HAPPY NEW YEARS!

May all the kindness and love that you gave this year be returned to you many times over in the coming year!

God bless you!  And if you do not know the Lord, May He come to you this year!  Happy New Years!

Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:

May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home

And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,

May blue be the skies above you,

May pure be the joys that surround you,

May true be the hearts that love you.

 

The Day After Christmas....

This is the Missouri River--all chunked up in broken pieces of ice. Ice pieces crashed into each other, as the flowing water carried them forward.  They then became covered in snow. It is amazing that this big flowing body of water could freeze up (only on top)!

Christmas Day came to an end yesterday; and, as I headed home, I felt a strange sense of freedom. It was as though, maybe, an impending happening, that will set us free, is on the horizon. But, how can one become free from the bondage of old age? Of course, I do believe in miracles. We'll see. Maybe it was a touch of spring fever, since the weather was so nice!

Last year's new year resolution is still going strong--no candy! Not difficult when cookies are still on the "good" list--but it is mighty tempting during the holidays. This year I want to be a better person. So, maybe two resolutions for this year -- exercise twice a week and be kinder to people.

There are so many things we can do to better ourselves. Paul, an Apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ, however, gives us insight and instructions on how we are to live:

1 Timothy 4^:7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. ⁸ For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. ⁹ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. ¹¹ These things command and teach.

In so reading, walking with the Lord is the greatest resolution we can make. So, resolution number two will be physical excercise, and number one will be to walk with the Lord in obedience.

Amen! -- "So be it!"

A SAVIOR is born!

We cannot imagine the depth of God’s love for baby Jesus—HIS ONLY SON. Yet, at the birth of Jesus, His thoughts were not on declaring the miracle of the birth of HIS SON; instead, He sent His angel to tell the world of the birth of A SAVIOR! God’s thoughts were ON US.

Shepherds saw the magnificent Glory of God that night and it shone all around them. An angel of God told them the good news— declaring the great joy of the birth of a Savior. What a Night!!! A glorious, wonderful night.

God, who created all things, had brought Mary and Joseph to a stable, where Jesus, the Son of our all-mighty and all-powerful God, would be born in humbleness. Not in the majesty he deserved, but as an infant, in the lowest of surroundings.

Jesus didn’t come to save us that we might earn our way to heaven, or claim a birthright that would get us into heaven. He came for those who would take up their cross and follow Him. Redemption and grace is freely given to those who love and accept Him. He is returning soon. Not as a small humble infant, but with all the powers of Heaven — in Glory, as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to bring deliverance to His children and justice to the world.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas. May God bless you and keep you throughout the season and through the coming year.

Luke 2:⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds
living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the
angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tiding
of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to
you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling
cloths, lying in a manger.”

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude
of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Christmas Treats

Last Friday Victoria and Madison started baking cookies; and, on Saturday Brandie, Janet, Huimin, Serena and Timmy joined them.

The rain was coming down in buckets in California, but inside Victoria's kitchen it was hot and the smell of baking filled the air. Tray after tray of cookies were coming out of the oven. The Krumkake iron was heated up and baking one tasty cookie after another to be rolled into that tempting cone shaped cookie. Dozens of cheesecakes were mixed up and baked.

Madison, Serena and Timmy decorated the cookies. Everyone, then, taste-tested the cookies. They were as delicious as they look!!!

The holiday treats were wrapped and, with Christmas greetings, sent to neighbors, friends, co-workers and family. Victoria was still delivering by Sunday night. All made and sent with love. God bless you busy bakers!

Getting Ready for the family Christmas

Kathleen decided that she wanted the Christmas tree up. Thinking the kittens would not stay out of the tree, she had been adamant earlier in NOT putting it up. Her fears were realized! As she tried to put the tree together, both kittens were running in circles around her, trying to get past her to climb the tree with the pretty little light bulbs. We are now trying to keep them out of the tree, but with limited success. I've found both of them, a number of times, lying over the branches, in what looked like total comfort, in the high branches of the tree!

Kat and Andy went and bought them both little Christmas costumes to wear for Christmas. The little green elf suit, with bells on its toes, went on Little Black. The red santy elf suit went on SuperFuzz. SuperFuzz immediately pulled her hat off and took off with it. Then Little Black took off running, and, when his bells started jingling, he ran even faster trying to escape them. Super Fuzz is now in hot pursuit of the bells and Andy in hot pursuit of both of them, trying to catch them before they ruined their costumes! What a comedy! Their little suits are now safely tucked away until the gathering at the tree for the Christmas celebration.

Every year do you fear not having gotten the present that will make your child happy? How many years have I overdone it, spending enormously huge amounts of money on toys that soon end up broken or not played with? I shudder to think of all the wasted money on unwanted "stuff." As I get older, and see the end of the dollar, the giving becomes critical. Giving gifts that last, that have value, or add value to the family, or the home, has become the criteria.

The children all have their own families and I know their kids will have their trees stuffed with pretty presents and lots of new toys. It amazes me that their moms and dads seem to know exactly what pleases their children! However, from Grandma the grandchildren all will get a picture book, put together on the computer, of the times they have spent together. The years are slipping by quickly, as I watch the babies all starting to grow up, and the good times from the past fading away forgotten. With little time left for the organizing, composing, printing and mailing--its now time to get it done!!

Looking back, I see the fun of the Christmas tree and the giving, but one of my favorite rituals is the cards given and received. This one special time everyone stops, and together, we all recognize and worship, Jesus, our Savior, born as a child, in Bethlehem.

I long for that time when we all will live with the Lord and know His peace. God is good.

Pets In Heaven?

Late last summer I went out to start the riding lawn mower. From the corner of my eye I saw something fly out the side of the mower. I turned off the mower and looked. There was Little Black. She had disappeared on us last spring and now here she was, hidden away in the bags of the mower! Then came another sound--muffled little "mews." I tried to identify what direction they were coming from, but couldn't tell. Then the story unfolded. I walked to the back of the rider and opened the lid. There in one of the tubs was a passel of little kittens. Eyes open and meowing for their Mom. I was stunned!!

I moved the little kittens to the shelter we had for the cats in the back. Little Black was not use to being around us, so she backed off. After I left, she came back to the mower and began looking for her kittens. I went back around the house and picked up the sqwakiest one and took him to the front. When she heard him, she came running. She was very happy in her "home."

Little Black was a fantastic mama cat. She kept those little kittens in line. At night she would settle them all down and then go off for mice, even though there was cat food available. When they got up where they could fall out of their shelter, she would make a noise and they would all run back to her. She loved her kittens and we loved her.

One morning I went out to pick up the newspaper. There in the middle of the road was a black spot. I wondered what it was, then my heart stopped and I rushed over. It was Little Black. She was laid out and she looked like she was dead, but she was still warm. I carried her to the house and called Kathleen. We put her in the garage on some tarps. I left to get to an appointment and returned before noon. We found a pretty white box and I put a warm blanket in it. Then we set her in it. She was cooling down, but until the body is cold, we won't say she is dead. We knew she was. Finally she was stiff and cold. We went and buried her.

Kathleen, in the meantime, had brought all her kittens into the house. They were way too little to fend for themselves and too little to give away. They all could drink warmed up milk and a couple would eat canned cat food. The days were not cold yet, so the dogs didn't need to come in. They got the front entry.

My bedroom window faces the front of the house and drive that goes out to the road. I awoke the next morning and opened my eyes and I saw Little Black in the window. It was as though she was peaking through, but yet her head (and neck?) was completely visible, and I could see through her to the curtains behind her. Her head was the width of the window, but for some reason did not seem out of proportion. She was looking for something and I knew she was checking on her kittens. Then the next instant she was gone.

When I was a kid my cat died. I no longer remember how, but I do remember praying for her. I kept her in my prayers for ages. Now, I wonder if there is a place in the new world to come for our pets.

We know God loves His creation and made provisions for all to be taken care of when He created the world.

In Leviticus, God tells us we are not to eat animals that go on their paws:

Leviticus 11:27 And whatever goes on its paws, among all kinds of animals that
go on all fours, those are unclean to you.

The angels that are at the throne of God have the face of a lion, calf, man and eagle:

Revelation 4:6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in
the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures
full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a
lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had
a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around
and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “ Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”

Certainly, if animals are represented in heaven, in the spirit of an angel, it would give hope that our animals, themselves, would be in the new world.

God shows that He has respect for the mother and its young:

Exodus 23:19 The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the
house of the LORD your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s
milk.

God provided for the animals:

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you
will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is
not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of
the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly
Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by
worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

In the last thousand years the animals will know peace:

Isaiah 11:6 “ The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young
goat, The calf and the young lion and the
fatling together; And a little child shall
lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall
graze; Their young ones shall lie down
together; And the lion shall eat straw like
the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play by
the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall
put his hand in the viper’s den. 9 They
shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,
For the earth shall be full of the knowledge
of the LORD

And also:

Isaiah 65: 24 “ It shall come to pass That before they call, I will
answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat
straw like the ox, And dust shall be the serpent’s
food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy
mountain,” Says the LORD.

All things are in the hand of God. He has promised us great and awesome things in the world to come, if we are His children. He is Just, Righteous and Merciful and He knows even the heart of one little black cat who loved her kittens. I will trust in His judgment.

Recipe Book to be updated

Today another batch of scones came out of the oven. A great treat -- a scone with a glass of iced tea! (mmmm-- Not too sweet and not too bready.)

This time I added another cup of flour to the recipe. Before, I always had to put lots of flour in the dusting, when rolling out the dough, as it was so sticky! Also, 3/4 cup corn meal was added instead of 1/2 cup, as that was all that was left in the container. It turned out very good. Just right for the recipe book. Thanks, Anita, for turning me on to scones!!

The outside temps dropped down to 12 F, so I brought the dogs in. Besides a treat, I gave Sam a new squeeky toy to play with. I threw it in their area and it rolled up next to the fence. Little Fuzz, the one who charges without thinking, immediately ran up to play with it, sticking her paw through the squares. Then, she backed up when she saw Sam. Sam is now standing as a sentinel, waiting, watching, and not moving, knowing that Super Fuzz will again try to paw that ball.

You can see the straw, on the rug, just brought in by the dogs. Their dog houses are filled with warm straw. Each stalk, insulates against the cold. The dead air space in the empty hollow tubes create a barrier, as the straw meshes together, one stalk against another. Since Beamer is losing his hair (The vets cannot explain it or stop it.) I try to bring them in if there is no sunshine and the temps drop below freezing. His store-bought coat and vest does protect him, but not all of him can be covered.

So, as we catch the edge of another winter storm, I'll have a break, with tea and scone, and then start on that recipe book, that I have procrastinated the updating of. Everything sounds like fun when you plan it, but I guess there are a lot of lazy bones in me that don't want to get started!!

Winter on the Prairie

What a beautiful wintery day! As I came home the other day, I spotted a sun dog in the sky. A "second little sun" that added the touch of a miracle to the day. A gift from God.

Traveling down the road, winter's beauty was everywhere. The countryside sparkled with white frost and a fine, powdery mist of snow. Weeds and grasses stood majestically on the silent, white prairie. The animals burrowed deep in their holes, awaiting the warmth of the sun. Everything was still.

The Lord kept us safe, as our tires crunch over the snowpacked graveled roads. Plows have long since pushed the hugh drifts, that once made these roads impassible, into the ditch. In the distance, huge bales, now covered in snow, loomed high above the fields, as a reminder of the summer past, when they had stood as tall stalks of grain basking in the heat of the sun.

All things are as the Lord meant them to be. God is good.

Isaiah 55:9-11

9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “ For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Thanksgiving

"Cozy comfort" as the kittens bathed in the warmth of the fireplace. One would think with their fur, they would look for cooler places!






The kids dug a snow cave while they were here. Kat, Andy, Tim and Huimin helped (and got to play in the cave too). It was quite warm and sheltered on the inside, keeping them from the biting, cold wind that continued to blow across the prairie.




Later on, Huimin, Tim and Serena put their talents to work and finished off the Christmas ornaments. Their creations turned out beautiful. The final touch is to add the family pictures to those with frames.


Tim took time out and did some drawings that came out fantastic. It is such a blessing to have a talent! We enjoyed his company and that of his family. It is so good to have a child come home!

Time flew by. It seemed like, except for eating the turkey and ham dinner on Thanksgiving, there wasn't time to get hardly anything accomplished. Everyone came and the next thing we knew, it was time to get ready to leave. On the last night together, Tim brought out his new XBox Kinect game. They took the furniture out of the family room downstairs and then everyone took turns interacting with the game. Well, except me! You have to be able to jump and be quite agile to play. It WAS fun to watch, though.

Everyone went home on Sunday and what a travel day that was!! Tim and family went South, and Andy and Chris went East. They braved snow storms where they couldn't see but inches in front of the car. Tim then hit icy roads going over the Sierra Nevadas. We lived on prayers that whole night. Finally, in the early morning hours of Monday, they got to their homes.

Tim, Huimin and kids, after returning to their home, then went to retrieve their pets. Madison was the pet-sitter for Bane and Lily. She is such a caring person and did such an excellent job!! (Thanks to Victoria and Nick for letting their house be turned into a temporary "zoo"!!)

God is good. I am so very thankful that we are so blessed to know His love.

Getting Home

Tim could not leave in time to beat the storm coming into the Sierra Nevada's so we headed north instead. The heavy rain pounded on our windshield as we took off and soon turned to light rain as we started up the coast. The night was so beautiful. Luminous clouds filled the sky and the world seemed to stand quietly in the stillness of the twilight. Beginning our travels at 11 at night, added to the darkness, with fewer cars on the road.

The miles seemed long as we crept along at the posted 55 mph speed limit--which occassionally slipped back up to 65. But, the good thing was there was no blizzard here!

Finally we got through Spokane and hit the mountains on the other side and here we ran into winter weather. The snow and ice on Lookout Pass put us into 4-wheel drive. It was a hair-raising experience, but we got through and eventually got to Montana.

Traveling clear roads, for awhile again, we enjoyed the respite and stopped for tacos in Missoula. Then, on to more mountains and Roger's Pass. It was not too bad. With the beautiful eerie moon, that seemed to be bathed in a soft white veil, the mountain scenery was breathtaking. Tim had us breathing down his neck to "go slower! go slower!" as we crept around the snowpacked winding curves at about 30-40 mph. The mountains were a dark purple hue. I told Huimin to look out the window and she did, then screamed and turned around and hugged her seat. The mountains were a ways out and between the edge of the road and the mountains was a dark abyss. It was like everything dropped off into a huge dark nothinginess! It was scary. Tim crawled along at a slower speed and we finally got out of the mountains!

It is good to be back home. The dogs were excited, the cats were excited, and the kids were very happy and are now waiting for Christopher. All is good. God is good.

Heading Home Soon

It took awhile, but finally Lily (Serena's cat) took to the kittens. I hate to leave with them as she is going to miss them!

Little SuperFuzz had no problem cozing up with Bane.




When you are "little" you should have a little more respect for the ones that are "bigger" than you. Not Taz, he liked Bane's bed and wasn't sharing.



Its now time to head home and wouldn't you know it--there is a blizzard advisory over the California mountains for this weekend. The weather back home is dropping into the minuses, so...maybe the whole trip is going to be a winter driving challenge. I am so glad we have 4-wheel drive!

The Lord has brought me through some terrible winter storms in the past, He is not going to forsake us now. I can't count the number of times I've driven in white-out conditions, hoping to see something showing the sides of the road. One time I traveled from Colorado Springs to Montana and there was not a car on the road. Of course, I never checked weather reports, or listened to the news, so I had no idea what was going on. I got out to scrape the windshield, as my defroster wasn't working, and the road was so slick I could not even stand. I can't believe that the car was able to stay on the road!!

God is good. He gets us through our adventures. God be with us all.

Blessing of the Child

What a great blessing it is to receive the gift of life from the Lord. To hold that little baby in our arms, and love him or her.

God bless the little baby that is about to come into our lives. May your protection be over baby, mom and dad, and brothers and sisters, now and in all the days of their lives.

Jesus loved the children and prayed for them.

Matthew 18:2-4 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

The Lord gave us instructions on how to raise our children. We are not to raise them to be angry and contentious, but to know the Lord.

Ephesians 6 (Children and Parents) 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

The responsibility for family is not to be taken lightly and the Lord gives instructions on marriage and the family.

Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

If we walk with the Lord, He will shield, protect and guide us.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

No matter what we teach or children, no matter what great gifts we give them, no matter how educated, powerful, rich or what great philanthropists they become, they have gained nothing unless you have taught them to love:

1 Corinthians 13 (The Greatest Gift) 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Thank you, Lord, for the great blessings of our children. Amen

The Start of the Holiday Spirit

Thanksgiving is still a couple of weeks off, yet tomorrow is the beginning of our Christmas preparations. Victoria and Huimin invaded the craft stores today and so tomorrow the children will begin making Christmas ornaments for the families.

Years ago, in the late 70's and early 80's, Tim was involved in the Big Brother program. His little brother, Dale, and his family made an entire set of ceramic Christmas ornaments to hang on our Christmas tree. We still have them. They are beautiful and a treasure we rediscover and enjoy every Christmas season!

I never really knew what to do with the Santa story when the children were little! That beloved Christmas fable!! I tried to tell the kids that "Santa" represented the love we have for each other and that we give gifts to the ones we love. However, I think my tries got run over by the jubilation of Santa's coming. It was everywhere.

I hope that, as families, we can all establish traditions for celebrating the birth of Jesus, Our Savior. His gift to us is His love. Our gift to Him is love--not only for God, but love for one another.

1 Corinthians 13 (The Greatest Gift) 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

It is not always easy to love others, to refrain from being contentious and argumentative when others hurt, slander or lie about or to us. We need to remember, that others are acting out from what they have been taught or witnessed...that we all need a Savior and we just might be the only witness that comes into that one person's life that needs Jesus tonight. He is returning soon.

On The Road

The babies (kittens) and I are on the road today. We are going to visit the grandbabies! This is going to be fun!

The Roaring Lion

Satan certainly is a roaring lion tonight and he is on the prowl. Stay in prayer.

The Sunny Spot!

This WAS the spot I loved to sit in, with my back to the morning sun, soaking up the rays, while enjoying the paper with my tea and breakfast!!

A Beautiful Day!

Today was the perfect day to be outside. Working in the yard, I began to get ready for the rain forecasted for next week; and, also, prepare for the long hard winter that we are supposed to have. Not even a hint of wind was felt, and the calmness that filled the air was refreshing and restful!! Hopefully, tomorrow is more of the same.

The kittens all found a new home today, except SuperFuzz and Little Black. Kat and Chris are keeping them.










The litter worked hard at becoming a little demolition gang for me the last couple of days. To begin with, we tried to keep them in the front entry, but soon realized that didn't work. They merely climbed out!! No boundaries for them!



There was, also, no plant safe from them!! I didn't mind them attacking the baby spiders hanging off the spider plant--but then they moved onto the fern!! Voice commands didn't work, however, a quick spray from the water bottle did.



From the outside, Sam watched the kittens bouncing all over the room and was anxious to play with them! Unfortunately, she is far too strong and plays too rough for a kitten. Poor Sam! She looks so sad, standing there wagging her tail with her head down. But then, in a moment, she will pounce on the window, hoping to catch a little one!

For now, the furniture is covered with bed spreads, the spray bottle is in place to protect the plants and the vaccuum stands ready to pick up all the tissues the mighty little hunters have strewn all over the floor. I really don't know where they found the tissue!! So, for now, the house is safe and they will stay inside.

They are cute as can be. Little SuperFuzz is fearless. Its amazing how a kitten, barely six inches big, is able to think she can take on the world! Little Black is a bit more reserved, but doesn't shy away from adventure, either. They are definitely going to be a handful!


Now to share some Montana pictures. While coming home the other day, I saw the most beautiful sunset. It looked as though heaven was truly just on the other side and the glory of God was shining through!!


Over-all, the weather in Montana has been beautiful. This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago, of rain coming in. It felt more like spring, than fall! I love it!!

We never know what the Lord has planned for us. Whatever comes and whatever happens, it brings with it that promise that He is returning soon!!! Bitter-sweet sometimes for the moment, but always there is a promise of a glorious day ahead for His children!

The Broken

Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.

What great a great love our Creator has for us. He does not leave us broken or hurt, but gives us a new life. We are strengthened and given a new path and our lives will be a delight to those around us, and a light to others.

Psalm 145 (in part)
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The LORD upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.

Our God is with us always, whatever befalls us, we need only keep our eyes on Him and trust that He will get us through whatever comes. He is mighty, powerful and above all things; and, He loves us.

Psalm 46 (in part)
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.

The Lord is with us. Stay in prayer. A prayer is a talk with God...keep Him in your heart, He is with you always.

All Things New

The song "New Again" by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans is beautiful. It can be found on I-Tunes. It is also on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7wEa8YTGhM My computer will not allow on-line videos, so I have not seen this video, but the comments show it is superb!

Can you imagine--You, me and all God's children--renewed?! We will be pure and refreshed! No hurts, no pain! Peace will reign and we will all live in the love of Christ. The sentence of death was taken by our Savior, Jesus Christ, who suffered and died so that this promise can be ours. What an awesome God! What glory awaits us!

The Steadfast Heroes

Is there any greater testimony to the great heart of a good man, than one who stands up to the world for his family. The one who keeps them calm and secure when everything else is falling down around them. The man who can lose everything he has to keep his family. The steadfast shoulder, that when one is down and grumbling, he can make a light-hearted comment and turn saddness into laughter.

We don't live in a perfect world and at the drop of a hat, everything can be lost. Let us all keep the faith and stay the course. God will get us through it all.

A Miracle

This day we need a miracle. Is there anything that cannot be asked of our Almighty and powerful God, that He be here with us this day?

A Small Book

http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=111987

Four Days Late

The following is the song Four Days Late by Karen Peck and New River. It will bring your spirit to your knees!!!

http://www.myspace.com/karenpeckandnewriver/music/albums/four-days-late-studio-track-13940259

The Lord is returning! Christianity is dying and as we watch the Church attacked we ask, "Where is the Lord's return?" It was the death of Lazarus and his being raised from death that was the miracle that the Lord was giving us--not the healing of sickness, which Mary and Martha had wanted. Soon our eyes will be open again by the healing powers of a mighty God as the LIVING GOD, our Savior and Lord, returns. A new life, a new world, forever throughout eternity--we will live with our Lord again.

Walk now with the Lord, Our Deliverer is returning soon!

The New Addition

There is a new addition to the family. While searching for fish to eat the worms in the pond, Kat found the cutest little baby turtle. She brought it home.




Andy bought her a turtle tank and Kat then put little "Mikey" into the tank. She stuck the gold fish in the pond and the eleven little minnows in the turtle tank. No sooner did Mikey hit the water in his new little home, than he ate the first four minnows. He then polished off all but four that night. Kathleen said he barely moved after that.

All is good...unless, that is, you are the minnow!

The Accusers

Years ago I had a dream. In front of me there was a high bluff and under it was a shoreline that lead to the promised land. The sea was beautiful. I am standing ready to go in the land, however, I looked back. Then I turned around and returned in order to get everyone else to come with me.

There is a river in front of me and on the other side of it is the path that leads back to "everyone else". The river is deep and I see what looks like a rock. I step on it and get to the other side. Unfortunately it was not a rock and I watch in amazement as it turns into a huge dinosaur that is walking on two legs. It has shiny, colorful, scale-like shields that are flapping up and down angerly as he stomps around roaring. I realize how powerful he is and I can only stare. Then someone comes down from a mountain and leads me up a windy path to the top of the mountain. There we look back to watch and marvel at the angry beast. End of dream.

Sometimes when we try to do what is right, we do wake up the beast. It is Satan that poisons the truth with vicious lies and tries to destroy the children of God. But, we do have a Savior, our Shepherd and King--Jesus Christ, the true Son of God. He leads us through the valleys and over the mountains and with His mighty Hand protects us. Let us, too, not be the accusers of good men. God help us all.

James 3:7-9 (New King James Version) 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

Sunny California

One more day and I will be taking the grandkids home to California and will then be staying down there for awhile.

I am looking forward to walks on the beaches and picking seashells with the kids! Basking in the hot sun and watching the sun set on the ocean. We will have a basket of cool drinks, treats and lots of books to read! Life is good

How We Teach Our Children

There are so many things I could have taught my children, but didn't. There are so many things I could have done with the family, but didn't. Who knows how things would turn out if we could get the chance to relive the past, knowing what we know. In spite of all my shortcomings, the children grew up and became adults, of whom I am very proud. We can't always be there for our children, but when your trust is in the Lord, you know He will open doors for them and all will be all right.

I reminiscence about the years when my family was young, and realize that if by some chance I got the opportunity to change only one thing....it would be that I would do everything with kindness. What loss is it to us to be kind when we speak with our children, to be kind when we discipline our children, ----to be kind in all matters! It is not a show of weakness, but strength. Through kindness the truth of the matter is revealed. If I teach my children anything, I hope they learn of kindess, without it they will never truly know love.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

It was God who loved us first and He has never stopped loving us. It was God who first showed us kindness, and He continues to do so. His kindess is a delight and with it He measures our footsteps that we should not stumble. When in our rebellion, we sinned greatly, yet He showed us mercy, and opened doors that we may return to Him. Until you take the walk of faith and follow Him, you will never find true happiness that brings peace and contentment.

Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

The Discovery

Today the well guys made a discovery when digging the trench for the water line. They uncovered an old bottle about 3-4 feet down and said there were more. After they left today, Kat and I went out and dug around and found some more "treasures". Old bottles with Vicks, White Hall, and Listerine imprints. Then there were some old brown bottles...maybe beer. It apparently was a dump of some sort and had been burned. Or, perhaps a house had burned and the bottles were in a cupboard.



We don't know the dates but do know they may be from late 1800's to mid 1900's. Cleaned up, we may get a dollar or two from them. Who knows....maybe we uncovered that rare bottle that is hard to find and worth a lot!


The grandkids will be excited to find that the treasure we found in the ground will be worth money to them! They love treasure maps and neat rocks.

There is, however, a promise of a greater treasure than any we could possibly find and that is the treasure we will receive in heaven. Keep your heart true and walk with the Lord. What He has waiting for us is greater than any treasure that can be found in this world.

Matthew 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The Vacation

The cabin Kathleen rented turned out to be far better than we were expecting! No water, no electricity and only an outhouse, but it was sitting high above the ground, and no wildlife visitors (mice, bugs) except flies. We were very pleased to see that it had a propane cook stove, propane refrigerator, and propane lanterns, that hung throughout the cabin. Very rustic and very "get-away."

A fire pit was built outside, off the deck, out of what looked like a huge sawn down barrel, and a picnic table sat off to one side. During the evenings a fire was lit, and smoke filled the air as the flames from the fire consumed the damp wood. Firewood was dragged over by the kids from an already cut and stacked woodpile.

Planks, supported on each end by tree stumps, circled the fire on three sides. The children were driven from one of the benches to the other as light breezes played with them, coming first from one direction and then the other, sending the smoke their way, seemingly following them. Stinging their eyes and filling their noses with with the dry, acrid smoke.

The kids (mothers/fathers/children) stayed busy....boating, fishing, hiking, badminton, taking walks and playing cards. Walking the kids to the outhouse, cooking over the fire, and carrying all the dishes to the campgrounds below, where they could be washed under an outdoor spigot filled with cool, potable water, also filled their time.

It rained the first two days, so on day two Andy and Nick went fishing, and returned late afternoon. Following advice from the friendly townspeople and other fishermen, they had finally found a hole where Nick caught his first fish. He brought it back for Madison and gave it to her. He had promised her a fish for her birthday (11 yrs) and here it was--ready to be cleaned. Andy helped her clean the fish, then Nick and Victoria cooked it and the kids ate it. It was very tasty!

On the last day everyone hiked up to the ice caves, except Timmy (4) and I. We headed back home early with the packed up truck. The rest of the family all came home, well-spent, late that afernoon. Everyone slept like a rock that night!

Victoria and Kathleen were still in vacation mode this afternoon. I had seen them starting to put up a tent. Later I walked out and there they were....set up under a mosquito netting tent with a camping table, with attached benches on which they were sitting, enjoying their juice drinks and a visit.

Tonight the lure of the midway carnival rides, at the state fair, took them to town. Kathleen scanned the schedule earlier and decided the first thing on the agenda was the pot-belly pig race. The children were excited and looked forward to the rides and the carnie games.

Life is good.

No Sins Found

Jeremiah 50:4 “ In those days and in that time,” says the LORD, “
The children of Israel shall come, They and the children of Judah together; With continual weeping they shall come, And seek the LORD their God. 5 They shall ask the way to Zion, With their faces toward it, saying,‘ Come and let us join ourselves to the LORD In a perpetual covenant That will not be forgotten.’
***
20 In those days and in that time,” says the LORD,“ The iniquity of Israel shall be sought, but there shall be none; And the sins of Judah, but they shall not be found; For I will pardon those whom I preserve.

Let us, also, turn to the Lord. He is our strength and our Hope. We will start over with a new life, our sins forgiven and forgotten.

Little Huggers!

The little grandchildren are on their way to see us. They are just over an hour away! It is so very exciting, we have not see them since last year.

Life is good!

Pornography

What depths of depravity do we enter into when we innocently venture into the world of porn. There are no bystanders, no passive viewers-- the door is now open and the thoughts, feelings and pictures come alive in our minds. Even if we don't live a life of harlotry or wantonness, or live as a man or woman without scruples or morals, still there comes the time of depression, and the door opens to memories of past known porn and then your imagination knows no boundaries, if you let it. You will seek to find satisfaction from perverted or forbidden acts...but there is none.

What doors do our schools open when they allow the teaching of homosexuality and its practice as normal sex? What doors are open when they teach perverted sexual positions as normal sex? There are consequences to teaching immoral values and our children will pay the price.

Only through God's love and the love He created between and man and woman will there be true love. He is the Author and Creator of love. Where are the faithful men and women in this world? The men and women of God. Those that walk with Him and who will bring their family into His fold.

Proverbs 20:6-7
Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.

As a child of God, be happy and content with your life...it is your blessing from the Lord.

Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

Stillness of the Night

I went out and gave the dogs some bones from T-bones steaks earlier. It was so calm out and the night was as a dark, velvety veil. In the distance lightning lite up the horizons and the rumbling of far off thunder sounded. Beautiful night. The kind of night that God comes close.

Beamer eagerly snapped up his bone. Sammy sniffed at her's, then backed up and looked at me to see if there was another choice! Finally she gently took it and dropped it and then looked at me again. As I went inside and closed the door she took off with the bone, apparently satisfied I am not bringing her something else.

Life is good.

The Love of God

How great the love of God is for us! I am always amazed at the kindness of the Lord in the way He answers prayers, not always the answer we seek, but always with gentleness. We could never take in the depth of His love. The patience He has with us, the long-suffering He endures as we wobble along the path of faithfulness, the way He keeps us when we ourselves get tempted. The beauty of His love--a love that soars higher than the heavens and encompasses all things....that He should love such a person as I--it is incredible!

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
(God’s Everlasting Love)

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:


“ For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

He loves us all. My heart is heavy tonight as I know He is holding out His arms to bring comfort to the innocent life that is being slaughter unmerifully tonight through an abortion. Not just that one life...but thousands. How His heart must grieve for them all! How many broken hearts of deceived mothers are crying out when they saw the truth? How fierce will be His anger when the day of His wrath shall come. He will bring justice and He will deliver the innocent and be the comfort to those mothers who have sought refuge in Him.

Rider is back to life!

Went and got a new battery today. Came home and put it in the rider and turned the key. Who would think the sound of the mower running could make someone so happy?! I was very happy...happy and relieved.

I took the "old" battery, that I had just bought in June, with me. The dealer said that he was going to test the battery and if it did not hold its charge, that he would refund me the cost of the battery.

My nephew had told me that with new batteries it is possible that with a complete discharge it might longer be able to keep a charge. I looked it up on the internet. Sure enough, I found the following at: http://www.mpoweruk.com/life.htm#dod

"many cell chemistries will not tolerate deep discharge and cells may be permanently damaged if fully discharged."

So, in all honesty, I can't take a refund. We were at fault for the battery discharging to such a degree. Shoot, $35 for a riding mower battery that is guaranteed for five years, is a good deal. I am not complaining. I am just happy to be mowing.

God is good and He has given us a good life.

Friday Ended on a Good Note

Couldn't resist making another batch of scones! It was, indeed, the corn meal that made the difference.

The Quaker brand, that comes in a light yellow, cylinder-like carton, is the one that makes the light, sweet tasting scones. Aunt Jemima Corn Meal, in the dark yellow sack, has the heavy tasting corn meal flavoring--probably great for corn bread, but not for scones.

I am so glad the Lord took my hand to the Quaker brand corn meal, when I first bought the corn meal. I would never have tried the scones again, if the Aunt Jemima Corn Meal was the first one tried. So all is good. We once again have something to go with our tea!

Monkey Wrench In the Works

No smooth progress today. Still plagued by a riding lawn mower that won't start. First we had tried to get it going with the original battery---time wasted here! Finally we got a new battery. How nice to start up the rider on the first turn of the key!!!

Then the lights were left on and the battery ran down...way down. The charger would not charge it -- time wasted here!

Took it to the dealer and he charged it, but at the end of the day said it still need to be charged as it had not gotten up to the "line." So I put it on the charger over night and then put it in the rider. Today I intended to hit that field of grass, oats and weeds at full throttle - but the battery is so dead it won't even turn over!!! --time wasted here!

Tomorrow we are getting another new battery...no more messing around!!!

Spent most of the day in town...hoping to get my tasks done so I could go home and get out in this beautiful summer weather and mow. When I came home, I had my tea and some of Christopher's cookies....changed to work clothes and walked outside. The wind was blowing, but it was blowing hot air! It felt so nice!!!

God is good! What a beautiful world and each day an adventure!!

Time flies

Today, while at the store, I remembered the cornmeal and picked up the same carton that I had before. Except for brand names...it is the same--yellow corn meal. The rest of the month is going to be busy, so, later I will check into why my scones have changed so much.

Time is now flying by....the kids will be here soon and there is much to do. Chris' VBS is wrapping up and then he is back with his Mom and Dad. Hot days are coming and it is now time for the watering system to be in place; time to get the tall grass cut before the fires start up; and time to finish all the outside projects, which have been started, before Victoria and Nick get here. Kat is anxious to show off their home; and, her and Andy are getting everything ready for a massive wrap up of projects on their next days off. (Hopefully!)

Life is good and when a family works together it is a blessing!!

Not All Cornmeal the Same

Today's scones were the second batch of scones I made with the last bag of cornmeal that I bought. The last batch was awful. I forgot the cornmeal altogether and added it after everything else. The scones burned quickly and tasted like cornbread.

Finally, I dumped the batch and made another today. As I pulled the tray out of the oven, disappointment welled up in me. The scones had the dark brown burnt coloring. I tried less time and then a lower temperature. Finally, it dawned on me. The only difference from the first scones I made was the corn meal. The last bag bought was "Yellow Cornmeal" and it did look different that the previous one that I had gotten in a smaller cardboard container. Now, I realize that it was not "yellow", but must have been white that I needed. At the store I had noticed there was cornmeal and cornbread, but it did not dawn on me to check the color of the corn meal. :(

The next batch will have to be far less cornmeal and a little more flour!!! Or, maybe I can dump the bag and get the cornmeal I had before. I did a search and found out that Texas A & M did a study and found that cornmeal is a powerful fungicide!--- I could spread it on the garden soil. There really hasn't been any fungus around that I know of.... so, I suppose I ought to just use the cornmeal sparingly and not waste it!

And, if I am not glum enough about that. While getting the cranberries at 2-J's, I just happened to notice the label. It read SWEETENED dried cranberries. This probably offsets the cutting back on sugar!!

On the bright side, Christopher's butterscotch-chocolate chip cookies turned out excellent.

Wind--blustery and dry

Actually, even though the wind was pretty strong, it was a nice wind and it WASN'T cold! Its nice, in that it is drying off all that moisture in the "wire" grass that we want to get rid of! Right now the mower plugs up almost as soon as you start to mow!

Wire grass is terrible grass, as you try to walk through it, it is like trying to walk through bobby traps. It all snags together and your shoe gets tangled in it. I probably put on quite a show for the neighbors passing by, as I try to get through this stuff!!! You can just walk along and then all of a sudden your shoe is trapped on the spot and you come to a screeching halt when you don't expect it! Or you just trudge through the heavy spots barely able to lift your foot. But soon---it will be gone. (I hope.)

Kat brought back pictures of camping at Crystal Lake. They had a wonderful time. Its hard to believe that it is so close to home and we had never heard of it before. More camping ahead--hopefully we will have some of those sizzling hot days to enjoy the sun and water!! But not too many of those days at a time....we don't want to lose our garden and we don't want our state to go up in flames!!

Today was a good day. I talked to all the children and all was good. God is good and I love Him.

The Passing Storms

Late this afternoon the storms came rumbling through again. Dark clouds, thunder, and some lightning, filled the sky as the rains fell. I had just made some scones and was sitting in Kat's rocker and watching tv, while I tested the freshly baked bread with my tea. A storm had just came through and another was coming in. There were no good detective shows to watch so I turned to the Gaither Show and they sang the song "Til the Storm Passes By". It was awesome, like God was right there watching us. (The song is on itunes)

Kat and Andy took the kids and went camping. I pray they may find shelter in His hand tonight. Rain and hail is forecasted throughout the night.

I looked out the window at the dogs right after a huge clap of thunder broke open the heavens. Sammy was sitting off the deck and looking at me as if I had just made that noise!! Saw Freckles and Little Black running out of the fields and heading over to the neighbor's barn. Guess they want to be dry AND look for mice!

All is good. The Lord is coming soon and we are in His care.

A Brighter Day

The Bible verse for the day is:

"As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it." Job 4:8

It greatly grieves me when I find myself assuming the worst about someone else. Or making an assumption that their actions are going to be evil, or meant to harm me or my children, before they have acted. Haven't I just become the wicked one, in so doing? Can't we just live, under the protection of our Almighty God, and know that whatever wrongs come our way, He will keep us if we walk with Him.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

How do I have positive thoughts of all. I do admire people that are able to do that and just love to be around them! But me? Lord, help!!

The weather was so very beautiful yesterday....not to hot, with barely a wind. What will it be like in the new world? Will it be like the days of the Garden of Eden? I remember hearing laughter from a loved one that was musical like a bubbling brook, and I stood still in awe and listened with great pleasure. How great is our God's love for us to give us always His best!! Indeed, what a wonderful life it will be.

The Rain Continues and the Baking Goes On

Another round of heavy showers hit again. It is just one after another!!! Everything is so very green. I thank the Lord for this beautiful moisture, it has certainly made our garden stay alive! And, given Kathleen and Andy's little trees a good start.

When making scones, I load them with nuts and cranberries.... and that is such a great combination. Thinking maybe I was getting too much baking powder, I had intended for the next batch to go maybe half as much as the recipe calls for. However, after getting distracted by Christopher and his friend, the baking powder was left out all together. This is not adviseable, if you want a good scone. It is ok....but lacks the breaded texture. But, with tea, it is edible.

On the 4th I had a tire go completely flat. The night was dark, the wind was blowing a little, and it was cold. I called my brother, and soon him and four of his buddies showed up to get the tire changed. I thank the Lord that I did not have the flat somewhere in the next 120 miles, as I traveled home. Brothers are such lifesavers!!! Promising to send them cookies, Chris, Kat and I all headed off in the night to our destinations. God is good!