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!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Monday, June 27, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
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.
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.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
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!
"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!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
"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
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
Friday, June 03, 2005
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
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
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
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!
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
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
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