I'm Home~

I trust that everyone had a good Christmas. I’d been kind of on a leave of absence from posting lately. When I got back in to Ohio it was my wedding anniversary of 30 years; the 6th of December, WOW! How many people can say that? The flight wasn't bad; though I did have a long lay over in Chicago. That wasn't so bad either. I very miss Jake and Julie. I also miss my grand pups. I definitely miss the beauty and weather of Oregon. When I left it was in the 50's high for the day and sunny; (Jake said when we spoke later in the day) I left 6AM for Portland a two hour drive. So it was cool but clear and nice. I came home to nighttime, but flying into Chicago I felt like I saw the last of the sun in flight. The flight only started to have cloud cover the closer I got into the area, but for most of the flight I could actually seen land below. And, since I've been home I've only had the sun peaking out here and there. Bummer! And -

I first started this post on the 14th then passing on to the 21st day of December officially the first day of winter talk about BURRrrrrr! The weather has been crumby and most of us in Ohio, I'm sure thought they were close to loosing their minds with wind literally blowing for what seemed days. The gusts were awful. One night it was the lovely low of zero degrees low and with the wind chill factor - will let's say it was minus in double digits. My son loves checking and comparing the temps of the North Pole with us. Not much difference. Boy do I miss the Northwest!

Anyway I promised some more pictures out and about in Oregon. I started posting pictures several days ago before the post and removing many also. I took tons and I'd love to show them all but, it's much too tedious. I hope you enjoy them. And, if you didn't know you can click on pictures to get a larger view, as well as, new pictures on the side of my blog. They will take you to somewhere you might like to visit. Also I took some really cool pictures of the ocean and sprays of water that crashes into the shore line also up onto the bridge of Depoe Bay. Maybe I can post some of those as well as a few more pictures of my son Jake and the crew practicing towing. I can’t believe all that I took.

But for now I hope you have continued blessing from this Christmas that linger on into the new year.











Below are a few pictures taken in Newports Nye Beach,it's about 10 miles south of Depoe Bay. There's a small bakery there that make the best latte~

Adventures With Harvey ~

I can't believe a whole year has gone by since I was here in Depoe Bay. It's still just as beautiful. The deck may be a little more weathered but it's awesome to sit on. The climate has been mild and it's great for walking all my grand pups.
Harvey is the newest addition. He is the totally all black pug. Harvey got out and we had quite the adventure trying to find him. I climbed fences and chopped my way through many thickets of black berry brushes. (Not fun) This took about three hours of time. Jake also was searching and he certainly didn't want a repeat of the last time Harvey disappeared. It was during a storm with pouring rain and wind. Both he and Julie search but they couldn't find him anywhere and with the wind blowing as it was, they wouldn't have heard him if he'd been crying. So Harvey spent the night out by himself. So we prayed and believed God for the return. Next day, Jake went out and searched again. Finally Jake said he (Jake) started to yell out his name, there he appeared like out of nowhere. He was dirty and still had his bells on from Halloween. Anyway, he was sitting at a neighbors house, (Jake calls the preacher man). He ended up there the second time after searching. I kept prayed to the Lord to keep him safe and that we'd find him soon. There he was sitting and waiting at the preacher man's house. Julie said maybe he's trying to tell us something.
Harvey was lost and then found. He had a safe haven till he was reunited with loved ones. We all were so happy to see him again.
God is awesome. Below are some pictures around the house.

Hello Out There!

Yes, It is I and I'm still on planet earth. Just taking a break from things. As many of you know it has been a difficult time for us. But, through it all the Lord has been gracious to us and has been meeting all our needs. I pray all of you out there had a very blessed Thanksgiving. I'm learning to be thankful in all situations and truly I'am thankful.
Most of my family is scattered and our immediate family spent this Thanksgiving just about everywhere. Mat of course spent his on the sub. Aaron was at home with Jim and I was in Oregon with Jake and Julie.
Below are just a few of the several hundred I took of Jake and the crew training on the surf just south of beautiful Depoe Bay. Not many could say training was fun. As I took the pictures I have to say it was awesome watching them. Even though it looked like they were just playing in the surf and having fun; it can be very dangerous. A one part of the training Jakes boat almost did a roll. The boat is capable of rolling over and then coming right side up. Not that it's something they want to do, but just in case. The training is very important for them. The station has to be prepared at all times and for anything. I hope you enjoy the pictures. I will post more here and there to let you know I'm still breathing.
Until then have a blessed weekend.

I Had To Add This ~

My Friend sent this to me October 29. I thought it appropriate to my earlier post today. Thank you Becky.

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

AND GOD APPROVES THIS MESSAGE!

ISN'T IT A GREAT REMINDER TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL!?!?

Who's In Control

Well the election is over, and, whether you were for now President Elect Obama or not - he will be our new president. I know many of you, as I, out there are now wondering what’s next for this nation. Millions of us voted concerned about all the issues that were weighting on this election, from the life of the unborn to our fine young men and women who are serving this country. I’m sure many of you were hit with a frightening realization that current government policies and laws favorable to our beliefs could end.

As I hope you did, I spent a great deal of time listening to different opinions and views concerning those running. And you couldn’t help hearing all the garbage from the media as well as viewing all the ads on the TV – unless you simply turned it off. Without a doubt this was one of the hardest elections to view; so much at stake.
Also but not to my surprise something I hadn’t thought of until after reading it this morning. Fight Post-Election Depression

WHO IS IN CONTROL? I’m hoping you answered GOD IS!

I believe God gave the people what they asked for. As 1 Samuel chapter 8 and 9 when the people wanted a king they got what they asked for and Saul was appointed. I believe God can use anything situation to fulfill His purposes. I know as some chapters seem to be closing, there are new chapters opening. What will we be doing in those new chapters? TRUST GOD, TRUST GOD! All is not lost. FEAR NOT, FEAR NOT!

You may ask yourself, how could God allow such a man in the Whitehouse, be assured that the Lord is still in control. He will remain so. This is a time when we as BELIEVERS, need to come together in prayer. Pray for those who are in leadership and those now taking office just as He’s commanded. Pray for Gods wisdom and that His will - be done. Pray that God use this and us for His glory and His alone. Pray for a closer walk and relationship with Him. Pray for discernment and understanding to meet each need as He directs. Remember things do have to take place for His return. One day it will come. No one knows when - only the Father in Heaven. Matthew 24:36 But, we need to be ready. Pray that God gives us the boldness to push forward in His will. Remember nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ. Romans 8. Do not give Satan a foothold in your life. Be strong in the Lord.
And Lastly ~
This could very well be the WAKE UP CALL; Christians need to seek Him more. These issues are still very real. I still believe in the value of life for the un-born and there’s in no way you can justify taking that life. I believe parents have the right to know if their young daughters are seeking abortions while they’re still under age and that it should NOT be kept from them. I believe Christians have rights also, that’s what our country was founded upon and I will always believe in those Biblical principals. And, I also believe in standing behind our service men and women, in which there is NO excuse for not adequately supplying all that’s needed for them to protect our country. Even if our sons weren't in the military I would still vote against any further budget cuts. And, even if I have family and friends that don't share my views that's fine. Ultimately it's not about me or you anyway. I still love and I still pray.
I’m so grateful that we have a Sovereign God that is here for us. Won’t you trust Him today and be comforted in knowing He has plans we can be excited about and even though things are out of our hands; HE FOREVER remains the same and ALWAYS is in CONTROL.

If you're interested in a different perspective on the election and one I know you'll find interesting. Go to: http://www.kimclement.com/

I Had To Do It. . .

I couldn't take not having a vintage beauty hanging in my window. The house is pretty much on it's way to being pack up. The house is set for showing. This was missing, so I thought I'd share some pictures of the lovely fall colors through the prism. Refracted Lite.

~VOTE ~

What can one say about this Presidential Election? Other than it could be one of the most important election's ever. Or at least in my life time. I pray that everyone truly look at what is at stake. I pray when you go to the polls you vote for Biblical values. Pray for God's wisdom and trust Him on it. I pray for God's mercy on our country; for we have gone astray from the values that once were held dear. We've become desensitized and luke warm. We have become that frog in a pot water, that just adjusts to the temperature; to die in the end.

How can we justify not doing what is right in the Lords eyes. Let's vote the Bible on the issues tomorrow. Let's stand as the Christian Nation our Fore Fathers fought for and the freedoms our Men and Women fight for today. Let's speak for the rights of un-born and children, as well as traditional marriages between men and women. Let's vote for using our own natural resorurces and not depending on others; while still seeking other energy alternatives. These are just a few. Let's once again excerise our voice by voting the Bible. Let's pray for All those in leadership, that God would give them the wisdom to do what's right in His eyes.

"One Vote" - ValueVotersUSA.com (official)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwLY_HRt-AM

I Can't Believe My Eyes. . .

And what is this? As Sophie was looking out the door this morning. Thinking, do I even want to go out? She didn't, if you're wondering. Sophie does love snow though and cooler-colder weather. Yet, it's way too early even for her. I want Autumn back! And hopefully, as we've heard on the news it will be in the next day or so.

Autumn and, Indian summer - I absolutely love this time of the year. I love the colors and the smells of fall. Though without SNOW. Autumn is also one of the times that I think of when I was younger. A part of my life was spent in Pennsylvania; the "earlier" years until I was around twelve. Those years were very special to me. We always had a lot of family that lived around us. Literally. Picture a square, and in that square was a field. The field belonged to my Uncle who never built a house on it but, he did live close by. (He also was the Uncle I remember around Halloween. When I'd dress up with bro and friends together going trick or treating, we'd go to my Uncle's. "Treat or Trick, guess who this is Uncle Ralph?" Of, course I'd get the best of candy bars.) But, back to the field - I think my cousins and I were happy about the property just staying a field - we spent a lot of time playing there.

At the top of the square was the original homestead of my Great-grandparents. Next to that was another house built by another Uncle. We lived across the field, as well as my grandma's other brother next door. The old homestead always seemed to house plenty of cousins for my brother and me to play with. And, if they weren't living there, they were still there. Fun.

Another thing I loved about fall, was walking across the woods behind the old homestead, to my Aunt Margaret's. To walk on the fallen leaves, hand listening to the crunching sounds they'd make. For a kid's prospective, it was happy times, Autumn. Very fond memories indeed.

I realize life can throw you many curve balls that don't seem fair. Infact, sometimes just unkind. And, that you may even think of those "happier" times, or even what if.  I also know I have someone to bat for me who stays closer than a brother. As said in Proverbs 18:24.

It's also very comforting for me to know that: 

And, we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.  Romans 8: 28 I would even suggest you read all of chapter 8.

Have you considered a relationship with Him? He's never promised things to always go easy, and sometimes the walk maybe a difficult one. He did promise to be there and help us through. And, as in the above pictures; Things will get better, and the sun (SON) will shine on through. Never lose HOPE.

The pictures worked out well and almost as planned. I'm not that good. But He is.

I took a walk with Jesus,
I saw the loveliest of things.
The leaves all of color,
Were floating and dancing.

When looking upward to the sky,
It looked like colorful snow.
Some might have said, “Maybe fairies?”
But Lord I know.

It’s just Your magnificence,
For all the world to see.
And, while continuing on my walk,
Your smell; so sweet to me.

Autumn is here!
VLB October 24, 2008

God Is Good ~

Today God blessed me with a beautiful bird. The Carolina Wren and it sang beautifully. Did you know that the Carolina wren has been reported to sing up to 3000 times in one day. That is amazing. But, really it's just God. And it got me thinking.

~God is good. ~

Yet the word good really doesn't seem like a word that would adequately describe God. But, in the Bible it says God is Good. In fact, Jesus said it Himself.

And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. Mark 10:18 NAS

Good just seems like a very small word. So I looked it up. I couldn't believe how lengthy the definition was. I picked a few and you can look at the rest.

GOOD
Morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: a good man.
Of high quality; excellent.
Kind, beneficent, or friendly: to do a good deed.
Genuine; not counterfeit: a good quarter.
Reliable; dependable; responsible: good advice.
Excellence or merit; kindness: to do good.
Moral righteousness; virtue: to be a power for good.
Informal. - The genuine article.
The good, a. the ideal of goodness or morality.
Good things or persons collectively.

—Synonyms 1. pure, moral, conscientious, meritorious, worthy, exemplary, upright. 2. Commendable, admirable. 5. Obedient, heedful. 6. Kindly, benevolent, humane, gracious, obliging. 23. Full, adequate. 24. Profitable, useful, serviceable, beneficial. 25. Efficient, proficient, capable, able, ready, suited, suitable, dexterous, expert, adroit, apt. 46. See property.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/good

I guess it's not that small of a word at all. And, here's something else to ponder ~

The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:25

My prayer is that it's apart of our everyday walk. But, not just to seek Him but to have a real relationship with Him.

I wished I had found my picture; but, for more on the Carolina Wren - http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Carolina_Wren.html

Calming Comfort ~

The last few days (weeks even) have been on the rough side. And, for some reason the picture is calming, even though it really doesn't do just to what I was really seeing. But, thought I'd share anyway. It had been raining off and on for the past few days. Or at least when I snapped the picture. We certainly need it, the ground was very dry.

I don't believe busy could truly describe what I've been up to. We had a couple weekends of garage sales, doctors appointments and running earns with most of them miles away. As well as, the biggest job, getting the house ready for the Broker Open House. We kept insane hours. . . So when I thought of posting, it was rainy out and as I looked at the picture it was very calming to me. It also brought comfort.

The shower was nice and relaxing and with the light I felt a calming comfort. Everyone needs a time to rest; a time of calming comfort. If you are tired physically, maybe you pushed yourself to hard. Rest, relax in knowing there is tomorrow to conquer that task. And, if your mentally anguished, please take a much needed rest in the Lord. Trust Him in everything. Nothing is to great that He can't help you with. And, He wants to.

Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

Jeremiah 31:25 "For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who lanquishes."

Psalms 116:7 Return to you rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

Have you truly rested in the Lord lately?

Come to the quiet;

You'll find peace of mind.

Inter my rest;

While there is still time.

The world has much noise,

That's harmfull to thee.

Inter My rest;

Come, sit with Me.

August 18, 1989 VB

A Taste For The Southwest

Isn't it funny looking back when you were a kid and, at decisions your parents may have made that you didn't like. As in moving for instance. Going to a place where you had to make new friends, leaving old dear friends behind. Also cousins and lots of them that I played and hung out with. So for me; when the decision to move to the Southwest was made, it was bitter sweet.

I had been to Arizona before and I did like the desert. There certainly were new and exciting things to see. But officially moving there, well at first I hated it. Hate is a strong word but, when your a kid that might have been a word you would have used.  It was for typical kid reasons too. I didn't like the school. I didn't have or make friends right away and as you could guess; kids can be mean and make fun of you.  Of course, being from Pennsylvania it didn't help; though as time went by I grew to like it. That certainly wasn't right away.  I don't think I realized just how much I missed the southwest till I moved to Ohio.

My husband is a native of Phoenix, and when we got married we traveled everywhere in the Coast Guard. The western part of the states are my favorite. And, when we lived in New Mexico for 8 years I grew to love it there; maybe the most.  It was once one of the best kept secrets, that really has got out since many people seem to be moving in.

I know you can pretty much get good (authentic) Mexican food now in many places. Or purchase items to make it yourself.  But, I'm not just talking food here.

Last week I was talking with a friend I haven't spoken to in maybe two years or more. We became friends with each other in New Mexico.  Her son and my boys are best of friend, actually more like brothers to this day.  Her and her family recently moved back out there from Georgia. She was telling me of all the new changes that have been made, in Edgewood and Moriarty (towns we lived in). She called in the evening time and we talked for some time catching up. Then from her porch she painted a beautiful picture of the evening sky. She was viewing the milky way. I had forgotten about the milky way and how beautiful it is to see. The wonderment of it all. The southwest night sky. The beauty of God's creation. Stars everywhere and very vivid. Some even seem as if you could touch them from the ground. This picture is very true in many areas there, especially at my Dads in AZ.

I didn't have any picture except that in my memory. So here is a photo I found on line. Taken by a young man who went to Philmont Scout Ranch in NM. I believe at least my eldest went there twice. On the link just below picture in can see more awesome pics.

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=39478

When I think of the west / southwest I do think of home.  It's a place you don't always feel the pressures of this life.  I guess you could say a closeness to God. A place to get lost in His beauty. It makes me think of what He has in store for those who have chosen His free gift of life. We just get the privilege to see just a glimmer of the beauty He's create for those who believe.

In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3
Until that time we'll have to be patient and enjoy the life He blesses us with each day. Including that of our taste buds. I made Chorizo With Eggs and Wheat Tortillas With Flaxmeal for bunch.
Remember to make the most of your time while you're here.

Lay Your Burden Down ~

There's a song artist named John Davis. He had a song out maybe a few years back called; Lay Your Burden Down. Here's a few lines.

Don't you know some hard rain is bound to come? There's gonna be some dark days you'll never outrun. * * * Brother, won't you lay.... your burden down? Don't you wanna find some way you won't have to drag it around no more?

There are hard times we face. Sometimes everyday. Some maybe harder than others. But it's a true statement, You need to lay your burden(s) down. Sometimes we don't see the answers but they do come. And, when they do its wonderful. Gods timing is truly perfect.  We do not need to drag it around. 

My journal entry this morning:

He is faithful and full of mercy. His love for us remains the same. He doesn't disappoint.

My heart feels broken

Only you can repair.

I've been waiting many hours

I'm feeling deep despair.

Searching, longing for answers

You can only bring.

I'm waiting on you Lord

Help my heart to sing.

9-12-08 VB

" I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2)

My proverb is: He is faithful and full of mercy. His love for us remains the same. He doesn't disappoint. A true statement from me you can believe.

If you're waiting for answers don't be discouraged. 

In the book of Daniel chapter 9. Daniel poured out his heart in prayer. His answer came in chapter 10.

10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.

When You Know Your Stressed~~

When you are going through things; and, might I add - letting them get to you. It not only effects you but, everyone and those all around. Take for instance - your dog. I've been so busy that I haven't been getting the girls out on a walk. I can walk them both at the same time, but prefer to walk them separate. They can and do walk well together though, Sophie (bullmastiff) walks best.

Anyway, this morning I thought I'd walk them both. So we headed outside. I already had Sophie's leash but needed to get Miki's out of the truck. As soon as I opened the door. Miki was in. Both do love riding. Miki was refusing to get out. She just looked at me. She probably wanted to drive off and not come back. I know this because I've felt this way myself. So I decided to shut the door and leave her there.

Sophie on the other hand was ready to go, and we did. We had a nice walk and since she doesn't run off, she's aways able to run out in a field on her own. Awesome. After Sophie's run we headed back to the house. Of course Miki still in the truck was sitting in the front passenger side. I asked her if she planned on getting out? She just sat there and acted annoyed.

(Playing feeling sorry for me).

Well I let Soph in the house; leaving the truck and door to the garage open. Thinking Miki would follow. Nothing. I went back out to check on Miki. Still setting there. "She's a Jack and stubborn." Finally, I had to pick her up and love her, she then was happy and wagging her tail ran into the house.

There are many morals to the story I could write. This particular post was actually started Friday, Sept. 5. It was a bad day all around. You know the sayings - when it rains it pours? After the walk, Jim (my husband) went for a doctor's visit and ended up checking into the hospital. He's still there and we're hoping he'll come home today. Monday, Sept. 8. He was pretty ill but definitely much improved and good that he was there. It's funny how things happen and work out for some reason. This is only part of what happened on Friday the rest I'll keep for my personal journal.

So the moral to the story: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5


It's now Tuesday. My husband was released yesterday from the hospital. Yesterday was as crazy as Friday. There was much more I want to add to this post. But, somewhere in it's timing there's not much more to add. Other than it's now Wed. and the above passage still holds true.

I will include this. Don't hold on to the stresses of this life. He is faithful who calls you. He will come to your aide. He does answer prayer.

Lastly, about Miki, she truly dislikes getting her picture taken. I used my phone. LOL Who would believe years ago you'd take pictures with your phone, and one that you could leave your home with. Yes, I'm old. . .Sometimes even wise.

Frank (The Film) _Updated 7/7/2017

Since (having) a garage sale is such a pain both physically and for me mentally. It's was nice to have a short break and a movie. There was so much stuff we wanted to get rid of that, we worked very hard. There's even still more to do and pull out. I'm sure I don't have to tell you about accumulation? We were open on Labor Day and plan on hopefully being open this coming weekend. I was so tired after selling $9, ha, that I was really looking forward to seeing Frank and, I'm so happy we did. (I did sell more via telephone - that made me happier).

I rented this film and I can't say enough great things about it. It's a wonderful family film that everyone can enjoy; no matter what your age is. Of course what caught my attention was the bullmastiff on the cover.
The movie is about a somewhat dysfunctional family and a dog. It made me love the breed even more. If that were possible.

Updated below.

You can check out the site here.  There is a couple trailers there to check out as well.  I had to update the link (today 7/7/17) the previous link was closed.


Hope you have an opportunity to see this and enjoy it with your kids or yourself if you don't have any.  You could also borrow the neighbors GREAT FUN!


Frank came out in 2007.  I recently purchased it at a bookstore in Tucson, remember them?  You might also remember seeing the bullmastiff that played Frank as the same one in See Spot Run another fun movie. VB

The Dove family approved.