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O Happy Day

Sunday, November 22

I think this song has been sung at every baptizing that I’ve ever attended…

O happy day, that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Savior and my God.
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.

Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away.
He taught me how to watch and pray, and live rejoicing every day
Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away.

…and today – following morning worship – was no different.

Our moderating minister, Marv, (center) welcomed everyone to the baptizing – which was held in the baptismal pool next to our church.  Another minister, Shawn is to his left, and read the scripture – below.

 Nickea

 Hali

I know it was a special honor for Carl to baptize his grandaughter Colleen.

Our grandniece – Jamie

Our grandniece – Ashlea

Our grandnephew – Travis

 This was a special day of rejoicing for my sister’s family, as three of their grandchildren were baptized.

 William

 Wendell

O happy day, that fixed my choice, on Thee my Savior and my God.

~~~

I have never regretted that day – fifty-five years ago – the day that fixed my choice to follow Jesus.

Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Colossians 3:17 (The Message)

Goose for Thanksgiving?

Saturday, November 21

This morning, about 7:30, while watching the morning news, I suddenly heard rapid-fire shooting.  It sounded like someone was duck hunting, but we don’t have many wild ducks in this area

 When I looked out the front window, I saw half a dozen men in the field across the road – and noticed about three dozen Canada goose decoys. 

So that is what was going on in the field when it was still dark this morning.  I thought Eli was doing field work.

 It was fascinating to listen and watch them call in the geese.  I had never seen that before.

 There were geese flying overhead most of the morning…

 …and by the number of times I saw them picking up geese, it appears that a few families may be having goose for Thanksgiving.

 They picked up their last goose shortly after lunch.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 

1 Corinthians 2:9 (New Living Translation)

Packing for a Hunting Trip

Friday, November 20

The evening sky was beginning to look pretty when we left for the one-mile trip to Jere’s house, where the hunters would be packing the vehicles.

Another few minutes and it looked like this.

Jere is inside their suburban while Jeff, Jordan, and Cerwin get supplies.

The little boys – Jesse, Jared, and Ian – used excess energy in running around while the men packed.

I’m impressed with their neat packing.

After Gene arrived, they put some more things in our CRV.

Gene Gehman, Jere and Jeff (our sons), Cerwin, and Jordan (a grandson) – the guys who are leaving for West Virginia tomorrow. 

Two more hunters (Denny and Marlin) will be leaving on Sunday.  Three of Marlin’s grandchildren are being baptized on Sunday, the reason they are leaving later.

Ready for the early morning trip.

They will probably dream about deer hunting tonight.

  Praise with a blast on the trumpet, 
Praise by strumming soft strings; 
Praise him with castanets and dance, 
Praise him with banjo and flute; 
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum, 
Praise him with fiddles and mandolin. 
 Let every living, breathing creature praise God! 
Hallelujah!

Psalm 150:3-6 (The Message)

A Visit from Jared and Jesse

Wednesday, November 18

Kristen, their mom, had an appointment and needed someone to care for them for an hour and a half.

They arrived with backpacks – carrying bunches of favorite things.   The backpacks were so heavy they could barely walk.  I thought they resembled turtles standing on their back legs.

They quickly shed their backpacks for computer games.

After awhile, Jesse wanted to watch a video.  I keep our travel DVD player in the office for times like this.  I think he is watching Bob the Builder.

Another favorite thing to do in my office is cleaning cabinets.  I think they used a full cup of window cleaner.

Jesse followed with a duster – drying what Jared made wet.

Then Jared got real serious about cleaning by using my magnifying glass.

Inspector Jesse

I think my office and house would be cleaner if I kept them every week.   

   Stay with God! 

Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again:

 Stay with God.

Psalm 27:14 (The Message)

A Busy Day & Apple Dumplings

Tuesday, November 17

Preparing the 3,000+ individual December Highway News & Good News for mailing – with the help of Dorothy, Harold, Rachel, and Glenn.  Thank you!

Six of us can get this job finished in two hours – if left to the two of us, it would take Cerwin and me about five hours – and if I had to do it alone, it would take an entire workday, maybe more.

If anyone in this area would like to help, please let me know.  We do this one time a month.

You may recognize Glenn and Rachel (right) as the couple who went along with us to Racine, Wisconsin, a few weeks ago. 

Look what they gave us as a thank you gift…

Homemade apple dumplings!

Thanks, Glenn and Rachel, they were delicious.

I’m Online Again!

We tried several things yesterday with the techs – via the phone – to no avail.

Today he came to the office.

~~~

I will resume normal posting tonight.