Seen and Unseen

I haven’t been able to keep up the house as I so desire . . . it frustrates me to no end!  Then I tend to neglect the things which are really more important like spending time with the children, doing memory work, singing together, reading story after story, my patience runs a bit thin and you know how it goes.  Today God reminded me about things which are seen and things which are not seen and my priorities.   “

While we look not at the things
which are seen,
But at the things
which are not seen.
For the things which are seen
are temporary,
But the things which are not seen
are eternal.
II Corinthians 4:18


Anyway if you come to see us . . .  don’t expect everything in it’s place, although I long for that to be the case.  

I remember the song “I’ll say ‘Yes, Lord, yes to Your will and to Your way.’  Today my house is a wreck, but I am saying “Yes, Lord, to Your will and way” even if my flesh wants to go in other directions.  Pray for me to keep this in mind!

Four in a Row

Thankful for a Normal Day!

The other evening at family night while others were busy doing a puzzle and visiting, I picked up a book that was lying on the window sill and read two chapters.  It was called, “He Restoreth My Soul” Stories of sudden loss.  Judi asked me if I should be reading that book at that time of the night.  I didn’t see any problem with it.  Sunday evening I was regeretting reading those particular stories.

We were Christmas Caroling.  Dale had split us up into three different groups so that our group wouldn’t be so huge and we would cover more ground.  When we got there I voted to stay out in the van with the children and wait for the procession to begin instead of unloading everyone and loading back up seatbelts, carseats and all.  Japheth would go in and see what group we were in and where we would be going.  It took longer than I had anticipated . . . The children were already tired of sitting in the van.  How would the evening go?  Finally everyone spilled out of the church and began finding a vehicle to ride in.  Japheth said that they needed some more seats so he asked Judi (who was staying at the church) if she would mind keeping our two oldest boys with her.  That was ok, so Japheth sent and saw them enter the church building.

We packed three others into our back van seat and off we headed to enjoy this special activity of the Christmas season.

Japheth was the song leader in our group, so I just stayed in the van with Loraine and Wayne.  It was below zero.  An hour later two youngest were very ready to be somewhere besides in their car seats.  I decided that this was enough of fussiness and asked if Japheth could drop us off at the church.

We were relieved to be there.  A bit later it seemed so quiet, I asked Judi so where are the boys.  She gave me a blank look as if she was teasing me.  I thought, “No, Judi, this isn’t a time to be funny.  I want to know where they are at.”  She kept looking at me silently then finally answered, “Aren’t they with you?  I thought you guys changed your mind.”

“No, I said, we left them here with you.  You, haven’t seen them?”  

Quickly, I ran for my coat, while calling for the only man in the building to help me go look for my boys outside.  No little boys to be seen anywhere.  What ever happened to them!!!!!!!!!!!  Will we find two frozen little bodies in a snowbank somewhere?  All kinds of thoughts went zooming through my head.  

. . . Or where they safely in someone’s van Christmas caroling with their friends to their hearts content.   I hoped so, but why didn’t the others question why our three and four year olds were not with their parents.  That’s quite young to off with friends!!!  Where were they?????????????

Cell phones are wonderful . . . but if no one answers what good are they?  We tried calling several different ones and no one answered.  So we waited.  There were two older ladies in the kitchen preparing the hot chocolate and finger foods for cold, hungry carolers.  We all were praying up a storm, silently in our hearts and waiting . . . .

Finally a call came and confirmed that indeed our boys were with another group.  Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My boys arrived all happy and enjoying the evening as people came bustling in the door.  I quickly pulled them aside to the nursery.  Then the tears came lose.  “Mama thought you guys might’ve died!!!!!  Didn’t Papa tell you to stay here with Aunt Judi?”  They seeing me bawling started in too.

What a heart lurch . . .  realizing that we might have added to those stories of sudden loss.  

God had kept them safe.

I’m praising the Lord that life today is normal.  

Wishful Thinking

The other day my hubby found this writing and HAD to show me. I often tell him (when I’m pregnant and especially tired) that I want to hibernate. He, uh . . . does not like to hear this! . . . but sometimes I’m desperate for sleep and wish for all my heart to be allowed this treat. Yesterday was one of those days.

Wanna be a Bear?
If you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.
Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that, too.
If you're a bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.
If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.
If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs.
Yup..... I wanna be a bear.- Jean Clem

Calm and Bright

“And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed,
the next day we lightened the ship.”  Acts 27:18

Ah, yes, yesterday was Monday!  On the weekends something like the schedule messes the children up and Monday is a riot of fussiness. . . And of course Mama is extra tired.  All I really did was make a double batch of bread . . . but it was too much for this Monday!  So today we are trying to take it easy.  

However that is done is often a question when life goes on and things are crying for attention, like dirty laundry and guests are coming for supper.  Maybe it’s just the “setting in the mind” that whatever happens all can be “calm and bright” if my heart is in tune with the Lord.

I like that song.  “Silent night, holy night all is calm all is bright.” Mother and child can be surrounded with peace when Jesus is there.

I am so thankful to have Him abiding with me!  What a difference His spirit makes in my heart!

Peace be to you!

Loveliness

Oh, how lovely,
Is the morning,
Is the morning
When the quiet,
Is blissfully heard,
Blissfully heard.
Thank-You, Lord!
Thank-You, Lord!

– A revised edition of
“Oh, How Lovely Is the Evening”

This morning was an early morning again . . . we’ve gotten into going to bed later and getting up later. It’s hard to pull yourself out of bed, but it is well worth the quiet before the hubbub of life starts over again for the day.

Yesterday the boys were thrilled to go iceskating!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ah, the joys of boys! Well, I’m anxious to get the skates on myself.

And these past few days my activites included making several batches of granola and some hot chocolate mix. I enjoy having time to do this after the busyness of summer activities. I’m also having fun using scraps and material that I’ve collected for comforters. Most of them I send to Christian Aid. I just enjoy the fun of putting them together and knowing that someone else also gets joy in being warmer.

God bless your day!

Another Heritage

As the years and seasons go by in my housekeeping career, I find myself adding to my small collection of canning expertise. This year for the first time I did up (with some mother-in-law and sister-in-law help) about 70 quarts of apple pie filling. And today I was helping a friend make apple butter. I decided I like it after all. At first I was apprehensive and wondering if this was really worth making. I’ve always enjoyed my bread best with just butter. Occasionally I will put on jam, but hardly ever this brown stuff called apple butter. It didn’t look very desirable getting dark brown and swirling with pineapple lumps. Then after it was all finished I licked off the spatula and fell in love with the warm, fresh apple butter!

Also for the first since we’ve been married, we butchered up a pig the other day. I agreed, knowing Japheth loves his pork’s ribs, chops and sausage. I am not much of a meat eater especially pork. Well, I’m learning a few things. I do really like pork roast, chops, and the sausage was sooo good in a stromboli recipe. It brings variety to my cooking.

I did grow up with pork. My job on butchering day was to clean the pig stomach and peel the outer layer off. Later this was filled with potatoes and bread or something like that and called “Dutch Goose.” I never ate it. I didn’t like the “sweet bread”(pancreas) either, or fried brains . . . or the cracklings. I’m just too squeamish or something.

Saturday evening I will make liver and onions for supper. Do you want to know why? I . . . uhmm . . . do NOT like liver. It’s gross. I think it’s mostly the texture. For the same reason, I do not like slimly canned mushrooms. But my children have to eat things they do not appreciate and my husband dutifully eats a bit of zucchini quiche. So now I have to be a good sport and eat liver. It is very good for me in the fact that it has lots of iron that I lack especially when I’m pregnant. If I were stoic, I might eat some every day instead of taking iron supplements. Secondly, it’s the Stauffer family night and hopefully we’ll eat all of our liver supply up!

Back to apple butter, I remember my Grandparents making it outside in a big black kettle. Pop would stand by stirring it quite often so that it wouldn’t burn and tend the fire carefully. It’s a good feeling to keep up the family traditions, not that we made apple butter outside, but that we made it and enjoy it. Butchering doesn’t hold it’s appeal that it did when I was a little girl, but there is a certain satisfaction of going to the freezer and pulling out something that you put lots of effort into and saved money in the process.

This evening I had a bedtime snack of homemade wheat bread and homemade apple butter.

I am satisfied . . . with the day well spent.

Stauffers

Fresh from the camera! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

A Special Song

I want to share with you a song that has meant a lot to me in the past two years.  I cried when I first heard it and I still cry when I hear it again.  It touches my heart because I can identify so well with the author!  My friend Heidi sang this song at the Borderland Ladies Retreat about a year ago.  I think it touched their hearts also.
Annette Beasley gave me permission to put it on here for you to benefit from as well.  If you would like to hear her sing it, the cassette “A Mother’s Heart” is free or if you prefer a CD the cost is $10!  She is accompanied by guitar. Some of the songs are for your children and others for you!  It is a great source of encouragement.   Here is her link amothersheart@characterlink.net    Annette is a mother of nine.

.I remember at one time wishing to change the words “I pour out my complaint before Him . . . ”  Then I read them in Psalm 142:2 and 3, and I know so often it is truein my own life.  I pour out my complaint, my spirit grows weak..  But Jesus is a refuge and I need His strength throughout the day!!!!

May you be blessed by Annette’s words as I am, and may God’s strength go on for you too!


The List Goes On

My toddler spilled his milk, the telephone is ringing.
My baby needs to nurse, someone’s at the door.
And the list goes on and the list goes on.  
And the list goes on ,  and the list goes on

I cried to the Lord for mercy, Lord Jesus help me,
I pour out my complaint before him, I tell him my troubles
When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who know my way
Jesus, You, are a refuge I need your strength throughout the day

Because the list goes on, buckle your seatbelt and the list goes on,
We’re late for the doctor, the list goes on, Where are the keys, I have to go potty,
And the list goes on, my husband needs a lunch, and the list goes on
The floor hollers scrub me, the list goes on
The dishes never end and the list goes on and on and on

The Bible says children are a blessing a reward from the Fathers hand
Eternal treasure given to us to train up in the Lord’s command
Be not weary in well doing, Commit your way unto the Lord
Life is fleeting like a vapor, very soon they will be gone

But the list still goes on, will you tie my shoe and the list goes on,
I should write my mother, the list goes on, I need to fold the clothes,
Will you wipe my nose and the list goes on ,
Will you zip my coat and the list goes on
What will I fix for dinner, the list goes on,
Her diaper is dirty, change me
And the list goes on, who wrote on the wall and the list goes on,
I think I might be pregnant, The list goes on,
Please pick up your toys, Don’t make so much noise, and the list goes on
The hamster has escaped, and the list goes on,
The bathroom has an odor, the list goes on
Mommy, he hit me, Sometimes I feel like a referee, and the list goes on
Can I have a drink and the list goes on,
A band aide for my owie, the list goes on.
Will you read to me, and on and on and on

BUT GOD’S STRENTH GOES ON,
BUT GOD’S STRENTH GOES ON
BUT GOD’S STRENTH GOES ON,
GOD’S STRENGTH GOES ON!!!!!!!!!!!!

Books for Sale From the Stauffers

If anyone is interested here is a picture of Judi's book. Cost is $6. If you are from MN there is a 40 cent tax. Postage is $1.86 (actual shipping cost) For multipule orders where the books are shipped together the shipping goes down quite a bit. This is the second printing. :) The first printing already got snatched up. (Actually, she had just printed out a few at first.)

And while I am advertising . . . I should tell you that my father-in-law, Robert (B0b) Stauffer also has a book out called "A Father's Legacy" It's short stories from his life along with a fitting Bible verse. I am so glad to have this Godly heritage, these memories and lessons from his life recorded for us and our children and grandchildren. He has a frank, down-to-earth way of writing.

At the side bar on the left underneath my "About me" paragraph Japheth just added the "Email me" option. You can use that to contact me personally if you wish to order any of the above. :)

Have a day filled with God!

Judi's Stuff

My friend and sister-in-law Judi has blessed us with poetry from her experiences of life. She has been diagnosed with epilepsy. There are some other health issues which haven’t totally been figured out yet. Anyway, she recently compiled her writings into a booklet. Here are a few samples of her writings. (She often has things published in the CLP papers) Her walk with the Lord is sweet fellowship with Him. May you be blessed as you read these words from her heart.

Yet Will I Rejoice!
(Habakkuk 3:17,18)

Although the fig tree shall not blossom,
Neither shall the vines yield fruit.
The forests shall be barren,
The olive shall dry up from the root.
The stalls shall be empty-
No herd to dwell within.
All manner of man’s hopes shall die
And his dreams blow away with the wind . . .

Chorus:
YET WILL I REJOICE in the LORD!
He is still my God!
He is still in control!
He will never change!
YET WILL I REJOICE!

Although my dearest hopes are shattered
And life’s pleasures all flee away.
My companion may be sorrow
And my dreams may all die in a day.
My tears may be many
As disappointments abound.
I may not know which way to turn,
And the answer may never be found.


Just the Best . . .

‘Twas His love that charted the course
My tired wings now fly . . .
‘Twas His love that made the clouds
That I now pass by.
‘Twas Hid love that planned the rain
So the rainbow I could see.
And He’ll give nothing less than the best
Where it concerneth me!



BECAUSE OF THIS THORN . . .
(2Corinthians 12:7-10)

Because of this thorn I cling, Lord, to Thee,
Knowing ‘twas giv’n out of pure love for me.
It’s continual prick may cause my heart to bleed,
But I thank You that You, in love, saw my need.

Because of this thorn---it’s long and it’s sharp---
You’ve pierced the very center of my heart . . .
Cut to the quick with no heed to my cry,
Except to reassure me that You are still nigh.

Because of this thorn I now know Thy love,
And am glimpsing Thy ways above mine---FAR above.
Every time that I move, I can feel it’s sharp thrust,
Not to harm or destroy, but to build perfect trust.

Because of this thorn and the pain that I feel
I think more of heaven and know it will heel
All scars from the pruning my heart needed here,
Whether by trial, aloneness, or tears.

Because of this thorn---Lord, I thank You tonight
That what I am going through falls within Your sight.
All Your plans and Your purposes I may never know,
But above this sharp thorn a rose You will grow.


Taken from Judi Stauffer’s book “Yet Will I Rejoice!”

A Mothering Heritage

In our church we have what we call “snow birds,” folks who leave for the warmer climates when the snow falls.  These are mostly the grandparents of our congregation.  Then we have the SBMI teachers like Val and Leroy who take their families with, and also some students from among our young people who leave us for a term or two.  We miss these folks.

I think it was after teaching school that first year that I started a tradition.  I would come home for the summer and spend an afternoon or morning with some of the church ladies.  It was a good way to catch up and just be together.  Now living up here I try to do this with the “snow birds.”

A few days ago I took my newly acquired sister-in-law Jen (well a year has gone by so fast!) and Wayne and went over to Norma’s for the afternoon.  The guys came later then with the rest of the children at Norma’s invitation and we had supper.

I told Japheth last night, “There’s something special about going over to the “older” ladies homes.  I think it’s the mothering thing.  Sometimes I get a bit worn out with having company, being hostess or in charge of functions (I am on the food committee at church) and just being Mom.  It feels so good to sit down and relax and let someone “mother” me by bringing me a cup of hot tea and chatting.”

I love hearing too the stories and advice of those who have gone down this road before.  Maybe it’s just a God-given instinct for me to desire to be taught by the older women like in Titus two.  I feel I have much to learn from them.  I look up to them . . .  especially now that I’m finding out all that is required of a wife, mother, homemaker, hostess, etc.

Titus 2:3-5  The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanders, not given to much wine, teachers of good things – that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”

God Loveth a Cheerful Giver

In reflecting back over these five years of  being husband and wife, a part of the wedding song “The Battle Hymn of Love” keeps ringing in my ears.  “I’ll forsake my rest for your happiness, till my death I will stand by you . . .”  

I’ve been convicted lately of not forsaking my rest for my husband’s happiness.   At times I grudgingly stay up with Japheth and am not a cheerful companion when my heart’s desire is to go to sleep or I put off getting out of bed to take care of my babies’ needs and let him fuss for awhile in hopes that my husband might get up this time or that the baby just might decide to sleep some more.

II Corinthians 9:7 “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity:  for God loves a cheerful giver.

And this is what he says next.  “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every
good work.”

Days go by . . .

I thought I’d have more time this winter . . . . maybe it’s still coming. Sitting down a bit with the boys to work at learning to read for Japheth Jr. and learning the letter sounds with Jeremiah takes the little extra time that being inside the house gives.

I did have a major accomplishment a few days ago (the house looks like it!) I finished a dress for our anniversary date. This year we aren’t celebrating in a big way though it is the five year mark.

We’re having revival meetings with Keith Daniel the first few days of this week. Then the ladies of the Stauffer guys are getting together to sew. How much will I get done? . . . probably not a whole lot with keeping the children out or the way of everyone else.

Friday hits the five year mark. So a quiet dinner out just the two of us!

Saturday it is my turn again for cooking for the Stauffer Clan.

Last Saturday we had eighteen International students out here at our place. They were friends of our “girls,” mostly Malaysian. We deep fried a turkey, grilled some chicken and brats, had fried rice etc. The game “Swat” with that many you hardly know is quite a challenge, but at least you come away from it with a better grasp on their names. - Pray for them. Here’s a few of their names: Wah, Macko, Fanilla, Fei, Ven, Chen, Nicholas, Amanda, Kassib, Natasha, Christopher, Suchin, John, Huey, etc.

My Story, Part 5

We were planning to sing “Darling, the day has come . . . “ at our reception, but a day or two before I couldn’t make it through without crying so we scraped that and asked Japheth’s parents to sing it instead. Daddy and Mother had sung it at their own wedding.

There really didn’t seem like too much preparation for our wedding as we didn’t have to make food and wonder if it would be enough, or line up waiters and waitresses and lay out the order of serving and such. Dad didn’t want the bother and work of making the food ourselves; He wanted it done at a restaurant. God knew I didn’t need the stress and strain of that on top of other things. Yes, truly God orders our steps. He knows the way we should take.

The decorations for the tables were simple, just little pink (or green) candle and a small dried flower arrangement that I had made up myself. The bridal table was small just for the two of us.

The bridal party consisted of my Mom, Matron of Honor and Sylvia, my bridesmaid. (I had formed quite a bond with her while staying at her home when I taught school in MI.)
Sometimes I almost regret not having my old schoolmates Krista and Cheryl in the party. There is something special about old friends from way back that go with you through life!

Japheth had his one and only brother, Jonathan as best man and his best friend Delmar Shelly as a groomsman.

Dad gave me away as the quartet sang, “For all that You’ve done I will thank You, for all that Your going to do . . . “

My Story, Part 4

After we were engaged I faced probably the hardest thing in my life.  On one of our phone conversations Japheth asked me to go back and become a member again of the church I’d left earlier that spring.  I cried for days.  

No church is perfect . . . yet when is it right to leave a church? So I saw some inconsistencies, yet that didn’t make my response right.  Submission to ones authorities is a vital thing.  I had a long talk with my Dad.  Finding out that he thought returning to the church would be the right thing to do, meant a lot to me.  I hadn’t known he felt that way . . .  In fact, to be honest, I felt that some of the attitudes I had developed, had grown from some of his responses to the authorities there.  Yet that still did not make it right for me to feel that way and move on it.  The church I attended while teaching school in Michigan was also struggling and about to split over similar issues. I had come to think the world of the family I stayed with, and felt their support in leaving my home church.  In all this I struggled with what it meant to stand firm and be loyal.  So now I was in a MESS.  

I was not a member anywhere and that greatly concerned my husband-to-be, and the pastor (Japheth’s dad) of the church up in MN.  Would I listen to my leadership there and do what was right?  For a brief moment I considered what would happen if I did not go back, but stubbornly hold on to my decision leave there.  I quickly told myself I cannot even consider that.  God knew what it would take for me to listen and obey.  

I look back now and marvel at God’s plan.  Sometimes I think of how quickly we were engaged and wonder at the wisdom of it all.  Yet, then I reflect that this was where God needed to bring me, for me to heed this request.  If it wouldn’t have been for Japheth, I don’t know if I could’ve done it.   He so wisely counseled me over the phone . . . it was the right thing to do, yet my heart could not go along.  But in spite of that I did humble myself and ask to be taken back to as a member at McGaheysville Mennonite Church.  It was an experience I never will forget.  

I’ve regretted so often that I left in the first place.  Can God make beauty out of ashes?  I know He can. . . yet at times like this I tend to let the doubts assail my soul.  What good can come out of this great failing? I especially remember feeling the eyes of the young people on me several years younger and down.  Some of them I had taught in Sunday School.  What kind of an example was I now?

I am so glad though, that I was obedient to follow the whole thing through.  I have been blessed abundantly through it.  When I go back to visit, there isn’t a wall up like there was.  I can walk through those doors and feel welcome and clean.

There isn’t a better feeling in the world than being at peace with God and man, having all the turmoil and doubts taken care of.  We’ll have all of eternity to rejoice that we made things right!

Like the Psalm 107:15-22  says “Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men.  For He hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.  Fools, because of their transgression and because of their iniquities are afflicted. . . .  Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble and He saveth them out of their distresses.  He sent His Word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions.  . .  and declare His works with rejoicing.”

Just Joking

You just might have too many children when you get a babysitter and still take one or two along to town.

You just might have too many children when your idea of a restful morning is Grandma keeping one boy and your husband taking the other on his town trip and you spend the time organizing your recipes while caring for the toddler and the baby.

That’s what’s been happening here lately. I must’ve used up too much energy. Several days now I’ve been trying to take it easy while waiting for my body to get back some zip. The house feels like a disaster . . . Last evening I would clean up one area, having the boys helping me only to find Loraine in the next room, making a big mess. So we start on that one forgetting to make sure that little girl was still out of trouble. Oh, no, I give up!! To Japheth, “I’m going over to your folks to deliver a phone message (since their phone was tied up) and hopefully I will stay away long enough for you to have the children all in bed till I return.”

My Story Part 3

.  Proverbs 3:5&6  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”

Many times I questioned myself, “Why am I here?”  One day at a mealtime, Bob (Japheth’s dad) asked me outright, “Aimee, why did you come?” (Gulp) I didn’t really  know how to respond, other than “I’m not sure.”  Somehow I knew he wasn’t asking the obvious reason I came, but something deeper

One evening I got a spurt of energy and as Juanita and I were out for a walk we came by the neighbors round hay bales all in a row.  Well, we ended up sprinting back and forth across them.  I paid for it.  I just have a hard time reconciling myself to the fact that my energy isn’t almost endless as it once seemed to be.  Oh, to be wise and self-disciplined and pace myself!  

A lady at church asked me the second Sunday, “So, how’s it going?
“What?” I asked.  I didn’t know what she was talking about.
“How’s it going?”  (I guess she though I couldn’t hear her the first time.)
“What do you mean?” I asked this time, and as I said that it began to dawn on me!
“Well, didn’t you come up here to visit Japheth?”
“Uh, no” I replied as I felt my face warm up a bit.  Oh, boy, I hope everyone else doesn’t have the same ideas.  This is rather embarrassing!  

That same Sunday morning tears were streaming down my face . . . I couldn’t sing for my emotions.  The rest of the congregation sang, “My body is yours for anything, Lord.  I’m satisfied now in Your love . . . “  It was sometimes a daily struggle to rest in God trusting Him that He knew best with my lack of energy.  I had been facing trials in the past year that were new and tough for me. God knows so well what to touch in our lives.

Monday, July 17, 2000 dawned as any other day.  Yet, it was to become one of the most precious days in my life!  After that phone call I was a bit dazed! (If you don’t know what I’m talking about go back and read Japheth’s Love Story)  Japheth really was interested in Me?!  I couldn’t believe it! I just had to praise and thank the Lord!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights . . . “  James 1:17

My Story Part 2

July 6, 2000
I don’t know why I showed him that picture except that he was a tease and treated me like family.  I loved that.  My two brothers are both younger than I and there never was much interaction.  In our youth group at home, most of the girls stayed away from the guys and vise versa.  Otherwise you might be considered a flirt.

July 7, 2000
Juanita and Judi were going to be cooks for the Ropp Family Reunion today.  Since I was tired, I was told that I would have to “stay home.”  I agreed knowing I couldn’t be of much help there and would probably be in the way with all the family congregated there.  

So for supper that evening we had a picnic, Japheth grilled hamburgers for us in his backyard.  Although Bob and Doris had invited Leroy and Clara Mae Yoder, it still felt funny with the girls not there.

Yes, Japheth had a back yard.  His father, who is a very wise man, advised him to start building a house as he has time and money instead of spending it on cars or stereo etc. So at eighteen he had started building a “daughty” house in the back corner of his dad’s property.   But we ate there because it has the best view of Popple Lake.

After supper, to help make conversation, I was asking if they go canoeing and how do they ever get out there with all the bulrushes and marsh.  I guess Japheth took that as a hint although, I certainly didn’t intend for it to be.  In fact if I had known where it would lead I wouldn’t have said anything.  Just like my coming up here, if I’d have know HE was here I wouldn’t have come.  I didn’t want a relationship to start because I did something to make it happen.  I wanted God to bring it about.  But He did lead me here in innocence.  And my words that evening were innocent too.

“Would you like to go on a canoeing?  
“Sure”  So off we went, I following Japheth as he went to get the canoe and life jackets and paddles.  
“I don’t mean to be forward or anything, would you rather wait until one of my sisters can go along.?
“No, I don’t mind.”  

We had an enjoyable time.    I coming from a family of few words, often find it hard to know what to say or how to say things.  Japheth was easy to talk with.  Actually, it was a bit thrilling, it’s not every day that I spend time talking to a guy.

As I prayed for God to guard my heart, He did just that.  Yes, I did think Japheth was a Godly young man and would make someone a fine husband, but I didn’t dream that it might be me.  I rested myself in God and His will for my life.  Truly, He did answer my prayer, many times thoughts went through my mind and then out again.  For example, like why was Japheth not hardly sleeping at night?  What was the matter with him?  If God hadn’t heard my cry, I would’ve caught on that Japheth had special interest in me, but I had no idea that that was the case. God can do anything!

My Story Part I

At this time in my life I thought that maybe God planned for me to be single the rest of my years. Most of my friends were married and life went on. It always was kind of hard though whenever I visited them to see them happily enjoying life together. I longed for companionship! It was then I especially felt lonely. As I’d drive out their lane, I’d wipe away a few tears that managed to escape.

So many times in my teen years and beyond, I would “set my heart on” or “really admire” some guy that I thought just might be the one for me. It never worked out, of course. So that when I arrived in Minnesota and found Japheth there I prayed that God would guard my heart.

I really hadn’t thought about the brothers of my friends. I knew one was in Canada in VS. And I thought he other was probably enough of a “dweeb” that he wouldn’t be a problem. . But I very soon found out that he could be a “problem”! . . . SO I PRAYED.

Some Background

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”  Psalm 37:23

My side of the story goes farther back . . . It is so interesting to see the how the hand of the Lord directs in a person’s life.  Just think of all the fun God had in planning each of our lives, and how each one’s circumstances are so complex!

I remember growing up and hearing my older sister voice her dreams of teaching school, marrying a tall dark handsome fellow, who played guitar and did not farm.  

Now my sister and I got along quite well.   She liked cooking, cleaning and such and I preferred the outdoors.  So she helped mom with the housework and I growing up on a dairy farm without any older brothers, milked cows, fed calves etc.  We were both happy with the arrangement.

Anyway, we were opposites . . . So my thoughts of the future where quite different.  Teaching school was down at the bottom of my list.  I loved guitar but didn’t really think that would be an option. I didn’t really have a “kind” of guy picked out.  I knew life is real and whoever God picked out for me would be fine!   And I was always content thinking that I would probably someday marry a dairy farmer.  I

The years went by and my sister married a farmer.  Through the leading of the Lord I became “Miss Aimee” to several students in Michigan.

I marvel at God’s Omnipotence.  His way is best.  I’m glad He didn’t allow Japheth and I to meet before His perfect time. One of my best friends was getting married and I was in the bridal party.  Japheth was invited to that wedding but couldn’t come.

Again, in August of 1999 I was privileged to attend the first year of FOCIS in MN with the family that I lived with in Michigan. Juanita and Judi,  Japheth’s two sisters were there and we became friends.  

That fall we went down to Cherry Blossom for meetings . . . Bob Stauffer was the minister, and  I wanted to meet Juanita’s parents.

About a week after FOCIS I realized that something was wrong.  My belly was growing something hard and it was already the size of an orange.  I went to see the doctor.  A few weeks later when they operated on me it was cantaloupe size and though I was not married I looked a bit pregnant!  Cancer it was.

At the young age of twenty-two I felt like a forty year old woman.  I can’t remember the number of staples they used.   But with slicing all my stomach muscles the way they did,  I began to realize all the pride that was hidden inside of me over having a slender figure.  Now it was gone.  

God also began stripping me in other ways.  I found out too how much I valued myself in being active, energetic and able to do things.  Now I felt worthless.  I didn’t have the strength or energy to do anything!  I couldn’t sleep.  So many nights I cried in frustration of being exhausted, but sleep was elusive.

I distinctly remember one evening when my co-teacher and I went to Cherry Blossom for meetings and stayed the night with some friends so that we didn’t have to travel back down the next evening.  Those two older ladies made us feel right at home, after visiting a bit one of them got herself and me a decongestant before going to bed.  Well, it must have been the daytime ones because neither of us really slept that night. Bonita and I talked and sang the night away.  What was wrong with me anyway?  This is getting bad!

What we didn’t know was that the other lady who had taken the same kind of pill as she had given me, couldn’t sleep either.  And with us being in the basement she could hear us through the vents, singing and all!  I was a bit embarrassed!

Finally we did resume school.  The moms had been home schooling while I was recouping.  But I still wasn’t getting much sleep and was tired all the time.

School let out.  My body felt that it could relax now;  my work was done.  So I went home to Virginia, and rested.  What did life hold ?  

July 4th I tried calling a friend, not home, and another not home.  Finally I got the message, God just wanted me to talk to him, so I did.

The next morning I get a call from Juanita Stauffer (One of the friends that I’d tried the evening before.  I had left a message on their answering machine and she was returning my call.)  

My uncle Ellis had married a gal from Blackduck, MN.  They go up there every other summer for a family reunion.  In the middle of our conversation I got an idea.  Ellis’s were leaving soon, maybe I should go along to visit the girls.  I wasn’t much of a help to mom anyway and was tired of sitting around.  Juanita liked that idea and OK’d it with her folks.  Dad and Mom didn’t have a problem with me going so . . .  the decision was made.

I packed up and left with Uncle Ellis’ that very day.  On the road I began to have second thoughts . . . .”Why am I doing this?”

A Love Story

Want to read a true story? Japheth’s writing about when he was 24 and I was 23
:-) over on his blog, In His Image.

Early Morning Son shine

He used to be a night owl, now he's really enjoying the mornings! Good morning to you too, Wayne!

Eye Surgery

This morning we took our youngest son in to see the eye doctor. Wayne's left eye has been turned in a bit since birth. He said they would need to go in and shorten one or two of the mucsles to make it line up right. Eye surgery.

As I was getting Wayne buckled in the van to go home Japheth (who had to make a business trip out of town) leaned over, kissed me and said, "Now don't fret about this on the way home." He knows me very well!

At FOCIS one of the ladies shared a bit of wise thinking about our "cup of blessings". I hold a cup in my hand and God pours blessings down into it. Some of them we consider "good" and some we think are "bad" or not blessinga at all. But if I reject them and pour them out, I hold an empty cup in my hand. If I accept them as blessings from the Lord and know that all things work together for good, MY CUP OVERFLOWS!

So on the way home I sang.

Then this song came to mind and I sang . . . "He paid a debt He did not owe. I owed a debt I could not pay. I needed Someone to wash my sins away . . ." and then the tears started streaming down my face.

I guess though I was trying to accept this from the Lord, still in the back of my head I was fretting over the cost and how we were going to get it paid.

But I remembered . . . God was faithful through my two cancer surgerys, through the costly procedure to remove the two pennines stuck in Jeremiahs throat. God is faithful still!!!

And though we may have debts to pay, Jesus paid the debt for our souls and ohhhhhh the feeling to know that your DEBTS ARE PAID!!!!!!!!!! Especially the debt that we cannot pay!! Thank-you, Jesus!!!!!!!!!

Anticipation

The other day Japhteth and I sat down and made out a schedule. Since then I have been able to have a decent amount of rest in the afternoon. But this works out only if I stick to it, not stopping to rest whenever I feel like it and cutting the naptime in the morning short. So today again I blessed the Lord for a husband who knew how to fix this problem and who listens when he can't fix it. :)

This afternoon though I had another case of anticipation . . . and thus couldn't rest very well. Too many exciting thought going about in my head about all that needs to get done before we go to a family camp called FOCIS (Familes of Christ in Service) here in Northern MN, and thoughts about how enjoyable it will be. I will get a big break from making meals (ALL WEEK), have lots of fellowship with other ladies. In the morning there are classes for adults, children and even babysitters for the little ones if you like. The afternoons consist of family time which for us will be takes up mostly with naps :). Then in the evening there are things like Chapel, vollyball etc.
Just a wonderful week to look forward to!!!!!!!

As I've said before I have problems going to sleep when I am anticipating something like a trip, or even just if something out or the ordinary is happening. It's hard to get my mind to "settle down like a good little girl" and get the sleep I need.

Today I was reminded that spriritually that may be a good thing. We are looking for Jesus return!! We are not to" sleep"! We are to be going about makeing sure our hearts are cleansed from all filthiness, sharing the good news with others that they too might be ready. We are to be so excited anticipating His coming that it will be no problem to be found sleeping.

Happily anticipating: Japtheth's last day at his "old" job (tomorrow), a short trip(almost two hours one way) to pick up some vegtables and visit a friend, lots of sweet corn to do up (last year if the neighbors cows wouldn't have eaten it the frost wouldn't taken it), our family "vacation" next week

And then one of the best things, Japtheth will be working at home!!!!!! We're almost ready for him to begin work. We have a room in the basement fixed us as his workshop. A Stitch in Time (Sewing Machine Repair) Japheth's new home business starts officially on August 29th! Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! I can't wait to have him around more of the time! I used to go in with him on Saturdays when he just worked half a day, but it got harder and harder to be able to do that after the babies came. I just love being with him.

But more than that I am anticipating and excited about Jesus's coming to take me HOME! Like my friend at This Side of Glory, this world is not my home and I can't wait to go HOME! I get homesick . . . , sick of the sin, the temptations, the mess this world and people are in and I dearly LONG TO BE WITH JESUS. He is everything I ever wanted . . . And it will be "heaven" just to be with him!

The Promises of God

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb . . . " Ps. 127:3

We are happy to announce that God has blessed us again!!! And can't wait to see the "new face" that spring will bring. Yep, next years model is on the way!

These days are days to lean hard on the promises of God . . . I find the ups and downs of pregnancy a challenge. At times I wonder why God made us ladies with so many of these homones that send your emotions in a swirl. My dear husband is so steady.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Phil 4:19

"Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days so shall thy strength be." - Deut 33:25

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." Ps. 18:32

"My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in your weakness." II Cor. 12:9a

God has proved himself time and again. His grace is sufficient! I trust in Him!

And God Saw That It Was Good

These past few days I've been teaching my boys a song about creation.

Remember how the Bible keeps saying " . . . and God saw that it was good."

I'm rejoicing in my bread. I "saw that it was good." I've been trying off and on ever since I started housekeeping.

We are made in God's image. Is that why I get that feeling of deep satisfaction after canning pickles, making freezer jam or putting up corn?

Gensis 1:31 "And God saw everything that He had made, and behold it was very good." Unlike God not everything I make is good. But once in a while I, being made in His image, can have the satisfaction of something turning out good.

There is a Season

"To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 Now is the season to raise my children. Now is the season to garden. Now is the season to make memories. Now is the season to pray for my family . . . And the list goes on.

I am finding that I don't have much time for blogging; there are other priorities that come first. We are all given the same amount of time in a day . . . how am I using it? Lately I've been challenged to redeem my time. Life is not just for enjoyment. It is a battle and determines our destination for eternity . . . our lives affect others and their eternal destiny.

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16

Mentors

Who is a mentor? There are three different ways ladies have been a mentor to me lately.

One lady has touched the practical side giving me wonderful ways and ideas to implement spending quality time with my children each day, teaching my children to work, ect. She also has invested time into me . . . talking with me, sending meals over and showing me that she cared.

The other lady doesn't know she is my mentor. We don't talk very often, but I see from "afar" her dependancey on God. I see shadows under her eyes at times, I see tears of repentance for her own willful ways, I see a pure heart, I see a loving heart opening up her home to children other than her own when she could say "I already have my hands full." I hear her speak of Colossians 1:11 "Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness . . ." and say how much this means to her right now. I've seen her tired as all get out and yet abounding, I've seen her pick up her Bible at any possible moment and gather strength even when her body cries for sleep . . .

I've just had glimpses into her life, but it has been enough to spur me on. It touches my heart to see her live out in the day to day activities of mothering these verses that God surely meant for us moms!

Sunday evening we were talking about mentors at church and one lady shared that the biggest mentor in her life was her mother watching her spend time with the Lord and watching her go "into her closet" to pray. And her life examplified that that time was well spent . . . Her face radiated, her walk was Godly. What a challenge for me!

I praise God for living examples!

If We Faint Not

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." Galations 6:9

Recently in the midst of garden, yard and daily duties which is so numerous in the summer,I have been fighting battles, battles against sluggish obedience from my children. "Right away, all the way and with a happy smile" is the logo we're trying to instill.

I don't know why but training my children seems a great deal harder than the easy, "pat" answers you read in different childtraining books . . . or sometimes the advice you get from "onlookers". And many, many times I grow weary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

. . . But we will reap what we sow.

Ecclesiastes 11:6a "In the morning sow thy seed and in the evening withhold not thine hand."

Psalm 126:5&6 "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

Many times in my faintheartedness I go forth with tears, tired of having to do this discipline, training, reminding and explaining. But I must not give up . . . and by the grace of God I will rejoice today and in days to come!

Song of Praise in This Heart

This past weekend at our church campout, the Lancastor Children's Choir gave a program. This song keeps running through my mind.

"God is good, all the time. He put a song of praise, in this heart of mine! . . .

God put so much love in my heart for my children that I could burst at times. I guess God know we needed to know how much He loves you and me!

Umm . . . I got these pictures in the wrong order. Loraine wouldn't cooperate for a better picture but we had to get some daisy pictures before the season is over. Summer's in the North here fly by. It has been busy especially with me taking a trip. Actually yesterday I went past and Dawson had just mowed it down for hay. Yes! Just in time! . . . Wish I would've gotten Wayne too!

It is becoming a family tradition to take pictures in our neighbor's daisy field. We started before Japheth was born. Partly because I love flowers and partly now in rememberance of our little ones in heaven, one being named Daisy.


"You'll never know dear, how much I love you . . ."

"You make me happy, when skies are grey . . ."

"You are my sunshine, my little sunshine . . ."

Song of Praise in This Heart

This past weekend during our church campout here in our own backyard, the Lancastor Children's Choir gave a program. Their song God is Good keeps running through my mind!

"God is good,
All the time.
He put a song of praise,
In this heart of mine!"

"The Plans I Have For YOU!"

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Recently, I've been so amazed at God! Just by looking back in different "yesterdays" of my life and seeing God's hand guiding me and using EVERY circumstance and thing in my life for a purpose.

For example: I did not know that all those times rushing around in a great hurry to get cleaned up after chores would prepare me for getting four littles ones, my husband :) and myself ready to go out the door for church Sunday mornings.

I did not know that getting up in the mornings to milk cows would prepare me for getting up in the night to nurse my baby or clean up after sick children who don't know how to use a bucket or couldn't make it to the toitlet in time. When Japheth is jarred up out of a deep sleep in the middle of the night, he almost gets sick himself! I do just fine . . . although sometimes I wish I had a good excuse :) !

I did not know at the time of being a schoolgirl that the sweet friendships God gave me there at Berea Christian School would last for a lifetime and help pull me thru the ups and downs of life.

I did not know that God would use our trip to Thailand, two years ago, to make us reach out with out stretched hands and hearts to "our Malaysian girls"( Uniersity students here in our own home town). At times I have wondered did we miss God's direction in this . . . feeling called to serve there yet God closing the door for us right now. But now I see a bit more clearly . . . and someday face to face we will see and know!

I did not know that God would use what my husband went through a young boy being molested, to help me better understand a friend and her heartache right now.

I have been able to grasp in a fuller way what God means when He says in Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."

And today I do not know what God is planning in this time of upheavel in Japheth's life. He will be quitting his job as a sewing machine salesman and technician which he has had for eight years. But I know God has a purpose . . . and someday we will look back and see the thread of God's intent.

It is exciting to be a Christian and know that someone as big and loving and just and merciful as God our Creator is orchestrating our lives. It is thrilling to watch Him work out the plans He has for my life . . . and yours!

All I know is that my God "giveth beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. the garment of praise for the spiriy of heaviness" Isaiah 61:3. He is the best!!! I will serve no other!!!!!!!!!!

Thy Sleep Shall Be Sweet!

Aimee means "Beloved" . . . I often think of the verse in Psalm 127 "for so He giveth His beloved sleep" and wish that that would mean I would always get lots of sleep! Yeah, wishful thinking!

Today I was just in that almost asleep stage and Wayne woke up early. I try to get all my "chicks in a row" for naps at the same time. Yet Japheth Jr. now four years old does not take a nap very often anymore (But I do make him have some quiet time while we are down). Jeremiah has to have it around 2 or 3 oclock. Loraine is in a inbetween stage in her napping and sometimes she will have a nap in the morning and sometimes not, which them messes up her afternoon schedule. Wayne doesn't really have any schedule. So to line them all up is quite FUN! . . . Oh and then Japheth Sr. can't sleep before 10:00 and likes his "company" to be "bright eyed and bushy tailed" . . . or at least awake. I can't blame it all on him . . . Wayne likes late nights too . . . sometimes even later than his Papa! The few times that I have stayed up later than my husband . . . It was rather lonely!

And I am one of those people who cannot sleep on bus or car or airplane (and probably boat).

I used to be a morning person I tell Japheth. He doesn't believe me . . . all he has known is a wife sometimes desparate for sleep who finds it hard to craw out of bed in the mornings. Oh, the alarm clock thing . . . when it is time to get up (we rarely use the regular one, the roosters do a VERY FINE job, in fact they are over qualified! I think we should fire them!) Japheth has to have a few minutes to "wake up" before he steps out of bed . . . and I am different of course (oppposites attract don't you know) I either have to jump out of bed the instant the clock rings or else immediatly go back to sleep (I despise wasted time!!!) .

I really was a morning person, I grew up on a dairy farm and did most of the milking. I loved getting a good start on the day before others even were awake. . . watching the sun come up . . . getting the cows in in the early morning dawn. I miss it once in a while. But things changed when I got cancer and then pregnant and I have never gone back to being an early bird . . . yet. Someday I might again enjoy the advantages of being "up before the dawn" (actually in the winter we always get up before the sun :) part of living in the North.)

Right now though I have little one to raise and it takes all I've got and more! God is so GOOD! His grace is sufficient for me! . . . and His strength is made perfect in my weakness.

About "quiet time" with God I have room to grow . . . As soon as your feet hit the floor or before babies are crying, breakfast needs to be made, a lunch to pack and the day flies by! Sometimes I give up my much needed nap . . . sometimes its just a few minutes here and there . . . but I try to spend time in the Word before other reading or blogging or whatever. This season in my life especially is a time of desparte need of God and God's wisdom, love and patience!

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety" I thank the Lord that I do sleep and sleep in peace . . . even if war was around me I could still have peace knowing that me heart is right before God. Verse 7 "Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased."

"Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet!" Proverbs 3:24b

The Number Four

I'm not sure what the deal is with the number four. . . But today Lorraine went through four dresses . . . I learned from yesterday to just rinse them off and let dry on the deck railing till I get to wash them or I can reuse her "play" dresses again tomorrow. Between the newly made sandbox, the water tub that I go out for the children, and the occasional trip in the garden to check something out, she cannot stay clean!

And Jeremiah . . . Yesterday Jeremiah and Loraine were having a "clean up the popcorn pan" snack. I just didn't know they would eat the seeds that didn't pop. There were quite a few because the metal go around on our stir-crazy came off and we didn't realize it. So after awhile I saw that the pan was empty started looking for a mess spread all over the floor . . . amazingly there was no mess! But today (Jeremiah still is not potty trained . . . Yes, we have three in pampers . . last year we did too.) I changed four pampers with lots of unpopped popcorn.

Also I was on the phone with Japheth - he was having a rough day at work - Wayne was hungry, Loraine had a fever and thus wasn't very happy, and I can't remember Jeremiah's problem. But four people needed me at the same time and I was just crying, "O God, help me!"

And on Friday my oldest son, Japheth, turns 4! Boy is he ever excited! It also happens to be the start of church campout here in our backyard . . . so lots of people everywhere and a doubly excited guy! He is definitely a people person like his father!

And what am I doing up so late a night for when my whole family is sleeping so sweetly and soundly? . . . I had some iced tea for supper . . . only part of a glass mind you, but it did the trick. I just hope I can get to sleep before four oclock!

A Cat Up in the Tree!

I did not make mention of my upcoming journey . . . It was to be a surprise for Mom! We did pull it off. The secret was kept.

I rode in(to VA)with a family and a few extras (including us the count was 19) on a old 1964 bus revised to fit the needs. The needs consisted of a refridgerator, cook stove, table, sink, a bit of counter, and of course bunk beds. To top all this off Dale cut a trap door down into one of the lower baggage compartments where they put a mattress and rigged it so you could turn on the lights. It was used by some of the younger ones to snooze a bit or play games. I tried it out until someone shut the trap door . . . I decided then that it was time to go back "upstairs".

A big plus for me was that my babies (Loraine and Wayne) didn't have to be buckled up in their car seats. The down side was that the bus had some problems. The first day after going very slow up slight ingrades or hills . . . We finally changed the fuel filter. All was well then until we entered PA were we had a stand still on the interstate. We tried to wait patiently while Dale and Sanford fixed the brakes that had gotten locked up.

Needless to say after being in the bus for a day, a night and a day I was exhausted! I began to feel like a cat up in a tree . . . I did not know how I was going to make it traveling back home. . . But I knew that I would have to "make it". I could not live without seeing my husband and boys again. "I" wasn't all there some of me was left in MN.

An Answer to Prayer!

Heidi is an answer to prayer.

Several years ago as a newlywed, I longed for a best friend in a new community. God answered that deep desire of my heart. It took time for God to complete bringing our paths together . . . But He knew all along how He would answer that specific request, even before I felt the need.

A few weeks ago we had some special music at church, a duet . . . singing, "When burdens come so hard to bear that no earthly friend can share . . ." That is so true! Many times we can only confide all our problems and feelings to the One who can truely understand, . . . who knows everything . . . who can bring peace in the midst of the storm.

. . . But Heidi is one of my best "earthly" friends! And today I share in the excitement of her starting her very own blog! May the Lord bless you my friend!

By the way she has been by my side, along with my hubby of course, through my last two home water births. Actually she ran the red, fan\water squirter to cool off my face most of the time . . . It was a great help.

It's been raining alot here . . . "I love the pit, pit patter of the raindrops . . . " 

The Sweetest Thing!

The Whippoorwill song has been running through my head today.

"I own the cattle on a thousand hills . . .
I gave you freedom to choose your own will."

I love holding my little girl . . . especially when she reaches for me . . . of her own will.

Japheth still comments sometimes about the thrill of having someone (besides his family who has to!) voluntarily choose to love him (referring back to our courtship days).

. . . It is the sweetest gift . . . and God knew it!

Greater Joy!

I knew the feeling this week of finding "no place of repentance , though he sought it carefully with tears." Hebrews 12:17

But now . . . My heart is light and free! Oh, the abundance of joy and peace that floods one's soul as VICTORY is won!!! The battle's over and it is sweet! I do feel like a little girl (once again) and wish there were it were raining so I could go outside and skip through puddles . . . hold my hands and face up to the sky and just get soaked in the rain!!!

. . . Yes . . . It took the physical act of going through some of my clothing and getting rid of articles that maybe were ok, but were a stumbling block to my heart's peace and joy. I want to bring "greater joy" to my "parents" and to my church, and to my Lord! . . . Nowdays parents wishes are often "thrown in the back room" so to speak . . . God calls us to "honor". I will do His bidding.

"Rend Your Heart"

Last night I didn't get much sleep . . . not all Wayne's fault. I was struggling in my heart with some sin issues.

It was a thunder storm too. Just like the night I gave my heart to the Lord at the tender age of twelve. And this time instead of Dad and Mom . . . I woke up Japheth to pray with me.

Joel 2:1b& 12&13 ". . . let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; . . . Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

It was about pride, honoring ones parents, resting in Japheth's leadership, etc. . . . no, life doesn't get easier with age . . . more responsiblites, more knowledge to live up to. . .

It's at times like these you almost want to revert back to your carefree, childhood days. (Unless you are like some whose childhood was not innocent and carefree.)

Someday . . . these trials will be gone . . . no more stuggling with sin . . . no more Satan's evil voice whispering in your ear (or shouting loud and clear) . . . That will be" HEAVEN" in itself!

"Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." Psalm 51:10-12

Be Still

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a

Yesterday we went to the park with some friends. Today was Track and Field day. Tomorrow our Malaysian friends from Bemidji State University come out for half a day. (We call them “The Girls”, Ven, Fei, Lisa and Fanilla). Then there is a softball game at chuch. . . . then the Stauffer clan congregats here at our place for supper . . . Then Sunday.

It is a weekend to BE STILL in my heart and KNOW that He is God!

The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psalm 46:11

Count Your Many Blessings!

Today is a special day to "count my MANY blessings" and remember what God has done for me!

I AM BLESSED!
First of all, having a clear conscience before God is the BEST of blessings!
And . . . I am blessed "day by day and with each passing moment"
. . . with Jesus by my side
I am so blessed to have a REDEEMING God,
. . . who can turn ashes into beauty!
I am blessed with HEAVEN to look forward too!
I am blessed with a husband that loves the Lord
. . .and is still in love with me!
I am blessed with Japtheh, Jeremiah, Loraine, and Wayne
. . here with me, making memories in everyday life!
I am blessed to have David and Daisy (twins) and Jewel
. . . waiting in heaven for me!
I am blessed because I am able to be at home
. . .and make it a special place for my family!
I am blessed with FRIENDS,
. . . who I can share heart to heart with be encouraged and challenged!
I am blessed with good health and lots of energy
. . . (when I don’t use it all up)!
I am blessed with Godly parents and a Godly heritage,
. . . which definatly helps in training up this next generation!
I am blessed to live “in the sticks” by a lake (
. . . not in the city).
I am blessed to be able to have flowerbeds
. . . full of flowers!
I am blessed to be alive,
. . . having come through two cancer surgeries!

I AM SO BLESSED! . . . SO MANY MORE things could be named . . .
God is so good! Praise be to His name!

Thanks to you for warming my heart with your birthday wishes!

I thank God for YOU!

Guess What?

Happy Birthday Aimee!!!

As her husband, I have taken over her blog today. Help me in wishing her a happy birthday by saying hello in the comments. Let's see how many we can give her on her special day! Thanks!
-Japheth

Tomorrow

I'm all excited! I must still have some little girl in me . . . It's my birthday tomorrow! . . . and I can't decide how to spend my day!

A month ago I started a new dress in anticipation of this "great" day. It's not quite finished yet. I must get busy! (This is exciting too by the fact that I do not have much time to sew new dresses)

June is one of the best months for a birthday! Our liliacs are in full bloom! . . . and Lily of the Valley!

This is the day that the Lord hath made . . . I will rejoice and be glad in it!
(By the way I sing this on "bad" days too)

Enjoy tomorrow with me!

Sweethearts Forever! 

This is the little guy that keeps us up late!

Walking Together

"Can two walk together except they be agreed?" - Amos3:3

Yeah, this past date night I asked Japheth if he'll ever take me out again. (Jokingly) But I did have reason to think that he might be bit hesitant to do so because I messed it up again! My communication skills are lacking . . . and I mulled things over till I couldn't see straight. So I "blew it" and hurt him by my perceptions. Why did it have to be that special night? . . . or any night!

The more you love someone the deeper the sting is. What someone else may inflict you with doesn't hurt near as bad as if it comes from your own beloved. Just one word or tone from Japheth can make or break my day!

Marriage brings more joys and more pains!

We are one. Wednesday when Japheth called home from work at lunch, as he always does, the sky had turned gray. He was having a rough day! Now so was I! . . . Sometimes I don't want him to know that I'm not having a "good" day just for the fact that his day won't be as bright

About dissagreements . . . lately there have been several things to work through. Marriage does take work to keep it "up and running" :-)

God knew what He was doing when He brought us together. He knew what we each needed in a life partner! Thank-You, Lord!

Being agreed is sweet walking!


Ps. Sorry the writing doesn't flow too well . . . It's been a busy week and I'm tired.

At All Times

"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:7

I have to admit sometimes I wish there was a break . . . especially on Mondays. Today felt like a Monday!

So . . . This was our theme song today . . .

I will bless the Lord at all times at all times
His praise shall continually be in my mouth at all times

I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.

This poor man cried and the Lord, He heard him when he cried.
And saved him out of him troubles when this poor man cried unto the Lord.

O taste and see that the Lord, He is good, taste and see.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him, taste and see the Lord is good.

I will bless the Lord at all times, AT ALL TIMES
His praise shall continually be in my mouth, at all times!

It Yieldeth the Peaceable Fruit of Righteousness

"Let God train you, for He is doing what any loving father does for his children. " Hebrews12:7 (These verses are taken from The Living Bible)

" . . . but God’s correction is always right and for our own good, that we may share his holiness. Being punished isn’t enjoyable while it is happening – it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character.
So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet. . . . "(v. 10b-13a)

I think God put these last few phrases in here especially for me. He knew that after He rebukes and chastens me that I would have these feelings of drooping hands and wobbly knees!

And right now I feel like a failure in child training and a few other areas. . . . But God says, “Get up and go on.”

Make My Spirit Srong!

I don’t know the reason why God allowed me to go through a period of depression a number of years ago, but I do know that “All things work together for good to them that love God.”

Sometimes I still wonder . . . Then I read the verse in II Corinthians 1 that says, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

It began after my cancer. I was quite an active person. . . . Cancer changed that. I was tired ALL the time, exhausted. My vitality was gone. I felt like a forty year old, not a 22 year old. I became depressed . . . Later a doctor told me that most cancer patients are put on an anti-depressant automatically. For some reason I hadn’t been. Depression can come three ways emotionally, physically, or spiritually but it affects all three.

Sleep was a commodity hard to come by! Often in the wee hours of the morning I prayed for sleep again and again! God why? I had trusted Him with my life during the surgery and everything, now months later I had a HARD time letting this in His hands.

I met and married Japheth. . . one of the happiest times in my life and yet I still battled depression. Adjusting to married life, cooking three meals a day, getting acquainted with a new community, making new friends (when I didn’t feel social able because of tired state) and being pregnant all added up to difficult winter. Many a day went by with making my husband breakfast, packing his lunch, and sending him off to work, then resting till about four oclock. I would then muster up enough strength to do a bit of housework and make supper. After supper I usually didn’t find the energy to even wash the dishes. They had to wait till the next day when I would “rise and shine” at four o’clock!

“My body is yours for anything, Lord.” Remember the chorus of that song “I Love You, Lord Jesus”? It was a daily struggle to be able to truely say that.

Today, I feel healed from that depression. But I remember those long, dark days. If you were here I would sing you a song that I first heard through my sister-in-law, Judi. She sang it to me that first year of FOCIS out in the all-season room when my heart was low. It’s called Mountain of Sorrow. I just want to be able to comfort others who are hurting. I cry with you when you feel like you can't go on, wondering if time will ever bring healing.

God brought me though the deep waters . . . HE CAN DO THE SAME FOR YOU!

God says, “I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. – John 14:18

"Come unto me . . . and I will give you, rest." Matt11:28

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. - Isiah 43:1-3

Here’s a one of my favorite poems. I was having my students memorize this at school when my cancer was found.

THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING
Our Father knows what’s best for us
So why should we complain?
We always want the sunshine,
But we know there must be rain.
We love the sound of laughter,
And the merriment of cheer - -
But our hearts would lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear
Our Father tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow
He tests us not to punish us
But to help us meet tomorrow
For growing trees are strengthened
When they withstand the storm
And the sharp cut of the chisel
Gives the marble grace and form
God never hurts us needlessly
And He never wastes our pain
For every loss He sends to us is followed by rich gain.
And when we count the blessings
That God has so freely sent.
We will find no cause for murmuring and no time to lament.
For our Father loves His children,
And to Him all things are plain
So He never sends us pleasures
When the souls deep need is pain . . .
So whenever we are troubled
And when everything goes wrong
It is just God working in us
To make OUR SPIRIT STRONG.
- Helen Steiner Rice

God had His plan in allowing that deep, dark time in my life. I know one thing. . . He wanted to make my spirit strong! Thank-You, Lord!

Birthday Soup

Have you ever read “Little Bear”? (It’s a children’s book.) He made some birthday soup on his birthday thinking his friends might stop by . . . and they did.

I had a very refreshing morning! My babysitter, Sheirlee, had the three oldest children at their place this morning. What did I do with my “free” morning? After having an extra long “quiet time” (devotions) and a nap (which usually means lying exhausted upon my bed and not sleeping ;) I straightened up the house a bit. Then I jumped in the van with Wayne and took off to visit a friend.

Blanche and her flowers do a body good! She graciously let me cut some daffodils, tulips and blue bells (not sure the correct name) for a lovely bouquet. Her daffodils reminded me of my grandparents place where my parents now live. There were daffodils galore in the woods and all about. One particular time I was privileged to pick a whole box of them and decorate tables for our youth group supper. That was pure pleasure! Anyway I asked if I could take a few for Bertha too.

I arrived at Bertha’s to find two other guests sitting around her kitchen table. As I handed the flowers to Bertha, Norma commented that she had wanted to bring Bertha some fresh cut flowers for her birthday, but wasn't able to. I told Bertha that I did not know that today was her birthday (86th) but that God remembered and sent them for her!

And guess what they were having for lunch? That’s right! I was invited to join them for birthday soup and fresh strawberry pie!

Faith In God

I’ve been challenged at times with the phrase that goes something like this, “How will you be able to spend quality time and meet the needs of all your children if you have a “umpteen” of them?” I would like to ask the question, “Can you meet all of your child’s needs even if you only have one?” I know I would still not be able to. I am not a perfect person.

Is God able to meet a person’s needs even if his parents forsake him? Psalm 27:10 says “When my father and my mother forsake me then the Lord will lift me up.”

. . . or what if they do the best they know how and “Pray without ceasing.”

Am I wrong for trusting God with family planning? . . . should I take things into my own hands and have children when I THINK it fits into the plan for my life?

I have a very good friend in PA who has been such an encouragement to me is this area. She firmly believes that God opens and shuts the womb. Does He not? Even though she is the second of thirteen children and now has several of her own who are quite close together in age, she still trusts God. I wish I could say that I have been as steadfast in my belief as she has been, but I cannot. At times when things were tough, I would doubt.

But the peace of God rules in my heart when I am strong and believe that God plans my family just exactly as HE WANTS IT. I will continue to leave it all to Him.

"The Crib Is Clean"

I read this yesterday "Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox." Proverbs 14:4

Two things came to my mind.

The daybefore I had put my daughter down for a nap. ( Now she has this thing about her pamper coming off. With the boys I never had this problem! But somehow the velcro gets a bit loose and then she picks at it and there you have it a pamper on the floor or dragging around at her ankle.) Well, she stayed awake for a long time and finally I went in to "encourage" her to go to sleep. As I was going up the stairs. my nostrils detected an oder. "Yes, I guess the boys room does stink!" I thought. My husband has been telling me that the boys room smells bad. And I wasn't sure it really did. Well now I agreed! . . . or did I? That oder is coming from the nursery! I opened the door to behold a little girl and crib smeared with brown sticky stuff and a pamper on the floor with a bit of the same!

Yes, where no babies are the crib is clean! . . . and hearts are empty and hurting for a little one to snuggle close, to kiss and feel the soft skin against theirs, to hear them call, "Mama" or just reach up their little arms for you to pick them up. I thank God for my little girl. She is so precious! . . . truely a blessing from the Lord God Almighty!

Secondly, consider my house on this Saturday morning! Lots of dirty floors, cups, toys and books strewn about and company coming for supper (It is the Stauffer Clan's family night every Saturday. We take turns having the crew. . . By the way we are making our favorite specialty EGGROLLS! Yum!), food to make for tomorrow, and a house to clean. If I had no children the "crib would be clean" or at least easier to clean :) But I am GLAD to have a full house and many little faces round about my table. Yes I am glad for a "dirty crib"!! Thank You, Lord!

"Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord: that walketh in His ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion . . . " Psalm 128

Our Four little gifts from Heaven

Japheth Daniel
Jeremiah Frank
Loraine Rose
Wayne Robert

David, Daisy (twins) and Jewel waiting in heaven.

By the way we have been married for 4 and 1\2 years! Has God blessed us or what? I admit at times I feel that the blessings are truely "poured out"I don't have room enough to receive it. But these blessings are made extra special in the fact that I only have one ovary! Cancer took the other 5 and 1\2 years ago. God is my Healer!! Praise His Name!

Malachai 3:10
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herein, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Underneath His Wings

Underneath His wings . . .
In the shadow of His care,
O Jesus, rest me there.
-Aimee