Saw this on Tulsi's site. This is me

Your Blogging Type is Logical and Principled

You like to voice your(usually) well thought out opinions on your blog. And if someone doesn't care for what you write, you really don't care! ( But I really do) Serious and blunt, sometimes people take your blog the wrong way. But you're a true and loyal friend to those who truly get you.

What's" Your Blogging Personality?

Small type added by blogger:}

IT IS OFFICIAL

We received our Visas today.
I just purchased our tickets.
We are leaving October 16th @7:40 AM from Seattle to Kennedy International
October 16th @ 6:00 PM leave Kennedy to Zurich.
October 17th @ 9:35 AM leave Zurich to Dar Es Salaam
Arrive Friday October 17 in Dar Es Salaam.
We will leave for Kigoma on Monday October 20 and probably return to Dar es Salaam around November 5th or 6th to begin our return trip to Seattle on November 10th. Will arrive in Seattle on November 11 at 7:35 PM
We are going!!! We are really going!!!

Three Weeks away

I am in the final stages of planning. Hoping the Visas arrive this week. I cannot buy plane tickets until we are assured that Rebeka will be able to travel with us.

It is now up to Tanzania to grant her an entry visa. Spent last evening looking for tickets we can afford. It is amazing the wide span of pricing. I found tickets, round trip, that range from $1790.00 to over $3000.00. Why the vast discrepancies? I also found a place that arranges for Missionary flights. I should hear back from them tomorrow. I am sometimes reluctant to make too many connections via Internet though. Who, exactly, am I dealing with? This is not my money, it has all been donated by other people, and I have to be very careful how it is spent. God forbid I make a connection with some unscrupulous person. I have never heard of the agency that offers the tickets for $1790.00 so I checked them with the Better Business Bureau. They seem to have a clean record with them.

Speaking of money, I have another dilemma. I have been buying Travelers Cheques. I went in on Thursday to purchase some more and the bank discouraged me from buying them. Seems some overseas locations will not honor them. Stan and I do not use credit at all so a credit card is really not an option. I do not want to carry $5,000.00 in cash so I feel kind of bewildered as to what the solution would be. I plan to call the embassy tomorrow to see what they recommend.
It is Monday, I started this on Sunday. I called the Tanzanian Embassy and they told me my package was being sent today. Could or would not tell me if all three of us were granted visas. Also asked them about the money issue. Their solution was for me to carry cash!!! I told them that I did not want to insult them or their country but there was no way I was going to walk around with huge sums of money on my person.
My husbands solution is for me to sew two pairs of panties together at the legs and part of the waist and put the money between them. I may have to do that if I cannot find a better solution. Could be pretty uncomfortable to sit on.
I will have a money belt to wear under my clothing, but people are wise to those. If someone was intent on robbing me they would ask for that.
My girlfriend who travels extensively told me to go buy baggy shirts so that the money belt will not show under my clothing. She one time carried $150,000 in cash strapped to her body for the company her husband worked for. She took it to Egypt. She also said she was scared to death.
Oh so many decisions and so little time.

Maxine Says!

There are two theories to arguing with women.
--Neither one works---

Don't squat with your spurs on.

To err is human, to forgive - highly unlikely.

No one is listening until you make a mistake.

Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

Don’t believe everything you think!

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

Never read the fine print. There ain't no way you're going to like it.

If you let a smile be your umbrella, then most likely your butt will get soaking wet.

Timing has an awful lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

The only two things we do with greater frequency in middle age are urinate and attend funerals.

The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.

The quickest way to double your money, is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

Duct tape is like the force; it has a light side & a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

Do you realize that in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos!

There is no vaccine against stupidity.

Don’t go to bed angry, stay up and plot your revenge!

Don't be irreplaceable; if you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.

If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than in a Hyundai.

Cross country skiing is fine, if you live in a small country.

Some days you are the bug, some days you are the windshield.

Drinking makes some husbands see double and feel single.

After a certain age, if you don't wake up aching in every joint, you are probably dead.

Life is like a roll of toilet paper; the closer it gets to the end the faster it goes.

Blessed are the cracked, for they are the ones that let in the light.

Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.

Just for a little laugh. We all know it isn't true

The Lost Chapter of Genesis


Adam was hanging around the garden of Eden feeling very lonely. So God asked him, "What's wrong with you?" Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to. God said that He was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman. He said, "this pretty lady will gather food for you, she will cook for you, and when you discover clothing, she will wash it for you. She will always agree with every decision you make and she will not nag you and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you've had a disagreement. She will praise you! She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. She will never have a headache and will freely give you love and passion whenever you need it." Adam asked God, "What will a woman like this cost?" God replied, "An arm and a leg." So Adam asked, "What can I get for a rib?" The rest is history....

I WANT

to sew. #3317 (Olivia) wants my undivided attention.

Is this cheating?

Good bye Summer

SIGH

MOM'S never fail Pie Crust

Tricia forced me to do this. I just cannot stand whining and begging.
So here it is, the pie crust she never learned to make. Not that she did not have the opportunity, cause she did.

5 cups flour
2 cups crisco
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 eggs and enough water to equal 1 cup
1 teaspoon of salt.

Put flour, salt and crisco into a bowl. Cut together until it resembles small peas.
Measure water and eggs together. Add the vinegar to the water/egg mixture.
Beat eggs, water and vinegar together. Pour over the flour, crisco and salt mixture. Toss together lightly. Do NOT overmix. When you have worked the dry into the wet, you can lightly flour your board, take a pie sized section of the dough and roll it into a circle large enough to fit your pan. Place into pan and fill with your ingredients. Make another circle to fit the top of your pie. Moisten the edge of the crust that is in the pan and fit the top over it. Be sure you cut slits into the top to let steam escape. Crimp the edges together and cut off the extra crust that hangs over.
This makes enough crust for four or five pies depending on size and thickness of roll out.
Bake and enjoy.
Easy

Sweet little Ren

over at Land of Ren left me this nice award. I love it. Awards make me happy.

Ren is the mother of Evie, a darling little baby girl. I am thinking of appointing myself her bloggy God Mother because we share a first name. I did not know people name their children Evelyn any more.

Any way, this award apparently says: This blog invests, believes the proximity.
Meaning that blogging makes us close through proxy.
Ren says we are suppose to name eight other people to receive the award, but I agree with her and am going to name only five others.
I am starting with my newest blogger.
My niece Annette. Annette is a very strong woman of God. She is my prayer warrior.
My three friends Karin, Therese, and Veggie Mom whom I can rely on for some comment love and prayer every day.
Can't forget Ronnica who is not in the least bit afraid to set me straight when I need it. Thanks Ronnica.
Ren, thank you again for thinking of me. I really appreciate knowing you care.

A Maxine for Today

Ya gotta love her

This came to me today

from a friend via e-mail. I find it so very true. Sometimes we are so taken up in our own lives and its troubles that we forget those around us.
Thanks Wendy

The Mouse Story
A mouse looked through the crack
in the wall to see the farmer and
his wife open a package.
What food might this contain?'
The mouse wondered - - -
he was devastated to discover it
was a mousetrap.
Retreating to the farmyard,
the mouse proclaimed the warning :
There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!'
The chicken clucked and scratched,
raised her head and said,
'Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern
to you, but it is of no consequence
to me. I cannot be bothered by it.'
The mouse turned to
the pig and told him,
'There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!'
The pig sympathized, but said, I am
so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there
is nothing I can do about it but pray.
Be assured you are in my prayers.'
The mouse turned to
the cow and said
'There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!'
The cow said, 'Wow, Mr. Mouse.
I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose. '
So, the mouse returned to the
house, head down and dejected,
to face the farmer's mousetrap . . . alone.
That very night a sound was heard throughout
the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching
its prey.
The farmer's wife rushed to see
what was caught. In the darkness,
she did not see it was a venomous
snake whose tail the trap had caught.
The snake bit the farmer's wife.
The farmer rushed her to the hospital ,
and she returned home with a fever.
Everyone knows you treat a fever
with fresh chicken soup, so the
farmer took his hatchet to the
farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.
But his wife's sickness continued,
so friends and neighbors came to
sit with her around the clock.
To feed them, the farmer
butchered the pig.
The farmer's wife did not get well; she died.
So many people came for her funeral,
the farmer had the cow slaughtered to
provide enough meat for all of them.
The mouse looked upon it all from
his crack in the wall with great sadness.
So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it
doesn't concern you, remember ---- when one of us is threatened,
we are all at risk.
We are all involved in this journey called life.
We must keep an eye out
for one another and make an extra
effort to encourage one another.
REMEMBER. . . . . .
EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD
IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY;
OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.
One of the best things to hold
onto in this world is a FRIEND

Tonight my friend Msoshi

called me. It seems that Mwenebalongo, (he is a pastor in Tanzania) has decided he wants ME to preach at his church in Dar es Salaam when we arrive there. I am NOT a preacher. I protested as much to Msoshi and you know what he told me? His exact words were: "You talk all the time. You just need to move your mouth and your tongue and talk." HMMMM what does he mean exactly?
After much protestation, I finally said OK. Seems I did agree to make this trip and be open to whatever the Lord had in store for me. Just something more for me to fuss about for the next month.
Lulu, Melissa, Ronnica, where are you? You have been to Bible College or Seminary. You know how to do this. I do not.

Gina

at A Handful of life, wants you to come read 200 things about her. It is the anniversary of her 200th post. I learned a few things she hadn't told me, but I could also tell you a few more. If you want to know, just ask. Maybe I should do a 200 things about her post. I will keep that in mind for if I am frustrated with her some day.
In the meantime go look she has some fun revelations about herself. She is also giving away a Starbucks gift.

I am going crazy

I am losing my mind. Why did I ever think I could do this? See inside of the circle where it says Kigoma? That is where we are going.

My friend Rebeka, while she was living in the refugee camp.My friend Reverend Msoshi Milende. Rebeka's husband inside the church they were building.An old picture of the refugees. Msoshi and Rebeka have been here for 10 years and these are pictures they brought with them.
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.......Pray for us. Please.

I do not watch Saturday Night Live

so I missed this. You have to visit Lulaville's blog to see it. Click either place and it will come up. Hilarious to say the very least.

No Maxine today

In earlier posts I have mentioned my friends Msoshi and Rebeka. I have also mentioned that we are planning a trip to Tanzania to visit their family in refugee camps there. We were held up because Rebeka had not received permission to leave the US and return. She is a refugee and cannot leave our country without permission from the Dept of Homeland Security. Msoshi is also a refugee, but he received his citizenship in July. Good News!!!! Rebeka received permission a week ago. Now our trip planning is in full throttle.

We plan to leave here October 16 and return home November 14. The next huge step in our process is for Rebeka to get an entry Visa from Tanzania. Being citizens, Msoshi and I will have no problems. Please pray for that process for us.

Besides visiting family, whom they have not seen for ten years, our focus of this trip is fact finding. We speak at churches and other organizations trying to make people aware of the conditions of the Congolese people. It is as bad for them in these camps as anything you will see about Darfur or any of the other hot spots in Africa. Msoshi and Rebeka will be taking many pictures to bring back for our speaking engagements. I will not be taking pictures because the country is not friendly towards foreigners taking them and I may photograph something that is prohibited. Schools, hospitals, airport, railroad, gov buildings etc, etc, etc. Just better that I do not take any that may make our visit harder for us. Originally, we were going to spend our first couple of nights in the home of a Minister in Dar Es Salaam. He is an African also, and will be accompanying us on our trip to Kigoma. He called this week and said he was afraid for us to stay with him because if the "thugs" found out there was a "rich" white American staying in his home, it may be broken into and everyone robbed. We are now going to be staying at a Catholic Mission compound in Dar Es Salaam. Again, prayers are much coveted and appreciated.

With all of this and other dangers of the trip, "Why am I going?"

Let me tell you.

For about six years I have been meeting with these friends to pray for their families and the conditions in the refugee camps and in the Congo. About two years ago we began to feel pressed to go to visit the camps. The people over there know that we pray for them every week, but they feel totally forgotten by the world. Every time we would talk about going, someone would say, "We are praying about it." This went on for about a year.
In November of '07, on a Wednesday afternoon, I was relaxing in a hot bath. My favorite form of relaxation. I swear I was in the house ALL BY MYSELF, when I heard a voice say to me, "Even if the rest of the team can't go, I want you to."
Believe me, I sat straight up in the tub, than I remembered I was naked so I sank back down into the water. I know how Eve felt now. I sat there for a couple of minutes and did not hear anything else so I said. "God, you know I am afraid to fly." Nothing. "God, you know I do not like shots." Nothing. Then I thought I had the clincher. "God, you know Stan will not let me go." Nothing. By now, my bath was ruined and I got out. I immediately called Byaombe, one of the team members, and told him what had happened. He began to laugh with the most delighted laugh. I argued the same arguments with him that I had with God. Every argument I had, he covered with scripture. I was getting nowhere with him so I said I had to go and call Stan. I called Stan at work and told him. I really expected him to scoff at me but his reply was, "I have been telling you you need a passport." He had and I had been putting him off because I did not know I was going any place that I would need one.
I applied for my passport and settled in to wait the six weeks they told me it would take. Two weeks and I had it.
The next step was for Msoshi and Rebeka to get permission to leave the U.S. and return. Because of their refugee status we could not make the trip without the permission. We waited and waited and waited. We would call and they would tell us their applications have not come up yet so we would continue to wait. In the meantime, Msoshi passed his citizenship test and was able to get his passport also. Now we are only waiting for Rebeka. As I said earlier, her permission finally arrived last week.
What a flurry of getting ready now. We are applying for our visa's. The only hurdle left for us to cross. As citizens, Msoshi and I will be granted a visa. Because Rebeka is not a citizen, getting permission for her is a little more involved. We are getting letters from her pastor here in the U.S. guaranteeing that she is involved in a church here. A pastor in Tanzania is also writing a letter of recommendation for her. We are told that with the letter from the Tanzanian pastor her application should only take a week.
Above all, while we continue with our preparations, we ask for prayer for a safe trip and a trip that is conducted to the glory of the Lord.

New Girl on the Block

She is my niece Annette. She is a new blogger and I would love it if everyone who reads me goes over to her blog and welcomes her to the bloggy world.

A Must See

Because we are

Americans, we will move on. We will rebuild. We will forgive. BUT we must never forget. It can happen again. I pray along with all of you that it doesn't.

Contrasts

My Grandaughter

My friend Msoshi's Grandaughter

YOU COULDN'T GET A JOB

at McDonald's and become district manager after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon.
You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.

BUT...
From the time Barak Obama was sworn in as a United States Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate. That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.
After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander in Chief. Leader of the Free World.....143 days.
We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that's all it is-a start.
Strangely, a large sector of the American public is okay with this and are campaigning for him. We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are okay with this for the President of the United States of America!!
Come on folks, we are not voting for the next American Idol!!!!

This is not an original. I received it in an e-mail last week. Just thought it was to good not to share.

The Trip to Montana

Was a grueling one. We left our home at 5:30 P.M. Pacific time. We arrived in Baker Montana at 10:55 A.M. Mountain Time. We are one time zone apart, so we drove non-stop, except potty and gas breaks for nearly 16 hours. It was hard, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. Today, the company the men worked for is flying the families to Washington State, about 50 miles north of me for the funeral of the final person. Yesterday they flew everyone to Utah for the second funeral. They are being amazing to the families. I know some people think they should be, but this was an accident, and they could easily take that attitude, but they have not.

My daughter and her youngest daughter Olivia went with me. A life saver, because I could not have made that drive alone.

We arrived at the church, like I said about five minutes before the service began. I was amazed....We were in the far eastern side of Montana and had seen probably six cars in the last 70 miles, but the church was packed. People, we, were seated in overflow in the auditorium to watch the service on a big screen. Mind you, we were in the town of Baker, which has a population of less than 2000. I think everyone was represented at the church.

The best thing about the service was that the Pastor gave one of the most clear Gospels I have ever heard. I told him later that if there were non believers in the audience, the only way they would not have heard the Truth, is if their ears were sealed.

Angie and I got a motel in the afternoon, after the service and we all three took a nap then went to the Gonsioroski ranch for the afternoon and evening. When we got back to our motel, we both layed down on our beds to watch a movie and relax. Olivia was playing with play dough at the table. At about 10:30 or 11:00 I awoke to Olivia patting my bed. She was standing beside it in her panties wanting me to bring her into bed. Such a good girl:}

We left Baker at about 10:00 A.M. on Saturday and drove around 600 miles to Missoula. Sunday we drove from Missoula to Arlington, our home. We arrived home at about 4:15 P.M. The trip was a little over 1100 miles both directions. Needless to say, I was dragging yesterday.
A Montana Sunrise. I have no idea where we were, somewhere east of Missoula and west of Baker. It was about 6 A.M.



Our first Motel. We had three choices in Baker. Main Street in Baker Montana really is Big Sky Country.Our motel in Missoula. Holiday Inn Express. Had a wonderful continental breakfast. I gave

the camera. She had a great time hamming it up. She also took some pretty good pictures out of the car window. HOME IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE.

Obama Mocks And Makes Fun Of The Bible—Only A Muslim Would Do This

This is the correct video; the one that Gramma wanted. If you have already commented, sorry. Do it again.
-Gramma's Blog Fairy

Maxine Monday

I almost forgot to

give you a Maxine for today. Am obsessed with the big O today. Have more of him to share with you a little later.

Barak Mocks the Bible

If you have not seen this, now may be a good time to go look before they remove it. Wish I knew how to post the actual youtube on my blog but I do not. Please go look before it is too late.
Gina came to my rescue. She posted it above this post. I worry that some day she may use my info against me, but it is good that she has it at times like these so she can bail me out when I need it.

I am so thankful

that I have the assurance of my Salvation. That this body I possess has only been given to me to get me through this journey here on earth. That there is a better life waiting for me with Jesus. That there is nothing I can do to make Him not love me. I am so thankful for the Death, the Burial, and the Resurrection. Without that hope life would be without meaning.
That being said, I received a very heartbreaking phone call today from a friend of over 30 years. Her son Greg Gonsioroski was killed on the first of September fighting fires in Arizona or Nevada, I don't remember which. He was a private pilot. I do not have any particulars, except his plane crashed. Greg leaves behind a wife and three children as well as his parents and six siblings.
Greg was raised in a very strong Christian home and knew the Lord all of his life. That is why I am so thankful tonight. Although his family is mourning his loss, they all know that they will be reunited with him eventually.
I am making the 15 hour drive from my home with one of my daughters tomorrow. We will leave here as soon as she gets off work and drive all night to arrive in Baker Montana in time for his funeral at 11 o'clock Friday morning.
Please pray for the Gonsioroski family and peace for all of them. Pray also for Angie and I as we cross three states tomorrow night. We will be so grateful.

Award Night

An award I received today from my friend Therese. She is one of my most faithful readers and encourages me all of the time. Thank you Therese for finding me worthy of this award.

The rules say I have to pass it on to three others, so I will choose

Karin who is a delightful young mother. I always enjoy her blog. She has an insight I have witnessed in so few other people. Her love for her family and the Lord shines in every one of her posts.

I would also have to choose my daughters Gina and Tricia. Tricia does not like to get awards, but I am going to give her this one anyway. Both of these girls are delightful reads. Of course I am prejudiced but you can go see for yourselves how fun they are to read. Like Karin, their love for family and the Lord shines like beacons. I cannot go without mentioning my other daughter Kris in this also. I know she would never post it on her blog, but she is also a good read and loves the Lord with all of her being. Be sure to visit all of these girls soon

Wordless Wednesday.

I will wear seatbelts
I will wear seatbelts
I will wear seatbelts, and pray ---

You are about to see the most amazing road ever. COME WITH ME . . .

Very, very High Way !

In Bolivia , South America

Stremnaya Road is nicknamed "The Road of Death"

and it will take no convincing as to how appropriate that is..

Buckle Up . . .

here we go!

Seen enough?

Oh, No . . . Your Trip Isn't Over Yet!

Check that your seat belt is fastened one more time . . . No Traffic at all today!! Spoke Too Soon..

Get Right Down into Low For This Hairpin Ok... Back into Top Gear and Accelerate That's Great.. Doing Over 80 Now and Making Up Time.. It's So Wide Here.. and Easy To Make The Pass Hang On.. Wish I Had The Inside Lane You Just Honk and The Guy Coming Will Move Over Huh? I Don't Think He Heard Your Horn??? Sorry?. We Just Lost The Curb This Morning. Not Much Further Now.. Oh.. Father..

Thanks for coming.

You Made It This Time!

After That Ride, Tell Me Honestly? Are You Going To
Complain About Your Lousy, Traffic - Congested

Super Highways Ever Again???


I do not think seat belts will save you here!

Maxine Monday

I thought about cleaning the house, but then I thought,
"What has the house done for me lately".