Montana Part II

We arrived in Bozeman on the 4th of July. So after dinner at friends of Josh & Lauren’s,
(Desiree & Adam) we headed up to YAA – Yellowstone Alliance Adventure camp where Josh and Lauren had worked last summer. The staff sets off fireworks for the campers that are there. Off in the distance we were able to see the fireworks display down in Bozeman.

We spent that night at Josh and Lauren’s. It was wonderful to meet little Anna Sierra. In the morning when we heard Ruth waking, I went up to get her. Later they brought Anna down and Dale and I had time alone with our grand-daughters while Josh and Lauren where able to sleep in.



Zach and Christina flew in from MI and we checked into the C’mon Inn where we shared a suite. A few times over the week we all went to the pool area which had a little kiddie pool that Ruth loved. Even in the big pool when her little lip would be quivering from being cold, she wanted to stay in the water and play.
It was a great place to sit and talk together and have fun watching Ruth. It’s a very interesting fact that we as adults can sit and be content just to watch little ones. At times there was no conversation going on, just watching. Maybe it’s just that we don’t get to see them very often and are trying to take it all in. Maybe it’s the innocence of youth or their excitement for even the little things in life. We very quickly became “Papa” and “Nana” instead of Grandpa & Grandma. Much easier for Ruth to say.

The week was filled with time spent together. Whether it was “Music on the Main” in Bozeman, eating at McKenzie River Pizza, hiking, the guys fishing and the women watching a movie, eating or being in the pool – we were together. One night we headed to the Farmer’s Market with the Ruth so that Josh and Lauren could go to their Bible study. It was wonderful to be able to help out and baby-sit along with Christina and Zach. There’s something about a little one’s hand grasping your finger as you walk along. I miss that already.

Together

“Companionship” or “unified” according to Webster.

We were together
We were enjoying companionship
We are unified
We are family

We are blessed beyond measure

Montana - Part 1

We just got back from a trip out to Bozeman, Montana to visit our son, Josh, and his wife, Lauren. They have 2 little girls. Ruth is 1 and Anna was just born 1 month ago. We haven’t yet had the joy to meet her. So, these next blogs will be about our drive out there and the time that we were able to spend with them along with Zach & Christina who flew out from MI.
After a night in Mitchell, SD, where we had to at least go past the Corn Palace, we were on our way to Burgess Junction, WY.
Along the way we had beautiful scenery in the rugged mountain area.
Road construction made it interesting for a while and we watched as the temperature continued to drop.







Dale had done fly-fishing there in the past and had made reservations for us at Bear Lodge Resort in the Big Horn National Forest where a little rustic cabin awaited us.
"Little" and "rustic" are the words. There was no running water – which of course means no bathroom. I knew that ahead of time, but I incorrectly assumed that there was some sort of bathhouse nearby. We were shown where there were 2 bathrooms with a shower in them, off of the bar. There was another single shower near the pool and one regular bathroom. Those were for the restaurant/bar customers and us. After we were shown to our cabin, to be honest, I was a little taken aback. But, after taking a few moments to re-adjust my thinking and to be honest -my attitude, I was OK with it. I decided that I would enjoy it as something new.






It was sufficient. It was unique. And for the most part clean. I had mentioned to Dale that there were no cobwebs or spiders. Then Dale said, “And hopefully no critters.” I glanced at the ½” space under the door. Oh, boy, could be trouble there. We made sure that all of our food was left in the car.
Dale fished the North Tongue River. I came along for the experience of it and to take pictures. Cold, but not horrible. We were kept warm by walking in the waders and making our way through an area where there was no path, but plenty of beautiful wild flowers.





Now this “Resort” is not the type of place that I think of when I hear that word. This is more of a REAL western place. There were a lot of all terrain vehicles on trailers and 4-wheel drive trucks or jeeps. It is out in the middle of nowhere, Montana.
People were greeted as welcomed friends and any request we had was graciously answered.

We had an interesting talk with one of the morning cooks, Ol’ Mike. He was an interesting man who worked to keep his upper denture plate in place as he was telling us about his being there for over 20 years. Because the area is a“free range” area, he said, there will be 20+ horses tied up outside as the cowboys come in for a hamburger at lunch. It almost tempted me to stay just to see that. The bar part of the place even had the obligatory swinging ½ door.





Yup, the old West.

Glad that we stayed there.

Glad that it was only one night.

Another Year Flies By

Although the weather outside seems to belie that fact that it is the middle of June, the truth is that another school year has come and gone. Working with high school students at church and working at a local high school, especially with one specific student who is a Senior, this time of year brings many different emotions. We are excited for what they have accomplished but also there is a sense of loss knowing that it won’t be long before many of them will be leaving for college.

For our church youth, there is a special night set aside, we call it the “Salute to Seniors”. A video is shown with pictures of each of them from infancy on to many pictures of their involvement in our group. Some we have known since they were little. Others have come as recently as this year and have been a joy to get to know. Each of them are given an opportunity to share what they hope to be doing next and many thank their families and friends who have been there to support them through the years. There is then a time of prayer where the teens join their families around the room to be prayed for by parents and friends. It is a special time to join in and uphold the teen and their families to our God who loves them.

This year, the student that I work with at a local high school got to “walk” for graduation. It is a special day where both city high schools come together for a time of celebration instead of competition. Over 800 students graduated that day. I was able to join my student’s family during the ceremony and watch as their daughter walked across the stage. I am so thankful for them and I am privileged to be able call Bec (mom) my friend. Time goes too quickly whenever we chat.
Thankfully I will be able to continue working with them next school year also.

I am a richer person because of all of the teens that I have come to know and love. They are precious people! Several of the graduates have been in my small group at church this year. I will miss them - Alyssa, Caitlyn, Christina and Lauren. Together we have laughed at silly things, worked while serving others, and prayed for each other for so many different things. Those are just the ones in my group this year. There are many others also from other years, Emily, Hannah, Brianna, Michelle, Christiana
Again – it is a joy and honor to call you my friends.
I love you all!

Seeing With New Eyes

"They're so cute!"

"I really like them."

"They don't seem like they're that old."


Several time a year the youth ministries of our church goes out in our small groups to serve others. It could be a neighbor, a widow, an older person -anywhere that we can go to help or to encourage someone else. Often it's raking, cleaning, pick up trash, etc...

Two weeks ago we had one of those service nights. There was probably 100 of us out around the church and the city. God blessed us with an unusually beautiful evening. Depending on where teens are serving, we encourage the groups to spend some time getting to know the ones they are helping.

For the first time, my group and Lyn's (another leader) went to Ed & Ruth's house, my Mom & Dad -in-law. Armed with rakes and tarps, 11 girls raked up a big load of leaves and pine needles. They worked hard raking it onto tarps and depositing it in the trailer. There was plenty of time for chatting, laughing and a stomping down dance in the trailer.

After the front yard was done and trailer filled, we headed into the house for introductions. On a 3 x 5 card, Ruth, (Mom-in-law) had the names of each of my girls. Every Fall she asks for the names of the girls in my group and then regularly prays for each of them. She was finally able to put a face to the name on the card and the girls were blessed to meet someone whom they didn't know and who was bringing them before our God in prayer. They heard the story of how Ed and Ruth met in Japan during WW II and of their 60 + years of marriage.

They have been such a blessing in my life, Ruth has been such role model for me as a mom-in-law.

It was in the car on the way back to church that the girls made the opening comments of this blog.

As I sat and reflected on their comments, it was as if I were seeing Ed & Ruth through the eyes of teenage girls who come from all different walks of life and differing family experiences. It was fun to listen and watch the interaction between all of them.
It made me smile as I saw the girls serve and come to appreciate a much older generation whom I love.

Mission Accomplished.

Catching Up

To the faithful few who regularly check this, thank you and I'm sorry that I've done such a poor job of keeping this updated with what has been going on in our lives. There have been many times where my mind is full of things to write, pictures to show and events to share with you. But, as you all know, life pushes things aside that aren't a priority.

I'll do a quick up summary with a few pictures.

January and early February is always busy with the planning and final preparations for the "Sweetheart Banquet" that myself and 2 others head up and help our youth put on. This years theme was "40's Big Band". The program was done as a live radio show with the story being one from "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show". The teens did a wonderful job as usual with the skit, songs, helping with getting the decorations up and all of the serving on the two nights. It's a great evening for inviting friends and neighbors to a top quality and fun night out.
We outdid ourselves on the decorations. We've had people ask about decorating for weddings after they saw this years room.







In March I enjoyed a trip to Florida to visit my parents in Clearwater.
The weather was finally warming up so we went to a few different beaches - Fort DeSoto and Honeymoon Island. I love the water and was in the pool several times where Mom and Dad live.
Of course there was delicious food at an Italian place named Johnnies and seafood at The Rusty Bellies in Tarpon Springs. It was a beautiful day, so after going through an art fair in the park, we sat on the porch at Rusty Bellies to enjoy our lunch. It was a wonderful and relaxing time to spend with Mom and Dad.






We also spent a very fast weekend in Grand Rapids with Zach and Christina. It was so nice to see their home. We hadn't been there since they were married. We were bringing them their wedding gift. Dale made a stacking bookcase for them. It turned out beautifully. He did such a great job on it. With Zach being a lover and collector of books, it could fill up quickly.

Of course we went out to eat. For dessert we went to Big Bob's and had a Chocolate Chip Pizza. It was a freshly baked cookie with your choice of 3 scoops of ice cream.
Delicious!!
On Sunday we walked around their neighborhood before heading to church. After church we enjoyed a wonderful lunch out on their porch before we headed back home to Wisconsin.





It is warming up, the grass is green and the deer have already eaten off some of my tulips. I'm anxious to get the screen porch ready to be used again.

God is good - even when the unexpected happens
-even when we aren't sure of how some things will be working out.

He is my anchor.

Empty Nest - Full Heart

I sat and listened from my room as the noises of the morning slipped through the door. I heard little Ruth as she impatiently waited for her bottle to be warmed up. There was Christmas music and sounds of someone making breakfast. There was talking and laughter.
I forced myself to just listen. I wanted to rush in to be a part of the activity, but I stayed, making mental notes about what I heard.





It was the sound of a home. The sound of family. It was the sound of those who enjoyed being where they were.

So aware of my blessings, I thanked God for the noises.

This morning…

Well, this morning there was silence.

I usually love the quiet in the morning as I prepare my heart for the day. But, not this morning.
Christina and Zach left on Thursday – Christmas Eve- to be with Christina’s family in MI.
Yesterday Josh, Lauren and Ruth began their long ride back to Montana.

So, in the silence I sat quietly… thinking.

It was a wonderful Christmas filled with those we love - ones we aren’t able to see often enough and others that we get to see regularly.

The five of us rang bells for Salvation Army at a local grocery one morning.
On a quiet evening, we all ventured out for a snowshoeing hike in our back yard, while Lauren’s supper baked in the oven.
There was a loud game of Pit with friends of Josh and Lauren’s, Larry & Laura from Camp Forest Springs.
We went on a final shopping run and found great deals on desired gifts.
There was a fire going in the fireplace while we watched a Christmas movie.
We also went to an extended family gather at a local town hall with many of my aunts and uncles from my Dad’s side of the family. It’s there that the traditional raw beef and onions was enjoyed by many.
There was time spent at both of our parent's homes to celebrate and enjoy being together.
There was the Christmas Eve service at church that ends with nothing but candles lighting the room while we sing Silent Night. Faces glowing all around reflecting the light.
Dale made Belgian waffles for breakfast before opening our gifts.
There was little Ruth to play with and enjoy watching.

It was a wonderful week.

My “nest” is empty but my heart is full.

Merry Christmas

We want to wish you a Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, God with us. Just as He fulfilled His prophecy at Jesus' birth, He will again prove Himself faithful when He comes again. Praise God!

Advent

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." Isa. 9:2

For many years as our boys were growing up, we celebrated Advent. It starts the 4th Sunday before Christmas. Each night around the dining room table there were verses recalled and read as a candle was lit - each week lighting one more. Our candle holder was a wooden bird where candles fit into the ends of the pieces which where the feathers. It was made by our nephew, Jason.

The boys were eager to volunteer to light a candle and recall it's meaning of how God proved Himself faithful in providing the promised Messiah. All other lights in the house were off. Only the candles dimly lit the room. Verses were read from the book of Isaiah. We then sang O Come, O Come Emmanuel, each week adding another verse. Christmas Day, the fifth and final candle was lit. We no longer sang the haunting words and melody of Emmanuel. It was now the time to celebrate answered prayer. So the song became Joy to the World the Lord Is Come!

Holding hands around the table, we ended our time in prayer. I think the boys enjoyed blowing the candles out as much as lighting them.

Dale and I haven't really celebrated Advent since they've been gone. I don't know where the bird candle holder is since we moved 5 years ago. And more of a loss, I don't know where the book "Let's Celebrate" has disappeared to. It was a book that gave ideas for celebrating many holidays as a family and had the verses which we used each year for Advent. It also had a photo of Zach, when he was about 3 years old, marking the Advent pages.

One meaning of Advent is "the coming or arrival". I know that in the past several years without that nightly reminder to prepare for Christ's coming, I have been more caught up with preparing for our family coming home.

Getting rooms ready - food prepared - gifts bought & wrapped. (Well.. soon!) All of these things are good and necessary.

But, with God's gentle nudge, I've been convicted of my neglect in preparing for His coming.

Preparing food - but is my heart prepared?

Cleaning rooms - but is my heart free from sin?

Buying gifts for others - but am I aware of His "indescribable gift" throughout my day?

So I encourage you, as you see the Christmas lights, as you sit and look at your tree and as you listen to the Christmas carols on the radio - give thanks to God for the most precious gift of all.

Smile and rejoice in the real reason for giving.