Snow Again

Winter blew in again with a blast. We woke up to snow, wind and cold. Sent the dogs out and watched Sammy start out into the open pen. As soon as the wind hit her, she turned around and went straight into her dog house. She kept coming out to check on the cats and the neighbors, but spent most of her time in the dog house. Beamer is under the deck and I don't even want to think what he is up too!!!

Yesterday afternoon, while heading back from town, I drove straight into the wind. The water tank on the back of the pickup was bouncing up and down from the wind snapping at it. Thought for sure it was going to flip off. So...until the wind goes down, or I get the tank unloaded, I am staying put. Lots of books, warm electric blanket and maybe even some cocoa before going to bed--life is good. This weather is suppose to last for the next 8 days. (Hopefully, not the wind, though!)

The Soldier's Psalm

Psalm 91

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

Plans for Watering

Kathleen plans on putting in a drip system. Her and Andy will investigate options Tuesday or Wednesday.

Driving down Smelter Avenue the other day, the light changed to yellow just as I approached it. Slamming on the brakes, the pickup came to an abrupt stop. Suddenly a loud "thunk" shook the cab as the water tank, in the pickup bed, slammed into the back window of the pickup. From there on, I slowed down and carefully eased up to traffic lights, in case of a sudden change.

Earlier in the week, when we drained the tank, we could not get the last 6", or so, of water from the bottom, as the drain was that far up the back end of the tank. I now tried to push the tank off the window, but it was heavy and would not budge. At the time the tank was put on, I gave consideration to putting something between the tank and the cab, but didn't have anything to use for a wedge, at the time.

Besides the tank sitting and rubbing against the back window, as I am driving down the road, there is, also, the problem of getting it OFF the pickup. Obviously, pushing it off is out of the question.

The plan, now, is to set up some posts to rope the tank to and then drive forward and have it slide off and down a ramp. YES!! This is definitely going to be an exciting week. Hopefully I don't end up wrecking the pickup somehow or other.

When I was young I felt the need to go out into the world to search for adventure. But, right here, in our everyday life, there is more adventure than I know what to do with!!! God provides for our needs and He makes our lives interesting. Thank God for our wonderful blessings!

Attempt at Watering the Trees

Trees galore...soon to be a forest! This weekend Andy plowed with this cute little 32hp John Deere Tractor with a 3-pt hitch; and, then he and Kathleen planted their trees. (The date is wrong on the picture, as I did not change it on the camera.)

With over 300 little trees in the ground, it seemed imperative to figure out a way to water them. The distance is too far for hoses. In Sun Prairie we filled up garbage cans at the water stations and then watered the trees by buckets; but, that was far less than a hundred trees. So, together with Victoria, a decision was made to put a water tank on the pickup. This morning I headed to Big R to get the one on sale.

Hoping to be able to attach a water hose to the tank, I could then blare my radio and happily drive down the rows watering the trees. The fellow at the store found some adaptor fittings for a garden hose. Then Mom's neighbor, Harvey, put the fittings on for me. Next stop, to get a small hose, and THEN the water station.

175 gallons later, the little pickup and I were on our way home. S l o w l y! There was no baffle in the water tank, so fearing a big slosh might tip the pickup over, I went slowly and steadily. No problems!!

I went to the first tree when I got home, all excited to start watering. Pulled the hose through the cab and turned it on----nothing. I pulled the hose out of the cab and put it ground level, thinking MAYBE it can't push up hill---nothing. I opened the top lid to give it air---nothing. Now what?

Time to call the boys. Its really great having three brothers. I kinda wonder at times that they don't mind getting stupid calls for help. They always take me seriously and help!! Thank God for them!

Well, I tried Pete. He thought maybe either the tank was plugged, or maybe the hose. Asked if the hose was below the level of the tank. He then suggested taking the hose off and putting an old one on that I could cut up and see if a shorter distance would help. I asked how I was going to get it back on and he didn't think that should be a problem. That I just needed to "shut the valve off first." ......The valve???? Now why didn't anyone at the store say I needed a valve???? So, I told him I didn't have a valve. My hopes sank when I heard the surprise in his voice when he repeated my words of "no valve."

The final decision was that I was going to make a ditch through the trees and, at the top end of the land, run the water down through the trees. This afternoon Kat texted that they would be here in the morning to help.

The live animal trap wasn't such a huge success, either. I set it up and put a slice of bread in there, hoping to get rid of AT LEAST one gopher. When I came back, the trap had been sprung. The gopher had gotten in, nibbled on the bread, left little gopher droppings and escaped out of the cage. Set it one more time--maybe this next time he won't be so lucky.

One of God's Precious Children

Greatness is recognized in many ways. It can be the tenderness one has toward others. It can be the selflessness one exhibits through faithfulness. It can be how we love.

Sometimes we take for granted the treasures in our home. Looking through the pictures I have found one of our greatest treasures. With such a contradictory nature...sometimes your encounter with her leaves you feeling like you just survived a storm. She has a big heart that sacrifices to help those in need. Yet, she is fervent in standing up for what is right.

Mothers deserve honor and respect. They are the backbone of the family. The strength that keeps the Dad involved in the family and, yet, be able to have a fulfilling job in the world. The military wives and mothers face the greater challenge of keeping home fires burning, keeping the home and finances, and waiting and praying that the loved one, who is in a faraway and dangerous place, will return to them.

Is there any way one can find another homemaker with such beautiful taste? Huimin always adds a touch of glamour and comfort to the home.

Inviting and enjoyable. What a gracious hostess.




Bringing the richness of "old country" and mingling with elegance and a taste of "freedom".

Having places of honor for the past. The remembrance, for her children, of the lives and accomlishments of those who came before.




The all-consuming task of loving her children, teaching them and giving them wings.

With talent and fun....they are ready for the future!





A precious mother, a loving wife! Whatever mountains come between, whatever valleys must be crossed, love finds a way. May God bless this family.

Winter Storm warning

Well, the trees came in today, so we should have expected this. A snow storm is heading our way. The skies are already turning grey and the wind is picking up.

Spring is close, though. Very close....

Sunday Morning with the Animals

This morning the dogs went out early(about 5 am). About 8:30-9 I heard this noise...I thought "hmmm Sam was probably just trying to play with the cats". Then I heard a big "whomp!" Now I knew she had dumped the dog food container again. Out I ran.

I was flabergasted!!!!! There was the cat-camper pulled one-quarter of the way across the deck, the cushion pulled out from the back and ripped up on the ground, the rug taken out and the cat scratch "teepee" on the ground. AND the dog food container up side down on the deck. I opened the door to the camper and the cats were just laid back in a leisurely style. They apparently didn't care who was pulling them or where.

The end of the camper is all tore up as that is what Sam used to pull with. She has the unbelieveable talent of being able to shred anything!!! Moved the camper to the other side of the deck, as now I am going to have to figure out how to fix the end that Sam tore up.

After a long separation from looking at them, I decided to warm up the left-overs for the dogs, seeing as it is snowing and getting cold. So I did. As always Sam just sits and stares at it until she sees Beamer eat and then she eats hers, too.

Feeling half-way sorry for the cats, I went in the fridge and got one of the cans of sardines. Opened it and warmed it a little. Then went out and put it in a dish for the cats. They are all lying on the top shelf of the camper. They KINDA stretch and sit up and stare over the side sniffing. Don't know if they ever got down to eat it, as I then left.

Such was the morning with the animals.

Taxes done

Took a trip Last Friday to the IRS to get a tax book and tax forms. When I got home, I went line by line down 1040A and did my taxes. Got some tax breaks I didn't know were out there. Yea!!

What a peaceful day it was today...so quiet! Forgot what it was like not to hear the wind howl!! Life is good.

The flower bed on the side of the house was started this afternoon. Freckles and Hazel (cats) came over and investigated. Big Freckles came strolling over and sniffed the pile of rocks that was being created. THEN, to my amazement, he lay right there on the pile of rocks. Rock picking continued with the rocks being thrown off to the side of the pile, so as to not hit him! Soon he left and then both cats disappeared.

It then dawned on me that the garage door was open. Immediately I visualized garbage sacks ripped apart. A quick look around found Hazel lying under the propane tank. So, work on the flower bed continued, Freckles is probably around too.

TONIGHT Andy went out in the garage and there was Freckles. Opening the garage door, he chased Freckles out and then before the door could shut, Freckles was back in. A few times of this and Andy finally chased Freckles, trying to catch him. Finally, success! The door was closed and Freckles was brought through the house and scooted out the front door. Apparently Freckles was pretty happy with the new home he thought he found in the garage. Freckles is such a character!!

The next three days are suppose to be in the 40's and raining. Good growing weather. Hopefully it continues AFTER we get the trees, flowers and garden in. Will leave it in the hands of the Lord. Amen.

Taxes

Time is getting short. Gotta somehow figure out the income tax forms again! If all the instructions were in ONE free book, it wouldn't be so bad. And, if some of these instructions weren't written for college math students, that would be nice, too. Well, I guess I will get through it, just like everyone else does.

Next year will be the bigger challenge, as I don't know how this Country can survive without an increase. The money has been doled out...now like all us good citizens know...the bill will come due and we will have to pay. The evidence of voting for good people is becoming more evident every day. We need good solid people, not the radical-pleasers who try to rewrite our Country into a new Sodom and Gomorrah. With God all things are possible, including a revival and reestablishment of our Country.

Luke 20 The Pharisees: Is It Lawful to Pay Taxes to Caesar? "20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.

21 Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? 24 Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?”

They answered and said, “Caesar’s.”

25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent."

Gloomy Days Still Can Have "Sunshine"

Victoria celebrated her birthday yesterday. After working all day, she came home and Nick had prepared supper for her. Then her friends came over to celebrate. That evening Nick and her friend went to pick up Madison from gymnastics. Sometimes a little rest and attention is the best present we can get!! Happy Birthday, Victoria!!

Today is so gloomy outside...no sunshine. The wind is chilly and the dark clouds look as though rain may come. Very depressing, though we need rain. Even a trip to McDonalds, for a coke, which I had swore off, could not bring me out of the blues. Then Kathleen got a call from Tim and I got to talk to him. He is ok and doing well---so a little sunshine made its way into the day.

We Shall Live!!

The Good News -- He Lives!!! The judgment of "death" for our sins has been taken in our stead by our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Can you imagine one being dead and rising from death??!! Honor and Glory be to our King - the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Alpha and the Omega, our Lord and God, Son of the Living God, Jesus Christ.

As I walked out in the brisk, chilly spring morning air to get the newspaper, I noticed the lilies coming up. It is amazing that these pretty little flowers are covered so that they can take below freezing temperatures. We live in a world of miracles...each one as amazing as the next. That God not only planned the scheme of things, but made all things work interdependent on each other. Thank you Lord!

Kathleen and Andy had a scavanger easter egg hunt for Christopher yesterday. Kathleen had clues on little pieces of paper and Chris then search for the treasured eggs. The greatest treasure in his hunt was found in the spare bedroom. It was a brand new bike!!!

Huimin was thinking of making a treasure map for Timmy and Serena's scavanager easter egg hunt. I have not heard back if they actually did the treasure map or not.

Victoria also did a scavanger hunt in the house for Madison and Phil's little girl. She was exhausted when she was trying to come up with clues and kept coming up blank. Finally the clues were made and the easter egg hunt was back on schedule.

Even though the cool breeze outside is full of the cold promise of moisture, Pete will be BBQing ribs over at Mom's today. Its a good day when the family can gather together!

HAVE A BLESSED EASTER!!

Day of Deception, Betrayal and Death

Tonight marks the day that the chief priests and scribes plotted to kill Jesus. Judas, who was one of the very disciples of our Lord, agreed to betray Him.

Luke 22:1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.

3 Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. 4 So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money

.

Peter, beloved disciple of the Lord, vehemently declares his faithfulness.

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.”

At the Mount of Olives, Jesus prayed. We see the human side of Jesus. He knew what was to come and was in agony. The sentence of death for the sins of man could not be changed; the price had to be paid.

Luke 22:41...He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

Jesus returned to His disciples and found them asleep. He woke them and told them to pray least they enter temptation. As He was talking to His disciples the multitude came, along with Judas. Then with a kiss, Judas betrayed Jesus.

Luke 22:47 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Jesus spoke to those who came for him:

Luke 22:52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

How like Peter we are when the world is strong against the Lord and we stay silent. When lies are taught in our churches, our homes and communities, and we fear the condemnation of the world, and do not speak up. Satan gives to us the temptation of fear.

Luke 22:54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. 55 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.”

57 But he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.”

58 And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.”
But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”

59 Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.”
60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!”

Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 62 So Peter went out and wept bitterly

Jesus stands before his accusers.

Luke 22:66 As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying, 67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.”

But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe. 68 And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. 69 Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.”

70 Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?”

So He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.”

The chief priests and scribes along with the crowd accuse Jesus before Pilate.

Luke 23:1 Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”
3 Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”

4 So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.”
5 But they were the more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, but Herod returned him to Pilate.

Luke 23:8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.

Pilate found no fault with Jesus and stood before his people:

13 Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 said to them, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; 15 no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. 16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him”

Pilate was to release one prisoner during the Passover. Pilate wanted to release Jesus. But the crowd was stirred up and called for the release of Barabbas instead. A prisoner jailed for rebellion and murder. Pilate again tried to release Jesus, but the crowd would not hear of it.

Luke 23:20 Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. 21 But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”

22 Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.”

23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. 24 So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. 25 And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Jesus' followers lamented and mourned for what was happening.

27 And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ 31 For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?”

Jesus was nailed to a cross in between two criminals. He was mocked and scorned.

Luke 23:32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

The death of Jesus was marked by the Hand of God. The Centurion recognized the truth of the righeousness of Jesus and glorified God. The crowd saw what they had done and were filled with regret.

Luke 23:44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last.

47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!”

48 And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. 49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Unconditional Love

We live and are blessed by the goodness of the Lord. He gives us life, He gives us love, and He gives us blessings. Yet, there are people who live as though hell is a social spot for them and their friends. God's mercy will not be there; nor will God. I just am dumbfounded when people joke about God! What gives??

We are so very loved. That God would give us His son, as a sacrifice for our sins!! A holy God, made man to become sin for us! Who lived, and died, and rose from a sinner's death that we may have forgiveness and the hope of eternal life in a beautiful new world. His love is unconditional, it is given freely to all. We don't have to be perfect to be His child, only to walk with Him and repent of our sins.

Unconditional love. A love that is pure, holy and will flow through your spirit. May that love be with you today.

Today is Maundy Thursday or Covenant Thursday. The following is from the Bible:

Matthew 26:17 Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’”

19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.
20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”

22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”

23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”
He said to him, “You have said it.”

Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.