Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Sunflowers

This is the field across the road from our property. It's the first time the farmer has ever planted sunflowers. There is a whole field of them  across and down from this field. They are so bright and cheery, especially around 10:00 AM. Notice the cat tails in the ditch in front of the flowers.  Jerry drove his pick-up truck out so I could stand in the back and be higher than the flowers to get this picture! There's a deep ditch between the truck and sunflowers so I really couldn't get any closer.
Lord, thank You for the beauty of Sunflowers, cat tails, milk weeds, etc.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Cookie! If my calculations are right, I think this is kind of a big important birthday for you! I hope your family treats you well! My big brother better!!! You're a good sister-in-law and I appreciate you. I'll be out soon to visit but just couldn't make it in time for your birthday. I'm sorry. I appreciate you and hope that you know that. I wish for you a very special happy birthday!

Lord, thank You for Cookie. She's a very special person as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, etc. Please guide her, protect her, and give her a sense of Your Presence. I love her and You love her even more. 

Thursday, August 26, 2010

New Ministries Building

Our new Ministry Building was finally put into place Tuesday! Jerry and I were the first ones on site to watch! We arrived about eight o'clock. Pastor Dave came out a few minutes later. It was an exciting morning. A huge crane lifted each unit up off the ground, carried it through the air to the basement and set it down! I've had a terrible time trying to figure out this new system of posting pictures, so please be patient with me. Some pictures have captions...the others wouldn't let me add captions. The first picture is Pastor Scott's family: Emma, Callum, and Addison. Pastor Scott is one of our assistant pastors. All three pastor's families were there as well as lots of other families and friends who came to see the excitment!
Lord, we are so excited to have the building in place. Thank You for the safety of all three placements. Thank You for the impact this building will have on the ministry of MFMC. 
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The very tall crane that lifted each section.
This is the crane that lifted the three units and set them on the basement

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Happy Birthday


Happy Birthday, Bill! You look so relaxed here. I took this picture last spring when I was visiting Mother, you and Vel. You were the baby who wasn't expected to live and here you are today, 68 years old! After having all your kids and grandsons there for most of the summer, with lots of activities and fun, I hope you and Vel have a nice quiet celebration together today. I wish for you a very happy birthday!
Lord, thank You for Bill and for his whole family. Life gets complicated these days. Thank You for the faith and love that he has in and  for You. Touch him physically, please. I love him, Lord, and You love him even more.  

4/H

Sydney belongs to 4/H and was in a horse show! This was the second part of the competionwhere the girls rode their horses. Sydney looked so sharp in her outfit! None of this would be possible without her dad, Ted!
Lord, thank You for being with Sydney today. Competing is hard with both success and disappointments. Please help Sydney as she grows and competes in many different stages of life. Help her to always lean upon You for strength.

Sydney's Horse Show

Sydney won a ribbon in Showmanship! This was in a 4/H competition at a county fair. She's with her leased horse, Bozo. This was her first 4/H show and she did well. She was in one other show a couple weeks ago but it wasn't 4/H and there were all ages competing so it hardly seemed fair. #3268, that's Sydney!


Lord, thank You for being with Sydney at this competition. She did well.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Sydney

Sydney came for the weekend with her dad, Ted. He's our oldest son. Sydney is his oldest daughter. She is my 10th grandchild! She loves horses, she takes after...me! But I could only fantasize, she has a leased horse! Sydney and I went to the fair on Saturday afternoon. We had a good time together. She rode one ride--the Himalayan. We shared an elephant ear. We each had a back massage! Free!!!We each bought a very icy cold bottle of water. Ahhh!
We went through all the merchandise buildings, the midway, and the barns. I was totally exhausted and my leg was hurting really bad by the time we left about 5:30. We were watching a horse show and the announcer said they needed some folks to volunteer to be spotters. A spotter stands in the middle of the arena and watches for mistakes by the riders. Sydney is young and not very big but she rides all the time and was in a horse show and will be in another one this week so she knew what to watch for. She volunteered and did a good job. She's growing up but she still loves to cuddle with Grandpa!
Thank You, Lord, for Sydney. Thanks for the good time we had with her this past weekend. Please be with her on Wednesday in her 4/H horse show. Please keep her safe.

Tree Cutting

We have a Maple Tree very close to our sun room that needs to be cut down. We love Maple trees and hate to have it cut but we feel it's necessary. It's too close and it makes such a mess on our sky light windows.
So Ted brought his tree climbing equipment Friday. Saturday after the rain stopped Jerry and Ted got busy. Ted climbed up, way up. It's very scary to watch and very dangerous to do. But Ted is good and careful and determined. One thing that made this job even harder was that we have electric wires going right near the tree to be cut. Branches fell over the wires but they were able to get them off.  It was such a big job they didn't finish it yet, but will work on it some more next time Ted comes. He did cut a lot of branches off so it's better now anyway.
Lord, thank You for helping Ted and Jerry and keeping them safe.

Friday, August 20, 2010

New Blog

I have a new blog started called Anita's Adventures.   (Oh my goodness, I misspelled experiences, so you'll have to too! I left out the n.)
The address is: http://mylife-experieces.blogspot.com/   I'll be writing stories from my own life. I have two posted so far. My problem is when I try to log on to  this address I get a different blog called My experiences with life problems or something like that. I've tried to change my address and it won't let me. I can open the blog myself but I don't know if anyone else can. I'd like for someone to try it and let me know what happens. It should open to Anita's Adventures. Please help me someone!
I also have it listed on my list of bloggers on this page. So you can scroll down My Bloggers and then to Anita's Adventures. Click on it and it should open right up.

Lord, You know how frustrated I am with this. I'm spending time here that I should be using other places. Please help me. Thank You.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Elmise

Beautiful Elmise!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Happy Anniversary

Happy anniversary, Tim and Shauna! Is it 24 years already? Time sure flies. Andrew was just a little toddler at your wedding and now here he is a married man! I took this picture of you just before we went to his and Katie's reception. You both look very nice. You're a beautiful couple. It was so good talking to you on the phone yesterday. You're constantly in my/our prayers. You've had a good, fun, interesting, sometimes challenging, life together. So here's to the rest of your years together. May God richly bless you.

Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are Sovereign. Thank You for Tim and Shauna. Thank You for their marriage. Please continue to lead and guide them. Bless them with the assurance of Your love. Help them to lean upon You for their help and strength. I love them both and You love them even more.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Elmise and Armon

I haven't put Elmise and Armon on my blog for a while. They're doing just fine. Having lots of fun. Armon just made a basket! Yeah!!!

Elmise just made a basket too! Yeah!

Armon is a fine boy.

Elmise has a special shirt on...it's gray and white until she stands in the sun...then it all colors! It's quite clever!
Lord, again, I thank You for Elmise and Armon. They are delightful children.



Journal

It's pouring down rain, as I sit here early Saturday morning, with so many thoughts running through my mind. I've just gone through a real downer time in my life. Tough. I'm slowly climbing back up. I'm leaning on the strength of my God. He never fails.

My sciatic nerve is still giving me fits. I've tried laying for two days at a time (twice now) and it helps until I get up and start moving around again. Doctor says maybe physical therapy...

I just went through a stress test. That was interesting, with sciatic nerve pain going down my leg. I just ignored it (pain) and walked as fast as I could. A few months ago I was having dizzy spells, so this was to try and figure out the cause of them. The result? I may have to have another one, slightly different, to identify something. Don't ask me...I don't know.

Enough about me and my aches and pains...

Jerry and I have gone back to Verizon!!! Yeah! I bought new phones yesterday. I still have the same phone number. Jerry has a new number. I told the man (Ted) that I'd love to have a camera phone but I need to keep my expenses down so I'm just buying regular phones. He said, "All phones come with a camera!" So...Jerry and I both have camera phones! I can't believe it! Now to get them figured out! Actually it'll be fun...probably frustrating at times but fun!

I'm looking forward to visiting my mom and other family soon. I don't see my mom often enough. I have my ticket. I'm going the first week of September. I always travel with my laptop so we'll be in touch... It's going to be interesting sitting in a small seat, on the plane, with a sciatic nerve shooting pain down my leg. Oh, I'd better not think about that! It'll be worth whatever... to be with my mother again.

Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are All Knowing. You are my Healer. Forgive me for taking my eyes off of You. Help me to sing "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His mercy and grace." Thank You for my wonderful doctor. Help us to figure out the cause of the dizzy spells, and now, relief from my sciatic nerve. I love You, Lord.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Andrew! This is a very significant year for you! You're a married man now!
I'm very proud of you. I have so many memories tucked away of you growing up. Probably the best one is when you spent several weeks with us just prior to your third birthday. We took you, to our family camp. I love this story and I've told it over and over again. It's so typical you!
A man stopped to talk to us. He looked down at you and asked "And what's your name, young man?" You said, "Andrew Henry B....., that's B_ _ _ _." Well, it's not quite as good a story since I don't put last names on here, but I think you get the point. You actually spelled your last name! You amazed me then and you amaze me now! You were this little boy, not quite three years old, but so grown up! And now here you are, a married man. I wish for you a wonderful happy birthday! I love you.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Andrew. He's a very special person. Please be with him as a new husband. Bless him with Your Presence. I love him so much, and You love him even more.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Tyler! In this picture you look like you know I'm up to something. You're right, but...all I'm going to do is...wish you a very happy birthday! 18? Wow, when did that happen?
Even though you live next door, we seldom see you, because of your busy, busy schedule. With working, and mission trips, and friends, and soon school starting again, you're a very busy person. I hope you have a really great birthday.

Lord, please watch over Tyler. He's a boy with a lot of promise. He's talented and loves You. Thank You for the mission trips he's gotten to go on. Help him to always live for You. He's a good big brother to his younger siblings. Please guide him at this important time in his life. I love him and You love him even more.

Monday, August 09, 2010

Syd and Bo

My granddaughter, Sydney, is in love with horses! No, that's not a surprise...she takes after me! I have always loved horses and always wanted one...all my life. I've gone horse back riding every chance I've had.

Sydney riding Bo (Bozo). This is her first show! It's great experience for her.

She's being judged here. You can see a judge, in the background, watching her. Pam and Gene went to this show. Pam sent these pictures to me, Sydney gave me permission to put them on here. We didn't get to go to this show, but we plan to go to the next one for sure. It's a 4H Show.
Lord, bless Sydney as she's growing up so quickly. Help her with her relationship's, even with her horse.

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Journal

I need to get caught up on blogging and pictures.
This is Bernie, our wonderful St Bernard. This was just after he was groomed. We've had Bernie now for many years, so he's getting quite old. He's been a very good watch dog and I love him. The fire hydrant isn't real but he thinks it so and that's all that matters...

Today has been a good day so far. We went to church this morning and listened to a wonderful sermon by our senior pastor. He's amazing.

After church we were asked if we'd like to join some friends for dinner at the China Palace. I usually have a roast in the oven, but today I didn't have! :) So we joined eight other friends and had a delightful time all eating together.

Now, I need to stop here and do some reflecting. Jerry and I were both brought up believing it was not pleasing to God to buy on Sunday. We have kept this rule for living, as well as not working on Sunday. We've missed many good times with our friends because we wouldn't go to a restaurant on Sunday. Let me stop here now and go over the reasons for not buying or working on Sunday.

I was told as a child that when we buy on Sunday we're causing someone to work on Sunday. We're to rest on the Sabbath Day. The same goes for eating in a restaurant on Sunday. Well, that made sense to me as a child and actually makes sense to me today as an adult. Does the saying fit here: If you can't beat um, join um? I don't know. I do know that we missed a lot of good fellowship with our friends. Today was very enjoyable.

Heavenly Father, I love You and I praise You. Help me to be obedient to Your Word and yet live in today's society. I don't want to be a 'holier than thou' person and yet I want to be obedient to You and Your Word.

Friday, August 06, 2010

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Matthew! I can't believe how the years have gone by. But here you are, all grown up, and very handsome, I must add! I'm very proud of the man you've become. You're thoughtful, kind, respectful, and fun! I'm proud to be your grandma! I hope you're having a wonderful day today. Happy, happy birthday, Matthew!

Lord, thank You for Matthew. He's been a super grandson. Please watch over him, guide him as he makes life changing decisions at this time in his life. Help him to lean upon You for help and strength. Guide him. I love him so much and You love him even more.

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Journal

I've been sitting sideways on the sofa for two days now with my legs stretched out in front of me. I felt very lazy and neglectful, just sitting and not doing any housework. But guess what, when I got up to help Jerry with supper today, (he grilled a t-bone steak), I discovered my leg felt the best it has in weeks! Oh, I should mention my sciatic nerve is what has been bothering me for several weeks.

I didn't just sit and watch TV. No way. I was busy on my computer, mainly working on the newsletter. It's almost finished. I also checked in on e-mail, blogs, and facebook.

I've had lots of thoughts go through my mind as I've been sitting here. Some were depressing, most were uplifting. God is good.

I'm trying to plan my trip to Colorado at the beginning of next month. I'm going to see my mom. I haven't been to see her since Mother's Day.

The main reason for the timing of my trip is my big brother's 76th birthday! I can't wait...! It's not a surprise, he knows I'm coming. Hi Richard!!! I love you!

Lord, thank You for touching my leg, through my just sitting. You are my Healer. Please help me now as I plan my trip to see my mother and my brother. Thank You for them both. I love them and I know You love them even more!

Monday, August 02, 2010

Digging

The digging has begun! Here the men are digging the trench for the water, sewer and gas. It's a deep trench! Tomorrow they'll start digging the basement for the new ministry building. Yeah!

Lord, I praise You. Your timing is perfect. Please keep all these men safe as they operate these big machines. Help progress to be made in Your Timing.