A Visit from Wayne & Sherrie

What a blessing is was to have Wayne and Sherrie visit with us this week-end. Kayla and her little baby boy, Carlisle, also came along with them. It is hard to believe that Carlisle is already six months old. In the above picture of Wayne and Carlisle, it shows how proud great-grandpa is of his new great-grandson.

The whole family came over Saturday afternoon for a roast beef dinner. It was so nice just to visit with all our family and enjoy each others company. We all had a good time visiting while we played zilch (dice game) and watched the grand kids play.

The Lord has been so good to us and has given us so many blessings over the years. I hope all is well with everyone else and that the Lord is also working in your lives as well. (More pictures in our photo gallery.)

Way To Go Troy!!

Congratulations to Troy Parlette on his first 32 pound King Salmon this year. Troy caught it right off the dock! Way to go Troy!!

UPDATE on Wayne Frost

Wayne heard back from the Dr on Tuesday night at 10pm, it is renal cell carcinoma. He meets with the Dr on June 2 to discuss which surgery option is best for removing his kidney.

Wayne we continue to lift you, your family and your whole medical team in our prayers. Prayers for continued peace, strength and guidance for you, along with prayers of wisdom and guidance for the docs as you all decide what is the best plan.

Mom and Aunt Mary

Aunt Mary & Mom 5-23- 2009

See if you know me?

Jack and Sammy Posing for Grandpa

It is really hard to believe how fast Jack and Sammy are growing and they have their own little personalities too. What a treat it is when they come and visit with Grandpa and Grandma.

Are you saved?

The Bible says "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!" (2 Cor. 13:5). Well, are you in the faith? Have you examined yourself? It is easy to ask and sometimes difficult to answer. (Click on "Title" for Bible study.)

Babies are wondrous creatures

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Baby C.

She, along with all of our grandchildren, was the delight of our life:)

One day this Spring (well more like several days) she came over for a visit--

actually several visits.

During these visits we, her grandparents, became avid observers and students of her every gesture, accomplishment and facial expression.

And we've learned she's a baby of many moods and expressions while we've fallen under her 'baby magic'.

Take for instance this one...

So serious & pensive. What could she be thinking?

I'm almost afraid to ask...

actually since I forgot my 'baby-ese' decades ago, I can't ask.

-

Then we have crying Baby C...

We've learned to prevent scenes like this...

grandpa simply cannot shave off his Santa beard or make any other major changes before her arrival.

Silly grandpa!

You know Baby C's dad and uncle didn't like it either when they were younger.

-

We've also learned BIG white dogs shouldn't come out for a visit while Baby C is around. Sorry but I can't bring myself to show you THE photo of their recent encounter; Dustie needs to learn better baby-is-around-manners.

He's just way too eager to give her doggie kisses.

I can tell you that it was much more painful to see then this picture here....

much, much worse.

Actually not really--it was actually kinda cute.

It's hard not to be cute when you're a baby.

See what I mean? I know - cute.

-

But let's move on to happy Baby C--my favorite!

I've learned that the wise sage Kermit was wrong.

It really IS easy being green.

It takes 1 jar of pureed peas & potatoes.

Combine this with a baby spoon and

2 fast moving baby hands.

Just a few minutes later you end up with one content-to-be-green baby,

one really happy-to-be-green baby.

And if you don't have peas & potatoes...

we've learned there is another cure for a cranky baby.

You just turn on your ceiling light & fan.

See?

But a lot of the time when Baby C visits,

we see this and I think it's because instinctively babies know they can,

with a smile, turn their grandparents to mush.

So they employ their secret 'weapon' often.

And it works---every time.

Blessings, b

Photos: taken in May.

Baby C can now roll over, sit up, has taken her first ride in a grocery cart sitting up, likes veggies better then fruit, seems very attached to her baby spoon, has had her hair up in a ponytail (mom says that was quite the feat to accomplish!) and more...

The Vargas Family

I just got an email from Amy with updated family pictures. (See my Photo Gallery)

Jorge, Amy, Alexander, Antonio

Amy, Antonio, Michael, Alexander

UPDATE on Wayne Frost

Below is a copy of Mendy's Facebook entry:

Dads biopsy was done today. Surgery went well. He is at home resting now. The doctor said resting for two whole days. For dad that will be hard. He doesnt like to sit still. Thank you all for your prayers today. I will keep you updated when we get results.

What is a Christian?

Many think they are Christians because they claim to believe in Jesus. But, believing in Jesus often means nothing, or anything, particularly here in America where pluralism and relativism are rampant. Intolerance is the only thing not tolerated by the postmodernist who says, "My truth is different than your truth, so don't judge me with your outdated morals." Such commentary by the non-thinking and spiritually dead is all too common. But it doesn't change the true meaning of what it means to be a follower of Christ. So, what does it mean to be a Christian? (Click on "Title" for Bible study.)

The Fruit of The Spirit

Gal. 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. " Now, quick, without looking, how many fruit are there of the Spirit? Take a guess and then count to see if you got it right. Did you get it right? Did you get nine? If you did, you're wrong because there is only ONE fruit of the Spirit, that's right, just one. In Greek the word for "fruit" is "karpos" and it is in the singular. So, to translate this a little loosely, it could read like this. "But the single fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." This means that all of these graces listed are one group that go together as a unit. (Click on "Title" for Bible study.)

Update from Bonnie's Website

Journal
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 7:01 AM, CDT

God's morning to you! The new picture are flowers my cousin Shirene sent me aren't they beautiful :-) and this picture was taken a week after they came. Today is chemo if lab work is good. I hate to admit how tired I have been and how much I have been sleeping. My Dr said it is part of the journey and is chronic because of all the chemo and fighting the cancer. I guess it is naps and early bed for me anymore. :-)

(Click on "Title" to go to Bonnie's Website.)

What is prayer?

Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son of God, Jesus our Lord. (Click on "Title" for Bible study.)

Grand Kids are God's Blessing!

Margaret and I had another fun day watching the grand kids this morning. What a joy it is to see Jack and Sammy play and have fun. Jack went out and picked his mommy some flowers to give her. Sammy had fun just tagging alongside his big brother. We are really having fun in retirement spoiling our grand kids.

Hope all is well with everyone and that the Lord continues to work in your lives. Now, don't be bashful about making posts on this blog so all can enjoy just hearing that everything is okay.

Please pray for strength for my family

I had a really bad day yesterday, and the last couple of weeks Jacin's family has black balled us from coming around. They are upset cause last month Jacin and I spent his last 2 hours with just the kids and no one else. None of his side of the family knows Jesus, so I'm praying they will stop being mean to me and the kids, and they will find peace with God. This deployment so far has been really hard on all of us. The kids are starting to wonder if there dad will ever come home, and Ziana tells Jacin I'm mad at you, which hurts him. I just need my cup filled up with the Holy Spirit and some good support from family and friends. Jacin is in Ga., and will be there till early July, then off to Iraq. He is not getting much sleep, and in a very stressful environment. I pray that he will continue to lean on God in his hard times also. I look forward to seeing everyone in August. Love, Tina and family

Sammy and Grandma

What a blessing it is to be able to watch Sammy while Amy takes Jack to the library for story time. Sammy is growing up so fast and he really enjoys playing at grandma and grandpa's house.

God Has A Positive Answer!

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:

You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you (John 3:16)
You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9)
You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it' God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive my self' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9)
You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid' God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough' God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone' God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Update from Bonnie's Website

The following is taken from Bonnie's website. Please continue to lift Bonnie up to the Lord in your prayers.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 1:49 PM, CDT

Yesterday I had my ca125 drawn & ct-scan. I spoke with the clinic this morning; my tumor marker has gone up so I may be saying goodbye to the curly head of hair that is coming in :-) I know the drug my Doc mentioned trying next makes your hair fall out pretty fast. I do need to take a month off from chemo so I can fix a tooth that is giving me problems. :-( Always something huh?

Greetings Everyone!

Thought I would give everyone an update on what Margaret and I have been up to these last few days. The picture above is of Tara's school choir singing last Tuesday in Albany. Margaret and I drove up to enjoy an hour of entertainment. Tara is in the back row, fourth from the left. Hard to believe that Tara will be in high school next year.

On Wednesday, we drove over to North Bend and stayed a couple nights on the coast. The weather was really nice and it was relaxing just to hang out together and basically do nothing.

Otherwise, not too much has been happening here in Roseburg lately. Hope everyone else is fine and doing well. Take care and may God bless.