Connecting

These are pictures from our visit to Kelli's house. I've been a little slow with pictures lately...time to catch up! Those girls know how to make Logan happy!!

It's blowing like crazy here...just roaring at times. There have been a few flurries, but mostly just wind. No real news today...like they say, "no news is good news". If you haven't looked at Kelli's blog, check out the pictures she posted today...pretty amazing. Keep praying that their house stays dry and their community is kept safe.

Thought for the day

I was reading Acts 17 today. When Paul was in Athens he was speaking to those who would listen but what I saw today was that he spoke to where they were...in a city full of idols he didn't scold or correct of accuse them...he saw the idol of the unnamed god and used that avenue to reach his listeners by introducing them to the true God they were acknowledging. He showed them respect while he told them the truth in a gracious, winsome way. We would do well to follow his example and meet people where they are. As I recall, Jesus did the same thing...that's being in good company!

Good Habits

Wow...Monday night TV is just fun. I talked to Megan earlier, and they are safely back in their new digs and happy to be together. They were going out to eat with college friends...how fun! There was good news for Emmy today...she does have an ear infection and they're treating both ears, but the doctor doesn't want to consider surgery to close the large holes in her ear drums till she's 8. He has seen them heal up on their own given enough time, so that's what we're praying for!! Also, their piano was delivered today...looks very nice and it seems that they got a really good deal. Bria will start lessons tomorrow morning...no wasting time! Plans are being made for Tru's 5th birthday party Saturday night...looking forward to it!

Thought for the day

I'm trying to get up earlier in the morning and get that extra time and space that I need. Still, I sometimes catch myself dozing off while I'm reading which seems to defeat the purpose, but I'll keep plodding on. They say it takes about 3 weeks to form a habit...I think I'm a slow learner!! It is the thing I want to do most...spending some quality time in the morning reading and praying, yet one of the hardest things to do well. I'm sure the reason it's hard is because it's the last thing the enemy wants me to do well. Well, I will persevere and the Lord sees my heart more than my performance.

Back in Iowa!!

It's 2:00 and I just talked to Megan...she and Greg just crossed into Iowa!! They will be at his parents in about an hour and stay the night there. Thanks again, Jesus, for another safe trip! They had some rain along the way and just a few flurries...otherwise clear sailing!
In other good news, the Red River crest projection has been lowered for Grand Forks. That's good news for now, but there is still a lot of snow and water to get rid of!
We've had a quiet day home. I did some cleaning and laundry and got caught up on some other odds and ends. I put a roast in the crock pot for supper and I'm baking an angel food cake to go with the strawberries I got at the store.
It's pretty nice out today, but cold is forecasted for the rest of the week. We went to a very nice wedding in Des Moines yesterday and had a great time. The pastor knew both the bride and groom really well, and the ceremony was very nice and personal. The important thing is everybody said "I do"!

Thought for the day

We saw a friend at the store today who we haven't seen in a long time, and the conversation made me realize how blessed I am. In the last year and a half she's had 2 major health issues and is facing an upcoming surgery as well. Two of her three children have moved far away...one is estranged from her completely right now. She and her husband have split up. Yet she chooses to see God's hand and is waiting for "all the pieces to finish coming together". Lord, help us each to believe in the midst of any circumstance that You are at work and will bring us through to a good end.

Updates and Making Changes

It's Saturday---yay!! I'm cleaning house this morning and this afternoon and evening we'll go to a wedding out of town. Tomorrow will probably be a quiet day home because Jon is on call. Megan and Greg are probably on the road heading home--HOORAY!!!
Tru is having a "friends" birthday party this afternoon which I'm sure will be great fun...park, playground, cake, presents...it doesn't get much better for a 5 year old!
Jon and Kelli are still staying dry and we're very grateful for that! Sadly, Emmy has another ear infection. :( :( EMMY, GET WELL SOON!!!!

Thought for the day

Jon and I have been talking together a lot about our words...seems God has put the same issue on both our hearts convicting us of the same thing. I think it will be much easier to make changes with both of us being aware of the need. When you share a fault with the only person you live with it's far too easy to stay in the rut and not even be aware of the problem. We've talked about the "joking around" that isn't really joking but rather a barb, insult, or criticism...insisting on making a point or having our way...attitudes of cynicism or scorn... So the rest of you feel free to keep us accountable as well!! But please be kind!

Kindergarten is Coming!

We had a good time with Tre...he and Grandpa played outside for a while after work then I took over till Tabbi came. We had some quality computer time, too. Emmy called to tell us that she signed up for kindergarten today and she was very excited!! Tru went to kindergarten roundup at his school today, too, and thought it was great!

Thought for the day

I was reading in Proverbs today and there were many passages in chapter 10 about the way we talk and the positives and negatives that result from the way we speak. Pretty convicting when we think about how carelessly we can speak sometimes. Read it yourself and see what you think!

A Day With Tre

I'm having a day with Tre!! This morning we saw Grandpa at work, watched ScoobyDoo and played Zoo Tycoon on the computer. Here he's eating pancakes! Surprise, surprise! Tre wants to say "Hi, Mom!!"

Five Years Old

Today Tru turned 5 years old!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRU!! We're looking forward to your party later!!

I got good news today. I had a medical test last week and got results today that showed no problem at all. I must say that I'm quite relieved but more aware. Thanks, Lord, for Your grace and protection. Tomorrow I get a day with Tre...haven't done that in a long time and I'm looking forward to it!! Saturday we'll go to Des Moines for a wedding, and Jon will be covering calls on Sunday. My bronchitis and sinus infection are pretty well cleared up, just a little coughing yet.

Thought for the day

Do you ever feel like a 5 year old? In some ways that would be great...seeing everything with fresh new eyes and finding the world an amazing, wonderful place. In some ways that would mean feeling like you'll never be "big" and get to do all the cool stuff the older kids do. I'm sure sometimes you'd feel like your mom knew everything and you were in trouble a lot. Those things are much like the things we experience as believers...the awe, the highs, the thinking we won't ever "arrive", the conviction of sin...yet God calls us to childlikeness in all the good ways. He also calls us to grow in grace, mature, and develop our faith and gifts. So it's okay to be 5 years old in our simplicity, sincerity, and trust, at the same time growing in the practices of obedience, prayer, and walking out the truth we've been given. Here's to 5 year olds!!

Proverbs 3:3-4

"Chuck" was excellent tonight!! Not just fun, but actually suspenseful...I give it 4 stars! Oh, that's right, I'm not a critic...not for money anyway :)!
I'm still having occasional coughing fits, but I feel pretty good. I made a lot of progress catching up at work today. We got some weather moving through tonight, but for us it was just some rain, some wind, and a little lightning.
Kelli's family should have no problem with flooding from the river...the dikes should be sufficient. However, ground water flooding is still a concern, so prayers that they are able to stay dry are appreciated.

Thought for the day

This weekend Scott England quoted a Scripture I really like...Proverbs 3:3-4 "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man." How do we bind them around our neck and write them on the tablet of our heart? It seems that we need to wrap ourselves and immerse our hearts in God's kindness and truth. When we live like that we are filled and able to practice kindness and truth toward others as well. If we try to just practice them without receiving them first, we're pouring from an empty cup. Don't try to do this out of your own reserves...they're not that deep, but God's resources are endless and He wants to pour them through you.

Abiding Journey

I am feeling better, but still having a tough time breaking anything loose with this cough. We had some special meeting at church this weekend...Jon went Friday night and we both went on Saturday. Chad Hambrick and Scott England gave a mini conference called the abiding journey. Chad does the speaking and Scott leads worship. They also held both services today. It was very good in helping you look honestly at your daily life and where you are not living or ministering like Jesus. I saw some things I needed to see and can hopefully let God work out in my life.

The rest of today was quiet...saw Tabbi when she came back from Megan's (I'm pretty sure they didn't sing "Sisters" while they were together :( ). I baked cookies and did a pile of laundry. I even fit in a short nap. I'm reading a book that Bria loaned me called "Inkheart". It's very fun, and I'm enjoying it a lot. Thanks, Bria!!

Pray that Jon and Kelli and their town is spared from any kind of flooding with the spring thaw.

Thought for the day

I am hoping to be faithful in letting God make some changes in my heart as He sees fit without becoming "performance based". I need Him to purify my attitudes and outlook while still being true to the Truth. It's hard to put into words...just needs to be worked through.

Back to Work

I actually went to work today---all day!! It wasn't "exclamation point" exciting, but it means I'm feeling better. I'm still coughing, but not so badly. We don't have any real plans for this weekend, so I'll finish healing up. I may go to work for a while tomorrow...just depends. I hope all of you had a good week and a good weekend ahead.
Congrats to Kelli's family on locating a used piano---fun for you, Bria and Emmy! Tabbi and Megan should have some quality sister time this weekend---fun for you two!! I'm sure they will sing the song "Sisters" while they're together.

Thought for the day

As much as we may complain about work, it's no fun when you're too sick to go there. So I'm thankful for my job and being able to go. You should be, too!!!

Morning Nap

I'm home again today with sinus infection and bronchitis. I think I'm addicted to the morning nap...that will be dangerous when I go back to work. Thankfully, so far everyone else I've been with is staying well.
Greg will work through next Friday and she will fly down that day so they can drive back that weekend!! They are very excited!!

GREAT NEWS!!!!

Okay, enough running around for a while!! I made it through my appt today without coughing during the test which was pretty much a God thing because I'm coughing a lot!! I haven't felt this miserable in a while...it has wiped me out! I will plan on going back to work tomorrow and try to function...hopefully, I'll be feeling better!
In the area of GREAT NEWS, though, Greg and Megan's house sale closed today with no problems!!!!! He will put in his notice tomorrow and see how long they want him to work and start making plans to get to Iowa!!! HOORAY!!! And thanks to everyone of you for your prayers!!

Thought for the day

Enjoy your health!!!

Home Again, Home Again

We are home!! We had a wonderful time with Kelli's family and even they had warmer weather...in the 40's. I got up Saturday not feeling well, and later figured out I was running a fever and started coughing. I'm better but still coughing a lot at times. Tomorrow we go to the city for at least part of the day, then back to the work week.

Emmy was especially pleased that Aunt Tabbi had sent a Diego Rescue Center and Bria, Emmy, Grandpa, and I played a lot of Diego!! We went to see "Race to Witch Mountain" which was fun at least for Bria...Emmy somehow fell asleep in spite of the extremely loud volume. Thanks, Lord, again for another safe trip!! And thanks, guys, for a really fun time!!!

Thought for the day

Be thankful for the little pieces of goodness that God sends your way. My granddaughter who is 8 curled up at the theater with her head on my shoulder and later when we were listening to "Adventures in Odyssey" with her I invited her to sit with us and she said "I was hoping you would say that" and curled up with both of us. That was a gift I thought had passed and I was very grateful. Thanks, Bria!! And thanks, Jesus!!!

Taking Off

I'm packing up tonight, excited to go in the morning. We'll try to leave around 6:00, and I usually have trouble sleeping the night before we go away so it will probably be a short night of sleep. I won't be back on here till at least Monday night, maybe Tuesday after we go to the city that day.

I need to keep moving so I'm going to go...you all have a great weekend. Stay safe and well!! Love you!

Humor or Scorn?

Today we were shorthanded at work, but not too busy so that worked out well. The Harlan boys' basketball team won their game at the state tournament today and will play again tomorrow night. I think they play again on Saturday whether they win or lose tomorrow night. Today was still very cold, but sunny. It should be a little warmer tomorrow then improve through the weekend. Jon got to go to Omaha to an equipment show today, so that was fun for him. He's forfeiting a chance to go to Kansas and tour the Gleaner combine factory Thursday and Friday so we can leave Friday morning to go to Kelli's. He likes his granddaughters better...isn't that sweet? Thanks, honey!!!



Thought for the day

Yesterday I posted a little bit about a "perverted mouth". Today I was reading in Ezekiel chapter 25 and God is pronouncing judgment on Ammon. There is this statement "because you have clapped your hands and stamped your feet and REJOICED WITH ALL THE SCORN OF YOUR SOUL against the land of Israel...." That capitalized phrase seems very descriptive to me of so much that passes for entertainment, comedy, even our own humor these days. Humor is fine, but it can't be at someone else's expense without crossing a line into sin. That's a high standard, and I'm not pointing a finger at anyone else that doesn't point at me. I am as guilty as anyone, and it happens so fast and comes so easily. I believe a sense of humor is a wonderful gift, but we must not let it be twisted just as we would not want any other gift to become a tool of the enemy. We must be diligent without being caught up in a performance mentality of earning God's favor or love. That's a lot to digest...we may need to roll this one around in our heads and hearts. Let me know what you think!!

Benefits of Wisdom

BRRRR!! The temperature fell all day long...it's not really bad, 14 degrees now, but it was combined with lots of wind and drizzly, damp stuff then a little snow. It sure sounds cold when you hear the wind howling. Kelli, I may not be as good at denial as you are!! But I am looking forward to some better conditions over the weekend. Besides I'm always warm when I get hugs from grandkids!!

Jon worked on the cradle this afternoon getting some fine details just right. I still have a little mending to finish, hopefully in the next couple of nights.

Thought for the day

Proverbs chapter 8 is a lesson on the benefits of wisdom. Consider these...truth , righteousness, straight-forwardness, instruction better than silver, knowledge rather than gold, wisdom better than jewels, prudence, discretion, understanding, power, riches, honor, wealth, fruitfulness, justice, life, and favor. That's quite a list. There are also warnings against a perverted mouth...I'm not sure what all that would include, but certainly lying, gossip, and criticism would be on that list. How many shades of that are we guilty of? How easy it is to slip into destructive speech and hateful behavior. Let's choose instead to live wisely, to guard our words and ways with wisdom that will reward us and those around us.

Greg's Birthday

Today is Greg's birthday!!!!! Happy birthday, Greg...can't wait to see you get to Iowa!! No more 80's in March for you!!
Tomorrow will be a nasty weather day, but nothing like Kelli's family will see...blizzard, wind, snow, extreme cold. But it should be fine for the weekend and we are still planning on going there. We're very excited!! Tonight is Monday that means Chuck and 24...yay!!!! Today I got more thread so I can finish mending...maybe tomorrow night.

Thought for the day

I was reading in Acts this morning and in chapter 13 Paul and Barnabas are on their first missionary journey and Paul was preaching and speaks these words "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses." Great stuff...freed from ALL THINGS. Let's see what that would include...performance, selfishness, self-centeredness, pretty much all the "self" stuff. The seed of any sin or bondage lies in the "self" at its core. So through Jesus we are freed from "self". This is great news with regard to our sin, but that aside, it's really great news in regard to our self-centeredness...our preoccupation with ourselves. We worry more about "our stuff" than we do nearly anything else and we need to realize that Christ has set us free from that bondage. The thing we need to do is count on that provision of freedom and begin to step into it.

Drier Times

The week starts again. When I got up this morning at 6:00 it was pouring rain, and I was sure it would be freezing temperature...but it was about 34 degrees and never did freeze. After church we came home and I took a nice long nap. Later I tackled a big pile of mending and ran myself out of 3 colors of thread before I quit. Then some laundry and picking up.
We're getting excited to head out next weekend to see Kelli's family...pray the weather stays good so we can go!!

Thought for the day

I'm pretty much at a loss. I promised some inspiration with these posts, but I haven't been delivering lately. Please be patient...maybe now is a good time to talk about the dry times...you know, the times when there isn't much inspiration or revelation. Just the daily plugging along doing what you know to do and hoping God is at work in the midst of it all. God honors our days of "carrying on" and knows our hearts. He loves us, cares about us, and will walk us through. It doesn't mean that we aren't walking with Him, it's just a quiet time. If you are in that place keep walking, keep talking to Him, and know that He is holding on to you.

Change Your Clocks!!

Megan has furniture!! She was really glad to see their things again...she hasn't "lived" with her stuff for 7 months. Now she has a little time to sort and put away before Greg comes. Greg's parents came to help with setup, and we were all very thankful for two young men with the truck to carry all that stuff up to the third floor!! Even they were huffing and puffing when they got to the top of the steps. Hope you're all having a great weekend. Tomorrow we help with the greeting at church and the rest of the day is ours...probably mending for me. Jon will unload the stuff we brought back from Megan's today and take the truck and trailer back.
Thanks again to all of you for your prayers for the house sale, safe travel, Greg's healing and able to go back to work. We're almost through the process...just get Greg here, find work, and eventually a house. Thanks for your continued prayer through to the end. Is there ever an end? :)

Thought for the day

I'm tired but very thankful for God's provision for all of us. Have a good weekend and I'll "see" you soon!!
AND DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS TONIGHT!!!!!

I'm Back

Okay, I'm officially BACK!!! My laptop is working again---hooray! Thanks, Jon. We actually had to have a tech come to the house to figure this one out...I still don't get it.

Tomorrow Megan's furniture arrives and she IS excited. We'll try to be over there around 9:00 to load up the things they won't need for a while and bring them back.

Tonight I worked on laundry, vacuuming, and rearranged my living room shelf and the basket in the entryway, and a couple of other little jobs that have been staring at me for a while. I hope to spend a good amount of time on Sunday on my mending pile...we'll see how that goes!

My doctor appointment yesterday is open-ended...waiting to schedule another test. I liked the doctor and he seemed really thorough. I was in the lab for a test and leaving to go back out to the waiting area when someone said "Well, hi, Luann!" Freaked me out! I turned around to see someone I did not recognize at all. Rather than fake it I put a really blank look on my face, looked at her name tag, back at her face, and said, "Do I know you?" She said her name and then I realized it was my sister's niece on her husband's side. She may have been at my sister's funeral, but I don't remember and before that I have NO IDEA when I would have last seen her. So we hugged and caught up a little...it was nice, but a little unnerving at first!

I would love to have a "thought" but I really need to get ready for bed...getting up about 5:30-5:45 in order to go to breakfast before we leave town in the morning. Good night...sleep tight!!

Still Waiting

Well we got a new router, but my laptop is still not working...more to come. Jon will be on the phone tomorrow morning trying to get it resolved before we go to the city. Jon's excited to have off the next 12 or 13 days...must be nice!

I've got to get something more done here tonight...you all take care. "See" you later!!

Pins and Needles

My sewing machine is done...good news for Tabbi!! I'll try to make some progress this week. I even stocked up on needles, machine needles, straight pins, and a new magnetic pin holder!! I guess you could say I'm on pins and needles today!! Bad...I know.

I worked a little late printing statements, but there will be no sewing tonight because CHUCK is on...then 24. It's sad that I've turned into a TV junkie, but it seems to be the case on Monday night at least. As for my laptop we'll find out tomorrow if we have a bad router, or an issue with HMU and our ip address. Either way it should be working soon.

I go to the city on Thursday and Jon is going with. He will be taking off Friday after that, all the next week, and at least Monday of the following week in order to use up some vacation time he had saved back in case he had to go move Greg. Speaking of Greg---SNOW. I haven't talked to him yet to hear how much, but an awful lot for that part of the country.

Thought for the day

I was reading in Ezekiel this morning...chapter 22...a long listing of Israel's accumulated sins then verse 30..."I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one."
ONE person to build up the wall and stand in the gap for that long list of sins...how much difference can we make? The wall would seem to me to be the horizontal issues which we would like to resolve...never quite a completed...there is still a gap, a place where that one can stand before God in prayer, intercession, pleading His mercy, confessing the sins of the people that God may have mercy. Ultimately, of course, that ONE person was Jesus, but is there not a lesson for us? Can we work on the horizontal as far as we are able and stand in the gap that remains seeking His face for our family, church, neighborhood, nation, and world? Just what is the power that He would work through us?

Unbirthday

We had a fun weekend. Saturday and Sunday were my "unbirthday" days. Megan came about noon on Saturday and was able to stay until this afternoon. We watched our 3 Jesse Stone movies getting ready for tonight's movie on TV. My cousin Dean called me yesterday and sang "Happy almost birthday to you!" There were the VERY funny cards that are always so much fun! Today Trever, Tabbi, Tre, and Tru came over at 10:00 and stayed till 3:30. We all had dinner together and just a general good time. Since then I've been doing some laundry and making sure I'm ready to give the movie my undivided attention! Hopefully, this week we'll get my laptop running again...I miss it!

We are tentatively planning on going to see Kelli's family in a couple of weeks for a long weekend...praying for good weather out ahead! Greg and Megan's truck is loaded up and headed for Iowa...should be here next weekend!!! Hopefully Greg will be just a couple of weeks behind!!

Thought for the day

Keep praying for the house sale to go off without a hitch...no problems on the horizon!! I hope that you all know how much we appreciate that we can share prayer requests and know that you care enough to actually pray!! We really do need each other in all these events of life!!