Happy New Year

I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy New Year! May the Lord bless 2009 for you and your families.

My prayer for all of you is that you will love The Father's Love Letter to each of you. He wrote it for me too!

Twas 3 Weeks Before Christmas

*Twas the 3 weeks before Christmas* *When all through our land,* *Not a Christian was praying* *Nor taking a stand.* *See the PC Police had taken away,* *The reason for Christmas - no one could say.* *The children were told by their schools not to sing,* *About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.* *It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say* * December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.* *Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit* *Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!* *CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod* *Something was changing, something quite odd! * *Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa* *In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.* *As Targets were hanging their trees upside down* * At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.* *At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears* *You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.* *Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty* *Are words that were used to intimidate me.* *Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen* *On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!* *At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter* *To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.* *And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith* * Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace* *The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded* *The reason for the season, stopped before it started.* *So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'* *Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.* *Choose your words carefully, choose what you say* *Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS , Not Happy Holiday!* Please, all Christians join together and Wish everyone you meet during the Holidays a MERRY CHRISTMAS Christ is 'The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!

The Secret

Do you know The Secret? I do!

Merry CHRISTmas!

I just finished my letter, and wish I knew how to post it on the blog, but my blogging skills aren't up to that yet, so I'll just add the Christmas picture that I put on my letter. That way, if you don't get a letter, you can at least get the picture of the "Clan"!

Josh, Linda, Carole, Lily, Tyler, Vern, Mollie, Shailyn
Phil, Noah, Tesa, Dahlia, Katie, Zach, Josiah, Kylin, Sicily, Kiana

We hope and pray that each of you will have a Blessed CHRISTmas and a wonderful 2009! Remember, He is the Reason for the Season!

It was a Holy Night!

I can't put a song in my letter!

A New Blog Site:

Today, as I was reading the different blogs I follow, I decided to put TheHolyCoast on my favorites, because he is so down to earth. The link I put in is one of his writings today.

I hope you will enjoy him as much as I do!

Jobs?

I read this and wondered what is going to happen? Thank you, Lord, for the jobs our families have!

The Wonders of God

Today, my Bible reading made me once again, think about the Wonders of God, and that He is in control of everything. We may be going through trials, feeling the pinch of the $ market, wondering about the state of our country, getting ready for the holiday, and thinking we won't get it done, but then to read this and know He is in charge, and loves us SO MUCH!

Thanks Kathy for your week of THANKS! I really enjoyed reading them. You are a sweet girl!

I'll help, Will YOU?

I read this Blog this afternoon, and think this is a great idea. Let's support the troops' families while their loved ones are keeping us safe!

If you feel lead to do this, that would be great, but if not, that is okay too!

Veteran's Day

God bless our Veterans!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

I have to admit that after we found out the results of the election, I was pretty bummed out. We had the biggest turnout for a general election than we've had in many years, so that means many people got out and voted, especially young people. From the different blogs I've read, I am not alone! However, last night I got to see the patriotism of our local town people!


I went to the Community Center with a neighbor to hear this wonderful band! OH MY GOODNESS!!! If you have the opprotunity to hear any of these bands, please go. The event was FREE, which made it even better! I would pay to hear them again!


Towards the end of the program, the band played the "Armed Forces Salute." The director asked any in the audience to stand, whether you served or had a family member serve, when 'your' song was played!


When the NAVY song was played, I proudly stood for my precious daughter, Carole, who served during the time of the Persian Gulf war!


When the MARINE song started, I proudly stood for my precious son-in-law, Larry, who served. He is also the husband of Carole!


When the AIR FORCE song started, I proudly stood for my wonderful step-dad, Tony, who served as a pilot during WW11, the Korean conflict, and Viet Nam. He is now 88 y/o, and we are all so proud of him! I also had 2 brothers who served in the AIR FORCE during Viet Nam.


During the COAST GUARD song, I stayed seated, because we didn't have anyone who served with the COAST GUARD.


During the ARMY song, I proudly stood for my dad. He was in the ARMY during WW11, as a gunner. He was always afraid he would have to jump from the plane, but he never had to do that! As he always said, "Why would you jump from a perfectly flying plane?" Today, we have a nephew serving in Afghanistan! If you think of him, please say a prayer for him. His name is Patrick.


This program was absolutely wonderful! Our country is worth fighting for, and we are always ready to protect others too.

The crowd clapped and clapped, and let the band know how much we appreciated them. They took 3 encores!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Our Prayer

This says it best! And even this!

I'm Proud to Be.....

I'm proud to be an American. With all the turmoil going on in our country, I think we need to step back and remember what it is like to be an American. Our country is the BEST country in the world, and we know that because so many people are trying to enter it. Let's listen to this

and count our blessings.



May the Lord continue to bless our wonderful country!

Forgiven

This is a beautiful picture of His forgiveness.

I Think This Will Be The Last One!

'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town

Tempers were flaring

Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe

With a cat in my lap

Had cut off the TV

Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden

There arose such a noise

I peered out of my window

Saw Obama and his boys

They had come for my wallet

They wanted my pay

To give to the others

Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money

And quick as a wink

Jumped back on his bandwagon

As I gagged from the stink

He then rallied his henchmen

Who were pulling his cart

I could tell they were out

To tear my country apart! "

On Fannie, on Freddie,

On Biden and Ayers!

On Acorn, On Pelosi"

He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause

And as he flew out of sight

I heard him laugh at the nation

Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think

On this one final note-

IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

For the Voters that haven't made up their mind...

I am linking this for those of you who haven't decided whom to vote for! It is an eye opening letter that summarizes succintly the main points behind the candidates who are running for president.



Pray, pray, pray, and then go vote. May the Lord continue to bless America!

Good Ideas!

Sometimes I run across some good ideas on the internet. I'd like to share this one with you. Of course I can't use it because of the age of my car. However, this would have been a good one for my DDIL, who's littlest one got locked in the house by herself.

I think it would be good for all of us to share some of the good ideas we get from the internet.

Remember to VOTE!

How Will YOU Vote?

I read this tonight, and it scary! Is this what will happen to America? It is a long letter, from a Christian in 2012, with a lot of what can happen to our country.

Read it and PRAY for America, and vote! Every vote counts!

Ah...The Love of GOD

So often, we really can forget all about our wonderful Lord! Isn't it amazing that the LOVE Of GOD is so forgiving! I read this this morning, and it really spoke to me.

I am so thankful for the everlasting, eternal, gracious love of GOD! If you haven't experienced it, please don't let another day go by with out coming to know HIM personally. He is the answer to all of our problems, and HE does care about each of us.

He wants to be part of our lives each day, and know HIM as HE knows us. Israel is HIS wife, and the CHURCH is HIS bride. We have so much to be thankful for!

The Truth Must Be Told

I saw this this morning and decided I would post it on my blog. If you do nothing else this election, please do get out and vote. I'm not going to tell you how to vote. That is between you and whatever you believe in.

May God bless the USA!

First Graders Are So Much Fun!

Today, Lana and I went to the school for Chloe's "Special Day." Because her birthday is the middle of August, Mrs. Ross lets them have a "Special Day" at another time of the year. Today was that day for Chloe.

It is also Johnny Appleseed Day, so our 'activity' centered around apples!


Each of the kids brought an apple to school, and they did different projects with them. They distinguished them one from the other, and then sorted and counted them.

Then, we made "Autumn Cakes!" They are the best tasting pancakes I've ever made, and I made them for 23 kids, and 7 helpers.

Here is the recipe:

2 Cups Pancake Mix

1 Cup Applesauce (We used the cinnamon flavored!)

2 eggs

1 Cup Milk

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar

Mix all ingredients and pour on hot griddle. Cook like pancakes.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, or put applesauce on them, or use syrup. They are good anyway you decide to eat them.

We didn't use syrup, because the kids rolled them up and picked them up in their hands, and devoured them! Yummy!

Then, I read the book by Dav Pilkey called Doggy Breath!

Here is a short synopsis:

Hally Tosis, is a very good family dog with a very big problem: bad breath! Her breath is so bad, even skunks avoid her!

Of course, the kids loved it! It is so much fun helping with the first graders!

Family

Well, we had visitors today! Guess who came to see Great aunt Linda and Great Uncle Vern? We finally got to meet Sophia! She looks just like her daddy! She is a good baby, curious, bright, and happy! Sorry Great Aunt Sheryl! I got to hold her first!

The Most Expensive Tomato.....

I have to tell you, this is the most expensive tomato we have ever eaten! At the beginning of the summer, I purchased 2 plants for $3/ea. I came home, Vern planted them in our big planter, and one promptly died!

It is now September 23, at 6:30 PM, and Vern fixed hamburgers for supper. We looked at the tomato on the plant, and decided it was time to 'harvest' our crop! We have a few more on the plant, but they are still green!

Anyway, we ate the tomato on our hamburgers, and let me tell you, it was really good! It tasted better than any store bought one we've ever had! I'm not sure if it was worth $6, though!

Lest We Forget......

Thank You to all of our Military!



Let Us Never Forget How We Obtained Our Freedom!

You are UNIQUE!

Family

It is always so nice when family comes to visit. My brother, Dave, his wife, Regina, her mom, Jean, and their daughter, Katherine came this weekend for a visit. Mingo is a good place to come to get away from the rush and busyness of the big cities!

The came on Friday night, and stayed until Sunday morning. On Saturday, we had fun fixing omlets for breakfast, letting Jean pick out many cards that I paint, and then going out to lunch.

We had a wonderful lunch at China Buffet. Their food is so-o-o good. Aunt Lana came too.

After lunch we went sight-seeing around Colby. Jean, Regina's mom, who is 84, is so much fun. She couldn't believe we had so 'much' in Colby. She oohed and awed about the college, the courthouse, Wal-mart, the park, the community building, and all the other sites in town.

They made it to 5:30 mass, and then came back to the house for supper. We watched the olympics, and Michael Phelps win that 8th gold medal. We finally made it to bed around 10:30.

All in all, we had a great time, visiting and eating! Come anytime, family! We love all of you!

It Is Always Something!

You know, the excitement in Mingo just seems to never quit! We had the new high lines hung, and now we have another scenario! We were getting ready to leave for Omaha, after a night of rain, and in the morning, Vern saw a big hole in our back yard. Well, the lid of the septic tank had rusted through, and it fell in! We went to Omaha, and Vern contemplated what would need to be done.

We got home, and he started digging with the skid loader. He took the old tank out in pieces, which you can see at the end of this blog, and put the new one in. (Lana's daughter-in-law, Liza, asked where he was going to get a new one. Lana told her, "He has one." She said, "But, of course!") Here are some pictures of the process.

This one gives you an idea of how big the tank is, and how deep the hole is!

Modern Art in Mingo

IT IS ALWAYS SOMETHING!!!

Kissing

My wonderful husband and I have been discussing the subject of kissing. Now, I know all of you that read my blog on a regular basis know all about kissing. It is one of the best ways our Lord has made for 'lovers' to keep in touch!

Well, the other morning, around 5:30am, I was in that 'dream-like' early morning state, and all of a sudden I felt the most wonderful sensation of soft, romantic, loving lips on mine! Now, my wonderful husband and I have been married for 43 years, and the rest of you have some catching up to do, but that kiss was better than our first one! Nothing else happened! He was on his way out the door to drive the semi!

I told my wonderful husband about the kiss, and he's been trying really hard to try and capture that feeling again, because he really likes to please me. All of the kissing we have been doing would probably elicit many responses of, "GET A ROOM!" Well, we have lots of rooms, but let me tell you, it has been nice around the house!

I hope I haven't embarassed any of you!

The Future Picture of US!
LOL!

Cat "Cooler"

It is so hot, the cat lays by the tomato plant! We water the plant, and he thinks we are doing it for him, and not the plant!

By the way, dad took the picture for Tesa to see that we have 'critters' in our 'garden' too!

Random Quote

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage-payer.

You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatreds.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man's initiative and independence.

You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

-Abraham Lincoln

Obituaries

I have to admit, I read the obits every morning in the Salina Journal. I read this one, and it brought back a wonderful memory.

Sada Munkres

COLBY -- Sada (Thompson) Munkres, 99, Colby, died Monday, July 21, 2008.

She was born March 18, 1909, in Gove. She was a lifelong area resident and a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Shurl, in 1993.

Survivors include her sons, Ward, Colby and Kenneth, Madison, WI; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2008.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2008, at Harrison Chapel, Colby, with the Rev. Carroll Morony officiating. Burial will follow in Gem Cemetery, Gem.

Memorials may be made to the city of Gem, and may be left at any Colby bank or the chapel.

Sada was well known around town, if not personally, but for her wonderful personality. She was always dressed to the 'T's', ( even though they weren't always "fresh"), her makeup on (always a garish red lipstick and rouge), red, painted nails (even in the creases around her nails), and "Roses, Roses" perfume, enough for a lot of people!

My first memory of her is during a shopping trip to the grocery store when we were new-comers to Colby. It was during the summer of '73, right after Josh was born. We were at the store, Carole and Phil, Josh and me, and this 'old' lady came up to me. She looked at me, and me being from the city where people don't always make eye contact, I was wondering what she wanted. She looked at me, and asked, "Are you related to Betty Bell?" I am thinking, WHAT? Now if you don't know, Betty Bell was my mother. I told her, "Yes, I am her daughter." "Why?" "How do you know her, because it has been a long time since she was Betty Bell."

Well, Sada told me that she used to babysit for her when she was a baby, in Hoxie. Now, I can't remember who I used to babysit for, much less their parents, but Sada knew. I'm sure if everyone could put a memory down about Sada, it would fill many, many books.

Over the years, we have had many opportunities to visit with Sada. She made it to all the major functions in town, went on cruises, visited with many people. She had a town-wide bash for her 90th birthday, which I'm sorry to say, we didn't make. I heard those that went had so much fun!

We went to her funeral this morning and it was mentioned about Sada thwarting a robbery at a local jewelry store. She was 95 at the time. She chased the robber after he left the store, swinging her cane at him. Right after that signs started appearing saying "Sada for Sheriff"!
The sheriff arrested him too.

She was your typical, 'town fixture'. She will be missed by many. She almost made it to 100, which was her dream.

I wonder what people will remember about me when they read my obit in the paper?

Family

It is always fun when different family members come for a visit! We had a nice visit today with Toni and Steve. This is the first time in many years that they have driven across the country, and they decided they will go back to flying. Our country is pretty big when you are driving, but they agreed that there is a lot of beautiful areas in the USA. They made it in time for lunch.

They also brought their dog, Dooley. He was fascinated with the cats, different smells, and especially Larry! It looks like they took a liking, or a licking, to each other!

Dooley and Larry

Steve and Toni Michelsen

Sisters

Linda, Toni, and Lana

Wonderful surprises!

Isn't it wonderful when the Lord gives us more than our needs? This week He provided a "want" for me. A few years ago, we bought some new furniture for the family room. The colors were wonderful, and we really liked it. However, the couch just didn't wear well. The cushions got "flat", and even though the salesman said he had new cores put in, I don't think he did. Well anyway, I've kind of been looking for a Charles Schneider sofa. My twin sis, Lana, has one that she has had for 5 years, and it still looks brand new, and sits like brand new, so I started looking for one.

I went to the local furniture store and told them what I was looking for, but they told me that they don't really buy from CS anymore, because they have to buy 10 sofas at a time. I told them I understood.

Then, the lady, Joann by name, told me she might have an idea. I had taken a pillow from my sofa in to her so she could see what colors I was looking for. One of her clients was moving into the retirement, independent apartments, and she had purchased 2 CS sofas 2 years ago, and only 1 would fit into her new apartment, so Joann took the pillow, and guess what!!! The colors are exactly the same! She called me, so Lana and I went to look at the sofa, and it is EXACTLY what I was looking for.

I told her I was very interested, and when she told me the price (about 1/2 of a new one, but this one is brand new!), I told her I wanted it. I asked when we could get it, and she said if we could come either yesterday, or today, she would open the door for us. Well, Larry was in town with the pickup, and Vern was in town doing a job. We all met at VI for lunch, and then went and got the sofa, brought it out to the house, took Vern back to his job, and I am enjoying the sofa!

Isn't it beautiful?

Mingo Excitement

Well, who says there is never any excitement in the ole' town of Mingo! Last night, the crew came to put up the new electrical poles! It was so much fun watching the big trucks and the men positioning the pole in Aunt Lana's yard. Of course, it didn't go without incident...they cut the phone line!

Here are some pictures of our 'excitement'!



It was fun watching the men handle the pole and get it into the hole, and how they plumbed it, and then finish the job.

Who says life in Mingo is boring?

Today's music

We went to a 'musical concert' last night in town. We don't usually go because most of the time the music isn't to our taste. Now I understand, we are part of the 'old fogie' group, but give me a break! If you can't understand the words, and the guitar music and the drums are SO LOUD, you can't even hear the words, what is the point! Then, when we hear the singers, they didn't even sound good. I'm glad we didn't have to pay to go, but then, if we did have to pay, we would just have stayed home anyway.

We heard a wonderful concert on TV on Saturday night, and I think it spoiled us for today's singers. Enjoy the video, and pray that the Lord will soon send someone to sing to His glory, that all ages of people will enjoy it!

George Beverley Shea

Identity Theft

You know, we all need to be careful about our identity. It could be stolen!

Beware of Identity theft

Family

One of the most wonderful blessings our Lord gives us is our families. Or as we have been known to say, "Families are God's way of having people know each other, who otherwise wouldn't even meet."

This week, we had the wonderful privilege of having Tim and Christina Goossen, and their beautiful children, Andres, Ruth, and Patricia stay with us for a few days. We had a wonderful visit, got caught up on family, and just had fun.

Tim and Christina are missionaries to Argentina. They are in the church planting ministry. He is the 2nd son of Harold and Priscilla.

While they were here, we went to see Grandma Goossen. She was alert, and knew who they were. We had a very nice visit while we were there.

Here are some pictures of our time with her. Click on the picture to see the rest of them.

Our Day With G'm Goossen, Tim,Christina, Andy, Ruthie, &Patricia & Buffalo

I Can't Even Say Them....

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

Majesty

Majesty!

He Is Risen

He Is Risen

It Is Finished...

It is finished, and just think, someday we will be able to sing with the Gaithers in heaven, along with all the other wonderful singers of the past, present, and future!

It is finished: GVB

Good Friday

It all leads to the Cross.....

"...only a small portion"

Two teenagers asked their father if they could go the theater to watch a movie that all their friends had seen. After reading some reviews about the movie on the Internet, he denied their request.

"Aw dad, why not?" they complained. "It's rated PG-13, and we're both older than thirteen!"

Dad replied: "Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality as being normal and acceptable behavior."

"But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie! That's what our friends who've seen it have told us. The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film! It's based on a true story and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice. Even the movie review websites say that!"

"My answer is 'no,' and that is my final answer. You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of your friends over, and watch one of the good videos we have in our home collection. But you will not go and watch that film. End of discussion."

The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch. As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their Father preparing something in the kitchen. They soon recognized the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other,

"Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he's going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies. Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all."

The teens were not disappointed. Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies, which he offered to his kids. They each took one. Then their father said, "Before you eat, I want to tell you something: I love you both so much. That is why I've made these brownies with the very best ingredients. I've made them from scratch. Most of the ingredients are even organic. The best organic flour. The best free-range eggs. The best organic sugar. Premium Vanilla and chocolate."

The brownies looked mouthwatering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad's long speech.

"But I want to be perfectly honest with you. There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies. I got that ingredient from our own back yard. But you needn't worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies. The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think."

"Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?"

"Why? The portion I added was so small. Just a teaspoonful. You won't even taste it."

"Come on, dad; just tell us what that ingredient is."

"Don't worry! It is organic, just like the other ingredients. "

"Dad!"

"Well, OK, if you insist. That secret ingredient is fresh organic...dog manure."

Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror. "DAD! Why did you do that? You've tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog manure! We can't eat these brownies!"

"Why not? The amount of dog manure is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients. It won't hurt you. It's been cooked right along with the other ingredients. You won't even taste it. It has the same consistency as the brownies. Go ahead and eat!"

"No, Dad...NEVER! "

"And that is the same reason I won't allow you to go watch that movie. You won't tolerate a little dog manure in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies? We pray that God will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead us into temptation long after we first see it?

What a good lesson about purity! Why do we tolerate any sin? On the day of the Passover, the Israelites were commanded to remove every bit of leaven from their homes. Sin is like leaven - a little bit leavens the whole lump; faith and sin, don't mix. (1Corinthians 5:6, 7)

Bless the Broken Road

I just came home from our last Bible study session: "Stepping Up: a journey through the Psalms of Ascent" by Beth Moore, and what a blessing this was. I have to admit that I didn't spend the time required to make the most out of the study, but tonight's video was so good. Travis Cottrell sang a beautiful song that I had never heard before, because I just don't listen to Country Western music, and this song is supposed to be in that genre.

When you listen to it, when you hear the word "YOU" think of Jesus. There is so much truth in it.

Bless the Broken Road

Holy Week

This is the week that Christians realize their salvation...through the death of our Lord on the Cross. This song is one that I have cherished for many years; one that brings us to the brink of the Cross. Please give it time to load, close your eyes, and listen to this beautiful rendition by Sandi Patti.

A Blessing in Song...

God Bless You

Have A Blessed Day