This Is What Happens When You Take A Sunset Picture When It Is Too Dark!
What quote or verse goes with that picture? Let’s try this…
Fear imprisons ~ Faith liberates
Fear paralyzes ~ Faith empowers
Fear disheartens ~ Faith encourages
Fear sickens ~ Faith heals
Middle School Christmas Program
Now that’s a handsome grandson!
Tonight we were honored to attend Josh’s Christmas program at a local Christian school.
I like this picture of a section of the chorus getting organized for practice prior to the program.
Mrs. Gingrich did a fabulous job of directing the chorus. (This was during practice – when I could get closer for a photo.)
The bell choir performing Go Tell it on the Mountain.
Our favorite was this song done with a darkened room and votive candles.
Congratulations from his other Grandma.
Josh and Grandpa
If You
Do Not Forgive
Your Father
will not forgive you.
Matthew 6:15
Some Challenging Christmas Thoughts From An Email I Received The Other Day
~ ~ ~
We are ambassadors for Christ
As though God were pleading through us…
2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV
Transport For Christ Christmas Luncheon
International Office
This was the day the TFC International Office staff celebrated Christmas with a special luncheon. Lynn Kolb was ill and could not be present.
Inge thought there should be a photo with me in the group – since I am usually behind the camera. Sam and Alice Rittenhouse arrived just after this picture was taken. Karen Weidner was the photographer.
Everyone brought a bowl, dish, crock pot, or plate of food.
My favorite of the day was the salmon (bottom of photo) in this plate of red, thin pastry shells filled with yummy bits of food.
Some of you asked about the shells, they are Athens Mini Fillo Shells.
These were filled with hamburger and cheese.
Verna Graybill and Bunny O’Hare make sure everything is ready at the table, which was set up in the shipping room.
We surprised Karen and Scott Weidner with a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. Scott is TFC’s President and CEO. Karen is principal at a local Christian school and took time to enjoy lunch with us.
Afterwards, several of us met in the board room to finalize plans for the upcoming 2007 Winter Retreat and Staff Conference.
On the way home (4:30 PM), I told Cerwin I thought the moon looked prettier and larger than usual.
Another pretty sunset closed our day here in the Northeast.
Remember God loves you ~ and me. Sleep peacefully tonight.
Did You Ever Do Something That May Not Have Been Wise?
I did. Today!
Early this morning, while Cerwin and I were enjoying our first cup of coffee, we were discussing how I had gotten myself into trouble earlier in the week – a few times – due to poor communication. We were having a great conversation, but he still seemed to have trouble understanding how or why I came to an incorrect conclusion on a certain subject, with the small amount of information I was given.
I was in a great mood – not angry or hurt – when the idea came to me! (It is never wise to do something like this if you are dealing with those feelings.)
“I am going to stay home from church today and not tell him.” (I ‘m sure the idea was from the Lord.) 
I have never done that in all 43 years of our marriage!
While he got ready for Sunday School, I stayed in the La-Z-Boy – doing stuff on my laptop. Prior to this, I had given him no clue that I was staying home. When he was ready for church, and came to the living room, he looked a little confused – but true to his laid back personalty, didn’t say anything. (It was difficult to keep a serious face.)
After about five minutes, I said, “So why do you think I haven’t gotten dressed yet?”
He said, “You aren’t going to Sunday School?”
“Do you wonder why I’m not going?”
“I don’t know, is something wrong”, He asked?
“No, I am doing just fine.”
Then I asked what conclusions he had come to when I just sat here, didn’t talk, and didn’t get dressed for church. He said he was puzzled because I always communicate my intentions. He said a variety of things went through his mind – none of which were correct, by the way!
I assured him that I was not tired, upset, or sick – just having a bit of fun to get a point across as to how easy it is to arrive at an incorrect conclusion when there is poor communication.
He smiled and said, “Got it.”
I still can’t believe I did that. Imagine how many people at church assume I was sick or away somewhere when they saw Cerwin alone – because they didn’t know the facts.
(After a “crazy” week, it was nice to have a relaxing couple of hours alone and watch a few church services on TV – in my housecoat.)
Just so I don’t leave you with incorrect communication – Cerwin is the best husband in the world – POSITIVELY THE BEST. He is laid back in personality, and doesn’t always think about the value of communicating important information to me. I doubt that my “fabulous” example will change that. 
I read this to him and he approved the message.
Happy Dance Revelation Delayed
The extra delay in this entry was not intentional. Last night, just as I was ready to let you in on the reason for our “Happy Dance” – the electric went off during a vicious wind storm.
We were surprised to look out our front door and see emergency vehicles! I was not comfortable using the flash on my camera, so used the high speed setting. This is the result.
Cerwin went outside to see what was happening, and was treated to a light show in the neighbor’s tree. I missed that, but after he told me about it, I saw sparks flying all over the place.
The fire police weren’t even sure what was happening, because they were keeping at a safe distance due to downed wires, while they waited for the electric company.
We went to bed early, without knowing what was causing the fire and sparks.
This morning I walked over to their yard to see what happened and was surprised to find parts of a pine tree that had apparently been burning.
We now have a tree on the north side of our yard with it’s top missing.
~~~
Now – The Happy Dance
Jeff and Chris – Jordan, Nathan, Jenna, Diana, and Gloria are doing the happy dance.
Mark and Diane – Elizabeth, Hannah, Josiah, Abigail, Hezekiah, and Lydia are dancing.
Jere and Kristen – Josh, Jana, Ian, and Jared are excited.
Ivan and Deb – David and Zachary are dancing at the news!
~ ~ ~
Jere and Kristen are going to have a baby early next summer!
~ ~ ~
This is grandchild #19 for us!
We have 15 on earth, 1 in heaven, 1 in womb, and 2 adopted into our hearts.
Happy Dance
More Information Later
To all you impatient people. I get to choose how much later!
Neat Opportunity!
Today I was a phone guest on CrossRoads
hosted by TFC Chaplain Doug and Carolyn Young, Ontario, California
on
The International Christian Network
A live broadcast that is aired around the world.
~~~
Many
O Lord my God
Are the wonders
You have done.
The things
You planned for us
No one can recount to you.
Were I to speak
And tell of them
They would be
Too many
To declare.
Psalm 40:5
If Christ is the Center of Your Life
The Circumference Will Take Care of Itself.
