fighting the good fight....

This verse reminded me of my conversation with Rita yesterday. I am so thankful for Paul's confidence as he faces his death. He is all but abandoned and is worried about the future of the Church, but he knows two things: he has served the Lord faithfully and the Lord will receive him when he dies! Shouldn't those two things be our most important goals in life? So if they are our goals, how do we live each day to fulfill them? Mom served God by taking care of his child, Michael. She sacrificed her own life for him. May she be blessed with huge rewards in heaven!

Faithful and loving God, you have so richly blessed me with salvation by your grace. Please strengthen me out of the riches of that grace. I am sometimes weak and falter in my faithfulness. I know your grace is lavish, but I don't want to presume on it or abuse it. Please give me strength and courage to live faithfully and passionately for you until the day I see you face to face and share with you in your glory and victory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Facebook, sports and Rita Kay......

I didn't sleep well last night. Stayed up too late, for one. Didn't go to bed til 11:30. Kind of into Facebook right now. Takes up some time. Andrew and Lauren spent the night and they both love their computer time too..... so I waited for them to go to bed. I am finding classmates from high school on it....have lots of friends from church, too. It is kind of fun! I have a MySpace, too, but don't get on it that much. I worked yesterday so I missed Ryan's championship baseball game. The were ahead 5-4 at the 9th and then the other team got something like 9 runs! That's too bad. Ryan needed his whole team there....maybe they could have won then.... but some didn't see it as important as others. Maybe next year. Ryan is managing the team. Soccer games start this coming Saturday. I will miss so many of Andrew and Riley's game with my Saturday schedule. Oh, well..... I will see what I can. I have to work. On the way to work I talked with Rita. It was such a great conversation. I think Lanny was jealous because Rita doesn't like to talk much on the phone. I must have caught her at a good time. We talked long and I loved it. I love her, too. She is an amazing woman, like her mama. Mom made it through her birthday. Rita said she is just skin and bones now. I can't imagine what either one is going through. God bless them both. Rita really helped me yesterday. I was talking how it seems so unfair that mom sacrificed he whole life to take care of Michael.... and this is how her life ends? It just doesn't seem fair. But she reminded me of the treasures stored up for her in Heaven... the riches she'll receive. Thanks for refocusing me, Rita! I love you! Mom was sleeping when I called. Tara got to talk with her and said she sounded pretty good. I can imagine she used all her strength to sound strong for Tara, too. She's like that. I think she used to do that for Lanny and I, too. Did get some good news..... Doug and Betty may be able to come out in November if he gets his vacation approved!!!!! Mom is so excited! Well, hope you have a good day today. May God bless you as you go about your day.

• Sunday: Partly sunny, scattered afternoon showers. Highs in the middle 60s.
• Monday - Labor Day: Mostly sunny, slightly warmer. Highs in the upper 60s.
• Tuesday: Increasing clouds with light rain developing. Highs in the middle 60s.
• Wednesday: Morning clouds, afternoon clearing. Highs in the lower 70s.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and warmer. Highs in the middle 70s.

Are you loyal and faithful to your family and loved ones....

This was the pledge of Ruth to her mother-in-law. Some would call her an ex-mother-in-law since Ruth's husband, Naomi's son, had died... but Ruth never treats Naomi as an "ex" of any kind. God loves loyalty and bestows his blessing and favor when we are loyal to others. In an era where people are thrown away as readily as paper plates and napkins, let's remember that loyalty is a quality that God not only loves, but it is also a quality that he defines for us in Jesus. So let's see loyalty and faithfulness as a crucial commitment.

Almighty and faithful God, thank you for your loyalty. Thank you for not giving up on us despite our fickleness and unfaithfulness. Bless us today as we seek to be a loyal and honorable people. Bless my own mother-in-law this day, God. Show her your mercy, love and faithfulness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMA WAVE!

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday. She turned 77 today. Wish we were with her. It is such a hard birthday. Lanny & I both talked to her yesterday. She is very hard to understand now..... and so weak. The nurse told her she only has a few days left. That is very hard for us to hear.... even though we know it's coming. Bless her heart. She told Lanny she's ready to go. She is an amazing woman. Ever since I met her she turns the focus off herself to our kids. She did it again yesterday. Every time I've ever talked to her she asks me how each one is doing. She's always called the 5 kids "her babies"..... and always said or wrote "kiss my babies for me." She loves them all so much! When Lanny & I married she adopted Kevon and Karla into her arms like they were born there....she adores them. She is so happy for Kevon... that he found his love and gets to go to Jamaica! She asks about each one and their families. Yesterday, before she hung up, she said "I love you, Joyce. Tell my babies I love them, and tell my son I love him." I cried like a baby when I hung up.....as I am writing this. God, grant her mercy! Nothing else much to write about. This pretty much is consuming our thoughts right now. I feel so bad for Dylan. It stinks to not get the teacher you want..... but worse when all your best buds are in her class and you're not. And poor Maddie doesn't even have a teacher yet!!!! Read Karla's blog for more info and updates on that. Heather updated hers too.... and put a cute picture of the boys up. I wish Grandma Wave would have met these great grandbabies of hers. She would have fell in love..... like she did with the kids. I think Andrew and Riley might have soccer games today. Didn't get any schedules yet..... hint, hint. Well, I work today. Worked yesterday too. Got 44 hours coming on my paycheck. That is good news. Hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend and be careful!

• Saturday: A few showers under partly sunny skies. Cooler, with highs in the 60s.
• Sunday: Very cool in the morning, becoming mostly sunny. Morning lows in the upper 30s to mid 40s, Highs in the 50s to low 60s.
• Monday - Labor Day: Partly to mostly sunny with increasing clouds late. Highs in the 60s to near 70.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with areas of light rain. Highs in the upper 60s.
• Wednesday: A chance of a morning shower otherwise drying and clearing in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s to mid 70s.

Boy, he must really love us.....

Rescued! Redeemed! Forgiven! Those are the three concepts in this short passage. But, maybe the most important one of all is represented by the phrase, "the Son he loves." God didn't save us with a plan, or a message, or a clean and immaculate process. Instead, he took what was most precious to him and offered Jesus up as our salvation. The cost was enormous. The love involved was overwhelming. The result is our greatest gift.He must really love us to give up so much for us!

Almighty God and Loving Father, neither my words nor my deeds could ever repay the gift you have given me in Jesus. Jesus, my appreciation for your sacrifice moves me to tears of joyful thanksgiving. For all that you have done, for all that you have made me, and for all that it cost you, I praise you and offer my life as a sacrifice of praise. In your name, Lord Jesus, I offer up my praise. Amen.

Best Gym, school stuff, and gas station drama.....

Have I ever mentioned that I hate the dark? I really do. I hate the fact that it is getting dark at 8 and staying dark til 7 now. I really hate that. Well....that is off my chest. But I'll probably mention it again before fall is here. I work from 10:30-5:00 today. I have lots of work to do today, too. Guess what! Our gym was named the Best Gym in Kitsap County! Yeah, us!!!! Aleta brought in balloons for us! I forgot to ask who named us that.... but it is pretty cool. I hear from everyone that we are the cleanest and friendliest gym....and being open 24 hours is the biggest draw. It's nice to be a part of it! Makes us proud. Aleta is also going to open up a Thin and Healthy Total Solutions in our building. I think God is trying to tell me something. lol! I've been enjoying the treadmill. My back has been painfree most of the time, too! Which is a miracle in itself! Praise God! And praise Him that Parker and Patrick had a wonderful day at school yesterday! They loved it....so I am thanking the Lord! Parker told me he gets to go down the high school hall now. I was wrong yesterday when I said he may be in a different building. It's not....just different halls. lol! But he gets a locker and yesterday his reading teacher said she likes to have lots of fun and they got to eat ice cream! Pretty cool! Patrick liked school too. He didn't have as much to say about it.... told me his teachers name and that she's nice. Lauren went to her open house last night and met her teacher. Ryan had her teacher when he was little! How funny is that? I went shopping for school supplies with Amanda and the kids after work last night. When I was a kid we didn't have to buy our own. It is stinking expensive to buy everything that is on those lists!!!! How do most people afford it? They changed Brad's appointment without telling me (can you imagine????) .... it was yesterday instead of today. He got his walking cast off and is in just a brace. Still needs crutches for about another week until his foot gets used to Brad again. But things are looking good.... so God gets another thumbs up! Ok.....this hasn't been such a great week for me though. This is my Shell Station drama from yesterday: I went to the shell station to get gas Wednesday after work. Somehow....my card was declined. The asian owner said this was happening to everyone with Kitsap Federal Credit Union cards. So.... no gas. I also checked the debit machine there and it said I had no money. I knew that was wrong. Got home....checked on line. It said I had money but none available to use!!! So I called them yesterday morning.... they said a gas transaction was approved for all the money I had in my checking! So I go back to the gas station..... he said it wasn't approved and it is a bank error. Call the bank and they said to have him send the authorization number and tell them it wasn't a transaction. I went to see if he would do that.... he said there is NO authorization number because there was no transaction!!!!! So today I call the bank AGAIN! Or I wait 72 hours until they unfreeze my money. I can't believe this!!!! This has never happened to me before. Lanny said we'll start using cash at the pumps from now on.... so this doesn't happen again. To say I am ticked is an understatement. I don't even know who to blame at this point???? The bank says its his machine....he says it's the bank. I just want my money back. Any ideas out there? To top my day I was watching Big Brother last night.... and any one with DISH knows this.... we lost our programming for about 5 minutes! Right during the Head of House competition. I've been looking forward to this episode for a few days.... so that was frustrating. Thankfully it didn't last. Ya know....I know there are bigger problems out there.... and I am thankful for all my blessings, too. But focusing on these little issues are helping me not to dwell on the bigger ones I also have no control over.... like my mother in law. Keep praying. Thanks! Well, better go get in the shower and get things done before work. Have a wonderful day! Hopefully mine will go better. God bless!

Today: Clouds roll in and so does the rain later, starting over the north Sound and moving south by afternoon.


Saturday: A few showers under partly sunny skies. Cooler, with only low 60s for the high.

Sunday: A cool mostly cloudy morning, then more afternoon sun. Morning lows in the upper 30s to mid 40s, Highs in the 50s to low 60s.

Monday - Labor Day: Partly sunny with increasing clouds late. Highs near 70.

Tuesday: Cloudy with areas of light rain. Highs in the upper 60s.

Weather Summary: Much cooler air is on the way late this afternoon and over the weekend. Low pressure and a cold front will drop rain over the NW this afternoon and part of Saturday, although the rain tomorrow will be very light and spotty. Drier Sunday and Monday with more sun, but cool overnight, as low as the 30s in some valley areas. Another round of rain threatens Tuesday.

What do they need to hear from you?

Shortly after Jesus' baptism, he went to face Satan in a grueling 40 days of temptation. Remember what Satan's opening words were? "If you are the Son of God..." Isn't it great that God had already reassured him of his relationship before it was questioned? He knew who He was without a doubt. He knew God was pleased with Him! What do those you love need to hear from you today? Do they need to hear you love them? That they are special to them? That you are here for them? You don't know when their time of trial will come; you just know it will, so go ahead and reassure them before it's necessary!

Almighty and loving Father, please help me to say the right words of love and affection to those whom I love so that when temptation comes, or when others try to draw them away from me, they will not doubt my love for them. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Gym, Parker & Patrick, soccer......

Well....I was wrong again. But it's not my fault this time. Aleta is getting static from the city of Poulsbo and the other gym owner and they are slowing her down trying to get a location.... apparently he has a lot of pull in Poulsbo (you know how small towns tend to do the "good old boy" routines). It has been a battle for a long time trying to find a location and secure and buy then build and all the permits. She's pulling out and putting it on hold. She believes things fall into place more when it's meant to be... and this hasn't happened. She's not giving up on a new location in the North end.... just not that one. Poulsbo is stupid. So I'll remain where I am until it's time. Which is fine... I am getting to know the members and that's a good thing. Parker and Patrick start school today!!!! I am so excited for them! I asked if they knew who their teachers were, but they only have one teacher for each grade so that's a no brainer. lol! small town. Pray for their day today.... that it goes great and they love it! Parker is in middle school now! I think it might just be a different building. But he has 7 classes. Pretty cool! Well, not much else going on. Found out Andrew's soccer schedule.... looks like I'm going to miss most of his games because they're on Saturday. That is sad. Ryan said he is one of the best on the team. He plays all over the county this year! Riley should be starting up soon, too. Her games will probably be Saturday again too. Brad's doctors appointment is tomorrow. Please pray his leg is totally healed! It's been 6 weeks...2 more they go to Jamaica!!!! His leg needs to be in good shape! Survivor is coming in a few weeks, too! Most years we go on "Fantasy Survivor" and basically you try to guess who will be voted out each week, who will win immunity, etc....and try to beat the others. If you watch Survivor and want to be a part of this fun game....let me know! Well....think I'll go color this gray out of my hair. You all have a great day and remember.... God is watching us!

• Today: Some light rain at times, mostly over the north Sound and along the coast and in the mountains. South Sound areas will see drier weather. Highs in the 65-73 degree range.
  
• Friday: Some morning sun, but more clouds and rain developing in the afternoon. Highs around 70.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy and cool with a few showers and sunbreaks. Highs in the 60s.
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy early with clearing in the afternoon. Staying cool, mid 60s.
• Monday Labor Day: Partly sunny, highs near 70.
• Weather Summary: The "Fall" look continues. Cool through the holiday weekend with some light rain from a Canadian weather system today, mostly north of Seattle and over the coast and mountains. A brief break from the rain tonight and tomorrow before more rain scoots in from a cold front later tomorrow. That will keep a few showers lingering Saturday, but drier weather returns Sunday and Monday. A note if you are camping this Labor Day weekend: It will be cold overnight for August, as lows dip into the 40s outside of the city, possibly into the 30s in some valley areas.

peer pressures and temptations....inevitable!

I really hate this picture....but it gets your attention and the verse is right on! But the real issue isn't "if" but "when"! As our children and grandchildren start a new school year....they will face tremendous peer pressure. We face it, too! We must help them resist the enticements of this pressure. Also, we must never tire in resisting them ourselves. Set a good example for your children.... how they should act and respond. Pray for them and pray for each other.

O God, I do face temptations and enticements. Please guard my heart, my life, and my example. Help me be a person of character and integrity. In addition, please enable me to lead, protect, guard, and warn my children and grandchildren.... both those who are my related in the flesh and those in the faith. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Ma, brakes, and conventions....

Well, apparently I am wrong. Again. I know I heard the Snap Fitness is going in next to the bank....now I am confused where it is going. Across the road from the bank? I'll have to check it out when I go by there. hmmmm. So you can stop watching the construction next to it....ours hasn't started yet. The plans are drawn up, though. Wow, did I get that wrong. Not the first time. I really thought I was listening this time. lol!

Yesterday was a rough day....emotionally. Got a few emails that were upsetting and talked to Rita, my sis-in-law, in Oklahoma. Mom isn't doing well at all. She doesn't even talk on the phone any more. I cried most of the day. I kind of felt I had no one to talk to about my feelings, either. It was a very difficult day.

Then I got to work and was slammed with lots of "love notes". They are actually notes from Pam, the manager regarding things I am doing wrong or need to watch out for. Sometimes I feel like I'll never learn every thing right..... like I felt that yesterday! Jeff sat and talked with me a while. He is such a nice kid and makes me laugh. One of my favorite members, Julie, came in and that cheered me up, too. I was ok by the time I left.

Then I got a great email from David. Alyssa's coach wrote about what a natural baseball player she is and how awesome she did last year. He believes she could be one of the best in little league! That was great! Congrats to her and David! She must take after her daddy. He was always good at baseball.

Mom's brakes went out in her car. Kevin & Libby took it in to get fixed and it is still gone! She's not sure what is going on with it. Hope Les Schwab does better with her brakes than they did with mine!!!!!

Went to bed early again last night. The democratic convention is on....and I hate watching that. I hate watching any convention. The phoniness makes me sick. I really don't like politics. It seems like it's just a game and no one is real anymore... if they ever were. Reminds me of yesterdays blog.....only God knows how they really are when they walk out of those conventions.

Well....that's all for now. Man, I sound down and negative. Not good. Maybe I should go back to bed and start over! Have a great day!!!! God bless!

1. Today: Light morning rain eases to a few afternoon showers as highs stay in the mid 60s. Breezy south wind 10-20 mph.
2. Thursday: Partly to mostly cloudy, areas of rain, especially Seattle northward and on the coast. High 60s.
3. Friday: Partly to mostly cloudy. Increasing clouds in the afternoon and showers developing by the evening. Highs in the low 70s.
   
4. Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a few showers and sunbreaks, mid 60s.
   
5. Sunday and Labor Day:
   A mix of sun and clouds but looking dry as highs reach 65-70.
   
   

nothing goes unnoticed.....

Years ago when Karla and Kevon were small we lived in Port Gamble. We had a big German Shepherd dog we named Killer Dog. When he was a puppy it was a cute name.... when he got bigger it freaked people out. There was no fence in our rental so Killer had to be chained up to the front porch when we went left. (He like to run deer in the watershed....not good). One day we came home and there were tons of apples and cores on the porch. I knew the neighbor boys (Gary and Teddy) were responsible. I asked Gary....who, of course, denied it! I looked him in the eye and said, "I don't know if you did or not....I wasn't here. But Killer knows." And I left it at that. Gary and Teddy stayed away from our house for a very long time!!!! I was reminded of this because of the message Sunday. "God know's what kind of person you are and what you are doing all the time." The rest of us don't see what you're doing or thinking after you walk out of church or at any time.... but God always knows. Do we live our lives like we believe it? Do our children believe and know this truth when they leave your house? And what is amazing is.......He is our ultimate judge! He holds us accountable for every word and deed. Not one thing we've ever said or done has passed him unnoticed. That's why forgiveness is so important. Made me think....hope it does you, too.

birthdays, fall, and fitness......

Little Emma in her daddy's hat! Happy Birthday to our little cousin, Emma! She is growing up so fast! May God put His angels around her and protect her all the days of her life....which I pray are many happy and healthy ones!
Also happy birthday to my friend from church, Stephanie! She is a sweety and such a helper! We all love Stephanie! This Saturday is Grandma Wave's birthday...... sending out her card today. She will be 77 years old. It was hard to pick out a card for her.....I love her so much.

Time to bring the flannels out! When I got out of bed today the chill hit me! It is turning fall time and I hate it! That little nip in the air is coming back. Makes me sad. I really don't like the fall. Parts are pretty....but everything dies in the fall. It's a sad time.

Yesterday was good. The kids and I didn't do much of anything. We ate pancakes, bacon and sausage for breakfast....Maddie and lauren didn't wake up til 9! We cleaned the house a bit. It rained like crazy! Girls watched some tv and played in the toyroom. Boys played on the computer and we visited for awhile. After breakfast we talked about "girlfriends". Whoa....that was an interesting conversation!!!! After papa got home we went to WalMart, got gas in the van, dropped kids off, and came home. Boring tv night. Went to bed by 9!

Today I just need to clean and then work this afternoon. Certainly not as many hours this week. Oh well. Anybody noticing our Snap Fitness going up on the hill above Walmart in Poulsbo in the Home Depot parking lot????? You can see it from WalMart. I am so excited!!! It should be done in February. I expect you all to join!!!! And I mean all of you! Well.....going to clean now. The kids help but it isn't quite the same, ya know?
Have a great day and thank the Lord you have it!

Not good to walk the line.....

There is a line that separates everything we do. It separates the moral from the immoral; the ethical from the unethical; the wise from the unwise. And too many of us walk the edge and the ledge of that line trying to see how close we can get before we have to face the consequences.

God tells us, though, in order to reach our potential, in order to gain the full and rich life that he has in store for us, we can't walk that line. Instead, we need to be in line with him. And to be in line with God we must make wise, insightful decisions. When we fail to do that, we spend an insane amount of time swimming laps in the pool of regret. We look back at our dumb, what was I thinking decisions, shake our heads and say, "If only... if only... if only."

This week, ask yourself if your decisions are going to reflect what you have learned from your past; if your decisions are wise considering your present conditions; and if your decisions are the best options to get you where God wants to take you. Get in line with God and you will be able to see the right answers to life's multiple choice test.

playing, playing and more playing.....

andrew falling onto mattress from couch....
now it's dylan's turn....
meanwhile the girls are "cheering" with their cookies and milk.....then we ended the night with this amazing purple sky. The kids thought it was really cool!

Church was good yesterday. Pastor Barry's message was very good! Our friends Tim and Jennifer Threadgold led worship....was kind of nice....some old hymns and older worship songs. Sat with Bob and Nancy Keller. Talked to Gordo (Dean) for awhile about my computer. Everyone misses Lanny.


After church I went and picked up Maddie and Dylan (spur of the moment). No plans on doing so....just had time to kill and thought they'd want to come over. Then got Andrew and Lauren at their church. It was good to see Ron & Sharon and Bill & Judie there. Came home and had lunch. Just chilled the rest of the day. Watched some Brady Bunch (Lauren knows the theme song already....been recording the show for them), the boys watched 24 with Papa and I (Dylan loved it!), then the boys played out on the big wheels in the rain. The boys found the Kevon's old GI Joe stuff and started setting that stuff up. Girls played play-dough, colored, played candy land, brushed each others hair in the bathroom and got along so good! They had cookies and milk for dessert. They slept out on the mattress in the living room instead of the den. Maddie came in about 3:30 and slept with me. The cat is sleeping with Lauren. No plans today.....I am off again. We'll just laze around.

1. Today: Cloudy, some sunbreaks and scattered showers. Highs in the 60s. Variable wind to 10 mph.
2. Tuesday: Sun and clouds. High 60s.
3. Wednesday: More clouds with a chance of rain. Highs in the 60s.
4. Thursday through Sunday: Sun and clouds. Highs in the lower 70s.

hold your tongue.....

We are constantly filling our world with noise. If it is not the sound of our own voices, then turn up some other noise to fill the silence. With the proliferation of radio talk shows, we are even given the opportunity to sound off to that noise. Unfortunately, quite often we say things that are harmful, hurtful, or foolish. God's wisdom reminds us to learn to hold our tongue and let silence rule over more of our time rather than the noisy words that so often clutter our world.

Holy God, please give me more wisdom so that I can keep my mouth shut more often and my ears more attentive to the needs of others. Purify my heart and cleanse my speech so that it will be helpful to others and bring glory to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

work, reunion and nightmares........

Bruce (Rhonda's husband), Lanny, sister Rhonda, cousin John!
Cousin Sam (Sandy) ....she's a sweetheart!
There's our Hilary!!!! Savanah is in the background playing!
Trying to get a decent picture of Rhonda with her big brother....
It took 6 tries....but here is a great picture of the two of them!


Yesterday was such good day at work.....tried to get all the chores done early because when I walked into the gym no one was there. Well, I got some done. When I say chores the daily ones are vacuum the gym, wash all the window ledges, take out the trash, fill the frig with water, bowl with fruit....and the ones that alternate are washing down the equipment (share that responsibility with Jeff....the personal trainer), dusting light fixtures and tv's and poles, cleaning the entry way, the cubby holes and lockers, washing down the exercise mats, etc.... I don't like to work around people and try to vacuum when there isn't many there. I did sell a several memberships this past week and some signed up for the "free week trial" we offer. I really do like my job!

After work we went to the "Annie Black Family Reunion". She was Lanny's grandma that he never met. She is the key to all the people that were at the reunion. We didn't know most the people, of course, but we got to visit with Rhonda & Bruce, Hilary (who was getting ready to leave just before we got there!) and see her kids, John and Rose Johnson (he's lanny's cousin), Skip (amazing woodcarver and related somehow), cousins Sam (Sandy) and her sister Pam, and Aunt Thelma (their mom and Ray Black's sister). I also met Pam's daughter and son-in-law but didn't catch their names.....and got a tour of their 5th wheeler. 43 foot with a garage in the back. Too cool! They race motorcycles.....he even has a sponsor. Come to find out....he grew up in the same area I did and went to Finn Hill Junior High, too! Was so weird!!! Not the same years of course....he is 38. Small world. Didn't get home until after 7!

I didn't sleep well. Had two terrible nightmares.....really freaked me out! The first one was Karen Brazeau Wren and myself on a ferry. This freaky guy with a long brown coat kept following us around. Found out he wanted to kill Karen and we were climbing ladders, running ramps, etc....trying to hide from him!!!! I woke up so scared! The second one was I was doing an exorcism! I exorcised a demon out of some blond chick! Must have been the iron tablet I took before bed? Don't know.

Going to church this morning (which I am sooooo excited about!!!! I miss everyone!) and then picking up Andrew and Lauren at Walmart. Tonight is the championship game for Ryan!!!! Gooooooo Ryan!!!!! And everyone else....have a great day!

Today: mostly cloudy this morning, then rain likely this afternoon. Highs in the mid 60s to lower 70s.


Monday: mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Highs in the 60s.


Tuesday: mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s to lower 70s.

Tuesday Night Through Wednesday Night: mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. Highs in the upper 60s.

how's your speech?

Want to know the difference between a righteous person and a wicked one? Simple. Check the fruit of their lives. One of the most obvious forms of fruit in a person's life is his or her speech. The righteous person finds a way to impart life with his or her speech. The wicked will nearly always reveal themselves by what their mouths say.

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O God my Father, redeemer, and LORD. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

big wheels, hiccups, and reunions.....

Papa got the big wheels out yesterday! He cleaned them up and fixed them up and the kids had a blast! They certainly got their exercise for the day! The animals even watched them and the neighbor kids. Andrew always beat Lauren, of course. He's about too big for them now. The back hurts his back so now he puts a pillow there. Thanks papa! I'm kind of glad this work week is almost over. I'll have 2 days off. It is fun and I love my job....but I am tired and my house needs some TLC! It is a mess! We keep up on the dishes and stuff...but there is stuff sitting around that needs homes. Plus my house has a strange odor....can't figure out where it is coming from! My computer is fixed!!!! I am so thankful to all my friends and family! The number one thing was to get rid of Internet Explorer and download Mozilla Firefox. Karla told me to do that years ago....but I didn't like it then. I love it now!!!! They've improved it and it is fast and easy to get around. And better yet....no security warning popup every two seconds!!!! I also bought a scan card reader at walmart for 8.88. It pops into a usb port and downloads the pictures I take from my memory card. Cool beans, huh???? (Andrew hates it when I say that). So I am happy now. I was tired last night and laid on the couch watching tv....Lauren went to bed and Andrew came out and sat on the floor next to me deciding it was time for a chat. I kept falling asleep! I tried so hard to stay awake....but it was 10:30! He finally started laughing and told me to go to bed. We'll have to pick up that conversation. I did sleep good last night.... until papa woke up with the hiccups! Scared me to death! He sat up and I woke up and said "Are you ok?" He says, "No." That sent me in panic mode until he said he had the hiccups! I am still a bit paranoid. Don't know if I'll ever get over it. Today is the Annie Black family reunion! We are going up there after work. Should be fun. Papa likes it....these are cousins that he just met 4 years ago and never knew about! Plus his sister and niece will be there. He adores them....me too! Should be fun! I think my iron levels are getting higher. I am feeling better with a bit more energy! And the side effects from the lisinopril (the stupid, nagging cough) is going away...I've been off it for a week now. I get to go to church tomorrow!!!! I am so jazzed up! Got an email from Pastor Barry yesterday. He misses us. That's nice to know in a church that big we are even noticed missing! The girls had a small bar hopping bachelorette party for Meghan last night. Hope they had fun and were careful! Looking forward to hearing about it! Heather was here but didn't get to see her. I want to wish my cousin, Michael DeLay, a very happy birthday!!!! I'll send him an email....plus I know his wife Betsy sometimes reads my blog.....so just in case I want to wish him a great day and many more happy & healthy ones to come! Love you! Here is a picture of him taken with my cousin (his sis) Holly! Guess I could get some cleaning done before work. I have 3 hours til I have to be there! Hope you all have an awesome day! Suppose to rain tomorrow! God bless!

Today: sunny. Highs in the mid 70s to lower 80s. Light wind.

Tonight: partly cloudy. Lows in the mid to upper 50s.

Sunday: mostly cloudy with rain likely in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s to mid 70s.

Sunday Night: rain in the evening, tapering off late. Lows in the 50s.

Monday: mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Highs in the 60s to lower 70s.

Monday Night Through Tuesday Night: mostly cloudy. Lows around 50. Highs in the upper 60s.
Wednesday Through Thursday Night: partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s. Lows in the lower 50s.

Friday: partly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.

store up sweet...not the sour!

Have you ever heard:

Today's thoughts are tomorrow's actions.
Today's jealousy is tomorrow's temper tantrum.
Today's bigotry is tomorrow's hate crime.
Today's anger is tomorrow's abuse.
Today's lust is tomorrow's adultery.
Today's greed is tomorrow's embezzlement.
Today's guilt is tomorrow's fear.

Some folks don't know we have an option.
Paul says we do: "We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ" !

What if you took every thought captive? What if you took the counsel of Solomon: "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life" (Prov. 4:23).
You are not a victim of your thoughts. You have a vote. You have a voice. You can exercise thought prevention. You can also exercise thought permission. Change the thoughts, and you change the person. If today's thoughts are tomorrow's actions, what happens when we fill our minds with thoughts of God's love? Will standing beneath the downpour of his grace change the way we feel about others? It's not enough to keep the bad stuff out. We've got to let the good stuff in. It's not enough to keep no list of wrongs. We have to cultivate a list of blessings. The same verb Paul uses for keeps in the phrase "keeps no list of wrongs" is used for think in Philippians 4:8: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (RSV). Thinking conveys the idea of pondering--studying and focusing, allowing what is viewed to have an impact on us. Rather than store up the sour, store up the sweet.

I thank you, God, for this reminder. I needed it. In Jesus Name Amen!

congrats, computers, and go ryan.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DENIKA! Just found out it is my niece-in-law's birthday today! I want to wish her a wonderful day and many more happy & healthy ones ahead. She's pretty excited....her sweetie is coming home from Iraq in less than a month! Then she'll really be celebrating!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO LESTER & CHERYL. Not sure how many years it is....but its alot!!!! Congrats you two! May you have tons more happy and HEALTHY years ahead!!!Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FRIEND SUSAN!!!! I met her at church and we worked together at KidStuf for two years. She is a sweetheart with a servants heart! I want to wish her a birthday filled with love and happiness! I got my second paycheck but I told Amanda everyone would think its weird if I posted another picture of me with it. Enough is enough, right? It sure feels good to make money, even though it is gone before you can spit. Stinkin' bills. They cramp your spending style! Yesterday was a really good day at work. No submarines. Got gas for $3.85, paid on my dentist bill and talked with Meghan, got my work done and data entry finished by 3:00! Jeff and I had a fun day. Then I got a few groceries and Papa met me at home and helped me unload & put away. I was so tired last night! Computer problems: I sent out an email yesterday to almost every one on in my address book (about 300 people....this include Class of 74, kidstuf, church and family).....my computer has 3 major problems and I just don't have the money to take it in! So I asked if anyone could help me. Amazingly enough....I got over 30 emails back. Lots of computer people out there! Thanks so much everyone. Now we'll see if anyone was right! Ryan called.....I am so proud of him!!! He got his grades from his classes he took at work: 4.0, 3.9 and 3.9 He is smart and worked very hard to get those grades! Congrats Ry!!!!! I work today. The money will be great. Meghan's bachelorette party is tonight....so Andrew & Lauren get to spend the night! I hope the girls have fun! Well, I'm a bit cranky today and have nothing else to write about so best close. Have a great day!!!!

Today: areas of morning clouds and patchy morning fog. Otherwise partly sunny. Highs in the lower to mid 70s.

Saturday: sunny. Highs in the mid 70s to lower 80s. Light wind.

Sunday: mostly cloudy with a chance of rain. Highs in the mid 60s to lower 70s.

Monday: mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.

Monday Night Through Thursday: mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s to lower 70s.

the psalms are great for you to read....

In nearly every Christian's life, there comes a time of loneliness and doubt. It seems as if our prayer requests just bounce off the ceiling and fall in broken pieces at our feet. God seems distant, hiding, asleep, or unsympathetic to our cries for mercy and help. Thankfully God gives us the Psalms. In the Psalms we can find words for almost all of life's ups and downs. When we are down, it is nice when we are down to know that others have been there before us and have recovered their faith and vitality. But, there are just some moments in life when we need to have God's reminders of his love and guidance. This psalm and these words are made for such a time.

Dear Father, please make your presence undeniably known in my life and help me clearly see your presence and mercy. I want to honor you, dear God, but please make your guidance clear so that I can follow you boldly and faithfully in your will. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

lateness, friends, and relatives.....

Yesterday started out to be a cruddy day. Haven't heard that expression for a while. I was on my way to work.....come down the hill and see the state patrol at the bottom in the middle of the road parked with his lights on. I know that only means one thing.... a sub is going through. Sure enough. I was about the 4th car in line. It took 30 minutes for that sub to get through. I ended up 15 minutes late for work. I hate being late!!!!! Makes me nuts! Then things started going rotten at the club. We couldn't get a girls card to work for the tanning booth. It took me 4 or 5 tries of rebooting.... then I told the Lord I was sorry for my attitude and I will be thankful and praise Him whether my day is good or bad. My day turned around from there!!!

At lunch I went and visited Cheryl Bussing. They live 4 miles from my work....first time I've gotten to see her since she's been back from Arizona. She is stuck in a wheelchair for 8 weeks after breaking her knee....they had to put a metal plate in it. Ouch. It was great visiting with her! I also worked on data entry stuff....have a long way to go before I finish....but a lot of time to get 'er done today and tomorrow. Berta Oliphant called yesterday. It's been ages since I talked to her! Also talked to Sharon and wished her happy bday!

Waverly update: Lanny didn't get to talk to his mom the past two days.....she's been sleeping. He talked to Kern and he told Lanny that's about all she ever does anymore. At least when she's sleeping she's not feeling the pain. Bless her heart.

I've been in touch with some distant relatives around the country through facebook. It is really fun finding out how we're related. More Langager's around than I thought! I'm making new friends and finding family! Pretty cool.

Tana Crosby was declared cancer free for 1 year yesterday! That little girl has been through so much. God is so good to that family and to Tana! I can't wait until the 31st! We're going to a party at Bev's in honor of this wonderful celebration! It will be a very happy time!

Well....think I will leave earlier today. Don't know how many subs we have at the base, but with my luck I'll have to watch another go through! Some people would love that experience! Like everything.....it gets old.

Thursday: Some sunbreaks this afternoon following the morning showers. Highs stay cool, reaching the mid 60s.

Friday: Morning fog, afternoon sunshine. Highs climb to the lower 70s.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High 70s.

Sunday: Increasing clouds, chance of rain late. Highs reach the lower 70s.

Monday: Clouds, showers at times, and near 70.

Weather Summary: Gradual imrovement this afternoon through Saturday as low pressure moves east of us today. It will still generate some showers, mostly this morning. Other than early fog Friday, the rest of tomorrow clears out with more sun Saturday. We're tracking another weather system that will push showers in from the coast late Sunday and into Monday.

absolute truth....

"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:3, 4)

Paul clearly states that God wants everyone to be saved. For that to happen, each person must know the truth.

Perhaps the phrase "come to a knowledge of the truth" raises more questions than answers in your mind. Is truth simply what I believe or do I decide that truth is whatever works for me? Is there such a thing as absolute truth? If there is absolute truth, is it possible for me to know it?

As Christians, we believe that it is impossible to know truth apart from God and the Bible, which is God's revelation to us, because only God -- the Creator of the universe -- understands reality as it actually is. Thus the Bible is critical to our understanding of truth. Paul says simply, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- of whom I am the worst" (1 Timothy 1:15).

*There is one God.

*There is one way to God. (despite what Oprah says)

*Jesus came to save sinners.

*We are all sinners.

This is the truth which we must know and believe in order to be saved from our sins and brought into relationship with Almighty God.

~Thank you, God of heaven and earth, for Your word which reveals You as truth. Only in You can I know truth and be saved. Reveal Your
truth to the hearts of the people I love reading this. Amen.

Sharon, games and soup.....

Sharon with hubby Ron

Candice, me, Sharon and Tara at Valentine banquet!

Today is my best friends birthday!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHARON! LOVE YA, GIRLFRIEND! She is the best friend a girl can have. Always there to build me up when I feel down, make me laugh when I feel sad, listen when I am mad, and support me & love me through the good and the bad. She's the best! Wow, sounds like a song! We've been buds now for over 14 years! Hard to believe.....we went through the raising teens crisis's , church crisis's and husbands crisis's together! I love her family and kids....she loves mine! We'll always be friends forever! Happy birthday, girlfriend!

Yesterday I worked. It went fast. Aleta and Pam came in before I left. Pam has a computer project for me to do this week since I'll be doing long days. I get kind of bored when I get my chores done (not that I am complaining!!!!). So this will be great since I'll be working almost 8 hours today through Friday and 4 on Saturday. Pam will be at the fair manning a booth for Snap Fitness! Stop and say hi to her if you go to the fair!

After work I went and watched the kids last game. First game they won 19-9! The second one they won 12-11.....close one. Good games! Karla got beaned a few times with the ball playing catcher. Once pretty good in the jaw. That'll bruise. Dylan told her to walk it off. lol! Joel took a few hits too! He was going to have Meghan play pitcher and Kevon said no.....which made Meg mad but Kev was right....first ball hit and it smacked Joel (who was pitching) right in the leg! Kevon pitched the second game.... Joel moved to shortstop. A few innings he was in the dug out.... that was fun to watch. He paced and yelled directions. He couldn't sit still. Amanda and I laughed and teased with him. The rains held off until the second game. I was taking pictures and the ump asked if it was lightening. Joel said he just wanted a reason to call the game. They ended up calling the game in the 4th or 5th inning. Brad took the girls (Jo, Riley, Lauren, and Maddie) to the van to stay dry.

Made bean soup (beans, ham hocks, onion and carrots) for dinner last night. We forgot to put it up before bed. That is so maddening!!!! Oh well. I didn't think it turned out that good anyway. It was suppose to last a few days since I will be getting home late the next two nights. It is what it is.

I was checking out anemia stuff and can't believe we didn't figure it out awhile ago with the symptoms! Some common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, lethargy, weakness, poor concentration, and impaired immune function. Another symptom of anemia, called pica, is the desire to eat unusual things, such as ice, clay, cardboard, paint, or starch. Advanced anemia may also result in lightheadedness, headaches, ringing in the ears, irritability, pale skin, unpleasant sensations in the legs with an uncontrollable urge to move them, and getting winded easily. That explains my ice chewing!!!! At least I didn't start eating cardboard, paint or clay! lol!

Well, thats about it! Hope you all have a great day! I pray it is!

Today: Staying cool and cloudy with showers at times. High 60s.

Thursday: Showers in the morning. Sun and clouds by afternoon. High 60s.

Friday: Some sun after morning fog. Low 70s.

Saturday: More sun. High 70s.

Sunday: Sun and clouds. Mid 70s.

Monday: More clouds with a chance of showers. Highs in the lower 70s.

Weather Summary: The wet weather will continue today although as the
low pressure heads east we'll see mostly scattered showers. Expect slow
improvement tomorrow as high pressure gradually builds. Some morning showers Thursday are followed by a little clearing, with warmer drier weather (and more sun!) going into the weekend.

good one for all of us....

"No one is born a winner or loser, but each one is born a chooser." How true. I was a chooser...in every area of my life. Oh, I may not always choose my circumstances, but I would always be in charge of choosing my responses to those circumstances. I reflect on some of the thoughts I was choosing to entertain about circumstances and people that day - rather negative, critical, impatient thoughts. God reminded me that a response in life always begins with a thought. Left alone, these thoughts would surely spiral me down and impact my responses in the same way. The choice was mine. God's Word came to my mind. "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5b).
Thoughts are the seeds in our lives that result in actions and responses. We choose to let them stay or to take them captive and throw them out. Have you been allowing seeds of thought in your mind and heart that you do not want growing in my life? You are a chooser. God's Holy Spirit is our Helper. He draws us on to be what we, in our own strength, cannot be. Where are your thoughts today? Being aware of what you are choosing to dwell on puts you in a proactive position. Before thoughts of irritation and frustration grow into angry, bitter roots, choose to ask God's Holy Spirit to help you take those thoughts captive and to respond to your circumstances with His grace, love and wisdom.

~Father God, Thank you that You have equipped me with Your Holy Spirit to live day by day. Today I ask You to help me take captive thoughts that will spiral me down and cause me to react in ways I don't want to. Help me to remember I am a chooser. Where I have neglected to choose in the past and negative roots have grown, help me to have wisdom to know how to weed them out. I look to You today to help me tend the seeds that come into my heart and mind and to choose what I will let grow. In Jesus' name, Amen.

anniversary, dinner, ma, Olympics....

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO JUSTIN & DENIKA LANGAGER!!!! Justin is my great nephew!Today is their 1st anniversary! Sadly, they haven't gotten to spend much time together this first year as he's been in Iraq. Lord willing he will be home soon and I pray the rest of their lives are spent together filled with lots of love, happiness and babies! lol! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Yesterday went fast. Papa had taken the day off but certainly didn't sit idle. He never does. He got tons of stuff done that he's wanted to do in the garage....and our vehicles look new inside and out. He's awesome. Andrew, Lauren and I played a computer game called Clue. It was so fun. Lauren catches on so quick. She knows all the characters, weapons, room, and can cross them off her list herself! Last night we were invited to Ryan and Amanda's for dinner and me, Amanda, Lauren and Andrew played a game of clue while Papa and Ryan watched Dances with Wolves. Amanda guessed wrong first so she was out....then Andrew guessed wrong. But the only reason he was wrong was because the wrench was left in the box! It was so funny...he was having fits. We declared him the winner anyway. Then we left the game for Lauren to play "house" with the characters and weapons etc.... Dinner was so good last night! Amanda had made ribs, pasta, corn, rolls and ice cream for dessert. We were stuffed! Thanks, Amanda!

I was so busy at work last night! Had lots of chores to do and didn't really get started on them until 1/2 way through my shift. Aleta (owner) came in and we talked for awhile. She is sooooo nice! Didn't get a chance to work out....it was too busy in there.

Today is going to be a lazy day.....at least the first part. Then I go to work this afternoon and then the kids softball game. Best take an umbrella!!! It is sprinkling out there now. Kind of nice. I do love the rain.

I also love this site! I wish I could change up the layout more but whatever. I like how when I stop typing for a minute it automatically is saved so if something happens I don't lose it! I could actually change the layout but I haven't' found one that will save any of my extras when I do that. anyway....blah, blah, blah! I've also discovered I LOVE facebook! Still figuring it out, but I already have tons of friends from church on it and am locating some Langager's....we're trying to figure out if we're related!

Lanny talked to his mom for about 10 seconds yesterday. She was very weak and tired. God help her! She is in pain but wants to stay awake and alive as long as possible. I try not to call too often....I let Lanny do that....because I know it takes alot out of her to talk to us.

I don't really like the Olympics this year. I'm not staying up to watch it all live. Plus they play with you like what YOU want to see will be coming right up. An hour later it's still not on and you've wasted time watching something you don't even care about. My friend Brian is loving it! I really wanted to watch the gymnastics but haven't....except one where we got the gold. I guess I don't like all the phoniness China has displayed with these Olympics, either. Where is the next one anyway? Oh well...... best close. Hope your day is good and you are enjoying the cooler weather. Kitsap County Fair starts tomorrow. Hope it doesn't get rained out! God bless!

Today: Clouds with a few spotty showers and some sunbreaks, but increasing rain on the coast this afternoon. High 60s.

Wednesday: Continued steady rain in the morning, backing off to
showers in the afternoon. Highs in the 60s.

Thursday: Morning showers then a mix of clouds and sun as highs rise to
around 70.

Friday: Partly cloudy, warming into the 70s .

Saturday: Sunny and high 70s. Sunday: A few more clouds but staying dry. Highs in the mid 70s.

Jesus understands.....

Jesus was tempted like we are! He suffered like we do! God in his grace made sure that we have someone in heaven who knows what it is like to face suffering and mortality. This knowledge is not only omniscient wisdom. Jesus also guarantees that heaven's knowledge includes human experience. Aren't you thankful that Jesus knew suffering and mortality and that he now lives to redeem, to bless, and to ultimately help us mortals?

Loving and Almighty God, I know you know me and what is best for me. But Father, I'm even more confident in your care and understanding because Jesus shared in our wrestling match with suffering and mortality. Thank you, Jesus, for pleading my cause at the Father's right hand. I ask for the Father's continued grace in your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.