Daybreak Dawns

Do you keep the Sabbath/Shabbat?

2011-10-23T09:11:00.001-05:00

It is becoming more and more apparent to me that along the way, we've missed the boat!

Have you ever stopped to ponder what a glorious gift we were given when Elohim gave us a Sabbath rest? We live in a crazy, fast-paced, technological world. We are pummeled and bombarded by people and companies telling us what we need to make our life better, our bodies better. We think money and/or success will make us happy and content. We think we know better than YHWH what we need, but, from the beginning of time, He knew exactly what we would need. Rest!!

As modern-day Christians, it has been pounded into your heads that we do not have to keep the Sabbath, that our day of worship is Sunday and that we can take comfort in the fact that Yashua is our Sabbath rest and pretty much do as we please. But, why? Why do we push against the idea of keeping a day special that YHWH said was special from the very beginning and that Yashua Himself observed? What frightens us about it? What are we afraid we're going to lose? Have we ever thought about what we might gain?

What would a day of rest and relaxation gain for you? What would a day of time spent focused on YHWH, family, and friends gain for you? What would a day off from working your body gain for you?

Blessing! YHWH bless obedience and He promises that throughout Scripture.
Focus! A renewed focus on Him! Who He is, His character, His love and great mercy, His grace, and on and on.
Perspective! What is really important in this world? What can we take with us when we leave this world?
Joy! For me, nothing brings greater joy than time with Elohim, time with my family, and time with my dear friends.

I don't have this thing all figured out, not by a long shot, but I know that for a very long time certain passages of Scripture have niggled at my spirit, making me question, "what changed?"

Isaiah 56:2 (ESV)
²Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil."

Isaiah 56:6-7 (ESV)
⁶"And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—
⁷these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

Isaiah 58:13-14 (ESV)
¹³"If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;
¹⁴then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

I'm so very thankful for the grace and mercy Elohim pours out on me and that our journey with Him is a step by step thing. YHWH, grant me wisdom, that I may be obedient!

2011-09-13T18:23:00.000-05:00

A snapshot of our summer! Babies, weddings, anniversaries, time with wonderful friends, family! We are truly blessed!

2011-09-13T18:16:00.000-05:00

We just returned from a nice weekend with our kids in Missouri. We ate come great food, did some baby & mommy shopping, and visited Laura Ingalls Wilder's home Rocky Ridge in Mansfield, MO, as well as a quick trip to Eureka Springs, AR. The weather was great.

I really enjoyed the trip to Rocky Ridge. A trip back in time to what seems a much simpler time. Quiet. A place to just live. To work hard, to enjoy the fruits of your labor, to struggle with only those things that directly affect you, the world seemingly so far away.

I miss that kind of peace. It's gotten to the point where I struggle to even watch the news. Not because I don't want to know what is going on, but more because I can't tolerate the condescension, the half-truths, the ridiculous things that get reported on. It all seems pretty irrelevant. The ship called "Common Sense" has left the shores of this great country. It makes me sad. So many lost people and they are so proud of it. So very sad!

I'm longing to just take care of my home, love on my own family, do helpful things for others. I can't let the craziness of this world, this culture, eat away at me. There are too many things that are way too important to have the silliness of our culture drag me down.

2011-09-05T10:53:00.000-05:00

So, fall begins. Oh, we'll have a few good, warm days, but the evenings and nights are going to be considerable cooler, and I'm fine with that!!

2011-09-02T11:16:00.003-05:00

Summer is almost gone. It flew by so fast. It was filled with love, laughter, joy, friends, family, food! It's been awesome!

2011-06-11T15:27:00.000-05:00

Almost another whole month has gone by! It flies so quickly!! This month has been filled with graduations, receptions, weddings, and bridal showers. I've also been babysitting a lot and last week we made a quick trip to Missouri to go to my daughter's mid-wife appointment and hear the baby's heartbeat! What a blessing!!

We're also starting some of the remodeling that needs to happen around here. They've begun work on our new roof and we'll be replacing the last window upstairs. Once the roof is done, rearranging, painting, replacing of our big front window, etc., will begin. If I think about it too much, I get overwhelmed!!

2011-05-13T17:43:00.000-05:00

It has been far too long since I last blogged, the urge to write is getting pretty strong. I've been spending a lot of time helping my friend whose husband died and that has been good, but emotionally exhausting. It's okay, though, it is a privilege to help her through this difficult time.

Illness has also visited. We've had colds and quite possibly, mono. My dear friend was so sick with it last week, I spent quite a bit of time helping her with the kids. In the last couple of days, I started reading aloud to them and it made me realize how much I miss that aspect of homeschooling my kids. I'm hoping we can make it a more routine thing, we all enjoyed it!

Spring has finally sprung here and with it the wonderful news that we're going to be grandparents! Our daughter is expecting her first baby! We are thrilled!

Other than that, I've been reading a lot (love my NOOK!) and knitting a lot! Lots of babies and weddings this summer, so much to do!

2011-03-22T16:43:00.000-05:00

Wow, another month has passed since I've written!

Spring is beginning to spring! The robins are in the yard, calves are in the lot, and we are under a tornado watch for the first time this year! It's seems like winter has just flown by for me, which is fine, I'm so looking forward to spring. Fall used to be my favorite season, but now that I'm getting older, I'm really beginning to appreciate the newness of spring! Rebirth, renewal, life! It can't get much more exciting than that!

2011-02-24T15:30:00.001-06:00

It's been a year. A year that I've thought of you every single day. A year where wonderful things happened and I thought of you. A year where even tiny things reminded me of you. A year where I wondered what concert you would have gone to, what amazing celebrity you would have met, and what you were doing with your sweet nieces and nephews. A year. A whole year that you've been gone. You are gone from our midst, but not from our hearts. We love you and always will!

2011-02-04T17:17:00.000-06:00

The funeral was today. So many emotions, so much sadness, so many questions, so few answers. A grieving widow, a stunned family, and two boys so young, they have no understanding yet.

Psalms 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

2011-01-30T17:02:00.000-06:00

Again, life has taken a sharp turn. The kind of turn that makes us sit back and contemplate that which is truly important. Yesterday, just out of the blue, a young man took his own life. This young man was the husband of a sweet, young friend of mine. He was the daddy to two small boys under the age of 4, one not even 1 yet. This young lady has spent much time in Bible study, seeking to learn to be a Biblical wife to her husband. She was open to counsel and willing to do what it takes to make a marriage work.

Yesterday, that was abruptly changed.

I doubt that anyone will ever truly know why he made the decision he did. Something hurt so badly inside of him, he felt the need to give up trying.

It makes me so very sad. I have dealt with the depths of depression. I have, at times, contemplated suicide, but so many factors brought me back from the brink. I understand anxiety. I understand insecurity, to the point of being irrational and swept up in it. I can even understand feeling so despondent that I saw no other option, but then I would see the face of my husband, see the faces of my children, receive a phone call from a dear friend or loved one and realize just what I would be giving up. We'll never know why those things weren't enough to prevent him from giving up. All we can do is cling to God and cling to each other, especially the sweet woman who so strongly desired to make her marriage all God said it could be.

There is a long road ahead, it awaits her and her precious boys. I pray that she will cling to her faith and to those who love and care about her.

Psalms 30:11-12 (NIV)

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

2011-01-18T17:25:00.003-06:00

Eighteen years ago this coming March, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. To seeking Him, to learning about Him, to becoming more like Him. I didn't really know what all that would encompass as the years went by, but I knew it was where I was supposed to be and, more importantly, who I was supposed to be.

In the weeks leading up to my final surrender, the Holy Spirit brought numerous things into my path in order for me to understand that God was who He said He was, that He loved me, and that He wanted me to be His. He sent books, newspaper articles, and even conversations overheard when out for supper. He was finally gaining a grip on my heart and He wasn't going to let go, a fact for which I am eternally grateful!

In recent weeks & months, He's been doing much the same thing. Due to circumstances in our life, my call back to prayer was intense and focused. I knew that I needed to make a commitment to my relationship to God and to those I loved and be fervent in prayer, not just giving lip-service, so I started a notebook. That notebook has become an extension of me! It is filled with prayer requests, journal entries, and hope!

Apparently I wasn't the only one God was working on in that area and for the past two weeks our pastor has preached on the same thing! Changing our thinking, changing our praying! This past Sunday he spoke about how prayer doesn't change our circumstances, it changes us! It changes our perspective on our circumstances, it helps us to live according to God's will and not our own. So....today as I'm reading Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst, she says the same thing! And.........in my e-mail this morning was an article by Larry Crabb about the PAPA prayer and praying to simply know God more intimately and let that change us. Transformation, I see it coming!! And......Beth Moore's study, Living Beyond Yourself is saying the SAME thing!! God has a message for me and just like 18 years ago, I'm going to heed it. Prayer isn't about me and what I want, it's about God and what He wants!

The things I've been learning haven't just been about prayer, they've also been about commitment, denial of self, transformation. It's been a powerful time, considering I've felt so dry for the past two years or so (hence the quiet blog!). It's so wonderful to washed in the Word! Even though I'm struggling with some winter blues and this inner ear thing, there is a peace that is permeating things, just knowing that He's with me, paying attention, giving help for the struggles I've been dealing with for so long.

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

2011-01-15T10:42:00.002-06:00

I spent yesterday getting caught up on all the little things I have a tendency to put off-arranging some itunes items, paying taxes, cleaning up my desk. Those sorts of things, which, of course, put me behind on dishes, laundry, etc.! So, those chores are for today!

I've been spending some time reminiscing about a dear old friend from a few years ago that I used to blog about. She has serious mental health issues and I have no idea where she is today. It makes me sad. I know that God is watching over and protecting her, but I pray that she is able to get the help that she needs. I know that this side of heaven she's never going to realize just how much she means to me and how much she impacted my life. She needed me and my family in a great big way, but now I find myself wondering what it is that I'm supposed to be doing in service to God. Maybe, for right now, I'm right where I'm supposed to be and ministering to those right here, but her memory will always keep me aware that there are damaged and hurting people ALWAYS in our midst.

As believers in Jesus Christ, I think sometimes that it is very easy to get overwhelmed when thinking about serving others, trying to reach out in your community, meeting others needs, but it doesn't have to be that complicated. Some days it's all I can do to muster up a smile, but I know that if I do the check-out lady at Wal-mart may just feel a bit better about herself and her situation. If I can smile at the person in front of me in line with a cart that's overflowing and I just have a few items and this is the only checkout open, I can make that person in front of me not feel like a nuisance because if the situation were reversed, I wouldn't like being made to feel that way.

I think that these tiny things honor God. He knows our own pains and struggles and knows that it can be hard for us to serve on a big scale, but just a simple smile, just a word of encouragement, just a gentle touch of a hand can mean the world to someone. It's my hope that I can be that kind of person this year. I want to build-up not tear down.

Proverbs 15:30 (AMP)

The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourishes the bones.

2011-01-11T13:22:00.004-06:00

Middle child made it safely home yesterday and brought snow with her! It's so wonderful to have her close and just talk and laugh! We went to PR last night to meet with friends and family and eat ourselves silly! The girls and I got our picture taken with our new purses. I think it's going to become a new Christmas tradition-matching purses in different patterns.

So much fun! By the time we left at 9:00, our cars were covered in about 3 inches of snow and it was a slow drive home, but so worth it!

Today, I've got vertigo! Pretty sure it's an inner ear thing since I've had the ringing in the ear and have been bothered with a cold on and off since September. I've had it before, just got to wait it out. Tough to do much though.

2011-01-10T14:45:00.004-06:00

It was a nice quiet weekend! Hallelujah! We went for a steak supper with friends Friday night, enjoyed a nice quiet Saturday night at home, and spent a quiet Sunday. Now, I'm quietly waiting for my daughter to arrive from Missouri. Praise God, so far the trip has been uneventful despite the horrible weather down there. She is just minutes away and I'm excited for the next few days!

I am so often surprised by God's timing when He's teaching me something-I wish I would stop that, He's done it so many times before! Our pastor's Sunday sermon was about the things we need to focus on in 2011. Not making money, losing weight, quitting smoking (all worthy things), but instead, thinking Biblically and praying! Praying for our family members to receive His salvation, praying for our friends, for our neighbors, co-workers, and on and on. Nothing should be more important than the spiritual needs of others. We need to be praying for our churches, for our nation.

Prayer shouldn't just be this laundry list of things we want. It needs to be passionate, urgent, humble. Praise God! Confess to God specifically and turn from those sins! Bring our hurts and hearts to Him! Bring those we love to His throne of grace and mercy! He keeps driving these points home through somewhat random things, a sermon, my current Beth Moore Bible study, and a random devotional from Proverbs 31 today. Not only do I need to be praying, but when I can't, Praise God!, the Holy Spirit will do it for me. Not because I don't want to or am to busy, but because there are times when I am spent and don't know what to pray anymore! The Holy Spirit takes over and intercedes on my behalf and it is always according to His will! What an awesome, amazing, gracious God we have!!

Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

2011-01-06T09:45:00.003-06:00

Having all adult children now, 2 of which are married, I just can't wrap my head around the idea that some folks believe that having adult children is easier!

Physically, of course, it's far less demanding, but spiritually and emotionally, no way! I think about the challenges that hubby and I have faced over the years and I can't imagine my kids having to go through some of that heartache and pain. I get excited when I think about their joys to come, but there is always struggle alongside the joy.

In many ways, life is a bit easier. Logistics are simpler. I get the house to myself more often and the mess stays at a minimum. Those are all pluses. But.....my prayer list has grown exponentially!

It makes me sad that some people seem to just turn their parenting off when their children reach 18. I don't believe we need to be in their business (especially after they're married, unless asked), but I do believe we need to be paying attention and covering them in prayer. If their parents won't, who will. This world is filled with landmines and booby traps! We need to be praying them through it, guiding them gently with words of wisdom born from years of trying to avoid them ourselves and often getting burned in the process.

Raising children isn't for the faint of heart and it shouldn't be an 18 and out policy. These children (and the two new ones who've joined our family) need my prayers, they need my love, my support, and any wisdom that I've gleaned over the years. I hope and pray that more parents would see their need to be doing the same for their adult children.

2011-01-04T08:32:00.003-06:00

Yesterday felt luscious to me, for the most part. Why luscious? I was out the door early, I had blogged, the sun was shining, the snow was gone, the wind was light, and the temps were warm for Iowa in January, high 20's, and did I mention, the snow was GONE! I attended the swearing in of our county elected officials, including my friend, D above, who was the only Republican in a sea of Democrats, and I was his campaign treasurer.

I enjoyed being the treasurer. Iowa does a good job of keeping their candidates accountable and ethical. Everything that I've entered into the system is available for public use. It can be very enlightening to read where so many candidates get their money. I'm so very tired of the Democrats in our state complaining about the outside money that came in to help the judicial retention vote because when you look at who does most of the campaign contributions to our local Democrats, it's outside interests!

Of course, with it being a new year, I've begun my annual purging and organizing. It feels so good! Wally world has these neat cd boxes and I picked one up yesterday for my cds, making it possible for me to get rid of my bulky other holders. The box fits so nicely in my desk cubby hole that I'm planning on picking up 3 more for other cubbies and storing office supplies in them. They look so nice and tidy! I get so tired of clutter and stuff falling out of it's assigned place, I think these boxes will help.

Joshua 1:8-9 (NIV)

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

2011-01-03T08:06:00.002-06:00

We ended 2010 spending the evening with our good friends and our youngest and his new wife. We actually made it to Midnight!! It was probably the first time in 5 years that we made it. For some reason, I needed to be able to say "good-bye" to 2010 and "Hello" to 2011. 2010 had some wonderful highs, but it also had some very low lows!

On 1-1-11, my mind kept going to the phrase "I am doing something new," so I looked up the verse. It was meant so specifically for me as this new year begins!

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

This new year brings with it the necessity to forget the former things and to not dwell on them (good and bad!). God is doing a new thing! I am really beginning to perceive it! He will make the way, He is the Way! On New Year's Eve, I felt so pessimistic about the upcoming year, but His Word has given me hope! No matter what we face in the year to come, He is God, He is on His throne, and He will get us through, just like He did last year.

The first day of 2011 was spent with family and friends, again. The wall in my bedroom is not completed and ready for fresh paint this coming spring. I have a door for my basement shower/laundry room! Movies were watched, laughter was all around, and peace reigned!

Today, I'm off to watch my friend get sworn-in for county supervisor and then it's more year-end bookwork and prep for this years. The weather is decent, the snow is gone, and I have a confident expectation for God's working this new year. I hope you do, too!

2011-01-01T09:55:00.000-06:00

December 2010

A quiet month, but our little beauty continues to get more beautiful and more active! The weather has been good, but we were blessed with a white Christmas (that melted on 12-30! Yay!). There was fog last week which created this winter wonderland!

2011-01-01T09:53:00.000-06:00

November 2010

Thanksgiving in Missouri!

2011-01-01T09:52:00.000-06:00

October 2010

October's weather was so good, it brought an early harvest! Another wedding of a dear friend and time spent with family!

2011-01-01T09:50:00.000-06:00

September 2010

At the beginning of the month, we moved our daughter and new son-in-law to Missouri and then, our calendar activity dropped dramatically!!

2011-01-01T09:48:00.000-06:00

August 2010

What a special time! Good friends and family, hanging in a gorgeous lodge and a wedding!

2011-01-01T09:46:00.000-06:00

July 2010

The 4th of July was so much fun! Cold and dreary (what happened to those hot, humid 4th's we used to have?), but lots of fun to be had!! Wedding preparations for our daughter were ramping up since it was going to take place at the end of August in Colorado!!

2011-01-01T09:43:00.000-06:00

June 2010

Within days of our son's wedding, our daughter was engaged! I was thrilled to celebrate the marriages of two dear young friends! We enjoyed the Hot Rod road show that came through town for two days. Hadn't had that much fun on the square in years! And, our little beauty just continues to get more beautiful!

2011-01-01T09:40:00.000-06:00

May 2010

Wedding month was here! There were showers and fun! Baby A continued to grow! My son got me beautiful roses for Mother's Day. The wedding was amazing!

2011-01-01T09:38:00.000-06:00

April 2010

Wedding preparations for my son and his bride began really ramping up! Making mints was a fun family time. One neice turned two and one was baptized. We had an awesome Southern Gospel night at church with only the talent from our own church-simply AWESOME! Baby S quickly outgrew the sweater I had made her!

2011-01-01T09:35:00.000-06:00

March 2010

More snow! But, to lighten our winter doldrums, a new sweetie came into our lives! She shares a birthday with her big brother (in the middle). She has been a source of joy and innocence for us all year!

2011-01-01T09:16:00.001-06:00

February 2010

Baby S joined us in early February, Elaina left us at the end of February, and in-between, snow, snow, snow, and a new young man who stole my daughter's heart!!

2011-01-01T09:11:00.000-06:00

January 2010

So much weather! Ice, hoarfrost, and snow!! Tons of snow! We knew we were planning one wedding, no inkling we would soon be planning two!!

2010-12-22T18:40:00.002-06:00

I know it's been a long time since I've blogged. I've been adjusting to my "new kind of normal". Things haven't gone they way we thought they would. Life is very different, but we are adjusting. We are learning, growing, being challenged in our faith. We are finding God so faithful (why do we doubt it, sometimes).

2010-11-04T18:22:00.002-05:00

I'm still here. The past two months have been a time of great adjustment. Hanging on and working through it all.

2010-08-31T14:21:00.008-05:00

It has been an eventful summer! We've just returned from Colorado where our daughter was married on Saturday. We were able to travel with several dear family and dear friends! It was truly an amazing week and we were constantly reminded of how truly blessed we are!

The bride and groom just after we entered Colorado.

The Rockies!

The bride and groom overlooking Rocky Mountain National Park

View of the Flattop Mountains from Stillwater Reservoir

The moon coming up from atop a mountain!

Heading up to our favorite spot overlooking some glorious scenery!

Some of that scenery!

Some more of the view

A very friendly chipmunk!

Sheriff's Reservoir

Beautiful stream flowing down from the reservoir.

How can anyone deny there is a God!

Our lodge

The Colorado River

Relaxing in the lodge

Me and my dad!

More relaxing in the lodge night before the wedding.

The lodge

Wedding day!

Mom and Dad

Dad and daughter

Happy Mom and daughter!

What a beauty!!!

Two happy moms!

We were surrounded by those we love and those who love us! It was an amazing week, an amazing day, and an amazing wedding! We made memories to last a lifetime!

2010-08-03T07:07:00.004-05:00

Just a few highlights from our bridal showers!

How well does she know her fiance? Marshmallows for wrong answers!

Perfect gift for my girl who loves to bake!

Grandma made her this awesome afghan!

Our favorite little one!

Three of our favorite girls in the whole world!

My new daughter-in-law sharing some insights from God's Word.

Rug woven by my mother-in-law.

Quilt by grandmother-in-law!

This time I got to answers questions, too!

Before the shower began, I dropped a table on my ankle. Lots of ice and trying to keep it up. I'm not able to spend too much time at the computer because it starts to ache. It's a nasty bruise! I've never had one quite like this before. Maybe I'll get caught up on my knitting now!

2010-08-02T08:02:00.002-05:00

A whole month, gone! We're down to less than 4 weeks until my daughter's wedding! We actually only have 3 weeks left to get things done though! We've had two showers in the past week and have two this week for another friend getting married. We've got over 50 dozen cookies to get baked and frozen!

Not only has it been a physically demanding time, but we've been on emotional roller-coaster. God is faithful! He's getting us through! So many things we're looking forward to, yet so much sadness for a time of our life that's now ending. We are truly blessed and I can't be more grateful to God for taking two sinners and loving through them with His grace and mercy. I can't thank Him enough for giving us life and hope and joy and peace. For opening our eyes and letting us see Him. What an awesome God!

2010-06-23T17:40:00.003-05:00

Summer always brings back so many memories, sensory memories, not just the memories of my mind.

My grandfather was an amazing baker. We lived on an acreage with strawberries, peaches, pears, apples, grapes and the most amazing patch of both red and black raspberries. The patch had been there long before we had moved onto the place and was easily tended. It was sandy soil and I would often crawl in among the brambles to play in the sand. I can remember the warm sand on my legs even now.

June was often the beginning of a very fruitful berry, fruit, and vegetable harvest. We would enjoy strawberry pie and Grandma would make jar after jar of strawberry jam. Many quarts were frozen for later use during our long Iowa winters.

Strawberries were wonderful, but I really loved the raspberries, especially the extra sweet black ones. We could pick on the patch almost all summer it seemed. Quart after quart went into the freezer, but many of the berries were used the same day they were picked. Grandpa would make the most amazing black raspberry cobbler! I can taste it even today. The warmth of the filling, the flakiness of the crust! He didn't do a traditional cobbler, but instead, made an extra thick pie crust for the top and bottom. For an added treat, we would often make homemade ice cream on the front steps while the cobbler baked and cooled a little. I can still hear the sounds of the birds quietly chirping to each other in the heat of the late afternoon. We lived amongst over 50 oak trees and the sound of the leaves rustling always seemed to calm my spirit.

I am often amazed at this time of the year just what will make my senses soar, memories come back to life. Time was so simple, summer was truly a time of relaxation and joy. Swimming, reading quietly under a tree, and eating black raspberry cobbler with freshly made homemade ice cream. Life was so good!

2010-06-18T09:59:00.000-05:00

Love having more template options!

Learning how hard it really is to let go and move on. Getting a better understanding of God letting go of His Son!

2010-06-10T08:15:00.013-05:00

Wow! Time is flying by so fast lately!! I've been wanting to blog, but just had no time. We've been in a whirlwind of activity! I'm going to let pictures tell most of the story.

Our first shower at M's church.

The next shower at her aunt's home.
The shower at our church.
Beginning the cleaning and decorating.
Putting together the arch.
Rehearsal
At the rehearsal dinner, my best friend gave me this beautiful knitted beaded bag pin. I can't begin to tell you how much that means to me! I've been making beaded bags for special brides and a couple of special moms for years, but this was the first time someone made one for me. Inside the bag, the word Havarah.
M opening the shawl I knit her for her wedding day.
The beaded bag which quickly filled with written blessings for the couple from their family and friends.
The knitted wedding cake I made them for a centerpiece.
Our family
The kids
Waiting for the bride
Just about time!
Giving her to J
Vows
The beginning of the kiss.

The kiss

The happy couple!

And, now, as of yesterday at 5:30, our daughter is officially engaged!!
So, now a new whirlwind begins! We are looking forward to the wedding later this summer and to truly being empty nesters! Thank you God for all the wonderful people you've put in our lives to support us and love us!!

2010-05-21T07:46:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it's been six weeks since I last posted! So much has gone on. It has been a busy spring!

Sadly, another old friend suddenly passed away in early May. She suffered a massive stroke. She was such a fun and lively spirit, she will be greatly missed, but I'm sure Yeshua is giggling about now!

The main focus of most of April and May has been preparing for my son's wedding. We are 9 days away!! In the middle of preparation, he found out he needed to find a different place to live than first thought and so we had a new challenge. Thankfully, our friends who lost their daughter, our sweet Elaina, had just learned that they needed to rent out her house and were very nervous about getting the wrong person in there. Within a couple of days, my son showed up at the door and explained his dilemma. He moved in a week later. It is bittersweet, but we are thankful that he can do this for Elaina and her parents.

We moved him in the same day we had the last shower (of 4) for our new daughter-in-law. That made for a long day, but it was very productive. We had a nice shower and as a result of the generosity of so many wonderful family and friends, they've really got a good start for their first home together.

I'm looking forward to a fairly peaceful weekend. All of my projects for the wedding are finished except for one and that one I can do at my leisure. We've got my niece's graduation party and ceremony, a trip to the races, and the LOST finale planned, plus the promise of beautiful weather, should be a good pre-wedding weekend!!

Just because she's so beautiful!!!

2010-04-09T18:32:00.010-05:00

It seems like so many of my posts have been about sad things or bad weather for the past few months, and they have, but there have been many blessings along the way, many things to be thankful to God for and I've neglected those things. So, tonight, the happy stuff!!

We are just under two months until my youngest marries his beautiful bride-to-be! Things are moving along and we are just thrilled.
In early February, A & E had their first baby. I introduced this great young couple, so I was tickled to share in their joy!

Just a few days after that a young man came into my daughter's life. He's just wonderful. We couldn't be more thrilled!
At the end of March, two days before her due date, my best friend's baby girl came into the world! She came quickly and surprised everyone. I was able to join them within a half-an-hour of her birth and was overjoyed to help everyone get situated. I can't begin to express what a blessing she and her mommy are to me!!

Less that one hour old

Her first full day outside of Mommy

One week old

10 days old

Such a perfect tiny hand with a wisp of beautiful baby fine hair caught in between her fingers

Two weeks old and perfect!

2010-04-04T07:21:00.002-05:00

Up from the grave He arose!
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes!
He arose a victor from the dark domain
and He lives forever with His saints to reign!

He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah, Christ arose!!

2010-04-02T07:19:00.004-05:00

Today is Good Friday and what does my brain dream about during the night, divided churches. My dream had us sitting through a church meeting in a Baptist church. The fighting was so intense. I don't remember what the fighting was about, but I remember seeing the faces of people that I love that attend that particular church (IRL) and they were crying. Weeping. Horrified to see what was happening to their church, knowing that the church no longer seemed to care why they were there, who they were supposed to be worshiping, serving. The sadness was overwhelming.

As we left this church in my dream, we walked past a park filled with statues and arches of some sort. At least 5o women were walking from across a little pond over to this area of the park. They were dressed in skirts and button-down blouses, but several of them wore habits. They walked as though they were zombies, straight-ahead, not looking around them at the beautiful spring scenery. Before long, several of the women were dancing in front of the statues and arches. My spirit felt sad.

Time to wake up. I wake up to the realization that my dream wasn't real, yet I know so many caught in churches that have lost their vision and so many others caught in idolatry. They go through each day believing that "church" is simply the building they go to on Sundays and that it's okay if their life isn't any different than their next door neighbors.

Today is the day we reflect on what it was Jesus did for us. Did He take it lightly? Did He do it so that we could just simply believe and never move beyond that? How does He want us to live our lives?

2010-03-17T10:37:00.003-05:00

The past couple of weeks have been quite frustrating on many levels and yet, God still speaks!

Following Elaina's death, I had my first visit to a chiropractor. Thankfully, he's my pastor's son, so I wasn't too nervous. All the stress from her death and the subsequent funeral had settled in my neck and shoulders and I was miserable! He got that taken care of, although I need another visit. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my second appointment because of another more intimate health issue that arose. That one kept me down for four days! Before I was completely over that (well, I'm still on antibiotics), it was time for Women of Faith (more about that in a minute). During Women of Faith, we found out that my niece was being taken to the children's hospital for an infection/abscess. She'd been in the local hospital for 2 days and they were not getting results so they sent her to the big hospital. It was difficult to concentrate on Women of Faith after that so my mom and I left early and went over to the hospital. In the time that we were there, they saw four doctors, including the surgeon! We were all very impressed and excited that they were going to be able to bring relief to her quickly.

That evening brought more drama and disappointment into our life. I can't discuss what happened, but it wasn't pretty. It makes me so sad when believers place secular things over and above their Christianity.

The next day brought more difficult news, drama, and disappointment! I can't talk about that one either, but God is working it out.

Women of Faith was really quite good this year. March is my difficult month for dealing with my anxieties and fears. Almost every speaker spoke to those issues in one way or another.

Patsy Clairmont was awesome. I picked up her new book. She spoke about the tools to overcoming our anxieties and fears-many things I've learned through the years and just needed to be reminded about.

Andy Andrews, however, was my favorite. He spoke about many of the same things and talked about our having purpose. He spoke about seeking wisdom and putting the good things into our minds. Today I read this in his book The Traveler's Gift, "Successful people make their decisions quickly and change their minds slowly. Failures make their decisions slowly and change their minds quickly."

I've seen this in action. We've been surrounded by people who change their minds constantly, unable to stick with any decision and we've discovered how absolutely destructive it is to the person and to those around them, particularly their families. How sad it is.

2010-02-28T06:29:00.002-06:00

It's taken me four days to find the strength to write this post. Today, we lay to rest another dear friend. This death came without any notice, incomprehensible, leaving us all in shock. This one wasn't supposed to happen.

Elaina was a beautiful, 33 -year-old woman with a heart of gold, hands of creativity and generosity, and a body committed to serving those around her. She was always filled with joy, enjoying life with a fervor beyond her years. She loved giving of herself to her family, her friends, and her community.

When I first met Elaina, I had just married hubby and she and her family were our closest neighbors (they still are, although her brother and his wife have built a home in between us). Elaina was 11. She was thrilled about our little girls and enjoyed spending time with them. As she got older, and we had our son, she spent more time babysitting for them. She taught my children so much over the years.

She was a wonderful baker, a beautiful quilt maker, an avid 4-H participant and then leader. For having such a short life, she touched more hearts than just about anyone else I've known.

This past Wednesday, February 24, I received a call from my mom. Life changed from that moment on. Elaina was gone. She had gone to bed the night before and had not woken up. Her older brother had been sent to check on her when she didn't show up for work. Her car was in the garage, she wouldn't answer her phone, and she wouldn't come to the door. The adrenaline starting pumping in his 6'4" body and he made quick work of her two back doors, breaking through them with a mighty kick. He found his precious sister gone. She was lying peacefully in bed with her kitty curled up under the covers beside her.

Shock. No other word can describe the feelings that went through her family and her friends as the news trickled out. Deep sadness, incomprehensible shock. This could not be happening we all seemed to be saying. Sadly, it's real.

Today, we say our final good-byes. My heart aches for her mom and dad, her two brothers and their wives (so very close to Elaina) and especially for her five young nieces and nephews. She adored them and they, her. My children were blessed to have known and grown up with her, they have good memories, it saddens me so to think that the youngest four are not going to be able to really remember her.

God, grant us all the strength to face this day. May you be glorified even as we struggle to understand.

2010-02-19T13:36:00.001-06:00

Wow, I've practically missed the entire month of February! It's been more snow, more snow, more snow and more for this upcoming weekend. That will put us in the top 5 record snowfalls since they began keeping records. I'm quite tired of white!

2010-01-26T11:22:00.003-06:00

We are beginning to doubt our meteorologists (every channel!) ability to predict the weather! We were supposed to get some flurries Sunday night into Monday and then they would be gone. We woke up to several inches already on the ground Monday morning. The wind was blowing, but they kept telling us that the snow was going to stop and we'd just have to deal with blowing snow. Ok, sure.

My dear friend, S, who lives in Colorado is back for a few days helping her mother after major surgery, so we picked her up (her parents live just 1/2 mile from us) and headed to town for lunch with our old Bible study group. We've grown so much together and have become intensely close. I consider these young women my sisters, not just through/in Christ, but real sisters. We pray for each other daily, we can share ourselves freely with each other. It is a true blessing to have women like that in my life. We enjoyed a yummy Mexican lunch and then ran a few errands. It was still blowing and snowing, but in town, it didn't seem that bad.

Then.........we headed out on the highway! Oh my! It was nasty and come to find out, it was really just beginning! When we got home (after plowing through a few drifts) we found out that we were under a winter weather advisory, but the county to our west was under a blizzard warning. Before long, we were under it too! It blew and snowed and blew and snowed. The traffic reports were terrible. Oh my, what a winter!

This morning, we have this
Pretty, huh? You can't see the drift at the top of the hill, but it was drifted shut. Thankfully, our neighbor used his big tractor mounted snowblower and blew us out this morning. We haven't seen a county plow yet.

2 Timothy 2:22-26 (ESV)
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Titus 3:7-11 (ESV) so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

2010-01-23T11:04:00.003-06:00

Man, oh, man! The last three/four days have been long!

On Tuesday evening, my daughters and I and a friend went to see "The Lion King". AMAZING!!! The costumes, the music, the colors. Just beautiful! The logistics of it all just astound me!

Wednesday, the freezing rain began. We thought we were going to keep our electricity because when we went to bed on Wednesday night, we still had it. Ah, wishful thinking. At midnight, off it went! My husband spent Thursday moving the generator from the house and barns to the hog building, trying to keep things feed and watered and us warm! It wasn't looking good to get the electricity back any time soon, but it came back on at midnight Friday morning. Yeah! Or so we thought!!

We had to run to town and take a vehicle to my son since his needed to go into the shop and when we got back home, it promptly went back off! Thankfully, it was only off for about 3 hours. It flickered quite a bit during the evening though and blinked completely off a couple of times. Today has been quiet and we have everything up and running again. Other parts of Iowa are still struggling and wind is intense. Thankfully, the temps came up enough to melt the ice off of our trees and power lines, but the wind is really blowing and we're getting rain now.

Here are a few pics of the ice.

The above picture was actually earlier in the week. The hoarfrost was amazing! I'd never seen it so long before.

2010-01-17T11:00:00.002-06:00

I forgot to mention the big blessing we received yesterday. By the time we got to our knitting workshop, we (S and I) were already pretty frazzled and very hungry! We did not get supper the night before, just had snacks at the bridal shower and then ended up missing out on breakfast before we had to leave. I had plans to just run through McDonald's (wow, healthy!) on our way, but we were running to far behind.

So......at the end of our workshop, one of the mom's brought us a casserole for supper that was still warm. She went home during the workshop and made it for us. Now, maybe to most people that wouldn't be very remarkable. However, this lady has 10 (possibly 11, I've lost count) children under the age of 14 and three of them were with me learning to knit!!!!

I've been involved in a couple of conversations on Rav in the past 2 months about large families, submissive wives, etc., and this lady is a wonderful example of how it works! Despite the busyness of her own home, she thought about me and mine, knowing full-well that it's only myself, hubby, and S and that S is quite capable of filling in when I'm tired, etc., but that didn't stop her from being a blessing to us.

So, please, don't tell me that women who choose to open their womb to God are somehow selfish and/or ignorant and/or downtrodden. That may be the case in about 1-2% of the women that make this choice, but of all the women I know, it's certainly not the case. These are happy, contented women, finding joy in being a blessing to their own families and to the many that they come in contact with everyday! Oh, and by the way, her daughters are going to be great knitters!!

Today is a day to relax and watch some snowboarding and figure skating while I finish one knitting project and begin my first Alan Dart project! Fun stuff!!

2010-01-16T13:55:00.003-06:00

It's been a busy weekend so far. Yesterday began with finding out that a friend of mine who is 26 weeks along in her pregnancy was having contractions and was in the hospital. They've stopped the contractions for now and she's coming home today, but we continue to pray that she'll be able to hang on for a few more weeks so the little one has time to get bigger and stronger.

Last night was our first bridal shower for our future daughter-in-law. It was a Pampered Chef shower thrown by the cousins of the groom (and his sisters). It was a lot of fun and she's going to get a lot of goodies!

Today, we taught our second knitting workshop for our old 4-H club. We worked on purling and a bit of ribbing with some. 3 hours just flew by!

This is what we saw when we left the church for home. Beautiful!

2010-01-09T16:48:00.005-06:00

Today we went to a baby shower for E. I made her this little green sweater for her new little girl, expected any day now. We had a fun time. Lots of games and laughter!
We had to run to daughter's workplace to pick up her schedule, so I thought I'd get some snow shots in the bright sunlight.

This is coming down our highway. That's not our gravel road ahead, but look at where the snowplow plowed through!
Now we're going down our road. This is by our north neighbors house.

Coming up the final hill to home. Doesn't look to bad, yet..........
Still climbing, drift coming into view.
More drift.
More drift.......
Finally heading down the hill towards home. It took the snowplow six tries to bust that big ole drift this morning. It's only January 9th, I wonder what the rest of winter will bring!

2010-01-07T13:02:00.004-06:00

I spent most of yesterday dealing with a migraine (snow-induced), unfortunately, it continues today. Part of the problem, we woke up to this..........

It's really nothing new for this winter, but it's pretty and I thought I'd try to enjoy it.

I'm going to try to start some socks from Cat Bordhi's book New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I want to learn toe-up and be able to adjust the leg size. So, I'm off to put in a movie and give it a whirl-if my head will let me!

2010-01-06T08:21:00.002-06:00

The funeral yesterday was small but nice. There were aspects of it that were very hard, but there were moments of sheer joy as we sang a couple of Vada's favorite songs (He Arose! and It is Well).

We said good-bye to her husband, as well, as he heads home to California with the kids tomorrow (weather permitting, we're in for another storm!). He has been suffering from cancer himself and is very weak and tired, it's hard to tell if he hears you or not. Well, my son and I went to say good-bye and one of the older ladies sitting next to him pointed out to Phil that my son is getting married this year. He lifted his head, his eyes lit up and he said, "Your life begins when you get married." J and I looked at each other, and J said, "That's what I've heard." It was such a sweet moment. Phil and Vada were blessed to have celebrated their 50th anniversary this past August, so I would say that Phil knows what he's talking about!

One of the things that most touched me about the funeral were the words her children and grandchildren shared about Vada. How unselfish, family-focused she was. How her marriage and children always came first. How there was no one that she wouldn't share her faith with or just plain give a little love to. I want that kind of legacy!

As I said above, we're looking at another snowstorm coming. We're only at the beginning of January and this has been a loooooooooong winter!

2010-01-05T07:58:00.002-06:00

Today I say good-bye to a dear friend. I say good-bye to a wonderful lady who taught me much about sacrifice and love. I say good-bye, but it's only temporary, we will see each other again someday. Today, she rests with our Savior!

Vada was an amazing woman. Widowed at an early age, she met a widower and they merged their families, she was now in charge of 8 children. Her new husband was a brilliant man. He invented bicycle parts and they had a successful business in California. Their children began to have children of their own. One of those grandchildren had a daughter when she was just 14. Vada and her husband, now in their early 60's willingly adopted that little girl. They decided that they wanted to get their new little daughter out of California and raise her in a small town somewhere, so they set out on a quest.

They found that little town, smack dab in the middle of Iowa and they moved in. No close family, no friends, they just felt like it was right. That was 15 years ago. Within a short time, they found our little church out in the country. Their little girl was 4, just a few months younger than my youngest. Vada and I hit it off. What a joyfilled woman! Oh, she knew struggles, having a large family, those came with the territory, but she was calm in the midst of the storms! As a church, we helped them to raise their little one in a new era. We grew close. Their daughter spent a lot of time on our farm and others.

Over the years, we were introduced to the rest of their family. Her sister, Issy, has a special place in my heart! She went home to Jesus many years ago, but I can remember her infectious joy and how I loved to get her cards in the mail.

So, not only do we say good-bye to Vada today, be we say good-bye to her husband. He'll be going back to California with the family (he's not in good health) on Thursday. We say good-bye to her family, people we've come to love and appreciate on many levels.

My heart is aching, it has been since she left this world for the next just before Christmas, but I know that she is whole, healthy, and wonderously blessed as she worships our Lord this very minute!

2010-01-03T07:54:00.002-06:00

2010 so far? COLD!!! It's been very cold here, but I'm very thankful that none of us have had any serious problems with it, other than a frozen livestock waterer, which is pretty normal.

Yesterday, S and I and my best friend and her two youngest went to the big city for some eats, a little shopping, and to see The Princess and the Frog. We were stunned with how many people were at the mall when it was -10 outside! There were people everywhere. The parking was bad, due to folks who decided to park in places they shouldn't have because of the giant snowdrifts. We sat in the parking lot watching a lady adjust her GPS system for about 10 minutes while her automatic door on her van wouldn't shut because of the cold. She knew we were waiting, there were many others in the lot also waiting, but she chose to take her sweet time. Finally, she backed out. Ugh!

We enjoyed a yummy lunch at The Cheesecake Factory (shared the Chicken Madeira with S--so good!). For dessert, all 5 of us shared a piece of Stefanie, their red velvet cake and cheesecake cheesecake! Oh, so good and so rich. 5 of us couldn't finish one piece!

Then we were off to the movie. I guess I had forgotten how much nasty stuff can be in a Disney movie. I was excited to see the first African-American princess, but was disappointed that it was pretty stereotypical. The voodoo and the Shadowman were just creepy, in fact, they were pretty scary. There were some cute parts and the message was okay, but all in all, I think I (and the kids) would have enjoyed Alvin and the Chipmunks much better!

We did a little more shopping and then headed for home. The traffic was pretty thick and people seemed to have their dumb helmets on, but we made it safely home. I've been fighting some swollen glands for the past couple of days (seems to be a virus going around), so today will be relaxation and knitting after church (with a little dishwashing and laundry thrown in for good measure!).

2009-Continued

2010-01-01T09:27:00.009-06:00

July--The 4th of July was fun, but cold.

We enjoyed hot dogs and smores. The kids had fun target shooting. By 8:00, we had to pull out coats and sweatshirts. Burrrr!

My son also worked hard in July to do a bit of yard transformation for me (landscaping is not my strong suit, and that's putting it mildly!).
August--Started with the Nationwide race at the Iowa Speedway. Crazy!! The speedway had never hosted a race this big with this many attendees. It was an exhausting weekend, but so much fun! We were treated to one of the best races I've seen in years, good weather, and great people!

We went on vacation!! We spent a wonderful 9 days in Colorado with dear friends and visiting my dad and sister. The weather was gorgeous, the company, divine. I can't begin to express how that trip to the mountains spoke to me and challenged me. We were able to worship with believers we didn't know and yet, we knew them. What a blessing! September--was pretty quiet. I had a couple of more races to work. Other than that, things were lazy and hazy, the end of summer.

October--count down to S's arrival back home. The month turned off cold, rainy, and miserable. We had snow in the middle of the month. Harvest was way behind (to this day, there is still standing corn in some fields and we have many inches of snow!). S made it home safely, praise God! We had quite a contingent to greet her!

We were elated to have her home, thankful to God for keeping her safe and causing her to grow and mature. She really had to learn to rely on Him during her 6-month stay in Thailand. She saw miracles happen and she (and we) continue to pray for more to take place.

November--we spent much of November getting her settled back in and seeing people. My son moved into his own place the week after she got home, so she helped me to deal with that by repainting and making his room into my craft room (with his permission and blessing!).

December--A very long month. I've already detailed the sorrow from this month in the blog, so I won't say much more about that, other than I'm thankful that my dad is doing well and that I'm so thankful that my dear friends knew the Lord and we will all be reunited some day! As the year has closed out, I'm praying for 2 little babies with health issues and the mother of one of my best friends who just found how she has breast cancer.

I'm thankful to God that I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He has much to teach me in sorrow and in joy. I'm thankful that I have Him to rest in, that I can sit at His feet and learn, that He longs to comfort me and that He loves me. What more do I need? Not a thing.

2009 in Review

2009-12-30T07:10:00.006-06:00

It's been quite a year. So many highs and quite a few lows. It's been a year of transitions for me and I feel like the transitions continue.

January--we began deepening preparations for my daughter's trip to Thailand. God provided a jump start to her support at a fundraising night at the local pizza place my daughter works at. We were overwhelmed by the response!

February--life continues pretty normally. We were, however, praying diligently for my dear friend who had brain surgery (I talked about him in this blog). We almost lost him to blood clots, but the miracles were numerous and he's recovering well now. We praise God for all of those details He worked out.

My son also had big news, he asked for his girlfriend's hand in marriage and was given permission. (The proposal was yet to come-he was just getting prepared!)

One of my first losses of 2009, a sweet lady who lived nearby where I grew up and was always my go to when I needed to "run away from home". She couldn't have children of her own and she was always prepared with cookies and hugs!

March--The time was drawing closer for my daughter to head for Thailand, plus we were in preparations for A & E's upcoming wedding. An old friend's husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung and bone cancer. Another dear friend and her husband were finally placed in the mission field and began preparing for that. There was excitement and sadness in that announcement.

April--One month left until my daughter left for Thailand, 3 weeks left before M & S left for Colorado, and 3 weeks left until A & E's wedding. A busy month was ahead of us! We had another fundraising night at the pizza place and that was wonderful. God had provided all that S needed and then some! Her passport and visa came through. The airplane tickets came in.

We had a going away party for M & S. It was a wonderful time of reconnecting and fellowship. On April 25th, we had the wedding. It was beautiful! M & S left for Colorado right after the ceremony. Later that day, my dear friend miscarried her long-waited for baby.

The Girls

A & ES & I-her going away party.

The next day we commissioned S for her trip to Thailand the following Sunday. That was an emotional time at church, but so thankful for all those that prayed over her and with us during her time away.

May--we put S on the plane at 5:30 in the morning. We were thrilled, scared, and humbled, all at the same time! God blessed her 36 hour trip (by herself!) and everything went very smoothly! That week I almost lost another friend! Praise God, it was not her time and she's doing well.Sending her up the escalator at the airport.

May brought more diagnoses of scary cancers and needs for transplants. The health issues this year have been almost overwhelming.

On May 23rd, my son proposed to his beautiful girlfriend and she said, "YES". Such a bright spot in our year!!

He's got good taste!

I was also asked to join the Iowa Speedway Ministry. That was such a blessing to me! Not only do I love ministering to people, but I love the races and this afforded me a lot of freedom and opportunity to meet drivers, etc.. It was like the Lord gave me a sort of working vacation!

June--In June, one of the little ones that S had fallen in love with in Thailand was basically abducted. It's a long story, but it was truly a test of her faith and ours. We were all compelled to pray! S & Arm

Hubby's grandmother turned 95! She's slowing down a bit, but still going strong!!

As part of the Speedway ministry, I helped with the Indy race in mid-June. It began on Friday with a deluge!The garages

Danika Patrick-yes, I was this close.The AWESOME pace car!

To be continued......

The Hypocrisy of the Left

2009-12-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

The Hypocrisy of the Left

Amen!

2009-12-26T10:17:00.002-06:00

1 Corinthians 1:17-31 (NIV)
¹⁷For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
¹⁸For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
¹⁹For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
²⁰Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
²¹For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
²²Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
²³but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
²⁴but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
²⁵For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
²⁶Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
²⁷But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
²⁸He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are,
²⁹so that no one may boast before him.
³⁰It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
³¹Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

2009-12-23T08:29:00.002-06:00

Life is hard, but God is good. The past two weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster of sadness, grief, fear, and hope. The question "WHY?" has been foremost in my mind.

It began with a dear old friend of mine suddenly going into kidney and liver failure. She was transported to a larger hospital in Des Moines and within a day, sent back home to go into Hospice. My mom and I went to see her and the family the next evening. How sad to see this beautiful woman as her body gave out on her. This was a shock to everyone. They knew there were problems, but no one anticipated how bad it was.

The next day, as I continued to pray for her, my phone rang and my sister was calling to tell me my dad had had a heart attack. He was doing okay, but had to have a stint replaced and another put in. The weather here was bad, the holidays were coming, my other friend was dying and I couldn't get to my dad out in Denver. It hurt.

On Sunday, we suddenly had hope about N. Her kidneys had begun to function again, they were looking at quickly changing her level of care. We had hope. Surely a miracle was going to happen!

Sadly, it was not to be. On Monday it was discovered that she had excessive bleeding on her brain. She went to be with Jesus at 7:00 that night. A beautiful 52-year-old wife, mother of 2, 4th-grade teacher of many, gone. She was ready to go Home, she even thanked her husband for letting her be selfish and leave this earth, a beautiful example of a wife. I am so thankful to have known her.

Within two days my dear friend, V, the lady I spoke of a couple of months ago in this blog, took a turn for the worse. She went home to be with Jesus this past Friday night. I can't begin to explain the emotional tail-spin that put me in. I adore her! She will always hold a special place in my heart. Now, I pray for the situation regarding her husband and all of her many children. She is at peace, Praise God, but there is much left to do here in regards to some complicated situations.

It has been very difficult for me to get into a holiday mood. I celebrate these beautiful women who have crossed my life path, I celebrate the glorious arrival of our Lord and Savior into the world by humble means, but I'm struggling with the commercial aspect of the holidays. I'm struggling with the condition of our country, especially the spiritual condition. I'm struggling with the idea of relativism and post-modernism. I'm struggling with the idea that people no longer desire the truth and have, instead, opted for personal truth.

It's this time of year that we are reminded how the world came to know this Jesus. Emmanuel, God with us. He came to us in a human form, in a human way to a young teenage girl and her betrothed husband. He came naked, wet, and crying, just like the rest of us. He came because we were in bondage and didn't even know it. He came because He loved us so much He was willing to die for us to rescue us from our bodies of death. He came to show us a better way. He came to be our Savior. May His name be praised!

2009-11-18T09:17:00.003-06:00

Life has been so busy the last few weeks! It began with preparing for my daughter's return home from Thailand. Her room needed de-furred from our pretty black kitty living there for the past 6 months. We ended up going through the attic, too, thus creating another whole mess to clean up! She arrived safely home on Friday, Oct. 30! We couldn't have been more excited and we had a huge group at the airport to prove it!
It's really hard for us to express out gratitude to God for His using her in His service and for His faithful protection and provision for her and for ourselves during her time away. We are so thankful!

Her first week home we spent a lot of time going out to eat things she's missed and meeting with family and friends.

The following Saturday, my youngest moved into his own place! I'm struggling a bit with that, but he encouraged me to turn his room into my craft/scrapbooking room, so I took him up on it. Daughter and I spent most of last week repainting, etc.

This week has been spent getting everything out of it's hiding place on the first floor and moved up to the room. I'm still reorganizing, but I'm almost there. I'm excited to be able to scrapbook whenever I want without having to dig everything out and put everything away.

I have so much to do before Christmas-several stockings to complete, it will be nice to have a quiet place to go in order to focus.

2009-10-22T15:50:00.003-05:00

My heart is heavy for a dear friend of mine. She has been through so much, including the terminal illness of her husband (which he's still dealing with). Her health has been failing for a couple of years, but she always rebounded. That may no longer be the case. I wish I could express the love I have for this dear woman. She is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and, I believe, even a great-great-grandmother. She & her husband took in their great-granddaughter and raised her as their own. She was married earlier this summer. Now, it's time for us to let her go. I will rejoice because she will get to see Jesus, she will be whole, and she will no longer be fighting the battles this world brings, but I will be sad because I will miss her encouraging words, her loving hugs, and her gentle spirit.

Sometimes this life seems beyond difficult. It's hard, it hurts, it's infuriating, but,

Psalms 119:76 (NIV)
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

My comfort is not found in this world, but in the loving arms of a loving God.

2009-10-16T08:24:00.003-05:00

So, I did it again! I allowed myself to get sucked in on Ravelry. I've been avoiding most of the political discussion, as well as social discussions for quite some time and was getting a lot more knitting done and had a much better emotional well-being. Well, due to the dust-up in Remnants and on the Big Six, a couple of other groups were opened up for the more controversial subjects. These wouldn't require debate, etc., just places to discuss. That was the premise. Unfortunately, it's the same old bullies refusing to believe that they just might be wrong. Heck, they just might be bigots and prejudiced. Well, I don't need that. I've felt myself seething under the surface for a couple of days and I hate the way that makes me feel. So, I've shaken the dust, again, and quit all the more liberal groups. Sadly, the conservative groups are pretty darn boring and I quit my religion groups a couple of weeks ago, so I'm back to getting a lot of knitting done! That is a good thing!

2009-10-05T06:38:00.001-05:00

Psalms 42:1-11 (NIV)
¹As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
²My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
³My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
⁴These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.
⁵Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and
⁶my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar.
⁷Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
⁸By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life.
⁹I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?"
¹⁰My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
¹¹Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

2009-10-03T15:57:00.002-05:00

How do you let go of fear? Fear of the unknown, the future, your past, who you really are?

Fear of not doing it right, not being acceptable? Fear of wanting to become one thing but feeling like you'll never make it? Fear of never accomplishing anything? Fear of being afraid? Fear of being completely honest about yourself and fear that they won't hear you?

I'm at that point right now. No one is listening.

2009-09-19T07:52:00.003-05:00

It's been a strange week. I've heard of three marriages in serious trouble, another break-up for an unmarried couple, and a couple of deaths, not to mention equipment breakdowns around here that are not going to be cheap (but, that's temporal, I'm more concerned with the eternal).

The relationships are the things that bother me. In two of those relationships, the issues seem to sit squarely on the wives shoulders (I realize it "takes two to tango"). These marriages could be saved if the wives would think about what they are doing, what matters for eternity, and how God would have them to live. The husbands aren't perfect, who is, but they don't want these divorces. Children are involved, which just makes matters worse. I know what it's like to be the product of divorce and I struggle with having put my oldest through that. No matter how hard we try, there are serious consequences to our actions. There are times when divorce is the only option, in these two cases, it isn't.

We live in a world that has chosen to believe the lies of the devil. He is the "father of lies". He cannot tell the truth. He is constantly working to deceive us, it started in the Garden of Eden!! He wants us to believe that the world's way of doing things is the best, that God's ways are oppressive, that "I'm" the most important thing in my life and I have to do all that I can to look after myself because no one else is going to do it for me. Baloney! It's all hooey! Our society is so self-absorbed, it can't see the forest for the trees.

Women, especially, (particularly in this day and age) have been brought up to believe that men are dogs (lie!), that they only care about themselves (lie!), that love is all about romance and tingly feelings (lie) and that if you aren't getting that, move on (big lie!). They are taught that they shouldn't "submit" or serve their husbands (lie!), that their husbands can fend for themselves and we shouldn't have to cook or clean for them (lie!) and not only that, they should help us to do all the stuff we don't want to do even though they've worked all day (lie!). We've been taught that it's more fulfilling to work outside our home and let someone raise our kids (lie!) and that "we can have it all!" (lie!).

We live in a disposable world. If it doesn't work or requires to much effort, throw it out and get a new, improved model. To heck with the repercussions and consequences. It will all work out in the end. How sad!

2009-09-01T12:55:00.004-05:00

After 2 days of rain, clouds, and general malaise brought on by the weather, the sun is shining and I feel pretty good! We received over 6 inches of rain, but, praise God, very little water in the basement and no wet drywall in daughter's window frame.

I've been trying to figure out how to blog about our trip without overwhelming the whole blog-it was so wonderful, so relaxing, such a blessing, and so many beautiful, breath-taking scenes were taken in and photographed, that I really have no idea where to start!

I suppose the best place to start would be with the biggest blessing of the entire 10 days, the baptism service we attended out in the middle of a ranch with the Flat Tops Mountains of Colorado as our back drop. The baptism was held in the "Cowboy Hot Tub", a natural hot spring discovered by accident some years ago when previous owners were drilling for oil. When the new owners took over they made it into a "hot tub" of sorts by lining it with a rubber mat and stones along the side for sitting. It runs at a constant 104 degrees and is a glorious spot for glorifying God by taking the step of obedience through baptism.

It was such a blessing to be able to share in something with fellow believers, of whom we only knew 2 others, our dear friends M & S who recently moved to the area to pastor one of the small local churches. The Lord has surrounded them with many wonderful people and the truly God-exalting landscape of northern Colorado.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the tiny cabin (one of several at this location). We had the "honeymoon" cabin, complete with canopy, coffee maker, fridge, microwave, our own woodstove, and a feather mattress. We were so impressed with the feather mattress, we bought one for our own bed shortly after returning home! Between the cool mountain breezes, the quiet of the community and the feather mattress, we slept very well!

I wish I could put my finger on what makes my heart swell so when I'm in the mountains or even just in the valley looking towards them. I think that part of it is the sheer size, the power that it took to create this world we live in, the ruggedness and strength they show in their quiet way. To me, while they are quiet, they also shout the glory of God! The speak of time gone past, yet they speak of glories to come. They radiate peace, yet they proclaim violence. They are a dichotomy to me. Beautiful, yet frightening. Welcoming, yet dangerous. They blaze in the sky when the sun shines strongly on their peaks and they are shrouded in secrecy when the clouds and snow roll in. I am left in solitude as I ponder what it all means to me.

2009-08-20T18:24:00.001-05:00

It's been too many weeks, once again. I can't seem to get my writing mojo going and yet, most of what I think about is writing. I find that I have a lot to say but it doesn't want to come out.

2009-07-21T16:41:00.001-05:00

Have you heard just had one of those weeks? Boy, this has been it! I've had a migraine that just doesn't want to go away, my laptop bit the dust, and after buying a new computer and loading it up, locked my keys in the car! Good grief!!

However, I went back to a desktop and while I'll miss certain aspects of the portability, I'm looking forward to more stability.

2009-07-15T18:19:00.007-05:00

It's been almost 2 months since I've posted. We've been quite busy. I've joined the Iowa Speedway Ministry and have enjoyed two races thus far.Being a part of the ministry means that we get to go just about anywhere. We are there to minister, to drivers, crews, and fans.The first afternoon, we had a deluge! Totally unexpected!! It made the microphone go out on my phone! We were soaked. I now make sure that I have a poncho with me!
Yes, I was this close to Danika Patrick. I found her to be very focused! She moves fast and stays on task, I suppose that's why some people see her as a bit snotty. I didn't get that impression at all. She was very willing to sign autographs, especially for the kids. We were able to get right up to the pit boxes. This is Helio Castroneves waiting to go out for practice. I was able to get his autograph and talk to him a bit. He's a darling man!

The Iowa gymnast, Shawn Johnson, came to the races on Sunday. She seemed to enjoy herself.I stood right below the flag this past Saturday night, it was a beautiful sight! Sadly, I'm afraid it isn't going to mean much before long.

2009-05-24T16:30:00.005-05:00

Wow, it's been several weeks, again!! Life has been full! There have been great things and not so great things, but God is always faithful and He is ALWAYS good!!

My daughter got safely off to Thailand. While she was expecting to be a teacher's aid, instead, she is a teacher! She's doing so well and thoroughly enjoying herself!
This is a picture from the first day of school. It's a beautiful mixture of faces!!

This past weekend she was able to take a visit to a "wat". She enjoyed the trip and the view, but felt so sad for those worshiping a dead idol.
She's beautiful, inside and out!!!!!

My son proposed to his girlfriend on Friday night!! We are so blessed and excited!! She is a beautiful girl--inside and out!!!! She loves the Lord and she loves my son! They balance each other wonderfully.
Today I received a wonderful, exciting, and fun blessing!! I was invited to join the Iowa Speedway ministry. This will give me a focus for the summer, give me the opportunity to meet many people, and have fun!! I'll get to go to all the races and meet the drivers, etc., as well as minister to others! How cool is that!!

Romans 1:16 (NIV)
¹⁶I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
¹²That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

2009-04-27T06:48:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time since I've wanted to sit down and blog. So much has been going on that sometimes it's just been to overwhelming to decide what to write about. So, here's a bullet point list of some of the highlights...

After a lot of preparation and fundraising, my middle child will leave for Thailand this coming Sunday. She will be working with SIM and will help out some other missionaries in their school. She will be gone for 6 months. I am humbled to see God working through our daughter in this way and am so excited for her to experience a different culture and that she will have the opportunity to simply focus on doing God's Work without distractions from daily life and the political challenges of our own country. We commissioned her at church yesterday and it was a comforting and powerful time as we prayed for the Holy Spirit to fill her and use her.
A young woman that I adore and have mentored and her family have also taken the missionary plunge, although they have only gone to Colorado (that's far enough!). They left this past Saturday. I miss them all so much. Her husband has been a joy to watch grow and mature and it is so awesome to see what God has done in and through him. We are looking forward to our summer vacation out to visit them and sit under his preaching at their tiny Colorado church. I know that the Lord will do mighty things through both of them and that my friend will become a wonderful mentor to the women in her new community.
A young couple that I introduced were married this past Saturday. It was a great wedding, filled with meaning and humor. Light-hearted, yet full of commitment. So much joy!!
My best friend told me a couple of weeks ago that she was expecting, unfortunately, she lost the little one on Saturday (that was a big day--the wedding, friends leaving, my daughter seeing some people for the last time for 3 months, and losing a baby). She is doing well, but tired.
My son started a new job last week. This one is a big boy job. He's preparing to take some serious steps in his life.
Our state Supreme Court legalized gay "marriage". I have done a lot of weeping, praying, and even protesting about this subject. Not only that, but our state legislature has run amok, refusing to deal with the people, even shutting them out of a "public" hearing. They are borrowing and spending beyond anything they've ever done before and they are proud of it! I continue to praise God, knowing that He is on His throne and that, despite the fools beliefs, He is in control.

Despite all the craziness, God continues to cling to me and He is holding me through all the ups and downs.

2009-03-03T09:41:00.002-06:00

As I watch the awesome miracles and changes that God is working in so many lives, I can't help but be encouraged and strengthened in my own faith.

My friend who just had brain surgery almost died last Thursday as blood clots made their way into his heart (a 7 cm one!) and lungs. If not for the anesthesiologist and the surgeon who "just happened" to on call and available, if not for where he was, Mayo, if not---the list goes on and on, he would not have made it. All the doctors are astonished as the way things keeping "working out". Those of us who have been praying know that God is fully in control and that He is the one working out all the details, bringing glory to Himself and a precious testimony to all those involved. I know that my friend will rise from all of this with a faith so strong that nothing will be able to break it.

This past weekend was spent with a dear friend, laughing, crying, talking. I watched her soften and find hope. What a blessing. She recommitted herself to the Lord on Sunday evening. How awesome is this God I serve!!!

Many other things have been happening also, and I've just been sitting back taking it all in. He is good! It's made me refocus and get busy dealing with some of my own issues--my weight, running to food for every emotion and for no emotion. I need to be running to Him. Praise Him that He is faithful, patient, slow to anger, and mercifully forgiving!!

2009-02-22T17:28:00.004-06:00

My friend is doing well following his brain surgery. There are many challenges that lie ahead and many ups and downs (as evidenced by the valleys in the last 12 days or so).

March is just around the corner, always my toughest time of year. I suppose that part of it is SAD, but I don't believe that's all there is to my bouts with anxiety and depression during this time of the year. I am so thankful for all the coping skills the Lord has taught me over the years and I know that I will be able to get through it and the sun will shine again, it's just tough sometimes to face it. I'm praying that spring will come a bit early this year, as winter has been long and cold, thankfully there have been a few thaws this year.

2009-02-12T06:17:00.003-06:00

Please be in prayer from a dear old friend, (who happens to be the brother of one of my best friends) Pastor Mike Evans. He will be undergoing brain surgery this morning to remove an AVM the size of a peach. He is a husband and father of 5 children and the pastor of about 150. He is also a writer and writes a column for dads in our statewide homeschool newsletter. His trial (which began before birth but just presented itself last October in the form of a seizure) is causing not only his faith to grow, but his testimony is reaching out all over the world. It is estimated that 150,000 people or so are praying for him. This photo is from 1982, when we shared 6th period Chemistry class. 27 years later, he looks much the same! Thank you for your prayers!!

2009-01-13T08:45:00.003-06:00

As I read this morning's new stories and grew more disheartened with each article, I began to really understand how God must have felt in the days of Noah and how sad He must be as He looks down on His creation and sees the utter mess we've made of it. How sad that the world knows Him not and turns their collective back on Him. People honor Him with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him.

Praise God that He does not leave us destitute, He left His throne in Heaven in order to redeem us!

So, as I was lamenting the world's situation, my daily Bible reading took me to Psalm 12. (He is always speaking!!!)

Psalm 12:1-8 (HCSB)
¹Help, Lord, for no faithful one remains; the loyal have disappeared from the human race.
²They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and deceptive hearts.
³May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks boastfully.
⁴They say, “Through our tongues we have power; our lips are our own—who can be our master?”
⁵“Because of the oppression of the afflicted and the groaning of the poor, I will now rise up,” says the Lord. “I will put in a safe place the one who longs for it.”
⁶The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.
⁷You, Lord, will guard us; You will protect us from this generation forever.
⁸The wicked wander everywhere, and what is worthless is exalted by the human race.

2009-01-10T11:47:00.003-06:00

My poor blog has lain dormant for a couple of weeks now. While I enjoyed our holidays, it was nice to have them over with. I'm rethinking how we celebrate Christmas and hope to implement some changes next year. The first change will be celebrating with gifts on a different day. Our family is growing and it's getting a bit more complicated and I don't want to be one who makes it worse. Everyone has agreed to that change and several were relieved. I think we're also going to do a drawing so that no one feels obligated to buy for everyone and we can make it a bit more special that way.

The New Year has also brought me a new perspective. I've chosen to not make resolutions, but, instead, to set small goals for myself, adding one new one each week in order not to overwhelm myself. Then, when I fail, I don't hit the bottom so hard and find it easier to get back up!

I've begun Beth Moore's new Bible study, Esther. They've made it available to download to your PC for just $4.99 a lesson. It's awesome. Stepping Up was the best Bible study I've gone through, outside of P.J's Wednesday night Bible study. It was convicting, encouraging, challenging, and utterly, totally Biblical!!! As I watch the world, and many so-called Christians, going off the deep-end in regards to the authority of Scripture, the Biblical aspect of it is even more important to me now than it used to be.

I believe God is going to use Esther to give me the courage and drive to finish what He placed on my heart sometime ago--my life's story thus far. He keeps bringing my past to the forefront of my thoughts. While I know full-well that I am not who I was, the old is gone, the new is come, I also know that my past helps me to see things differently from many people. It puts God's grace and mercy fully in the spotlight. My past reminds me that it is all about God and not about me. It reminds me that He has had a plan for me from before the beginning.

2 Timothy 1:8-10 (NIV)
⁸So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,
⁹who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
¹⁰but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Psalm 40:1-17 (NIV)
¹I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
²He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
³He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
⁴Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
⁵Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
⁶Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
⁷Then I said, "Here I am, I have come-- it is written about me in the scroll.
⁸I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."
⁹I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.
¹⁰I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.
¹¹Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.
¹²For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.
¹³Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.
¹⁴May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
¹⁵May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own shame.
¹⁶But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!"
¹⁷Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

2008-12-24T06:30:00.002-06:00

And so we come to Christmas Eve.

I've got some wrapping to finish. I'll do that in a few minutes (while one child is at work and the other still sleeps!). If I get a chance, I might make a couple of stocking stuffers for the knitters in my family. Otherwise, I might knit a bit and simply relax. S is going to be working on the baking, so I don't have to worry about that.

I'm quite ready for this holiday to be over. I don't mean to have a downer spirit about the whole thing, it's just that with each passing Christmas, I realize how far we've gotten from what it's really all about. Changes for next year have been swirling around in my head.

Tonight is our Christmas Eve service. It will be the first time that my son won't be with us. He'll be with his girlfriend's family. It will be strange, but we understand and we will get to enjoy her company tomorrow night. She is such a beautiful young lady, in all ways, with the sweetest spirit. We are very thankful for her!

So, as I ponder next year, I've got a bunch of stockings to knit!

I pray that all who read this will have a blessed Christmas. May you choose to accept the gift that means everything--Jesus Christ!

Luke 2:4-20 (NIV)
⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

John 3:3-8 (NIV)
³In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
⁴"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
⁵Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
⁶Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
⁷You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'
⁸The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

John 3:16-18 (NIV)
¹⁶"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
¹⁸Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

2008-12-13T07:46:00.001-06:00

It's official!!!!!!

2008-12-09T08:20:00.003-06:00

It's another cold, blustery, snowy, and icy day! It seems like our weather systems are setting up much like last year! Who knows, maybe that will change!

I've started a new group on Ravelry, called Solutions. It seems to be going okay. My hope is to keep it positive and work together, despite our differences, to be positive forces in our world. I also want people to see each other individually and not just as members of some ideological group or religion.

I'm behind on stockings, so I'd better get busy!

Winter Wonderland

2008-11-30T11:40:00.003-06:00

We woke to a winter wonderland! As fearful as I am about the skies opening this winter and not closing until June, it still is very pretty to see!Liberty says, "Burrrr, it's cold outside!"

Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
²⁴This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I am thankful for...

2008-11-26T10:46:00.004-06:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and it is only fitting that I give thanks...

I am thankful that God is sovereign and is still on His throne.

Psalm 68:20 (NIV)
²⁰Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

¹⁷"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

I am thankful that I am not who I was or could have been anymore.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)
²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
¹⁸And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

I am thankful that I am forgiven.

1 John 2:12 (NIV)
¹²I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

I am thankful that God Himself is my reward.

Genesis 15:1 (NIV)
¹After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."

I am thankful that it's not me, it's Him!

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
⁹not by works, so that no one can boast.
¹⁰For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I am thankful that I have power over sin through Jesus.

Romans 6:17-23 (NIV)

¹⁷But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.
¹⁸You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
¹⁹I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.
²⁰When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.
²¹What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!
²²But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
²³For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my friends.

I am thankful for God's convictions upon my heart. I thank Him for challenging me in areas that I thought were alright. I thank Him for showing me what is important and what is an idol. I thank Him for helping me to keep things in perspective. I thank Him that He puts up with me, that He will never leave me or forsake me, that nothing can separate me from His love, that He is for me, and that someday, I will see Him face to face.

2008-11-21T17:05:00.003-06:00

"I lift my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth!"

God is so good! My prayer is that people will wake up to that truth. He is just, but He is good! His commands are not for our bondage, but for our freedom. His Word is life, not death. The world's ways bring bondage and death.

I praise Him because He has saved me from death, but He has also saved me from the "freedoms" that others believe make them free, when, in fact, they take them deeper into bondage and pain.

We can make sin look all pretty and fun, but it's brings pain and death. We can live by our feelings, but they rarely speak truth and will lead us down a path of hurt.

I know what it feels like to be deep in the pit of sin. I know what it feels like to deny that sin, to live by my emotions, to seek after those things that I thought made me feel better.

Now that I've experienced the forgiveness and grace of Jesus Christ, I want that more than anything for all those I love and for all those that I don't even know. I want that for those who don't understand and I want that for those that are hostile to the message. God is good!!

God is pummeling me from every side lately. His message to me--obey me! While that sounds harsh, it is so not. He's also been showing me that He is FOR me!! He loves me with a love that I cannot comprehend. He is my protector, my defender, the Lover of my soul. He is my all and all! Every breath I breathe is a gift from Him!! How could I not want to be obedient and turn to Him for deliverance in those ugly places of my heart that still torment me sometimes.

There is hope! He'll meet you wherever you are!

2008-11-18T18:26:00.002-06:00

I know that I've been quiet lately. I think and I ponder and I write posts in my head, but they never seem to make it to blogger.

I do have a lot rattling around in my head. The situation with gay marriage, the Republican party and it's problems, my faith and how that plays out in all of it. Someday, it will come roaring out.

Currently, I've begun working on my annual order of Christmas stockings. I got this cool organizer to hold all my other WIP's from Patternworks, so today I spent quite a bit of time reorganizing my workspace. I feel a bit more functional now.

So, I'm off to enjoy homemade pizza and get back to work on my stockings.

2008-11-12T14:51:00.001-06:00

Finally on DVD!!!

2008-11-09T11:31:00.002-06:00

My nephew played "Cogsworth" (the clock) in their school play, Beauty and the Beast, last night. He did a phenomenal job!!

2008-11-07T07:43:00.003-06:00

Our first snow!!! Not much of one, and it's really not this bright out, it's actually gray and gloomy and cold!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

2008-11-06T17:09:00.002-06:00

I'm leading a new Beth Moore study, Stepping Up. I love it! She's taking us through the Psalms of Ascent--Psalm 120-Psalm 134.

She has us rewrite each Psalm in our own words and to fit our own circumstances, emotions, and/or situations.

I'm stepping out here and I'm going to share mine with "the world" (at least the ones I have done currently).

My Psalm 120

Oh Lord, I cry out to you and I know that You will answer.
Rescue me, Lord, from those who wreak havoc by lying and being deceitful.
You will punish them for their blaspheming, for their deceit.
Like a swift arrow or a raging fire, you will punish them.
Woe to me that I live in a land that has turned from you,
that has turned from You,
that I live amongst those that deny and blaspheme Your name.
It seems like forever, living among those who hate you.
I love you Lord and I want others to also,
but when I speak of You and Your Word,
they scoff.

My Psalm 121

I raise my eyes towards you, Lord.
The journey doesn't seem as long that way.
You will guide and lead me;
despite what my fear and doubts try to say.
Even though I'm not sure-footed,
You will not let me slip or fall.
You hold me up, you don't let go.
You don't need to sleep and I never get to heavy for you.
Lord, you are my protector. You keep me safe.
Nothing in this world can harm me, it can't get through you!
You are with me. All the time and You will guard my life and my heart.

My Psalm 122

I have rejoiced when people have said "Let us go to church and worship."
I have loved and enjoyed those times.
Some days it is more of a struggle now,
Lord, restore your joy!
Guide us from the wilderness we are in.
Convict, bring repentance, renew our first love!
Lord, there is great opportunity where you have placed us.
May we be a light shining in the darkness of our town.
Lord, may those in our small town find joy and peace in You.
May they seek Your face!
Thank you, Lord, that you are right here with us!!

My Psalm 123

O Lord, you are enthroned above all.
Your servants surround you, ready to do Your will.
I will try to keep my eyes turned towards you;
away from the scorn and negativity that is everywhere.
Show me your favor and kindness, Lord!
Keep me on your path.
Be merciful to me, as I have failed You to often.
Fill me with your love and mercy, so that I will remember who I belong to and who is in charge!
Help me to pass on that love and mercy to those around me!

My Psalm 124

If you, Lord, have not been on my side,
I don't know how I would have made it this far.
I would have been an ugly, hateful person,
but, You rescued me from myself!
How can I thank you enough?!
You rescued our family, you gave us hope and a purpose.
Without You, I see only pain!
Even though I still wander and struggle as a result of my own sin,
I know You are for me!
Nothing can separate us!
You will finish the job you started in me and I will become more like you!

2008-10-30T07:47:00.003-05:00

I need to be preparing for Bible study (I'm leading Beth Moore's Stepping Up here at home, twice on Thursdays. So far, as usual, it is an awesome study and has literally brought me facedown before God!)

Anyway, I've wanted to blog all week but just didn't have the chance, and really don't right now, either, but here I am.

My oldest child turned 22 on Tuesday. It's somewhat surreal, but it's not making me feel as old as I thought it would. She has had a bit of legal trouble (of her own making, which she completely owned up to and the judge gave her a break for her honesty and contrition), so I finished paying off her fine for her birthday. Hopefully, having that off her back will help her to move forward in a more positive way. She has decided to take on the responsibility of helping an elderly relative for awhile and I'm very proud of her for that. She has always been so good with the elderly and they just seem to adore her, I think it will be beneficial for all involved.

My middle child just got the news (on oldest's birthday) that she has been accepted by SIM mission organization to go to Thailand next year for six months and work at an orphanage/school there. She is very excited, as are we. Now, we have to get all of the legalities worked out (she's already got her passport, but we have to get ours in case of emergency), her visa, etc.. She has to start working on learning the language and lots and lots of lists--what to take, what to ship, what she absolutely needs and on and on.

I am thrilled and humbled that God is allowing her to take this step and use her for His glory. It puts a lot of things into perspective for me. I can't say that I'm not nervous about her being on the other side of the world, but I know that missionaries that she will be working with and I know my God and she will be in His hands and care, and I can fully trust that!! But, it's just so awesome to consider what He will be doing with her in the coming years.

Okay, I'm running out of time, I'd better get moving!

2008-10-20T22:17:00.002-05:00

It's after 10:00 pm, I'm tired, I've had a nasty stomachache all day and this evening, it's harvest and we have to get hogs sorted tonight (hubby and son are doing it) for our first load that goes out at 7:00 am tomorrow morning. I'm pooped.

I'm tired of politics. I'm tired of the bickering, the division, the sniping and meanness. I usually enjoy politics, I enjoy being a part of the process, being heavily involved, but this year, not so much. This country is so divided along ideological lines that it's scary. It almost seems as though we could have a civil war, or maybe we should call it an "uncivil" war, because no one seems to know how to be civil anymore.

One thing I know, God is still Sovereign, He's still on His throne, and I can trust Him, regardless of what happens in this great land of ours.

2008-10-10T19:26:00.002-05:00

I know I've been quiet lately. I've been pondering several things in my life and it has made me quite reflective and a little unwilling to expose myself.

But, today, I had a phenomenal God appointment and I'm still reeling over what it might mean.

I was supposed to be going to pick up my natural food co-op order, but realized that I had forgotten my checkbook, again. Since I'm going back to town tomorrow, I decided that the co-op order could wait and instead I just headed for the grocery store. If I had not done that, I would have possibly missed my appointment with an old friend.

Strangely, we had not seen each other for awhile and I've seen her twice in the last week. The first time, it was just sort of in passing, it was obvious that we were both in a hurry. Tonight, we made a point of connecting.

She had a young girl with her and I found out that they had adopted her about 1 1/2 years ago. She's beautiful. In our conversation I found out that this precious little girl had been so badly beaten up until the age of 5 that she couldn't speak. She used a type of sign language that she had created. My heart hurt so badly. The woman that I use to help, the one I miss with all of my being, has a similar history.

That little girl is now almost 9. She is in a home where they love her and are doing their best for her. They have her in therapy and are surrounding her with godly people. I told her about my daughter's ministry and hopefully, she'll be joining us for that in a couple of weeks. I also was able to tell my friend about my new Bible study coming up. God's timing is always so perfect.

I can't explain why God is helping this little one and it doesn't seem as if He helped my friend when she was a child. It hurts to know that she has gone through life so fractured and trapped inside herself. I can only pray that God will heal her mind and her heart and that it will bring glory to Himself.

The church is failing miserably. God helps us.

2008-09-21T16:20:00.007-05:00

While my days have been very non-eventful, the last few evenings have been pretty full. I've been struggling some with my depression and concern over a few issues that are weighing heavily on my heart, but the last few evenings have been fun and a real blessing from the Lord, reviving my spirit and preparing me for another week.

It started on Thursday. My nephew, W, was up for homecoming king at his smallish high school. S and I went to enjoy the parade, pep rally, and coronation.
The marching band. Rather relaxed uniforms.

My nephew and his girlfriend, both on the homecoming court.

Part of the football team. One of the things that made the parade so much fun was the throwing of candy. In my hometown, throwing was "outlawed" some time ago and you have to just toss it or take it to them. Not so at this old-fashioned parade. Candy was raining down upon young and old alike. Lots of "incoming" keeping us on our toes and filled with laughter.

Moving inside, the kids did the chicken dance and the cha cha slide until all the parties were assembled inside.
This was one of the "relays" that the cheerleaders organized. My nephew is to the back of the photo in the red shirt. There were three team members and you basically did the wheelbarrow crawl, only your feet where on the person behind you. A good time was had by all and the seniors won, of course.
My nephew and his buddies performed a rousing lip-sync of "YMCA". My nephew is the cowboy. The did a great job and had a ton of fun.

Look at 'em go!
King and queen ceremony. Unfortunately, they didn't win, but I think W was a bit relieved.

The boys after the evening ended. This was just loads of fun!!

On Friday, J and I went to the sophomore football game to watch one of my best friend's son play. He plays center. Since I rarely miss an opportunity to go to a football game when it presents itself, I really enjoyed the evening. The weather was perfect, a bit breezy with just a nip in the air. I love fall!! Since I have a late meeting in town tomorrow night, I get to go to the JV game earlier in the evening.

While I was at the game on Friday, my mom called to see if I wanted to go to the last race of the year at the Iowa Speedway. They needed to get their front steps done and so they were willing to give up their seats and let myself and S go. I jumped at the opportunity. Football and racing in the same weekend, one of the closest things to heaven on this earth for me.

We got there early enough to watch some of the inspections. Mom and R have fan walk passes along with their season tickets, so we were able to go down to the infield anytime we wanted. Love that!!

A look down the garage area.
Coming around for qualifying laps.Strange little Volkswagon Jetta road race. Very little noise. Just weird.

Finally, the real cars were on the track. Love the noise, love the smell.

This fellow hit the wall, not too hard, he walked to the ambulance and was fine.
We decided to go down for the last final few laps. I love being in the infield. I started going to sprint car races in the 3rd grade. My step-dad took me and mom once and then my best friend and her dad started taking me every weekend. I fell in love with racing. By the time I was 14, I was in the pits during the races as much as I was in the stands. I actually had a friend who raced and I would help out by putting "tear-aways" on his helmet. They are like disposable face shields. Due to the dirt, you have to have something that you can just rip away and have a clean shield. Over the years, I've come to enjoy many different kinds of racing, but nothing gets me going like being near the action. I love the sounds and the smells.

This poor fellows night did not end the way he wanted it to.

Restart of the race.
The winner. We had a great time.

2008-09-12T17:48:00.004-05:00

We've been home for a few days now. Vacation was wonderful, but to short. The weather was perfect, the mountain air was fresh and crisp, the views were phenomenal.

One day was spent at the Tetons and surrounding area. We went into Idaho. You could see for miles and miles. The kids slept through most of it.We came through Yellowstone and saw several elk.

The next day was devoted to traveling around Dubois, Wy. We went up to Union Pass and saw this ominous sign. We actually barely missed seeing a grizzly in the Tetons, but some guys car alarm went off and the bear left. Bummer!!

At the top of Union Pass, we found the Lake of the Woods. It was gorgeous, but the road there was a bit rough.

We found some awesome petroglyphs. They are kept pretty quiet since they are on private property, but they are cool.We went north of town into the badlands and climbed another mountain. We found some free-range cows, one of which was a rambunctous steer.

The next morning we began our three day trek home by going back up to Union Pass in order to connect up with another back-country road to take us to Pinedale, WY. We had a few false starts, but who was complaining with this kind of scenery.

This road proved to be a dead-end when we couldn't get the Explorer between the trees.

Finally, we found the right road and were on our way. It took us 3 1/2 hours to get about 60 miles and despite the bumping and banging, it was an extraordinary trip through the mountains.
Psalm 90:2 (NIV)
²Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

2008-09-01T08:52:00.003-05:00

We leave on vacation today. We need it. My heart is aching right now and I'm trying so hard to just trust God and not butt my nose in where it's not needed or wanted right now. It's been a rather traumatic weekend. I'm ready to stare at a mountain. Wyoming, here we come!

Thankfully, my uncle will be staying here and keeping Liberty company. That's the hardest part of going on vacation, I hate leaving Lib behind. My uncle, however, adores her, so they should have a good week.

God is good all the time, all the time, God is good!!

2008-08-30T11:49:00.000-05:00

My dad, my Aunt P, & me.

My cousin J, my cousin K, & my cousin B.

Last night we had a family get-together. We all knew of each other, but the cousins hadn't seen each other since we were tiny children. It was so much fun and we got to know each other. I'm excited to continue these relationships!

2008-08-23T09:55:00.000-05:00

This has been our focus for over a week. My boy has a new toy.

2008-08-20T17:54:00.002-05:00

Where/how do you find motivation? I'm totally without it right now. My knitting seems boring and tedious. Nothing is going on at Ravelry. I've got so much to do to prepare for vacation, appointments to set, cleaning to do, lists to make, things to pack. UGH!!!

2008-08-13T10:24:00.004-05:00

Now that the wedding is over, it's been relatively quiet around here. Life issues keep breaking in, though. I've spent several hours over the last two days helping friends and family to hash out issues that are bothering them. Life just seems so complicated anymore. Relationships, church, our homeschool group, and on and on. Nothing is easily solved anymore. People are hurting. People are selfish and not thinking about others. People are living by their feelings and not with facts.

I started my Ravelympics sweater set on Saturday. The day before yesterday, I was this far...
If I can keep at it, I think I'll get them both done. It looks funny because the cutting stitches are in there, I will be steeking both of the sweaters.

Sin=offending a holy God. Just something to think about.

2008-08-10T20:12:00.001-05:00

2008-08-09T17:33:00.004-05:00

The beautiful bride. My niece was married last evening, to a wonderful young man. It was a nice wedding, simple and filled with love.

Who gives this woman to be married? Oh my, she is a woman. Where did all those years go?

The first kiss!

Presenting Mr. & Mrs.

Can you tell that they are brother & sister?

I add this one because, well, dang, I am blessed!!

2008-08-09T17:24:00.002-05:00

Cutting the "Pie". He had strawberry, she had cherry. No dress was harmed in the sharing of pie!!

A kiss to seal the deal!

First Dance.

Daddy & Daughter

We got a chance to dance, too. Oh, my!!