Internet is Back!

Okay, everybody take a deep breath...we have internet again. Just on the big computer, my laptop won't be running till we replace the router that went bad. That's okay...I can blog here and we have email. More importantly, Jon can get to ebay and his klr650 forum!!

We're supposed to get snow tonight. I've heard 2", 2-4", and 4-5". I guess we'll know for sure in the morning. I have lots I want to get done tonight, so I'm going to sign off for now....maybe I'll be back later!!

FYI

Just so you know...my internet has not worked on my laptop for the last few days, and Jon tried to fix it last night. Now we don't have internet on either computer at home. So if you need to reach us you'll have to call. Hopefully, we'll be up and running later tonight...but we'll see. I'm posting this at work, and I will be checking here all afternoon, but I can't get to my email. Talk to you later!!!

Being at Home

So how do you like my new weather sticker???? You can put your town in the "find weather" box and get all the info you need! I really like weather and I'm excited for spring with the changes and maybe thunderstorms (!!!). Tonight I have to bake cake. At my workplace everyone has to bring cake or something unhealthy :) for their birthday...even though I don't have a birthday this year, I still have to bring treats.
Speaking of treats, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATHY!!!!

Tonight the repairman picked up my sewing machine to fix it. Tabbi is cheering...I'm really excited (not) to start on that stack of jeans with holes in the knees...and a backpack to see if I can repair for Bria. Can you tell how much I love sewing and mending? That's okay...it's a necessary evil. Maybe someday someone else in the family will have a sewing machine and can do all the mending!!!

Time to get started on supper, stretches, walking, laundry, putting away dishes, paying bills, all the fun stuff I wanted to come home and do all afternoon!

Thought for the day

The consensus as I received it is that God is okay with our mental breaks, zone outs, whatever we want to call them. I do think though that our heart can remain open to Him even in those times...ready to hear should He speak, willing to rest in Him, even submitting to a circumstance He has brought into our day. He should be the home of our mind and heart...the place we go when we are not actively involved in anything else. Not by effort (though we may need to remind ourselves at first), but because we want to be near Him. It doesn't mean there are always words, deep thoughts, revelation, or anything like that...sometimes it's just a child absent-mindedly sitting on his or her mother's or father's lap, or holding a hand. It's being at home with Him...the rock of habitation to which I continually come.

Open House

Another day...this one was our annual NFS open house complete with the Pancake Man (always good pancakes and excellent sausage). We served almost 600 people between 10:30 and 2:00...including the 80-100 FFA kids who come to help pour drinks, clear tables, and replace empty syrup bottles. I'm in the kitchen most of the time making coffee, koolaid, cutting butter, and filling syrup bottles, but I did get to see and talk to a few people. Tomorrow we'll all be back to the normal routine just in time for the end of the month.

Thought for the day

I don't have many thoughts today...certainly nothing too profound. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly we can go from "enlightenment" and "revelation" to almost no thought process at all. I suppose that is part of just being human...we mentally check out sometimes. It does make me wonder how God sees that. Does He allow for and expect these "mental breaks" or would He have us constantly engaged and actively seeking at ALL times? I will have to ponder.....What do you think?

Change of Pace

I had a change of pace today. I went to Omaha this morning for a dr appt, made a stop at Target, then came back through Logan and went to lunch with Tabbi. I really like going to lunch, and I don't get many chances to do that with one of my daughters. Kelli, we need to figure out how to do that sometime. Megan, you get a turn too! I went to work this afternoon after getting back to town.

Keep praying for Megan and Greg's house sale to close without any problems. The closing date should be March 17. Already this weekend the moving truck will load up their house and should arrive in Iowa about a week later. Greg will be able to stay with their wonderful neighbors next door after losing his furniture.

Thought for the day

God knows and is faithful. Every delay, every bump in the road, every obstacle in our path comes to us ONLY after passing through Him and holds the promise of our best well being as we trust Him, surrender to His care, and obey Him. He understands our immediate concern, the panicked prayer, the fear that enters in, but He calls us to look it squarely in the eye and declare that He is our provider, protector, and keeper and we will trust Him. And we will trust Him!

Moved Again!

Hi, everyone!!! Everything is moving quickly now for Greg and Megan. We helped her move from her 1 bedroom apartment to a 2 bedroom yesterday. Friends went with us with a pickup and trailer so we could bring back some things and get them out of the way. Tre went along with us and was very good help. Next weekend the truck will load in NC and will get to Megan about a week later. The house sale closing is on March 3 and then we'll know very shortly after that how soon Greg will be coming. What a huge relief for them!!! Thank You, Jesus!!!

Tabbi and Tru came for church this morning (Tre was here overnight) and went back home after lunch. I think we're tired. It was pretty quiet around here the rest of the day! Jon and Kelli's family had a very full weekend, too, and sounds like a good time...but I'll let her share!!

I'm still adjusting a little to my glasses, but I like them...now my hair is a little different, too. I did hear rumors about a windfall and makeovers, and I'm good to go as soon as you can get it all lined up, Kelli!?!?

I've got all my pieces in my Blurb project. I may do some rearranging yet, and I will be proofreading for a while. Megan has started to get together some image ideas, so I'm getting really excited. Things will be more hectic at work this week...I'm off for a dr appt on Tuesday and we have open house on Wednesday.

Thought for the day

Our pastor is leaving in three months, and it makes me think about what it is our church needs...pretty hard to put into a simple package to find in a new person, but I will be praying that God gives direction and clarity to those who will be making contacts and decisions. We wish them well...change can be hard, but God is faithful.

Sleep

Changes

It's for sure!!! We will move Megan up to a two-bedroom apartment on Saturday...and I mean up...the third floor!! Today was a change day for me. My glasses came, got a haircut and color after work, and changed over all my filing system at home to 2009 now that taxes are done. I even had to rearrange my desk at work to accommodate the change in my monitor position with my glasses. There is definitely a learning curve with these progressive lenses, but it's coming well and I'm sure I'll like them. I'm waiting impatiently for Kelli to get her computer up and running...GO, KELLI, GO!!!!

Thought for the day

Change is good...at least some change. I'm liking today's changes; they've given me a lift. Not all changes feel this good, and it reminds me again that we can never base our happiness or peace on circumstances. We must base them on God and His promises in the midst of any storm. He promises His presence and provision as we walk every path, and those are the things we can know and depend on.
"The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee." Isaiah 26:3

More Moving Soon

Tonight I went to praise team practice...substituting on Sunday for one of the other people. It's amazing how quickly your voice gets weaker when you haven't been putting in the extra singing time. I better get things warmed up again before Sunday.
In other good news, Megan can transfer to a two bedroom apartment!! We'll probably go move her on Saturday, then she will be set up and ready when Greg and all their stuff gets here from North Carolina. The only down side is we have to go up to the third floor...but a good friend is coming with to help (thanks again, Brad)! Thank You, Jesus, for putting things into place for Greg and Megan after such a long wait...Your timing is perfect, as always.
I'm still waiting for my glasses to come in....surely tomorrow, right? I'm looking forward to having my glasses right where I need them...on my face!! I hope I look really cool, too!!! :) :)

Thought for the day

I'm not able to think about much on a deeper level without it hinging on prayer. I'm still reading "The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer" bit by bit, and it is a powerful encouragement and call to prayer. God limits Himself to our praying in many ways and invites us into the privilege of being a part of His will is in regard to the issues we know or touch. Doc talked with us Sunday, too, about being one with Christ as we pray because He is also always praying. What an amazing thought...sharing His "prayer list". Anyway, pray and don't ever give up praying.

IS ANYONE OUT THERE????

IS ANYONE OUT THERE??????? Okay, Kelli's computer is down; Tabbi hasn't been in the office; Megan doesn't have easy access; Kathy's been out of town. It feels a little creepy out here in cyberspace all by myself. I MISS YOU ALL!!!! I'm feeling a little neglected :( Okay, I'm done whining.

I hope all of you are off to a great week and it just gets better and better. I'm trying to establish a new pattern---getting my stretching and walking in after work while Jon is usually not home anyway, supper a little earlier, and hopefully to bed a little earlier. I have to do something different...I'm too young to not feel better!! I should get my glasses hopefully tomorrow, and I see the dentist, too. You all must be really tired of hearing about this stuff...maybe I should go now.



Thought for the day

Community is very important...even when it's a small one. I'm creeped out by no blog contact and that's not even face to face. I guess we really do need each other. No wonder isolation is not a good thing. I hope you all find ways to "network", to have community, to fellowship, to communicate, to talk to someone. Yes, our relationship with God is the MOST important, but He created us for each other, too. Just do it!!

Inspirational

The weekend...it was great. We got to have Tabbi and the boys here for a little while on Saturday, then I spent the rest of the day getting ready for today's dinner. We got to hear Doc preach at church on lordship and being filled with the Holy Spirit (yes, at fbc!). What a treat!!! After the second service he and Nancy came to the house for dinner along with Dallas and Larry. We visited till about 2:30. They are both so wise that you can just start them with a question and sit and listen, soaking it all up. They are such a blessing.

Thought for the day

We talked today a lot about prayer and how we are united to Christ as He prays. He is praying for us right now, and because we are one with Him He is able to give us His prayer burden (a part of His "prayer list") and we join with Him in the same prayer. How cool is that? The adventure can start today for you...joining with Him in praying for the needs He has put on our hearts. Get going!!!

Mentors

It's Friday!! We have a tax appt tomorrow morning, and Tabbi and the boys will be over here for a while tomorrow, too. On Sunday Pastor Murdoch will be preaching here and he and Nancy will be coming over here for dinner. We're very excited to see them again and have a chance to visit. I wish I could just sit with them and learn and ask questions till I ran out of topics (like that would happen!). That means tomorrow I need to clean and make some preps.

Thought for the day

Did you, or do you, have a mentor? Who was or is it? For both of us it's Doc and Nancy. There have been others who also meant a lot and taught us, but they have been the ones who have contributed the most for the longest time and still stay involved. They remember our family and what is going on in their lives...always sending their love to them as well. They are some of the easiest people in the world to visit with...not "over spiritual" or pushy...they actually like you and care about you. Tell me about yours and how what can we learn from these people that will make us mentors in someone else's life? The cool thing about mentors is there is always someone to learn from and always someone we can help along the way.

Don't Stop Now!!

I finally get to sit down tonight. Most evenings are a little quieter, but tonight I baked cookies, did laundry, and paid bills. Megan leaves in the morning before the snow hits and is very excited to see Greg. They can hopefully put the finishing touches on the house sale and get ready to get completely relocated to IOWA!!!!!!

Best wishes to Tre as he recovers from the stomach virus (don't call it the flu!)
To Bria, Emmy, Tre, and Tru...have great Valentine parties tomorrow!!!!!

Thought for the day

Thanks to all of you for your prayers for Greg and Megan during these last months of transition. It looks like we are seeing the end in sight, but don't stop now. It's been along haul for them this last year with much uncertainty, but even when it seemed it would never end God was working out a perfect plan with perfect timing. Thanks, God!!!

Moving On

Hi everybody!! Thanks for all your feedback these last couple of days, and I'm sure we'll all work our way through this culture and be on the other side of it someday. Hopefully we can help someone else along the way...each other, our families, and maybe a few others, too. Jon is working later again tonight and having more trouble with his leg. He's finally talking about seeing the dr again. One of the toughest things is standing on cement too long, and last night he was doing that for about 5 hours straight, so he's paying for it today.
Greg and Megan had more good news today...one more hurdle to overcome and the house should be sold. Don't stop praying till it's a done deal!!!

Thought for the day

I hope that we will age well. I know that we will face physical changes and challenges, but I hope that we will be strong in heart and in spirit, able to laugh, love, and stay vitally involved rather than consumed with our own needs. It scares me sometimes to see how some people age and then to begin to understand how they got that way when I reach a new chapter that's not so cool. I'm sure this makes no sense to you "youngins", but we'll need your help and an occasional kick in the pants to do this well!!

Response to Culture

Megan and Greg are in process...offer, counter, wait...things look very promising though , and we are VERY HOPEFUL!!! Jon is working late tonight. We had some high winds last night and one of the banks in town lost part of a roof. He is helping tonight to get it tarped and covered.

Thought for the day

Going back to yesterday's post...how do we respond to this present Christian culture? My tendency is to withdraw from the scene, the culture. I avoid conversations that will lead down this assuming path; I do not share myself with very many people. Part of the reason I withdraw is I don't want to disillusion anyone or poison their view, but I would love to get their attention and shake the status quo encouraging them to seek the REAL, PERSONAL God and to know Him in a way that the culture can never achieve for them. So how does that work? I'm sure there must be a better response than to withdraw. How do you see it?

Bowls and Culture

Just to prove what a nut I am about kitchen stuff, these are pictures of my new bowls that I'm so excited about (the small white one in front is just for size comparison). I found them in a catalog called "Country Store" and when they arrived the burgundy one had a huge chip out of the rim. I called the catalog and they said they would send out a new set...and I should keep the ones I have!! I insisted I only need one, but eight more are on the way. How fun!!

On to other things...I find I'm having a hard time getting past the Christian "culture" that seems to have invaded "Christianity" in this country. I love music, but much of the music seems to be empty. I love to read, but it seems that as soon as a certain topic sells well in the book market every author rushes onto the band wagon with their version of this new word from God. There is a very narrow "approved" political view, "favorite" teachers, speakers, talk radio hosts, even news networks. If you attend an evangelical type church it as assumed that you are "in the know" and a part of this culture. It sits so wrong in my spirit...not that the view is "wrong", but the assumption that we are all on the same page. People stand up in church and share their victories...fine, but how do people share when they have failed morally or financially? How do they let others know that their grown child is in prison or has committed suicide? How do they share that even though they have prayed perhaps even more faithfully than "the successful parent" their child has not come to the Lord and doesn't seem to have any intention of doing so? Do we allow failure and hardship, illness and death, sin and sorrow to be embraced as part of our journey and another opportunity to know God? How does this present culture fit with a God who is eternal, always patient, full of lovingkindness and completely familiar with suffering, pain, loneliness, rejection, violation, and death? He draws near to the broken hearted, heals the sick, redeems the lost, forgives the sinful, keeps the universe in place, and calls each star by name...where is He in all of this?

I'm probably rambling, but I'd like to hear your feedback...I guess you already got my Thought for the Day!!

Catch Up Day

I needed a day to catch up around here. After getting home from church I did laundry, laundry, and then some laundry. I caught up on some bookwork then entered all but probably my last two pieces on my Blurb project. Jon spent a good amount of time working on a new project on his motorcycle, then did some sanding on the cradle. I didn't get a nap, but that's okay...I survived without it! Some other good news...Megan is done at her second job and can havea more normal life. Next weekend she is taking a long weekend to go see Greg...an overdue visit.

Thought for the day

It seems the challenges just keep coming...another bump in the road physically. Not a big deal, but it seems like such a waste of time to deal with this stuff and go to the doctor. Lord, help me to stay focused on You and not distracted by these things while I go about my day and work. There are better things to do with my time...help me to do them.

The Other Jon's Birthday

Today is Jon's birthday...not "my" Jon...Kelli's "Jon". He has been a blessing to our family and we always enjoy being with him. He even endured his in-laws for 6 days traveling to the Black Hills last summer and all of us staying in the same cabin! What a guy!! Sorry I don't have any embarassing baby pictures of him to share :) We love you, Jon, and happy birthday!!!

Uninspired?

I went to the eye doctor today...not much change. I brought home some frames home to look over; we'll see. Took some of the fun out of it when I heard the price, ouch! I'm hoping for some divine inspiration here...I hate these decisions.
The weekend may end up pretty busy after all...possible plans now for tomorrow night and a double date with Tabbi and Tru on Saturday night. What are your plans??
Keep praying for the sale of Greg and Megan's house...two VERY interested parties waiting on financing options now.

Thought for the day

I haven't been too inspired today...I slept in this morning as long as I could because of my cold. Today I've been mostly just in survival mode. I wonder how that looks to God when He has done everything to provide for my life and godliness and just go on survival mode. Doesn't sound too supernatural or inspiring, huh? This much I know...even though I'm in survival mode He is faithful, and He is present, and He is actively involved because He loves me. It's the same for you...He is with you even when you are just surviving. Take a moment to acknowledge His active presence and continue on. Stay on track and keep doing what is before you thanking Him for His presence and trust that He is doing His work even if unseen and unfelt by you. Carry on and He will carry you.

Chicken and Noodles

I came home from work a couple of hours early today. I've been coughing and sniffing and had a scratchy throat, and I was caught up on work. At noon I put a chicken on the stove so tonight it's chicken and noodles!!! YAY!!! Sounds great to my throat (do throats have ears?).

It's supposed to be warm tomorrow...50ish. Just enough to make the snow melt and create more icy patches to refreeze!! 50 and some sun is sounding pretty good to me, though.

Thought for the day

Make some time for what feeds your soul...piano music, candles, hugs, laughter, quiet, noise, a good book, a long bath, a short walk, the sound of a train, petting the dog (or cat if you're Kathy), stroking your child's hair or hand, prayer, a sunset, clouds, smelling the flowers (spring IS coming), maybe even chicken and noodles. In that moment, however brief, say "thank You, Jesus" and mean it.

Time for Change

I brought some work home with me tonight, so that nixed the walking. Otherwise I just worked on laundry. Jon may have to go south to help with the outages from last week's ice storm...we should know more in the morning. Tonight we're just making sure that everything he needs is ready in case he needs to go.
It sounds like Megan and Greg will know more about the possible bidding on the house tomorrow...keep praying.

Thought for the day

I'm needing a change. I'm going to the eye doctor this week...probably to get bifocals. I'm tired of taking my glasses on and off, looking for them, and dropping them. I think I'm going to grow my hair out at least a little. Let's see, what else...? Going to the dentist later this month, but I'm not making any big changes there!! I'm still looking for your suggestions on a hobby or project of some kind (remember, no sewing)...where are you people? I'm not sure how this all qualifies as a "thought for the day"...except that I need some change. Lord, show me the real change that I need and want deep within. Help me to let you remake and transform me in ways that will be more real and worthwhile than my glasses and my hair.

Seasons

It's time for statements again...seems like I just posted that. Today was pretty nice, but tomorrow the high will be around 15 I think. I should check that cool little weather gadget on my blog! Things are looking more promising for Greg and Megan selling the house...next couple of days may be big...PRAY!!
We were so excited to see "Chuck" back on TV tonight...you know it's the simple things in life :) I'm hoping to get caught up on some things around here this week...still walking regularly (though not this weekend) and so far my foot is okay...YAY!!

Thought for the day

I apparently live in the right climate for me. I don't like the most extreme days of winter or summer, but it's February and I'm just starting to think I will enjoy seeing spring come even though I'm still okay with some more winter (6 weeks according to Phil today). I've probably said before that I like the change of seasons. They always make be think about the changes in our lives as "seasons" come and go. The spring of new beginnings of any kind at any age...the summer of growth and enjoyment...the fall of full maturity and reaping...the winter of rest or recharging...Throw in the occasional days of barrenness, dryness, celebration, quietness, and chaos and you have a complete life experience that takes the turns and cycles in stride. God promises lives of fruitfulness, days of peace, years of usefulness, all filled with His grace and love until He brings us home to be with Him...then there will be grace for that, too. Fully enjoy the season you find yourself in and don't fear the next...He is sufficient and promises special provision for each one.

Party Pix

I had to share a few pix from Mom's 90th birthday. That's all 9 great grandchildren around here on te second picture. The third and fourth pictures are with her 6 grandchildren. Megan yelled funny faces and her sisters and cousins left her to be the only one looking silly in the third picture. The last one is a nice pose of Megan with Emmy at the restaurant. Mom had a really nice time, and the only one that couldn't get there was Greg in NC. But Greg had some good news, too. A couple looked at their house Friday and came back on Sunday...already financed with no house to sell. They seem to really like the house, so PRAY AGAIN!!

We're watching the end of the super bowl...our one game a year that we actually watch. A few really good commercials as always...the nice thing is it's over before it gets really late. And it's over...an almost game for Kurt Warner. I will still sleep just fine...at least as far as the game goes.

Thought for the day

We really appreciated all the grandkids efforts to come to the party. It was a nice tribute to my mom. Thanks, everybody!!!!