It's very cloudy out this morning and snow is predicted. A lot of snow. Atleast 8 inches of snow today, all night and into tomorrow. I love snow but...I'm scheduled to fly out of here tomorrow to go to Colorado is see my mom!
Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are In Control. You know about my trip and you know about the weather. Please, help me to remain calm and trust in You. All things work together for good to those who love God...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
75 years
75 years ago today my parents were married in Waterloo, Iowa. They actually celebrated 72 years together before Dad died on Dec 18, 2005! Mother is living and will be 95 on her next birthday. They had a loving marriage. As their child, that's how I viewed them: in love. They met when Mother was still in high school. She was 19 when she became a bride. She was a good mother as well as a good and faithful wife. Life wasn't always easy, I know; in the 40's it was a struggle. But with perseverance and faith in God they made it through. Dad was always preaching somewhere or writing a book and Mother stood beside him, encouraging him and loving him.
Lord, thank You for my parents. I have so much to be thankful for. Thank You for drawing them to Yourself. You led them through their lives, You healed them when they were sick. You gave them strength when they were weak. You blessed them with Your Presence. Thank You.
Lord, thank You for my parents. I have so much to be thankful for. Thank You for drawing them to Yourself. You led them through their lives, You healed them when they were sick. You gave them strength when they were weak. You blessed them with Your Presence. Thank You.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Christmas Tree
For 49 years we've bought a live Christmas tree. In years past we bought the tallest one we could find! We've always had high ceilings so we could use a tall tree. The last few years we've gone to buying smaller trees and putting them on a table. (It has to do with age!) Christmas trees have always been very important to me from the time I was a child. Well, guess what...we are now the proud owners of an artificial Christmas tree! During the summer Rob & Jessica had a sale to raise money toward their adoption of two Haitian children. Someone donated an artificial Christmas tree! I bought it! It's seven and a half feet tall. It has fiber-optic lights that twinkle and change color as they twinkle! There are red, blue, green, and white or yellow. It's very pretty. Ted and Jerry put it up today and this evening I put some of my angels on it. Now days I only decorate the tree with angels, except for one little home made sheep made by our former pastor's wife, Martha. She'd be really surprised if she knew it still hung on our tree after all these years! I'll take a picture of the tree when I get the rest of my angels on it. I hope you'll like it. We do.
Lord, thank You for helping me to buy this last summer. It's so much less work than the real trees we've bought for years and years. Help us to remember that the Christmas tree represents life. I praise You because You are Life.
Lord, thank You for helping me to buy this last summer. It's so much less work than the real trees we've bought for years and years. Help us to remember that the Christmas tree represents life. I praise You because You are Life.
Tea Party
Today I
had a tea party for my granddaughter's. I let them choose which Bone China cup and saucer they wanted to use. I put a nice white table clothe on the table and we used my little souvener spoons from Brazil. We drank apple cinnamon tea. It smells so spicy and good. They put lots of sugar and milk in theirs. We ate crumpets (hoho's and twinkies cut in small pieces). They were on their best behavior and were very sweet. I read two books to them: All Things Bright and Beautiful and You Are Special. I tried to tell them how a tea party is very special for girls and women. The hostess works to make it a lovely time and so they must dress nicely in a dress or skirt to show respect to the hostess and so they fit in with the niceness of the tea party.
Lord, thank You for my granddaughter's. Thank You for the good times we have. Help me to be patient. Help me to set a good example for them.
had a tea party for my granddaughter's. I let them choose which Bone China cup and saucer they wanted to use. I put a nice white table clothe on the table and we used my little souvener spoons from Brazil. We drank apple cinnamon tea. It smells so spicy and good. They put lots of sugar and milk in theirs. We ate crumpets (hoho's and twinkies cut in small pieces). They were on their best behavior and were very sweet. I read two books to them: All Things Bright and Beautiful and You Are Special. I tried to tell them how a tea party is very special for girls and women. The hostess works to make it a lovely time and so they must dress nicely in a dress or skirt to show respect to the hostess and so they fit in with the niceness of the tea party.Lord, thank You for my granddaughter's. Thank You for the good times we have. Help me to be patient. Help me to set a good example for them.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Decorating
A few of the nativity sets we put out today. #1 Native American's. #2 a blue and white set given to me by my mom.
#3 Eskimos
#4 we bought in Bethlehem 10 years ago. #5 is a favorite of mine.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger
. Luke 2:12
. Luke 2:12Singing Granddaughter's
Haleigh and Sydney
singing for Bella and me. They do keep things lively around here!
Lord, please keep Your Hand upon these girls of Yours and mine.
singing for Bella and me. They do keep things lively around here!Lord, please keep Your Hand upon these girls of Yours and mine.
Decorating
Today we began my Christmas decorating. It's such a big job. My granddaughter's helped me, but (#1) they decided to take a break! #2 the girls helped me bring out the boxes and bags of decorations from the storage room. We made such a mess of the bedroom! We had to make sure the bed was cleaned off so Grandpa could take his nap after lunch! Picture #3 is of the girls packing away my International doll collection. They were replaced with nativity sets.
Lord, thank You for this wonderful season. Help us to always celebrate the birth of Christ.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Here we are at the Thanksgiving table
. You hardly see the food I worked so hard preparing. It was a typical Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes/gravy, green bean casserole, candied sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, cucumbers, I'm missing something... At the table: Sydney, Jerry, Ted, & Bella. #2 I'm slicing the turkey and Syd is watching. We had apple pie later when Rob & Jessica & Haleigh could join us.
Thank You, Lord, for family.
. You hardly see the food I worked so hard preparing. It was a typical Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes/gravy, green bean casserole, candied sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, cucumbers, I'm missing something... At the table: Sydney, Jerry, Ted, & Bella. #2 I'm slicing the turkey and Syd is watching. We had apple pie later when Rob & Jessica & Haleigh could join us.Thank You, Lord, for family.
Book Worm
Bella has learned to read... Here she is, still in her pajama's, she just walked out of the bedroom, found a chair, and is reading! I guess you have to know Bella to appreciate this. Always, before, when she
came stumbling out of the bedroom, her first words were, "What's for breakfast?" This morning I asked, "What would you like for breakfast?" She answered, "Just a minute, wait til I finish reading this book." This was so unlike her! Oh yeah, she's going to be a book worm. At our Thanksgiving table today we were going around the table telling things we're thankful for...Bella's second thing was "People who write books!'
Lord, thank You for Bella. Thank You that she's learning to read. She's a precious child.
came stumbling out of the bedroom, her first words were, "What's for breakfast?" This morning I asked, "What would you like for breakfast?" She answered, "Just a minute, wait til I finish reading this book." This was so unlike her! Oh yeah, she's going to be a book worm. At our Thanksgiving table today we were going around the table telling things we're thankful for...Bella's second thing was "People who write books!'Lord, thank You for Bella. Thank You that she's learning to read. She's a precious child.
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! This is a favorite day for me. It's a lot of work but it's worth it. I baked my pies yesterday so they're ready and waiting. Ted, Sydney, and Isabella arrived yesterday in time for supper. I won't start dinner for several hours yet. I hope everyone has a wonderful day today. Happy Thanksgiving.
Lord, thank You for this wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Help us to reflect on how many blessings You have given us. Thank You, most of all for Jesus.
Lord, thank You for this wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Help us to reflect on how many blessings You have given us. Thank You, most of all for Jesus.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Lately...
We woke up to the ground covered with snow. Actually it snowed most the day yesterday so when I woke up this morning I thought we'd have more than we did. It's okay, I'm sure we'll get enough later.
Our pastor's have been putting up banners in their sermons for us to live by. They are really good...
Our pastor's have been putting up banners in their sermons for us to live by. They are really good...
- THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN...
- SEEK GOD AND LIVE...
- WE ARE ALL CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGE...BUT WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT...
- WE CANNOT HELP SPEAKING ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE SEEN AND HEARD... Acts 4:20
- YES, LORD...
We went to visit Jerry's sister today. She's doing well for 80. Afterward we stopped at Meijer's for a few groceries I need for Thanksgiving dinner, like apples for pie, etc. Then Jerry surprised me by going to Applebee's for supper! We didn't go to Logan's yesterday like we usually do. Getting sick last week has put a damper on our eating there.
I'm trying to get ready for Thanksgiving, going to Colorado to see my mom, write the next newsletter so I get it out on time (going away for a week causes a problem). So much to do...
Thank You, Lord, for good health. Thank You for our pastor's and for the way they keep us challenged. Help me to keep focused on You with the business of my days.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Community Hymn Sing
Last evening we went to the Community Hymn Sing. It was very good. It was also well attended, 180+, 19 were from my church! There was instrumental music: Piano & organ, clarinet, accordion, saw, and dulcimer. The special singing by Lowell, Gloria, Bob & Cliff, and a group of women was all excellent. And I do mean excellent! There was also congregational singing of hymns, which none of us sing any more in our churches.
I love to arrive a little early because the piano and organ are always playing the most beautiful prelude. It takes me back to the days of my youth when we went to youth rallies and other services where the piano and organ played such beautiful music. My family lived in Winona Lake, Indiana for a few years and the Billy Sunday Tabernacle was the place to be, every day, afternoon and evening.
Singing with folks who who used to be part of our church but left because of some disgruntle, is the only hard part of a community sing. It's good to see them again but it's sad because, apparently they are searching for the perfect church. But there is no perfect church because churches are made up of imperfect people. I'm not in perfect agreement with all the changes in our church but I am in agreement with the doctrine of our church, and that outweighs any differences in opinion.
An interesting and fun part was being recognized by Gloria. She asked how I am and what I'm doing now! I told her I'm sorry but I don't know her but I love her singing and her piano playing. She said I do know her, from years ago when I was the caller of substitute teachers! She worked in the administration office. She heard someone say my name and remembered I was the caller.
It was fun reminiscing with her. She's very attractive and dresses nicely, and is very talented as a singer and pianist.
Lord, thank You for the beautiful music we listened to and participated in last evening. We truly worshipped You.
I love to arrive a little early because the piano and organ are always playing the most beautiful prelude. It takes me back to the days of my youth when we went to youth rallies and other services where the piano and organ played such beautiful music. My family lived in Winona Lake, Indiana for a few years and the Billy Sunday Tabernacle was the place to be, every day, afternoon and evening.
Singing with folks who who used to be part of our church but left because of some disgruntle, is the only hard part of a community sing. It's good to see them again but it's sad because, apparently they are searching for the perfect church. But there is no perfect church because churches are made up of imperfect people. I'm not in perfect agreement with all the changes in our church but I am in agreement with the doctrine of our church, and that outweighs any differences in opinion.
An interesting and fun part was being recognized by Gloria. She asked how I am and what I'm doing now! I told her I'm sorry but I don't know her but I love her singing and her piano playing. She said I do know her, from years ago when I was the caller of substitute teachers! She worked in the administration office. She heard someone say my name and remembered I was the caller.
It was fun reminiscing with her. She's very attractive and dresses nicely, and is very talented as a singer and pianist.
Lord, thank You for the beautiful music we listened to and participated in last evening. We truly worshipped You.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Children's Bell Choir
We have the sweetest kids bell choir. They played for us this morning and did such a good job! I think I have the pictures in backwards. The lighter picture, with Pastor Eric in the back,
is right after they got up to the front. Ms Emma is the gray blur in the middle lower. She's trying to get them lined up just right. The second picture is of the kids ringing their bells to It Is Well With My Soul. They really did good. I guess you can tell I'm rather proud of them and we don't even have any grandchildren in this choir. We have in the past but they have a way of growing up, you know how it it.
The music and bells are color coordinated. Can you see the different colors? Ms Emma has cards with colored bells. When the kids see their particular color come up they ring their bell. They have to watch her closely to get it right. It's good discipline! They did very well. Although I had to laugh at the little boy in the top picture on the right. He's looking to the side. He looked behind himself most of the time and just kept ringing his bell the whole time! But he was so cute. This pictures only part of the group.
is right after they got up to the front. Ms Emma is the gray blur in the middle lower. She's trying to get them lined up just right. The second picture is of the kids ringing their bells to It Is Well With My Soul. They really did good. I guess you can tell I'm rather proud of them and we don't even have any grandchildren in this choir. We have in the past but they have a way of growing up, you know how it it.
The music and bells are color coordinated. Can you see the different colors? Ms Emma has cards with colored bells. When the kids see their particular color come up they ring their bell. They have to watch her closely to get it right. It's good discipline! They did very well. Although I had to laugh at the little boy in the top picture on the right. He's looking to the side. He looked behind himself most of the time and just kept ringing his bell the whole time! But he was so cute. This pictures only part of the group. Lord, what a wonderful sound of children ringing their bells in praise to You. They felt so special and they were special. Thank You, Lord, for the joy of children.
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday, Annie! My first granddaughter! Although I love my grandsons very much, you were very welcome! I'll never forget the time we were at your house at Arlington Beach and your mom was decorating for a special occasion. She had a display of antique furniture set out and a picture of me at about one year old. When folks saw the picture they were heard to say, "How did Shauna get an old fashioned picture of Annie?!" I was pleased as punch! And just a couple of weeks ago I was showing a picture of myself at age seven to Bella and she said, "Oh, you look like Annie!" I don't know your reaction to this but it pleases me! But, don't worry, I don't think you look like me now, this was when you and I were children, many, many years apart. It's amazing how quickly the years go by. Here you are a teenager, on the other side of the world. I miss you so much but as long as I know you are well and happy, and your family is where you are supposed to be, then I'm happy. And, don't forget we're coming to see you! I know your family had a wonderful birthday celebration for you already because you're a day ahead of us. I don't know yet what you did, but knowing your mom, I know it was fun and good! Happy, happy birthday, Annie! I love you and God loves you even more!
Dear Lord, thank You for Annie. She's a wonderful granddaughter with so much potential. I know that You have a special plan just for her. Please keep Your Hand upon her. Teenagers have so much pressure on them these days. Help her to always live for You. Work out the plan that you have for her life. I love her so much and You love her even more!
Dear Lord, thank You for Annie. She's a wonderful granddaughter with so much potential. I know that You have a special plan just for her. Please keep Your Hand upon her. Teenagers have so much pressure on them these days. Help her to always live for You. Work out the plan that you have for her life. I love her so much and You love her even more!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Coming down
Well, it's morning now. I guess I was a bit exuberant yesterday...okay, a lot exuberant. Maybe that's not the norm for a 70 year old grandma. I hope my readers were excited with me, not thinking how ridiculous I was, or envious because I have, what I consider, some luxury here. We're not rich (Wireless was a gift to me, Skype was also a gift to me), I'm not crazy, childish, stupid, or moving into 2nd childhood! But I'm back down now and getting on with living...cleaning house, doing laundry, cooking, baking, writing, taking pictures, etc.
Lord, I love You and I Praise You. Thank You for creating us the way You did with emotions. Thank You for the blessings You have given to me...to us. I know I'm not deserving but I do thank You. Help me to only glorify You.
Lord, I love You and I Praise You. Thank You for creating us the way You did with emotions. Thank You for the blessings You have given to me...to us. I know I'm not deserving but I do thank You. Help me to only glorify You.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
I'm all over the house!
I'm in the sunroom, looking out the windows, watching the birds! I wonder if a deer will come strolling by!!! ...Now I'm in the reading/sitting/sleeping (kids) room!!! ...Now I'm upstairs in the loft!!! ...Now I'm in our bedroom, lying on the bed...blogging!!! Can you believe it?
Thank You, Lord, for such a wonderful blessing!!!
Thank You, Lord, for such a wonderful blessing!!!
Yeahhhhh!
I've got wireless, I've got wireless, I've got wireless!!! Our wonderful assistant pastor, Pastor Eric came over this afternoon and got me all set up! I feel rich! I've also got Skype! I had it before but it just wasn't working right. Now it should be. So call me...
Heavenly Father, thank You, thank You, thank You! This is truly a blessing and I thank You.
Heavenly Father, thank You, thank You, thank You! This is truly a blessing and I thank You.
Surprise!
I got a surprise yesterday! It made my day. I rested most of the day after being so sick. After lunch the phone rang...
I need to back up here to tell you I have purchased tickets to go to see my mom in Colorado on Dec. 1 through 6. I'll be staying with my brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Vel. Yesterday, not even knowing I'd been sick, my younger daughter, Christy, called to tell me that she and my older daughter, Pam, have also purchased tickets to Colorado to visit Grandma! Their time coincides with mine, although I'll have a few days with Mother before they arrive, which is very good of them. They are renting a car and are staying with my niece, their cousin, Lisa. They made all these arrangements before calling to tell me! I wish, more than ever, that Jerry was going with me. At the same time, I'm very grateful that he is sending me off with his best wishes.
Thank You, Lord, for daughter's. Thank You for love which gives us the desire to visit with our mom's and grandma's. Thank You for my mom. One of these days she'll be leaving us to go to live with You. What a glorious day that will be for her! Thank You for giving her a clear mind so even in her old age she can know us and visit with us. Please give us safety traveling, and a good meaningful time with Mother.
I need to back up here to tell you I have purchased tickets to go to see my mom in Colorado on Dec. 1 through 6. I'll be staying with my brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Vel. Yesterday, not even knowing I'd been sick, my younger daughter, Christy, called to tell me that she and my older daughter, Pam, have also purchased tickets to Colorado to visit Grandma! Their time coincides with mine, although I'll have a few days with Mother before they arrive, which is very good of them. They are renting a car and are staying with my niece, their cousin, Lisa. They made all these arrangements before calling to tell me! I wish, more than ever, that Jerry was going with me. At the same time, I'm very grateful that he is sending me off with his best wishes.
Thank You, Lord, for daughter's. Thank You for love which gives us the desire to visit with our mom's and grandma's. Thank You for my mom. One of these days she'll be leaving us to go to live with You. What a glorious day that will be for her! Thank You for giving her a clear mind so even in her old age she can know us and visit with us. Please give us safety traveling, and a good meaningful time with Mother.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Wednesday
Monday we went to Logan's Road House for supper like we do most weeks. We always order the same thing: steak for Jerry and salmon for me, so we both decided to order something different. Jerry had pork chop, baked potato, salad, and I ordered meat loaf, vegetable skewer, and salad. The meat loaf was piled high with mushrooms. I like mushrooms so it was okay...until early morning. I suddenly became very, very sick. So yesterday was a very bad day for me. We had company coming for supper which we had to cancel. I also had a meeting last evening that I didn't get to. It really messed up my week. Today I'm better except that I'm still feeling weak. I've got to bake pumpkin pies this afternoon. One has to go to Club 56 for this evening. The 5th/6th graders are having their own Thanksgiving Dinner tonight and I was asked to bake a pumpkin pie for them. I'll do anything for Club 56!!! So I must get busy soon whether I feel like it or not.
I know today is Wordless Wednesday but Jerry didn't take a picture of me yesterday in the bathroom! Aren't you glad!!!
Lord, I Praise You because You are our Healer. Thank you for touching me and helping me to get over whatever it was. Help me now to get my strength back.
I know today is Wordless Wednesday but Jerry didn't take a picture of me yesterday in the bathroom! Aren't you glad!!!
Lord, I Praise You because You are our Healer. Thank you for touching me and helping me to get over whatever it was. Help me now to get my strength back.
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Big Day
Yesterday was a very big day for us. We went to first service. It was the day of our senior luncheon and since no one signed up to host Jerry and I took charge... So it was simply a soup/salad luncheon. It was still a lot of work. Our good friends, Rose and Larry, helped us out, we appreciated them so much. It turned out very good. 47 people were there. We had five different kinds of soup: two different Potato, Bean, Cabbage, Beef & Vegetable, and Taco. There were all kinds of salads and desserts. It was a very relaxing time, so much so that folks stayed and stayed...
We had Sydney and Haleigh with us but they kept each other busy. Ted and Bella came home after church, I had left soup mugs of taco soup for them. They left to go home about 4:00.
At 6:00 the folks in our small group all arrived at once! Only one was missing...John went up north hunting. We had a good discussion of the sermons from last Sunday and today. They all left about 7:45 so they'd be home in time to watch Extreme Makeover. It was about a family who had adopted five Haitian boys and three inner city boys. It was very good, I'm so glad I got to watch it. I hope you did too!
Heavenly Father, thank You for yesterday; for the good service first thing, then for giving us such good food and fellowship; for our time with Ted, Sydney, and Bella; and for our small group and our good meaningful discussions. Thank You for giving us strength to make it through the day. I love You, Lord.
We had Sydney and Haleigh with us but they kept each other busy. Ted and Bella came home after church, I had left soup mugs of taco soup for them. They left to go home about 4:00.
At 6:00 the folks in our small group all arrived at once! Only one was missing...John went up north hunting. We had a good discussion of the sermons from last Sunday and today. They all left about 7:45 so they'd be home in time to watch Extreme Makeover. It was about a family who had adopted five Haitian boys and three inner city boys. It was very good, I'm so glad I got to watch it. I hope you did too!
Heavenly Father, thank You for yesterday; for the good service first thing, then for giving us such good food and fellowship; for our time with Ted, Sydney, and Bella; and for our small group and our good meaningful discussions. Thank You for giving us strength to make it through the day. I love You, Lord.
Eastern Bluebirds
Our good friend, Harold, took this picture of this pair of Eastern Blue Birds just last week in his back yard. He said there were five or six bluebirds and they were here for about a week! They were probably on their way south and stopped off to rest for a few days. He sent this picture to me with permission to post it.
Thank You, Lord, for the beauty of Your Creation!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Granddaughter's
Haleigh and Sydney, two of my beautiful granddaughters.
Lord, thank You for Haleigh and Sydney and all of my granddaughter's. Each one is special and You love each one even more than I do! Please keep Your Hand upon each one.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Answers
This is one of those mornings when I can't hardly move! Let me answer some questions that have been asked in comments to various blogs. #1 Wordless Wednesday - I was asked if the wheelbarrow pictures were both taken this year. Yes, they were...flowers blooming photo was taken in August; flowers dead photo was taken after a heavy frost. #2 Wordless Wednesday - I was asked what I was drinking. Is there anything else to drink besides coffee in the morning? And, by the way, excuse me a minute while I go fill up my cup...I'm back. Ahhhh! #3 I was asked if I was using my wireless router sitting there on the sofa. Well, no, my high speed Internet is hooked up there so this is the only place I can be on line. It's not bad...however, I'm waiting on my friend to find time to come and help me get the wireless router hooked up. Begger's can't be choosy! #4 Did I forget veteran, Sean? Yes, I did...thanks for the reminder. I've added him. He was in the army and stationed in Korea twice, but thankfully, there was no war going on.
Lord, thank you for questions that tell me folks are interested in my simple life. Life would be pretty dull without friends. Thank you, Lord.
Lord, thank you for questions that tell me folks are interested in my simple life. Life would be pretty dull without friends. Thank you, Lord.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veterans Day
Today is the day we give our thanks to all our veterans who certainly deserve some recognition.
I've listed here men, just in our family, that have served in the armed forces.
Louis H. - Army WWI
Richard A. - Army WWII
Bob A. - Army WWII
Roger B. - Navy WWII
Harry S. - Army WWII
LJ W. - Army WWII
Richard W. - Army Korean
Jim A. - Army Korean
Bob G. - Army Viet Nam
Jerry A. - National Guard Viet Nam
Roger B. - National Guard
Sean B - Army
Woody W. - Army Desert Storm
I know there are more and I'll add their names as they come to me. We love each of these men. One was killed - Louis, in WWI. Richard lost his legs in WWII. Bob contacted a disease in WWII.
But they all suffered in one way or another so we could have freedom. We love you. I heard a report today that in the month of October there were no American GI's killed in Baghdad... Thank you, Lord.
Thank You, for our servicemen/women. It's so hard to see them go and then when they are injured or killed, it's so hard. Sometimes they suffer but no injuries are apparent. Please be with them all. Thank You for our country.
I've listed here men, just in our family, that have served in the armed forces.
Louis H. - Army WWI
Richard A. - Army WWII
Bob A. - Army WWII
Roger B. - Navy WWII
Harry S. - Army WWII
LJ W. - Army WWII
Richard W. - Army Korean
Jim A. - Army Korean
Bob G. - Army Viet Nam
Jerry A. - National Guard Viet Nam
Roger B. - National Guard
Sean B - Army
Woody W. - Army Desert Storm
I know there are more and I'll add their names as they come to me. We love each of these men. One was killed - Louis, in WWI. Richard lost his legs in WWII. Bob contacted a disease in WWII.
But they all suffered in one way or another so we could have freedom. We love you. I heard a report today that in the month of October there were no American GI's killed in Baghdad... Thank you, Lord.
Thank You, for our servicemen/women. It's so hard to see them go and then when they are injured or killed, it's so hard. Sometimes they suffer but no injuries are apparent. Please be with them all. Thank You for our country.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday, Ted! The years keep rolling by... This was a big day for me too, 47 years ago! You were about 10 days early, the same as Pam, but I was glad. Back then we had no real idea, only guesses, as to what sex the new baby would be. Now we had a daughter and a son! Perfect! Grandma came to help out and I was so glad. However, the day before I was to go home, I came down with a bad case of flu! I was changed to a private room, I couldn't have you with me, not even to nurse you. I cried a lot. Finally after seven days in the hospital I was allowed to go home with you! I was still to stay in bed so it was a good thing Grandma was there to take care of us.
Lord, thank you for Ted. We know that You are In Control even when things don't turn out the way we think they will. You have a plan for him. You love him. You are Love.
Lord, thank you for Ted. We know that You are In Control even when things don't turn out the way we think they will. You have a plan for him. You love him. You are Love.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Finishing Touches
These pictures are in the wrong order! This is the last detail. New grass will come from this green spray!
2nd to last detail! A truck load of black dirt is being put over the dirt so green grass will grow!
Laborer's rake the black dirt so it's an even layer.
Oh hello! Another superviser! This friendly neighbor lives just down the road.
This section had to be redug and I don't understand what was being done. They went to a lot of work.
I talked to the engineer (not pictured). He told me what a huge job this was and they're almost finished! I asked when the water would be turned on...oh, not til January? Okay, well, we'll start the new year out with city water.Lord, thank you for the work that's been done. I don't know of any accidents or injuries, they could happen so easily. Help us to be patient as we wait for the water to be turned on. Thank you again for good water. So many places in the world don't have water, except for bad water. This is a true blessing.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
A Prayer For Our Nation
I have just been informed that, while this is a great prayer, it was not by Billy Graham. My apologizes. 11/7/08
Anita, the prayer you quote on your blog is not by Billy Graham. It was by Joe Wright. The story is below. Thought you would appreciate the facts. Love, bro.
Pastor Joe Wright’s Shocking Prayer
Not what the Kansas Legislature expected
This event took place in the Kansas state House of Representatives in Topeka on January 23, 1996. Joe Wright, pastor of Central Christian Church in Wichita was guest chaplain that day and was asked to open the session with a prayer. Everyone was expecting the usual bland prayer, full of generalities and fluff. But instead, what they heard was a prayer of repentance written by Bob Russell, pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. The legislators were not ready for what they heard. This is the prayer.
Heavenly Father, We come before you today to ask your forgiveness and seek your direction and guidance. We know Your word says, ''Woe to those who call evil good,'' but that's exactly what we have done.
We have lost our Spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values. We confess that; we have ridiculed the absolute truth of your word and called it pluralism; we have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism; we have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery; we have neglected the needy and called it self preservation; we have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice; We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable,
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem; we have abused power and called it political savvy; we have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression; we have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of this state and who have been ordained by you, to govern this great state of Kansas. Grant them your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your Will.
I ask in in the name of your Son, The Living Savior, Jesus Christ.
The response was immediate. One member of the legislative body walked out in protest and others were very critical. The controversy didn't end there. Later, in the Colorado House, Republican representative Mark Paschall angered lawmakers by using Joe Wright's prayer as the invocation. Some members there also walked out in protest.
Newscaster Paul Harvey aired the story and the prayer. He got such a large response that a special phone number was set up to handle the calls. He's aired it a couple more times since.
In six short weeks, Central Christian Church logged more than 5,000 phone calls of which only 47 were negative.
Isn’t it amazing how refreshing the unvarnished truth can be?
Adapted from news reports
As it came to me:
'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God.'
Anita, the prayer you quote on your blog is not by Billy Graham. It was by Joe Wright. The story is below. Thought you would appreciate the facts. Love, bro.
Pastor Joe Wright’s Shocking Prayer
Not what the Kansas Legislature expected
This event took place in the Kansas state House of Representatives in Topeka on January 23, 1996. Joe Wright, pastor of Central Christian Church in Wichita was guest chaplain that day and was asked to open the session with a prayer. Everyone was expecting the usual bland prayer, full of generalities and fluff. But instead, what they heard was a prayer of repentance written by Bob Russell, pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. The legislators were not ready for what they heard. This is the prayer.
Heavenly Father, We come before you today to ask your forgiveness and seek your direction and guidance. We know Your word says, ''Woe to those who call evil good,'' but that's exactly what we have done.
We have lost our Spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values. We confess that; we have ridiculed the absolute truth of your word and called it pluralism; we have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism; we have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery; we have neglected the needy and called it self preservation; we have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice; We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable,
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem; we have abused power and called it political savvy; we have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression; we have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of this state and who have been ordained by you, to govern this great state of Kansas. Grant them your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your Will.
I ask in in the name of your Son, The Living Savior, Jesus Christ.
The response was immediate. One member of the legislative body walked out in protest and others were very critical. The controversy didn't end there. Later, in the Colorado House, Republican representative Mark Paschall angered lawmakers by using Joe Wright's prayer as the invocation. Some members there also walked out in protest.
Newscaster Paul Harvey aired the story and the prayer. He got such a large response that a special phone number was set up to handle the calls. He's aired it a couple more times since.
In six short weeks, Central Christian Church logged more than 5,000 phone calls of which only 47 were negative.
Isn’t it amazing how refreshing the unvarnished truth can be?
Adapted from news reports
As it came to me:
'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God.'
More pics
Jerry supervising!
I know you can't tell in this picture but there was only one lane traffic here and two earth movers were head to head! One had to give...the one with the big bucket of gravel facing this way finally backed up to let the big yellow guy through. We all had a good laugh!
Dumping gravel for our new driveway.
This machine had to have a tire change! I suppose everyone gets a flat tire sometimes!
A few trees had to come down, there were some on the ditch side of our rail fence.
This machine had to have a tire change! I suppose everyone gets a flat tire sometimes!Lord, this has been quite an experience for us to watch...and to pay for! Thank you for the progress that has been made with these huge earth moving machines.
Grandson Day!
Yesterday was definitely a grandson day! The problem? We didn't have any grandson's to share the day with! Our grandson, Tyler, next door, is too old...16, in high school, at work, with his girl friend. We needed Mason, six, but he lives in Atlanta. Our, soon to be grandson, Armon, is four, and he would have enjoyed watching it but he's in Haiti! Jerry and I didn't get too much work done because we were supervising the workers! And taking pictures! It was a big day! You can see we have a hydrant. One of the men said we should tell our insurance man because we might get a break in our insurance! Notice the level...even a fire hydrant has to be level! Driving and operating those big earth movers is an art! I have a new respect for laborers! They put in new tubes in both of our driveways and new gravel.Lord, thank You for letting us get city water. We've had well water for 44 years! We thank you for our good water but we're more thankful for our city water.
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