A Christmas Card

My dad wrote our family's Christmas letter this year and it was quite nice. However soon I will be responsible for writing Christmas letters, so I thought I would write a little letter of my own for practice.

Christmas break had slipped by too fast and all too soon I was returning for my second semester of my freshman year at school. I did not want to go back and write more papers, but, sometime you know you have to do something even if you don't want too. There would have been so many adventures I would have missed had I not left my home and gone back to school.

There are too many inside jokes and frustrations to mention here. I'll never forget Sundays in the car driving the 3 hour round trip to church with a very cute engaged couple and whoever the poor soul was that was our chauffeur. Let's just say the conversation often found its way to very interesting topics.

The hard thing about being away at school is you miss the goings on back home. I wept the death of a dear man in our church while very far away from home.

Spring break was pure bliss, thanks to the graciousness of my cousins I spent the 5 days in the NE sand hills. I cooked and baked up a storm and emptied the pantry of several items. Right in the middle of the fun my brother called...he was with one of my bestest girlfriends'. And as it happened the two of them had turned into a pair:)

Spring banquet came and went before I knew it I was flying all by my very own self back to KS. I made the most of my little journey in the airport by ridding the "moving pathway" very many times. Airports are so fascinating you know for people watching.

Summer...well it seemed like I blinked and it was gone. I'm afraid it was a bit of a hard summer for several reasons, but, that is another story for another time. The one thing I will say God's grace is always enough and it amazing how God uses the worst of the mistakes for our sanctification.

August was the best mouth by far; well the first two weeks anyway. I helped my aunt take care of my two cousins which meant we entertained them by doing lots and lots of shopping and lots and lots of cooking. Oh yes than there was all the ice cream we ate, but, we will just keep that our secret about how many cookies and bowls of ice cream consumed.

All too soon I was flying away on a jet plan for school again. I was pleased to not be the homesick little girl this semester, but, instead a Junior in the largest class at school. Too really know what happened last semester at school you would have to read my journal. I'm afraid though that will never happen:) One of the things I learned though was how not to make a pot of coffee!

The biggest highlight of the year has been my roommate. When the lights our off and no one else is around we chatter about anything and everything. Sometimes it even pertains to school! My roommate really has been one of the biggest blessings of this year especially on the many nights we pray together before retiring.

Just a few days before completing the semester I received two phone calls. Mom called early in the morning telling me at last my uncle's battle with cancer was over and he was with his savior. I knew the call had been coming, but, it still was a shock. I had been waiting for the second call too, but, I had no idea it that it would come the day of my uncle's home going. My brother called and didn't waste any time telling me he was a engaged man. Yes the same brother I mentioned earlier,so, I cried twice in one day for two very different reasons.

Another year has come and gone. I cannot comprehend the many ways God has given grace and blessings to this undeserving soul. Lord willing this time next year I will be five months from graduating and than I don't know what:) Thankfully God does and I have complete trust that He will show me His will my only fear is that I will not follow it.

The Day I Made a Pot of Coffee

Back in the old days when I was a stupid college freshman and knew hardly anything I made up mind that coffee would not be part of my daily routine. I managed to stick to my resolution all through that freshmen year with a few exceptions and consequently fell asleep in class far too many times. Being all the wiser as a upperclassman this year I faithfully drink a cup of coffee every morning. Than I brush my teeth and rinse with mouthwash three times because I cannot stand to have coffee breath. But I digress.

One morning I walked into the dinning hall half asleep as usual and to my horror the coffee pot was empty. I decided right than and there to be the hero of the day and make coffee. That was my first mistake. The second was that I reused the coffee from the previous pot and hence made brown flavored water. Nobody was very happy with my mistake and its a miracle that I am here to recount this story. I vowed never to make a pot of coffee again.

However I never told anybody my vow, so nobody knew the morning I broke my vow. Oh but the entire student body found out about my second pot of coffee. This time I made sure to get fresh coffee and follow the directions to the letter of the law.
Yes I know we walk by the spirit not the law, but sometimes you have to follow the law, but I digress.
The directions said to put in 5 scoops, so I obediently measured out 5 scoops. It really seemed like an awful lot of coffee. The measuring cup was a 2/3 scoop after all. However the directions said 5 scoops and everyone was always complaining about how weak the coffee was, so I was determined not to disappoint anybody and make a extra special pot. You might wonder why I didn't ask somebody about how to make the coffee, but you must remember this was before coffee and I'm really not all that awake in the morning.

Well the coffee brewed resulting in darkest black triple times triple espresso. The homiletic students promised to use the story as illustration in their sermons. I decided to never touch the coffee pot again, not even with a ten foot poll.

By the way the coffee was perfect...mixed with half water and milk.

Hope

Several years ago one of my uncle's was diagnosed with brain cancer and died a year later. I was just 14, but, it all seemed so harsh and wrong. I found it hard to watch my aunt still so vibrant and young grieving her husband. The twin brother of my uncle who's pain was deep for losing the brother who had been formed together with him in the womb.

The little grandchildren were so tiny, hardly even aware of what was going on. The many grandchildren that came since then who will never know their grandpa. My cousins were just young adults, some not even married. They are all married now, but the weddings happened without their father.

Every family gathering seemed to have a painful reminder that my uncle wasn't there, but, we moved on rejoicing in the hope of eternal life.

Than just 18 months ago the twin brother of my uncle came down with cancer. Suddenly it was happening all over again; the pain and tears that could only be understood completely by our family. It seemed like insult was being added to injury.

The world would say this is so wrong and absolutely ludicrous for our family to go through this again.

From the Bible we know God's plan is perfect and good. Therefore the death of both of my uncles was not a mistake, but, just part of the plan of a very loving and all knowing God.

[8] Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
[9] Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
[10] The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
(Psalm 34:8-10 ESV)

My uncles, also twin brothers, are buried beside each other now, however, they are not laying in a cold grave. The twins separated for over 6 years are now together once again for all eternity. We are left on earth to mourn their loss and to anticipate some day being together as family again with our Lord.

[17] Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
(1 Thessalonians 4:17 ESV)

Tears of Joy

I was getting ready as usual Friday morning. As usual I was half asleep and could barely see to put on mascara. Than my phone rang...I ran to pick it up and when I heard my mom's voice I was already crying. The news I knew was coming was here. My uncle after battling cancer for 18 months had finished the fight and now with his Savior. Exhausted from the end of the semester the tears came out easily.

I wept because the father of my cousins was gone, the charming romantic husband of my aunt was gone, the playful and loving grandpa of his grandchildren was gone, my dad's little brother was gone, and my uncle was gone.

I wept because my uncle was now with his mother, now with his two brothers, and most importantly He was with his Saviour.

I was not weeping as without hope for there was very much hope.

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 15:54; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 ESV)

Nothing

Sometimes...much more often than I ever would like to admint...I find myself working with all my might to obtain perfection in God's sight. Because I have forgotten that the bad things I do that nobody knows about, the thoughts that creep into my mind that are never spoken, the things that make so ashamed to see myself as a child of a Holy God, these unlawful deeds cannot and willnot change the way God percieves me.

“God saves by sheer grace, he cannot be manipulated by moral performance.”
Justin Buzzard

No matter how much my mind tries to lie, telling me that God does not love me. That is a lie not of the truth of the Word of God that is setting me free.

[33 ] Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. [34 ] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. [35 ] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? [36 ] As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37 ] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38 ] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39 ] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:33-39 ESV)

What I'm Thankful For

People have asked a lot what I'm thankful for. Pretty much I always give the same answer..."my family". However there is more to the story than just being thankful for my parents and siblings. This year I'm thankful for where I'm born in my family. It's an odd thing to be thankful for, but if you knew how ungrateful I used to be about my position in the birth order you would understand.

Our family goes like this; first came my two sisters than several years later came my 3 brothers, all about 4 years apart. Than when my mom's youngest was 6 when I was born. The oldest in our family was 21 one and just a few weeks away from marrying her best friend. I have absolutely no memories of my older sisters living at home, my other sister was married when I was 2.

I grew older and older, my other brother married and the nieces and nephews began coming in droves. I wished very hard that I had been a twin so there would be a companion for me as my brothers began leaving home. Suddenly when I was 14, I was a only child.

Something that is very funny is that I don't consider myself from a big family because I never remember us all being home together. I always wondered where I should fit myself in, with the nieces and nephews or my siblings? So, I began to long that I was from a "normal" family.

I did that until I saw how silly it was. I realized I had siblings who had far more years of experience than I, so I could could glean advice from them. I even had twice as many siblings because of my siblings in laws. As for little brothers and sisters? I've got 21 nieces and nephews, and counting:)

So that is why in every many words that I'm thankful for being the youngest in a very spread out family. I'm so thankful for God who puts us in just the right family:)

[16] Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. (Psalm 139:16 ESV)

This Baby

A tiny little baby, with tiny toes and fingers, a baby that makes so little noise, but sometimes a lot. He has handsome head of reddish hair.

This baby, my brother's first son, my parent's 21st first grandchild, my nephew, is our biggest Thanksgiving blessing.

Very Proud Grandparents

Adoring Sisters

This baby may not know it yet, but he is loved very, very much.

Pictures by Mom

Anticipation

I'm anticipating...

...the arrival of my little nephew, it appears he is waiting till I get home for Thanksgiving, but really I would be just as happy if he came perhaps today. And I can already say he will be my handsomest littlest nephew yet:)

...going home for thanksgiving! I cannot simply wait to see my family, the ones who I love very much. To make a pie and than eat it. To sleep in my own bed and sit in a quiet room and just read. To take a long walk with my mom and tell her all the things my brain dwells on before my eyes shut with sleep.

...the first snow! I know there was a dusting just a week a go, but I look forward to the morning when I peek out the blinds and see everything covered in pure whiteness. And than I will exclaim for joy because this KS girl loves snow.

...the day when every last bit of homework is permanently done. Sadly that is over a year and half away; sadly I will blink and the day will be here.

Being a Farm Girl

One year ago...

My dad sold his farm, so now when I go home I'm no longer a farm girl. I do not drive tractors anymore which is a probably a very good thing because I could never figure out if I should use gear 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, or 8. Nautually of course I would try them all which probably was not a wise choice because the tractor would not move. Sometimes much to my dismay the tractor would lurch into the air, which made me quite frightened and instilled in me a great respect for John Deere tractors.

Now I don't sort hogs or help work cattle. I don't really miss the cattle, they were so much bigger than I and I'm quite sure they could tell how terrified I was of them. And I don't think they really appreciated it when I would give them a shot in the wrong place. Those silly cows never seemed to understand that when I wanted them to move I did not mean for them to run around me in circles. Of course they did try to show their appreciation by leaving numerous "gifts" for me on the ground. I'm afraid though I was quite ungrateful towards their efforts.

I admit I was not really all that great at being a farm girl. My poor father knew it too, but what was he to do with all the boys gone? I made great efforts towards being a farm girl which I was sure were heroic. The truth was though I was just a girl who liked cooking and eating beef more than raising it.




However, I will always consider myself a farm girl whether I look like one or not.

This is my Dad

This is my dad

Who can be very serious about his faith, life, his children, his work, but don't be fooled dad has an incredible sense of humor.

This is my dad who loves the woman he married, very, very much. And there is plenty of evidence to testify to this fact by dad's actions and words.




This is my dad who made sure he and I had plenty of time together working on the farm driving tractors and teaching me how to drive stick shift trucks. Poor dad had to pull start the truck several times one afternoon because I kept killing the engine. but I digress. This is my dad who took me and still takes me for that matter on special dates just with him.

Ladies and gentlemen this is my dad...
He lives his life as a citizen of heaven, but admits when he is wrong. My dad loves the Lord very much. Just watch his life sometime and you will see.

Happy 68th birthday to the best dad in the world. I know its an old saying, but it is true my dad is the best one for me.

And I feel very blessed to be the daughter of not only my earthly father, but also my heavenly Father.

Only the Beginning

I love writing especially funny things from my normal every day life. However life right now has had a few things that are not very funny instead quite sad.

The news was expected, but at the same time it was very unexpected. Two of my relatives are dying, being destroyed by cancer.

God is still in control. He still loves us. God's Will is still being done.

Death is awful, but for the believer it is all for the glory of God.

My cousin said this...

"I don't like death, that there is a time to die. I know we all die, that there is no guarantee for another breath. I know that death is a deserved judgment for sin. And I know God's grace guarantees that the eternal life he gives to those who have faith in him will never be swallowed up by death."

Today I'm thankful the work Christ did willingly on our behalf so that death is only a beginning of living in all eternity not a permanent end to life.

This is all because He love us so much. The blood was shed, so we could spend eternity with our Savior.

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend,
The agonies of Calvary.
You, the Perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son,
Drank the bitter cup reserved for me.

Your blood has washed away my sin,
Jesus, thank You.
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied,
Jesus, thank You.
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table,
Jesus, thank You.

by Sovereign Grace Ministries and Bob Kauflin.

The Wind Blows

Very hard

Today the North wind blew in. I don't really know if it was a North wind, but it is a cold wind anyway. But I digress. The wind is blowing away the pretty leaves and is certain to blow in snow.

But you know what?

I like this weather...very much:)

What is this College Studant up Too?

Studying lots and lots of studying for midterms. Time spent feriously memorizing big words, while holed up in a corner. Time spent quizzing others and also having awkward conversation about the test material.

There also has been lots and lots of giggles. Mom always said "it was better to laugh than to cry". So I laughed very much, and when I thought I was very happy my friends said I was very stressed. When I broke down in tears after laughing and than laughed some more I knew they were right.

It's over though, the only reminder of them is numbers on my report card. And you know what? Those letters and minus signs do not matter. Report cards get lost and test papers get thrown away, but the Word of God the applied in stored in my heart remains forever....that is if I choose to apply it to my life every single day.

Anybody can memorize for a test. It is only you who can believe in the power of God to work in your heart and life.

Getting a good score on a test does not make me a better person.

Living a life that believes in the power of God to do anything will not be measured by a 4.0 GPA

Living to glorify God in everything will not be measured by a letter grade.

I am glad because in all truthfulness, my sinful self deserves a F.

One day I will give a account for what I have done...

but

I will not be giving an account about my test scores.

10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.
11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.
14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
I Cor 3

He Still is..

Just a few days ago I proclaimed the goodness of God to me.

That was before I found out a relative had cancer.

That was before I found myself climbing a spiritual mountain like never before.

And honestly I wavered wondering; why these trials were coming. I could not let myself wonder for long, because I knew in my heart I was still serving a God who is...

in control

good

loving

caring...

and I have to say it again a God who is very good.

1 To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in You I trust,
Psalm 25:1-2

Because He is Good

God is good when I'm...

when I feel all alone

when I feel terrible

when I can't understand school

when life seems like too much

God is good because...

My mom is my best friend

the amazing friends I have here at school to encourage me

classes that teach and prick your heart

Thanksgiving is only 9 weeks away

I'm only9 weeks away from being an aunt for the 21nd time.

John 1:16

¹⁶For of His ^A)">(A)fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

The Day I Didn't Go to Church

The day I flew to school for my Junior year, I could not go to church. I was ridding in a airplane and not sitting in a church pew. I have to say it was one of the most special worship experinces I have ever had.

Seeing God's creation from the vantage point of 30,000 feet is an experience I will not soon forget. I was not with the body of Christ that Sunday, but I was sitting next to the mission field.

To say there is not a God who could bring me safely back to the ground.
To say there is not a God who could create this beauty...
...is ludicrous.

Goodbye and Hello

Sunday I fly away on a jet plane to college, and I will be sad because I will miss...

Reading books just for fun
Driving the car
My parents, my brothers, my nieces and nephews, cousins,...all of my family
Ice cream
Pandora Radio
Watching movies with mom...

but I will be happy too because...
the possibilities for adventures at college are endless.

Goodbye home and its comforts. Hello adventures I would never dream to ask for, but I am thankful for the God who is useing them to shape and mold me to the image of Jesus Christ.

In Which I Ride a Ferris Wheel

This past few days I have been on many adventures. Most of them go no further than kitchen and involve lots of dirty dishes. Why is this not surprising? The other day I had particularly grand adventure on top of a Ferris wheel, located of all places, in a sports store.

I was eagerly anticipating the theme park ride and eagerly volunteered to ride two full rounds with my cousin Steve. What I did not realize was just how high the Ferris wheel went. Suddenly, and I mean very suddenly I found myself perched all of three stories in the air. I might also mention the ride was stopped at a complete halt. Lest I make this seem more dramatic than it was...we were only stopped to unload and reload riders. Heights were not really something I was ever fond of, so it felt like we were sitting 30 stories high for a exuberantly long time.

Focus, I needed something to steal my attention away from smashing into a million pieces on top of NE Corn Husker shirts. My gaze fell upon the sign just ahead me; which read "Danger do not Rock Seat". After that a slightest shift of our seat sent my heart into a turmoil.

Suddenly I noticed my feet were very wet from sweat. I know there is a better way to describe bodily fluids, but I can't spell it. But I digress. Dripping were my hands and Steve's hand wasn't exactly dry either because I was holding it very tight. Yes the one good thing about the ride, well I suppose one of the good things, was that I could hold cousin Steve's hand very tight and He didn't mind a bit.

Things surely couldn't get any worse, but they did. Suddenly I began to feel a bit faint. I knew this was a problem, because well fainting on a Ferris wheel while hovering 3 stories in the air is probably not a good idea. Fainting is best done when there is somebody tall and strong nearby to catch you. Preferably person whom your parents and brothers happen to also like. Ahem.

So I decided to not faint. Instead I sat back and enjoyed the remainder of the ride, but I didn't once let go of Steve's hand. Though it might have slipped out a time or two due to all the wetness.

I found the next stop of the evening more to my enjoyment. Though anything with chocolate and ice cream always wins with me. I'm sure I'll ride a Ferris wheel again, but I won't do it without somebody to hold my hand.

Oh Take Me Out...

...to the ball game!

I feel very smug right now because I just got back from a Omaha Royal's baseball game. Why is this fact something to boast in? Before I tell you let me make sure my brothers are listening. Ready? I viewed the game from just a few rows back from home plate. Even my non sport lover self appreciated this great honor greatly. Yes all of the pictures were taken right from my seat.



I've decided I like baseball games. For no more reason than smelling hotdogs and funnel cakes and listening to crazy fans yell their heads off. Sometimes though a game can be embarrassing when you ahem clap at the wrong time.
By the way I don't know who won...because we left before the game was over, so we could go home and have ice cream; which was not fried in grease of any kind.

Summer just isn't too bad at times.

Goodbye Little One's

College is very nice, but little nieces are too small to go, so little girls kiss me goodbye. Children wrap their little arms around me for a hug. Than I leave and I cry, because I love my nieces and nephews, but I would rather hurt for missing them, than to have never have known them at all.

Never Forget to Pray

Photo by Erin Dietrich1

Tomorrow we will celebrate our freedom to live freely in a land we love. A privilege from the Lord. Mother's, wives, little children, will be acutely aware of the price this freedom takes as they celebrate alone . Separated by a war necessary because of a sinful world. Perhaps this post is more appropriate for Memorial day, but the significance is the same.

The other night I ran across these photos*. Pictures (second set) of soldiers returning home from war to their eagerly awaiting families. The emotion in them is very raw. Photographs filled with joy of a painful journey over, others show the awful side of war. The families that never welcomed their loved one home with waving flags. Instead they welcomed a flag draped coffin.

Acutely I was reminded how much these families as well as our soldiers need desperate prayer. Today thank the Lord for the freedom He has given, then bring the warriors who fight at home and on the battle front to the feet of Jesus.

*I don't endorse the content found elsewhere on the website or the choice of dress in some of the pictures.

I've been Convicted...

By these few words...

“Assumptions are the termites of relationships.” -Henry Winkler

Perhaps my time would well be better spent praying for my friends rather than dreaming up fantasy problems for them.

She Loves Him

Twenty years ago something very special happened in our family. My oldest sister married her beloved during a beautiful wedding ceremony, and I don't remember a thing.

I don't remember the storm with hurricane wind speeds that knocked the power out for days just weeks before the wedding. Thus saving the mother of the bride from having to cook. Allowing her time for other important things. I don't remember the frenzy of wheat harvest as the father of the bride and any early arriving guests on hand worked hard to bring in the grain. I don't remember my sister spending hours sewing yards of satin and bits of lace into her wedding gown. I don't remember the ring bearer who was framed as the culprit for holding up the couple's departure. I don't remember the food, the flowers, decorations, or even the many well wishers who packed the church. I probably don't remember the spoken vows because I was asleep nestled in my mothers arms. I'm quite certain from the reports and the photographic proof it was lovely day.

What I see now is the beauty of the love which has continued to blossom since my sister's wedding day. A wedding ceremony is beautiful, but only if there is a couple to celebrate its remembrance each year. Sadly a day that once held beauty now is a painful memory for many couples, because of the cruel plight of divorce .

Not my sister, she still holds that bridal glow I'm certain that made her stunning that June evening. This is not what I remember, but the love I see in her, reflected upon the face of her husband. I will see it tomorrow, next year, for as long as the Lord will allow I know I will see it.

There is just something...

very nice about siblings...








...even when they are bigger than you, because than they are wiser than you.

All this because....

Two people fell in love


Happy 43rd Anniversary mom and dad.

I Didn't Know...

I didn't know many things when I came to college.

I didn't know you could have so much fun with friends.

I didn't know friends could care so much when you cried.

I surprised myself with coming to love my friends very much. Now I'm bearing the awful affects of doing this. For saying good bye is very, very, hard thing to do, but if this is the only consequence I must suffer for my friendships than I feel it is a very small price to pay.

I must only live in this sadness for a short while, for someday we will all be together forever and ever in Glory. Good bye will never be in our vocabulary than. And I think I like that idea very much.

Thought of the Day.

Today I thought of something very sad...

In one week I will be packing up my earthly belongings, thus my freshman year of college will be over.

The feeling of sadness because I'll miss the seniors.
The feeling of joy because of the faithful God who taught so much.
The feeling of gratefulness for a God who never gives up.
The feeling thankfulness for friends who bless a person so much.

Farewell my Not so Beloved Tractor

Today I'm finishing a paper, doing laundry, and memorizing verses. 700 miles away my family is attending a farm action, on the land which used to be my father's. Today marks a final chapter in the end of a era, and I'm not there.

I'm not sure I'm really too sorry that tractors' that I could never put in the right geror are leaving. The grain truck that always stalled on me I'm not sorry to see go. I hope goes to a loving owner. I never spent enough time with the machinery to get to sentimental. Just the same though, with one final bid, I know longer can claim myself as a farmer's daughter. The twinge in my heart is small.

I very thankful for the privilege of being raised on a farm. My dad poured sweat into the land and my mother tears, few and far between were the tears however.

It's very true the saying that if you marry a farmer you marry the farm as well. Mom supported dad in his endeavor. Yes there were the tough moments, yet even those served as an example that mom and dad were willing to work though this together.

All never forget the lessons learned on a tractor. And I'll cherish my growing up years on the prairie.

But I never want to forget the example of a man cared for the ground careful with careful care. My Father believed it was the Lord's and that's how he would care for it. I think dad would be the first to say it wouldn't have been possible without my mother.

Farewell to you dear farm. I may see you again on this earth. I will see mom and dad on this earth, but more importantly in heaven. Eternity is where my parrents place their treasure. Not in land, tractors, or beasts which will all pass way.

That is what I hope to never forget.

In Which I go to College and Mature...

A child leaves home for college and suddenly they are no longer a child but have blossomed into a adult. Well maybe not always...
Yes college does mature a teenager, but it also gives them freedom to do things that weren't allowed under their parent's supervision.

Take for instance one Sunday night. A few of us were gathered around the table nourishing ourselves on leftovers. A bowl of finger jello accompanied the meal. Before my very horrified eyes I watched as one of the boys proceeded to slurp the whole piece of jello into his month. He wasn't finished though, he slide the Jiggular right back out! Everyone was highly amused by the shocked look on my face. Surely I thought I was dreaming when of my female friends did the very same thing! Sheepishly announcing "we never got finger jello at home"!

Slurping however soon became dull, and the Olympics of food began. Yes, these college students were spitting their jello across the table with a very violent force. Head were ducking up in down to avoid being painted with gelled artificial coloring and flavor.

So the secret is out, college may mature a person but it may immature them anymore. You are probably wondering did I try? Don't ask silly questions, I would never be so unlady like under normal circumstances:)

Sneaky Seniors...or Maybe Not

Thursday found Chapel rather empty and far too quiet. The seniors had gone off on their annual senior sneak.
Their objective was to disappear and not be noticed until they had fled campus. However the whole thing was photographed by even sneakier Juniors:)

Apparently the seniors decided since they hadn't gone out with a bang they would come back with one. Oh and did they ever.

4:30 am I'm sleeping quite peacefully and resting up from the weekend. Abruptly my slumber is disturbed by the phone ringing. Dearest roommate leaped from her warm bed to take the call. Just a friendly notice from a senior announcing they were back. How thoughtful of them.

They needn't have called for very quickly and efficiently two senior guys managed to wake the whole campus; by driving around in circles and blaring their horns very repetitiously. Needless to say the entire school didn't get more than 5 hours of sleep, if not less.

I do dare say those seniors indirectly blessed us with a lesson of practicing a cheerful attitude when one feels just the opposite.

Oh my I will miss those crazy seniors next year.

Saturday Life

Saturday on a college campus means...
Very quiet, students are either sleeping or have escaped from the compound, er I mean campus, to the free world.
Homemade breakfasts, omelets to order, homemade biscuits, fresh baked cinnamon rolls. The Vice President of the school has more talents than just teaching.
Homework perhaps, by the end of the day one feels very guilty for not doing a thing. Or there is a smug feeling of having accomplished much while everyone else was relaxing.
Leftovers in the fridge, some things you a very happy to see again. Other things not so much, like a reappearing nightmare.
Fellowship, by evening there is no longer an obligation to do homework and the fun begins. A movie or two, a game of Sardines in the darkened Admin, or a random library game.

Saterday for me today means fresh clean sheets and the hope of finishing my last paper.

52 Days Left in SD

I miss...
Talking with my mom
Smoothies
Home baked bread
Shopping
Sleeping in
Laughing children
My church family
Walks on the farm...never again...

I will miss...
Teachers, constant wisdom surrounding you is so rich.
Friends who can instantly tell something is wrong
Random adventures, you never know what will happen on a college campus
My roommate, how could I have been so blessed to have such amazing girl for a sister this past year?

I hope I won't miss...
Growing in my relationship with God. Very soon I'll be left to study the Bible on my own will. Oh I shudder to think I may neglect it. Certainly not I pray, without application this past months will surely have been in vain. But it was not I who did the work, nor is it I who will finish.

being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Phil 1:6

A Life Hidden in Christ

Today I got a phone call. One of those calls that makes a person wish they had never picked up the phone. Yet as it has been for many decades, the deliverance of news already happened is unavoidable.

I cried when I heard that a very dear friend of mine was in glory. Tears fell just as they had when I heard he was dying of an incurable brain tumor. A fight with cancer over as soon as it had begun, leaving on the battle field a mourning wife, four children and their spouses, a host of grandchildren, one great grandchild and a church congregation with a gaping hole.

Mr. B. was my Sunday School teacher-- every lesson was taught with enthusiasm. More than likely Mr. B. enjoyed teaching even more than he did learning. Pouring over the scriptures and then receiving extra information from accompanying maps was not something the teacher shied away from.

Teaching Sunday school was not Mr. B’s only service to our tiny country church. I remember the sad Sunday when Mr. B. was no longer the song leader. The worship service still feels somewhat incomplete.

Mr. B. helped build our church. Later he served on the building committee, making plans to accommodate our ever growing congregation. Sadly the many hours of plans being made by Mr. B. will never bear the fruit of work by his hand. I don't think he will miss seeing the new church, seeing as now he is living in a mighty fine mansion over the hilltop.

I'll never forget the Sunday morning Mr. B. told the church that his unsaved family member had been saved. Mr. B. couldn't hardly retell the events for his voice was too full of emotion. His face was wet with tears. Sharing a prayer request about an unsaved relative or friend from Mr. B.’s lips was not uncommon. His heart was tender towards those who had not yet found their Savior. Very soon someday the two relations will be together in heaven because of Mr. B.’s witness.

Hardly uncommon at is it to hear people remark how they will miss a loved one’s smile. Cliche as it may sound, I have to say I will miss Mr. B.’s smile. The great works done by Mr. B. characterized him yet it was the warm smile and the genuine interest in your life that truly showed off his love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Words of affirmation often were given, special music will never receive the same praise again without Mr. B.’s "amen".

In a small church you associate more the body of Christ than with your own family. Mr. B. was a grandpa figure to me. I hardly knew my own grandpas- both died before I could reap lessons from their rich character. I feel honored and blessed I could know Mr. B. . Praise to the Father above that one day I will worship with Mr. B. together at our Lord’s feet. Thinking of this fills my heart with joy.

Now I'm sad. In a few short weeks I will be home from college and worshiping at my home church once again. An empty spot in a pew will be unbearably void, a seat used so often it might have remained warm from Sunday to Sunday. I can't bear to think of not seeing the fa miler smile nor hear the taken for granted "amens". a loved parishioner is gone, leaving behind an awful ache in our church family. One thing is certain Mr. B. would be the first to tell us to dry our tears for if we have believed we are heading to a place of no tears.

Mr. B. I'll miss you terribly. I just want you to know one thing. Reflecting on your life has drawn me to one conclusion--looking at your works does not extoll yourself but instead brings glory and honor to Christ our risen Savior.

¹ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Col 3:1-4