Izzy’s Visit
Wednesday, June 1
Izzy’s mother was killed on the road the other night, and when someone noticed the live baby, they called a vet to see how it can be kept alive.
The vet told them to call our daughter, Deb, who loves fostering rescued critters until a proper home can be found.
Ian
The three little boys were here at the time and got to hold her.
Jesse
Deb, Ian, Jared, and Jesse
The boys love her.
So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault.
Romans 14:19 (The Message)
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I love encouraging words – giving them and receiving them.
Planting Corn – Finally
May 30 & 31
It was wonderful to see my brothers’ fields being planted with corn.
The next day Eli planted no-till corn. That means the ground was not plowed or prepared for planting.
It will be interesting to see how these cornfields produce – side-by-side.
Take a good look at God’s wonders—they’ll take your breath away. He converted sea to dry land; travelers crossed the river on foot. Now isn’t that cause for a song?
Psalm 66:5-6 TheMessage (MSG)
Allow God’s wonders to take your breath away today.
Woods and Pavilion Cleanup
More Mud Pudding
Monday, May 30
My sister-in-law Dot, our son Jeff, my brother Dale, and Cerwin
My siblings and some of our children get together each year in late May – often Memorial Day – to clean up the pavilion area behind our house.
I wish I had thought about taking before and after pictures. This was a very large burn pile and the grass surrounding the area was ten to twelve inches tall.
I was doing the weed eating, and didn’t think about my camera until I was finished.
Getting ready to eat lunch.
Prior to lunch, this area was full of leaves and weeds, and the picnic tables and benches were filthy from the winter and spring weather.
I expect you can guess what Jesse is intent on doing.
He hasn’t roasted too many hot dogs in his short life, but wanted to learn how to do it. We had to clean ashes off of it by the time he was finished. 
The other choice of meat was barbecue chicken. My sister, Nancy, is in charge of organizing this meal, so I expect she made this.
My brother Dale’s wife, Dot, usually brings the fruit.
My brother Steve’s wife, Brenda, made this delicious salad.
Nancy made this fabulous rhubarb pie.
I was delighted to see an eastern bluebird just before we left the pavilion area.
Ian and Gloria were back at the pine tree creating mud puddles and mud pudding.
Jared, Ian, Gloria
Jesse was the water boy.
It was a wonderful Memorial Day.
After the children went back to their parents, Cerwin and I went to Park City where he took advantage of a Memorial Day sale to buy a small refrigerator and microwave for the newest chapel. From there we went to Chili’s for supper to spend a $25.00 gift card.
Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong.
Ephesians 6:10 (Contemporary English Version)
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I am depending on His strength today.
Sunday Lunch
May 29
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While enjoying my first cup of coffee on Sunday morning, I began mulling over the idea of inviting our local children for lunch. Then about half-an-hour before leaving for Sunday school, I did it.
It suited everyone!
~~~
Cerwin grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, venison steaks, and chicken. I fried potatoes, onions, and sweet peppers, and grilled asparagus in the oven. I had enough fresh fruit for dessert, and Chris, Kristen, and Deb brought things they had on hand.
So instead of having a meal for two – there were twenty-one. You may not recognize Gregg (on the right). He is a special needs man who Jere and Kristen care for. He lives in a group home, and loves food – especially hamburgers. Jere and Kristen always take him to his mother’s grave on Memorial Day weekend.
They only called him on Sunday morning, but when he went to bed on Saturday night, he told one of his caregivers that Jere and Kristen would be coming on Sunday. They were glad they called.
We have seen an incredible change in him since Jere and Kristen began caring for him, and since he moved to a group home. His father is still living, but limited in what he can do for him.
During the afternoon Jeff and Chris were outside and found this baby praying mantis.
It was amazing to see all the features of a fullgrown praying mantis – but in miniature.
The four youngest (Jesse, Gloria, Jared, and Ian) spent some of the afternoon in their special dirt area under a pine tree. They especially enjoyed adding water to the dirt and creating mud.
Is there anything more fun on a hot day than creating mud pudding?
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalm 63:4 (New International Version)
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I am committed to praising God as long as I live – no matter what.
Going to a Concert
At Doe Run School to See Gloria
Thursday, May 26
As soon as those who play strings were on the stage, we knew we were going to have trouble seeing Gloria in the second row.
I went closer to get a picture before the concert started. She didn’t see me yet, so is still looking down.
Now she sees me.
We are always amazed at how well these grade school children perform at a concert.
I think Gloria caught sight of us. (We were sitting with her parents.)
Following the strings concert, the band played a few songs. They did an excellent job as well.
Gloria’s choice of a snack was Rita’s. You can see her mom (Chris) and Cerwin at the window. Her dad (Jeff) is in the background (suspenders) talking to someone he hadn’t seen for awhile.
I know the sky looks good here, but to my back the sky was getting dark and looking threatening, so I quickly took a photo of Gloria before we headed home.
Thanks for suggesting Rita’s, Gloria. My mango gelati was delicious.
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We got home before the rain and a bit of hail, but Jeff, Chris, and Gloria drove right into it. Thankfully the storm was not as serious as it first appeared.
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For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.
He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.
Colossians 1:16-17 (The Message)
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Everything, absolutely everything!
