Got this from our daughter in Manila, Philippines.
Hi Guys-- this will be quick, as I don't have long and want to get our blog updated with more detailed information.
short points-- We had a Tropical Storm come through over the weekend, which turned into a Typhoon just after it passed over us... but while here it dumped 15+ inches of rain. We typically get 12 or so inches in the whole month of September... In all of this we had a landslide behind our condos-- no damage to our building and cars. We were without power for 3 days-- generator that would come on periodically but not reliable. We are safe and fine. We have food, water and power-- for now. Nearby areas of Marikina, Pasig, Cainta have been damaged greatly. If you hear of those areas that is our neighborhood. We can get out and around mostly. The ongoing concern and prayer would be for the warehouses of food storage-- for grocery stores--many have been flooded and all or most inventory lost. So pray for the supply of food and water to be replinished.
Also there are 2 more storm systems making a path towards the Philippines-- so pray for protection in that as well.
There are many families in our community whose homes have been ruined or damaged, so please keep them in your prayers.
With that there will be more information on our blog... We still don't have our internet-- but at least we have power.
love you guys,
Christa
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Life Lesson
Naomi, her husband and children moved from Israel to Moab because of famine and the need for survival. During the 10 years they lived there her husband died, her sons married and died. She then decided to return to her homeland and one of her daughters - in - law, Ruth, went with her. Now most of us know that Ruth ended up in the lineage of Christ. But they didn't know that at the time.
Lessons learned:
1. God uses circumstances in our life sometimes to make major changes in our lives and position us in such a way to bring about his purpose.
2. Naomi suffered the loss of three loved ones and felt even abandoned by God. She could only see the immediate circumstances. Even tho' she felt sad, lonely and abandoned, she wasn't alone. She went through and experienced those negative emotions, yet God was with her the whole time.
3. Even tho't Naomi was overwhelmed by the little picture (her immediate circumstances), God had the bigger picture in mind. In the end he provided for Naomi in ways she never dreamed of; he "manipulated" (if you will) events to bring about his purpose; AND, He brought Ruth into the lineage of his son's birth on earth, thus providing for all of us what we need most - a saviour.
Do you (or I) know what God is doing in your life or the reason for events taking place in your life? Maybe not. Does God? Absolutely.
Can we trust Him to see the big picture and to take care of us in the mean time? Absolutely!!!
TRUST - and - OBEY! for there is no other way to be in the center of God's will and get the best results.
*
Lessons learned:
1. God uses circumstances in our life sometimes to make major changes in our lives and position us in such a way to bring about his purpose.
2. Naomi suffered the loss of three loved ones and felt even abandoned by God. She could only see the immediate circumstances. Even tho' she felt sad, lonely and abandoned, she wasn't alone. She went through and experienced those negative emotions, yet God was with her the whole time.
3. Even tho't Naomi was overwhelmed by the little picture (her immediate circumstances), God had the bigger picture in mind. In the end he provided for Naomi in ways she never dreamed of; he "manipulated" (if you will) events to bring about his purpose; AND, He brought Ruth into the lineage of his son's birth on earth, thus providing for all of us what we need most - a saviour.
Do you (or I) know what God is doing in your life or the reason for events taking place in your life? Maybe not. Does God? Absolutely.
Can we trust Him to see the big picture and to take care of us in the mean time? Absolutely!!!
TRUST - and - OBEY! for there is no other way to be in the center of God's will and get the best results.
*
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sept 14, 36 years ago
I remember it as if it were yesterday. My husband was still a student in college and we were living in Birmingham, AL. We were expecting our first child. I woke up in the early hours of the morning in labor. We headed to the hospital and I was sure he aimed for every pot hole on South 8th Street. It was the only way to go to St. Vincent's hospital. At 7:33 p.m. our first born child, a daughter was born. She was absolutely beautiful. Still in the delivery room, I told my husband let's have another!
She really was a beautiful baby - really. And, not because she was my baby and I thought so. Even others commented on how she looked like the baby on the Gerber jars. She had smooth pink skin and big brown eyes. I would sit by her bassinet and stare at her and watch her sleep. "For Hours!"
It was a joy to watch her grow. Her first steps, (holding those baby food jars). Her first tooth (finally, at 13 mos.) Her first day at school. Her first date, her first car. And becoming the woman God wanted her to be.
She was named for her Aunt and her grandmother and her name meant "the dwelling place of Christ." Today she is a beautiful women, with three children of her own. The meaning of her name has become true of her, for as she is serving the Lord on the mission field, He is able to reach out to others because he dwells in her heart.
Happy Wonderful Birthday, CB. We Love you! - mom and dad.
*
She really was a beautiful baby - really. And, not because she was my baby and I thought so. Even others commented on how she looked like the baby on the Gerber jars. She had smooth pink skin and big brown eyes. I would sit by her bassinet and stare at her and watch her sleep. "For Hours!"
It was a joy to watch her grow. Her first steps, (holding those baby food jars). Her first tooth (finally, at 13 mos.) Her first day at school. Her first date, her first car. And becoming the woman God wanted her to be.
She was named for her Aunt and her grandmother and her name meant "the dwelling place of Christ." Today she is a beautiful women, with three children of her own. The meaning of her name has become true of her, for as she is serving the Lord on the mission field, He is able to reach out to others because he dwells in her heart.
Happy Wonderful Birthday, CB. We Love you! - mom and dad.
*
Friday, September 11, 2009
9-11 Remembrance
God bless the USA!
Take a moment today and pray for our country!
Pause and say thank you for those who gave their lives.
Take a moment and praise God for those who lived
Pause and say God bless you for those who survived.
.
This country has always given its life to save others.
Jesus has done the same - for you and me. For eternity.
Take a moment today and pray for our country!
Pause and say thank you for those who gave their lives.
Take a moment and praise God for those who lived
Pause and say God bless you for those who survived.
.
This country has always given its life to save others.
Jesus has done the same - for you and me. For eternity.
Friday, September 4, 2009
This week in Rogers, AR
-Last Saturday, I helped out at the library's booth at the annual Frisco Festival. I was quite tired afterwards, from standing on brick pavement for 3 hours, but enjoyed it nonetheless. I was scheduled to work Sunday afternoon, but got off as a result. Friday evening before, I did do a walkabout and found a store for local "starving artists" where they can sell their wares. I'm going to keep that bit of information tucked away in the back of my mind.
-Today was my short Friday, so I went and picked up my antique (!) bicycle. I had taken it to the repair shope as it needed a new seat and new tires put on it. It is a J. C Higgins and over 50 years old. It's called a 'touring' bike, no gears, just brakes. I took it for a spin for a five whole minutes. BOY am I out of shape. But I look forward to more outings on my bike.
-Plans with company for this weekend fell through, so I made new ones. MG and I are driving to Harrison, AR to see another childhood friend of mine (VW) who has also moved back to Arkansas after many, many years!!! I don't think I have seen her since our wedding. I know we kept in touch for a few years, but she moved to New Jersey and that nixed seeing each other.
-Oh, I have heard back from my friend, CC. We have finally established contact through Facebook pages and exchange of email addresses. She has moved to OR and is looking for a place to settle down. So, she doesn't have access to the internet yet through her own computer. She has to go to the local library to get online. - Boy, I know how inconvenient that is. Been there, done that!
-Today was my short Friday, so I went and picked up my antique (!) bicycle. I had taken it to the repair shope as it needed a new seat and new tires put on it. It is a J. C Higgins and over 50 years old. It's called a 'touring' bike, no gears, just brakes. I took it for a spin for a five whole minutes. BOY am I out of shape. But I look forward to more outings on my bike.
-Plans with company for this weekend fell through, so I made new ones. MG and I are driving to Harrison, AR to see another childhood friend of mine (VW) who has also moved back to Arkansas after many, many years!!! I don't think I have seen her since our wedding. I know we kept in touch for a few years, but she moved to New Jersey and that nixed seeing each other.
-Oh, I have heard back from my friend, CC. We have finally established contact through Facebook pages and exchange of email addresses. She has moved to OR and is looking for a place to settle down. So, she doesn't have access to the internet yet through her own computer. She has to go to the local library to get online. - Boy, I know how inconvenient that is. Been there, done that!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Taking Note
--A week ago today was Hawaii's 50th anniversary of becoming a state. I can remember hearing about it when I was a kid. Let's see - we were living in southern Missouri, but if I remember right, we were in NY state at this time that year. Won't tell you how old I was, but a half a century ago is "bad" enough. I did read however that celebrations in Hawaii were going to be low key because not everyone was happy with their royalty being bumped and becoming part of the US. They certainly have a culture quite unlike the mainland states.
--The passing of a person of historical significance: Edward Kennedy. Even tho' I cannot agree with his philosophical views, ethics, and politics, I am sorry to hear of his passing. He is now in eternity and his "fate" is sealed and in God's hands. I would be amiss to at least acknowledge that he definetly had an impact on our country, maybe even moreso because he didn't serve as president. He was able to be in office much longer by being senator then being president.
--Got 10 more boxes unpacked this week!!! (Art supplies) Now I'm getting antsy to do some art work once again. But still have a few more things to do to get everything in place. I also still have other craft room boxes that need unpacking. I need to: "organize, organize, organize!"
--It was nice to get some yard work done this week, a couple of rose bushes and 2 other plants planted. Thank you DM. We have so much shade it's hard to know what you can plant and where. We really don't have a spot that gets sun all day - thus my 3 tomatoe plants are not meeting expectations! It's taking them several weeks to even grow and are just now putting on about 10 tomatoes that are the size of a golf ball and smaller. September is in one week. So my hopes of tomatoes are slim.
--I'm still waiting to hear again from my "long lost friend" CCM. She was getting ready to move. So it may be a month or two before she is back online again. I did locate her on Facebook as well as her older brother. (He hasn't responded either.)
--The place where I work has a foundation associated with it. Our mayor apparently disapproves of how they spend their money. But they don't answer to the city and I guess he's having a fit. Because the mayor is the mayor his correspondence is subject to FOIA. (Freedom of Information Act). So the newspaper is going to publish a letter he wrote the foundation. So we'll see what enfolds.
--The passing of a person of historical significance: Edward Kennedy. Even tho' I cannot agree with his philosophical views, ethics, and politics, I am sorry to hear of his passing. He is now in eternity and his "fate" is sealed and in God's hands. I would be amiss to at least acknowledge that he definetly had an impact on our country, maybe even moreso because he didn't serve as president. He was able to be in office much longer by being senator then being president.
--Got 10 more boxes unpacked this week!!! (Art supplies) Now I'm getting antsy to do some art work once again. But still have a few more things to do to get everything in place. I also still have other craft room boxes that need unpacking. I need to: "organize, organize, organize!"
--It was nice to get some yard work done this week, a couple of rose bushes and 2 other plants planted. Thank you DM. We have so much shade it's hard to know what you can plant and where. We really don't have a spot that gets sun all day - thus my 3 tomatoe plants are not meeting expectations! It's taking them several weeks to even grow and are just now putting on about 10 tomatoes that are the size of a golf ball and smaller. September is in one week. So my hopes of tomatoes are slim.
--I'm still waiting to hear again from my "long lost friend" CCM. She was getting ready to move. So it may be a month or two before she is back online again. I did locate her on Facebook as well as her older brother. (He hasn't responded either.)
--The place where I work has a foundation associated with it. Our mayor apparently disapproves of how they spend their money. But they don't answer to the city and I guess he's having a fit. Because the mayor is the mayor his correspondence is subject to FOIA. (Freedom of Information Act). So the newspaper is going to publish a letter he wrote the foundation. So we'll see what enfolds.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Long Lost Friends
As we go through life we make a lot of friends. If we move and live in different places, we make even more friends. Unfortunately, over the years, the more we collect friends and move on, the harder it is to keep in touch or track of friends from our early years. As we get old-ER we sometimes think back and wonder what happened to some of them.
After we moved to Arkansas, I discovered sort of by accident that one gal I knew had also moved back to Arkansas - even to the same town area when she had lived before. What a surprise. Altho' we still haven't gotten together, we have been in email contact.
I have another friend I knew as a teenager. We didn't go to the same school but we did go to the same church. In our twenties we lost touch and drifted away. It was probably as much my fault as anyones. (I haven't sent Christmas cards for the last 3 years and that doesn't help.) Well for the last 15 maybe 20 years I have tried to track down this one friend. Her husband was in the military and last I knew they lived in Ore. But that yielded no results. I checked information with the phone companies, more than once. Through my genealogy research I even tried finding her, to no avail. I searched for her on the internet. No help. I contacted the college she graduated from. She had asked to have her name and address removed. Her's brother's name (my old boyfriend) was there. I had even found his phone number and address through information. So I wrote. It never got returned, but neither did he answer. No surprise there, really.
After we moved to Arkansas I started working at the local public library. Not long afer that so did a fellow who used to go to school with my friend, CC. He went to grade school, Jr high, one year of high school and even college with her. But he didn't know where she was. We talked about it last week. I came home and tried once again to find something in Oregon with no results. I have a facebook account, so I decided to see if she was on there. I didn't pull anything, but it did give me a link to Classmates.com. So I tho't I would try that.
I clicked on the link and read the info that was public. It matched! I was sure that was her. Who else would have the same maiden and married name and attend the same high school and college!!!??? So, I took a chance and left a "public note" with my email address written out with not "@" symbol.
The next morning I had off from work, as I worked into the evening. I got on the computer to check my mail, just in hopes that maybe I had a response. But, I knew that the chances were unlikely. I have a classmates account, but I "never" look at it, except once in a blue moon, if then.
I opened my account and there at the very top was a response from my posting. Yes, it WAS her!!! I could not believe it. After all these years of hunting, I finally found CC. She was surprised but happy to hear from me. It was short with promise of more to come. She is moving, so I am impatiently waiting to hear from her again, soon. I hope she is able to get to some internet connection even before she gets moved, settled and set up once again. But I look forward to hearing all about her life, her children, her siblings, and yes even the boyfriend. Weird thing of that is, I've had better "luck" knowing where he was then anyone else in the family...:-(
But that didn't do me any good, if he (or his wife) won't write me back!!! Can't blame them there, tho. But now, I'll just have to wait. Afterall what's a few more days after 15 to 20 years!!!
After we moved to Arkansas, I discovered sort of by accident that one gal I knew had also moved back to Arkansas - even to the same town area when she had lived before. What a surprise. Altho' we still haven't gotten together, we have been in email contact.
I have another friend I knew as a teenager. We didn't go to the same school but we did go to the same church. In our twenties we lost touch and drifted away. It was probably as much my fault as anyones. (I haven't sent Christmas cards for the last 3 years and that doesn't help.) Well for the last 15 maybe 20 years I have tried to track down this one friend. Her husband was in the military and last I knew they lived in Ore. But that yielded no results. I checked information with the phone companies, more than once. Through my genealogy research I even tried finding her, to no avail. I searched for her on the internet. No help. I contacted the college she graduated from. She had asked to have her name and address removed. Her's brother's name (my old boyfriend) was there. I had even found his phone number and address through information. So I wrote. It never got returned, but neither did he answer. No surprise there, really.
After we moved to Arkansas I started working at the local public library. Not long afer that so did a fellow who used to go to school with my friend, CC. He went to grade school, Jr high, one year of high school and even college with her. But he didn't know where she was. We talked about it last week. I came home and tried once again to find something in Oregon with no results. I have a facebook account, so I decided to see if she was on there. I didn't pull anything, but it did give me a link to Classmates.com. So I tho't I would try that.
I clicked on the link and read the info that was public. It matched! I was sure that was her. Who else would have the same maiden and married name and attend the same high school and college!!!??? So, I took a chance and left a "public note" with my email address written out with not "@" symbol.
The next morning I had off from work, as I worked into the evening. I got on the computer to check my mail, just in hopes that maybe I had a response. But, I knew that the chances were unlikely. I have a classmates account, but I "never" look at it, except once in a blue moon, if then.
I opened my account and there at the very top was a response from my posting. Yes, it WAS her!!! I could not believe it. After all these years of hunting, I finally found CC. She was surprised but happy to hear from me. It was short with promise of more to come. She is moving, so I am impatiently waiting to hear from her again, soon. I hope she is able to get to some internet connection even before she gets moved, settled and set up once again. But I look forward to hearing all about her life, her children, her siblings, and yes even the boyfriend. Weird thing of that is, I've had better "luck" knowing where he was then anyone else in the family...:-(
But that didn't do me any good, if he (or his wife) won't write me back!!! Can't blame them there, tho. But now, I'll just have to wait. Afterall what's a few more days after 15 to 20 years!!!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Weekend visit
"Michelle and the three J's" were down for the weekend! We had a delayed July family celebration. We all have either birthdays or anniversaries in July. So 'the kids' were able to come to Ark. We had a really nice time together. Now everyone is gone, including my husband who is gone to work. So the house is quiet except for the TV in the background, and the raindrops falling on the skylights in the ceiling. This is my "long weekend" off from work, so it has been very enjoyable and - tonight - quiet and relaxing. I've posted pictures to facebook, searched for an old friend and may have found her on Classmates.com. I left a message. I hope I hear from her. It has been over 30 years since we last were in touch.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Some family news flashes
Our daughter, MS, turned 33 last Sunday. Her brother surprised her and took her out for lunch. Her mom and dad sent her flowers.
The next day our oldest grandson, EPF, turned 11. (He'll be a teenager before you know it.) Happy Birthday, you two.
I've started walking again for exercise - even take the (old, half-blind) dog with me sometimes. My blood pressure has gone up (used to always be good). I've put back on the weight I lost last year. :-( And Mike thinks I should be check for sleep apnea. So I need to do something about this!
MS was here a couple of weeks ago for a 1-week visit. It was good to have her here, but I do think she was a little bored.
MG and I attended a Pastor's conference last week (evenings) in Okla. The messages were really good. (The suppers were, too.)It was tiring to work all day and travel 3 hours round trip each night but it was worth it.
I took my old, worn out, rusty bike in to be fixed. I found out it was worth something because of it's antique value!! He told me NOT to paint it. Not sure what I'm going to do.
I applied for a job in another library that was a "perfect" fit with my experience. It was based on having a degree and pays much better than I'm getting now. But I didn't get it. So I'll stay where I'm at for the time being.
I thought about posting my opinion here about the current state of affairs of our country. But I'm so disgusted with this president that I'm not even going to waste my breath doing it. I didn't think anyone could top Clinton. But he was corrupt morally. This president is corrupt, - well I was going to say mentally, but 'philosophically' is less cruel and probably more accurate. He said he'd bring change; folks said they wanted change. It proves the axium - be careful what you ask for - you might get it... We're getting change alright. Its disgusting.
.
The next day our oldest grandson, EPF, turned 11. (He'll be a teenager before you know it.) Happy Birthday, you two.
I've started walking again for exercise - even take the (old, half-blind) dog with me sometimes. My blood pressure has gone up (used to always be good). I've put back on the weight I lost last year. :-( And Mike thinks I should be check for sleep apnea. So I need to do something about this!
MS was here a couple of weeks ago for a 1-week visit. It was good to have her here, but I do think she was a little bored.
MG and I attended a Pastor's conference last week (evenings) in Okla. The messages were really good. (The suppers were, too.)It was tiring to work all day and travel 3 hours round trip each night but it was worth it.
I took my old, worn out, rusty bike in to be fixed. I found out it was worth something because of it's antique value!! He told me NOT to paint it. Not sure what I'm going to do.
I applied for a job in another library that was a "perfect" fit with my experience. It was based on having a degree and pays much better than I'm getting now. But I didn't get it. So I'll stay where I'm at for the time being.
I thought about posting my opinion here about the current state of affairs of our country. But I'm so disgusted with this president that I'm not even going to waste my breath doing it. I didn't think anyone could top Clinton. But he was corrupt morally. This president is corrupt, - well I was going to say mentally, but 'philosophically' is less cruel and probably more accurate. He said he'd bring change; folks said they wanted change. It proves the axium - be careful what you ask for - you might get it... We're getting change alright. Its disgusting.
.
New Printer
Last Friday eve. I bought a new printer. YEAH! I have been without one for almost a year - since before we moved. - Long story. But I am so glad to finally have one again. It's amazing how dependent we get on something, and how hampered we are without once we've had it.
I bought an Epson Workforce 600 for about $150. (on sale). I almost bought a more expensive one because it has 5 color cartridges instead of 3. But I decided - for what I do, this will work just fine. A few days later, when I was at work (library) someone came in wanting to know how something had been rated. (don't remember now what), so, later, I looked up printers too. It stated that an Epson printer was in the top 6 best rated printers. I couldn't remember for sure which one it was I had bought. But when I got home I looked at the box - and sure enough - I had bought that Epson that was rated one of the best. PTL I made the right decision. This one was rated better than the more expensive one. So a high(er) price doesn't always mean high(er) quality.
I bought an Epson Workforce 600 for about $150. (on sale). I almost bought a more expensive one because it has 5 color cartridges instead of 3. But I decided - for what I do, this will work just fine. A few days later, when I was at work (library) someone came in wanting to know how something had been rated. (don't remember now what), so, later, I looked up printers too. It stated that an Epson printer was in the top 6 best rated printers. I couldn't remember for sure which one it was I had bought. But when I got home I looked at the box - and sure enough - I had bought that Epson that was rated one of the best. PTL I made the right decision. This one was rated better than the more expensive one. So a high(er) price doesn't always mean high(er) quality.
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