Xanga

 

 

A Landscape of Melting Snow

 

This was the view of our valley as I was on the way home from the dentist (7:30 appointment/no cavities) this morning.

 

 

The above freezing temperatures were melting the snow – even at 8:45 this morning.

 

 

This photo is especially for my brother Clair – in Rome.

 

 

Remember our icy driveway on Friday, when Cerwin, Ian, and Jared went for the mail?  Most of the ice was gone by this evening.

~~~

Now that some of the snow is melted, the weather is changing, and we are getting more snow tonight – even as I make this entry.

 

 

 

 

 For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (New Living Translation)

 

~~~

 

Thank You Lord for loving me enough to give Your Only Son

…and that He walked here on earth and gave me a flawless example to live by

An idea of who You are by his Life

Through Him I see You in action

Empowering ordinary people with great strength

Preaching the gospel to the poor

Proclaiming freedom to prisoners of sin

Giving sight to the blind

Rebuking the arrogant

Looking with favor on the humble

Loving His followers

Opening the door of Your Kingdom to the destitute

Setting free those who have been used by Satan

You alone are worthy to be worshipped and praised.

Inspired by 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers

Posted in Day 2 of my Prayer & Praise Journal

 

 

~~~

 

If you have set up your Master Page 01 and are ready for February 2, remember to highlight the 01 icon, then copy and paste.

Rename the icon (Copy of 01) to 02, open, and update that page for the 2nd day of the month, and continue doing that throughout February.  Of course that will only take you to 28.  You can create 29 through 31 as needed, or when you have a slow day. 

Let me know if you have any questions, or want the Prayer Journal setup emailed or mailed to you.  I will be doing that on Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

Our Weekend With Grandchildren

 

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Saturday

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One thing we never tell our children, is how much work we make their little ones do when they are here. 

 

 

 They sweep and wash floors.

 

 

Then do it all over again the next day.

 

 

 Jana baked cookies.

 

 

  

 

 

  

 Josh set the table.

 

 

It’s tough working for Grandma.

 

 

~~~

Sunday

~~~

 

The layer of ice on top of the snow is continuing to make the sunrise reflections incredibly pretty.

 

 

 I think it will be the last morning I get a sunrise reflection on this ice, as our temperatures were in the fifties today, and much of the ice is gone.

 

 

After church we took Jeff and Chris, their four youngest children (Jordan was at a youth activity), and the five at our house to Pizza Hut for lunch. 

We had a funny thing happen in church this morning.  While Cerwin and some of the grandchildren were waiting for me (I had taken the three little boys to the bathroom after Sunday School ) and deciding who was sitting with us and who was sitting with Jeff and Chris, the bench where Jeff and Chris were sitting got full.  We ended up with eight grandchildren!

Jeff and Chris thought that worked out pretty well.   Their girls love to take care of Jesse, so we had plenty of helpers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff and Chris’ girls came along home with us – a partial celebration for Diana’s half birthday. 

We had a wonderful afternoon playing Apples to Apples (Bible version).

 

 

 Jenna and Jana

  

 

 C

 Diana waiting her turn.

 

 

 Jana contemplating her next move.

 

 

 Jenna waiting for Grandpa to make his choice.

 

 

 Diana didn’t think any card in her hand was a synonym to the judge’s card.

 

 

 

 

This was one of the best set of cards describing the judges card.

 

 

 Another good set of cards.

 

 

 It took Cerwin awhile to make a decision on these cards.

 

 

Then it was time for an Oreo cookie break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Gloria was entertaining Jared and Ian. 

By this time Jere and Kristen were home.  Jesse was sleeping in his own bed and Josh was finishing his homework so he could go to a Super Bowl Party.

 

 

 

 

 Not all moments were happy today.  This was Ian’s reaction when Grandpa made the announcement that it was time to go home.

 

 

 Gummy Bears didn’t even appease his painful situation.

 

 

 So ended our weekend with the grandchildren. 

 

 

 

 

You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.

(Psalm 91:2 Contemporary English Version)

 

~~~

 

Thank you Lord for being…

My Strong Shelter – My Hiding Place – My Father – My Shepherd

My Cheerleader – My Biggest Fan – My Bridegroom – My God

My Inheritance – My Satisfaction – My Caregiver – My Wisdom

My Fulfillment – My Loving-kindness – My Forgiveness – My Delight

My Refuge – My Joy – My Fortress.

 Inspired by 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers

Posted in Day 1 of my Prayer & Praise Journal

 

 

 

 

Five Grandchildren ~ Fifty Years

Winter Sunset

 

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Jere & Kristen were given a weekend at a local motel, and scheduled it to fit our schedule.  Having grandchildren here is always a good time for making memories.

~~~

 

 

Josh playing Xbox

 

 

Jana playing solitaire Blokus.  She, Josh, Cerwin, and I played a game later in the evening.  I won. 

 

 

Ian’s favorite thing to do is play Xbox with Josh.

 

 

Jared spent a lot of time playing Candyland on my old laptop.

 

 

Jesse just got his first hair cut – his mom said, “So we don’t have to take a hippie to church on Sunday.”

 

 

Ian, grandpa, and Jared going for the mail on Friday afternoon.

 

 

The boys loved the icy driveway.  I expected to get a photo of them falling, but they made it back to the house safely.

 

 

Within minutes we had a short snow flurry…

 

 

…making our icy yard look blotchy.

 

 

Our youngest daughter Deb called yesterday, and asked what we were doing today.  She thought it would good for the boys to have something fun to do today, and wanted to bring them here to play with Jere’s children.

You may remember that their birth father’s funeral was held earlier this week.  They are sons of Leslie – one of Deb’s best friends.

 

 

David, Zachary, Jared, and Ian. 

This visit worked out particulary well, because we had a 50th Wedding Anniversary party to attend.  Deb was pleased that taking care of all seven children worked out for us and her.

 

 

She brought two DVDs to show the children, which I am sure they enjoyed more than a fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration.

 

 

The celebration was for our good friends, Earl and Arlene, whose anniversary is today.

 

 

Earl and Arlene

 

 

The food table.

 

 

 

 

This was a real cake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

These three grandsons were the welcoming committee.

 

 

As we neared home, I had a feeling we were in for a pretty sunset.

 

 

Approaching our little woodlot.

 

 

This was one of those sunsets that changed every minute.

 

 

About the time I thought I caught the prettiest part – it got prettier.

 

 

 

 

Good night on this last day of January.

 

 

 

 

I cry out to God Most High,

to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me. 

Psalm 57:2 (New International Version)

 

 

 ~~~

 

 

As I promised, this is a sample of my Prayer & Praise Journal for tomorrow.

 

DAY 1

PRAISE

Thank you Lord for being my strong shelter…

I am not going to finish the praise section here, because I plan to enter my praise section throughout the month of February. 

 

PRAYER

I NEED YOUR HELP TODAY – TO STAY FOCUSED ON YOU.

Stay in my face – compelling me to consider what motivates me to do and think the things I do.

Remind me to listen – to think before I answer.

Help me to grow in mercy.

Teach me to trust You in everything.

I love You. I love Your Word. I love being a daughter of the King.

 

THANK YOU FOR OUR FAMILY

Bless them with Your protection, power, and wisdom today.

Let them be a blessing to those they meet.

Guide them to people who will bless and encourage them.

I list our mothers, children, and grandchildren by family

 

BE A SPECIAL BLESSING TO DIANE TODAY – HER BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

Give her special wisdom, guidance, and power

as a woman – as a wife – as a mother

as a daughter – as a sister – as a friend

 

BE A SPECIAL BLESSING TO JOSIAH TODAY – HIS BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

Give him special wisdom, guidance, and power

as a man – as a son – as a brother

as a grandson – as a friend

 

BE A SPECIAL TO DIANA TODAY – HER BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

Give her special wisdom, guidance and power

as a girl – as a daughter – as a sister

as a granddaughter – as a friend

 

THANK YOU FOR OUR CHURCH – AND THE LOVE AND FELLOWSHIP WE FEEL THERE

Give special wisdom and insight to our preachers and Sunday school teachers who are preparing sermons and lessons this week.

Bless our Official Board with wisdom and patience as they serve us, and must at times make difficult decisions.

 

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU – THE STAFF – AND TRUCKERS THROUGH TFC

Give special wisdom and insight to our staff at the International Office.

Guide each director (Canada, Russia, Africa, USA) with wisdom and insight.

Bless our publications: Highway News, Prayer Calendar, The Extra Mile, The Open Road, and each chaplain’s newsletter.

Challenge, encourage, bless, or lead someone to faith in You by having reading one of these publications today.

Undergird our field staff with the wisdom and patience they need today – especially those on duty. 

Keep them tuned in to the drivers around the truck stop who need You.  Whether they need salvation, insight, or encouragement.

 

A

THANK YOU FOR MY EXTENDED FAMILY, CHURCH, MINISTRY, FRIENDS, AND THE CONTACTS YOU BROUGHT INTO MY LIFE.

Meet their needs today and during the next month.  Bless them with guidance, wisdom, and encouragement

Family & Friends

List all the “A” names

Church

List all the “A” names

TFC

List all the “A” names

 

SPECIAL REQUESTS

List all current requests

 

INSIGHT & WISDOM

I read this many years ago, and it impressed me so much that I kept it on DAY 1 of my Prayer & Praise Journal since that time.

Anthony Hopkins was asked how he became one of the best actors in the world. He replied,

“I read and reread the script – probably 250 times. I consume it! I eat it! Until I know everything about the person I am portraying – until I can feel his personality.

This is how I am supposed to learn about God – consume the words of the Bible – eat it – until I know His personality.

 

 

 

 

Asian Pear

 

I decided to try another fruit that I have never tasted.

 

~~~

 

Asian pears differ from the traditional European ones. These pears are usually round, firm to touch when ripe, and are ready to eat after harvest. Asian pears reach prime quality when they ripen on the tree, like an apple and peach. These pears will be crisp, juicy, and slightly sweet with some tartness, especially near the core.

 

 

I was surprised that it looked like a apple when I cut it open, and the taste was something between a pear and an apple.

It was delicious, and I will definitely try one again.

 

~~~

 

Asian pears are cousins to the pears that are typically seen in grocery stores, but this fruit is similar to an apple.

It is easily identified with its round shape and smooth yellow skin. Select the most fragrant and unbruised fruit with little to no brown spots. Ripe Asian pears are hard and do not soften. They are ready to eat when purchased.

Asian pears are known for keeping well. Store pears a week at room temperature or up to three months in the refrigerator.

 

 

 

 

I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit.

The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. 

Ephesians 1:17 (Contemporary English Version)

 

 

~~~

 

 

Setting Up a Prayer & Praise Journal

Part 6

 

Prayer

Today we will be entering the sixth (and final) item under prayer. 

This is where I enter special requests – the ones that are for current needs.

 

Special Requests

From church or ministry

From friends, work, the neighborhood

From Xanga, Facebook, or other online blogs

Any current request you want to place here

 

To keep this list current, you may want to always open the previous day and “copy”, then open the current day and “paste”.  Or you may just want to enter new requests.

When you come back to this day a month later – update it by deleting answered prayers and adding new ones. 

Some people like keeping record of answered prayers.  You may do that by starting a new title after Special Requests, and title it Answered Prayers.  Or you can note an answered prayer following their name – if they are a family or friend whose name is listed somewhere in your journal, which is my preference.

This is YOUR journal – make it as simple or detailed as you like.

 

~~~

 

The final entry in my Prayer Journal is titled:

 Wisdom & Insight

This is where I enter wisdom and insights that really “grab” me – and I don’t want to forget the challenge.

I have insights on some days, and on other days this space is blank.  Maybe it is a short-term challenge, and I remove it after a period of time.

 

~~~

 

Tomorrow – the final day of the month, I will display a sample master page, without any of the detailed explanations of why I enter what I enter in my journal. 

I will also make this journal setup available to you by email.  A reader asked if I would do that so she can share it with friends.  If you want an email attachment of this journal setup, send the request to my email:  tfcner@dejazzd.com. 

I can send it to you in a Microsoft Word or PDF attachment.  (Let me know which you prefer.)

If you cannot open Word or PDF, I can just copy and paste it in an email page, then you can print it, or copy and paste it into your own style document.

Another choice is sending a copy to you via the post office.  If you prefer that, put your address in the email.

The email will be ready about the middle of next week.

 

 

 

 

Sunshine & Meetings

 

The sunrise glistened on our ice-covered snow this morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~

I had two meetings at the International Office this afternoon.

~~~

 

 

 The first was with Bunny O’Hare (Director of Chaplains) and Sam Rittenhouse (Associate for Chaplain Care) to finalize the schedule for our winter retreat in two weeks.

 

 

Sam thought of Bunny when he saw this rooster alarm clock.

 

 

 We thought we may have to “kill” the thing before Bunny figured out how to turn it off.

 

 

 My second meeting was two hours later.  It was a combination Communications Meeting and a Farewell Party for J.J. , who is resigning as Editor of the Highway News & Good News to pursue her Master’s Degree.

 

 

 

 

 J.J. enjoying her card.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Bunny offered each of us a small chocolate bar from his candy dish.

 

 

 Inge (Executive Assistant to the President) was serious about her choice of candy.  She will be replacing J.J. as editor.

 

 

 TFC President & CEO, Scott, went by the close-my-eyes-and-choose-method.

 

 

Lynn is TFC’s Technology Coordinator

We did have a meeting, to make sure we are all on the same page, and updated on upcoming communications.

 

 

~~~

Before heading home, I stopped in at the shop to say, “Hi” to Cerwin and see what he is doing.

~~~

 

 

 He was sanding light troughs for indirect lighting on the Racine, Wisconsin, chapel.

 

 

 

 

He and Glenn had built them earlier in the day.

 

 

~~~

Sunset

~~~

 

 

 

 The sunset did its best to outdo the sunrise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 A beautiful, profitable day.

 

 

 

As long as I live, I will pray to you.

Psalm 63:4 (Contemporary English Version)

 

~~~

 

Setting Up a Prayer & Praise Journal

Part 5

 

Prayer

Today we will be entering the fifth item under prayer. 

This is where I begin entering names in alphabetical order. 

Because our master page 01 represents Day 1 of each month, we will begin with A. 

Enter names of people whose last name begins with the letter A.  If the person was a contact who God laid on your heart, and you don’t know their name – choose a letter that reminds you of the location where you met, use their first name, or add information about them at the end of the month (27 to 31) when we have run out of alphabet letters.

~~~

A – Thank you for my heritage and the many extended family members who are part of who I am – my family and Cerwin’s.  I am also grateful for the friends and contacts who have influenced my life.

Meet their needs – today and during the next month.  Bless them with Your wisdom, guidance, and encouragement.

 

Family

“A” Name – add special notes to any of these, if you know needs (encouragement, healing, salvation, etc.)

“A” Name – Depending on how well I know the family of uncles, aunts, cousins, I may list them under one name (like:  John and Sue (last name) family.

 

Friends

“A” Name

 

Church

List all the “A” names – or use your church directory

 

Other section titles may include – “Ministry”, “Work”, “Neighbors”, “Contacts” – People you see or who serve you on a regular basis (mailman, deliverymen, businesses you frequent).” 

 

Continued tomorrow

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If you have not begun making an alphabetical listing on paper of people who fit into your alphabetical category, this is a good time to do that – as you will want that ready for Monday – the beginning of February.