Demolition Central

So here are the before and after pictures. The green porch has been violently removed and things look much better now. Actually my neighbor Shannon and I had a great time ripping into that thing with hammers, saws, crow bars, ratchets, and a whole lot of sweating gurrrr....strength. Well anyways, we were working for 2 1/2 hours on that thing and finally it came off. So now I have a pile of porch waiting to be taken to the trash. Then yesterday we went to Home Depot to obtain some soffet (sp?). That was a first and much more tedious. Overall it was a great time and good experience. I think we will tackle the fence next. Anyone up for digging cemented poles out of the ground? Don't all jump at once!

stay tuned

Today there will be a special report regarding the removal of my all famous green corrugated plastic porch!

In the shadow of the Almighty

This is a picture of the Redbud Tree in my backyard. Yesterday as I was mowing my lawn, I noticed how beautiful it was. By the way, I decided to try mowing my lawn with this very interesting, old time mower deal that runs on pure muscle power ;) , and makes you sweat quite nicely. But anyways, the tree caught my attention and I count it a blessing because though it is shadowed by this huge ivy covered tree, it is still producing beautiful buds. There are many times when Satan tries to make me feel like I am in the shadow of other people but God says... No Way... you are in my shadow. When I am in God's shadow I produce beautiful buds too. There is nothing like watching new plants come to life. I am enjoying digging in the dirt so much and just helping my plants grow well. Speaking of flowers, my boss surprised us with six roses each today. He is so thoughtful. I was tempted to say how spoiled I feel here but I am blessed, truly blessed. God keeps reminding me of this...Thank you God~

for me

Everything Jesus did while on this earth led up to His heart being broken for me. There came a point in the story that He realized that our fate was hanging in the balance. He died because my sin and your sin separated Him from His Father.... that's why the Garden of Gethsemane was so painful for Him and there was no pain from the nails compared with the terrible feeling of being separated from God. That killed Him. But He was willing to go through with it because He couldn't stand the thought of forever living without us. It's no wonder that it is recommended that we spend a "thoughtly hour contemplating the life of Christ each day." EJW It really causes me to thank Jesus much more, from my heart, for the chance to live for His glory. Evenmore, it brings to my mind the times that I feel like I am suffering, but there's no comparison. "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow." Lately I have been noticing how out of focus my spiritual glasses have been. It's a good thing that Jesus has healed these types of problems before. He has been opening the eyes of my blind heart to see what really matters. Him. It's all about Jesus.

Louisa and Clarka

Yes we had a great time canoeing down the St. Joe River yesterday. First we had to carry the canoe 3 1/2 blocks, down a very steep bank and into the river. Luckily we stayed afloat the whole way. After about 1 1/2 hours of laughing, joking, peaking at some big houses (Mahummad's house), scaring the trout out of little streams and seeing all kinds of cool birds, we landed on Andrews Campus. Then we had to carry the canoe up this huge hill. I think we will be more sore from carrying the canoe than paddling. Oh well, we had fun and hopefully we can do it again soon. It was a blessing to be out in God's nature.

Just TAPE it!

So this morning I had a very interesting patient. He's actually a very nice man with an interesting story. First he informed me that he had a sore throat, just to make sure I was going to wear my mask. Then he continued telling me that he thinks it's because he was snoring last night. You know... mouth open... air movement... dry mouth... equals sore throat.? I don't know. Anyways, then the interesting part. "I usually tape my mouth shut at night for the sake of my wife." I wanted to laugh so bad but being a professional in the moment, I just decided to at least ask what kind of tape he preferred..." medical tape." Come to find out he and his wife both sleep better when he tapes his mouth shut, but last night he couldn't breath through his nose so off came the tape. By the way, I would not try this at home... I mean, that even eliminates talking in your sleep.

Love Comes Softly

Most of you who are well aquainted with me know that I am careful about the movies that I watch and that it's a rare occasion. Anyways, that being said I will tell about the movie I watched while visiting my friend in North Carolina and then last night with Heidi and Christian. Love Comes Softly...wow! It's a great story in the days of wagon trains, going west, and love that truly goes through thick and thin. Back then it seems that families depended on each other for everything, and everyone played an irreplaceable role in the adventure of life. Another thing I really liked was how much they trusted in God. Soooo..... if you want to watch an excellent movie.. I recommend it. Oh, and there's a sequel too. Enjoy!

The next day

This is it, Pedicure time! My first experience was a good one but I don't think my budget will be providing for this luxury. So after scrubing, waxing, oiling, massaging, and lotioning the lady finally set me free. Actually, it was great. Tonight we are grilling out. So we put all these veges, and some merinaded tofu on the shish-kabob and YUMMY! Now we are waiting to eat them. Of course I had to throw in a picture of the cute little Avalon girl. She is so much fun. Today we were having fun on the trampoline. Well, dinner time and I am ready ready to eat.

Carolina Sun

North Carolina is the place to be! Today we went to an equestrian center. We fed the horses and a cute little burro carrots . He had some dental issues as Lori puts it. By the way, Lori and I have been friends since the days of poofy bangs and tight rolled pants... not to mention several matching teal and pink coats. Anyways, we have come a long way! Oh, the other great thing is that the sun was in a good mood today. Hopefully we captured some rays. Then we ate some awesome homemade tomato soup and yummy grilled cheese sandwiches. It's a good thing that Avalon ate all of hers because she got her chocolate egg! Well, for more fun and adventures check back tomorrow. Some highlights will include a trip to the health food store followed by a pedicure. Wow! Vacation, oh and more sun minus the cancer. This has been Melanie ..... reporting from the beautiful state of North Carolina.

...

It's beautiful outside! On lunch my co-workers and I were talking about playing hooky this afternoon. Also this morning Dr. Kuball was joking about not feeling well, just so he could go play some golf ( that would cure everything). So life is such a blessing. I think when I get out of here I will go home, wash my car, practice music for Sabbath, think about packing for North Carolina, get ready for my weekend guests, right my grocery list, and who knows what else... oh finish the laundry. So now that you know everything I am going to do, I guess I can publish the post. Have a HAPPY HAPPY SABBATH!

HEADLINE OF THE MONTH

Today the 27th day of March, year 2006, Melanie Christine Towar paid off the loan on her 2003 Saturn Vue. This was 1 1/2 years prior to the actual date that the last installment was due. Let's see what she had to say about it. " Praise God! I thank Him for blessing me and providing for me." We're glad to be able to bring you great news like this most days...well maybe not big news but at least it's fairly interesting, hopefully.

Wingding translation has been provided for your convenience.

Today the 27th day of March, year 2006, Melanie Christine Towar paid off the loan on her 2003 Saturn Vue. This was 1 1/2 years prior to the actual date that the last installment was due. Let's see what she ah to say about it. "Praise God! I thank Him for blessing me and providing for me." We're happy to be ale to bring you great news like this most days...well maybe not big news but at least it's fairly interesting, hopefully.

Cat Knit

So last night I decided to start knitting something new. I bought the yarn when my friend Gina was here a few months ago. I believe that even though it feels like a soft wool that it's mostly acrylic. That is for those of you who are really into knitting. Anyways, the other hygienist at work is knitting this cool scarf with pom-poms so I took that idea and started my own. Then when I got as far along as the picture shows, I started thinking about how much more I have to do. Well, I'm not sure if I will ever see the finished product especially since winter is over and I don't feel like knitting anymore. Who knows, I might get a notion on some rainy day to pick it back up again. But for now, it might get neglected. As expected, in the course of my evening my little cat friend came for a visit. She is so nice. I know that I have told some of you that she knows not to go past the line in the kitchen. Further more her visits are usually for 10 minutes at the most. Anyways, so when she tries to cross this tile line in the kitchen all I have to do is look or clap at her and she runs towards the door. I have also found out that she only likes cat food, any kind, but not my food. The main reason she likes to visit is for a pat on the head and to play on the back rug. Then out the door she goes... a happy cat.

noteworthy eight

1. Friday night I enjoyed attending the Shawn Boonstra satelite program. The topic: The Time of the End.
2. Sabbath lunch brought two cousins and many friends for a yummy potluck at my house.
3. Sabbath evening there was a vespers at my church about JOY. I dressed up like a Malagasy and shared the joy of how God used me in Madagascar last May.
4. Saturday night my car keys were stolen...at the church...sketchy. Don't worry though, I found them.
5. Sunday I started raking my yard, but it still needs a lot of help. My tulips are 6 inches above ground.
6. I also went out to eat with Lety and Stasi at Chan's Garden. Yum.
7. Today I think my last patient should have had a blood transfusion after all the bleeding. The reason: It's been 10 years since her last visit... she has Generalized to Advanced Periodontitis.
8.This morning I read some neat things about fear. It's evident that if we fear man, we will respond incorrectly, but when we fear God our responses will be based on love and acceptance. Praise God for this reminder to my heart today.

Thailand

The is my friend Melissa. She and her husband are missionaries with AFM in Thailand. The cute little boy in the middle is their son Aaron. He is super energetic and really sweet especially when he speaks Thai. By the way, one time he tried to hug a good looking water buffalo and soon found himself swinging from the buffalos neck. Another fun story was when Melissa was trying to chase the village chickens out of the house. That didn't work, so she decided to ask the locals how to get the chickens out of the house without pooping everywhere. They told her to simply call them out. Fancy that! And it worked too. It's been so awesome to talk with Melissa and Brian about their experiences there and what God is doing through them.

Primavera

Last year I had the priveledge of watching a cardinal family grow. I wasn't sure at first what kind of birds had built this nest but I soon found out. My old house was out in the country where I had a bush right by my front door. Each morning as I left, the female cardinal would fly away. I felt a little bad for her because she had built her nest while I was on vacation. So I'm sure that she thought her spot was safe and far from strange people coming and going. It wasn't long before there was one egg in the nest, then there were two and the next day three. Wow! I was in for a real treat, watching all this take place. I noticed the faithfulness of both the female and male cardinals at keeping those eggs warm, and when the day came that they hatched, those parents were super busy. They were continuously flying to get food, and they were both involved. The lessons I learned will never be forgotten. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to watch the little birds leave the nest because I left for Madagascar. However, about the time I left they were definitely filling up that nest. When I returned I peered into the nest...empty. It was a lonely feeling. They had really filled my spring with action. Maybe this year there will be new life around my house again. I don't have any big bushes for nests and I haven't even noticed any cardinals flying around, but I know that I am already watching all my tulips pop out of the ground. It's exciting to feel warmer temperatures and know that spring is coming. Actually the official date is not far away and even if we still get some more snow, I know spring will still come.

Too Much Potato Soup

Two days ago I was driving to Apple Valley from the Lamson Health Club and I was going about 29 mph. Maybe some of you realize it, but the veggie cops from Andrews really thrive on being really ummm, how should I put this, picky?! So as I was approaching the entrance to Apple Valley this cop, who was driving towards me, put his lights on. Just wonderful, I thought. But as soon as he passed by me, he turned them back off. Wow. I hope he could feel the power watching me touch my brakes. "That's all it took", He must have thought. Needless to say, I was glad not to be bothered more than that.

Last Sunday I was wondering what to do with myself, so I decided to make a huge pot of potato soup. I mean, it was a lot of soup and I was already kind of dreading the fact that I would be eating it all week long. Oh well, as least it was good for me. Thankfully some friends joined me for supper that night. How special, and that helped with the soup problem. Then last night two other friends came over and guess what they got to eat?!! Potato soup. So now I only have 1 serving left. Wow! I think God knew why I was making so much soup, and I was happy to share it.

Enamel

Good Morning Sunshine! This is me arriving at work wearing a hat that my friend Elizabeth gave me for Christmas. I was curious if I could successfully take a picture holding the camera out. It worked. So today I have seen four patients, and then it was my turn to get my teeth cleaned. Time goes by so fast and it was August last time I was in the hot seat. It's funny what people do to try and trick their hygienist into thinking that they have been flossing, brushing and rinsing everyday, 10 times a day, just to be told that they have gum problems. OUCH! It's true though, they think the day before they can floss and brush really well and everything will look great. wow! So anyways, I did it too. I was in my operatory brushing really good, flossing perfectly, but then 5 minutes before my appointment I snatched some of the quick bread that Connie brought in. Opps. Then I remembered that I was supposed to be in the dental chair. Oh well, it was fun and I did have healthy tissue because of what I do on a regular basis...floss, brush...umm...smile! Jeannine also removed some cement that was still on my teeth from orthodontics. As you can tell, the patient (me) is very relaxed. She is confident that her gums are healthy except between #13 and #14 where there was found to be a slight, very slight amount of localized gingivitis. So I will concentrate to destroy all those plaque bugs ASAP! Well, this has been my day so far. Three more patients will bring my day to a close, at least here. By the way, the sun is out. Praise God! I truly needed it and I am also thankful for the Son of Righteousness who shines...I pray through me today.

The all famous Guest Wall

When I first bought my house back in August, the kitchen was not yet painted. So since my family was coming that weekend I decided to write them a welcome message on the kitchen wall. Well, that has developed into what I call my guest wall. I haven't counted the signatures but there are many. One in particular is from my brother-in-law, Christian. It's funny because people who have signed the wall usually check later to see new names or add a picture or something to their own. There are also some really nice messages that remind me of good times and friendship. So it's been fun and there is still room for more signatures. I don't ever plan to paint that part of the kitchen, because it's true that sometimes I just look there and remember how God has blessed me with friends and family.

Broken and Out of Tune

Lately I have noticed that my piano needed some attention. That is, it was a little bit out of tune. So last week when I was complaining to Sarah about that, she recommended that her mom should tune my piano. That was great news since I really didn't want to pay some expensive company to come and tune it. So last night I had a fabulous time playing on my piano. It was so in tune that to me it sounded out of tune because I was so used to it being for real out of tune. Did you catch all of that?!

Another interesting event of the day happened to my mom. While at work, she got locked in the elevator between the 5th and 6th floors. Of course there were two other people in there and you know how it is in elevators... no one talks to anyone else. After 45 minutes they were finally rescued and my mom went back to make sure her patients hadn't died or anything.;) During experiences like these a good sense of humor is the name of the game, so they sang "If you're happy and you know it...." and then they were ringing the emergency bell to "Jingle Bells". And all the while, the security man was trying to keep in contact with them to make sure the oxygen levels were sufficient. Life is so interesting.

So as for tuneless pianos and broken elevators, well the lesson is going to be stretched but whether you're just a little out of tune or completely broken, you need help both ways. Spiritually speaking, there are many times the Bible talks about a broken and contrite heart. That is when we are able to be worked on, when we know our true condition, broken and out of tune.

Five Great Men

Just wanted to share a picture of five great men in my life. That would be Christian (Heidi's husband), Dallas and Tim (my cousins), my Dad and Grandpa. They are all super cool and lots of fun. Christian always has a funny trick, joke or a great idea to share. Dallas, well he is just easy going and treats you really well. Tim and his wife Heather have a new baby boy named Jackson. My Dad has a huge heart of tender loving care, and my Grandpa is just very sweet. When we were little, he would lift all the cousins up on this huge stool they had. That's a great memory. The neat part is that they each show me a little different part of God's heart.