The Journey

Is the Coffee too Hot?

2010-10-01T11:46:00.005-04:00

The routine in our house is pretty boring and certainly nothing worth writing about. However, today I have chosen to do just that.

Each morning I get up and start the coffee pot. Shortly thereafter I get a Styrofoam cup and fill it up, add sugar and a special plastic lid and off Byron goes ready to start his day. A couple days ago Byron called me and said, "Honey, my cup is leaking. Its totally falling apart. Either the coffee is too hot or the cup is too weak."

Wow! Life has been a bit overwhelming for me lately. All of my children are in school now and in so many ways that saddens me. Its been allot to wrap my mind around. We are in the middle of a large building project here at our church. We just started a building our garage. I am still homeschooling. Our home computer died. The devil has been fighting me over allot of things. I am currently looking for a job to help make ends meet. My house just never seems to stay cleaned up. It seems like I am constantly fixing meals. The laundry is NEVER done. There just seems to be so MUCH to do.... so many people to minister to..... so much stress.... My coffee just seems TOO hot! My "cup" of my life just seems to be leaking and falling apart.

So, is the coffee too hot or is my cup just too weak? 2 Corinthians 12:9 says: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

So, clearly, He wants us to recognize and acknowledge that our strength must come from Him. Obviously He knows that we ARE weak vessels.

Isaiah 41:10 says Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

His right hand signifies power! The very OPPOSITE of weakness!

Isaiah 43:2 says When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Sounds to me like my sweet Heavenly Father KNEW before I even came into existence that my coffee was gonna get really HOT! Yet, He knew me and put down in the record that He would be with my poor weak cup and would help my sorry ole cup of life to not disingrate or fall apart.

So, friend.... if your cup is leaking, let me just say.... Yep, your coffee is probably too hot but if you are a child of God's He has promised to help you and promised to keep you from falling apart like the silly ole Styrofoam cup that Byron had.

If you are not a child of God's, you absolutely can be!! He's simply a prayer away and is longing to be your Abba Father. All you have to do is ask. Its truly that simple.

He Really Wants Us To Make It (part 2)

2010-09-18T22:15:00.005-04:00

Some of you will remember this post from last year.

Well, today we experienced the 2010 pedal pull and God once again used it to teach me a faith lesson.

Last week, Byron and I began to compare our schedules for today and it looked like he would not be able to make it to the pedal pull today. I noticed that Kendra seemed especially perturbed and sure enough later in the day she called me into her room where she was crying. I asked her what was wrong and what she said really hit home with me - today. She said, "Mommy, if daddy isn't there I won't be able to win." I asked her why not and she said, "Because I can't win if daddy isn't standing in front of me calling for me to come to him."

Just pause a moment and let that sink into your head.

We HAVE to win this race to Heaven. But the beautiful truth is that our Heavenly Father is standing out in front of us constantly "pulling" for us. Constantly cheering us on. He IS with us.

On the other hand, how many people are you standing in front of cheering them on... pulling for them? How many young Christians are you pulling for? Some of them are pedalling for all their worth and feeling like the weights are just too heavy. You may be the only tangible thing they can latch onto and through you gain the strength to keep pressing forward toward the mark.

So....the two things God re-taught me today:

1. Our "Daddy", our Heavenly Father is ever before us. We don't have to ever worry that His schedule may be too full to intercede for us.

2. I may be the only cheerleader/encourager someone I run into today has. I cannot let anyone down.

And in closing...just a couple pics from today..... Be sure to notice how closely the girls had their eyes on their daddy. Another lesson perhaps, eh?

Hanging on for dear Life!

2010-09-06T23:12:00.003-04:00

This is me on most days.... going about my business. Albeit somewhat "living on the edge.." Doing my best.....

This is me on some days.... Just "hangin on for dear life!".

(Byron took these awesome pics while hiking through the woods today. I LOVE them!!)

Great Great Grandma Blair

2010-09-06T23:05:00.002-04:00

The kids and I got spend a few minutes visiting with my Great Grandma Blair. I wish my kids could have had the privilege to visit her in her younger days and get to sit and eat gingersnaps dipped in buttermilk (with just a sprinkle of pepper) before bed each night. I have lots of very fond memories of sitting beside Grandma while she read to me "The Pineapple Story" and many others. But now we will live with the special memories we have and pass them on to her great great grandkids!

Persistance in Parenting

2010-09-06T22:45:00.005-04:00

Maggie is a mom. She is a feline mom. She had 5 kittens 5 weeks ago. Maggie is probably the best feline mom I have ever seen. Super protective and took excellent care of her kittens.

Saturday was the first "cold" day we've had since the kittens were born. Not only was it cold but it was very rainy. Shortly after breakfast I heard Maggie meowing loudly and persistently at the front door. I ignored her for awhile - and she persisted. So I took her a bit of food and mindlessly stuck it outside the door as quickly as I could. And the meowing continued. This is very unlike Maggie. She has never done this before ever. When I continued to ignore her, she started leaping up into the air as high as she could and banging against the door.

So finally, I couldn't take the noise any longer so I went out to relocate the howling mama. When I went out onto the porch though, I saw that when I opened the door, I had pushed aside a tiny kitten. She had carried the kitten up to the front door and laid him down then started to howl to get my attention.

So, I picked up the kitten and carried him through the house and out to the back porch where I placed him in a box with a towel. Previously the kittens home had been beneath the hosta's in front of the house - in the now rainy, cold elements.

I went back to my housework and soon heard the now familiar meowing/howling. So about 10 min later I went back to the door and found a 2nd kitten had been laid at the thresh hold. I took this kitten to join his brother on the back porch. Meanwhile, Maggie doesn't know where I am putting the kittens. She thinks I am taking the into the warm dry house. For you see, Maggie once lived in this house. Shortly, the meowing and howling started again and I soon found the 3rd kitten laying at my front door. I then took the last kitten and Maggie and completed the feline family circle in the warm dry box on the back porch.

The whole episode made my mind start thinking about the level of my dedication and persistence to see my children safe from the harmful elements they are living in. And ultimately, am I willing to be that persistent to my Heavenly Father in prayer for my children's soul? Is it enough to simply bring them to the Father each day and then sit back and wait to see what happens? Or should I be as persistent and dedicated as my feline friend, Maggie?

Youth Camp 2010

2010-07-25T00:17:00.002-04:00

Free slideshow design made with Smilebox

Kendra Graduates from Kindergarten

2010-05-21T21:50:00.001-04:00

Create a free digital slideshow

Washington DC

2010-05-19T13:29:00.001-04:00

Create a slideshow design

Friends!

2010-05-19T08:22:00.003-04:00

On our trip to DC and back we spent some time with some amazing friends. Here is a slideshow of them. I somehow forgot to add the pic of us and our friend Mike. So, I will add that pic below. My kids look exhausted in the pics with Mike simply because they are. We had parked at the Lincoln Memorial and walked to all the others from there. Several miles!

Make a slideshow

Keepville Church Mother's Day Banquet 2010

2010-05-09T14:05:00.001-04:00

Customize a slideshow design

Vincent Plays Violin

2010-05-01T22:06:00.001-04:00

Recital Time!

2010-05-01T21:51:00.010-04:00

Today was the long anticipated and much dreaded recital day! Kenton has been taking guitar lessons since late last fall and Vincent has been taking Violin lessons for about 10 weeks. He's only had a violin for the last 7 weeks. The boys are taking lessons at Edinboro University and we are very pleased with their instructors.

Kenton played "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" and "Amazing Grace". Vincent played "Twinkle Variations" which is a fancy name for "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" but played with a "mississippi hot dog" bow stroke. Considering that Vincent has only had 7 lessons with his violin we were all (including his instructor) VERY impressed that he was able to play the song! One thing I learned today was that my children are not lacking in love or support. Their support system today numbered 20! Yes, that's right.... my boys had 20 loved ones at their recital cheering them on. After the recital everyone came to our house for lunch and fellowship. We had a lovely time together.

Vincent's teacher is 70 yrs old and is still teaching full time....leads a symphony in Erie, PA.....etc etc. An amazing man. One would have to be amazing to teach 7 yr olds how to play a violin!!

Vincent performing

Kenton performing. Kenton and his teacher.

US Border Patrol

2010-04-29T11:38:00.002-04:00

A friend just sent this to me and I just had to pass it on.

-----------------------------------------------------

The United States Border Patrol is asking citizens to keep on the lookout for a red 1951 Chevy that they suspect is being used to smuggle illegal immigrants across the border of Mexico and into points along the U.S. border. If you see the vehicle pictured below and have reasons to believe that it is the suspect vehicle, you are urged to contact your local police department or federal government authorities.

Daniel's Recital

2010-04-24T09:22:00.005-04:00

Two years ago God allowed us to make our first trip to Alaska where Byron was the youth speaker for their youth camp. While we were there we met (among other awesome young people) Daniel Ridenour. Daniel is from Alaska but attended IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania). So, we were able to get together with him and get to know him better over the last 2 years. Daniel graduates this month and will be moving on to bigger and better things but we were privileged to be invited to his senior recital and graduation party this weekend. He did an awesome job at his recital Friday night and we had allot of fun at his bonfire/party last night!! Congratulations Daniel!!! We're proud of you!!

Daniel and his awesome parents

Daniel's dad is also a music genius and he accompanied Daniel on some of his recital pieces which I thought was very special.

Vidalia Chop Wizard endorsement

2010-04-19T16:56:00.004-04:00

I promised my loyal readership (all 4 of you) that I would post any products which fall into my "better than sliced bread" category. Today's item truly is far better than sliced bread because it makes the nasty job of chopping onions - or really truly ANYTHING - SO much easier and FAR quicker.

The Vidalia Chop Wizard is between $15.00-$20.00 at your local Walmart. I am sure they can be found cheaper online but since mine was a gift, I haven't had to price check.

So, put this handy dandy little gadget on your wish list. It's DEFINITELY worth it. I've chopped onions, radishes, grapes, peppers, strawberries, eggs, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc in mine and it works like a dream.

You Know You Live in 2010

2010-04-14T10:39:00.002-04:00

I typically pretty much ignore "forwards" but this one was too good. So, here it is for your entertainment....

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2010 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave..

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you...

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses .

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12.. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

Keep me in your will

2010-04-11T14:24:00.005-04:00

I'm sure I am no different than any other Christian when it comes to desiring to be ever in the center of God's will however, I often struggle with exactly what that looks like. While I was single I prayed that I would marry whoever God's will was for me.

Now that I am married and have children I often pray that Byron and I would ever minister where God's will is for us. My children are starting to ask me how they will know what they should be when they grow up. I typically tell them that God will show them (in time) what His will for them is. Kenton asked me recently, "What if God's will is for me to be or do something I can't do?" I assured Him that God will never require of us anything that is outside of our realm of capabilities.

As a pastor's wife - and now that its April, the time of the year when tradition among our churches is to vote on their pastor for the next contract period, I find myself thinking about the whole concept of "being in the center of God's will". I haven't figured it all out yet but I do know that my heart is sincere. I do not want to be anywhere but exactly where God wants me to be. I never want to put my desires ahead of God's will and in doing so be in the way and hinder God's work.

This song so vividly describes what my heart feels about this matter.

Thank You To My Husband!

2010-04-07T21:55:00.006-04:00

We don't usually exchange birthday gifts,

but this year Byron surprised me.....

Byron hand made the mantel clock out of solid cherry. It's beautiful! The DVD set is a series I've been wanting forever!! Five Mile Creek - It's a wonderful series! We hadn't been able to find it but he tracked it down and surprised me!

I'm Feeling Loved!

2010-04-07T21:28:00.004-04:00

Birthday's are typically all about the kids in this house. But this year has been super special. Tonight our church people had a party for me after our Bible study. We had about 24 people there and it was allot of fun. Thanks to George and Ilene for hosting the event!! Here are some pictures of our evening.

Putting a gift to good use!

Alyssa with Wayne Drury (she's wearing Kenton's new hat)

Mrs. English is in her mid 80's and has more energy than my kids. She is a phenomenal woman and such a blessing to our church. She is amazing.

My oldest turns 10!!

2010-04-06T20:07:00.001-04:00

Free greeting customized with Smilebox

Easter Friends

2010-04-06T16:36:00.001-04:00

Customize an ecard

Forever in our hearts, Always on our mind.

2010-04-06T11:49:00.000-04:00

Create a digital slideshow

Byron Gurnee MD.

2010-03-25T21:00:00.002-04:00

Kenton's stitches needed taken out so Byron decided he was capable of doing it.....

The Puppys - unveiled!

2010-03-25T20:30:00.002-04:00

Alyssa is Kindergarten Bound!

2010-03-24T14:55:00.006-04:00

Today was the big day.... Alyssa's first step toward Kindergarten. I have no idea where time has gone. It is truly unbelievable that my baby is about to start her academic adventure. I just got done telling Alyssa that she was growing up too fast and that I was insisting that she STOP growing up so fast. She looked at me and said, "So what do you want me to do? Just skip all my birthdays?!" I told her that would be a good start. She said, "Yeah, like I'm really gonna do that mom!" *sigh* I tried.

Anyways, here are some pictures of our morning...

Alyssa made friends immediately.

Speech/language screening

Eye screening

Hearing screening

Daddy's little girl

Group A

Clown #4 for our family

The final event of the day... the much anticipated bus ride!

After the registration event we went to find Kendra. Here's the happy reunion!

What does kindness look like?

2010-03-21T16:53:00.008-04:00

Today it looked like this:

Yes, those are mint oreo cookies. Given to me by a sweet lady from our church. She came into church this AM and gave me a big hug then handed me a package of mint oreo cookies.

Now, what really touches me about this act of kindness is the fact that this lady has not been going to our church very long. I am not even sure how she knows that I love love love mint oreo cookies! This act of kindness tells me that she is listening to everything I say and trying to get to know me better! Somewhere along the line I must have told the ladies about my oreo love. I don't know. But, it feels good to be loved and to have someone desire to know me enough to pay attention to the little details!

God help me to pay attention to the "little details" of the lives around me.

We Thirst

2010-03-16T10:57:00.002-04:00

We have had on going issues with the lack of water here at the parsonage. Actually the church has water issues....and the whole neighborhood. If we drill over 50' we have the danger of getting into brine water from all the gas wells in the area. So yesterday after all the melt of snow and all the rain...yes you guessed it we are out of water. A very strange anomally occurs when ever it is going to rain or is raining - we have less water. We ran out last night and this morning we assumed we would have plenty of water. My dear husband jumped in the shower and turned on the water, adjusted it and extra lathered up. That is when the water shut off. He spent 30 minutes waiting for more to trickle in the well while I kept flipping the pressure switch. He finally got cold and tired of waiting and used a towl to get the rest of the soap out. We always keep plenty of "other" liquids on hand in case this happens.

I long for a time when I can live in a place where I can let the water run as long as I want without worrying about it!!

And..... while we are talking about lack of water and thirst..... this song came to mind.....

"Mommy Promises"

2010-03-16T00:50:00.003-04:00

by Julie Steigemeyer and Wilson Ong

Last December I ran across this book in Ollie's. I purchased it for my children. When I got it home and read it to my kids I was just overwhelmed by the depth and emotion of the book. Tonight I presented a copy to our mom to be from our church at her shower. I HIGHLY recommend this book to ANY mom. It can be purchased from Amazon.com.

Alyssa-isms

2010-03-14T20:31:00.005-04:00

We do not permit our kids to leave the sanctuary once church begins. We make them all use the rest room before it starts.So tonight Alyssa keptbugging me to let her go to the restroom. I kept telling her she had to wait. She finally leaned over and told me that she couldnt wait. I knew she could so I said, "well then just wet your underwear." She got a horrified look on her face and said, "In God's House?!" I just shrugged my shoulders. She then said, "I dont think thats God's will'. These kids definitely keep me laughing!

P.S.... doesn't the picture above just go along perfectly with the subject matter of this blog entry?!!!

The Good Ole Days

2010-03-13T14:56:00.003-05:00

I suppose I'm about to show my age by writing what I'm about to write but so be it. :-)

Today is a rainy Saturday. I happen to like rainy days. They are cozy and a bit restrictive as far as outside activities so for an adult, that means the "to do" list is a bit smaller. Even as a child I liked rainy days. But Saturday's have always been special to me.

As a child, our home ran on a pretty unchanging routine. Dad left for the barn at the same time each day and came in at the same time each day. Of course there were the occasional deviations but for the most part, our schedule was the same every day - every week - every month.

Part of this schedule was Saturday. Saturday's were always special and fun. I don't even think it was my moms intention to make them special and fun. It just kinda happened I think.

Here's how a typical Saturday would look....

8:00 AM - Dad would come into my room (after having just come in from the morning chores at the barn) and turn on my radio to the local Christian radio station and Uncle Charlie with Children's Bible Hour would be just coming on. He'd kiss me to wake me up then he would go downstairs to eat breakfast. At 8:30 the story would be over and I would go down to eat with him.

9:00 AM - We (my sister and I and mom) would start cleaning the house. It was my duty to clean my room, the bathroom and sweep the whole house (that was a big task) and dust and polish the whole house (another huge task). Once we were all done with cleaning......

11:30 AM - We "girls" headed for town. During this trip we would get groceries and any other incidentals that were needed. We would eat lunch out as well.

We would be in town til 5:00ish then we would head home in time to welcome dad in from the days work.

This happened the same way every single Saturday of my childhood. And, as insane as it may sound, I miss those days. I took for granted the time with my sister and my mom and dad. Back then I thought I would NEVER grow up and leave home.

I have a good life now as an adult but there is a longing inside to go back just for a month or two and re-live those days. I would SO treasure them more if I could re-do them. I don't know that I'd change anything just that I would enjoy them more.

Well, obviously that isn't going to happen and so far I've not even come close to establishing a "Saturday routine" that my kids can someday write about.

*sigh*

Ollies Bargain Outlet

2010-03-13T10:01:00.004-05:00

Today I am using my blog to endorse a few products and/or places. First off is "Ollies Bargain Outlet". This is one of those stores where you just never know what you may find and if you DO find something you want, you best get it right then because it may not be there the next time you go. My favorite thing about Ollies is their book section. They have a huge selection of books and the prices are very good. Allot of great stuff for homeschooling families as well. So..... if you want to check if there is a store near you check out their site.

6+4=10

2010-03-12T20:55:00.002-05:00

Our family increased by 4 last night. Check out Byron's blog to see how!

Only in Albion

2010-03-12T19:25:00.006-05:00

It has always amazed me how God puts us right where we'd best fit in. Albion is a country town with country folks. I remember shortly after we moved here I went to town and left my wallet at home. i had a cart full of grocery's. The store manager came over and saw me and said, "Oh! I trust her. She's the new preachers wife. Let her take the grocery's and bring the money next time she's in town." At fair time you'll see tractors driving all over town. It's a very down to earth, relaxed community and I love it. I'm truly "at home" here.

Today while driving through town we saw this:

Shortly after a friend came into town a bit further down the street and saw this:

How cool is that?!!

Celebrating Mama's Birthday

2010-03-03T16:06:00.003-05:00

Mama and Papa came last night for a birthday dinner to celebrate another year of life with Mama! The cake was decorated by the kids. :-)

New Friends

2010-03-03T15:53:00.003-05:00

Kent Jeffries and Alex Fourman spent the night Sunday night and my kids thought they should have spent allot longer here. So, to the rest of the Jeffries and Fourman families.... you better come visit soon!!

Kent reading to the boys

Anyway Love - Gary Thomas

2010-02-26T15:19:00.004-05:00

A friend just posted this on Facebook and I think it is quite possibly one of the absolute best articles on marriage I have seen in a long time.

This article first appeared in the Couples Edition of the January, 2007 issue of Focus on the Family magazine. Copyright © 2007, Gary Thomas. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.

Anyway Love

To love anyway is to love like God – and to learn about God's love for us.
by Gary Thomas
Note: Names have been changed.

On Valentine's Day, Meg* went all out, giving her husband, Peter,* his favorite candy and tickets to a hockey game. Later that night, she wrapped herself in a special outfit purchased just for the occasion.

Peter got her a card.

At the grocery store. That he purchased on the way home from work.

He didn't add anything to it, either. He just signed it, "Peter."

A couple of days later, Meg tried to explain that she felt a little taken for granted. Apparently, Peter misunderstood her intent because two months later, when they celebrated their anniversary, Peter didn't get Meg anything.

"How could you not get me anything for our anniversary?" she asked Peter the next day. "Especially after our conversation about Valentine's Day."

"Well, I thought about getting you something, but it didn't work out," he replied. "And then I knew not to get you a card because you said you didn't like that last time."

"It's not that I didn't like the card. It's that the card alone seemed a little sparse. But even that is better than nothing ..."

Several months later, Meg had a birthday. This time, Peter got her a present – a kitchen tool set. Several weeks before, Meg had asked to borrow Peter's tape measure and screwdriver. Peter figured that Meg should have her own small set of kitchen tools so she didn't have to borrow his.

Meg recounted all this and then explained how she had tried to get her husband to read several how-to books on loving your spouse. He would read the first few pages, lose interest and never pick the book up again.

"I've realized this is never going to change," she confessed. "But I love him anyway."
Because ...

That last statement of Meg's, "but I love him anyway," is one of the most profound theological statements on marriage I've ever heard. Most of us base love on because, not on anyway. I love you because you're good to me. I love you because you're kind, because you're considerate, because you keep the romance alive.

But in Luke 6:32-36, Jesus says we shouldn't love because. We should love anyway. If we love someone because that person is good to us, or gives back to us, or is kind to us, we're acting no better than anyone else. In essence, Jesus is saying you don't need the Holy Spirit to love a man who remembers every anniversary – not just the anniversary of your marriage, but the anniversary of your first date and your first kiss. Any woman could love a man like that. Or if you love a wife who lavishes you with sports gifts, who goes out of her way to make you comfortable when you get home from work and who wants sex anytime you do – well, you're doing what any man would do. There's no special credit in that!

But if you love a spouse who disappoints you, who can be a little self-absorbed – now you're loving anyway. In doing that, you're following the model of the heavenly Father, who loves the ungrateful and the wicked.

... Or Anyway

Will you love only because? Or are you willing to love anyway? Will you love a man or woman who doesn't appreciate your sacrifice? Will you love a husband or wife who takes you for granted? Will you love a spouse who isn't nearly as kind to you as you are to him or her?
Just about every faithless marriage is based on because love. Christians are called to anyway love. That's what makes us different. That's what gives glory to God. That's what helps us appreciate God's love for us, because God loves us anyway. He gives and gives and gives – and we take Him for granted. He is eager to meet with us, and we get too busy to notice Him. He is good to us, and we accuse Him mercilessly when something doesn't go just the way we planned it.

But God loves us anyway. To love anyway is to love like God – and to learn about God's love for us.

That's love, the way God intended it.

Happy Birthday to my Mother in law

2010-02-26T08:51:00.003-05:00

I think this is probably the first year in several that I did not forget my mother in laws birthday!! Yeah for me!!! :-) Anyways, I thought I would just re-post the slideshow I did last year for her. Happy Birthday Mom and Mama!. We love you!

div>

Make a Smilebox greeting

Happy Birthday Shandra!

2010-02-23T11:55:00.007-05:00

Today is the 28th birthday of my sister, Shandra. One of her friends posted 28 reasons why she is so special and since I can't even begin to hold a candle to that I will just suffice it to say, Shandra, I love you more than you know!! It is such a privilege to be your big sister!

From here:

To Here:

With All the Many Miracles

2010-02-21T17:30:00.006-05:00

You all know by now that nothing speaks to my heart more than music. Of all the wonderful creations of God, music is by far my favorite. Anyways, this song is currently one of my very favorites. I guess it just encourages me and right now, that's what I need. Each of the verses to this song speak directly to me and my immediate needs. Now, listen and be blessed!!

Shamrock Shakes are BACK!!!! (limited time only)

2010-02-18T12:09:00.005-05:00

Shamrock shakes from McDonald's happen to be one of those "little things" that happen to make me smile - REALLY big!!! I'm not a McD's fan. I really don't care for their food all that much but I will say that when they get their Shamrock shakes, I will drive out of my way to get one. They are to die for. Honestly. If you've never had one..... RUN... don't walk..... and get yourself one TODAY!!!!!

Who will be crying at your funeral?

2010-02-17T15:10:00.006-05:00

I just ran across this from Rick Grubb's "Redeeming the time" seminars. I thought it was fantastic!

------------------------------------------------
Who will be crying at your funeral? That’s a question that author Patrick Morley, began asking himself.

Morley and his wife were successful in their business. Their schedules were filled with business and civic responsibilities. Meanwhile they had young children at home who needed their attention.

One evening, as they reviewed their time consuming responsibilities, the thought came, ""Why not prioritize everything we do on the basis of who will be crying at our funeral?"" And that's exactly what they did. The results, they claim, saved their family.

Why should you and I invest all our time with people who don't love us, at the expense of those who do?""

Powerful thought. It is a question of priorities. It is a question of putting first things first. It is a question of redeeming the time

Free book (you pay only shipping)

2010-02-17T08:38:00.006-05:00

I do not endorse everything Vision Forum advocates however, they have many great resources and this book looks like one of them!!

Through February 19, 2010, you can get a copy of Passionate Housewives Desperate for God for only the price of shipping. Here’s how:

1. Visit Vision Forum and add Passionate Housewives Desperate for God to your cart.

2. Go to checkout and enter coupon code FREEPHDG.

3. You should be able to checkout only paying shipping charges. This coupon expires at midnight on February 19, 200 (CDT).

Thanks, Shellie!

Daddy Comes Through!

2010-02-16T23:49:00.006-05:00

Vincent is now taking violin lessons from Edinboro University under Dr. Howard Lyon. If you google his name you will find out some extremely outstanding and interesting facts about this man. Anyways, his first assignment to Vincent was to take a butter box and a paint stirrer and make a violin. He was also to use dowel rod to make a bow. Vincent came home and Byron promptly told him he'd help. The result exceeded all of our expectations!!! It looks adorable!! Dr. Lyon said he had never had one that nice.

Visiting Friends of like profession

2010-02-16T23:28:00.008-05:00

A couple weeks ago we took a road trip to spend a day with some friends who are also pastor's and pastors wives. We had a lovely day together - so much so that I was too busy laughing to take many pictures.

The parsonage queens

Evie Shiery jr.

The only picture I managed to get of Mike (sorry Mike)

Vincent and Garfield Shiery

Byron and Paul solving one of the may problems

that were resolved (or not) that day.

Miss Kallie Eckert (isn't she just a doll?!)

Special Friends Visit

2010-02-16T23:13:00.006-05:00

A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world. ~Lois Wyse

A friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should. ~Author Unknown

A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your heart. ~Attributed to Heather Pryor

And in conclusion... just for Mr. Herl - "A good friend is cheaper than therapy. ~Author Unknown"

The Cousins Visit!!

2010-02-15T16:12:00.008-05:00

Its been awhile but my nieces (aka, "The Cousins") visited this weekend and we had a blast!! However, since I was so busy sitting around eating bon bons and reading my novels whilst (I love that word) the 6 tiny people ransacked my house I managed to only take a couple pics - all of which were posed. Well, as you will see, they were an ATTEMPT at posing the 6 angelic munchkins. If you'll look very closely you will see that the halo's are all barely visible. :-) (Just kidding). I was hoping for a frame-able - very nearly perfect pic of a group of adorable children but despite the fact that I kept saying, "Ok, kids!! enough goofing around!! Let's have a good pic now!".... this was what happened.....

Valentine's Day 2010

2010-02-15T15:54:00.008-05:00

I am very late in making a Valentine's Day post but I do want to say that my heart is full of love!

First of all, I am deeply in love with my Heavenly Father. I daily marvel that even if I had been the only one on earth, He still would have gone to the cross and suffered. Is that not just mind boggling?!

Secondly, I cannot get over the love God designed to hold together and enrich a marriage. This marks our 15th Valentine's day together and while I thought I could never love Byron more than I did back in 1995, I'm amazed how the years have drawn us closer to each other in much deeper, mature love than I could ever have imagined 15 yrs ago. The years have had incredibly low lows and some fantastically memorable "highs". Byron, thanks for being my Valentine.

Thirdly, I am DAILY amazed at the love I receive from the most awesome friends a girl could ever hope for. I have no desire for hoards of surface, shallow friends but I do deeply appreciate and love the handful of deeply loyal and faithful friends God has sent my way.

Fourthly, I am deeply thankful for the love of my family. Time has a way of changing the extended family dynamic but time in no way diminishes the blood connection. I sincerely love my family.

Fifthly, I cannot say how much I admire, love and respect my sister. She's the only one I have and I suppose I can sometimes get a bit protective of her but I love the relationship we have and I love the fact that while we couldn't possibly be more opposite of each other, we have a love for each other than continues to grow through the years.

I am truly loved. And I deeply love. Ain't love grand?!! :-)

My first Valentine's Day roses since we've been married. We agreed long ago to not spend money on flowers that would die within hours.

This year God allowed Byron to get me long stemmed roses for free!

Kendra and St. Jude's - Update

2010-02-10T10:43:00.004-05:00

Thanks to 3 very special people Kendra raised $75.00 for some very special kids at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. I will upload a couple pics of her working on the math problems as soon as I get my camera back. Thank you VERY VERY much to the 3 who donated. You know who you are!! :-)

Kendra and St. Jude's Hospital

2010-01-21T10:26:00.004-05:00

As a general rule, our children do not participate in the fundraisers from the school. We do not want anyone to ever feel obligated to buy from our kids - especially in the position we are in as Pastor family.However, this past week, Kendra brought home a fund raiser that we feel is a worthy effort - AND Kendra will benefit as well. They are doing a Math-a-thon in which the money Kendra can raise by doing math problems will be donated to St. Jude's hospital. http://www.mathathon.org/index.shtml

The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is the largest childhood cancer research center in the world in terms of patients enrolled in research protocols and successfully treated. Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. St. Jude sees about 230 patients, on average, each day. No family ever pays St. Jude for medical treatments.

So, Kendra will have approx. 200 math problems to solve. So far she has 5.00 pledged if she can do all 200 problems in the 7 days she is allotted. She is still gathering pledges and is so excited. Ok, so I am excited to.

I pray that none of my children will ever have cancer but it makes me feel good that we are doing what we can to help another family.

If anyone is interested in pledging money toward her effort you can call us or email us! Thanks!

For an update on the situation in Haiti....

2010-01-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

check out this blog....

http://livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/

Where Has Time Gone?!

2010-01-03T09:06:00.004-05:00

Today my baby turns 5. It is just impossible for me to even believe that my youngest is FIVE. Alyssa Julene snuck into our family and has been such a joy to our family. Love ya lots sweetheart!! Happy Birthday!

Newborn

Oct 09

The Silver Lining

2010-01-02T20:50:00.007-05:00

There is a saying that goes like this... "Every cloud has a silver lining". For us, our friendship with Wade & Dianne and Rich & Danielle (and their families) has been a perfect example of this. April 4, 2009 will forever be etched in our memory as one of - if not- the worst day of our lives. However, out of the awfulness of that day, we have found wonderful friends in Officer Wade Sarver and his family and Officer Rich Houck and his family. These 2 men are some of Pittsburgh's finest officers and we are proud of their service. Wade was "there" on April 4 and we appreciate his service and actions that day.

Today our 3 families got together for the holidays and had a fantastic time. Thanks Sarvers and Houcks for your friendship!!

(Somehow the camera must have gotten put away after the Houcks showed up cause I don't have any pics of them and their kids playing.)

Wrestling

Discussing the fine art of deer hunting

Wearing out Wade

Playing the Wii

Happy Birthday to Alyssa

The men solving the problems of the world

The kids love Wade

Kendra & Payton playing

Kenton and Mackenzie

The 3 "PW's" - 2 "police wives" and 1 "preachers wife"

Christmas #1

2009-12-27T14:02:00.003-05:00

Our children are completely and totally aware of the true meaning of Christmas and Jesus birth is truly always the center of our activities and celebration. However, we do have some fun with the whole "santa" aspect of Christmas (see past posts of former Christmas's). One of our local friends dresses up as santa and goes around Christmas Eve to different families spreading some cheer. This is the 3rd year for him to come visit our kids. He brings each of the kids 1 small gift and they are so tickled.

Christmas scrapbook

2009-12-27T13:46:00.001-05:00

Byron teaching Kent and Vince how to change the oil on the tractor.

Christmas Caroling

2009-12-27T13:36:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite Christmas activities is caroling. My kids singing to Mr. & Mrs. Conley. They had sang to quite a few others before this picture was taken and you can tell they are tired. They were missing their Sunday afternoon naps.

Singing to Mrs. Marie McAdoo. Without her, our church would not be in existance. There was a point in our church's history where there was a group of people in authority trying to close down the church. Sr. McAdoo and 2 other godly women in the church stepped up and fought hard to keep the doors open.

2009-12-27T13:10:00.002-05:00

Our church ladies make our Christmas treats each year and this year they totally hit the ball out of the park. The chocolates were AWESOME!!! We had so much fun making it together and then at a later date we all packed it together. Here are the pictures of some of the church ladies as we packed the boxes.

Christmas Time With Daddy

2009-12-16T16:29:00.013-05:00

This past week Byron scheduled into his schedule some time to just sit and read to the kids. Of course they loved it and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them together. I took lots of pics for when they are older.

He Really Wants Us to Make It!

2009-11-11T00:43:00.003-05:00

For whatever reason, I grew up with the idea that God was in His Heaven with His arms crossed over His chest not just waiting for me to goof up and commit some sin but even expecting me to do just that. I've always known that He could and would forgive me of my sins and that His perfect plan is for all of us to make it to Heaven someday but I never really "got it" until recently.

This summer, our kids participated in the pedal pull at our local fair. Alyssa is 4 and this was her first year to participate. Her father was so intent and determined that she would make a "full pull" - make it to the finish line. Check out this picture:

Look at her daddy. He is wildly waving her towards himself - the finish line. His whole body is into the effort. It doesn't take much to see that if he could win the pull for her himself, he would do it. Yet, he couldn't do it for her. She had to win the race herself. But that didn't stop him for cheering her on and shouting encouraging words to her. Oh, how I wish you could have heard him!

This is a perfect picture of our Heavenly Father. We're sitting on this silly ole tractor called life. We'll trying our dead level best to win this race. But it's hard. The weights keeping getting piled on. The load keeps getting heavier and heavier. And He keeps cheering us on. We want to stop. Yet He keeps cheering. We grumble, "the load is too heavy! I can't carry this much!" Yet He keeps frantically motioning us toward Himself.

If we could see Him, I can guarantee the picture would look very much like the above picture of Daddy Byron and his little girl. With every once of his being, Byron wanted Alyssa to win that race. How much more so must our Heavenly Father want us to cross the finish line victorious and into His waiting arms.

No, He's not up there expecting us to fail and waiting to chastise us when we do. He's leaning towards and gesturing frantically, "You can do it!! Keep pulling!! Don't stop!!! Don't look back!!! Keep your eyes on me!!!"

Keep pulling. Don't stop! We CAN make it!!

Does this remind anyone of Barley Green, JuicePlus, etc?

2009-11-10T20:09:00.002-05:00

Vinegar for flu, cold, etc....

Barley Green.....

JuicePlus......

Garlic........

Read this article...(click on this link)

Experts: Placebo power behind many natural cures

Those Were the Good Ole Days

2009-11-09T23:54:00.002-05:00

When my dad was a little boy his grandfather Wallace would take him to this old cider mill. We stopped to look at it while we were visiting last week. It is in very run down condition but all the equipment was still inside and intact.

The Annual trip to the pumpkin Patch

2009-11-09T23:18:00.005-05:00

My dad is friends with a man who owns a pumpkin farm. Each year he allows dad's grandkids to come to his pumpkin fields and pick whatever pumpkin they want. These pumpkins are ENORMOUS!!!

Happy Birthday x4!

2009-11-09T19:35:00.004-05:00

A couple weeks ago we went to my parents to celebrate Kendra's 6th birthday. While we had her party we also celebrated both of my grandfather's birthdays and my grandmothers birthday since all 4 have birthday's within days of each other. Here's pics of the event. You can see the age of each person on the cake.

Grandpa Wallace

Grandma Wallace

Papa Blair

Kendra

Grandpa & Grandma Blair with their great grandkids

Grandpa & Grandma Wallace with their great grandkids

Dreams

2009-10-28T22:53:00.002-04:00

Two nights ago I had a dream. That is not unusual for me. I tend to dream frequently. Typically I can't remember the dream the next day. However, this dream was very intense and I woke up crying. The dream went like this....

I was very elderly and in a nursing home. In the dream I was laying feebly in a bed and Kendra - in adult form was sitting beside me crying and holding my hand. I asked her what was troubling her and she said, "Oh Mom, don't you worry about me and my problems. There is nothing you can do to solve my problems so I don't want to burden you with them." Even in my dream, my heart was broken. I'm a mom. Even in my advanced age and diminished strength, I was still, through and through, a mom and my nature was, even then to solve my children's problems. However, my adult child was not giving me that chance. The dream then moved on to Kendra getting up and kissing me tenderly then leaving the room. However, as she left the room her adult form changed back to her present day form of a 6 yr old child looking over her shoulder at me.

As I laid there in my bed, I could feel - almost taste my own longing to go back to her childhood. To when I not only COULD solve most if not all of my children's problems but alas, was expected to solve them. I ached to hold each of them and rock them and carress their small heads as they laid against my chest. To tuck them into bed and be the center of their universe. But, instead, I was helpless and alone. Alone with my memories.

I woke up sobbing. I was heavy hearted the next day. Partially because I am well aware that the day is coming, truly RACING toward me where that scenerio will not be a dream but my reality. It is the natural course of life and nothing will reverse the aging cycle other than death.

However, the haunting fear that I awoke with was this.....When my time comes to reside in such a facility, what exactly WILL my memories be? Will they be memories of what COULD have been or what was and can never be again. In my mind I heard a little voice from just earlier that morning - "Mommy, can you come play Candyland with me?" My response? - "Oh, Alyssa, Mommy is so busy getting lunch ready. I really can't right now. How about later this afternoon?" I remembered then that "later" never happened. Another scenerio flashed past my eyes..... "Mommy! I can't make my bed! The sheets are all off, please come help me fix it!" My response? "Kendra, Mommy can't come right now. I am too busy. You can do it yourself cause you're a big girl." Shame on me!

These are just a few examples of scenerios that I am going to strive URGENTLY to avoid ever again. I do not want to have regrets when that day comes.

Next to God and Byron my children are my top most priority and will always be. I just want to go on record. I may not agree with every choice they make (when that time comes) but they will always and forever be mine to mother and I will make sure they never ever question my love, my loyalty to them and my pride in them.

This has definately been a "strange" post but I felt like I needed to post it. I had decided not to but I just felt that I was to post it.

2009-10-28T21:16:00.001-04:00

This is a "Must Read" about Priorities

2009-10-10T22:59:00.006-04:00

A friend of mine pointed me to this and I'm so thankful to her. This is possibly one of the most encouraging articles I've run across in a very very long time. This was written by a blogger mommy who also homeschools. Her blog is http://www.aholyexperience.com/. Her name is An Voskamp. Here is the somewhat lengthy but outstanding article:

He comes to the back door, Opa Voskamp, like they all do. Never up the cobblestone walk to the front door, there off the porch, with its wreath and welcome mat, but to the back door off the garage, the one which purposely has no walkway at all from the laneway to the doorknob, and walk into the tossed shoes, the dropped bats and balls and shovels and gloves, in through the mudroom. In through my laundry, my piles, my underwear and crusted socks.

I try to smile. He tries not to look.

His own wife smelled of bleach their fifty one years of marriage. She met her sons at the back door with fresh clothes and a hamper, ready to take clothes smelling of sweat, cows, straw directly to the washing machine. You could bounce quarters off the stacks of linens in her closet. she didn’t home educate their nine children. I do, our six. I always seem to forget this minor detail. Does he?

I try to smile. It’s weak. I catch him looking at wrinkled jeans waiting the folding.

We hug long and I love this man, hunched frame, and I just close my eyes to the trail of papers and books across the counters, and he pats my back, takes a chair, mine, and I move to the other end of the table, serve the bowl of salad, pass the bread, the pork chops, and the children chatter, the men talk.

“You got that grain dryer wired this week, did you?” Opa asks between the mouthfuls, over children laughter.

“Yes, that’s finished up,” Farmer Husband pours water into his stainless steel cup, his Dad’s too. “And we got that aeration floor laid out in the grain bin at the other farm too.”

“You get a lot done in a week, don’t you?” Father smiles at Son, glints my way, and I warm with the gratitude, and Son shrugs his shoulders, smiles in thanks for the affirmation of a Father. “Well I guess we just try everyday.”

Try everyday. I do. Really, I do. I laugh, shake my head. Who would know it, looking around here most days?

I get up to fill the pitcher at the tap, sapling child needing rewatering. Test the temperature with the fingers, then fill. Who can see the spelling lessons? The breakfast made this morning? The next chapter of The Yearling read, the last child rocked early in the morning, the prayers whispered middle of the morning? I try in a week and a lot may get done, but the right things? Like water through fingers…

I water this grove of children. The water pours and think how I want a crumbless, smudgeless, spotless house, a house with empty laundry baskets, empty sinks, empty garbage cans, with floors like mirrors and mirrors like water, and a pantry lined neat like books in the study and pies lining the counter like sweet children all in a row. I want the (seeming) perfection all day that only happens at night when the whirl slows to a still and the six children sleep, their books and their legos, their papers and their creations, all finding their resting places too. I want a father-in-law who walks in mid-spin and sees what I have done with a day, with a week, and smiles his satisfaction.

I want things seen.

These can be idols.

Again, again I return to the story of Abba Paul, that desert monk who wove baskets and prayers.

While other monks lived close enough to cities to sell their handiwork in the markets, Abba Paul lived such a distance that the cost of transportation would exceed any profits from selling the baskets. Nonetheless, each day he collected palm fronds and worked as faithfully as if basket making were his primary means of support.And come the end of the year, when his cave overflowed with long months of toil, he took torch to the work of his hands and the flames devoured and rose higher and cackled long into the night. Then, come morning, the heat died away, satiated. And Abba Paul stood in the long quiet and the wind blew away the ashes of all his work.

Abba Paul had nothing to show for the work. Product made papery ash.

Too often, mostly, sadly, I want product, others to see product, so yes, they can see: I have worth. Stinking idols. This, I think this is why I struggle to stop to pray at fixed times throughout the run of a day. If I stop doing, will I have merit? Will I still exist if I stop the producing?

How do I forget that I actually exist more, fully, wholly, when I do that which I was made for? Worship. Communion. Prayer, hidden and intangible, it is the day’s true product, it’s ultimate purpose.

So Abba Paul knew. The product is secondary…. Perhaps even pointless. It’s the prayers, the relationship, the love while doing the work, that hold the meaning, the merit.

The process of prayer is the real product.

That process may not be seen when walking in the back door.

Only the eyes of a stilled, seeking heart can observe things not visible.

“Are there any more potatoes?” A young son grins, lifts his empty plate, hopeful. I pile his happiness high, scoop out the last of the mashed spuds. Morning’s work complete and gladly gone.

The bowl’s empty.

I stack the dirty plates and children joke and I catch Tall Girl’s eyes and she smiles and nods.

Again, today, I must: Slay the idol of the seen.

Today, a thousand times again today, I will: preach the truth to this soul prone to wander. I will seek the affirming smile of Father.

“Unseen. Things Unseen. Invest in Things Unseen.”

The dishes pile on the counter and we sit, read Scripture, take the hand beside us, and we pray.

....pray to your Father,who is unseen. ~Mt. 6:6

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ~ 2 Cor. 4:18

Thankful Monday

2009-10-05T18:34:00.003-04:00

Today, I choose to be thankful. My humanness wants to complain and whine but I am consciously choosing to be thankful and to push away the worrisome, negative thoughts that are just pounding in my head.

- Today, I choose to be thankful for my wonderful husband who took a chance on me 15 yrs ago - a geeky, immature high school girl. This man puts up with me, loves me and takes care of me. Yes, I am one of those women whose man takes care of her. I am not out to prove anything and I just happen to believe that part of mans role is to care for his wife and I am quite content and happy to let Byron fulfill that role in our relationship. And yes, I also know that if anything were to happen to him, I will be in big trouble. We'll cross that bridge if/when we get to it.

- Today, I choose to be thankful for my healthy, fun, ornery, obnoxious, lovable children. Through them I have gained a far clearer picture of my heavenly Father. Through them I see how total, unreserved acceptance works. Through them I have learned how to love without reservation and with eyes closed to imperfections and faults. Through them I have learned to prioritize and to practice patience in all things, at all times.

- Today, I choose to be thankful for my house. Yes, even that. :-) I could be in a cardboard box underneath a bridge. I am thankful that God is using this housing situation to make me a better person. Not sure how all that will work out just yet but I'm confident He has a purpose so I'm just sitting it out waiting to see what He has in store!!!

- Today, I choose to be thankful for my mother in law and father in law. I don't think anyone else is willing to crawl under our trailer and make necessary repairs. They've rescued us from more disasters than I can count. We've borrowed pretty much everything they own at least once (ok,that may be a slight exaggeration) and they've babysat our kids so much they are thinking of building on an addition just for them. Ok, that is definitely not just an exaggeration but it sounded good. The "in law" jokes are indeed always very funny and I enjoy them as much as the next person but truly, my in laws are far better to me than I deserve.

- Today, I choose to be thankful for my girlfriends because truly, I have the best friends in the entire world, hands down. I am the type of person who is a loner. I am not one to spend hours talking on the phone (to anyone) and I have a difficult carrying on lengthy conversations but God has sent into my life a handful of awesome, to the grave, friends. I may not have 100's of them but the ones I have are the best. What I lack in quantity (when it comes to number of friends) I make up for in the quality of them. Most of my friends know pretty much all their is to know about me yet they love me anyway. Girls, you know who you are. Please know that you are loved very very much.

- Today, I choose to be thankful for my church family. God called us here 6 yrs ago, with an undeniable, clear call. I am so thankful for that call and I am determined to never move ANYWHERE again without an equally clear and certain call. There is much I could say about our church family but through them I have learned that God works in mysterious ways - ways that are always, undoubtedly higher than our ways.

- Today, I choose to be thankful to be alive. God is good . Always. In the good times. In the bad times. In the "I don't know" times.

Perfectly Imperfect

2009-09-26T19:23:00.001-04:00

Warning: This clip involves a funeral and is a bit emotional.

I posted this on Facebook as well so some of my loyal readership probably saw this there but this too good not to post here.

Girls Day Out - Niagara Falls Trip

2009-09-25T21:18:00.004-04:00

We Gurnee girls were so excited to find out that the Mayhle Girls were coming for a visit! We headed to Niagara Falls for a short vacation. Here's some pics of our outing.

More Tractor Pull Pictures

2009-09-21T07:51:00.005-04:00

Here are a few more pictures from the tractor pull. They are not in any order of any kind. Just ones I like.

I love the facial expressions of Vincent.

This is probably my favorite pic of the day.

So Proud of My Kids!!

2009-09-20T15:17:00.003-04:00

I will have more pics in a bit (I have to get them off of a different computer) but for now here is what Byron posted on his blog.....

A proud Daddy with his two champions. Kendra won 1st place out of all of the 5 year olds and ended up with a trophy. Alyssa won 2nd place in the 4 year olds and she ended up with a big of oabout tractors.. Kenton tried hard for 5 years for that trophy and only managed to get 5th place every year. I think the girls did awesome!

Chatting with Jim Shumake, fellow electrician and friend.

With her prize.

Each one of the kids did a full pull and had to recompete.

Presentation of her trophy and pictures.

With her trophy and a proud Daddy.

With Vincent

After his full pull we had to head for a funeral, so Papa Gurnee stood in with him. Here they discuss strategy and method.

Vince finished 6th.

The Shack

2009-09-20T13:44:00.003-04:00

Wow... where to start.

As with the rest of you, I've heard so much regarding the popular book, "The Shack" written by William Young. I had heard the whole spectrum of reviews. Those whom I highly respect their spiritual wisdom, advice, etc. I heard everything from, "Wow! What an awesome book!", to "What sacrilege!" I decided that I should simply find out for myself what the book was all about. Probably the best way to describe my opinion of the book is, "Wow". Seriously I truly don't know how to adequately describe what I thought of the book. The author did a fantastic job of writing a FICTIONAL riveting story. The story is entirely fictional. From beginning to end. Mr. Young was never intending to make his readers belive that he or any other person ever met in a shack with The Trinity.

Once I started reading this book I had a hard time putting it down. I found myself in tears through alot of it. It created in me such a deep intense longing to have a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father.

I had originally intended to write a lengthy post defending all the negative responses I've heard from some about the book but I decided that truly it doesn't matter. I will most likely not be able to change someone's negative opinion about the book just like no one will be able to make me change my positive opinion.

Next to the Bible I have never read anything that has stirred me so deeply as this book has. I am not naive enough to embrace every single aspect of the book but overall, the book stirred me, changed me and truly challenged me to grow closer to my Heavenly Father.

I found the author's blog and if you click on this link: http://www.windrumors.com/43/the-beauty-of-ambiguity-mystery/ you will read an entry he wrote that I found to be fascinating.

Fun in Coshocton

2009-08-22T23:15:00.005-04:00

Two weeks ago we were privileged to be the children's workers for the Calvary Chapel in Choshocton Ohio. Roger & Rachael McCreery are the pastor's there and we had SUCH a nice time getting to know them better and fellowshipping together. Anyways, the Lord helped us as we endeavored to teach the children how GREAT God is. We taught them about the 4 largest stars and how God's glory and power is written all through the heavens. Fascinating stuff. They had 75ish VBS'ers on their biggest night (that's not counting workers or teen helpers). Byron gave them the incentive that if they had 100 VBS kids he'd shave his head. I am MOST grateful that they did NOT have that may kids. It'd have been nice for their church but I would NOT have been a happy "Mrs." :-) God is really doing exciting things at Calvary Chapel and we need to pray for them each day!

This was an object lesson illustrating that even if only a tiny bit of something is not good, then you shouldn't participate. The bag of popcorn was good and Byron dripped just a couple tiny drops of gasoline into the bag. Of course the children suddenly did NOT want to eat any of hte popcorn.

Byron and the Boney men

Another object lesson: the glass was filthy - just caked with mud and dirt. Byron asked the little fellow if he wanted the pepsi. He did but not in that glass. So, Byron made a huge display of cleaning the outside of the glass til it sparkled. The inside was still filthy. The little fellow obviously still wouldn't touch it. So then Byron cleaned the whole glass thoroughly. It was demonstrating how we can clean ourselves up on the outside but without God cleansing us on the inside we are worthless. Just like the glass, it was worthless until it was cleaned out.

Rachael is probably the most active pastor's wife I've ever seen. She honestly put me to shame. I don't think the dear lady had more than 2 seconds to herself the whole week and she just was incredibly strong.

A Day with My Parents

2009-08-19T01:36:00.002-04:00

We've hardly been together this year for some odd reason so today it was nice to spend some time with Mom & Dad. Here are a few pics from their visit. They treated us to Cracker Barrel for supper which was a LOVELY treat!!

Time to Can!!

2009-08-19T00:55:00.006-04:00

Today was a fun day for our family. It was the first time we harvested our garden as a family. Lots of work but lots of fun!!! At the end of the day we have 48 pints of pickled beets, 45 quarts of freezer corn and 15 pints of chopped green peppers stashed in the freezer. All from our very own garden!!! How cool is that?!!! I didn't get a picture of all the produce one it was canned/ready to freeze but here are a few pics from the fun that went on during the day.

Marge English is 76 yrs old and is a faithful parishioner of ours. She goes nonstop. She cans everything possible and gives most of it away to her family. She lives on her own in an adorable little house that I just love. She seriously has more stamina and energy than I do. She is the queen of canning so I am trying to learn from her all that I can - while I can.

Mom & Dad came and spent the day with us today. More on that in another post.

Alyssa's job was to mark the paper every time Daddy got 1 dozen cobs stacked up. She was doing a great job of counting the tally marks too!!!

After a long day of canning....

Almost Home!

2009-08-15T19:26:00.003-04:00

Our new denomination home that is! Last night the Executive Committee from the Heartland Bible Methodist Conference came and met with our church members as a final step before approving our church to join. We had a lovely lovely evening with the Executive committee and their spouses and then sadly, the Sams had to leave late this morning. I didn't get many pictures because I was busy hostessing but I did manage to grab a few.

During the meeting

The picnic following

Grandma Sams

We are SO blessed!

Time to say Goodbye

2009-07-27T17:48:00.002-04:00

It was a pleasure to have my neices here for several days. Seems we've hardly been able to spend any quality time with them recently so it was nice to have all to ourselves for a few days. Anyways, today they had to go home. Here was their farewell pic holding the craft we made today - sippy cups.

The Cousins Sing

2009-07-27T17:25:00.005-04:00

Last night was our "prayer and praise" service at church. At the end Byron decided to have the kids sing. All 6 were asleep. Byron wasn't to be deterred. He roused them all and our kids were wide awake immediately. Jennifer had a bit harder time waking....

Brooklyn never did fully wake up I don't think. It was actually very very amusing. I don't think Brooklyn has any recollection of the singing attempt.

They actually did pretty good - even half asleep!! This was Jennifer's reaction to Brooklyn's antics...

Hobe Sound Bible College Visits Keepville

2009-07-26T15:38:00.003-04:00

Today we were very privileged to have Jackie Foley and the girls trio for Hobe Sound Bible College here at our church. What a blessing they were!! Their songs were JUST what I needed today. I wish they could have stayed allot longer. Somehow the camera setting got moved and the pics are all kinda weird but you'll get the idea!!!

Roanna Black, Janan Hunt, and Amy Going

Stephanie Hoffpower, Brooklyn Mayhle, and Amy Going.
Janan Hunt and Alyssa.

Kendra joined the story telling.

Eye vs. Acid

2009-07-17T21:40:00.004-04:00

Today Byron was working at the Youth Center in town doing some plumbing. Somehow, some of the acid splashed out and up and into Byron's left eye. One of the men working with him rushed him home (after spending several minutes flushing his eye with a garden hose) and after consulting with poison control and our family doctor, we headed to the ER. I think I may write a pamphlet or a short book on the hours that followed. My overachiever husband simply cannot stand to fail at anything - this passion even extends to passing the eye chart test. Ok, keep in mind that his one eye is pretty much completely out of commission. So, he was told to read the smallest line he could. Of course, with one eye totally out of commission, he wasn't going to do that well. Oh, but of course he HAD to do well so..... he waited until the nurse looked away and then he uncovered his eye and quickly read the whole line. I was like seriously about snorting. Then the nurse asks him if he smokes. No. Does he drink alcohol. No. Does he do drugs. He pauses then says, "Just don't tell my wife." WHAT?!!! Ok, seriously now... she's putting all this on your permanent, never to be erased, stuck to your name forever, files!!!!! He immediately started laughing and said, "no, I'm just kidding" but I was like ready to knock over the silly chair he was perched in. So, then the doctor comes in and truthfully I think the only thing Byron gets out of the entire consultation was that the doc told him to wet a tea bag in ice water and then use it on his eye. I think he said, "Seriously, the whole TEA BAG?" like 20 times. I was waiting for the doctor so say, "what part of t-e-a b-a-g don't you understand?" but he was kind and gracious even though Byron greeted him and his 2 interns by saying, "So, is this the real life Scrubs team?" Not exactly a compliment, eh? They chuckled charitably and I'm sure they chalked it up to all the intense pain he was suffering, which, according to him was far worse than childbirth. Not.

Even.

Close.

Sorry honey... I still win the award for the highest pain level experienced in this family. Times 4.

Anyways.... at the end of the day... he'll live and will see perfectly fine without cheating on his next eye exam. The vicoden prescription will help him through the night and by morning he'll be jolly fine.

Moral of the story.... wear contacts. They will save your cornea from being eaten by acid....... if you are exposed to acid since you aren't wearing safety goggles.

P.S. Truly I am thankful that God had His hand on Byron today but I have to admit I've had a few chuckles at Byron's expense today.

Plumbing

Hurting

Happy Anniversary Blog!!!

2009-07-15T08:27:00.003-04:00

Its been 2 yrs since I started this blog! My how time flies. I started it while we were on vacation down south after being at Pell City Bible Methodist Camp. What great memories!! Starting this blog was one of the best decisions I've made. Thank you all for reading!!!

Facebook

2009-07-14T08:48:00.002-04:00

The whole Face book phenomena amazes me. I don't think I've ever seen a venue before that meshes together so beautifully so many varied groups of people. Denominations, ages, locations, etc. Honestly, did you ever think you'd see the day that people in their 70's would be happily chatting online? Typically the people in that age group I've been around have a hard time adjusting to new things and allot of them don't have much time for "new" technology.

I understand there are some who are worried that "they" can have too much access to our lives, etc but I guess I feel like if "they" already have me on their radar (whoever "they" are) then they already know more abut me than my Facebook page could tell them. I figure if "they" want to find out about me and my family they have far quicker and easier ways to do it than to check my FB page. So.... I'm just reporting to my faithful readership that Facebook is probably the most awesome invention in my lifetime. :-) I love how it connects me with so many awesome people. I love how I can post a prayer request and within seconds hundreds of people are praying. I love how I can keep up to date with people I haven't heard from in forever (pre-facebook). I highly recommend that everyone join. If you have any questions about it just ask me!!! :-)

P.S. No, I am not being paid to advertise for Facebook! LOL

Connie Rodgers Day

2009-07-06T07:58:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a very special day for our church and for Connie Rodgers. She is the treasurer for our church and has been for many many years. To my knowledge, she has never made a mistake with the church finances and has always kept perfect records. She has been a joy to work with. When I give her receipts for reimbursement she never makes me feel like perhaps it wasn't a legit expense, etc. Typically she will say, "Are you sure that is all?" or "Don't you have a gas receipt for me from that trip?" Connie is a saint and we love her very much. Byron has a bunch of pictures from the service yesterday... Click here to see them.

A little about me

2009-06-30T19:12:00.000-04:00

Just a fun post for the day.

~~~~~~~~~~FOOD-OLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~
What is your salad dressing of choice? I don't eat salad.
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Chef Pengs
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Pizza
What are your pizza toppings of choice? pepperoni & extra cheese
What do you like on your toast? I am not a huge fan of toast.
Chocolate or Vanilla? Is that really a decision??? Chocolate of course!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~TECHNOLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~
How many televisions are in your house? We have 5 cathode ray tubes in our home. None of which are used for purposes of watching anything from a network. Computers and tv's are pretty much exactly the same thing.
What color cell phone do you have? silver
Do you have a laptop? yes

~~~~~~~~~~~~BIOLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you right-handed or left-handed? RIGHT
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? 4 children
What is the last heavy item you lifted? I rearranged our bedroom a month ago.
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? No

~~~~~~~~~~~~DUMBOLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~
How many pairs of flip-flops do you own? 3
Last person you talked to on the phone? A lady from our church
Last person you hugged? a lady at the resthome. I'm not a hugger. :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~FAVORITE-OLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~
Season? Fall
Holiday? Christmas
Day of the week? Monday
Month? January

~~~~~~~~~~~~CURRENT-OLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~
Missing someone? My sister
Mood? tired
What are you listening to? the birds chirping outside and the kittens meowing for food.
Watching? the kittens play
Worrying about? getting my "to do" list done by Friday AM.

~~~~~~~~~~~~RANDOM-OLOGY~~~~~~~~~~~~
First place you went this morning? To the kitchen
What's the last movie you saw? Fireproof - which I highly recommend to EVERY couple. It truly is a MUST.
Do you smile often? Not as much as I should according to my husband.
Do you always answer your phone? No
If you could change your eye color what would it be? I couldn't care less.
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Never gotten a drink at sonic.
Do you own a digital camera? YES
Have you ever had a pet fish? Yes
Favorite Christmas song(s)? Mary Did You Know.
What's on your wish list for your birthday ? New throw rugs for my house.
Can you do push-ups? Haven't tried lately.
Can you do a chin up? see answer above.
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Both
Do you have any saved texts? Yes
Ever been in a car wreck? Yes
Do you have an accent? I'm told I have a Pittsburgh accent
What was the last song to make you cry? The Tribute to Stephen, Eric & Paul
Plans tonight? Bible study
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? YES
Have you ever been given roses? YES
Met someone who changed your life? Yes
How did you bring in the new year? We were at friends house.
What song represents you? ?
Would you go back in time if you were given a chance? Absolutely
Have you ever dated someone longer than a year? No
Do you have any tattoos/piercings? NO
What songs do you sing in the shower? No
Ever had someone sing to you? YES
Do you like to cuddle? Yes
How fast can you run? I avoid running as much as possible.
Have you held hands with anyone today? Yes
Who was the last person you took a picture of? My kids.
What kind of music did you sing in elementary school? Its been too long ago to remember.
Are most of the friends in your life new or old? New
Do you like pulpy orange juice? NO!!
What is something your friends make fun of you for? That I talk too fast.
Have you ever ridden a elephant? No
Do you like to play Scrabble? No
What are you saving your money up for right now? Saving? What a novel concept.
When is the last time you ate peanut butter & jelly? Thankfully its been awhile.
What were you doing at 12am last night? Sleeping
What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? I hate mornings!

Alyssa-isms

2009-06-28T09:26:00.001-04:00

We were sitting in the tabernacle at camp. It was sweltering hot - like 130 degrees at least. Ok, maybe not. It WAS however in the mid 90's. Anyways, the preacher had started preaching - and what fantastic preaching we had at camp this year. But, I digress.

Alyssa leaned over and told me she was going to go to sleep. I assured her that she wasn't. She then looked up and me and said, "Fine. I'll just make allot of noise then." I again assured her that she wasn't going to do any such thing!!!

Time for Drastic Action

2009-06-17T17:27:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure who will take the drastic action just yet but for certain someone has to. Sunday afternoon we found this under our bed.

I'm still fairly certain its a strong sign that its time to move on. This trailer/parsonage is falling apart around us and we've put many many "band aids" on it in the last 5 years. This is pretty much the last straw for me. We've endured rats, mice, chipmunks, bugs of all kinds, severe lack of water and other things. I have dealt with all of those and been "Ok" with it. This, however I cannot handle. My home is my shelter and my respite and knowing that there are snakes here is more than I can handle. So, this big guy got thrown into the woods. Then his three brothers who were found outside the next day lost their heads. Yuck Yuck Yuck.

Learning to Dance in the Rain

2009-05-28T14:01:00.003-04:00

When I look back over the last little while, there has been allot of bumps in the road. I've had several people say different forms of the following statement, "You've been through allot soon things will get better!" However, if I constantly live for "when it gets better" I've found that I'll miss out on so much of the "now". I ran across this quote today and it is SO fitting. It just really touched me and I hope it will speak to you as well.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass,
its about learning to dance in the rain."

Barefoot No More

2009-05-26T08:21:00.008-04:00

Approximately 2 weeks ago Kendra apparently stepped on a sharp object that punctured her foot at which time a germ or bacteria entered her foot and began to grow. That is the very abbreviated version. :-) This past Tuesday her foot was looking a bit awful so I took her to the doctor. Since she was still very mobile, there was no redness and it was not warm to the touch at all he sent her home with instructions to watch it for redness, fever, etc. By Wednesday afternoon she refused to walk on it at all and there was redness and it was much more swollen than previously. The doctor's office sent us to the ER. They admitted her and started IV antibiotics immediately. On Thursday, May 21, they operated on her foot and removed a large section of infected tissue. She is doing well now. Here are some pictures from the last week.

Here is a pic of what the foot looked like on Wednesday.

This ER doc has seen 3 of our 4 children now.

Before surgery

Immediately following surgery. Notice the teddy bear. I thought it was extremely sweet of the nurses (or whoever it was) to bandage up Teddy as well. He also went into surgery with her wearing a hat just like hers.

This is how Kendra gets to spend her time outside now. :-(

This is what the wound looks like as of yesterday. It looks even better today.

RUN!

2009-05-13T18:00:00.001-04:00

hat tip: Mark Burcaw

Friday Lesson

2009-05-09T11:26:00.003-04:00

Today Byron and the kids went to a neighbors house and picked out 6 adorable baby chicks. They were days old at the time. The only little guy completely stole my heart and I started carrying him everywhere. He would get very agitated if I wasn't completely still. As I walked, he'd squeak loudly. Immediately God started teaching me a lesson.

How very much like me!! My heavenly Father confidently carries me in His hand. Even though I may squawk and fuss and worry and fret, He will never drop me or allow harm to come to me. However, just like I would walk around and the ride became bumpy and a bit tumultuous for the little guy, the same happens to me as i am in my heavenly Father's hands. Even though the path that he's carrying me on may be bumpy and rough, He still has me in His strong protecting hands.

Maybe I'm the only one that speaks to but it was such a powerful object lesson for me.

The Rubberband Syndrome

2009-05-01T14:34:00.004-04:00

I hesitated to write this post simply because my sister has access to my blog. I am in no way trying to compare my grieving process with hers or to in any way elevate my level of grief to hers. That said, no one would argue that Stephens death has effected us all. I get 2-3 emails/IM's/PM's/Texts a day asking me how I (or my family) are doing. Frankly, it is hard to verbalize. Those who know me best know that I have a much easier time expressing my thoughts via the written word.

So, in light of that fact I thought I'd go ahead and make a blog entry trying to express exactly where on this road I find myself.

Visualize a rubber band. I've made it easy for you by including a picture. On one end of the rubber band is grief, sorrow, tears. On the other end is joy, laughter, happiness. I find myself desperately wanting to follow the tug towards the latter. However at the same time I feel myself being stretched and pulled back towards the former. Its a constant tug-o-war. When I am leaning more towards happiness and joy I feel guilty for abandoning the tears and grief. I feel like perhaps by embracing joy I am doing dishonor and disrespect to the life Stephen lived and to my sister who is still very much grieving.

I find myself craving normalcy but the moment I start laying plans and arrangements for that to happen I realize that there is no going back to "normal". Normal for our family ended on April 4th at 7:00 AM. We must now create and allow life to create for us a new "normal". For me, that is excruciating. I greatly dislike change. My comfort zone has been breached and I am realizing more each day that its never going to be like I knew it. Oh yes, in time the "new normal" will become comfortable as well but it will never be the same. There is nothing about my life right now that does not remind me of our loss.

I find myself feeling guilty that I still have a husband and my sister does not. I feel guilty when we are together when he holds my hand. I feel guilty when she and I are together and he texts. I feel guilty for WANTING to move on and return to a normal life when I know that my sister will probably never be the same.

So, all in all, the ironic thing is that the most appropriate answer to each of you who have asked how we are doing is, "We are doing normal." We are dealing with this process in a normal way of dealing with grief.

We are grieving for our loss. We are grieving for what might have been. We are grieving for what will never be.

Above all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for every expression of love and care you have shown to not only Shandra and her girls but to our family as well.

It is no secret

2009-05-01T08:11:00.003-04:00

This song has been on my heart and mind all through the night and now this morning. Thanks Mrs. Herl for sending that email!!! :-)

Congratulations!

2009-04-26T10:08:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The Promise

2009-04-18T15:10:00.001-04:00

This past week at IHC the Hobe Sound ladies trio sang the following song. I had never heard it before but it touched me very deeply. It really isn't even my style of music but the words met my very deep hurt and need. So, listen to this clip and let it speak to you as it has been to me. Thank you HSBC girls for singing this song!! I needed it!

Tribute to Zone 5 Officers

2009-04-12T22:51:00.002-04:00

2009-04-12T07:41:00.001-04:00

Musical Tribute to The Three Heros

2009-04-11T20:54:00.002-04:00

http://kdka.com/video/?id=55898@kdka.dayport.com

2009-04-11T20:37:00.000-04:00

In Memory

2009-04-08T00:24:00.002-04:00

I am blessed with such caring friends. One of my friends dressed her little guy today in memory of Stephen....

Final Roll Call

2009-04-07T18:16:00.000-04:00

Stephen's final roll call.

Tribute Page

2009-04-07T11:05:00.004-04:00

A fellow homeschooling mom has set up a Tribute Page where anyone who'd like can post a tribute to Stephen. This page will be available for Shandra to keep and look at when she is able to. Thank you Gladys for being so thoughtful.

http://www.ilasting.com/stephenmayhle/memorial.php