I’m Treating Today Like A National Holiday!
It happens to be the day I was born – 63 years ago.
I’m the one holding the doll.
My brothers Dale and Clair – and me standing in front of a bush at our grandparent’s house.
One room school days – April 1952 – Age 8
Today we live next door. The trees you see in the background are now the northern corner of our property.
Happy Birthday to Josh!
Tomorrow is his 12th birthday and my 63rd, but we celebrated tonight as he has an orthodontist appointment tomorrow. He is having his braces adjusted and thought he would enjoy eating a special supper and his cake tonight – rather than tomorrow.
Josh and Ian.
Ian spent most of the evening playing GameCube – the reason he only got on one picture!
Some fun pictures from the evening.
Jared
Ja
Josh and Jared.
Jana
I love this picture of Jana and Jared.
Whoops! A bruise from too much clowning.
Spelling Bee
Our grandson Nathan was one of 37 finalists in the district (public school) spelling bee today. Cerwin and I were pleased to attend.
After getting his number (13) Nathan headed to the stage.
The man who called the words waits while the final row of students is called to the stage. They were the best spellers from grades five, six, seven, and eight.
The spelling bee coordinator introduced the three judges.
The 37 seats are full, instructions have been given, and competition is ready to begin.
During the first round, everyone gave their name and grade to get acquainted with the microphone and routine. In the second round each student was given a practice word.
Nathan went down on chinchilla.
And then there was one.
Monday Morning Prayer Breakfast
Photos by Cerwin
Cerwin and several other TFC staff met with a group of men (many retired drivers) at Petro Truck Stop, Carlisle, PA, this morning.
Ken (right) a retired truck driver began this breakfast several years ago. The men meet to pray for drivers, special requests, and the truck stops in the area.
Scott Weidner, TFC President and CEO, was the guest speaker today.
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“A God Thing”
On the way home, the TFC men decided to make a quick stop at the Pro Bass Shop – imagine that! Somehow a few of our guys met two men from Seattle, WA. They were in town for a Christian seminar, and were sent to a variety of places to witness for Christ. Cerwin wasn’t sure how the TFC men and these two connected, but one of them was quite interested in serving on the TFC chapel in Seattle!
Sunday Evening Super Bowl Party
At Jere (our youngest son) & Kristen’s House
Our granddaughter Jana and her friend Ciara enjoyed their moms’ supper of fondue and snacks.
Angie and Kristen – the moms – visited in the living room while they ate.
Left to Right: Josh, Darvin, Jere, Cerwin (Jared on the floor) downstairs eating and watching pregame activities.
Jana, Ciara, Conrad, and Ian playing GameCube.
Jared on a shelf. He never stopped moving all night!
Watching the game. My brother Clair stopped in later, but I forgot to include him in a photo.
He was the one behind the camera when I tried to teach Jared how to work a yo-yo.
What fun!
Kristen reading to Ian
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When Cerwin asked if I wanted to go home at halftime, I had become so used to watching the men playing football in the rain, that I thought, “Why would I want to go out in the rain?” Then I realized that it wasn’t raining where we live – but freezing cold. That didn’t look inviting either, so we stayed until the end.
It was 5.5 degrees this morning – Monday. I know that may seem warm to our friends and family in the midwest.
Sunday Lunch – Birthday Party
We began this once-a-year birthday party many years ago – not sure when – because the four ladies all have birthdays in February.
This year it was Marcy and Mark’s turn to host the meal. She is an awesome hostess and due to her skills as an interior decorator and his as a skilled carpenter, they have a beautiful home.
The men – Mark, Gene, Cerwin, and Gerald – waiting for the call to lunch.
Henry was also hoping to be invited to lunch! He wasn’t!
Joanne, Gerald, and Emma (“Cookie” to our group).
Their beautiful dining room.
Enjoying a delicious lunch.
A beautiful basket cake by “Rosie”.
Most people in our area know who that is when her name is combined with the word “cake.”
We had a great afternoon.
It was amazing how quickly time passed – and we needed to move on to our next meal – a Super Bowl Party.
Blessed are the Merciful
For They Shall Obtain Mercy.
Matthew 5:7 KJV
The 5th Beatitude
Notes from our church’s Winter Bible study on the Beatitudes
Sermon by Pastor Ron Copenhaver
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Beatitudes are the “Award-Winning Attitudes” of God’s Kingdom.
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Ron used visuals to review the first four and begin the 5th.
(He set them up between bookends – like awards on a bookshelf.)
1. Poor in Spirit – New Testament – An attitude of going to the Word for wisdom.
2. Those Who Mourn – Box of Tissues – An attitude of repentance.
3. The Meek – Tiny Capsule – An attitude of smallness before God.
4. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness – Sponge – An attitude of soaking up the Word.
5. Those who are merciful – Pitcher of Water – An attitude of giving and helping others.
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The order of the beatitudes is not accidental.
The first four involve our relationship with God.
Blessed are the merciful involves our relationship with others.
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Mercy is not an easygoing – nothing matters – rules and guidelines are not important attitude.
Mercy is pity or empathy in action.
In our busy world, do we have time for interruptions?
If we close the door of mercy
The door of mercy will also be closed to us.
A Cold, Windy Day in Pennsylvania
There are still a few leaves hanging on for dear life.
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We just got home for the first time since church this morning.
We had lunch with friends, then watched the Super Bowl on a big screen TV at our son & daughter-in-law’s house
Good job Colts!
I’m ready for bed, so will post pictures and tell you about our day sometime tomorrow.
Gettin’ The Chapel Ready
The continuing upgrade and maintenance on Encourager Chapel in preparation for moving it to Travelcenter of America, Elkton, MD.
Photos by Cerwin
Name Change
Since TFC’s records show that Life-Saver Chapel is at TCA Elkton, MD, and Encourager was in the Poconos, the office staff thought it best to change the name.
Cerwin gave Ted McCoy the honors of removing the old name – by using a hair dryer.
Cerwin prepared the area for the new name.
And just like that – Encourager became Life-Saver.
This morning Barry Shirk gave the carpet a professional cleaning.
There are only a few more details left to do before it is ready to move to the truck stop. I know that Chaplain Sam and Margaret are anxious for the day this one replaces the old one.
