"Honor to whom Honor is due"

Honoring our past & present Veterans

"MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE":

"They answered their country's call to arms, into battle they did go,
Where their final destination was, No one will ever know,
May their final resting place, Under some unknown sod,
Be forever hallowed, For it is known only unto God."

We honor our Paralyzed Veterans of America.(Over 60 years of service: www.pva.org) Donating to PVA and praying for the families of paralyzed servicemen & servicewoman are ways of supporting and encouraging them.
Having given everything for our country, each one is honored when we sincerely pay our respect, remembrance and appreciation to all of these selfless, dedicated soldiers.

From Our 'Respectful' Front Porch to Yours...Ana & Andy.

Credit: 'One Nation under God'...

"Love is all around"

One of my favorite songs: "Love is all around"(by Paul Williams)...

From 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'

"Who can turn the world on with her smile? Who can take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?
Well, it's you girl and you should know it, with each glance and every little movement you show it.
Love is all around no need to waste it, you can have a town, why don't you take it? You're gonna make it after all, You're gonna make it after all.
How will you make it on your own? This world is awfully big, girl, this time you're all alone.
But, it's time you started living, It's time you let someone else do the giving.
Love is all around, no need to waste it, you can have a town, why don't you take it? You're gonna make it after all, You're gonna make it after all."

Like today, at that time, young ladies needed all the encouragement they could get. The shows actors were on 'Oprah' tonight and they all looked wonderful. Ted was missing, as he passed away in 1986. He was such a blast, a real fun character,too. Mary has type-1 Diabetes, it's effected her sight, however she's in good spirits, which helps her look & feel very healthy. Cloris Leachman sat on Lou's lap. Betty White is sharp as a tack, so cute & witty. Gavin, handsome & sweet as ever, (remember the Captain in the 'Love Boat').Even ditzy Georgette was there, she spoke softly. Correct me if I'm wrong, Mary said she worked with a loving group like a family. The one who really looked great is Rhoda (my favorite), she wore a black cat-like jumpsuit with a canary-yellow shirt dress, real smooth style.
The set was restored down to the letter 'M' on Mary's apartment wall. Mary took the original 'M' off the wall as a souvenir. They set up her apartment with the glass window, the sofa, the dinette set, even down to the pumpkin cookie jar.
A blast from the past, I really enjoyed it. Yikes, it reminded me of the clothes I wore back then. Most of us worked in offices and wore polyester jumpers; we cleaned our apartments singing songs like: "I will survive" and "You're gonna make it, after all"

From Our 'Retro' Front Porch to Yours...Ana & Andy.

Credit: Mary Tyler Moore Show (l976)...song by Paul Williams

The Lord's lovely Ladies

On the third Sunday of the month our son & daughter-in-love enjoys opening her home for a potluck fellowship. Their home is full of laughter and excitement, as together we share our hopes and dreams.
Her example comes from 'Ladies of the Lord' (as may be read in God's holy word).

Rebekah Hope is like...Abigail, bringing her natural foods from afar to please the God-sent guest.
Like Deborah, with strength, serving the Lord and speaking up without fear.
Like Esther, praying for God's people before the King's throne.
Like Hannah, dedicating her children to the Lord.
Like Lydia, opening her home to worship our Lord-God, in spirit and in truth.
Like Priscilla, explaining the way of the Lord more clearly to truth- seekers.
Like Joanna, using monetary resources and skills to supply & support Christ' ministry. Like Tabitha (Dorcas), skillfully creating knitted scarves for her family's needs. Like Sarah, obeying her husband and supporting his ministry in Christ' church and thereby may have entertained Angels unawares.
Like Mary (mother of Mark), making her home a haven for followers of Jesus. And we've been truly blessed in their haven where, like Mary (Martha's sister), we may hear, share & take comfort in Christ' promises.

Thank you, Rebekah Hope and Joseph (the Lord adds), for your wonderful hospitality. We enjoy and appreciate all your efforts.

From Our 'comforted' Front Porch to Yours...Ana & Andy.

credit: All Poster.com/Carl Larson

Delores and her ducks

Garden walking with Joey and Davey on a cool day. And just by luck, upon Delores' house & ducks we came.
All at once, we stopped and did stay, as we watched each cute duck splash and play. Delores called each one by their given name, all in a row the ducks looked, listened and obeyed, promptly responding as if in a game.
One duck was named Daisey, but here is the rest of the tale, no one knew it was a born a male. The boys and I laughed at the story told, while the handsome black father, lead all very bold.
The brown feather duckling was the one we loved best, as it waddled quickly along to join the rest.
Delores' ducks are still there today, take a walk down the garden and watch nature at play.

Ask the animals and they will teach you; the fish of the sea will inform you. Which of these doesn't know what the hand of the Lord has done?
"In God's hands are the life & breath of every creature and of all mankind."(Job 12:7-9).

From Our 'ducky' Front Porch to Yours, Ana & Andy.

Credit: Art.com

Go with God

With God, all things are possible if only you believe,

So may there be no limit to the goals that you achieve.

With God, all things are possible, so may you always know,

His loving care is guiding you wherever you may go.


From: Our 'caring' Front Porch...Ana & Andy

Credit: Poem by R. Cusick/All Posters.com

Hope

Hoping warm weather takes us to lots of fellowship-fun and adventures.
Met lots of people these past few years, and enjoyed a couple of ladies retreats in Northern California with wonderful ladies-in-Christ. The area was a beautiful campsite, with a lake and sandy beach, we walked through the beautiful green forest, collecting pine cones-awesome.
Been to the local Pacific beach (water colder than the Atlantic ocean), the best part was walking the dunes with Joey.
Our family lake-adventure also was fun, and our yearly County Fair is quite exciting. Looking forward to a fun-filled summer with the family this year.
Just going for a ride is exciting, right?, especially when it's a surprise destination.
Well, here's to a 'Great 2008 Spring-Summer Time'. A car to take us anywhere our heart desires. Oops, my balloon just popped, got snagged on a gas-price sign.
Oh well, we can always dream and ride the internet nightly.

Enjoy: Surprising new adventures and go outside and say: 'Thank You God for wonderful weather & great times together'.

Credit: Girl friends are forever(from 'The Heart of the Home')by: Susan Branch

From: Our 'Adventure-Dreaming' Front Porch...Ana & Andy.

We give thanks...

"Thank You Lord God for satisfying our thirst and filling our hunger with good things"
Psalm 107:9

Enjoy: A Hearty meal with thankful hearts...

From: Our 'Grateful' Front Porch...Ana & Andy

Credit: God's word & Art.com/Jessie Wilcox Smith (16x20-print)

May Men's Day

Today is the Church of Christ Men's Day here in Ferndale. And the weather is great, thank God.
I'm sure they're having a wonderful time at our son's house. There are speakers, fellowship and food. The boys join in and while helping, listen to the rapport of wise men.
The ladies went out for a much deserved mother & daughter day.
I'm home looking forward to tomorrow: Sunday is my busy, walking & worship day.
This oil on canvas depicts how proud I am of our son. He is always willing to open his heart and home for worship & fellowship. And he is growing more handsome & wise throughout the years. I see his sincerity and courageous strength daily, as he unselfishly works for the Lord's purpose in all our lives.
I think of all his true efforts and how much fruit he will bear raising his two precious sons.
God of Hope, grant them Joy & Peace in believing...(Romans 8).
And may God Bless each one of them with hope & encouragement to take with them throughout their days.

Remember: Compliment your grown children's accomplishments.

Enjoy: One another & encourage each other daily...

From Our 'Peaceful' Front Porch to Yours...Ana & Andy.

Credit: Norman Rockwell (archives/circa 1945)

Paddington Bear

Sunday, May 11,2008-Mother's Day, the morning is foggy in Fern Village.
Nana is wearing her purple suede jacket. Covered in sepia fur, I am keeping cool & cozy in my large purple bag.
We are going to my new home called Momma's place. I wonder what it will be like? Nana said, 'Now, Paddington, you'll love it there'. 'Why?',I asked, being very shy and sad to leave my comfy box. 'Well, for certain, there is a beautiful lady and a kind gentleman with two handsome sons, who will love and take very good care of you'.
Oh, I hoped Nana would stay with me. Sensing my concern, she tenderly said, 'I'll always be with you in your new family's heart.' With that, I curiously looked up toward the blue sky and sighed, just like my master...always with me.
Pastels colors swirled all around me and the scent of lavender was in the air. Why, it's from the tissue I'm wrapped up in, and the beautiful smell-it's me!
Bouncing along Main street, peeking out, I saw pretty store windows dressed in Spring colors. The doll house was just my size, but we passed it.
The blacksmith was banging away at his wares. And the Mercantile Shop had lots of antiques on display. I sat quietly, as together we strolled along the avenue, glancing at Times Remembered. I'm glad Nana found me at the Gazebo; every day I looked out the window, hoping someone would take me home.
Alas, we've arrived, nice and safe. Here it is, my new home, I hear barking, oh no! Okay, remember what Nana said, 'stay calm'. I hear cheerful young voices, must be the two sons. The door opens, what's that big black thing jumping up and down. It's a dog, whew, another member of the family. And he talks! Did he just say mumma?
The kind gentleman is at the door, he so tall and gentle; I know I'm going to love it here. And there she is, the lady Nana told me about, she is more beautiful than I ever imagined. Her thick hair is dark-auburn, her eyes and smile are as bright as the sunshine. She's speaking kind words to everyone.
Nana was right, they are a loving family who will take good care of me. I wish everyone would spend Sunday with us. Soon Papi will join us for worship.
Next Sunday, I'll meet the rest of the wonderful family. My new family and I spent an enjoyable afternoon celebrating Mother's Day.
The kind gentleman & sons prepared brunch for Nana & Momma. Afterwards, Nana & Papi went home to reminise.
The sun is setting soon it'll be bedtime, the sweet young sons hug & kiss me and their parents. Where I wonder will I be? Oh joy, the beautiful lady is taking me to snuggle with me,as father smiles peacefully. I do feel loved in my new family's home.

Remember: Enjoy sweet snuggles with loved ones...

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

Credit: Paddington Bear from the U.K.

Over in the Meadow

Sunday's lesson: Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth, one of my favorite Bible truths.

I remember a song from cradle-roll class...

Day one, God created light when there was none.
Day two, God created the clouds and the sky so blue.
Day three, God created the grass and the flowers and the trees.
Day four, God created the moon; and the sun; and the stars galore.
Day five, God created the fish and the birds alive.
Day six, God created animals and man that day.
Day seven, God rested in His Heaven.

Such a simple song, yet full of awe and wonder.

The babies loved to touch and smell and even tried eating the creation toys.
I read about the creation in Genesis again this morning, it reminded me of our Faithful Creator. One of my favorite scenes is the fruit-bearing trees & herbs created for food.
I imagined the beautifully scented garden of Eden. And Adam & Eve, in their fresh and precious world, full of every living creature with which to enjoy it.

Today, as always, let us be 'Good Stewards' of this great globe God created for us. And pray for our people, animals and natural resources, because...

Remember: "The Earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein"...Psalm 24:1.

From Our 'Created' Front Porch to Yours...Ana & Andy.

Credit: God's Green Earth to take good care of and Enjoy.

National Nurse Week

May 6th-12th is 'National Nurse Week'.

Congratulations & Thank-you to all RN Labor Nurses.

Read a blog named: 'The life and times of a labor nurse'.
In the post she writes how the hospital celebrated 'National Nurse Week', by welcoming the nurses placing a banner above their work station heralding in their week..
There were T-shirts printed with 'Nurses call the shots'.
A free continental breakfast and a 'You are a valued Employee' cup.

She is a nurse from New England (our former home) bookmarked it in hopes to learn clinical terms. I wanted to be a nurse, but was not able (unforseen factors).
However, God blessed us, our daughter-in-love is a RN Labor Nurse.
Found two more sites: Mercy-Nurses and Kindred Spirit of Nursing, really good resources.

Next time you see a Nurse, remember, give her a thankful nod and smile, she will surely appreciate it, after caring for our loved ones.
Bless the hands that guide life into our world.

From Our 'Baby-loving' Front Porch to Yours...Ana & Andy

Credits: www.debwebonline.com/mercy
www.rebirthnurse.blogspot.com

*STAR*HOPE*ANGEL*

Psalm 78:4 "Tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of our Lord".

I've been saving this one for you, Sisters. Happy Mother's Day, Hope-Sweetheart. Thinking of you especially on this May Day.
Grandmothers, Mothers, Daughters & Sisters of the world unite.
Sunday is our day to be honored by our children.
Our daughter-in-love is a very special young lady. Precious in God's sight, she's grown more near and dear to our hearts every day.
You're a wonderful wife, an exceptionally good mother to your two growing sons, and we really do appreciate you for all your work and efforts.

Isaiah 54:13 "All your children will be instructed in the Lord; and great will be the peace of your children".

For being ever ready to lend a supportive & comforting hand, we thank you, Sweetheart. Always cheerful and willing to prepare for special days of joy and delights. We love you a lot, girl.
This poem is dedicated to Mothers everywhere:
"A PLACE FOR ME"...
There is a place in life, that needs my humble skill,
A certain job I'm meant to do, Nobody else can fill.
The hours are demanding, and the pay is not to good, And yet,
I wouldn't change it for a moment, if I could.
There is a special place in life, A goal I must attain,
A dream that I must follow for I won't be back again.
There's a mark that I must leave, however small it be,
A legacy of love for those Who follow after me.
There is a special place in life that only I may share,
A little path that bears my name, awaiting me somewhere.
There is a hand that I must hold, a word that I must say,
A smile that I must give, for there are tears to blot away.
There is a special place in life that I was meant to fill,
A sunny spot where flowers grow upon a windy hill.
There's always a tomorrow, And the best is yet to be,
And somewhere in this world I know, there is a place for me".

May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. Psalm 115:14
Each generation can make known your faithfulness to the next.Issiah 38:19

From Our 'Special Place' Front Porch to Yours...Ana & Andy.

Credit: Salessian Inspirational Booklet-Poem by Grace E. Easley

Happy Birthday !

Happy Birthday to our Brother in Christ Scott and his beautiful daughter C. Anne.

I hope you have a wonderful month of May, and all your wishful-prayers come true to you. You are both very precious to our family in Christ. We always enjoy spending time with you both.
Scott your a great dad, so strong and wise. Glad your always there to give good advice to your children.
C.Anne helped me by taking pictures of the horses in the Cinco de Mayo Parade, with a disposable camera, (remembering, how you showed her how to use it). At the parade there was a masked (kid) little-old man shaking everyone's hand, your boy hid behind momma, perhaps remembering the lesson, 'Avoid strangers'.

The best part of the day was being with your family, they always add so much joy to any event.
Our friend took a picture of the whole gang in front of the bank, hope you get to see it.
The parade was beautiful, C. Anne especially enjoyed the horses.

Hope & Pray God continues blessing you both with joy & health in the coming years...

Proverbs 9:11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life...

From Our 'Happy' Front Porch to Yours...Ana & Andy

Credit: Debbiemumm.com

Happy Mother's Day

Some people have a talent for doing just the right thing, for making others happy, for bringing special joy to children's lives...
Such is a Mother's genuine and sincere love, and you are much loved and appreciated because of it. You ladies, daughters; sisters; wives and mothers have been just that
and more to everyone you cared for through out the years.
'Madre Una' is a Spanish quote, because no one in the whole world would dare try to take her place.
M is for the Mucho things she gave me.
A is for the many time she Answered all my questions.
D is for her Daring way of protecting me.
R is for her Reasoning with an open-hearted wisdom.
E is for Everything she did to make life Easier for me.
Put them all together it spells 'Madre', sola 'Una Madre' para mi.
Translated the one and only mother for me.

I tell everyone Judge Judy reminds me of my mami, she looks and acts just like her. Sharp as a tack, my Mami's favorite saying was: "When your contemplating on doing something, I've been there, back and rested", Yikes!.
I read in 'Latina' magazine, all Spanish mother's say that to their daugthers.

She met my father during WWII, while he drilled in the Army in Puerto Rico. His way of meeting her, he asked for a cup of water through the window, how humble is that. They married raising her five siblings in Puerto Rico.
On to New York City, a new beginning for both, she worked in the garment industry as a seamstress. Many a times she came home with frozen feet and needle-nicked fingers. Talk about present your body a living sacrifice being a reasonable service. She taught me to sew; clean; be sharp-'Lista!'she'd say, and to be loyal to God, family and country.

At her eulogy, I read Proverbs 31, and her children arose and called her blessed ... and her husband is know at the city gates...(in Spanish) Y sus hijos se levantaron y la bendicieron, y su Esposo es conocido en las pueltas del pueblo.

To live such a precious and committed life is much to aspired.

Christ said: God puts his wings over us like a Mother's love.
Thank God for all Mother's precious care & unending love...

From Our 'Motherly' Front Porch to Yours....Ana & Andy

Credits: To God's beautiful creation-the flowers my mother loved...

Hi, Lady (ode to nice neighbors)

Yesterday, as I sat out on our sunny porch enjoying the breeze,I had two surprise guests. Yes, people do enjoy visiting 'Our Front Porch' on occasion. Like Joe & the boys, the UPS man, even my next-door neighbors have spoken to me from the foot of the steps about our apple-orchard.
Reminds me of many young ladies who shared their dreams, once upon a time, on our shared front porch.
I miss those days, when neighbors, although they moved a couple of streets away, would still return to catch-up on the latest happenings. One such wonderful neighbor was Paulette (my son would agree), she was 'relaxed & friendly', always willing to be open & to share about childcare and all sorts of girl talk. She showed me what it was like to love home, husband and her children; she was caring and funny at the same time, too. Whenever she went out, she'd phone and take me with her to surprising new places. And, if she bought something new or planned a coming event, she'd enthusiastically share that with me, too. She was a good example for a newcomer, such as myself.
I could tell you more, but I'll save it in my heart for future reference.

Being neighborly is always so much fun, don't you agree? Like the verse: 'Two are stronger than one because they'll lift each other up...'.

Anyway, back to my company: I had two little girls visit me. Don't you love good surprises? While reading a new book, Fiona, our little redheaded two-year old neighbor, pops out on to the back porch and says, " Hi, Lady!". And then, along strolls Blackie, our neighborhood 'girl' cat, meowing and showing her belly.
Afternoon delights of giggles of 'How do you do that?'. Questions like: 'What you doing?'...'I got book, too' (note- not a typo, actual toddler speech).
'My grass is green'; 'Where your boys?';
'This my dolly and friend'. as she's cuddling the baby-doll and the friend is hanging upside down. 'See my pretty?' (showing sparkling bracelet).
I talked her through blowing on a dandelion, oh so cute, it blew back onto her nose and she wrinkled it.
And Blackie, just hanging out, 'cautiously' eating her treat.
The sun was shining, a cool breeze, a good book and warm friendly conversation with a soft cat at your feet, who could ask for more?

Thank you, God, for blessing us with good neighbors (near and far).
Now, back to that phone call...

From Our 'friendly' Front Porch to Yours...Andy & Ana.

Credit: Art.com

Happy Birthday, Andy

HOW DO I LOVE THEE...

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth
and height my soul can reach,
when feeling out of sight.
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet needs,
by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use in my old griefs,
and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose with my lost Saints--
I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears of all my life!--and,
if God choose, I shall love thee but better after death.

From: Our 'Loving' Front Porch...Love now & forever, Ana

Credit: Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)