it) Only Yesterday I started this blog.......
HOW DO YOU SPELL LOVE?
Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can't make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.
It is not enough to just say relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them. Words alone are worthless. "My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action."
Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is "T-I-M-E."
-- Rick Warren (from The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?)


Dear Mom, You get mad at me for not acting my age, and then start crying because I'm 'growing up too fast.' Sincerely, pick one!