O Holy Night--Jackie Evancho

Jackie Evancho beautifully singing one of my favorite songs for the season. A very Merry and Blessed Christmas and New Year to you all! --LKR

Lighting of the Tree

In 1985, just before lighting the National Christmas Tree, these were President Reagan's remarks:

"My fellow Americans, thank you for joining Nancy and me on this festive evening. The menorah stands lighted in Lafayette Park, for this is also the time of Hanukkah, and this season is rich in the meaning of our Judeo-Christian tradition. In a moment we'll be lighting the National Christmas Tree, carrying forward what is now a 62-year tradition first begun by Calvin Coolidge.

Tonight we're drawn in warmth to one another as we reflect upon the deeply holy meaning of the miracle we shall soon celebrate. We know that Mary and Joseph reached the stable in Bethlehem sometime after sunset. We do not know the exact moment the Christ Child was born, only what we would have seen if we'd been standing there as we stand here now: Suddenly, a star from heaven shining in our eyes, shining with brilliant beauty across the skies, a star pointing toward eternity in the night, like a great ring of pure and endless light, and then all was calm, and all was bright. Such was the beginning of one solitary life that would shake the world as never before or since. When we speak of Jesus and of His life, we speak of a man revered as a prophet and teacher by people of all religions, and Christians speak of someone greater—a man who was and is divine. He brought forth a power that is infinite and a promise that is eternal, a power greater than all mankind's military might, for His power is Godly love, love that can lift our hearts and soothe our sorrows and heal our wounds and drive away our fears. He promised there will never be a long night that does not end. He promised to deliver us from dark torment and tragedy into the warming sunlight of human happiness, and beyond that, into paradise. He's never been a halfway giver; His generosity is pure and perfect and sure.

This, then, expresses the true meaning of Christmas. If each of us could give but a fraction to one another of what He gave to the whole human family, how many hearts could heal, how much sorrow and pain could be driven away? There's still time for joy and gladness to touch a sad and lonely soul, still time to feed a hungry child, to wrap a present for a kind old man feeling forlorn and afraid, and to reach out to an abandoned mother raising children on her own. There's still time to remember our Armed Forces, to express our profound gratitude to those keeping watch on faraway frontiers of freedom, and to redouble our energies to account for our MIA's. They are not and never will be forgotten. And there's still time to remember the deepest truth of all: that there can be no prisons, no walls, no boundaries separating the members of God's family.

Let us reach out tonight to every person who is persecuted; let us embrace and comfort, support and love them. Let us come together as one family under the fatherhood of God, binding ourselves in a communion of hearts, for tonight and tomorrow and for all time. May we give thanks for an America abundantly blessed, for a nation united, free, and at peace. May we carry forward the happiness of the Christmas spirit as the guiding star of our endeavors 365 days a year. And as we light this magnificent tree, may all the youthful hope and joy of America light up the heavens and make the angels sing.

Merry Christmas, and God bless you all. And now we're going to light the tree."

Lean On Me

Christopher Duffley was born blind and autistic, but that's not stopping him! I've been enjoying listening to him sing several different songs. Here is one of them. Hope you enjoy! --LKR

A Word From One of Or Founding Fathers

Happy Thanksgiving! A word from one of our founding fathers:

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;- and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; - to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

--George Washington, Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789

Remember These?

Boy does this bring back memories! There are three Dr. Pepper commercials from the 70's, and the first two are at least partly filmed in my home town of Chatham, NJ.

David Naughton is in the first commercial, here. In the second, he is in it along with Jimmy Walker who was starring in the tv program "Good Times", and Fred Flintstone. The last commercial here is for Sugar-free Dr. Pepper and featured Sandahl Bergman..

I do not drink any soda, never have and never will, but loved these lively, catchy-tuned commercials that are now around 35 years old. --LKR

Gluten-Free Friday Rice, Meat, and Sauerkraut

Gluten-free recipe for

11-11-11

When Hubby and I were first married, he thought this was the most disgusting sounding combination 'til he actually tried a bite. Now he loves this dish and requests it if I haven't made it in a while! :-)

The below is a Hungarian dish that my mom claims I turned into a Mexican meal because I added kidney beans to it, but she likes it better that way, and so do we! :-)

Rice, Meat, and Sauerkraut

3 C Rice, cooked (more or less, depending upon family size and casserole dish you're using)

Ground Beef or Pork (Turkey works, too)

2 cans Red Kidney Beans, rinsed

Fresh Garlic, minced

Pepper to taste (I used Cayenne, but it calls for Black Pepper)

A few shakes of Paprikas (Opt)

1 large jar/can of Sauerkraut (The one with only salt, NOT caraway seeds), mostly drained

Grease casserole dish. Spread about 1/2 the rice in bottom, reserving the remainder for the top layer.

Brown the meat with garlic in a little water (or you can use olive oil). Add kidney beans and cook a little longer. Season with pepper. Spoon over rice.

Cook sauerkraut. Layer over meat.

Top with remaining rice. Cover and place in oven @ 350 for 30 min to allow flavors to blend and cook together.

Serve and enjoy!

Note: I don't add salt 'cuz there's enough in the sauerkraut. Also, if you use enough or a lot of garlic, you won't miss the salt! :-)

Happy Veteran's Day!!!

Thanks to all who have served, are serving, and will serve our great country, protecting our freedoms and liberties, and thanks to your families as well! Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed!!!

"... in our hearts you will always be young, full of the love that is youth, love of life, love of joy, love of country - you fought for your country and for its safety and for the freedom of others with strength and courage. We love you for it. We honor you. And we have faith that, as He does all His sacred children, the Lord will bless you and keep you, the Lord will make His face to shine upon you and give you peace, now and forevermore."

President Ronald Reagan

1988 Veteran's Day address

Terrific Tuesdays

Minstrelsy Monday

Sunday's Song--Cannons

Cannons

It's falling from the clouds

A strange and lovely sound

I hear it in the thunder and rain

It's ringing in the skies

Like cannons in the night

The music of the universe plays

You are holy great and mighty

The moon and the stars declare who You are

I'm so unworthy, but still You love me

Forever my heart will sing of how great You are

Beautiful and free

Song of Galaxies

It's reaching far beyond the milky way

Lets join in with the sound

C'mon let's sing it loud

As the music of the universe plays

All glory, honor, power is Yours amen

All glory, honor, power is Yours amen

All glory, honor, power is Yours forever amen

--Phil Wickham, 2007

Terrific Tuesdays

Sunday's Song--Psalm 19

Psalm 19


May the words of my mouth
And the meditations of my heart
Be pleasing to you, pleasing to You
May the words of my mouth
And the meditations of my heart
Be pleasing to You my God


You’re my Rock and my Redeemer
You’re the reason that I sing
I desire to be a blessing
In Your eyes
Every hour, every moment
Lord I want to be Your servant
I desire to be a blessing
In Your eyes, in Your eyes
--Terry Butler, 1995

Terrific Tuesdays

Traveling, this fall? View this before boarding your plane!

9/11/11 Ten Years Later

All of a sudden there were people screaming. I saw people jumping out of the building. Their arms were flailing. I stopped taking pictures and started crying. -Michael Walters
9/11 Never Forget.

¤*¨¨*¤.¸¸ ...¸.¤\
\ 9/11 AMERICA \
.\¸.¤*¨¨*¤ .¸¸.¸.¤*
..\
☻/
/▌
/ \ NEVER FORGET!!! keep the flag going !!! pass it on.......GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ If You're Proud To Be An American Wave

✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ This Flag In Honor Of The Fallen Men

✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ And Women Who Serve Our Country

✰✰✰✰✰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ And Those Who Lost Their Lives On 9/11

☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ May God Watch Over and Protect Us

☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ And Continue to Bless This Great Country
☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰☰ 9/11 - GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

Terrific Tuesdays

Sunday's Song--Majesty

Majesty (Here I Am)

Here I am humbled by Your Majesty
Covered by Your grace so free
Here I am, knowing I'm a sinful man
Covered by the blood of the Lamb

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since You laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in Your hands

Here I stand humbled by the love that You give
Forgiven so that I can forgive
Here I stand, knowing that I'm Your desire
Sanctified by glory and fire

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since You laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in Your hands
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love
In the presence of Your Majesty... .

-- Martin Smith and Stuart Garrard © 2004

Terrific Tuesdays

Terrific Tuesdays

How God Works The Ant and the Contact Lens A true story Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb.. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knock ed out her contact lens. 'Great', she thought. 'Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry.' She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there. She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying.. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens. When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse 'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.' She thought, 'Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.' Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, 'Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?' Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it! The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist.. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, 'Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You.' I think it would do all of us some good to say, 'God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will.' God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Yes, I do love GOD. He is my source of existence and my Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him....I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) --Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot

Terrific Tuesdays

Terrific Tuesdays

I am adding the above cartoon here in response to Lyn's comment to this post. :-) Thanks, Lyn!!! :-)

Most of the country is--or will be--experiencing excessive heat, this week. Right now, it's been our turn! Keep cool and safe this summer! --LKR

Terrific Tuesdays

Two Terrific Duckling stories:

Mama Alerts Rescuers To 10 Trapped Ducklings - Boston News Story - WCVB Boston

...And...

...And...
they all lived happily ever after. :-) --LKR

Thanks To All Our Veterans

A very special thank you to all our Veterans!!! --LKR

Terriffic Tuesdays--"In The Muthahood"

No Man Knows

I'll let the Word of God speak for itself. This is what the Bible says about Christ's return:

“Therefore stay awake, for you do not know the day your Lord is coming … the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24: 42, 44).

But we DO know He is coming for us, very soon:

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power." 2 Tim 3:1-5

"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." Mathew 24:7

"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye, brethren, are not in darkness." 1Thes. 5:2,4

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." 2 Peter 3:3-4

How to know you will not be left behind and that you will spend all eternity with Him in Heaven:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

--LKR

Terrific Tuesdays

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it.

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom' s opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair ... The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul ... It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Frost And Ticks

This morning, we woke up to frost. It was 33F when the kids left for school. Really? I mean, come on, we're into the second week of May!!!

Yesterday, I fortunately only planted three annuals which had to be covered before I went to bed. It had been sunny and warm, though a bit windy. Thankfully, a friend warned me in advance!!!

Driving to a cookout and Bible Study, late yesterday afternoon, I found a tick crawling around on my neck! What a creeper! I call them "perverted parasites" because of the places I've found them on me and the kids! --LKR

Terriffic Tuesdays

Here is a direct link to this video.

Enjoy!!! --LKR

Live Cam of CA Hummer Nest

Live TV : Ustream

This is a hummers nest in Orange County, California.

Sunday's Song--Up from the Grave He Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay)

Up from the Grave He Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay)

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose, (He arose!)
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes, (He arose!)
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! (He arose!) He arose! (He arose!)
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

--Robert Lowery

Jesus in Every Book of the Bible

I wish I knew this as well as this young man!!! Awesome!!! --LKR

Terrific Tuesdays

Eaglettes in Iowa!!!

Live streaming of eaglettes, again, this time in Decorah, Iowa. Here is some more info on them:

First hatch 4/2/11.
24-hour collage of first egg pip and hatch
Second hatch 4/3/11.
First glimpse of second hatchling
Third hatch 4/6/11.
Close-ups of the third hatch

Enjoy!!! --LKR


Broadcasting Live with Ustream.TV

There is also a live cam in NJ at the same site that I had posted last year, too.

Teriffic Tuesdays

Two unusual animal interactions for you all to enjoy! --LKR

Terrific Tuesdays

Terrific Tuesdays

This is my childhood friend's son, Peter. I heard this song, titled "Kerri", a few months ago, and have been unable to get it out of my mind!!! Hope you enjoy! --LKR

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!

Terrific Tuesdays

Terrific Tuesdays

Teriffic Tuesday

How to Eat to Prevent Cancer

Of course, staying away from processed and artificial foods and eating as organic as possible is important, too. Raw veggies are better than when they are cooked. In other words, the more natural, the better for you!

If you or someone you care about already has cancer, my doctor's website, Health Quest, has more advice. --LKR

Teriffic Tuesdays

Teriffic Tuesdays

Teriffic Tuesdays

Hope you all are surviving these winter storms!!! --LKR

Sunday's Song--I Need You To Love Me

Why, why are You still here with me
Didn't You see what I've done?
In my shame I want to run and hide myself
But it's here I see the truth
I don't deserve You

But I need You to love me, and I
I won't keep my heart from You this time
And I'll stop this pretending that I can
Somehow deserve what I already have
I need You to love me

I, I have wasted so much time
Pushing You away from me
I just never saw how You could cherish me
'Cause You're a God who has all things
And still You want me

Your love makes me forget what I have been
Your love makes me see who I really am
Your love makes me forget what I have been

I need You to love me,
I need You to love me,
And I'll stop this pretending that I can
Somehow deserve what I already have
Somehow deserve what I already have
I need You to love me.

--Barlow Girl

Terrific Tuesdays