did we teach our kids to respect?

Do you give your elders respect? Do you offer them your spot in line, at the table, anywhere? Did you teach your children these things .... or are they all about "me first"? In an age where respect is little known and rarely practiced, showing honor for those who are older is often overlooked. Yet, by the LORD's own word, showing respect for the elderly ranks right up there with showing respect to God. But then we shouldn't be surprised, since God made honoring parents the very first commandment directed at our relationship with others -- the first four commandments were directed at our relationship with him!

Holy God, thank you for my parents in the flesh and in the faith. Please give those who have been my spiritual mentors a special blessing. Without their guidance, I'm not sure where I would have ended up. Help me as I grow older to gain the character that will be needed by those whom you have placed before me to influence. May we, young and old alike, restore dignity and respect to our relationships before you in our generation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

both pics of day taken 11-30-03...but not by me...

decorations, ribbons, and drowning....

Papa and Andrew did such an awesome job on those Christmas lights. Tara used to help him..... not sure when she bailed. Sometime in Kingston. Now we gotta use the next generation! They look nice. I love Christmas decorations! I really do! Putting the tree up today. Karla and Joel are suppose to drop off the kids on their way home from Forks. Jo and Riley are busy today.... not sure if I'll see Andrew and Lauren. Ryan didn't know if they had plans when I talked to him about it yesterday. Last year I got really depressed decorating the tree all by myself... thinking about the past and when the kids did it .... I decided I wasn't going to put up the tree this year. But Dylan has other plans. Bless his heart. It will be fun. Should make some cookies, too!

I put a couple memorial ribbons on my page..... also added some to my journal from the early 80's. Cool reading!

Worked yesterday. Had a sore throat all day. Came home and fell asleep in the chair. When I write that I sound about 80! Sometimes I feel about 80! Checked into Jenny Craig yesterday and talked to a girl at the gym. She said the food is about $100 a week. That is what is sad. How can poor people like us afford it? So we were talking about how cool it would be to be like Oprah who has a personal trainer and someone that makes her meals for her. All she has to do is do what he says and eat what he puts in front of you. Then I thought about it. It's all in the meal planning. I am a planner. Why can't I plan better meals and stick with it? Plan on a walking program and stick with it? hmmmmm. So Papa and I are going to try, try again. As frustrating as it is..... we can't give up on ourselves or each other. David and I were talking about how addictions and things happen. He said it is like you are great on the beach.... water looks tempting so you go out. Then you go out a bit further. You think you should go back to the beach but the water feels good and you can head back any time. Then you hang onto a log and float awhile. Next thing you know you're looking around and you can barely see the beach anymore and you're wondering how you got so far out there. I think that is the way it can be with drugs, alcohol, relationships, weight, anything you think you can handle and then find out you can't! It is so gradual. Well, time to swim back to shore. It is going to be a long haul.... but I'm going to drown out here!

What a tangent. Guess I best finish this up. Hope you all have a great week! If you have any prayer needs..... let us know and Papa and I will pray for you! God bless!

What's Ahead:
Sunday: Partly sunny skies and dry conditions.
Monday: Another storm rolls in and will spread rain across Western Washington.
Tuesday: A few scattered showers linger

can you just say no?

Grace is not about excuses for our sins, but about a deep-seated thanksgiving for pardon and a life-changing commitment to say "No!" to all that is evil, corrupt, and wicked no matter how alluring or how pervasive they may be in our culture.

God, I praise you for your costly grace and love demonstrated to me in Jesus. Now galvanize my commitment to say "No!" to all those sins that required my Savior's pain and humiliation. Through your Spirit, form in me a righteous lifestyle that is self-controlled and is reflective of your righteousness. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

pics of day....3 of them!

It was hard to chose the picture of the day because I liked all three of these. The first two because they are just so cute!!!! And the last one because it is of Michael and his dad on Michael's birthday in 1982.... 26 years ago. Happy b-day Michael.

kids, lights, cards, and Michael......

It's Saturday but seems like Sunday....but it's not because I have to go to work this morning! Usually I "get" to but this morning feels like I "have" to because I don't want to because Lauren and Andrew are asleep in the den. They came over yesterday so Andrew could go up and down the ladder instead of Papa putting the lights on the house. It looks so good. Thanks to Andrew! Lauren helped a little bit, too, but she thought it was too cold outside. She wrote on a piece of paper her and Andrew's name in cursive. I was shocked! Only kindergarten! What a smart cookie. We watched Happy Gilmore yesterday (totally edited version on tv) and then Elf came on. Andrew, Lauren and I went to Walmart so I could get a new toothbrush, milk & bread. After you're sick you are suppose to get rid of your toothbrush. I'm done with my antibiotic and this morning I woke up sick again. I'm sick of this. We also stopped at Fou's or whatever that Vietnamese restaurant is in Poulsbo Village is..... Andrew loves their eggrolls so that's what he had for dinner. Lauren and I went in and got Teriyaki to Go..... she had noodles. We had a good time!

Just working today until 2. Today is Michael's birthday....Lanny's brother! Happy Birthday to him! Lanny talked to Jack on Thanksgiving..... he said Michael is gaining weight and doing good. That's what he always says, though. Tara wants to see some pictures. Wonder if he'll send any?

Got my first Christmas card yesterday!!!! Was so excited! My friend, Jennifer Gesell, sent it! It is a sweet photo card of her son Jacob. She had to get her's out early because they are being stationed over in England in a matter of days! For three years. I'll never see her again. I really love Jennifer....she's a sweety!

Hope your day is merry and bright! Hope you like my new sight! Didn't mean to rhymn. Took off the game in case you are looking for it.... slowed down my site. I am linking it to the right. Andrew is a lyric expert too! God bless.....

What's Ahead:
Saturday: Mostly wet weather along the coast, the Cascade foothills, and up into the northwest interior.
Sunday: Partly cloudy skies and dry conditions.
Monday: Another storm rolls in for Monday. This will set the trend for a wet week of weather ahead. Have a great weekend!

have you lost your first love?

King David stands as the prime example of someone who lost their first love. We remember him rightfully as the man after God's own heart--but we also remember David as a murderer and an adulterer. You may ask the question, how could one who was known for his devotion to God fall so horribly? What were the steps that led to his demise? David's steps to losing his first love were subtle--but very real. When David sat on his rooftop watching Bathsheba bathe on that fateful night, he was not walking with the Lord as he once had. At one time David possessed this great devotion and passion for God. But at this particular point in his life, we don't read of him worshipping or singing love songs to God. David was spiritually idle.

When you stop progressing spiritually, you will soon be a train wreck waiting to happen. We must recognize that deep in our nature we all have a natural tendency to wander. It is no coincidence that God compares us to wandering sheep. That is our natural tendency. And as an old hymn says, "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love." We are prone to wander.

This Christmas season is a good time to run back to Him! If you make Jesus your first love, everything else will fall into its proper balance.

Thank you, O God, for not only being there, but being close by -- always waiting to respond to my cry of distress and fear. Forgive me for not inviting you into a more active role in my life. I know you are near, so I ask that you not only make your presence known, but that you will gently confront me when I push you to the back of my daily life. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

braces boy.....last year

It was a year ago today Patrick got his braces. He looked handsome then and he looks handsome today! Such a good looking boy! Love you pat!!!!!

Thanksgivings over....let Christmas season begin!

Well.....let the Christmas Season officially begin! Every year at this time I kind of miss the crazy shopping morning we used to do with all the other crazies! The girls and I would sing Christmas music and go to Burger King for breakfast and shop. It was a lot of fun. Stopped it quite a few years ago. Still miss it.

Thanksgiving was nice. I missed the kids and grandkids, of course, but my brother David came over about noon. We ate by 1:00 and sat around watching the stupid football games....they were both bad. We had great talks too, about the past, present and future. I really understand my brother a lot more and have even more faith in him that he can keep it together. He is a smart guy.... who just has made some poor choices in life... like all of us. I love him very much. He took some movies home with him and my book The Shack. Said he'd read it, too. He loves reading. Must get it from our mom. Also sent plenty of leftovers home with him too. Mom is going to bake him a pumpkin pie. Mine turned out nasty! I have never messed up a pie before! I think it's because I went easy and bought this crust in a tin pan.... I don't think it cooked the pie right because it never got done and it was in there a long time. That is David's favorite part of Thanksgiving and so mom is going to make it up to him. She spent her Thanksgiving at Libby's this year. I hope you all had a great day... despite the Seahawks!

I want to wish our cousin, Grant, a very happy birthday! He is Holly's son! I really like Grant. He is the pro wrestler in the family.... I am going to take the grandkids over to his house to see all the wrestling stuff he's collected over the years. It is overwhelming! They'll love it. This is an old picture when he first started wrestling.... I think he has another name now. Can't keep up! He also starred in a video cousin David DeLay produced! Grant has a good heart, too. Every year he works for the salvation army ringing that bell..... usually out front of Albertson's in Kingston. He enjoys doing it. I urge you ... this year especially .... put your change and dollars in the red kettles when you walk out the door. I just read an article about how they help people with mortgages, food, utilities, etc..... and this year there are more needs than ever with the economy the way it is. Please help.... our quarters and dollars will add up.... plus you teach your children the heart of giving this holiday season. You can't put a price on that.

Well, my house is clean and indoor decorations up.... so today I'm going to do Christmas cards, hem papa's pants, help papa with some outdoor lights.... we're not going too crazy this year because I don't want him up and down that ladder with his bad knees..... and later Tara invited me to go to the movie with her and her friends. So I may be doing that. I hope you have a good and relaxing day and may God bless you.... (ps.... I put a lyric game at the bottom of my page for you to try....I'm a lyric genius!!!! only missed one!)

What's Ahead:
Today: A warm front gives us clouds and light rain at times ... highs should hit around 50.
Saturday: Light rain clearing in late afternoon.
Sunday: Partly to mostly sunny. Highs warm to the mid 50s both days.
Next Week: Expect another weather system Monday that will increase the chance of rain through the evening. Tuesday will have patchy morning fog with afternoon sun, but cooler, as highs only hit the upper 40s.

why are we so blessed????

As we examine our blessings and give thanks to God for his wonderful grace, let's ask why God has blessed us so much. God loves us and we are blessed to be a blessing. Let's make sure we are not just recipients of God's blessings. Let's commit to be conduits of those blessings to others.

Thank you, generous Father, for giving your many lavish gifts to me. Open my eyes to see how I can pass on those blessings to those around me. As I share the blessings you have so richly given me, may others find their greatest blessing of all -- your loving grace -- and give thanks to you! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

some past thanksgivings.....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Wow.....I look back at this year and we have so much to be thankful for! This week we found out Papa's heart is back to normal size.... which is wonderful news! Healthwise he is doing really good! And our great nephew Noah is in remission after a long year! Thank you, God! I am thankful that Ryan, Amanda and the kids are back home. There was such an emptiness in all our lives while they were gone. We are just so thankful to have them back! Also very thankful Karla found a great job right up her alley that she can do from home and pretty much picked her own hours! That is really something to be thankful for! I am also thankful God brought Kevon such a wonderful wife! I had faith he would. God has our kids right with whom he wants them to be with and right where he wants them. Which reminds me. I am also thankful for the job at the gym I have. A friend asked me last night if I got the other job....I said no. She, of course said, "There is the perfect job out there for you." I mentioned how I get tired of hearing that because everyone says it. Then she mentioned that maybe I am right where I'm suppose to be. Wow. That really hit me. I hadn't thought about it. Maybe I am! (But I'm still looking every day for work). lol! Anyway..... this Thanksgiving I want to thank God for all the above answers to prayers, healthy and happy kids and grand kids, my mom is doing great, my whole family and my patient, understanding, loving and kind husband. But most of all, I thank God for loving me unconditionally and thinking I'm pretty special!

Yesterday I just cleaned the kitchen good. Moved my microwave so Amanda has more counter space for next time, redid our Christmas site, went to work. Please pray for Jeff (our personal trainer) ..... he is facing some discouragement lately and needs prayer. He's such a good guy! And pray for Pam....my manager. She is working way too hard these past couple months doing the job of 3 people. Stressful times as Aleta is trying to start up another business in the gym.... weight loss one.

Not sure what happened yesterday but I had 46 hits on my site! That's a lot! I didn't think it was that interesting yesterday..... except for all the celebrations. Hmmmm. Always fun to check it out.

I called David and left a message. Hope he makes it over today. Regardless.... I am thankful we are having turkey dinner before Papa works and I will have a good night. I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving! May God bless you and yours!!!!

What's Ahead: A non-stormy Thanksgiving? That's our forecast for this year's Turkey Day. Yes there will be clouds and a chance of light rain late
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy with areas of light rain through the day.
Mostly sunny skies after morning fog Saturday and Sunday.
Light rain and cloudy skies Monday.... more sunshine Tuesday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DON!

Today is our son-in-law's birthday!!!! He is a wonderful son, great husband to Heath, and such an amazing dad to his 4 boys! We are proud to call him our son and want to wish him a wonderful birthday with his family and a long, healthy, and amazing life!
Happy birthday, Don!

Don & Lois.... 39 years and still going strong!

I cant remember when you weren't there
When I didn't care for anyone but you
I swear we've been through everything there is
Can't imagine anything we've missed
Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do

Through the years, you've never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... through the years
I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you
Through the years

I can't remember what I used to do
Who I trusted whom, I listened to before
I swear you've taught me everything I know
Can't imagine needing someone so
But through the years it seems to me
I need you more and more

Through the years, through all the good and bad
I knew how much we had, I've always been so glad
To be with you ... through the years
It's better everyday, you've kissed my tears away
As long as its okay, Ill stay with you
Through the years

Through the years, when everything went wrong
Together we were strong, I know that I belonged
Right here with you ... through the years
I never had a doubt, we'd always work things out
'Ive learned what loves about, by loving you
Through the years

Through the years, you've never let me down
You've turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... through the years
It's better everyday, you've kissed my tears away
As long as its okay, I'll stay with you
Through the years!

always by my side....what a friend!

One of the most wonderful feelings in the world is holding a child's hand.We do it to keep them safe while crossing a street or parking lot or sometimes to keep them from getting lost in a crowd. And when they stumble....we grab their little hands tighter to keep them from falling. God is holding your hand....did you know that? He holds it to protect you from going where you shouldn't and to walk with you! The next time you stumble.... remember the powerful hand of God.... the one that created everything into existence.... is holding your hand and walking you through life.... all the way home! Just let God do the holding.....you do the trusting!

Almighty God, thank you for being with me always, especially in those moments when life is most confusing and my fears most troubling. I love the security in knowing you will never let me go. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

4 generations.....

This is a 4-generation picture of Justin with his dad (Ron), Grandpa (Rick) and Great Grandpa (or the Great One.... as he liked to be called....my dad). This was taken back on November 26, 1989 in Lynnwood at Don & Lois' 20th anniversary.

birthdays, birthdays, and anniversaries......

I love this Wednesday because it's like a Friday! I cannot believe it is almost the end of November. Time is flying! I have the Christmas website up. Check it out! This is such a huge day!!! Three birthdays and an anniversary! We have Don and Lois' anniversary... which I did a separate entry for....son-in-law Don's birthday.....Lanny's sister Paula's birthday (the picture has her sitting down).....and friend Lana McCollum's birthday! See? Big day!

For me... I am just going to clean up the closet and bedroom and computer area. I got the rest of the house done. I made the best stew from scratch yesterday! Crockpot..... threw in chunks of meat, potatoes, onions, carrots, some peas, green beans and corn! It was nummy! I worked last night so it was nice to come home to papa and beef stew and a clean house! Life is good in Joyce's world. Then...the icing on my cake was that Amanda called and it was such a wonderful blessing to hear Lauren say John 3:16 that she had memorized! She's very good at memorizing.

Well, not much more to report! Short and sweet.... hope you all have a wonderful day and such a great Thanksgiving!!!! From both Papa and Mam!

What's Ahead:
Today: Another sunny late November day. Highs around 50 today.
Thursday: The front that was supposed to bring rain Thanksgiving is losing its muscle (turning chicken on turkey day?). Expect clouds and just a threat of light drizzle on the coast and over the north Sound.
Friday: Mostly cloudy. Areas of light rain will develop.
Weekend: Strong high pressure rebuilds for a mostly sunny weekend, after morning fog.

Now is not the time for me to pull away.....

Disappointment and discouragement are part of life. But God is with us. Even when we don't "feel" him...he is there. We know that in tragedy, trial, heartbreak, and brokenness he is near us. Don't let troubles or heartache lead you to pull away from God or doubt his nearness. Let him draw close to you.

O LORD, please be near me today. Make your presence known in my life. Father, I also ask that you bless those I know who are struggling with their faith, and with broken and disappointed hearts. Please be active in their lives and make your presence known in their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

say cheese.....

Here is one of our blessings now!!!! Jordan and her papa taken November 25, 1999! I love this picture so much! I remember when our Jordy-girl was this small! She was and always will be one of the cutest little girls with the cutest little smiles I know!

Pity party, good friends, dylan and blessings....

If you read my last entry from yesterday afternoon....you'll know I didn't get that job I wanted soooo bad!!! I am so sick of looking for work. I've been doing it for over 14 months. This could be my career if I got paid at it and if I was good at it. I check every day all the places you see to the right of my blog... all the papers.... Monster sends me stuff every day but all the jobs are across the boat. If I was young that might be do-able. I'm just so discouraged. I want to give up but can't afford to.... Papa, mom, Kevon, Karla, Amanda, Heath, everyone keeps telling me there is something out there for me. I wish I knew where. And I wish I knew why I wasn't getting a job.... my resume is fantastic since Amanda fixed it! Is it my age, looks, qualifications, references, what? Oh well.... no use having a pity party. No one comes and it does no good. I am very thankful for the job I have.... which I go to this afternoon!

Bible Study was good last night. They were glad I was there since I was going to stay home and have the pity party last night.... but Papa wouldn't let me and mom & Kevon both told me not to. So I had to go. I'm glad I did. I love those people! Good group of friends that have and always will stick by us no matter what we go through. It's hard to find friends like that..... that don't dump you when times are hard or you don't meet up to their expectations.

Our group prayed for Dylan! He fell at school and hurt his hand and wrist. Praying it isn't broken. That would be really bad!!! (Karla took him in before school and it is just sprained! Thank God! Don't need anymore broken bones in this family! Had our quota for 2008....right Tara?)

Papa and I stopped and bought our Thanksgiving meal after bible study last night. There sure are alot of shoppers at 9:00 at night!!!! Couldn't believe it! Got home and to bed late again. Thankfully papa can sleep in on Thursday!

Got my den finished yesterday.... it looks really nice and Christmasy. Living room is done... the boys did that and I'm not putting up my tree until Friday or Sunday. I have the den and kitchen left. There are a lot of decorations I'm not putting up this year. Seems some people think I go overboard. I love Christmas.

Start counting your blessings this week...... see if you can get to 100!!!! Bet ya can! God bless you!

What's Ahead:
Today: Rain moves in. Highs around 50.
Tonight: Rain turns to showers then goes away by midnight. Lows in the upper 30s.
Wednesday: Morning fog, more sun. High 40s to mid 50s.
Thanksgiving Day: Mostly cloudy with areas of light rain in the afternoon and evening. Highs around 50.
Friday: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Highs around 50.
Weekend: Morning fog to mostly clear. Highs in the lower 50s.

i'm a loser

I lost out again on a job. I'm so frustrated. Frustrated how I got my answer, too. As you know, Friday I was suppose to hear a yes or no whether I got the job. I had to work til 5 and after I got home I had an answer on my machine to call "crystal" Monday. Called this morning and she said she needed to call me back. It is 3:00.... I waited all day to hear from her and didn't go get groceries....just waiting. Finally I got tired of it and thought this is crazy. I called her. She said if she had one more position I would get it and wanted to know if she could keep me on file in case one of these two didn't work out. Of course, I cheerfully said yes (although I wanted to say some other stuff)... and then I hung up and cried. It's so depressing. You all know how long it's been? And then I heard from Karen Cooper about the daycare job and they went with someone else because my referral's didn't fill out the forms and get them back in time. One was Ricky Roy..... and he said for some reason it went in his junk mail and he didn't get it. So, now what?
No, Rita, you're not psychic.

forgive and forget? nah....

Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of the anger, pain and loss you feel and releasing your grip around that persons throat... releasing them to God. We have no duty to justice. God will handle it. Reestablish a relationship? Without true change from them.... and admission about what they've done and change of mind and behavior.... a relationship cannot be possible. What if you don't want a relationship with them restored? Still forgive. Unforgiveness eats you alive, destroys your joy and your ability to love fully and openly. Fogiveness isn't about excusing anything. It's alright to be angry... it is the right response to something wrong. But have you ever seen the bitterness in a persons face and heart that doesn't forgive and release it? Is that what you want? Still feeling anger and unforgiveness towards someone years later? Maybe you haven't given it up....to God. Forgiveness is an act of will.... not emotion.

Loving and just God, thank you for cleansing and forgiving me by the atoning sacrifice of your Son Jesus. Thank you for challenging me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Thank you for demanding that your people be a community of forgiveness. Forgive us, and especially forgive me, when we are reluctant, slow, or suspicious about forgiveness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

nice looking couple....

11-24-06 This photo was taken of Joel and Karla 2 years ago today....not sure where or why.... but it sure is a good picture of both of them and my pic of the day!

Shout, 24, decorating and soccer....

I want you all to know my t-shirts are spot free! I thank you all again for weighing in and I got Shout Advanced. Took every spot off them. Now I can wear them again! I guess most of the stain removers are all alike.... probably with the same ingredients. I have bought things that don't work.... so I am thrilled.

Very tired this morning and I have tons of stuff to do! I get to shop, clean house, and go to bible study tonight. I fell asleep in the chair watching tv with papa from 7-8. Was getting up to get ready for bed and guess what came on!! "24"! I had to watch that. So great to see Jack again. He rocks! Watched about 40 minutes and we went to bed and watched it ... but it was on til 10. After it was over it took awhile to fall asleep.....for both papa and I....tossing and turning. I woke up after 11 coughing so got up for about an hour. Frustrating. Finally took some Nyquil which will make me spacey all day. Oh well.

The gkids helped me with some decorating yesterday. wow....that was fun. Actually, it was. Of course, the biggest help was Dylan and Andrew. They were awesome. The girls.... well, they kept finding things to play with. That worked too. Stopped to make chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. Papa had eaten the chocolate chips!!! He drives me nuts. Who would just eat chocolate chips?

Papa's supervisor asked him if he wanted to work more hours for Christmas. I think working 60 hours a week is too much already for him. He told them no. I call about the job today. I will post when I know.

Went to Andrew's first indoor soccer game last night. The Zone is a really cool place. Jay came to the game, too, which was nice! The girls had friends to play with. The game itself stunk. Andrew did good... but they played against a team of 15 year old that are ranked #1 in our state for indoor soccer leagues. Of course we lost. I think it was 20-1. That was bad enough....but the other team was laughing at our kids. Don't know if our kids noticed....but Amanda, me and Jay did. Andrew fell and cut his knee at one point. That had to have hurt. But he got back in the game.

Well.....gotta finish so I can get going on this house! It's already almost 7! Have a great day!

Today: Mostly sunny after patchy morning fog. Highs range from the upper 40s to mid 50s. Light wind.
Tonight: Increasing clouds. Lows in the 30s to lower 40s.
Tuesday: Cloudy with a chance of rain. Highs around 50.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Patchy morning fog. High 40s to mid 50s.
Thanksgiving Day:Cloudy with a chance of rain. Highs around 50.
Friday: sunny. Highs around 50.
Weekend: Mostly clear. Patchy fog. Highs in the lower 50s.