Terrific Tuesdays

We got 22" of snow here in Eau Claire on December the 13th, setting a record. Lots of snow recently fell out east this past week, too. And there were record snow falls last year all along the east coast. Global warming? I think not! --LKR

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!

What is Christmas all about? Jesus is the reason for the season! Merry Christmas, Everyone!!! --LKR

Terrific Tuesdays

Jingle Bells

Terrific Tuesdays

Terrific Tuesdays

Terrific Tuesdays

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!!! --LKR

The First Thanksgiving « Videos « The Skit Guys

The First Thanksgiving « Videos « The Skit Guys

Terrific Tuesdays

Random Act Of Culture

How awesome is this?! I wish I was there to experience my most favorite piece of music ever, Handel's Messiah, which was part of a Random Acts of Culture in Philadelphia, PA!!! It's soooo majestic! Hallelujah! --LKR

Terrific Tuesdays

First Significant Snowfall!

This is our 6 1/2 month old's first peek at any significant snow. Pookie is observing the 1/4"-1/3" of snow we had overnight. He will not be out playing in it, as he's an indoor kitty like our other felines. But I may surprise him with a bowl full of snow so he can experience it! --LKR

Honoring Our Veterans

Thanks to all of our men and women in the military--past, present, and future--and their families. It is a great sacrifice that is very much appreciated and should never be neglected in remembering who they were and what they fought for. Freedom is not free and must be protected. Those that were injured or died serving their country must never have died in vain. Value your freedom, and thank a veteran for what they did for you! We must not take our freedom for granted! --LKR

Sing it, Krista!

Terrific Tuesdays

From The Heart--Can I Live

This is Nick Cannon's song, "Can I Live". It's about his mother's last minute decision not to abort him when she was in an abortion clinic, laying on a gurney. Powerful.

To any young, scared women out there who are pregnant, Nick is empathetically speaking to you from his heart. There are many people who understand what you are going through and care very much for you and your unborn child. May you be able to muster the same courage his mother did! :-) --LKR

Can I Live

I'm talking Ma
I know the situation is personal
but it something that has to be told
as i was making this beat, you was all i could think about you heard my voice

[Verse 1]
Yeah just think just think
what if you could just
just blink your self away..
just just wait just pause for a second
let me plead my case
Its the late 70's huh
You seventeen huh
and having me that will ruin everything huh
it's alot of angels waiting for their wings
you see me in your sleep so you cant kill your dreams
$300 thats the price of living what?
Mommy I dont like this clinic
hopefully you'll make the right decision
and dont go though with the knife incision
but it hard to make the right move
when you in high school
how you got to work all day and take night school
hopping off da bus when the rain is pouring
What you want morning sickness or the sickness of mourning

[Chorus]
I'll always be a part of you
trust your soul know its always true.
If I could talk I'd say to you
CAN I LIVE, CAN I LIVE
I'll always be a part of you
trust your soul know its always true.
If I could talk I'd say to you
CAN I LIVE, CAN I LIVE

[Verse 2]
I'm a child of the king ain't no need to go fear me
and I see the flowing tears so know that you hear me
When I move in your womb that's me being scaring, 'cause who knows what my future holds
Yo, the truth be told you ain't told a soul
Yo, you ain't even showing I'm just 2 months old
Through your clothes try to hide me deny me, went up 3 sizes
Your pride got you lyin' sayin' it ain't nothin' but a migraine
It ain't surprisin' you not tryna to be in WIC food lines
Your friends look at you funny, but look at you mommy, that's a life inside take a look at your tummy
What is becoming, ma, i'm Oprah bound
You can tell he's a star from the ultrasound
Our spirits connected doors open now
Nothing but love and respect thanks for holding me down
She let me live...

[Chorus x2]

[Nick Talking]
Its upliftin' fo'real ya'll
I ain't passing no judgement
ain't making no decisions
I'm just telling ya'll my story
I love life
And I love my mother for giving me life
We all need to appreciate life
A strong woman that had to make a sacrifice
Thanks for listening
Thanks for listening
Ma thanks for listening

--Nick Cannon

The Pledge Of Allegiance

Let us never forget this message Red Skelton is still reminding us. --LKR

Creepy TV Ad

I only saw this commercial once, and found it creepy. We as Americans need to be aware of what still could happen to our country if our wasteful spending leaders aren't kept in check. --LKR

Terrific Tuesdays

Terrific Tuesdays

Need a laugh? I worked sooo hard to find this! Enjoy!!! --LKR

Call Me Senator from RightChange on Vimeo.

Terrific Tuesdays

Sunday's Song--Uncreated One

Uncreated One

Holy Uncreated One
Your beauty fills the skies
But the glory of Your majesty
Is the mercy in Your eyes

Worthy Uncreated One
From heaven to earth come down
You laid aside Your royalty
To wear the sinner's crown

O Great God, be glorified
Our lives laid down
Yours magnified
O Great God, be lifted high
There is none like You

Jesus, Savior, God's own son
Risen, reigning Lord
Sustainer of the Universe
By the power of Your word

And when we see Your matchless face
In speechless awe we'll stand
And there we'll bow with grateful hearts
Unto the Great I Am.

--Chris Tomlin

Omega 3 Also Lowers Breast Cancer

Dr. Mayer Eisenstein with more research on breast cancer prevention. You can get a superb quality fish oil (where I get mine!) at the Country Store at Health Quest. --LKR

How To Lower Your Risk For Breast (And Colon) Cancer

A reputable place to buy a super quality Vitamin D can be found at Dr. Mayer Eisenstein's Natural Pharm Store. --LKR

101010

10-10-10

Another interesting date!!!

Sunday's Song--Here With Me

Here With Me

I long for Your embrace
Every single day
To meet You in this place
And see You face to face

Will You show me?
Reveal Yourself to me
Because of Your mercy
I fall down on my knees

And I can feel Your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within Your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of Your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to Your love

You're everywhere I go
I am not alone
You call me as Your own
To know You and be known

You are holy
And I fall down on my knees

I can feel Your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within Your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of Your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to Your love

I surrender to Your grace
I surrender to the One who took my place

I can feel Your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within Your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of Your touch
Here in this moment I surrender:

I can feel Your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within Your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of Your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to Your love.

--MercyMe

Letter to the Editor on Healthcare

This is a note written as a Letter to the Editor in the Clarion Ledger by Dr. Roger Starner Jones, an ER doc in Jackson, Mississippi.

Dear Sirs:

During my last night’s shift in the ER, I had the pleasure of evaluating a patient with a shiny new gold tooth, multiple elaborate tattoos, a very expensive brand of tennis shoes and a new cellular telephone equipped with her favorite R&B; tune for a ring tone.

Glancing over the chart, one could not help noticing her payer status: Medicaid.

She smokes more than one costly pack of cigarettes every day and, somehow, still has money to buy beer. And our President expects me to pay for this woman’s health care?

Our nation’s health care crisis is not a shortage of quality hospitals, doctors or nurses. It is a crisis of culture – a culture in which it is perfectly acceptable to spend money on vices while refusing to take care of one’s self or, heaven forbid, purchase health insurance.

A culture that thinks I can do whatever I want to because someone else will always take care of me.

You don't have to be a health care worker to appreciate what this brave and honest man has said. Sure, there are going to be some people who need some help, like the disabled, single moms, or people out of work, but people who's income are handouts are wrong.

I'm always amazed while standing in line at the store and watch as people put a cart full of unhealthy junk "food" onto the conveyor belt, then pay by food stamps. Not to stereotype, but it's often overweight women that I observe in these lines, and in summer attire, you can often see many sporting tatoos. I think tatoos are cool, but where are they getting money for something like that, and why aren't they purchasing better foods to nourish their bodies?

Better food choices will keep them--and their children--out of the doctor's office thus keeping healthcare costs down. There is truth to, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"! Thank you, Dr. Jones, for your common sense conclusion on the health care crisis. --LKR

Terrific Tuesdays

While I was checking out some new video clips by Tim Hawkins, I came across this and just haaaaad to share it! Enjoy!!! --LKR

Where Were You?

Where Were You

Where were you when the world stopped turning
That September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning
That September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that Bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning
That September day?

--Alan Jackson

Terrific Tuesdays

A little humor for you all on this Terrific Tuesday brought to you by Christian comedian Tim Hawkins! Just think back to when you were growing up. I remember these things well as if they happened yesterday!

Just wondering--does anyone over 40 ever remember sliding through those stupid swings that had the bars in front that were supposed to hold very young children in? Traumatic, huh?! Enjoy! --LKR

Sunday's Song--Take You Back

Take You Back

The reason why I stand
The answer lies in You
You hung to make me strong
Though my praise was few
When I fall I bring Your name down
But I have found in You
A heart that bleeds forgiveness
replacing all these thoughts of painful memories
But I know that Your response will always be:

I`ll take you back always
Even when your fight is over now
Even when your fight is over now
I`ll take you back always
Even when the pain is coming through
Even when the pain is coming through
I`ll take you back.

You satisfy this cry
Of what I`m looking for
And I`ll take all I can
And lay it down before
The throne of endless grace now
That radiates what`s true
I`m in the only place that
erases all these faults
That have overtaken me
But I know that Your response will always be:

I`ll take you back always
Even when your fight is over now
Even when your fight is over now
I`ll take you back always
Even when the pain is coming through
Even when the pain is coming through
I`ll take you back.

I can only speak with a grateful heart
As I`m pierced by this gift of Your love
I will always bring an offering
I can never thank You enough

You take me back always
Even when my fight is over now
Even when my fight is over now
You take me back always
Even when my pain is coming through
Even when my pain is coming through
You take me back.

--Jeremy Camp

Heat Wave!!!

Here in the upper midwest, we're experiencing extreme heat. While 92F may not sound scorching to anyone living in dryer climates, when high temps are combined with high humidity, the heat index can easily rise up and over 100F. This could lead to heat related illnesses such as heat stroke in both humans and animals.

Stay in air conditioned buildings, drink plenty of fluids, and if you must be outside, wear a hat and stay in the shade.

Check up on elderly neighbors, and families with young children. A day like this is not good for gardening or running around outside!

Outdoor dogs (and cats!) should have plenty of shade and water to access throughout the day.

For wild animals, consider leaving shallow dishes of water in shady areas, or hanging an extra hummingbird feeder out for hot, hungry hummers.

--LKR

Sunday's Song--Jesus Messiah

Jesus Messiah

He became sin
Who knew no sin
That we might become His Righteousness
He humbled Himself and carried the cross

Love so amazing
Love so amazing

Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

His body the bread
His blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled
And the veil was torn

Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

All I hope is in You
All I hope is in You
All the glory to You, God
The Light of the world

Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all.

--Chris Tomlin

Soldiers Surprising Their Loved Ones

Enjoy!!! And don't forget to keep praying for the men and women who serve our country, and their families!!! --LKR

Tigertail Beach, Second Time Aound!

While on Marco Island, Tigertail Beach, part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, was on my agenda. These photos are taken on my second trek up to this sanctuary.

Fishing!

I just love these birds!

Pelican

A protected Sea Turtle nest

There are over 60 species of shorebirds that either migrate to or are residents of Tigerail Beach.

Beautiful Tigertail Beach

A fish for Junior!

Click to find the fuzzy chick!

If you ever find yourself on or near Marco Island, this is an excellent place to visit! --LKR

Before I Eat

Enjoy! --LKR

What Led to the Declaration of American Independence

"For numerous years the commercial policy of Great Britain, in her dealings with the American Colonies, was narrow and selfish, and its effects influenced the whole social compact here. The colonists felt the injustice of many laws, but their want of representation in the National Legislature, and their inherent political weakness, obliged them to submit. It wasn't until the wars with the French and Indians that the colonists began to unite their once disjointed settlements.

The enactment of the Stamp Act in 1765, and the events that followed, made it clear in the minds of the colonists that even common justice would be denied them by the Home Government. The colonists saw plainly that the King and Parliament were resolved to turn a deaf ear to all petitions and remonstrances that were based upon the righteous assumption that "taxation and equitable representation are one and inseparable."

On the 5th of September, 1774, delegates from various colonies assembled in Carpenter's Hall, in Philadelphia. Their deliberations were orderly but firm. Loyalty to the crown, notwithstanding its oppressions, was a leading theme in their debates. Not a word was whispered of dismemberment and independence. They humbly petitioned the King, remonstrated with Parliament, and appealed to their brethren in Great Britain for justice. Their petitions and remonstrances were in vain. New oppressions were laid upon them, and the blood of American citizens was shed by British soldiery at Lexington and Concord.

Another Congress assembled in May, 1775, organized a temporary general government, made provisions for an army, and appointed Washington commander-in-chief. And yet they talked not of independence. They armed in defense of rights, bestowed by the British Constitution, and they were still willing to lay them down, and avow their loyalty, when those rights should be respected. Their petitions were unheeded and their remonstrances were insultingly answered. Their demands for justice were met by swarms of armed mercenaries, purchased by the British Government of petty German princes, and sent hither to butcher British subjects for asserting the rights of British subjects.

Hope for reconciliation faded away at the opening of 1776. In June of that year, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, offered a resolution in the General Congress, declaring all allegiance of the colonies to the British crown. This bold proposition was soon after followed by the appointment of a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. The draft was made by Jefferson, and after a few verbal alterations by Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams, it was submitted to Congress on the 28th of June. It was laid upon a table until the first of July, when it was taken up in committee of the whole, and after several amendments were made, nine States voted for Independence. Maryland and Pennsylvania refused their concurrence; but conventions of the people having been called, majorities were obtained, and on the fourth of July, votes from all the Colonies were procured in its favor and the thirteen united Colonies were declared free and independent States.

The Declaration was signed on that day, only by John Hancock, the President of Congress, and with his name alone, it was first sent forth to the world. It was ordered to be engrossed upon the Journals of Congress, and on the 2nd day of August following, it was signed by all but one of the 56 signers whose names are appended to it. That one was Matthew Thornton, who, on taking his seat in November, asked and obtained the privilege of signing it.

The signing of that instrument was a solemn act, and required great firmness and patriotism in those who committed it. It was treason against the home government, yet perfect allegiance to the law of right. It subjected those who signed it to the danger of an ignominious death, yet it entitled them to the profound reverence of a disenthralled people. But neither firmness nor patriotism was wanting in that August assembly. And their own sound judgment and discretion, their own purity of purpose and integrity of conduct, were fortified and strengthen by the voice of the people in popular assemblies, embodied in written instructions for the guidance of their representatives.

Such were the men unto whose keeping, as instruments of Providence the destinies of American were for the time entrusted. And it is a matter of just pride to the American people, that not one of that noble band who periled life, fortune, and honor, in the cause of freedom, ever fell from his high estate into moral degradation, or dimmed, by word or deed, the brightness of that effulgence which halos the DECLARATION OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE."

--Excerpts from ~B.J. Lossing 1848

For Your Entertainment...

Hope you all enjoy this as much as I did! --LKR

Eagle Research

Ever wonder how little birdies are banded when living high up in a nest? This clip shows how! It also explains what they did with the eaglets I had in an earlier post, and why they do it. Interesting! --LKR

Best Buds!

Suryia the orangutan and her best bud, Roscoe! Enjoy! --LKR

Soaring Like Eagles!

Like good company, the Blue Angels never seem to stick around long enough, so I set out to see them one last time.

On the way to higher ground, an eagle flew into view. It wasn't exactly soaring at the time because it was being chased by two smaller birds..., but, oh, the freedom to be able to fly.... !The words to Steve Miller's song came to mind:

"...I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free... ."

The Angels did circle around my destination (a lofty parking garage), and even soared directly above me, a few times. But it just wasn't quite the same as being at the show. Don't get me wrong, I was absolutely thrilled to see them any way I could!This audience endured two brief thunderstorms, but most of the show was under partly cloudy skies and thankfully otherwise dry.

I hope the Blue Angels will be free to fly here, again, in the very near future!!! --LKR

Sunday's Song--Once to Every Man and Nation

Once to Every Man and Nation

Once to every man and nation,
Comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with false-hood,
For the good or evil side;

Some great cause, some great decision,
Offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever,
'Twixt that darkness and that light.

Then to side with truth is noble,
When we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit,
And 'tis prosperous to be just;

Then it is the brave man chooses,
While the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue,
Of the faith they had denied.

Though the cause of evil prosper,
Yet the truth alone is strong:
Though her portion be the scaffold,
And upon the throne be wrong,

Yet that scaffold sways the future,
AND, BEHIND THE DIM UNKNOWN,
STANDETH GOD WITHIN THE SHADOW,
KEEPING WATCH ABOVE HIS OWN.

--James Russell Lowell

Chippewa Valley Air Show

The Chippewa Valley Air Show was, as expected, awesome!

Thanks to the Boy Scouts for undertaking such an enormous event!The Golden Knights started off the show while the Star Spangled Banner was sung.

Comedy and aerobaticsFat Albert--he is one big bird!

Viper West taking off--way cool!The Blue Angels finished off the show!We sat--and stood--in almost four hours of cold, drizzling rain. Thankfully, we donned rain gear and, um, chair covers! (Someone left their umbrella in the van!) At least we weren't rained out like the first show was two years ago!

We're already looking forward to the next time this show's in town! --LKR

Air Show Reception

It was a real pleasure meeting the men and women who put on the air show!

Thanks to the Blue Angels, Golden Knights, Vipers (West), the very important "No Names" (as they called themselves), Chippewa Valley area Boy Scouts, Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, and many others who helped get this show back to Western Wisconsin! You all rock!!! --LKR