You never know where you'll have a chance to witness.  I'm currently taking an on-line philosophy class.  Part of it includes a discussion board where the class chats about different philosophical issues from the textbook.  The Professor, and then one student, stated that the theory of evolution had been proven.  I mentioned that it had not been proven, but was still just a theory.  Another student agreed, proposing that creationism was another theory.  The professor disagreed, stating that evolution had, in fact, been proven and that creationism was not even a theory.

A lively discussion has ensued; so far it has remained respectful.  Who knows what seeds are being planted?

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 
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Have a lively Sunday! 

Love your country.  Your country is the land where your parents sleep, where is spoken that language in which the chosen of your heart, blushing, whispered the first word of love; it is the home that God has given you that by striving to perfect yourselves therein you may prepare to ascend to him.  ~Giuseppe Mazzini
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HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

My Father passed away from pancreatic cancer on Wednesday; I'll be out of town until Monday.  Prayers would be appreciated, especially for my mother.  Thanks.

We've been having severe drought; Alberto promises to take care of that.  There's nothing like a good tropical storm to bring the lake levels back up.

John 17

Jesus Prays for All Believers

 20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

Jesus prayed for us 2,000 years ago; what an awesome thing.  Before I was born, I was already on His mind; so were you.  Thank you, Jesus.

Often in the early morning we would see a small rabbit in the yard; I thought it came from elsewhere and probably lived under someone's shed.  Then, I discovered a small rabbit-shaped hole in the middle of the butterfly garden.  This treasure was in our own backyard.  Isn't it usually?

Psalm 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad...let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.

We watched the tribute to our service men and women on PBS last night; as they played the different songs representing the different branches of the service, I heard a small cheer from the other room as the Marine Corps song was played.  Our daughter was honoring our son-in-law who is due to become a civilian again on June 3rd. 

That scene was played out in homes across America.  We all have friends and loved ones who have served, or are currently serving our country.  In my mind, I went over the list as each branch was named: my brother-in-law was Army, my dad and uncle were Navy, my son-in law is a Marine, my cousin and youngest daughter are currently in the Air Force. Many, here at Xanga, are former service people.  To all of you, I extend my deepest gratitude for your contribution to the freedom we all enjoy.  Thank you.

When selfishness is the reigning creed
and brothers ignore their neighbors’ need,
when a people’s content with the status quo,
then evil creeps in, be it quick or slow.

When there ceases to be enough good men
to fight and die, to protect and defend,
there will be a force to take by might,
what it didn’t earn, though it has no right.

A hungry beast, that is never full,
lies in stealthy wait for the soft and dull.
A people who knows where their strength is stored,
will humble themselves and seek the Lord.

A life laid down for the weak and oppressed
is a life well spent, and we have been blessed
by those willing to stand, again and again;
God grace us, please, with enough good men.

                                           Cheri Neuman Herald

The house is freshly painted, the kids (and granddogs) are moving into their own place this weekend, and this is the last day of schools for our county.  I can't stop grinning.

It must be kite weather

spring morning
crow with a long tail
of mockingbirds

Happy Monday!!

Well, that's it.  I turned in my last case study and took my last final.  I've passed my ESE and Professional exams and my 9 portfolio AP submissions.  I am ready for my student teaching in the fall.  I hear my garden swing calling; there is poetry waiting to be written!