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What happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity.

Galatians 5:22 (The Message)

Saying Goodbye To Our Minnesota Family

Friday, February 26

On the last afternoon, Jon came to the house on his four-wheeler to make sure all driveways were open around the Stauffer homestead.

Jen and their children came a bit later to say their goodbyes. She is holding Dietrich.

Alisha giving Cerwin a hug

Andre giving Aunt Juanita a goodbye hug.

You may remember that we were on the same flight as Juanita on Saturday morning.

Jon saying goodbye to Grandma

Alisha hugging Grandpa Bob

Sharing a laugh

Jen, Alisha, Dietrich, Jon, Andre

Japheth and Aimee’s family: Wayne, Japheth Jr, Jaden, Jeremiah, and Loraine in the front. In back, Japheth is holding Lynne and Aimee is holding Violet.

There was a beautiful sunset on our last night in Minnesota.

I read a book during our travel time called One Month to Live (http://www.onemonthtolive.com/), which reminded me that each day is a GIFT.

I am trying to remember that – taking in a deep breath each time I think about it – and thanking God for the GIFT of TODAY.

The nine days we spent in Minnesota cannot be relived – but each day was a wonderful gift that will be imbedded in our memory bank.

~~~

Tomorrow night: Getting back to normal life in Pennsylvania

~~~

Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!

Romans 15:13 (The Message)

Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!

Romans 15:13 (The Message)

Wood & Donuts

Part Three

Friday, February 26

The donuts are ready!

Glazed

Powdered

Sugared

The men and boys were called in for the first taste test.

There is nothing like a fresh, warm donut.

Japheth Jr.

Cerwin

Jesse

Jeremiah

Everyone agreed that they were delicious!

In the last two entries I showed the men at work stacking and splitting wood. Tonight I thought you might like to see what happens to all this wood.

The big pieces go into this “critter” and keep Japheth and Aimee’s house warm.

Wood & Donuts

Part Three

Friday, February 26

The donuts are ready!

Glazed

Powdered

Sugared

The men and boys were called in for the first taste test.

There is nothing like a fresh, warm donut.

Japheth Jr.

Cerwin

Jesse

Jeremiah

Everyone agreed that they were delicious!

In the last two entries I showed the men at work stacking and splitting wood. Tonight I thought you might like to see what happens to all this wood.

The big pieces go into this “critter” and keep Japheth and Aimee’s house warm.

Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.

Ephesians 1:4 (The Message)

Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.

Ephesians 1:4 (The Message)

Splitting Wood & Preparing Donuts

Part Two

Friday, February 26

While Cerwin and the little boys stacked wood in the shed, Jesse and Bob split wood from another pile.

I liked this one – when Jesse’s axe got stuck.

After finishing the pile that had been stacked near the shed, Cerwin and the boys began moving the newly split wood into the shed.

Back in the house, the donuts are rising…

…and glaze is being prepared

Lynne wanted to watch aunt Juanita, but got sidetracked with the dish rack.

Loraine asked to help stir the glaze.

While waiting for the donuts to rise, Monica mended a few of Jesse’s socks.

Lynne was retrieved from the sink top and enjoyed a spot next to great grandma.

I am starting to get hungry for a donut!

~~~

Tomorrow: Eating Donuts!

~~~

Splitting Wood & Preparing Donuts

Part Two

Friday, February 26

While Cerwin and the little boys stacked wood in the shed, Jesse and Bob split wood from another pile.

I liked this one – when Jesse’s axe got stuck.

After finishing the pile that had been stacked near the shed, Cerwin and the boys began moving the newly split wood into the shed.

Back in the house, the donuts are rising…

…and glaze is being prepared

Lynne wanted to watch aunt Juanita, but got sidetracked with the dish rack.

Loraine asked to help stir the glaze.

While waiting for the donuts to rise, Monica mended a few of Jesse’s socks.

Lynne was retrieved from the sink top and enjoyed a spot next to great grandma.

I am starting to get hungry for a donut!

~~~

Tomorrow: Eating Donuts!

~~~