Whispering Pines

October 30, 2007

8:29 AM, Oct. 30, 2007 .. 2 comments .. Link

I do not know the source of these words, but they came to me in an email forward and I thought they were worth putting down here for you all to read:

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

C.H. Spurgeon on the Word of God

8:36 AM, Oct. 25, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

The following is taken from C.H. Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Devotional:

"For the truths sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for
 ever."-2 John 2

"Once let the truth of God obtain an entrance into the human heart and
 subdue the whole man unto itself, no power human or infernal can
 dislodge it. We entertain it not as a guest but as the master of the
 house-this is a Christian necessity, he is no Christian who doth not thus
 believe. Those who feel the vital power of the gospel, and know the might of
 the Holy Ghost as He opens, applies, and seals the Lord's Word, would
 sooner be torn to pieces than be rent away from the gospel of their
 salvation. What a thousand mercies are wrapt up in the assurance that the
 truth will be with us for ever; will be our living support, our dying
 comfort, our rising song, our eternal glory; this is Christian privilege,
 without it our faith were little worth. Some truths we outgrow and
 leave behind, for they are but rudiments and lessons for beginners, but we
 cannot thus deal with Divine truth, for though it is sweet food for
 babes, it is in the highest sense strong meat for men. The truth tha!
 t we are sinners is painfully with us to humble and make us watchful;
 the more blessed truth that whosoever believeth on the Lord Jesus shall
 be saved, abides with us as our hope and joy. Experience, so far from
 loosening our hold of the doctrines of grace, has knit us to them more
 and more firmly; our grounds and motives for believing are now more
 strong, more numerous than ever, and we have reason to expect that it will
 be so till in death we clasp the Saviour in our arms.

Wherever this abiding love of truth can be discovered, we are bound to
 exercise our love. No narrow circle can contain our gracious
 sympathies, wide as the election of grace must be our communion of heart. Much of
 error may be mingled with truth received, let us war with the error
 but still love the brother for the measure of truth which we see in Him;
 above all let us love and spread the truth ourselves."


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          C.H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional
                     Thursday October 25, 2007
        http://bible.christiansunite.com/devotionals.shtml
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Let Children Be Children

6:57 AM, Oct. 18, 2007 .. 3 comments .. Link

Lately, I have been thinking about how things have changed since I was a little girl. I am not THAT old, but some would probably say I'm "old-fashioned" and "over the hill".

It seems to me that our culture is robbing children of their childhood these days--pushing them along to the next stage way before they are ready either emotionally or physically.

Young children are away from their moms at younger and younger ages and in Day Care (my mom didn't go to work till I was in school), Children are exposed and experience profanity, drugs, sex and alcohol at younger and younger ages. (I hadn't even heard the f-word until junior high and I grew up in a secular home with non-believing parents and even THEN it was considered the most obscene word one could ever use!) Now, it is common place vocabulary in many circles even as young as elementary school!

We pack children's schedules so full of activities from the time they are toddlers till they graduate from high school under the guise of "child development". They have to be enrolled in every sport, every activity and carted from one activity to the next almost daily. Households fall apart and homes are not homes anymore, just a place to sleep. Parents have given up the responsibility of parenting to the day dares and schools, and children are not taught right from wrong.

(And just as an aside, if our elected officials truly want to "help" the children, they would purpose ways to enable more moms to stay at home and care for their own children, especially during the infant and pre-school years. Why should parents from a two-income family get a tax credit for day care, while my husband and I try to make ends meet on one income and help pay to raise someone else's child through higher taxes? ) Somebody please tell me the logic of that!

And whatever happened to just letting children, be children? They don't need to KNOW about all the trash that is going on in the world at such young ages. We don't give children enough time to frolic in the sunshine and play in the woods. Let them work and help with chores around the house and learn that they play an important role in helping the household to function. Let them also learn how to be still and not always having to bounce from one activity to the next. Let them learn that they don't have to have the latest new video game or expensive jeans. We've lost sight of what's really important.

I am not against sports or other activities for children for they have a place and can serve a useful purpose. But somewhere there has to be a balance, and I believe that our culture has crossed the line way to the other side--not allowing children enough time to explore and just be a child, and enjoy each new stage of development from birth onward, instead we push them ahead to the next stage way too early.

Enjoy your child today. And let him enjoy being a child.

Private Citizen Speaks Out

10:32 AM, Oct. 13, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link
One indeed has to wonder what is WRONG with some of our elected officials these days! I'm speaking right now, mostly of Harry Reid and his recent attack on Rush Limbaugh. Why would this man take up valuable senate time (and at the tax payers expense I might add) to address a radio talk show host? And in addition, it is OBVIOUS that Harry Reid doesn't even know what on earth he is talking about! Anyone, anyone who has ever listened to Rush Limbaugh knows that he is about as pro-military as they come. For our elected officials to get away from the business of the country in such a way is unthinkable.

Shame on Harry Reid and the Democrats who signed this letter!!! Since Rush is not an elected official, he has just as much right as anybody to say what he thinks--and you, the listeners, can simply turn the radio off if you don't like what he says. But our elected officials have no right to speak about another U.S. citizen in such a way. Again, they are to be shamed. And that is this mom's opinion, for what it's worth.

Evidence #1 for a Young Earth

11:57 AM, Oct. 2, 2007 .. 1 comments .. Link
As I understand it, the sun gets its power by tiny explosions that happen--called Thermonuclear Fusion, which in turn makes the sun brighter and hotter each year. Evidence for a young earth is seen in this because if we travel back in time, millions or billions of years as some scientists would have us believe, the sun would have been less and less bright and would not have been able to provide adequate warmth for life on earth. This would have also affected other aspects of the creation, and things would have been so cold that nothing could have survived.

It doesn't take a very big person to carry a grudge

8:39 PM, Sep. 29, 2007 .. 2 comments .. Link
"IT DOESN'T TAKE A VERY BIG PERSON TO CARRY A GRUDGE"

I came across this quote, and thought it to be so true. Grudges are never appropriate and actually show how small a person's character really is. If someone has offended you today--forgive, and forget! Life's too short to hold grudges, and it wastes far too much energy.

G'nite!

Fall is Here!

9:56 PM, Sep. 25, 2007 .. 1 comments .. Link
The sky is getting dark earlier. The morning is chilly and the night's are that way too. The leaves just started turning color today. Is it really time to bring out the jackets? Is it really time to take the summer clothes out of the closets and put them away, and replace them with flannel shirts, jeans and boots? Do I have to winterize the camper? Please tell me it isn't so.
I love the lazy, hot , and warm days of summer--and even with all the yard work that has to be done here--it is a welcome sight for me over the cold air that is blowing on the horizon this evening. Yes, fall is here, it is obvious every where on the plains.

September 18

10:38 PM, Sep. 18, 2007 .. 2 comments .. Link
Here we are winding down at the end of another busy day.

It rained a lot today, and tonight we had beautiful rain, lightening and some thunder. The rain and clouds have passed.   Now the stars are shining brightly and the moon has risen to her place. It's a beautiful night. Would be a great night to sit around a campfire or peer at the open sky thru the opened zipper screen window of the bunk end on our camper. In fact, we were tempted to do a little driveway camping tonight, but didn't.

Have been busy making lots of trips to the Dr. lately...for one child or another, or myself. But, thank the Lord for good medical care, and for living in a country where medical care is so easily available.

I have been thinking on some things lately in light of the recent 9/11 anniversary.

I live in the heartland. We are pretty conservative here and hold to some pretty traditional values. I occasionally do like listening to folks like Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingram and Sean Hannity but that doesn't mean I agree with them on everything.   We are a pretty conservative part of the country, and probably always will be. But no, we're not hicks. We know what we believe and why. Not because of Rush or O'Reilly--because many have held the same beliefs way before there was talk radio or Fox News. It saddens me that some folks look down upon what we believe just because what we believe is different than theirs. Why? Are we also not entitled to our beliefs and values? Do we not have the same freedom of speech as they? I welcome debate on anything. You can share your opinion, and I will share mine without reservation. But that doesn't mean I have to agree with you or we have to be the same. We are a melting pot of individuals from all walks of life, and each one is welcome to his or her opinion. And that is what makes America great. I just happen to share the same opinions as many who are conservative--does that make me the enemy?

In the end though, ultimately, the ONLY opinion that will matter is God's. God will be, and is the only opinion that matters for now and all eternity. Every knee will bow before Jesus Christ--either as Judge or Savior--no one is neutral--Jesus said you are either with me, or against me. Which side are you on?

Labor Day Weekend

8:34 AM, Sep. 3, 2007 .. 4 comments .. Link
We've had a busy weekend!

The weekend started off with #2 son's football game Friday night. It was a pretty exciting game in which our son made some great plays (recovering a fumble and intercepting a pass and making a few tackles)--our team won 34-6. The weather was beautiful and it is always a nice chance to do something together as a family, as well as visit with other parents.

Then we went camping with my mother and father in-law. We look forward to being together and enjoy each other's company a lot. The children in particular enjoy their Grandparents and I'm just thrilled they can make memories together!

Sunday of course was church, and #1 son sang with two other guys and two other gals. Great music was followed by a great message. Then the boys and their Dad did the church service at a local nursing home while I stayed home and worked on lesson plans for school this week. It was a busy, but fruitful day!

Our daughter is also in town, so we've had ample opportunity to visit with her as we have been "in" and "out" of the house.

Great to have all the kids home, coming and going and doing things...it's a busy household...and that's just fine with me! Reminds me of my husband's paternal Grandmother's house (she had 9 children) whenever we used to visit...always people coming and going...talking...eating...re-connecting--as some would say it's like Grand Central Station! If these walls could speak, the stories they would tell!

Ok, it's time for me to get busy with other things here--G'day!

Summer

8:32 PM, Aug. 28, 2007 .. 1 comments .. Link
It's been awhile since I've had the chance to sit down here and write anything.

It's hard to believe that summer is over and we are now into our fall routine. Where did the summer go?

We started it off with a camping trip Memorial Day weekend at our favorite local state park. Then my brother had major heart surgery and complication developed that kept him in the hospital from June 5 until just a week or so ago....where did his summer go?! (Praise the Lord he is doing better and home now!)

We also took a trip as a family to the lake for some jet skiing (only to have uncooperative weather) and the before I knew it, it was the 4th of July, and it was time to think about ordering school materials for the fall. After that, we took an extended trip to Yellowstone Nat'l Park for a family reunion and vacation. Mixed in there were many days of not feeling well (this writer's body is acting up), a few early morning fishing excursions, Vacation Bible School, cleaning the church regularly, celebrating three birthdays, grilling hot dogs and burgers on the grill and an occasional steak, running the go-cart around the yard, playing tennis, bike riding, swimming lessons, piano lessons, violin lessons, visits from friends, a few camping trips, trips out for ice cream in the evening, walks, hikes and a trip to an amusement park for the day and a few days out at the lake. I LOVE SUMMER!

I love the warm summer nights spent on the porch, or a pajama ride to look at the stars. I love fireworks on the 4th of July and grilling burgers out on the deck and making home made ice cream. I like not having to worry about jackets and being cold, walking bare-foot in the grass and playing badminton with the kids in the yard. I love the fresh air and warm sunshine, having the windows open and waking to the sound of birds singing in the wood on a summer morning. I love summer thunderstorms and watching the lightening on the horizon light up the night sky. I love to sit on the porch swing and watch the sunset or watch the kids play in the yard. Ah the lazy warm days of summer. Fond memories and special times.

Around the house we managed to paint the trim on the porch, clean out a few closets, clean out junk from the garage, keep up on the mowing and yard work , gardening, and all the while attempt to keep up on the daily household chores (cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc).

The days of summer come to a close and we see the days getting shorter and hear the locusts singing in the trees. Yes, we are refreshed and ready to pick up the books and begin another school year.

Yellowstone!

8:33 AM, Aug. 9, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link
We just returned the other day from an 11 night camping vacation to Yellowstone National Park. We didn't actually spend 11 nights in the park, but we did spend 11 nights in our RV. The memories made, spending time with my children and other family members and enjoying the beauty of God's wonderful creation, the fun times, and the great fellowship with dear family was all worth the journey (and subsequent sore back), and I would do it all again in a heart beat!

This was a "camping" vacation, although I don't think that those of us with RV's really "roughed it" too terribly much! (Now, for those who were staying in sleeper cabins without plumbing, that was a different story). We stayed at the West Yellowstone KOA, and made our journey each day to the various parts of the park that we wanted to view.

We saw elk, deer, bison and of course a black bear. We enjoyed the splendor of the mountain streams and water falls, the gorgeous rock formations, and of course watching Old Faithful blow her top.   We saw hot pots and geysers. We had discussions about politics and religion. We ate like food was going out of style and we sometimes laughed so hard we could hardly breathe. Some played pitch, some played football and thanks to Opa we ALL rode in a crazy bicycle type thing (I'm not sure what it was called).    The trip was awesome. It was a trip that I hope will not too quickly be forgotten by both young and old alike.

And years from now, when we are just a memory to our children, I hope that my children look back on this time with us, their siblings, their grandparents, their cousins and great-aunts and uncle and it will bring a smile to their face and warm their hearts. Family vacations are the best--and the best part of family is being together.

Another Birthday at our House!

10:59 PM, Jul. 22, 2007 .. 3 comments .. Link
Twenty years ago today we welcomed a new baby boy into our family! He had beautiful copper colored red hair (and lots of it too) and blue eyes. He used to suck his thumb and hum himself to sleep at night. As he grew, he played lots of football and hockey with his buddies from church. He did VBS with his older sister with whom he fought with when they were kids, but today they are good friends. He and his younger brother were always good friends--always gaming together, or playing football or hockey, or just hanging out. He was always very athletic and bright, and loved math. He could sing well, and play piano and trumpet.

He soon will begin his sophomore year in college. He continues to work hard at his job, where he works 20 hrs a week, and also serves faithfully in his church. He works out daily and works just as hard in his spiritual walk, by reading and studying God's Word. It's hard to believe he is now a man. He is a nice guy and will make a good husband to some nice young lady (no bias here, huh?). It has been a blessing to watch him develop, and grow into the godly man he is today. Happy Birthday Dear Son #1!!!
May the Lord continue to bless you as you walk faithfully with Him!

First Day of VBS!

10:55 PM, Jul. 16, 2007 .. 1 comments .. Link
Today was the first day of Vacation Bible School. The children loved it! The older boys served and helped out in various ways while the two youngest enjoyed the games, crafts, music, Bible stories and snacks. It was a great day and something the boys look forward to every summer.

My brother was transferred to another hospital in town--a rehabilitation hospital, which will hopefully get him weaned off the ventilator soon. Please continue to keep him in prayer. He still has a lot of recovery yet ahead of him, but thankfully, he seems to be on the mend. Hallelujah!

VBS put me a little behind this a.m., but I did manage to get some laundry done. That is always a good feeling to have a few loads of laundry done and hung out to dry before leaving for VBS. Then when we came home, the clothes were dry and ready to be folded.

Our weather was HOT today, and it is suppose to be all this week. But it is great to have A/C and to be able to get relief from the heat. I can remember growing up WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING! And I'll bet some of you have experienced that too. But then again, we didn't KNOW any different--that was just the way it was! I'm just thankful we had it today!

Time for me to go to bed...I have another EARLY and BUSY day tomorrow. with VBS...G'nite!

Fox in the Woods

10:31 PM, Jul. 12, 2007 .. 1 comments .. Link
Good Evening All,

Today we had three foxes out back near the garden and the shed. They were quite pretty. I tried to get close enough to take a photo, but they scurried away quickly much to Son #5's dismay! This was the first time we saw them--about 6:30 a.m.

Then they returned a couple of hours later, ran off again when we went outside and then returned again about noon. Sons #4 & 5 and I went inside and immediately googled "fox sounds" as we kept hearing them off in the distance. Sure enough, the sound clips we heard were similar. We also found out that a group of foxes are called a "skulk", so we had a nice quick science lesson today! Maybe tomorrow, we'll see them again and be able to get a good picture! Meanwhile, we're keeping our orange-tabby cat close to home so that he doesn't become their next dinner!

Also, saw my brother again today. He looked remarkably better than when I last posted! I know that a lot of it is because so many of God's people are praying for him. He was smiling today and actually looked SO MUCH BETTER! Thank you to those of you have added him to your prayer list and have kept him in prayer over the last 37 days when he first became hospitalized. His attitude and demeanor was much improved and hopefully one day soon they will be able to work on weaning him off the ventilator.

I was able to work around the house again today. I love days when I can just stay home and get caught up on things! We baked some cookies because the weather has cooled down here (only in the 70's today I think). I cleaned the bathrooms and made a huge supper. The only time we went out was to see my brother, and dear hubby also took us all out for an ice cream cone afterwards. It was nice.

We are also busily thinking about our trip to Yellowstone. It's not far off. Hopefully, my brother will be well on the mend so I can feel comfortable leaving town for that long.

G'nite now.

Tuesday at Our House

10:44 PM, Jul. 10, 2007 .. 2 comments .. Link
Went and saw my brother today at the hospital. He has been in the hospital for 35 days now, and he is still on the ventilator. He isn't too chipper these days and is not able to really talk to us. He is not smiling like he usually does and he is getting fretful and restless.   The poor guy has just been through so much. Progress has just been so slow it seems.

I also went to a meeting on home schooling kids through high school, and what our local university requirements are. We had a speaker from the University, and he talked about transcripts, admissions, and things such as this. It was very informative and helpful I found it be to very encouraging.

I also did my weekly grocery shopping, and fought the crowds and rude people at our local Wal-Mart Super Center. I cannot for the life me understand WHY they don't hire more people during their peak hours to check you out. And to make matters worse, they have re-arranged the store and now I can't find anything! It is quite annoying! I HATE shopping there, but I can't find anyone else who can come close to their prices and with the army I need to feed every week, I have to save every penny I can.

Tonight I made Stir-Fry and the troops snarfed it up like it was candy. That is good. Of course Son #1 was home eating with us, so that may have had something to do with it. They are all good eaters--but they are also good, strong healthy growing boys!

I have yet to tackle our school room cleaning. But today, I wouldn't have had time anyway as I was just too busy with other things! I might give it a whirl tomorrow. There are a lot of books to mess with--and the space limited. Makes it hard to organize the way I want to, but I'm sure it will be fine--once I get started!

I also managed to peruse a couple of RV websites today. Yellowstone isn't far off! I had read on the RVPark Reviews about the sporadic Wi-Fi at the campground we're going to be staying at. So, I promptly emailed the owners/managers of the campground to ask them if that review was accurate. So far, no reply. Hmmmmmm

Well, I stayed up way too late last night and got up way too early this morning, so need to get off here and go to bed. G'nite all.

July 9, 2007

10:03 PM, Jul. 9, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link
Howdy Folks,

Another busy day here at the "ranch". It wasn't as hot today as we have had the past several days--in fact, it was pretty nice here today. Even had a little bit of much needed rain this morning. Could take a few more of those types of days, but it is July, so hot and dry weather is to be expected on the Plains.

We took the kids out camping this past weekend. Actually, it was sort of a bday party for our 14 yr. old. He had a couple of friends come along, and they spent last Thursday night in the tent outside of our camper. Then the following day, I took them to the pool and water park at the campground we were staying at. It was hot, so it was nice to be able to jump in the pool and cool off. I guess I am getting older because the heat never used to bother me, but anymore, I am miserable to stay out in it too long, and I was ready to head back to our campsite before too long! The boys' parents picked them up Friday evening after we had our s'mores and we were able to spend some time together as a family on Saturday.

Saturday afternoon we all took naps in the RV with the A/C running full blast (following a trip to the Marina for an ice cream cone). Then, in the evening we grilled out some fine Nebraska steaks. Yum! Yum! We also received a visit from one of our cousins who is from the Atlanta area visiting, as well as dear mother Barb.

Our campsite was pretty shady. There were four or five large Burr Oak trees that kept the afternoon heat from feeling so hot. Didn't even have the awning out on the RV as the oaks gave great shade. And of course, since we were hooked up to shore power we kept the RV's A/C running so we could get into the cooler air now and then, and for sleeping, the A/C was much appreciated!

We played a lot of games of "washers", threw the football around (under the shade of the oaks of course!), rode bikes and scooters, and took a hike over to the park's 2nd campground where there was a playground for the boys to expend even more of the energy that they seem to have an endless supply of. The hike also involved stopping and looking at every blooming flower along the trail.

This weekend will be another camping excursion as we celebrate our other son's birthday at the lake. He will be 20 and wanted to celebrate with friends and family by jet skiing and cooking out polish dogs. Hopefully, it won't be as warm as it was this past weekend, but I'm not going to get my hopes up too high--this is July remember?

Until next time--G'nite!

July 4, 2007

7:44 AM, Jul. 4, 2007 .. 1 comments .. Link

Happy Independence Day!

The fourth of July to me, marks the mid-point of summer vacation. Up to this point, I put all thoughts about home schooling, books, grades, etc., on the back burner. In other words, I take a mental break from "formal" home education until the fourth of July. After that, I start thinking about what I need to begin in the fall again. I finally clean out the school room and get re-organized, get all the paperwork done and begin to plan for the next school year. Guess it's time to get moving on that. But not today. That is something we'll begin tomorrow.

The fourth of July of course always reminds me of the freedoms we enjoy in this country. We are a blessed people, and enjoy many liberties. We have much to be thankful for and should always be grateful to our God for the men and women who have fought so that we could be free. Our freedom hasn't come at a cheap price, nor should we ever take it for granted.

I grew up in a military home. My dad was in the U.S. Air Force for 20 yrs., and I was always taught to honor those who serve our country and defend our freedoms. Our country isn't perfect, nor are we, and it doesn't mean that as a nation, we couldn't do some things better, but the fact remains, we still have much to thank God for, and that would include those men and women who have gone before us in courage to keep us free.

Enjoy your day. But as you are enjoying time with family and friends, grilling out and watching fireworks, don't forget what the day is all about. Don't forget those who are currently serving both at home and abroad to keep us a free nation. Count your blessings. Freedom isn't free.

The American flag flies in my front yard, and I wave it proudly and thank the Lord above for allowing me to live in the greatest nation on earth!

July 1, 2007

11:12 PM, Jul. 1, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

Another birthday was celebrated at our house today by one of our sons. He is turning 14. He is turning into such a fine young man! His special request was chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. We had Valentinos pizza and had grandparents over after church for lunch. Tonight we watched a great movie Facing the Giants -- great family show and I think we'll buy it. What a fun day we had!

Talked with the grandparents today some more about Yellowstone. We're all going there at the end of July. Should be a blast!

Also went and saw my brother at the hospital. He is still on the vent, but he is looking much better and was smiling! Praise be to God!

June 30, 2007

10:26 PM, Jun. 30, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

We mostly worked around the house today. I've been gone so much this week, I really needed the day at home to get some things done. I managed to get the floor mopped and all the laundry caught up. It was a beautiful day so hung all the loads out on the line to dry. I love the smell of freshly line dried clothes! I also worked outdoors and basically did a lot of "piddling" around. I enjoyed it a lot.

The little boys got back from camping with Grandma and Opa. They also did some fishing this a.m. and caught a couple of catfish. They looked pretty tired when they got home, but it sounds like they had a real good time. They especially have a fond affection for their Opa. They think he is "funny".

I did manage to get a birthday cake made and frosted. Chocolate with chocolate frosting per the b-day boy's request. Tomorrow we'll be celebrating ANOTHER birthday!    I managed to sample a bit of the frosting and I think it is keeping me awake! Ugh. I need to get to sleep because we have church in the morning. Writing helps me unwind, so maybe this will lull me to sleep--as it might you as well!

June 29, 2007

12:33 AM, Jun. 30, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

Said goodbye today to our daughter as she is moving for her job. She was working busily away cleaning out her refrigerator when we arrived to see her off. Her car was packed to the brim, and the movers had all her furniture and such all packed already (one of the benefits of working for Gallup!). She was ready to turn in her keys and hit the road!

The youngest boys are camping with their grandparents tonight. Opa will take them fishing in the a.m. We ate supper there with them at their campsite tonight. It was nice and we were able to visit with them a little bit and forget the hectic week we had come out of.

Tomorrow I will need to bake a b-day cake for my 3rd oldest son. He will be turning 14 on Sunday. We'll celebrate as a family with pizza after church and chocolate cake (per his request). Today he was with me when I had some blood drawn at the lab, and the lab tech thought he looked more like 16 than 14. He does look pretty big for his age. In fact, he's surpassed his dad and one older brother in height!

I've had a busy week and I am ready to hopefully "sleep in" in the morning. We had thought about going to Farmer's Mkt tomorrow, but I was gone most of today, so need to get caught up on some things around here. Of course Mt. Laundry is always calling, but this morning before I left, I was at least able to get a couple of loads out on the line to dry. Good thing I got that done anyway!

The two younger boys finished up their swimming lessons today. Sure is a lot of fun to watch them be so eager in learning. Rhonda, their swimming instructor does such a wonderful job as I recall how petrified one of the boys was of the water when they first went to her for lessons a few years ago. Not now! They are like little fish, especially my youngest one!

Our oldest son got back from the Ozarks today with some friends from church. He said there were some great times on the lake and jumping off cliffs into Table Rock Lake. (There are some things a mother just doesn't need to know about!) Great fellowship with other young men and talks about the Bible, and the food good and plentiful.

I've been perusing some RV websites. Being at the campground tonight with the folks made me think about RVing again. Wow, I can't believe Yellowstone is only a month away!

Busy Day As Usual

11:07 PM, Jun. 27, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

Had a busy day again today. The boys are doing swimming lessons so it's keeping me on the run. I don't like that too much, but they do need to learn this all-important skill. They are loving every moment of the lessons and are saddened when it's over.

My brother had another relapse but is doing better. Poor guy sure has been through a lot.

One of the older boys is with some friends from church jet skiing and boating down in the Ozarks. He would live on the water if he could. Then next week he's heading to Chicago for a missions trip. Busy guy he is.

Our daughter is preparing her move to the big city. She was packing up her office tonight when I talked with her. It'll be busy next few days for her.

Well, this is short ...but it is time for me to get some sleep. Tomorrow will be another busy day as usual!

Lots Been Goin On

1:29 AM, Jun. 26, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

A lot of things have been going on lately.

My brother is very sick and recovering in the hospital. He looked so much better today than I've seen him look for about a week. He's still very sick, but he looks like he is on the mend. Lots of people have been praying for him, and will continue to do so. We're waiting for him to break out in a rendition of the "Brady Brunch" soon, and those who know him, know exactly what I mean. Hang in there dear bro!

Our daughter is moving out of town at the end of the week. How weird will that be to know that she is no longer "just across town"? I'm happy for her, but yet I have mixed feelings about us no longer living in the same town. Fortunately, she'll only be 40 miles away, but still it will be so weird. We'll miss going downtown and visiting her. There's just something comforting in knowing she wasn't far away. It was always a lot of fun to stop in and see her at work when we were out on the town for a movie or dinner--the downtown will seem empty without her. She's been a part of it for the last several years either working or going to school. Good thing she'll be in town regularly for grad classes tho! And, her being in a nearby city will give us an excuse to head to the big city and see her once in awhile. I think her brothers will be missing her too--I know I will. But she will rock in her new position--I am confident of that! Go dear daughter!

Our oldest son was baptized by immersion Sunday night. He made a public declaration of his faith in Jesus as his Savior from sin. Probably the most fullfilling thing as a parent is to see your kids come to faith in Jesus Christ and then want to live for Him. Really, there is nothing more important. Now don't get confused though, baptism doesn't SAVE you. . Baptism is simply an outward manifestation of what has already transpired in the heart. That is why we don't baptize infants. Can an infant believe in what Jesus did on the cross? You must believe that you're a sinner and that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for your sins--period! There is no other way but belief in Christ alone. It is not belief in Christ plus baptism. It is not belief in Christ plus good works. It is not belief in Christ plus church attendance. It is not belief in Christ plus anything! It is only through belief in Christ and what he did on the cross and in Him ALONE.    I just want to be clear on this because there is so much confusion on it--especially in the mainline churches. Baptism is simply an act of obedience and public identification with Christ. We have been excited to watch our son's thirst for studying the Word and being involved at church. We pray that he will continue on a path of fruitfulness for Jesus. Keep the faith dear son #1.

So...just lots going on here! But I really should close this and head to bed...it is way past my bedtime, but just had to jot down these significant things that have been going on. G'nite!!!

Family Togetherness

10:46 PM, Jun. 18, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link
We got back last week from a two-day trip to the lake about 5 hrs west of us. Our purpose in going was to jet ski, play on the beach, and spend time together as a family.

Well, it rained. It rained and it rained some more. The wind blew and we were without the advantage of a computer or local channels on the TV to see what the weather was doing around us. (Thanks Unca Gar for the weather reports via our Sprint cell phones!) Clouds looked nasty on the horizon. Was another Nebraska tornado brewing? Thunder cracked close by. Lightening struck from the sky to the ground and the wind continued to blow. The sky lit up like the fourth of July and the rain came down in sheets. So much for jet skiing and being on the lake and enjoying the beautiful sandy beach!

But, we snuggled up inside the beach house and played games. We watched old re-runs of I Love Lucy and the Addams Family on the satellite TV. The kids played Clue. We read. I played checkers with the two youngest boys. We napped. We watched DVD's. The two youngest children are always so excited to have their older siblings around for any length of time that they were getting pretty wired. And of course we ate like food was going out of style! But most of all we were TOGETHER! All 8 of us in the same place at the same time for two days. It was a wonderful time of family togetherness and not having to be anywhere with anyone and to enjoy the sheer pleasure of only our immediate family.

We are so blessed--and so even though we didn't get to enjoy our time out on the lake as we had planned, or play in the sand, we were together as a family once again, and that is really all that mattered. Memories were stored away for future reference. And it is such a joy to see our children enjoy each other's company, and I am so glad it all worked out for us to all be together for those two stormy days at the lake.

(Btw, dear hubby and I also celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary this past week!) God is so faithful!!!

First Camping Trip and Celebrating Another Birthday

8:28 AM, May. 29, 2007 .. 2 comments .. Link
We completed our first camping trip of the season this past weekend at one of our local state parks. It was a great time. The weather, although a bit soggy at times, was for the most part very nice--not too hot, and not too cold. We did the usual things: fishing, hiking, cooking hot dogs and making s'mores. We also managed to play a few "games" of tennis with the boys (yes, this particular park had tennis courts). Of course, the most special thing of all was celebrating our youngest son's 8th birthday! His Grandma and Grandpa came, and we grilled out and had cake and ice cream--it was a lot of fun!

Can 'my baby' really be THAT old? Just seems like yesterday we brought him home from the hospital. Sometimes, I really don't like how quickly the time is going by! But time marches on and stands still for no one. That beautiful dark haired little boy is growing up right before my very eyes, and what a blessing he is to our family. He's full of spunk and vigor and he keeps me thinking young even though my body is saying something else! He's full of questions and wonder and everything is new and fresh to him. He takes nothing for granted. He loves to stop and smell the flowers and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. He's strong-willed and always talking, just like his big sister. But through him, God is constantly showing me how precious these years are, and not to "sweat the small stuff".   So for now, I'm just going to hop on and enjoy the ride!

Ghostly Car Ad

11:02 PM, May. 23, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link
Uncle Gary called today from Seattle. What a pleasant surprise! I couldn't really talk long as I had just put 6 grilled cheese sandwiches on the griddle, and didn't want them to burn. (I used to be real good at burning grilled cheese sandwiches! Ask my dear hubby about that one.) I didn't have any more bread (today was also grocery shopping day) and so I wouldn't have been able to make any more if I messed those up, but we did chat for a few minutes using our "free" sprint to sprint minutes.

Unca Gar called to remind me of the "ghostly car ad" I had e-mailed him last fall. I couldn't for the life of me remember what he was talking about till he re-sent me the ad. Could I have been that mean?! It was one of those ads where things are just hunky-dorey, and then all of a sudden a monster type face appears on the screen and nearly sends one flying off their chair.

Ah yes, got you on that one didn't I Unca Gar! So much fun.

Well, time for me to head to bed. G'nite everybody....sweet dreams, and beware of those ghostly car ads!

Today...

9:27 AM, May. 17, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

My 7 yr. old and I made edible playdough while his two older siblings were taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills through our local home school group. If you have never made and ate edible playdough, you've got to try it some time! It's messy and sticky, but he loved mixing it and eating it up! It's real easy that he did most of it himself: mix 1 c. honey and 1 c. creamy peanut butter, then add 1 1/2 c. of powdered milk and keep adding up to 2 1/4 c. till it's the desired consistency to use like playdough. Have the child knead it and mix it together well. Then let 'em play with and eat it for a snack!

Also on the agenda today is a picnic lunch at a local park with a lake. After consuming our sandwiches of turkey and cheese, we're planning on taking a stroll around the lake (about a mile), and just soaking up the sunshine on this beautiful spring day!

May Flowers

8:27 AM, May. 2, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link
Good Morning!

It's been awhile since I've written anything. Just been too much going on to sit down here and compose anything worth reading.

School is winding down. Today is the last day of AWANA, and next week will be awards night. The year has swept by far too quickly! I am so happy for the chance to work with my son's Sparky class this past year. There is no greater blessing and joy than to watch little people hide God's Word in their heart. What a joy!

My first grader lost a baby tooth last week. He is just so cute with that little hole in the middle. This is my last one--the baby--losing his baby teeth. He is growing up so quickly, and I feel so privileged to be able watch him from day-to-day. I find it sad that many send their young children off to school and miss the greatest blessings of the day-to-day adventures and routines.

This same first grader has been so intrigued by flowers. He picks "flowers" for me every day of one sort or another. Some are weeds, but to him, they are flowers. Joyfully he brings them to me several times throughout the day grinning from ear to ear, and with such a twinkle in his eye that would warm even the coldest of hearts. How can I resist dandelions from such a cutie? It seems wherever we are, this boy of mine notices flowers and is the first to point them out to me. "Momma, look at these!", he enthusiastically calls, and we have to stop whatever we're doing, wherever we're at to look and smell the flowers. How precious that is.

We're going to get outdoors today and enjoy the May flowers--and I hope you'll be able to do the same. Have a blessed day!

If--by Rudyard Kipling

9:02 AM, Apr. 21, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link

I really like this poem and it keeps popping up in a lot of our books lately, so thought I'd share it with you. It is "If" by Rudyard Kipling. It was first in our 7th grade English book, then I came across it in a devotional book I had given to one of my sons. And then, just yesterday I stumbled upon it again in yet another book. And so here it is for your reading and pondering pleasure, "IF" by Rudyard Kipling, (Kipling was a British author and poet who lived from 1865-1936):

"IF"

"If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good nor talk too wise;

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master;

If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with triumph and disaster

And treat those two imposters just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it one one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch;

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With 60 second's worth of distance run--

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!"

Happy Birthday!

2:18 PM, Apr. 16, 2007 .. 0 comments .. Link
It was 5:05 p.m. on April 16, 1984 that our family welcomed a brand new beautiful baby girl into the world! What an exciting and exhausting time it was as we waited upon our first born child to arrive! The anxious feelings of the unknown (are these pains and contractions the real thing?) drove us to pray and seek God for guidance and strength. We were poor materially, but we were rich spiritually. The excitement of bringing life into the world, and becoming a parent is an experience that really cannot adequately be put into words.   It is an experience that we were to repeat 5 more times, and with each time we were to gain more warm memories that will be cherished and are re-visited often in memory.

As I reflect upon that day 23 years ago, I am taken back to a day that will forever be engraved in my heart, and I wonder where has the time gone? I remember a curly-haired little girl that sat upon my lap and loved to be read to, who used to do cartwheels and round-offs like it was second nature, and who helped us plant 800 seedlings on our land. The young girl I shared a paper route with, taught school to, did AWANA with and who used to play "VBS" with her brothers just recently graduated from college and is now making a life for herself. Someday, she will likely marry, and the cycle of life will continue (if the Lord tarries).

But since that day, I will always remain a parent. Whether she is young or old, till my dying day and as long as I have my being, I will always be concerned about her welfare, always be praying for her and will always look forward to a visit, phone call or email from her. Moms are like that you know--always the one person who is always interested in you and how you're doing no matter how old you get. You can bank on that.

I cherish the time that God allowed my daughter and I to be together. There's nothing more special than spending the days with your children. How privileged I have been to be able to cradle that new baby girl in my arms and watch her grow into a woman.

Happy Lord's Day!

6:38 AM, Apr. 15, 2007 .. 1 comments .. Link
It's hard to believe that it's Sunday already. It seems the days and weeks fly by anymore. I have cinnamon rolls that I need to get in the oven for breakfast, but thought I would jot down a few things here first. I feel extra tired this morning, and still working on my first cup of coffee, but I am looking forward to the refreshment of going to church and being refreshed by the brethren.

There is nothing like other Christian friends to refresh and encourage one's spirit. There is nothing like sitting under the teaching of Godly men and being taught the eternal Word of God. There is nothing like sisters in Christ whose simple smile or cheerful hello can warm your soul. There is nothing like rich music to lift the spirit and help one's mind to focus on God and God alone.

If you don't go to a good, solid Bible teaching church, my friend, you don't know what you are missing! God says "not to forsake the assembling together", and there is a reason for that. Christian friends, (which in reality are our spiritual family) are just as important and necessary as our physical family. We need one another! When you choose to take yourself out of the local church, or neglect church attendance "just because it's not convenient" or you want to sleep in, or just plain lack of self-discipline, you are depriving others and yourself of blessings that go beyond all comprehension! You are missing out, and other believers are missing out on your ministry in their life as well.

Well, it is time for me to get those rolls in the oven, and get my second cup of coffee before the rest of the crew gets moving.

Happy Lord's Day!

What Has Happened to Spring?

1:15 PM, Apr. 13, 2007 .. 2 comments .. Link
Well, we thought spring had sprung a few weeks ago when the weather warmed up and buds started appearing and the grass began to turn green. Day Lillies began to peek through the ground and the fruit trees began to flower. But it seems all that has changed as it has been soooooo cold lately.    My youngest son is annoyed that all the flower buds have frozen and that he cannot play outdoors as much as he'd like.   He was annoyed that he had to hunt Easter eggs in the cold. He was annoyed that we will not be sleeping in the camper in the yard (because this mother is a fair-weather camper). He keeps reminding me that it feels more like November than April, which I agree, but what I always ask him is, what can we do about the weather? God is in control of the weather, and when we make complaints about the weather, we are essentially telling God He made a mistake in making it cooler out than it normally is this time of year. Now, I also have to keep reminding myself of this very same thing as I would much prefer the warm air and sunshine, to the cold, drab, dreary, and rainy days we've been having.  Maybe tomorrow the sun will shine, and the air warm up, and the spring will finally come to stay. I guess till then, we'll have to keep the winter jackets out and keep remembering that some time in mid-July we'll be wishing for cooler weather! My, aren't we fickle!

Welcome!

7:37 AM, Apr. 13, 2007 .. 1 comments .. Link
A hearty heartland welcome to this site! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I am sure I will enjoy writing it. Most of all, I hope that in the long run, you will find it spiritually profitable.

My first concern is of course of the spiritual nature. Where will you spend eternity? The book of Romans in the Bible tells us that we are ALL sinners and thus separated from God. But God in love, sent His own Son, Jesus Christ to be born as a baby, to grow up and die on the cross for you and for me. That is great news, because you and I can have a personal relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, if we will only acknowledge our sin before God, and place our faith alone in Jesus Christ as the one complete sacrifice for our sins. That is it! It is ONLY through Jesus that we can have a right relationship with God. There is no other way! Not baptism, not church attendance, not good works, not keeping the 10 commandments, not anything....you fill in the blank...it is only through Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross that you can have a relationship with God and thus spend an eternity in Heaven with Him. Apart from belief in Jesus Christ, you will die in your sins and have to pay the penalty for sin yourself in an eternal Hell. I pray... and I plead with you to accept and believe what Jesus has done for you TODAY!

Whispering Pines

October 30, 2007

C.H. Spurgeon on the Word of God

Let Children Be Children

Private Citizen Speaks Out

Evidence #1 for a Young Earth

It doesn't take a very big person to carry a grudge

Fall is Here!

September 18

Labor Day Weekend

Summer

Yellowstone!

Another Birthday at our House!

First Day of VBS!

Fox in the Woods

Tuesday at Our House

July 9, 2007

July 4, 2007

July 1, 2007

June 30, 2007

June 29, 2007

Busy Day As Usual

Lots Been Goin On

Family Togetherness

First Camping Trip and Celebrating Another Birthday

Ghostly Car Ad

Today...

May Flowers

If--by Rudyard Kipling

Happy Birthday!

Happy Lord's Day!

What Has Happened to Spring?

Welcome!

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