For Those Concerned About Our “Redneck Mailbox”
Cerwin has taken a lot of teasing about this creative way of setting up a temporary “post” for our mailbox – after it was taken out by a snowplow.
We heard things like, “What are you trying – rocket air mail?” and “You might be a redneck if you use a propane tank and truck cart to hold up your mail box.”
Cerwin fixed it yesterday, so we are back to a normal mail box…
…just in time for today’s snow.
Sunday School Class – Winter Banquet
Delicious punch – served by Ira – awaited us when we arrived at the church fellowship hall last night.
The committee did an awesome job of decorating the tables…
…and creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Charles, Caleb, and Marlin visit until the meal is ready.
Aubrey Grace’s dad, Jon, is one of our teachers.
Aubrey and her mom, Keri
Carole and Dean – Country Home Catering – provided the delicious meal
After looking at the pictures, I realized I forgot to take a picture of our table!
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Sam – one of our pastors – was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Because our class members are retired or close to it – our theme was
“More Memories than Dreams!”
Each couple had to answer a question listed on the evening’s program.
Glenn and Bernice (notice the branch in her hand) were asked to talk about their most embarrassing dating memory.
Bernice’s mom had done a lot of baking, and I expect ran out of storage space, so placed a chocolate cake on the floor in an area where she didn’t expect anyone to go. Glenn did not notice it and stepped on it!
This Praying Mantis cocoon was attached to the greenery on Glenn and Bernice’s table. Bernice thought maybe no one noticed, but Ruthclaude, the one who decorated the tables, did notice it and decided to leave it there to see if any of the table guests found it.
Jim, another one of our pastors, and his wife Faye, were the couple married the longest. They were asked to give the rest of us some advice. He said, “Follow Henry Ford’s advice, ‘Stick to one model.’ ” 
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Cerwin and I were asked to share a memory from our honeymoon. We had a fairly uneventful and wonderful honeymoon, so the best we could come up with was, “Our most expensive motel cost $8.00!”
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What fun to go down memory lane! One question brought back a memory I had almost forgotten.
How many remember when the Pennsylvania Turnpike was built? We lived nearby (and still do), so sometimes, on a nice Sunday afternoon, Daddy and I would walk the half mile or so to see what was happening. I was a little girl, and treasured the time with my Dad.
Chuck E. Cheese
Grandsons Continued
Tokens were the boys first priority.
Cerwin and I enjoyed a cup of coffee while the boys played some of their favorite games.
The boys came back to the table when the hot cinnamon sticks arrived…
…and quickly emptied the plates.
Cerwin and Jordan playing skeeball.
Jordan and I competing in skeeball.
Golf was another favorite
About an hour later, the boys were hungry again!
Then they got into racing with grandpa!
This game is particularly fun, because you can see the other driver on your screen, if your speed is similar.
Then it was time to count the tickets. Each guy had enough to buy a bag of cotton candy!
Afterward we shopped at Wal-Mart and EB Games. I told the boys they could choose a new GameCube game. They picked a racing one, of course. I think these guys were born with NASCAR blood in their veins.
They spent the afternoon trying to conquer the game. After taking them home, we plan to go to our Sunday School Class’ February Banquet.
Bowling With Grandsons
What fun to spend an evening with these guys!
This time we are celebrating Josh’s 12th Birthday and Jordan’s 15th and a half.
Josh
Nathan
Jordan
Cerwin was the winner of both games!
Strike!
Good Job!
Time to remove our shoes.
Stromboli at Two Cousins
Tomorrow it will be Chuck E. Cheese
New
Transport For Christ Chapel
Under Construction
This one will be placed at Pilot Travel Center, 699 State RT 203, East Saint Louis, IL.
The first thing Cerwin did was empty the two bay garage.
The Promotional Chapel (based out of this location) and Life-Saver Chapel (waiting to be moved to Elkton, MD), were pulled outside and parked beside two other trailers waiting to be transformed into chapels.
Then this 48′ Budd trailer was backed inside.
First job – removing the back doors.
Glenn Fahnestock removing a door hinge.
The “naked” interior is ready for a makeover.
Earlier this week, openings were cut for the window and two doors. This door is located in the office/living quarters, and will be used for an emergency exit only.
Bill Rumpf, Philadelphia, PA, and Chaplain David Hertle, Omaha, NE (helper for a day) assemble a floor section.
Don Hollinger, Lititz, PA, assists with a floor section.
Bill, Dave, and Donald enjoy a coffee break.
The next step – insulation for the floor.
Ted McCoy, Lititz, PA, and Cerwin measure for the last section of plywood.
I took this photo yesterday, just after the guys had begun putting up wall sections.
(to be continued as construction progresses)
Brunch With My Sister
My sister Nancy and I had brunch at Brickerville this morning – her treat to me for my birthday. (Yes, my birthday was almost two weeks ago, but this was the morning that suited us best.)
We both enjoyed a delicious chicken and mandarin orange salad.
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Interview for a Newsletter Article
David Nispel, Chaplain David Hertle, Laura Hertle
I had an appointment in the early afternoon to interview David Nispel (left) for the next The Extra Mile newsletter. He recently had a mini stroke while driving his big rig, and ended up in the hospital in a city where he didn’t know anyone. He has a neat testimony of God’s providential care.
(I learned of his story the other evening when David and Laura were at our house overnight.)
Bunny O’Hare, Director of Chaplains (center) , joined us in Cerwin’s office to hear David’s story..
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A Warm Afternoon
The temperature was well above freezing today, finally melting some of the snow and ice.
I saw lots of people taking advantage of the opportunity to clear driveways and parking spaces.
Ladies’ Tea
The Annual Ladies’ Tea in our church fellowship hall was beautiful, relaxing, and delicious.
The ladies in charge did an awesome job of making pretty dainties.
Ouch!
Last night when I was showing Chaplain David and Laura Hertle (who were staying at our house overnight) how some of the things worked in the room where they could relax, read, or watch TV, I noticed one of the lights was unplugged. When I leaned over to plug it in, my head hit the corner of the bookcase and made a nice gash in my forehead.
Since I was speaking at Ladies’ Tea, I was kind of hoping I could cover it up with makeup this morning! That didn’t work and a Band-Aid seemed even more noticeable, so I decided that it really didn’t matter!
A few people commented on the wound, so I mentioned that I did not have dirt or ink on my forehead, nor was it a bug or spider – and that I was just fine!
Since I have been setting up PowerPoints for the past few years, I had fun designing one as a special treat for the ladies.
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Developing Loving Relationships
Respect! Respect! Respect!
Respect God
Respect Yourself
Respect Others
Encouragement in Marriage
Ester, Brooksyne, and Stephen Weber
Stephen’s challenge in Sunday morning’s message was to encourage each other in marriage.
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Affirming Words
Quality Time Together
Thoughtful Gifts
Cooperative Service
Physical Intimacy
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Love is an Action Word – Means to Keep Loving
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Love Never Fails
For those not familiar with Camp Hebron, this is a scene near the horse barns.
Inge and I took an afternoon walk for two reasons. My legs needed a good brisk walk due to so much sitting, and she told me about a photo opportunity of a large, freestanding icicle.
This icicle melted away from the rail on a warm day, and now stands alone!
Saturday at Camp Hebron
I could include lots of pictures, but dial-up takes a while to download, so I will limit this entry to three.
Stephen Weber challenged us with “Eight Principles to Overcoming Discouragement.”
1. Remember the Power of God
2. Remember That We do Not See the Results of Our Entire Ministry
3. Remember God’s Call to Obedience
4. Seek to Make Lifelong Contacts With Those to Whom You Minister
5. Remember That Some Plant and Water, Some Sow, and Some Reap
6. Remember That We Are Not Alone, We Are Part of a Large Army
7. Remember Your Own Unique Gifts and Seek to Find Creative Ways of Ministry
8. Remember How “Puny” We Really Are Compared to God
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Stand Firm. Let nothing move you. Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
The Paul Fehr Family blessed us with an evening concert.
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It was truly a day of challenge and blessing.
A Relaxing Day at Camp Hebron
One reason we began coming to Camp Hebron for the Sweetheart Banquet was that it gave us a day to casually prepare for the TFC Retreat.
The Sweetheart Package includes an overnight stay and breakfast, then the other guests go home, while the TFC people stay.
While I was getting the welcome table ready, I heard the sound of “You Are My Sunshine” playing, and looked up to see this cute flower singing (as it danced – or wiggled). Linda Michaud had given it to Paul for Valentine’s day! I said, “That is our song.” So they gave it to us, saying they will find another one!
Nancy Sensenig filling her plate with spaghetti and meatballs for lunch.
The early arrivers – TFC people who arrived last night for the Sweetheart Banquet – enjoy lunch.
Ted Keller and Trisha Hoy (on electronic piano) opened the evening service with worship and praise.
We had special prayer for those who are stuck in traffic because of closed Interstates (I-78 and I-81) George & Nancy Freeman, Jeff DeShaw family, and Mark Garret (all comming from Connecticut), also Jesse Deems, Brunswick, GA, who is waiting on a plane into Harrisburg, and Mike Haden who is at the airport waiting on him. They were still not here when I went to bed, but their nametags and keys are gone this morning, so I suppose everyone arrived by now.
Our speaker is Stephen Weber (www.dailyencouragement.net)
“What is Worse Than Being Sick?”
That is how Stephen opened his first message. The answer, “Being discouraged.”
Our weekend challenge is to memorize Hebrews 3:13 NIV
Encourage one another daily as long as it is called today so that none of you are hardened by sins deceitfulness.
Encouragement is pouring courage into someone needing it.
Everyone needs encouragement and everyone can give encouragement.
