Love at first sight

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future":(Jeremiah 29:11). Happy Birthday, son, hope you've been enjoying your month. This short conversation is dedicated to the ones I love. Baby: Hello, Where am I and what's your name? Jesus: Good day, your safe and secure in my arms and my name is Emmanuel. Baby: My name is Joseph, what are names for? Jesus: Names tell other who we are and Emmanuel means, 'God with us': (Matthew 1:23). Baby: What does my name mean? Jesus: Joseph means 'God adds'. Baby: Thank you, now I have a purpose in life. Jesus: "Commit your works unto the Lord, and your thoughts shall be established": (Proverbs 16:3). Baby: As I grow, will you be with me? Jesus: "God is with you wherever you go and in all you do": (Genesis 21:22). Baby: Thank you, now I feel precious in God's sight. Jesus: "Be like me and you'll grow: In Wisdom, health, in understanding and in favor with God and man": (Luke 2:52). Baby: How can I be sure, in a world that's constantly changing? Jesus: "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me": (John 14:6). Baby: Who, with you, will teach me all I need to know? Jesus:" 'John 14:6' is your mother's favorite scripture, she will teach you to observe all things and obey my command to be baptized": (Matthew 28:19). Baby: What if I get in a mess? Jesus: "You may always change your heart and be baptized": (Acts 2:38). Baby: What will God do with me, then? Jesus: I, the Lord God, will add you to my church": (Acts 2:47). Baby: Will you dress me? Jesus: "You will put me on in baptism". Baby: Will you feed me? Jesus: "Desire the sincere milk of the word, which will make you wise unto salvation". Baby: I'll always feel really safe and secure in your arms. Jesus: "That's because, 'I will be with you always, even until the end of time' "(Matthew 28:19). Parents: To our son Joseph, congratulations on your successful journey through your life in Christ. We are really proud of all God has helped you to accomplish: A wonderfully 'healthy' life and beautiful wife; two precious sons; a great job and good co-workers; lovable dog, Isaac; being so close to your mom and dad; loving in-loves; a great house; fashionably safe town; the Lord's wonderful church and family near and far; and good neighbors, too. Joseph, I am so grateful to God to have such a precious, good and wonderful son as you. Thank you for always being there with and for me. And especially for introducing me to Ramona, even then, God used you to bring us to our life in Christ, you've truly been, and always will be, the most cherished blessing of my life. Our God has truly blessed you and yours. And you've grown to be a great example to your sons and are humbly raising a heritage unto the Lord, our God. "Wisdom is know by her children" (proverb). From Our 'Humble' Front Porch to yours...Mami & Papi.

Sermons seen....

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day, I'd rather one would walk with me than merely tell the way; The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear, Fine counsel is confusing, but example always clear; The best of all the preachers are the men who live their creed, For to see good put in action is what everybody needs. I soon can learn to do it, if you let me see it done, I can watch your hands in action, your tongue to fast may run; The lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, But I rather get my lessons by observing what you do; I may not understand the high advice you give, But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live. Written by the famous poet Edgar Guest... From our 'Fathers' Front porch to yours Ana &Andy

A series of (un)Fortunate events...

This one's for all you love birds out there, who just want to fly away. Perhaps to a much warmer climate, not too far... okay, Fortuna, maybe. Our son's birthday is this week, and I'm pondering how to write a lifetime of wonderful memories. He is so sweet and caring, we appreciate him so much. Always there to lend a helping hand with sincere, encouraging words. Fortuna is a town just south of us. It means 'good fortune' in Spanish (and our God will supply our every need, exceedingly and abundantly of what we ask for). God answered prayers by blessing our son with a good job and kind co-workers,too, in sunny Fortuna! He looked so handsome, going to work, suited-up with a polished and accomplished look, he set a precedent. This past week, however, we had all come down with the flu. Joe and the boys had fevers, thank God our daughter-in-love is a nurse and takes real good care of them. My husband and I just had sore throats and bad coughs. I'm taking cod-liver oil gels and plenty of liquids, it's helped a lot, thank you God. The rain stopped and it's warming up. We're in a transitional phase, been practicing being a 'nanny-Nana', and it's an eye-opening experience, seeing how things are really run in the 'Davey' household. It's a hoot, my grandson Davey has taken it upon himself to 'train Nana', he's too funny. All's well though, and everyone is recovered except for a cough here and there. Re-grouping for next week with the Wise and wonderful Davey, the Disciplined yet wacky Joey and 'It's OH-kaay mom, they're just boys' Joe and 'Go home and rest Ana' Becky, she's a life saver. They thank me a lot,and I love being there, it's so sunny, breezy and clear there. Gotta remember, when I go back though, don't over feed the dog, yikes! And that's all she wrote, folks. Have a Hopeful & Happy week. From Our 'Fortunate' Front Porch to yours, Ana & Andy...

Our 16th President Abraham Lincoln

In 1809 Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. At age 8, his family moved to Indiana, Abe helped his father build a new log cabin. The young boy Abe had less than a year of formal schooling. Though books were scarce, he was an avid reader at home. Abe always read the family Bible, and spent many hours making copies and memorizing verses from it. There were days when he'd walk miles just to borrow a book. Abe's favorite book was 'The life of George Washington'. As a young man, Lincoln would walk many miles to the courthouse, where he'd observe the lawyers meeting. Once home, he thought of all he'd seen and heard, and he decided to become a lawyer. With every job, he honed his skills to become a lawyer, earning the reputation of 'Honest Abe', when as a clerk, he'd return a mis-change. As a postal clerk, he learned to get along well with people; and as a surveyor, he learned to measure accurately; it was then he was elected to the Illinois legislature. In 1836, he became a lawyer, his colorful debates made him very popular, leading him in March 1861 to be elected President of the United States of America. Shortly after, the civil war began; Lincoln's goals were to free the slaves and to keep the North and South united as 'One Nation under God'. He frequently quoted the Bible verse: "A House divided against itself cannot stand". With this truth from God's own Word, he reached his goals, signing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freeing the slaves and uniting the Nation. There's no better expression of Lincoln's untiring efforts to bring peace, unity and freedom to all Americans than the words from his Gettysburg Address: "...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom..." Sadly, President Lincoln was assassinated on April 14,1865, shortly after being elected by the people for a second term. Today, we honor this brave and fearless servant of God and our nation. The Lincoln Cottage (after 140 years) has been restored to its former beauty and is open for public viewing (3 miles north of Wash., D.C.). In the words of former first lady, Mary Lincoln, "We are truly delighted with this retreat and every day brings its visitors". You are welcome to view this poignant past of our Nation's history at: http://www.courier-jounal.com/app . Enjoy, from Our (restored) Front Porch to yours, Ana & Andy...

Rama the gypsy cat

Home sweet home this weekend, I'm relaxing and reading as the laundry spins. Having done all other domestic duties, I finally finished a cute little book given to me on Christmas. It's about a black cat and his adventures. My son's niece, Courtney Anne, gave it to me. I loved the personal touch, she colored in the illustrations and her creativity added to the story's uniqueness. The story reminds me of our visiting neighborly black cat. I picture Blackie going through similar antics. In the book Rama's owner, a gypsy woman, places a ring on his ear and so begins the adventures. The caravan moves on and Rama is displaced. He goes to the wharf and he has a turf fight with an older nasty cat. He jumps up on a raft and it floats down the river, petrified he hangs on for dear life. Frozen and near dead Rama is rescued by a farmer's son. He is taken indoors and placed in front of the fire place. It's so sad, makes me wonder how Blackie survived outdoors, when it rained this winter. Feeling safe and brave, Rama takes for the outdoors. Foraging for food, curiously he climbs atop floating tree stumps and they let go! Rama finds himself struggling for his life. Finally, he makes it to land and is attracted and adopted by a traveling tinkerman. The traveling tinkerman visits a home, where a little girl holds and begs to keep Rama. The traveler respectfully declines; the tinkerman understands the ear-ring means Rama's a gypsy cat and, like himself, prone to be a wayfarer. No better companion could he ask for in his journey through life. Makes one feel adventurous, now, where is that ear-ring?...From Our Front Porch to yours, Ana & Andy (Thank You Courtney Anne).

Madam How and Why...

Home-schooling, who ever thought it would be so much fun & hard work,too. Hat's off to parents, mothers and grandmothers everywhere, who home-school everyday. God Bless you all with strength of mind; body; soul and spirit, and fortify your resolve.

Now I truly understand when Jesus says,"Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Whew! Help us, Lord. I did it to myself, I awoke at 5:30 a.m. All bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to teach, by noon I was dragging. I get super excited, talk a mile a minute and then collapse. Like I'd tell former co-workers, after a full day of fellowship, it was a 'Good-tired!'. Got to admit though, homeschooling is lots of fun, I really enjoyed it.

Madam How and Why, Joseph reads and narrates: True stories, place: England about the origin of flint knives, very involved. It reads,'now use your eyes'. I reminded Joseph to try and visualize it. The motto for the day: The old Chinese proverb: See-Remember, Hear-Know, Do-Understand. Davey kept repeating it.
We read poetry by both Emily Dickinson,'The Butterfly's Day' and Eugene Field, together. Joey recited his favorite poem by Eugene Field,'The Dinky Bird', it's so cute. My favorite poem was in the McGruff reader, 'I've always enjoyed autumn poems' by George Cooper.

Davey does really well reading the Spanish Bible, I'm so proud of him. Joseph is becoming a good writer, he's working on a biography of Noah and is doing really well. Every morning they practice penmanship, while writing their memory-verse in English, Spanish, and Joseph even does his in Latin, also.

So,like the butterfly, this spring we are emerging from our cocoons to become what we believe.

May you be refreshed and encouraged to do likewise.

From Our 'good tired' Front Porch to yours...Nana Ana & Andy.

Our Town-A walk in the sun

Today was a beautiful sunny day, so this afternoon I took a walk down my favorite sunny-side of town.

There's a landmark with a steeple, it can be seen from anywhere in town. We also have a historic place called the 'Gingerbread House', it's really pretty with quaint gardens and bubbly water fountains. Our grandson Davey calls it Puerto Rico, because it has a palm tree out front. The street was sunny and serene and the bushes are blooming, Spring is in the air everywhere. It was a bit cool, but nice to go sight-seeing and window shopping. As I walked, the sun was shining so bright, I had to really focus on everything in sight. Passed the park, parents picking up the kiddies from day-care, heard squeals and giggles.

Next, across the 'Victorian Inn', a famous town structure, it looks beautiful at night with all the lights glowing. I noticed the new paved roads and yellow bumpy corners on the sidewalks for sight-challenged people. On to the bank, where the movie 'Outbreak' was filmed. Outside again, I heard a person whistling a tune, kept walking, and then noticed it was an elderly gentleman, guess he was enjoying the sunny day, too.
Passed our local store, 'Valley Grocery', it's small and clean, full of local fruits and veggies, I enjoy shopping there. I headed toward ' The Emporium', it's a large store that has gorgeous displays of turn-of-the-century goodies: scented soaps; candles, boxed museum-art stationary; antique jewelry. I especially enjoy the cute children's corner done up in a Beatrix Potter motif. Next I went to our local 'Rexall' pharmacy I purchased a card and a few small gifts for my son's birthday.

Lastly, I visited the 'Candy Shoppe', owned by a sweet elderly lady, our family friend, Trudy. Needless to say, I stayed a while, she showed me photos of all the children who have patronized the shoppe through out the years. Lately, they are returning with their babies for a sweet treat. All things considered, I had a pleasant visit. As I waved goodbye, I quickly glanced at the window and saw my grandsons smiling back at me, among the many cute photos of 'Trudy's kids'.

Remember: Take a walk & enjoy God's creation & see your neighborhood anew.

From Our 'Sunny' Front Porch to yours... Ana & Andy.