Happy New Year!

Recently I came across this quote and really like it, so I illustrated it using my Print Master software. I hope it will help you remember that when the storms of life come, to trust the Father to help you "dance in the rain" as you place your trust in Him to do all things well on your behalf. God is Good, no matter what!

In 2008 may you be strengthened in the goodness of His Hand

and steadfast in the trustworthiness of His Grace.

BLESSED NEW YEAR!

Christmas in Iowa

We arrived at Cedar Rapids a day before the predicted snow storm. I just had to step out in the snow in front of our son's house to show you just how deep this snow drift is. And talk about cold...it is 14 degrees here at 4:00 pm. BURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Too cold to stay out very long.

This is the front of Todd's & Jenny's house.
Lots of snow which will stay on the ground until spring!

Below view their street and mailbox. The city snow plows come out quickly and push the snow up and off the streets - blocking driveways and piling up snow around the mailboxes. We watched from a window a neighbor blowing snow up in the air and off their driveway with their snow blowers. That's a fast way to move snow! Todd uses is snow shovel and gets his exercise.

Though it is COLD outside, we are warmed by the laughter and chatter of our granddaughter, Abbie. She is so full of energy and life and such the delight of her parents and grandparents!

Christmas Fun

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Eventhough they do not have blogs, I tag Theresa, Anna Marie & Warren:)!! You guys can send me an email and I will post it on my blog, hopefully!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper – interesting to watch how people open their presents!

2. Real or artificial tree? Always a real tree since forever it seems.

3. When do you put up the tree? Whenever we have a free weekend before Christmas.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually a day or two after Christmas. I am always ready to get things back in order and in place.

5. Do you like eggnog? Absolutely! Eggnog ice cream is delicious too!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Can't remember, but I do remember getting one of the first Barbie dolls when they came out. I still have it! Since I remember this maybe it was my favorite!

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, several of which are homemade. The nativity is one of the first decorations we put out at Christmas time.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My son in loves and son. I am beginning to think "gift cards" are great gifts!

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Really, cannot remember getting a worst Christmas gift.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? In the past I have mailed them, but this year I emailed those who have email addresses and mailed a few to those who do not. Over the last 2 years, the Christmas cards we usually receive has dwindled.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? "It is a Wonderful Life" and," Home Alone"

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually start thinking about it a few months before Christmas and jot down a note when I think of a special gift to buy for a specific person. I usually start shopping in October/November online and in stores.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, I have been known to do this.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Homemade fudge, pecan pie, and any of my son in love's (KB) creations or daughter in love's (JM) Chinese cooking.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I like both especially when they sparkle!

17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? When the kids were young we traveled to grantparents' houses in other states. When they got older we stayed at home. Now that we have grandchildren, we celebrate Christmas on whatever day we can get together - this could include traveling to their houses.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes, only because Meri listed them all out for me! Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Rudolph.

20. What's on the tree top? A blinking star. The wisemen saw the star and followed it to Bethlehem. There they found Jesus Christ the Newborn King!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Christmas morning, but I usually let the children (grandchildren now) open one present on Christmas Eve.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Merchants who are afraid to say "Merry Christmas!"

23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color? No, most of my decorations are homemade.

24. What do/did you leave for Santa? Really did not do this tradition in our home.

25. What were any traditions you had growing up? Cannot seem to remember any, but have many with our own family and started some new ones with our grandchildren. Setting up the nativity, seeing Christmas lights, reading Luke 2, making gingerbread houses, acting out the Luke 2 in costume, making a birthday cake for Jesus and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus, are some I can remember now.

Not to be out done...

by my niece Meri's doggie pics, I thought I would post one of my own!

Here is Shane stretched out on (now his) Dallas Cowboy pillow taking a snooze! He is such the baby!!


Click HERE to see a couple of more pics of Shane if you have the time!

BTW...ALL sewing Christmas projects are done as of today at 4:30 p.m.! Yip-eeeee!! And 6 days to Christmas even! Double Yip-eee! God is Good!

Taking a Break...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...2 advil and a heating pad applied to my stiff, hurting left shoulder and neck! I have been on a world wind sewing binge! It is good to take a break thus you get another blog post!

I have just 2 more items to cut out and sew up with only two and a half days to do it in. It should be a piece of cake!! At least I hope so.

This will most likely be my last post until after Christmas. We will be in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for Christmas at our son and family's house. It is COLD up there now...they just had an ice storm like we had, BUT the only difference is NOTHING melts until spring!

We look forward to the warmth of being with family and the laughter and chatter of our 28 month old granddaughter, Abbie! Oh what a delight!

We are not looking so forward to their winter weather. We are leaving the Oklahoma temperatures of the 40's and 50's to the Iowa temperatures of the teens to mid 30's! Snow is forecast for Christmas Day!

Here are a few Iowa pics. Baby, it is REALLY COLD outside!

Remember what you see in these pics stays on the ground until spring!

When we arrive back home we will have Christmas with the Bledsoe's and Schubert's. After this I am sure I will have lots of pictures and photoshows to show off! How gracious you are to enjoy our joys!

We do wish you all a very Merry CHRISTmas and Blessed New Year!

Merry Christmas!

JESUS is the Gift

Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits every heart

and it is with His love that all celebration starts.

We rejoice in Him as we remember His birth

and thank God for sending his only Son to earth.

His life led from a manger to a cross on a hill

where He faithfully followed His Father's perfect will.

He freely laid down everything so that we could live,

and there is no greater treasure anyone could give.

Like a scarlet ribbon His love wrapped around the cross

and He offered it to us all at the greatest cost.

So each time that we give we remember what He's done

and honor the perfect Gift--God's one and only Son.

Holley Gerth

For God so loved the world that He gave....

John 3:16

A-Cappellaz

You just got to hear this - Click on 12 Days of Christmas - Enjoy!

Survivors of...

Oklahoma's Biggest Ice Storm of It's History!

Baby it's COLD inside!

Sunday, December 9, 2007 we were hit with an ice storm...a BIG ICE STORM! Yes, we were expecting an ice storm but no where in the magnitude of the one that hit us! Our electricity went out Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. It did not come on again until Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. A lot of folks are still without electricity.

We have so MUCH to be thankful for during this time of "coldship".

Burning firewood in the fireplace kept us warm.

We had just bought a rick of firewood on Saturday!

We were able to keep our tempature at about 64 degrees in our livingroom -that's where our fireplace is!

Not bad since it was in the 20's & 30's outside!

We saved on our gas bill this month!

We saved on our electric bill this month!

Candles lit and placed in our bathroom, kept it nice and cozy!

Since we are campers,

we were able to use our camping stove to cook and our RV refrigerator which are both powered by propane.

Warren and I played lots of card games, and read by flashlight.

We had hot water to take hot showers!

We never lost our sense of humor.

Spent some special time with our grandchildren.

We got more rest than we have had in a while -

went to bed with the chickens and

got up late 'cause it was TOO COLD to get out of bed!

We are so blessed by the many workers who came from all over

to help Oklahoma get the electricity back up and running.

We are so blessed by the prayers and thoughts

of family and friends during this time.

I could go on and on and on....

God is good to see us through.

Click HERE to see a photoshow of this adventure and the goodness of the Lord.

If I Die Before You Wake...

Click: http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm to see this powerful video. It is moving and heartwarming. Enjoy and pass it on!

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Up to my Ears...

with Christmas projects! If you don't hear from me for awhile this pic should tell you why! I have several more (did I say several) gift projects to start and complete by the end of next week! I am confident that ALL will get done without too much fuss or rush!

HELP me, Lord!

JESUS...

the only REASON for the Season!

For as long as I can remember, we have put the manger scene up as the first decoration of the Christmas season. This helps us to keep in perspective Who this time of year is all about and Whose birthday we are celebrating!

(As a side note: this is the manger scene that I made about 30 years ago. I bought it at Hobby Lobby. It was unpainted ceramic which I painted and glazed. An heirloom for sure.)

Since the grandchildren have come, we place every person and animal in it's place, but do not put out baby Jesus. Instead, He has been placed in a special gift tin tied up with gold ribbon. Then on Christmas morning, He is the very first gift we open - for He is the very BEST GIFT we could ever receive in our lives!

Sometime during the day we will have a birthday cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus!

For the past 4 or 5 years we have ALL taken part (gparents, parents, gchildren) and enacted the Christmas story from Luke 2 - in costume, singing, and action! The gchildren ask me each year are we going to do this again?!

Another special memory maker is making Graham Cracker Gingerbread houses!

I think the gkids have more fun making them, licking their fingers, and scarfing down a piece of candy sprinkle or two, than actually eating their finished creations!

What a wonderful time of year to walk in peace (Jesus is my Peace) and love (God is Love).

Click HERE to enjoy the photoshow of the gkids setting up the manger scene and making their gingerbread houses.

Thanksgiving 2007

I have finally created a photo show of this special event minus the video. (I have still not been able to upload any of my videos, but Nero PhotoShow assures me they are working on this issue:)

What a WONDERFUL family reunion we had! Four generations equaling 33 people were present!

We spent Thanksgiving Day at my mom's house in Flowood, Mississippi. Oh, what GOOD homemade food we all got our fill of! Mom could not make her homemade rolls fast enough for us! MMMMMMMMMM...wish I had some now.

We stayed at my brother and sister-in-love's house (Ingram's Inn) for 3 nights and 4 days. What a blessing this was! All 33 of us fit very comfortably in their house too!

The Birthday Bash for all the 60 and soon to be 60 year olds was a memorable event!

On our way back home we drove to Shreveport to see Mom Meyer who will soon be 90 years young and Warren's brother and family (John, Cindy, & Stacey). We also had the delight to see our nephew, Chris and his wife Alice who live in Boston, Mass. They were down for the holiday.

Click HERE to enjoy the photoshow.

Are You Someone's Simon?

"A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the Father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross." Mark 15:21

Like Simon, you may see yourself as an innocent passerby being forced into service - helping an aunt recover from a stroke - assisting a neighbor who just got out of the hospital - lending a hand to a co-worker who recently was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

And like Simon, the task may take you unaware, your plans may be interrupted, and you may feel put-upon. But as you carry the burden of a hurting friend or family member, you may discover that your attitude will change - especially when you see that smile of relief and gratitude. You'll discover the privilege of being someone's Simon.

May this be your prayer today:

What a privilege it was for Simon to carry Your cross, Lord. In a way, I have the same privilege as I bear the burdens and carry the hurts of Your body, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let me be a Simon to someone today.

Chestnuts Roasting...

on an open fire

Jack Frost nipping at your nose...

that's us in Skiatook, OK. It's now cold enough to have a fire in the fireplace. When we moved into this house 2 years ago the fireplace had been turned into a gas log fireplace. We kept it this way for 2 years. We love a real fire in a real fireplace (smoke and all)! Now that natural gas prices have gone up, Warren finally converted the fireplace back to burning real wood. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...we love it and it keeps the front room so toasty, cozy!

Wait a minute...I guess it is not really so cold here after all... our son Todd told us today that this is Cedar Rapid, Iowa's last warm day of the season. It got into the mid-40's today. Then for the next 2 or 3 days, the high will be below freezing. They probably won't see it above 40 till March. They could get 5 inches of snow this weekend.

And we are going there for Christmas...we need our long john's for sure!

The Twins are Seven!

On Sunday, November 18, the twins, Riley Kate and Tanner Roy S. turned 7 years old.

It really does seem just like yesterday that their mother was going to the hospital to have them!

Click HERE to enjoy their Birthday PhotoShow.

Back in Town

This will be short and sweet! Have lots of pics and photoshows to create and share as time allows. Holiday times are always busy and fun. We were out of town for 6 days during Thanksgiving time so I am behind on housework, laundry, Bible study, grocery shopping, etc, etc, etc!

CaringBridge...

Amy B has created a CaringBridge website to keep family and friends up to date on Camden. CaringBridge is a nonprofit organization that helps friends and families stay connected.

You can visit Camden's CaringBridge site at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/camdenmatthew

Please visit this site anytime to check in on Camden, read the journal entries and send messages by signing the guestbook. Be sure to save this URL in your favorites so you will have quick access to any updates.

Camden Update

Many of you are asking me about our grandson, Cam, so I thought I would send out an update.

At 2 1/2 months old he is a big baby boy! Amy tells me he is not as laid back as her last 2 children. He has his happy, awake times and his fussy, awake times!

His surgery for his craniosynostosis is scheduled for January 15, 2008.

Also, he has a doctor appointment with a urologist on December 6, 2007 for a hydrocele. (A hydrocele is a collection of fluid inside the area of the scrotum, surrounding the testicle. Hydroceles are common in newborn infants and normally resolve after a few months after birth). Camden continues to show symptoms of the hydrocele so he needs futher examination to rule out an inquinal hernia. Camden's brother, Grant, had 2 operation for this same problem.

Thank you for asking about him. We do covet your continued prayers for him and the family.

Psalm 139:13-15
For You formed Camden's inward parts;
You wove Camden in his mother's womb.
We will give thanks to You, for Camden is fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
Camden's frame was not hidden from You,
When he was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth...

Psalm 138:8
The Lord will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting...

Grandparent Bragging Post...

Here she is our first grandchild, Katelin B with her Cello.
She is quite the musician!

Last year in 6th grade she was awarded Outstanding 6th Grade Orchestra Student of 2006-2007.

Last weekend in All District, she was awarded First Chair in Cello. I am not sure what all that means but I do understand that it is a BIG deal!

She definitely has an ear for music. We are so proud of her.

Way to go KB! Click HERE to view more pics of KB and her cello.

Among the Giants...

...the RV Giant's that is!
Well, once again I have held off publishing this post. I wanted to upload a picture but have not been successfull over the last few days and since time marches on I will go ahead and post it.

W and I are members of an RV Camping Club. We go on weekend camping trips each month if we are able. Since March we have made 5 of the 9 scheduled campouts. This RV group are Christians with the same values we have. W and I are probably the youngest couple there! Most of the campers are in their 70's & 80's. We have a ball with them and always feel so encouraged and loved on when we are there. We have a church service and prayer time on Sunday mornings before heading back home. W. has been asked to lead on several occasions. It is such a special time.

Since I could not post pictures of our last campout of the season, you can click HERE to go to my photoshow of this weekend.

I hope you find yourself resting in the Lord today.

Take a SHARK Break

This is really cool! My brother in law sent it to me. Thanks R.M.!

Just click on http://www.sharkbreak.com/

A few instructions: Move your cursor around and the shark will follow it.
Change the scene by clicking on the different scenes at the top.
Change the Shark to an Orca by clicking on it.

Have a good and godly day!

The Narrow Way...

Leads to Life...

Matthew 7:13-14

Enter through the narrow gate;

For the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction,

And there are many who enter through it.

For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life,

And there are few who find it.

Take a Look at...

what I call my "Multipurpose Room"

just 49 days before Christmas!

Sewing and Embroidery Center

Ironing and Nap Center

Layout, Cutting, Planning, Storage Center

The Brain Center

As you see in these photos there is a whole lot going on in this room especailly when I am motivated and pushed for time to finish projects and start new ones.

I luv this room. It is ALL mine! Warren comes in only when he is summoned! Not really! But you do not often find him in here just hanging around. He does office in the bedroom right down the hall from this room. So we can call out back and forth to each other when needed!

God is Good!

Making a Special Memory...

but NOT the one you had planned!
Has this ever happened to you.?

Warren wanted to take me on a last boat ride for the season to see the fall leaves on Skiatook Lake. It was to be a wonderful, relaxing, warm afternoon for the two of us.
All was going as planned until:

We put the boat in the lake.

It would not start.

The boat battery was dead!

Now before you scold, W. had charged the boat battery all night and even tested it before we left home. Of course it worked great then.

W. had a backup plan (that had worked before): take the car battery out of our Expedition --take it to our boat that was already in the water and use it to help charge our boat battery. So all looked good to continue making a special memory. Right?? Maybe Not!

Using our car battery, W. did get the boat started and the battery did recharge. YEAH! Our boat ride was just moments away -- BUT Warren informed me that we now had a new problem:

After removing the car battery, he closed the car hood and door...leaving the only set of car keys we had with us locked inside the car. No problem, since we have a push button code on the door that will unlock it...EXCEPT when it does not have a battery in the car!! UGH....BIG time UGH!

Warren said he knew it the minute he closed the hood but it was too late! I did feel his pain and was glad it was not me this time!

The good news is that we just changed our car insurance to get a lower rate with AAA and also bought AAA car assistance. So Warren was able to call them (Thank you Lord for cell phones) and they came out in an hour to get our car unlocked.

So we were able to ride around Skiatook Lake after all for about an hour before AAA arrived. We were still on the lake at 6:30 pm in the dark (thanks to Daylight Savings Time) and the last ones at this dock to get their boat out of the water! A first for us!

We plan on NOT making these kinds of mistakes again. Always good to learn from one's mistakes! Even though this memory turned out different than we had planned, at least we were together, and God did give us a beautiful sunset to end the day!

Click here on sunset if you want to view a few more pics of our Memorable Boat Ride.

Happy Days are Here Again!

Click on song to hear the beat of my heart!

Hubby is home!

YEAH, (FLIP), YEAH, (FLIP, FLIP) YEAH!!!

Home Alone...and BORED!

(bor'dem) n. the condition of being bored or uninterested, tiresome, dull; ennui*

One more day and my hubby will be home. YEAH! (FLIP!) YEAH! He has been on a business trip for 6 days now. We have not been apart for this long of a time in quite awhile. The fact that he works from the home makes me miss him more! Now, don't get me wrong, I do not mind a few days of business travel, but a week is just tooooooo looooooong!

It has been good to have available all this time for myself to do some sewing, start projects, finish old projects, cleaning (did I say cleaning!), computer work, Bible Study, reading, cooking, exercising, etc., etc, etc!

BUT the fact is it seems:

when hubby is not here I am not motivated & just get bored!

I waste more time than getting anything done.

I have a list in my mind what I want & should do for each day but...

the day slips by too quickly & I have not accomplished much of anything!

I go to bed too late & need to take afternoon naps.

I have no reason to put on makeup or do my hair...

I have no reason to dress up for that matter!!

lunch time is here before I know it!

I snack or eat premade meals!

I have the "Scarlett O'Hara" syndrome (from Gone With the Wind) : "I'll think about that tomorrow!"

Does ANYONE relate???

As you can see (in my bordem) I have redesigned this blog page, well actually, I just chose another template from the blog list! I am not that computer savvy!!! I also wanted to post the above pic sometime on this blog so now is as good of a time as any. I just think it is so funny!

Well "tomorrow" is finally here for today I am on a mission! Hubby will be home tomorrow after lunch. YEAH! (FLIP!) YEAH! And I WILL get everything done for his arrival. I am motivated and will see it through!

It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, but if there's no one to help, tough! Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night. By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped. Ecclesiastes 4:9 (The Message)

*I have learned a new word in my bordem: ennui (aun'wee, Fr) n. weariness and dissatisfaction resulting from inactivity or lack of interest; boredom. HELP me, Lord!

Escaping Holiday Stress

This devotion has been adapted (by me) from Girlfriends in God .
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. " Philippians 4:12-13

As the holidays approach, stores exhibit displays of Thanksgiving and Christmas at the same time! Do you find yourself thinking about the "stuff" of the holidays, instead of giving thanks and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Take charge of your focus this holiday season...and guard against greed.

What happens when we live as if He is not enough and He is not all we want? Greed happens! And stress always tags along with greed.

Stress is a deadly disease that can wreak havoc in our lives... especially around the holidays. The frightening reality is that stress seems to run rampant, unchecked and in epidemic proportions through our relationships, our job, our home...every part of who we are. It does not have to be that way. In fact, a stress-riddled existence has never been and will never be part of God's plan for His children. No, but that would be Satan's plan for us because he knows that stress is a powerful tool through which he can work. Stress is his invitation to set up shop in our lives.

Stress management begins in a personal relationship with God. Without Him, we are in eternal trouble. A little girl ended her bedtime prayer with "Dear God, I need you to please take care of mommy, take care of daddy, take care of my sister and my brother and please, please God, take care of yourself because if you don't we're all sunk. Amen!"

May this be your pray during the holidays:

Father, I choose today to celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas instead of being stressed-out and caught up in the "stuff" of the holidays. Please help me to focus on what is important and discard what is not. Give me eyes to see the needs around me...and find a way to meet those needs. Guard my heart against greed and an ungrateful attitude. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Take the time to be alone and plan your holiday attitudes. Just as you plan meals, parties, gift-giving...and every part of the coming holidays, you can plan your attitude. Choose joy! Choose contentment! Choose to focus on God and His goodness to us. Make a list of your blessings...and keep that list with you during the holidays. Refer to it often and set your heart on peace.

Stress happens! But we do not have to allow stress to control us.

Think on the promises of Psalm 23 in relationship with the points below - keys to help you escape from stress.

• Know whose you are
• Recognize your source of strength
• Know when to be still
• Expect some valleys
• Count on Grace

Blessed Holiday Planning!

(P.S. Don't you just love that pic. Thanks SH for emailing it to me!)

A Good Word...

Psalm 33:13-22 (The Message)
From high in the skies God looks around,
He sees all Adam's brood.
From where He sits He overlooks all us earth-dwellers.
He has shaped each person in turn;
Now He watches everything we do.

No king succeeds with a big army alone,
No warrior wins by brute strength.
Horsepower is not the answer;
No one gets by on muscle alone.

Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect (fear) Him,
The ones who are looking for His love.
He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times;
In lean times He keeps body and soul together.

We're depending on God; He's everything we need.
What's more, our hearts brim with joy
Since we've taken for our own His Holy Name.
Love us God, with all You've got--that's what we're depending on.

Camden Update

Here is the lastest pic of Camden (and big sister, Mallory) just after he and his mom & dad arrived back home from Dallas, TX to see Dr. Fearon at the Craniofacial Center. Thank you for your prayers for safe travel.

All in all the appointment went great. Cam's surgery will be scheduled for the first of January. He will be 4months old then.

As you see from this pic, Camden looks great! He is growing and smiling now. He is almost 2 months old.

His front soft spot continues to close up quicker than it should. You can not tell from this picture, but his little head continues to grow elongated.

Thank you for your love and prayer support.

God is good ALL the time! All the time God is good!

Embrace Your Trial

As some of you know (and have prayed for us, called, and sent encouraging emails), Warren and I are going through a job related trial.

The scripture tells us in James 1:2-4 "to consider it a sheer gift when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (The Message)

Some of the gifts God is giving us in this trial is spiritual insight, increased faith, and a nearness to Him. Truly we can say there is no better place to be!

Last week as Warren and I prayed separately about our situation, we came together and shared with each other what the Lord was speaking to our hearts. I shared with Warren that I believed the Lord was instructing me to "embrace" this trial and not to resent or resist it - that God was certainly able to show us His glory and grace in it. Warren shared back with me that this was exactly what God was speaking to his heart. If we resent and resist this trial, we would limit the Good Hand of God to work in a mighty way in our lives.

We made the choice to embrace this trial and accept the cut in salary with anticipation in seeing just how the Lord will provide and direct us. The Lord reminded us that three years earlier (when Warren retired from Rosemount) He had already made the provision for our finances for this lean time. Warren had some growing money left from his 41K that he had not rolled over to another account and was able to pull it out and rest it in our bank account. Thank you, Lord.

I was also reminded of what a relative shared with us over 24 years ago when we were struggling with the desire to send our children to a Christian school knowing we just did not have the means to do so, or so we thought. His words changed our thinking and broadened our faith. Robert M. told us: "Don't you know that God has the provision before the need!"

Warren has been at his National Sales Meeting since Sunday. He and the big boss had an opportunity to dialogue and of course his salary cut came up. Warren sincerely told him that he was cool with it and that we felt God has a plan in this for us. This boss told Warren that he did not want to lose him and that if need be his salary would not be cut until Warren was ready! Thank you, Lord.

We have chosen to continue walking in faith with the pay cut, knowing that God is going to provide for us through the higher level of commission. Since last week, Warren has seen some big orders coming in and others pending. We believe that this has all been in God's timing and His blessing and provision for us.

I believe the BEST part about all of this is that we are learning how to walk in/through a trial "counting it all joy"and truly experiencing the Mind of Christ. Added to this is the joy of you, the Body of Chirst, who have loved and encouraged us in pray. We are indeed grateful for you in our lives.

The Lord has NEVER let us down. He has ALWAYS been FAITHFUL!

God is good ALL the time. ALL the time God is good.

Romance Verses Love

Joni Eareckson Tada has a way with words, such insight into scripture, and expresses it so practically. Could this be because of her total dependance upon the Lord. Her writings display "God's way of thinking" which I call wisdom from above.

Here is a devotional that was on Joni and Friends Daily Devotional this morning.

"This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another." 1 John 3:11
The romance has gone out of my marriage. Instead, there is love. Romance used to say, "I'll do absolutely anything for you," but love does a step further and says, "Yes, and I'll prove it."

Romance is fleeting, but love is long.

Romance is flying, but love is a safe landing.

Romance seeks perfection, but love forgives faults.

Romance anguishes as it waits for the phone to ring to bring a voice that says sweet things,

but love is the anguish of waiting for a call that assures you someone else is safe and happy.

Romance is suspense, anticipation and surprise,

but love is dependability.

Romance is dancing in the moonlight, gazing deep into desired eyes,

but love is saying, "Your're tired, honey, I'll get up this time."

Romance is delicious, but love nourishes.

-Anonymous

Loving another person like this is a surefire way to become more like Jesus. Move past the romance, the feeling of living on the edge, move past the delicious emotions, and nourish another person with real and lasting love.

Lord, I can see that this kind of love will wage unrelenting war against my selfcenteredness. Help me to lose myself in loving You and in loving others. May I move past romance and begin laying my life down...in love.

What are blue angels??

Here they are the official

as seen at the 2007 Air Show in Muskogee, OK

(Todd M. this post and photoshow are for you! Wish you could have been with us.)

The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy stunt flight team. The jets flew and manuvered on a perfect, sunny Saturday. The six blue-and-yellow F/A-18 Hornets lined up on the runway facing the crowd. Air whistled through their engines as the pilots prepared for take-off.

People in the crowd shaded their eyes against the afternoon sun to get a good look. As the jets began rolling, the landscape behind them was turned into a shimmering mirage by the hot exhaust.

Once in the air, the Blue Angels treated the crown to a wide variety of graceful formations and dramatic maneuvers. People craned their necks to follow the action. There was thunder in the sky, despite clear weather and a light breeze.

The Army's award-winning skydiving team, the Golden Knights, also performed at the Air Show as did other air craft.

It was quite a show!

What a spectacular day

we had with our grandson,

Parker B.!

To see more pics of our spectacular day click on: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/eJ4Xp8dX

Sticky Chicken Recipe....

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM GOOD! At least it sounds delicious and the reviews are good! Check it out at: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=92

I will make this recipe soon. I also thought I would pass on one of my favorite recipe sites: http://www.sparkrecipes.com/ .

Check it out. You will find some good, healthy recipes here.

For a free "chicken" coloring page for the kiddos, click on this link: http://www.myfreecolouringpages.com/bird_colouring_pages/chicken_colouring_picture.htm . (Just print out the coloring page on your printer.)

Happy cooking and coloring!

Fall in Oklahoma

Still waiting on the leaves to turn red, yellow, and orange!

But we do have pumpkins and hay bales!

I have tried for 3 days to upload a pic on Blogger, but have been unsuccessful:(

So I will direct you to my new photoshow with fall family pics!

Click on the link below and enjoy our Fall Fam Pics in OK!

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/yX6Jm8ba

Look Who is "Star-tastic!"

Parker B.

for the Character Trait of

Responsibility

At his school assembly today, Parker was awarded the Star of the Month Certificate for Responsibility. We are so proud of you and the Star Effort you are showing in responsibility! Way to go, Grandson!

Granddaughter, Mallory B received the 3.0 Culb award. That means she received all "A's" & "B's" on her Report Card this first nine weeks.

Way to go, Granddaughter!

Keep up the Good Work and Effort!
We are so proud of you!

Parker received the 3.0 Club award too!
Way to go Park!

"It is by his deeds that a child distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right." Proverbs 20:11 (NAS)

Pumpkins, Pumpkins...

EVERYWHERE!

Oh, what fun to grow a pumpkin patch for the grandchildren!

The gkids planted a Pumpkin Patch during Cousin Camp week in July.

Each grandchild picked out their pumpkin from the garden

and had a grand ole time painting it!

Thank you, Lord, that there were just enough for each grandchild!

Fall in Iowa

The leaves are just gorgeous in Iowa now. Not so yet in Oklahoma.

I was told we have not had enough cold nights!

To view more fall pics of Todd, Jenny, & Abbie click on the link below.

Enjoy our joys!

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/gD6fk4Kj

Gorgeous Weather!

It is rainy and dreary here today (and suppose to be the rest of the week). We are thankful that God gave us gorgeous weather for our campout! It was good to get away for a few days. The War Eagle Craft Fair was a busy place with LOTS of people. Thankfully, some new friends we met at the campsite told us to go early (7:30 a.m.) and we would NOT get in a long line of traffic trying to get to the mill. We took there advice and had a nice drive and a nice experience. When we left (about 3 hours later) the traffic to get to the mill was backed up about 3 miles. There is basically one way in and one way out!

Here is Warren by our Jay Feather Lite Camper. To the left of him is a drop off to a dirt road that leads to Beaver Lake. Friday night was really cold and we did use our heater. Saturday night was warmer, although, we did hear strong winds rushing through the tops of the trees most of the night.

Here I am at the camp office. This was a nice RV park as for as needing a place to stay for a night or two, but we prefer more of a wooded campsite with some distance between sites especially when we bring the grandchildren along.

One more picture. This is a dock on Beaver Lake, a really beautiful, clear lake.

Just the Two of Us...

having a get-away weekend.


















We are campers - RV campers, that is! This weekend we will be headed to Beaver Lake Hideaway Campground in Rogers, Arkansas. We have never camped there before so hope it is a real nice place! Our RV has a heater so with the night time temps getting into the 50/60's we should be toastie warm!

On Saturday you will find us at War Eagle Mill, a working water powered grist mill. We have been here before but this time it will be with over 100,000 other people!

Yes, we are just a little CRAZY!

This weekend (18th-21st) is their Annual Fall Craft Fair. It's a "have never been, but always wanted to" kind of thing! There will be acres and acres of craft booths set up. We are really going for the EXPERIENCE NOT for the buying!

There is alot of history here. You can read about it (if you are interested) by clicking the link below: http://www.wareaglemill.com/history.htm

I purchase (online) organic milled grains from here (real oatmeal, flax meal, corn mill, etc). It's good stuff and good for you too!

Warren and I are looking forward to a time away (just the two of us) to think, plan, and pray concerning God's plan for us as we jouney into the next season of life.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10a