I'm quoting from Singing Rachel as she took the words right out of my mouth.......

"I'm tired of seeing my old post but until I have time to  get my thoughts together......"

I want to wish each of you a very meaningful  and lovely Thanksgiving Day!   

 My thankful thoughts go today to one of the promises my Heavenly Father gives to each  of us...."I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

There's a wonderful peace in just knowing that God never leaves us alone,

And whether we feel He is with us or not, He loves us and calls us His own.

His Word is our hope and our comfort, a refuge when life brings our way

Those times we need wisdom and guidance and strength to sustain us each day.

~Emily Matthews

Blessings!

An Easy Sunday School Lesson to Teach?

No.

"Growing Patience!"

Patience is hard enough for an adult.....as we wait on little things and large things to be answered in prayer. This was the lesson for my 6th and 7th grade girls. My study book suggested making cookies....but taking them out of the oven before they are finished to bring out the point when we are impatient, we may ruin something; we may miss what is best.

I was prepared for some of the girls to say they like unbaked dough and therefore would like the cookies just like this.......because our children, Barb and Brian, enjoyed eating the cookies before they entered the oven!!   How could I still make a point with these doughy cookies? The eggs were my answer! (When I was a little girl, that was never a concern.....all the homemade ice cream we made.....the recipe asking for 8 or 9 raw eggs.....we never got sick!)

The cookies that took patience to wait on, while baking completely, are on the right! Several girls were missing today so we had lots of cookies to eat! These girls are a JOY to teach - very attentive and offer thoughts about the lesson. Sarah, I'm sorry I snapped this just as you were coming out of a blink!!

Several years ago I did a lesson similar to this....unbaked cookies....and as I was leaving church I passed one of our deacons. At that time I had the unbaked cookies on a cookie sheet. When I explained to John what this was all about, he said, "Oh I like them just like that!!" and helped himself to several!     He, also, grew up like I did - not worrying about raw eggs! I am more concerned about that today.

This was back a month or so ago - if you notice the corn in the neighbor's field at middle right of picture, right now that is brown in color and is ready to harvest. But this experience was practicing a minor bit of patience for me as I waited and waited on this little treasure to come to my feeder - AND - capture a picture! This summer we had the privilege of listening to a hummingbird expert speak on their habits, etc. I found it interesting to hear that their nests are the size of half a walnut! How would you begin to find one?!  I would love to!

He is coming in for a landing!

Thank you, Lord, for eyesight as this was a joy to observe!

In our Sunday School lesson we talked about the fact that patience doesn't come naturally for most people. We eat in a hurry; we can send messages in a hurry; with a digital camera we can see pictures immediately! So it becomes difficult for us to wait for something. We discussed King David. For over ten years David patiently trusted God to keep His promise so that he could become king. I'm so thankful for the Psalms as we can feel the emotions and comfort David felt as he wrote in times of trouble and heartache.

But WHY didn't God make David king right away? Don't you believe David learned lessons he would not have learned otherwise?  I would far prefer to learn these lessons without going through trials. Somehow it doesn't seem to work quite that way. We had a stillborn baby daughter, Christy Joy, in my 7th month. That was very, very hard - especially since our other two children were older so I explained a lot to them while carrying her and they also were looking forward to this baby just as Nevin and I were. I then carried their grief plus my own. It has given me a new compassion for other mothers - that I know I would not have had otherwise. Yes, I would care deeply but now I know how they feel. I believe sympathy is caring but empathy is knowing and caring....knowing with our heart. 

Today, if you are waiting on something, I pray you will have the strength to "Cast your cares on the Lord" for scripture says, "He shall sustain you." Psalm 55:22    ~Blessings, as I wait also

Especially For My Children, Nieces, and Nephews:

We Made Some Fun Memories Today.....

Memories We Weren't Planning On!!

We girls set aside today to celebrate Grandma's (Mother's) 83rd birthday. We met at 7am (you know Grandma, an early riser!)  Then we drove 45 minutes for our breakfast.

It was a relaxed and enjoyable breakfast - just taking time to sit and visit together. Life gets too busy and this was meaningful.

On the way home your very organized, precious aunt was heard to say from the back seat in rather weak expression, "Oh No." 

"What happened?" I quickly asked!  She replied, "I forgot my keys."

We pondered what to do. Call Caleb - he might have a key in his pickup at work. He didn't; they were in his pocket.

As you know both Grandma and Connie are spunky so they started looking for a window that might be open. Did they find one?

The neighbors, who are also my friends, were outside. I thought I could ask them for a ladder. Connie doesn't like to bother anyone so she said, "I can scoot up!"

She did - with assistance!!

Grandma is laughing and trying to talk at the same time!

I was laughing so hard I thought these pictures might be fuzzy from a shaking camera!

Too bad someone wasn't on the inside taking a picture of Connie's face!

This is my dear sister (and your aunt) from a different angle - and an earlier time of year.

I came across a poem titled "Co-operation" which fit Grandma and Connie so very well!

 The poem doesn't apply to them; the title does. But I think you will enjoy the poem so I included it.

Co-operation

Two tough old mules (not us I hope!) Were tied together with a piece of rope.

Said one to the other, "You come my way, While I take a nibble of that new-mown hay."

"I won't," said the other. "You come with me; I have some hay over this way, you see."

So they got nowhere, just pawed the dirt, Pulling each way - how that rope did hurt!

Then faced they about, those stubborn mules, And said, "We're acting jut like human fools.

Let's pull together - I'll go your way. Then you come with me, and we'll both eat hay."

So they ate their hay, and liked it too, And said, "Let's be comrades, good and true."

As the sun went down, they were heard to bray, "Ah, this is the end of a perfect day!

~Author Unknown

"A cheerful heart is good medicine."

Welcome Grandparents!

These are the words that greeted us on our bulletin! 

Inside, two highlighted sentences caught our eye:

"We hope you enjoy your morning with us! Thank You, grandparents, for being an important part of our lives. We love you!" If you are a grandparent,  you know the gratefulness you have to the Lord for the privilege of this joy of grandparenting!

Matthew is our oldest grandchild. The 8th grade class helps throughout the morning - some with parking the vehicles, some handing the programs to each grandparent as they arrive, and later helping all these "lost" grandparents find the correct room to their grandchild! Some grandparents have several loved ones to visit in a 45 minute slot of time. This was our only glimpse of Matthew until their choir presented their songs to us.

Seth's teacher had some activities for us. Seth  had to draw hands on a clock and we had to guess what Seth does at that time of day. Then we had to do the same thing and Seth had to guess. It was a fun interaction.  I just love spending this time with him.

Looks like Seth has an organized teacher and is passing this skill onto her students. Each student has this note on the corner of their desk! I was thinking a note like that might help me early morning to stay on track!

Seth's cousin, Christina, is also in the same classroom. (This is our son-in-law's parents and of course, Seth's grandparents.) We really appreciate Joann and Luther so much as we all pour our hearts into our grandchildren.  It was fun to take this picture of them. They were so involved in helping Christina on this little project they never saw me take the picture.

At 10 am a bell rang to encourage us to leave the classroom and go back to the gym.  We then had a program given by each class.  As one class left the platform after finishing their songs,  the next class entered on the opposite side. During this transition, we had piano solos and duets.

This is Lindsey; you might recognize her as one of my Sunday School girls I was sad to see leave my classroom. She is really, really focused;  we had an impressive turnout of grandparents!  You had to be focused!  She did a lovely presentation of  "My Jesus I Love Thee."  Thank you Lindsey. And  I thought you might appreciate if I tell my friends that you do not have a permanent white spot on your lip!!

This young man must have good side vision as he told his Grandma later that he knew Nevin took this picture! But he never turned his head; I was watching as I was so concerned that it didn't  disrupt his concentration. He had two beautiful piano solos - "Fiesta Espana" and "Legend of Madrid."   Great job, Andre'

I was so very disapppointed to have missed getting a picture of one of their great encouragers - their music teacher. I thought I would take you here to see who she is! Thank You for all your dedicated work, Jen!

I almost didn't put this picture on as you can hardly see who the students are. But I had to have one more picture of our favorite Matthew! He is the second to tallest young man! Both the students who had piano solos are on here also - both in the front row.

We appreciate Mrs. Balmer 's (bottom right of picture) work put into this day and her choice of songs!  They were truly meaningful. We could see a lot of time went into this and we are grateful to each one who made it possible for  grandparents to attend this special morning.

It is a tradition for most of the students to then leave school with their grandparents and have lunch together. It kind of feels sad to know this is our last year with Matthew at this school. Did you ever feel like you wanted to stop the clock of time?! I know you did. We want God's best for them and that means continuing to move forward with prayer. I loved this day!  Thanks for experiencing this day with me via pictures.

Here in PA. we are experiencing beautiful Autumn days and with it breathtaking sunrises and sunsets! You all know pictures don't do justice to what your eye and heart captures as you stand in awe of what you are seeing! (I do want to mention this sunrise is especially for dear xanga friend richgem as she is not a morning person! )

I worship before You, dear Father, as the all-wise Creator, the One who made heaven and earth and all that is in them, and saw that it was very good!

"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth."

This is my best friend I talk about! It's been an extra special September for us!

B.R. Kreider is a family-owned business which started in 1936. When Nevin began  working, there were 33 employees. They do all sorts and sizes of excavating and paving projects. 

This 40th year celebration benefited all 160 employees with an egg and fruit breakfast.  The management team of five rose early to prepare breakfast .....this is Dan doing an excellent job on the grill.

Woudn't these taste good at 6am?!

 Kevin and Linda wrapping sandwiches.

Michael, Brent, and Jeff cutting and toasting  English muffins.

The smell of the sandwich put a smile on Dennys' face.

Our nephew, Larry, is the first man on the left.  He is an inspiration to our family.

Ryan is also one of our Sunday School teachers and does a terrific job.

Jon, another great teacher, that serves our Sunday School class. These young men are teaching the age group of their parents! I admire them!

~Switching Locations and Celebrations

May I share my birthday joy with you........

How do I describe our daughter, Barb? She uses the gifts the Lord has given her to bless others! She brings beauty into the lives of those she loves by giving of herself in so many ways.

When I celebrated my 50th birthday, she did something I will never forget! The morning of my birthday, she told me someone would be stopping by for me. My two sisters, Connie and Dawn, rang our doorbell! They handed me a note and I soon saw I was going to be on a treasure hunt!! My first note was a clue describing  one of my friends and I had to determine which one it was. It was sooo much fun! My sisters took me in their car to the first friend's house; she gave me the second clue. And so the morning went....each clue describing a friend and that friend handing me another clue. When that was completed, we three went for a walk in a nearby town. In the meantime, all these friends who gave me notes, gathered at Barb's home where she served us all a meal! What  precious, precious memories!

Because she is our only child nearby, (Brian and Donna living in Colorado and Christy Joy in Heaven,) I really expressed to her that I do not want her to feel she needs to do anything "large" this year. She enjoys preparing food but as you know from reading my blog, it was a busy time with canning and freezing. The day before my birthday we canned pears. I told her on ahead, "Let's just do a Subway lunch and take Darin along to a nearby park and feed the ducks." We did that last year and it was really enjoyable! She had packed a pretty tablecloth,  a centerpiece including a candle to light,  birthday napkins, and made our little lunch so special!

But when I discovered a note on our calendar under September 10th in her handwriting to be at her home at 11:15, it appeared she had not heeded my advice!! She had me arrive first and slowly the guests came......my mother, sisters, and nieces! You will remember that morning Glenn had another seizure so Dawn could not be with us at the beginning. We prayed for them and could then enjoy this time of joyous fellowship.

This was not only pretty but delicious - fresh fruit!

You'll soon see a picture of Dawn. She brought a card she made for me and the money tree that each of the girls contributed  ahead of time for my birthday. My sister Connie is observing as I read the card. Left to right is Beth, Wendi, (both Dawn's daughters-in-law) and her daughter, Gwenda. (Sorry you had to leave early, Beth. I don't have many pictures of you!)

There was a large, flat  balloon on the front that said "60!" and each of these items inside with a comment alongside. The Crest note says, "Brush what's left!!" 

Dawn put a lot of time into my gifts and I was so grateful she could be with us for a few minutes. She didn't stay long as she felt she should be home with Glenn.

Jolynne and Lisa laughing about a gift I just opened!  This is what was written on the note found on the outside of the gift bag, "You're never too old for a new look.  "

One look at me on any of my xanga pictures and you know why this is so funny!   

We have such a good time when we are together - we can laugh one minute and cry the next! I love each one of them! We aren't often together at one time so this was so precious to me!

After the gifts were given, Barb prepared our dessert! A sneak peek in the kitchen and Oh I want to tell you - this is heavenly! We don't make it often; I guess that makes it extra special...plus the fruit makes it a bit more expensive. I truly don't think she could have made any other dessert that would have been more special to me! My mouth waters just remembering!!

I would like to share the recipe with you - wanting you to enjoy it as much as we do!

Berry Sauce

1  and 1/2 c. chopped strawberries (cut into small pieces while slightly frozen)

1/2 c. blueberries      1/2 c. red raspberries    1/2 c. blackberries   -  can use fresh or frozen. When Barb uses frozen fruit, she measures it while  frozen.

Place the above in saucepan, add: 1/2 c. sugar   1/4 c. water and bring to a boil; then simmer 15-20 minutes

Mash with potato masher - there will be small pieces. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours

See above how Barb layers the sauce and ice cream. It is so very, very refreshing!!

You can double the sauce recipe as leftovers freeze  nicely.

It was a wonderful way to end our meal.

Perfect combination!

Connie's daughter, Jolynne is in the blue and next is her daughter-in-law, Lisa. Larry is Lisa's husband - you saw him above with an egg sandwich!

Barb had three vases of gladioluses; we were to take one of each along home. They added so much beauty to her kitchen!

Mother and  Connie helped Barb with preparing some of the meal items because of her busy week.   I took this picture after Mother was doing dishes for Barb; looks like some water is on her collar! I tell her she is more speedy then I am - she truly is! She will be 83 in a few days!

This was a very, very special and meaningful day to me, Barb. Thank You for ALL you put into it!

I love you!

Thank you, dear new and old friends,

for your Birthday and Anniversary Blessings!

I was very busy one day with my daily blessings (chores) and I needed to stop what I was doing and write something on the calendar. It was August and I flipped the page to September. There was not much written under these dates as of yet so my eye quickly caught handwriting that was not mine. September 4th had masculine writing: "Date with my best friend - 4pm." Under September 10th I recognized my daughter's handwriting: "Mother's 60th Birthday - lunch at Barb's - 11am." What a fun discovery!!! Ummmm, when my best friend and I have a date, we always discuss the calendar date together and where we are going. I became a bit suspicious but since I love surprises I tried not to think about whom we would be spending this evening with. (If you are Pa. Dutch, you are allowed to end with a preposition!)  

About five minutes from our home on September 10th, we pulled into the driveway of one of my close friends, Nancy. It was so much fun discovering we would be spending the evening with Nancy and Carl. I thought they would be getting into our vehicle but instead they told us to come into the house. When I stepped inside the door, the couple on the left, Jo and Duane, were standing there. I must tell you what makes this extra special. For years, and years, and years, when our children were growing up, we went to the mountains together and just made wonderful memories. After our children started getting married, we stopped that tradition as it involved a lot of different schedules. We get to see Carl and Nancy every Sunday at church but don't visit very much so spending this evening together was a wonderful gift to me. I see Jo once a year when she travels two hours with several other ladies to spend the day with different friends in our area. We don't get to see Duane often at all - maybe every two years. This was so very thoughtful of Nevin and I was blessed right on the spot!! We then traveled together to Shady Maple Restaurant(where you read some time ago that I had the privilege to tour the kitchen) and used this time for all six of us to catch up in each others' lives! We enjoyed so much reminiscing about those years at the mountains. "Laughter doeth good like medicine" and we all got our dose for the day! The 45 minutes to the restaurant went by so quickly. Above wasn't the best spot to pose for a picture as the sun was shining brightly and we were squinting!!

Most of you know Doris with Transport for Christ - her entries often have a wonderful looking meal that makes you feel like stopping what you are doing and find her restaurant where she came from! This picture made me think so much of you, Doris Jean!

Will someone please tell me how you relax neck muscles??!! You should see the pictures I didn't use!! With only getting to see Jo once a year and then only six hours, we had a lot of catching up to do. I notice with this picture you will figure out where Nancy is! 

Because I don't have a lot of pictures from this extra special evening, I decided to take you back to the day in May when Jo came to spend those six hours with Nancy and me. This was the first time we went to a greenhouse together and that was just so much fun as each of us would offer what we enjoy having in our flower beds.

After our lunch and more catching up, we stopped nearby in Joyce's home. This is the type of prayer veiling we three girls wear and this is Jo's first time to visit Joyce's shop. She is trying several on to see which fits her best. After Jo chooses what she would like, Joyce will sew several and then mail them to her. Many of you know Joyce and appreciate her gracious, cheerful spirit.

This was the end of our day - we were to meet here at 3pm and as usual we are usually the last ones to arrive! Each year we always find ourselves trying to hurry meet this time! (I needed to show you this picture so you see Jo is not always sober-looking!)

Back to September 4th - after our meal and arriving back at Nancy and Carl's home, we ladies sat in the kitchen and caught up with our individual friendships. You all know how much like-precious faith means to me and I tuck these memories in my heart. 

My gift was their fellowship tonight but they added some more! The evening went way too quickly and since Duane and Jo had two hours to travel home we didn't extend the time quite as late as we would have liked. We gave goodbye hugs and realized it might be another year until we see each other again. "God be with you 'till we meet again."

(I'll tell you about my daughter's blessing the next time.)

Oh Father, how I thank You for caring friends!

Over these two years Dawn has done so well with having a leaning heart on the Lord as she spends time with Him early in the morning before she leaves for work. She does well staying strong for Glenn. I marvel how seldom she hits bottom - this was one of those times. Our dear Mother had trouble sleeping Thursday night after this seizure took us all by surprise and got out of bed and prayed and read scripture. She was interceding for Dawn and Glenn. I know the power of prayer is precious.

I want you to know Dawn will be blessed to hear of your caring hearts. I will have her read your comments. Thank You.

We had planned to leave Friday morning to celebrate our anniversary.....

Yes, I was 20 on September 10th in 1969 and was married to the love of my heart three days later - September 13th! At the time, we thought 20 was quite mature!  When our children were that age, I thought it was young!  Today we celebrated our 40th anniversary and enjoyed a short time away at a mountain cabin three hours from here. I'll have pictures later.

I wanted to share this meaningful reading with you - just blessed me!

"More Beautiful"

The question is asked, "Is there anything more beautiful in life than a boy and girl clasping clean hands and pure hearts in the path of marriage? Can there be anything more beautiful than young love?"

And the answer is given. "Yes, there is a more beautiful thing. It is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path. Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped; their faces are seamed, but still radiant; their hearts are physically bowed and tired, but still strong with  love and devotion for one another. Yes, there is a more beautiful thing than young love.   Old love."

Author Unknown

We are not at "Old Love" yet - but isn't that a precious goal! That's mine!

~Blessings on your new week

My dear daughter had a surprise birthday meal today for me with those I love.......

I will post more about that later. This picture is to remind me of God's faithfulness, of His care for "the lilies of the field" and how much more He cares and loves you and me.  My sister, Dawn, was supposed to be at this surprise birthday party and was looking forward to this family fellowship as she has poured her life and love into her husband and my brother-in-law, Glenn. She works hard at a retirement home. (Glenn was at the doctor yesterday and she was so pleased with his progress - for my new friends...he has a brain tumor.)

This morning Glenn had another seizure. It was so hard on the rest of us as we gathered without Dawn. How could we celebrate with this heaviness on our hearts? We sat in Barb's living room and before we gathered at the table, we prayed for Dawn and Glenn. It felt good to commit them, once more to our Father. We DID have a wonderful time together and as I mentioned, will post pictures later. I know Dawn and Glenn would appreciate your prayers, once again. He just started his chemo (by pill) a month ago. 

This is Glenn. This was just taken September 6th. This is at their son's house, Dan. Dan and Wendi decided to have a "last minute picnic" Sunday evening with Dawn, Glenn and their siblings. We go by Dan and Wendi's to our church and stopped in for half an hour before our worship time began. They had welcomed us to do this.

Left is their oldest son, Doug, and here Glenn's Dad just arrived and is greeting Glenn. Dear Glenn has put on weight these last two years since he cannot work long at all. He becomes tired so easily. Anyone who knows Glenn also knows this is very hard on him as he was one guy on the move!

Prayer time before their picnic supper. Above Glenn is holding their daughter, Jeznie.

Doug was trying to get his daughter, Mikayla, to smile for me. She is going to have a little brother or sister in November! You sure look great, Beth!

This is Dawn and Glenn's daughter, Gwenda. Brayden, Megan (enjoying her thumb) and Matt are preparing to get their food.

I love our fellowship at church and our worship time but this was a strong pull to gather around this campfire with these that we love! They made sure we got some food before we left!

I must show you what happened in their garage just one week ago - in a child's swimming pool! Oh my I would love to watch these puppies grow, day by day. They are golden doodles!

This was a day I felt like my heart just ached. I hurt for each of the family members.  I reminded myself as we ladies prayed together that this seizure did not take our Father by surprise. I pray God's precious grace will envelope them sweetly.

Thanks for listening to my heart.