"CHANGE"-2010

I just had to l augh as I'm viewing this picture taken from our home while the grass was still green! This reason it's funny is because the view outside our window is beautifully white and the theme of this blog is "change"!!! Let's see if I take this theme to heart?

As the calendar pages of 2009 are flipping rapidly to a close, I am reminded of a graduation speech I heard titled, "change". It was an unprecidented 15 minutes in length and thought-provoking! Thought-provoking because as a college graduate I rather thought I had arrived! His point was not to stagnate in a rut, but always be willing to take on new challenges. A rut after all is a grave with both ends knocked out!

Well, that took the breath out of me as it does now facing 2010! In this context of "change" I'm challenged to continue to be accountable to my husband and to one or several good friends. I was impacted with the necessity of this again when I read an article titled, "Mistakes were made" by Mindy Belz (World Magazine, January 2010 issue). She sites 4 examples of political figures who used the phrase, "mistakes were made" to admit error while dodging blame. William Schneider, a political consultant calls it "the past exonerative"!!! Mindy goes on to lament the many "mistakes" she and others have made in journalism. She is thankful for readers who call the journalists to accountability, for an active voice to admit them, and for Jesus Christ who rescues her from the very human nature from which they spring. In the Christian life this is how the path to new life begins. Mindy continues, "In the life of a magazine it is how we face a new year with hope." I would add, in the Christian life of "change" it too is how we face a new year with hope.

PUP (People

Under Pressure)

I've been given a vacation from the chemo. I'm very thankful

for this hiatus from poison! I'm also thankful that chemo is available and for a bazillion other blessings in the midst of it all, "we rejoice in our sufferings knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." Romans 5:3,4

The good news is that our hope is not in vain, for God did what

none of us would or could do: "God shows His love for us

in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Do you have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ because you have repented and received Him as your personal Saviour?

For 2010 this is my prayer, "I pray that God the source of hope, will fill you (and I) completely with joy and peace because you (and I) trust in Him." Romans 15:13

We're well into the new school year but I would like to share this terrifically applicable graduation message that I heard last May to close the '08-09 school year:

Be a light for freedom

It was a great privilege to be able to serve as the Sunday school teacher to many of you, so I thank you for granting me the opportunity and honor to address you once again. In all honesty, I was shocked you really wanted to hear me again.
To those who are graduating today, I offer my congratulations for all that you have achieved, and best wishes as you seize the opportunities, and confront the challenges, before you.
I also want to congratulate the parents because they have played an instrumental role in guiding these young men and women to this point in their lives. Their commitment and dedication to the training of their children is a picture of Deuteronomy 6:7, which instructs parents to teach God’s commandments to their children diligently and constantly. With that thought in mind please join me in honoring the parents of these graduates for their obedience to God in living out this verse for His glory and our graduates’ benefit.
The blessing of the Home School education you have received has literally prepared you to take on the world. And ours is most assuredly a world in need of being taken on, by men and women who possess the intellectual treasures of understanding, knowledge and Biblical wisdom. I pray, and trust, that these gifts, given to you by God and your parents,
will in your hands become powerful instruments of reform and renewal in those many domains of endeavor to which you, the members of the Class of 2009, will dedicate yourselves.
When Jared invited me to speak, he gave me an array of topics to choose from including: politics, sports and even the weather. I will do my best to touch on at least one of these topics, and along the way hopefully impart to you some thoughts worthy of your consideration.
Since we are in a church my challenge for you today consists of three parts, because, as you know, anyone who speaks in a church must have three points or the roof caves in or something like that.
There was a time when our Country was a beacon of light for Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. The Founding Fathers even claimed that these “inalienable rights” were endowed by our Creator. Regrettably, that light appears to be dimming.
In Matthew 5:14 Jesus tells us that “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” It’s true you can’t hide a city on a hill. Its light can be seen for miles.
Graduates, like a bright city on a hill we need torchbearers for Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. My challenge to you today is be such a beacon of light.
America is a great nation. However, she and her people are not great enough to survive the darkness that is moving across our land. Secularism, immorality and decadence are the outward signs of a heart that has grown callous to God. Beyond the safety of your parent’s home the world grows darker.
President Ronald Reagan warned us that “If we ever forget we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
Even Thomas Jefferson confessed that “Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.” If he was concerned then, I wonder how he would feel about America today.
Life is the first of the three inalienable rights mentioned and we need to look no farther than how our society approaches it to know that we have turned our back on the warnings of Presidents Reagan and Jefferson.
Our government passes an Endangered Species act that protects animals, born and unborn, but refuses to protect human beings from abortion and euthanasia. Over forty-six million unborn children have died since abortion was legalized by nine men in black robes in 1973 and today a number of states have grown very close to openly endorsing euthanasia.
Scripture clearly tells us that God is the giver of life and that life begins at conception. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.” Our Founding Fathers understood this passage from Genesis chapter two, as well as the 139th Psalm, where God reminds us that He has know us from our conception. “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.”
America, perhaps the most blessed nation on earth, needs people to shine a light and lead it in repentance, and in a restoration of life! Graduates I encourage you to be that beacon of light and expose the works of darkness in the hope that the exposed will become light. Ephesians 5:11, 13 and 14. tells us to “…have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them…But all things that are exposed are made visible by the light…Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”
Graduates, be a light for the life of those that cannot speak for themselves, but don’t stop there because the battle for life doesn’t end there.
When we lived in Mount Pleasant, I had the honor to serve as a Deacon here at Calvary Baptist Church. One of our duties was to meet with prospective members. As part of the interview process we had the pleasure of hearing people’s testimonies and on many occasions they
would share a verse that was instrumental in their coming to Christ as their Savior. John 3:16 and its guidance on how one may have everlasting life was a verse often shared. With its instruction to believe on God’s only begotten Son, the path to everlasting life is a simple one. But, it is also a narrow path.
And advocating a narrow path to eternal life is not popular in today’s world, but it is the one true path. The world needs those who will shine the light of truth thus illuminating the way to everlasting life.
In summary, Graduates be both a light for life here on earth and a light for everlasting life.
My second challenge is to be a beacon for liberty, just like the lady in the harbor of New York City.
On May 29th, 2004, a four-day “grand reunion” of veterans was held on the National Mall in Washington DC. The event culminated in the dedication of a memorial to “The Greatest Generation”. The World War II memorial honors the sixteen million members of the Armed Forces of the United States. While in Washington DC I had the opportunity to visit the memorial. The Freedom Wall was the one aspect that really caught my attention. With its four-thousand forty-eight gold stars, each representing one-hundred American service personnel who died or remain missing in the war, it is a somber reminder of the price of liberty.
The over four-hundred thousand American dead and missing from the Second World War are second only to the loss of more than six hundred twenty thousand Americans during another fight for freedom, the Civil War.
So many lives have been given in the defense of freedom and liberty, but in addition to this price, William Barclay reminds us that liberty has another cost, vigilance.
Today, our government is ever encroaching into our daily lives. It’s on the verge of taking over the banking system and regulating speech. It’s already taken over a large portion of the auto industry and now our government’s sights are set on the energy and health care industries.
And the way Washington keeps spending, a few trillion here and few trillion there, it’s getting harder and harder for us taxpayers to support the government in the lifestyle it has become accustomed. It’s my understanding that some brokerage firms are now encouraging people to invest their 401k money directly into taxes, because taxes are sure to go up.
Unfortunately the citizens of our country are eagerly swapping liberty for a false hope, peddled by a silver tongue reading lines off a teleprompter, in a government supplied security blanket. Don’t be
deceived by this ploy, because less freedom and liberty always equal less opportunity.
John F. Kennedy recognized the importance of the freedom to succeed and develop our talents when he said that “All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”
The people of the United States have lost their love of liberty. Graduates, be the spark that rekindles the love of liberty our nation’s Founding Fathers fought and died for.
Like life though, the battle doesn’t end there because the source of liberty didn’t begin with the United States or the Declaration of Independence. Liberty began with the freeing of man from the shackles of sin. Thus it was that just over two-thousand years ago the greatest sacrifice for liberty was made as Christ died on the cross to liberate us from sin and a long list of laws.
As John 8:32 tells us, His sacrifice liberates us from the penalty of sin and as we seek to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all God wants us to be. Although we are no longer under the Law, we don’t have the freedom to sin because that merely enslaves us to Satan, others or even ourselves, all over again. Instead, as Paul instructs in Galatians 5:13, our liberty in Christ frees us to do what is right and to glorify God.
Graduates, be a light for Christian liberty, be a light for freedom and to borrow an old tag line from the Army, the opportunity to be all you can be.
In many ways pursuing happiness is dependent upon having the liberty to being all you can be, so on to the third of the three inalienable rights. Just for the record, please note that the Declaration says “Pursuit” of Happiness NOT “Guarantee” of Happiness.
My comments on happiness do include a number of observations from John Piper. The first being that all men have this in common: they want to be happy. They don’t all agree on what brings the greatest happiness, but they do all long to have it. And this longing isn’t bad. It’s good.
So who are the happy people? Well according to a Pew Research poll conducted this spring on just that subject: Republicans tend to be happier than Democrats. Seniors are generally happier than Baby Boomers, and senior men tend to be happier than senior women, but that’s probably because the senior women have to live with the senior men.
So how do you get real happiness? If you can answer that question, then it stands to reason that you can pursue happiness correctly.
Mr. Piper notes that if you want to be happy, then get wisdom. Proverbs
3:13 says, "Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gets understanding." Proverbs 24:13-14 says, "My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off." Proverbs 19:8 says, "He who gets wisdom loves himself."1 So in summary, if you want true, lasting happiness, get wisdom.
But how do you get wisdom you ask?
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (Proverbs 9:10). The wisdom that leads to life and true happiness, or joy, begins with knowing and fearing God. The fear of the Lord is, therefore, the beginning of wisdom not only in the sense that it is the first step in a wise way to live, but also in the sense that all the later characteristics of wisdom flow from the fear of the Lord like a river flows from a spring. 1
The wise person is characterized by humility. Proverbs 11:2 says, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom." The person who is proud does not fear the Lord. But the person who fears the Lord is humble, because he depends on God for everything and fears to take credit himself for what God does.1
When the Bible says, "Get wisdom," it is referring to that practical knowledge of how to attain true and lasting happiness. It begins with the fear of the Lord and consists in humbly hearing and doing God's will. Therefore, be a light for real happiness by pursuing and displaying Biblical wisdom in your life. 1
On occasion the topic of the Lord of the Rings movies would come up during our Sunday morning discussions, so I felt that in keeping with tradition the movies needed to somehow be included today. Thus, I would like to close by relating a scene from the first of the three movies.
In the first Lord of the Rings movie, a small band of hero’s, known as The Fellowship of the Ring, led by the wizard Gandalf is making their way through the Mines of Moria, the former underground realm of the Dwarves. The Mines, now overrun by orcs and a collection of other nasty creatures, are completely dark making the group’s passage both dangerous and difficult. The only light comes from the groups few torches and Gandalf’s staff. The darkness held complete sway over the mines; until the arrival of the Fellowship, because the darkness was no match for light of the torches and the staff. Wherever the light was cast the darkness was driven back enabling the group to find their way.
Just as the torches and Gandalf’s staff illuminated the path for the Fellowship, allow God’s Word to be a lamp to your feet and a light to
your path, so that you may be a light for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Thank you and may God bless you and guide your journey.
1: Get Wisdom, May 24, 1981, By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

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P.U.P.

. (People Under Pressure) . . .still “dukin” it out with the cancerJ. . .Tuesday I received the 6th of 18 possible doses of Gemsar. Dr. Moe indicated that this regimen of chemo is cumulative in its work on the body. This I have found is true but at this point is still manageable with over the counter drugs. I actually dread taking the vitamins and pills that help me each day because there are so many of them and they are made for lions and tigers and bears, oh my!!! I need an attitude adjustment at that point and with that I thank God that so much is available!!!

I am writing this on our way to Canada to visit with our daughter Deb and friend Mary Ann. I know people are praying that our time together be all that He wants it to be and that the chemo won’t be too tough on me. It will be a delight whatever the situation because we’re with family, we’re celebrating Canada’s Thanksgiving and especially because we are in His presence. He has said, “In My presence is fullness of joy. . .” That’s been His promise throughout life and cancer can’t rob that from anyone no matter how they feel physically. I cannot encourage anyone who has not put their trust in the Lord Jesus to humble yourself and know that He is the God Who loves you so much that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Believe means to trust in Him for Who He says He is. He manifested only what God could do and say. No one but God could fulfill all the prophecies He did as well as perform all the miracles and declare and demonstrate His amazing statements of authority.

I’m eager to share pictures of Canada on our next blog! So far we’ve seen a wind generator farm, a humongous plastic chicken on top of a van with the caption of Gold N Plump on the door, a truck full of beets for the market and the interesting customs stop at the border! How fun is all of that-not the typical day!!!

"View from the Treehouse"

“Fighting For Every Foot”-a choice

This headline today about the California fires caught my attention. Even as men and women are fighting aggressively against a raging fire marring the countryside of California, there are those who are fighting aggressively for the moral stability of our beloved nation. Praise God for their tenacity! Thank God that so many do care about the physical country we live in and about our moral character most of all.

Thank God that the One who has called believers to “fight the good fight of faith” has equipped us with total sufficiency no matter what condition our physical bodies are in. His Word is such comfort when “things” are stripped from the persona of folk in difficult situations.

PUPS:(People Under Pressure)

His love letter to us gives us the word picture of a shepherd. We cannot cleanse, direct, or protect ourselves sufficiently, so we need a shepherd. When we feel like we’re out in the mountains caught in a thornbush, hurt and bloody, Isaiah 40:11 and 46:4, trump our feelings with the reality of His love. “He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. . . .’Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.’” That may be how He is fighting for you and I right now! He may be carrying us. We can pray, write notes, make phone calls, even invite people over where they provide most of the meal! We can do these things as we rest in His arms and hear His heartbeat of love!

Praise God He has not left us with the words of “Dear Abby”, “…when it comes to love there are no absolutes.” (Wed. Sept.2nd, 2009, Mt. Pleasant News) That statement is not Biblical!

The reality of His love is throughout the Bible and it’s the only absolute we have ( I Cor. 13). Accept it or reject it! A choice we make!
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Mystery Mound from our New York Trip: (second set of pics) The Mystery Mound rode with us from New York to Toledo and then on to Mt. Pleasant. He was a delightful surprise to many of the youth group. The Mystery Mound is pictured as he emerges from points east to the surprise entrance into the Mt. Pleasant area!

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View from the Treehouse :

Fellow Citizens, God Reigns!

In a 1906 article titled “Garfield Calms the Crowd” the following is recorded:
On the morning of Lincoln’s death, a crowd of fifty thousand people gathered before the Exchange Building in New York. Feelings ran high, natural enough in the circumstances, and there was danger of its finding expression in violence. Then a well-built man in officer’s uniform stepped to the front of the balcony, and in a voice that rang like a trumpet call, cried:
“Fellow citizens! Clouds and darkness are round about Him. His pavilion is dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies. Justice and judgment are the establishment of His throne. Mercy and truth go before His face. Fellow citizens! God reigns! And the Government at Washington still lives!”
Instantly the tumult was stilled, as the people grasped the import of those sublime words. The speaker was General James A. Garfield, himself to become a martyr-president sixteen years later. –Moody Monthly

As we view one bleak news break after another, let us not miss the involvement God wants us to have through the debacles, but especially let us not miss the truth of “Fellow citizens! God reigns!

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P.U.P. (People Under Pressure) I’ve taken a hiatus from this blog through the month of August. . .

1. . . .because we have been to New York and back
attending the beautifully orchestrated wedding of Micah and Laura, dear friends of ours.

We were privileged to bring another dear friend of ours back to Toledo where we stayed overnight and then all three of us motored on to Mt. Pleasant. The trip was such an exhausting “hoot”. It was a blessing from our Lord and we both thank Him so much for safety, for the strength He gave us, and for the Word of God on CD that made the time pass incredibly fast. Of course, it was all extra palatable because of the frequent laughter!

Mysterious Mound in Pennsylvania
(to be identified this week on this blog!)

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2. We were also privileged to enjoy my brothers and my mom for a brief stretch of time in our home. My oldest brother had not seen our home, and my second from the oldest brother Jim, was going back to Nicaragua soon so we treasured the visit.

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Another reason was that I had begun infusions again and since there is a week between chemos, we took advantage of the time and went to Ames, to be with mom and Jim. He had done so much work for mom that our tongues were hanging down to our ankles for all of his labor!

Adding to that was that the CT scan done late in July, revealed that there are two new spots in my abdomen and I really didn’t want to bring up the tedious subject, again!
Our Lord has been so encouraging through His Word to remind me that “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation, old things are passed away, behold all things are new.” The truth of that quote is that this cancer is the new path that God has chosen to work His life out in mine. Never mind that the path is rocky (many are going through rough times and our Lord’s was so much more) -He is holding us close to His chest (as a shepherd does to a lamb). God still reigns, fellow citizens!

View From the Treehouse









T.A. in T.W (Today’s American in Today’s World)

Are Americans putting bandages on a hemorrhage?

“We have green, blue, bright orange or yellow bandages. Which would you prefer?” your physician seeks to console you with these words after telling your family that you have an aneurism that could burst at any moment.

Ridiculous, unconsciousable, unethical

Unlike the above mentioned and more important world of human suffering and consequences is one in the financial world. This potential financial hemorrhage in our nation is that of the secrecy of the Federal Reserve System. This private bank, independent of our government, that controls much of our economy has never been audited since its founding in 1913!

U.S. Representative Ron Paul (R-Texas) has introduced the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009 (Bill H.R. 1207), which would mandate an official audit of the Federal Reserve Bank. In addition, it will give the U.S. Congress increased oversight powers over the Fed, which, up to this point, has operated without any accountability to either Congress or the people. The bill already has 112 co-sponsors and is supported by many congressmen of both parties. See jbs.org.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has projected that, “We must insure that all types of financial institutions, . . . receive strong and effective government oversight.” (USA Today Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 9A). Isn’t it beyond time that we the people tell him to live up to his own solutions by writing or calling our congress members to support this vital bill?



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P.U.P. Whoopie, the C.T.Scan and physical exam has revealed that there is no perceivable cancer! It’s time for this confined person to break out of the
shelters and we have!

Late in May, friends from Minneapolis drove to Ames where we met them and began our weeks of celebrating mom’s 90tth birthday! Then friends from Arizona came to stay with us for three days, after which my brother from Nicaragua invaded our home. We then had to take him with us (he’s a real character and a delight) to celebrate our news, as well as our anniversary, and mom’s 90th birthday! It was one party after another for five days! At the surprise party held in the basement of the church mom is a charter member of, there were 64+ delightful people. Afterwards, people lined up around her table to share with her how much her life has meant to them. What a legacy she is leaving! Enjoy the pics!

View from the Treehouse:

T.A. in T. W. (Today's American in Today's World)

What about the Federal Reserve?

"The Internet Age demands transparency from all institutions all the time. Any government body that lags behind is in danger of losing legitimacy, relevance and, at the very least public awareness. . ."People in an open society do not demand infallibility from their institutions, but it is difficult for them to accept what they are prohibited from observing." These quotes are from an article by Tony Mauro, a Supreme Court correspondent for National Law Journal and Incisive Media. The quotes are from an article pub. May 27th, '09 in USA Today following the resignation of Justice Souter. In summation, Tony Mauro was advocating allowing cameras to broadcast the proceedings of the Supreme Court.

His comments however, extend to the Federal Reserve, don't they? This organization affects every one of us and yet isn't it shrouded in secrecy more guarded than our Supreme Court has been? Have American grass roots people been duped since the early 1900's? What is it costing the American People because of the lack of transparency in the Federal Reserve?

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P.U.P.

The doctor told me that he did not want me to take my final scheduled infusion. I could have jumped off the table and done a dance-that is if I really could have! I'll have a c-scan in June and the docs are evaluating or will evaluate and then we'll make a decision as to what route to pursue!

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We must share with you pics from our weekend with our Kenyan sons. A friend of one of them and the wife, son and mother-in-law of the other joined us as well. I don’t want to bore you with a bzillion pics but it’s hard to choose! Here goes:

View from the Treehouse:






T.A. in T.W. (Today's American in Today's World)

Economics:
Are Americans putting bandages on a hemorrhage?

We in our beloved nation have been cut to the quick with the economic debacle. Perhaps it’s because this cut is actually a potentially devastating wound and we’re crying “who is in control, who is the point man or woman, or organization, or even who is accountable?”

Are we putting bandages on a hemorrhage? We’re throwing “tea parties” to protest Taxation w/o Representation and we’re demanding that some bank C.E.O’s are fired. "Bank of America (BofA) stripped CEO Kenneth Lewis of his chairman's role after the acquisition of Merrill Lynch and his choice of not telling the shareholders about it! Lewis says Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and then-Treasury Department chilf Henry Paulson pressured him to proceed with the purchase of Merrill Lynch-and to keep their losses secret-fearing the bad news would worsen an already deplorable economic climate. Lewis-who had already accepted some $20 billion in govt. bailout funds for BofA- remained silent. Shareholders learned about Merrill Lynch's end-of-year hemorrhaging after the sale closed and then watched BofA's stock value plummet." (World, pages 30-35, May 23rd, '09)

Continuing with troubling news releases, USA Today's editorial page of May 11th, '09 addresses the federal budget with the title "Obama, Congress go AWOL on fiscal responsibility". Who, American people, is in control?

In U.S.A. Today, April 14th, ’09, “Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who perhaps has more influence than anyone on the U.S. economy. . .” STOP-Let me end this quote. How many of us have questioned, WHY is he in a position of such control? Probing further, is this organization audited, when did we the American people give them such power, when did this become a federal organization or has it ever been, and is there a reserve?

I double-dog dare ( as I dare myself) you who might read this to find answers to these questions?!! Google Federal Reserve System and discern for yourselves. Find out how little is known by looking in American History books!


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P.U.P. (People Under Pressure-like all of us!)

Since, the last infusion of taxitere, I’ve had a "tuff" week. I’ve had the usual side-effects of flu symptoms, aching where I’ve had the shingles, and the neuropathy seemed to have totally invaded, but now is less of a problem. I told the doctor that it feels like I’m walking through a balance between Mississippi Mud and syrup! It makes for a very interesting gait! You know what, tho’, this is not unusual. I just am assured that the chemo is working. I have so much to be thankful for that I didn’t even want to include this. I only did this because some of you want to know what’s really going on!

People have been so terrific. Would you believe two young ladies prepared 4 dinners for us to have at our home while we have a couple of Kenyan sons stay with us for four days? One is bringing some of his family. We’re excited as another family has prepared the physical needs in our home as we prepare for company. What a blast we’ll have! They have terrific senses of humor-wish you all could meet them!

View From the Treehouse:

T.A. in T.W. (Today's American in Today's World)

I didn’t want to believe what the documentary “Expelled” revealed. All Americans should be very concerned because “freedom of expression” is no longer guaranteed but is being seriously undermined. We would encourage you to see this CD and respond as this erosion affects everyone!
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What an absolute delight-a Jr. Hi. Band festival in Danville was. You should have been there for the program including 5 area bands that was a very short hour long! Much kudos to the leaders of this southeast Iowa super conference! We sat close to the trombones and discovered a sub-program as we watched them! Several of them were tapping their toes-one in sync with the music- one in syncopation with the music-one had sandals off and I wasn’t sure what those toes were in rhythm with!

Then to watch their expressions especially when they did something they knew was wrong- I smiled in remembrance as they screwed up their face! When do we learn to stop making faces or at least admit when we’re wrong and then immediately go back to the task at hand? They seemed refreshingly transparent, respectful, and teachable! I believe a lot was due to the relaxed and fun filled atmosphere created for them by their teachers.

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Speaking of teachers, we attend a Bible Study on Wednesday evenings and are encouraged and challenged every time we're there. Our pastor and his wife from years ago have extended the hospitality of their home and their understanding. Pictures were taken of one of those evenings. We also enjoyed having them in our home for lunch last Sunday after church. I thought it was time that we extended to the group because the man who leads us has a Korean wife. She and he have invited us to their home for gourmet meals the likes of which you cannot imagine. ___________________________________________________________________

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P.U.P. (People Under Pressure) We had every intention to travel to Canada to attend a ceremony honoring our daughter and a student of hers. It was an exciting prospect, as even the cancer sarcoma doctor told us to go ahead and enjoy ourselves. Well, roads were closed due to flooding so instead of the journey we opted to receive the next round of chemo, Tuesday morning. This was the Gemsar which is the least toxic so I have only to deal with getting tired easily.

I received an infusion of Taxitere this a.m. and was privileged to interact with the most delightful 92 year young lady. I was attempting a crossword puzzle included in the U.S.A. Today publication. The lady previously mentioned and I had struck up a conversation, so I just continued it by asking her thoughts on the solutions to parts of the puzzle. She kept spitting out answers like a pellet gun on target. It was so much fun. She told us that she had done these for years and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge!. What a good example she is! Folks, keep your brain active!

The wrens had a real-estate discussion off of our 3 season room early this a.m. I was surprised that they chose to begin their home so close to ours but their cheerful chirping is truly a delightful way to greet the morning. Thank you Lord, for the way You make our days extraordinary!

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Since extraordinary was mentioned, here are former youth leaders having a terrific time remembering extraordinary students and events in our local Mexican restaurant! No, they didn't kick us out but I think we had to tip them extra! (I have been advised that if I feel like going to a larger gathering to sit on the outside and leave early. Small groups or individuals who know that I am vulnerable at this point in time are very sensitive to avoid coming to our home.

View From the Treehouse:

T.A. in T.W. (Today's American in Today's World)

I didn’t want to believe what the documentary “Expelled” revealed. All Americans should be very concerned because “freedom of expression” is no longer guaranteed but is being seriously undermined.


What an absolute delight-a Jr. Hi. Band festival in Danville! You should have been there for a program including 5 area bands that was a very short hour long! Much kudos to the leaders of this southeast super conference! We sat close to the trombones and discovered a sub-program as we watched them! Several of them were tapping their toes-one in sync with the music- one in syncopation with the music-one had sandals off and I wasn’t sure what those toes were in rhythm with!

Then to watch their expressions especially when they did something they knew was wrong- I smiled in remembrance as they screwed up their face! When do we learn to stop making faces or at least admit when we’re wrong and then immediately go back to the task at hand? They seemed refreshingly transparent, respectful, and teachable! I believe a lot was due to the relaxed and fun filled atmosphere created for them.


P.U.P.

We had every intention to travel to Canada to attend a ceremony honoring our daughter and s student of hers. It was an exciting prospect, as even the cancer sarcoma doctor told us to go ahead and enjoy ourselves. Well, roads were closed due to flooding so instead of the journey we opted to receive the next round of chemo, Tuesday morning. This was the Gemsar which is the least toxic so I have only to deal with getting tired easily.

The wrens had a real-estate discussion off of our 3 season room early this a.m. I was surprised that they chose to begin their home so close to ours but their cheerful chirping is truly a delightful way to greet the morning. Thank you Lord, for the way You make our days extraordinary!

View From the Tree House:

T.A. in T.W.:(Today's American in Today's World)

"It’s been a privilege for us to hear you sing” one of the judges on Britain’s Got Talent concludes with this comment after hearing Susan Boyle. She cut to the chase however, about the audience and herself being judgmentally cynical beforehand. “Is Susan Boyle ugly? Or are we?” asks essayist Tanya Gold in Britain’s The Guardian. The quote was referred to by Maria Puente in USA Today, Monday, April 20th. .

More penetrating questions have emerged as the result of Susan, 47, blowing everyone away with her beautiful voice. The author of the article begins with, “what’s that all about?’ She continues: “Is the unabashed hysteria about Susan a psychological boost for a world battered by economic calamity? Is it a spiritual moment for millions in search of transcendence? Maybe it’s about rooting for the underdog. Or maybe it’s just a new reminder of an old truism: You can’t judge a book by its cover.”

Interesting how Maria, ends with a quote from Rahn Hasbargen, who cites John 7:24: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

“Never has that verse been explained more dramatically than in the case of Susan Boyle.”, he says.

Never? Only in the most astonishing life that’s ever been lived. Let the words of Isaiah 53 reveal His identity:

“He has no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.
He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him
Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.

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PUP: (People Under Pressure)

I’m getting a CT Scan this a.m. It was such a privilege to have the prep and CT scan done in our local hospital. People have been incredibly kind and personable and we are so appreciative. Test results show that my platelets (not the small spheres you use for salads!) are low, so the doctor suggested that we wait another week before we begin the 5th in the regimen. The scan showed that the cyst around my spleen has diminished in size. It is either a hematoma or fluid from the cancer.

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God-sighting: Simply Spectacular: I couldn’t believe it-a field of bluebells! One of my favorite flowers and God put many in our wooded area within easy view of the tree-house! Absolutely beautiful!