Wednesday 29 October 2008

My Favorite Son - My ONLY Son!


You probably have figured it out by now - we have two children, a son and a daughter. This post is about my son. He is single and has a passion for the outdoors. He has been ranked nationally (#1 much of the time) in his age bracket for snowboarding - Border Cross - the last two years. Did I mention he is single ?? He also wakeboards in the summer behind Precious II. He loves to fix up old motorcycles as well. Oh yes, he is single - I think I mentioned that.
He is a professional computer geek - is that a good word? He helps with programming and security system designs. In case you haven't figured it out - mama and papa love our son. Have I mentioned - aw forget it, I am sure I have.

Monday 27 October 2008

My Favorite daughter - my ONLY daughter!

Meet my daughter - Jo! this is a special picture of my daughter w/my first grandchild taken in 1999. A special day. Just got off the plane from Russia.

I have others, mostly on my blog, that I refer to as my daughter, but that is only in the sense of trying to be a fatherly image - mostly because of my age. JO is my ONLY daughter and I love her very much.

I am guilty of taking that relationship for granted. She knows her daddy loves her, but I do not express that like I should. I am sorry Jo and will try my best not to let that happen from now on. I want my life pattern with both of my children to not be a father who has taken his own children for granted. They are the best and I love them - I just need to show that more. Please forgive me. I love you,

Your DAD

Saturday 25 October 2008

Honestly Folks!

Roxanne Kristina has tagged me to list 10 honest things about me. Some you may know, some you may not - anyways here goes!

1. I love mama more than my own life - I would panic without her.
2. I wish I didn't struggle with being overweight - its a tough battle.
3. I will get in your face if I have to - I won't even blink!
4. I want to be your friend.
5. If I am your enemy, what do I have to do to be your friend?
6. I am a good horse back rider.
7. I do not have a self-esteem issue - humility? That's a different issue!
8. At times - Don't bug me!
9. Christ is my passion!
10. I know the books of the Bible by memory - do you? Why not ??

Have a great day! Any questions about my list? If so, see item 8! LOL

Friday 24 October 2008

Let me introduce MAMA !!

Last Wednesday night mama requested at church that we sing the song below. After we sang the song mama stood up and shared a brief testimony as tears came down her face, saying, I want to be like Jesus. How are you doing ??


“I Want to Be Like Jesus”

I have one deep, Supreme desire, That I may be like Jesus. To this I fervently aspire, That I may be like Jesus

I want my heart His throne to be, So that a watching World may see
His likeness shining Forth in me. I want to be like Jesus.

He spent His life In doing good; I want to be like Jesus. In lowly paths Of service trod; I want to be like Jesus.

He sympathized With hearts distressed; He spoke the words That cheered and blessed; He welcomed sinners To His breast. I want to be like Jesus.

A holy, harmless Life He led; I want to be like Jesus. The Father’s will, His drink and bread; I want to be like Jesus.

And when at last He comes to die, “Forgive them, Father,” hear Him cry For those who Taunt and crucify. I want to be like Jesus.

Oh, perfect life of Christ, my Lord! I want to be like Jesus. My recompense and my reward, That I may be like Jesus.

His Spirit fill my hung’ring soul, His power all my life control;
My deepest pray’r, My highest goal, That I may be like Jesus.

Wednesday 22 October 2008

John Deere B - Old!


Here is one of papa's cherished moments - this is a picture of Deb (GodsGal) & I with Deb's tractor. Deb had drove the tractor from her place to Butte Creek Mill for a day festival to put it on display. The tractor is old, over 60 years, maybe even older than papa. It may not be as functional as the new ones, but in its day was very functional and even now has a purpose. If you look closely you can see a trailer behind the tractor - it pulled a load with no difficulty.

Regardless of our age, and the events of our lives, God has a purpose for us being here. Papa is not as strong as he use to be - I have trouble now doing things with this old body that I could do 40 years ago. But my mind is clear (okay, some of you may question that! Be kind!) and I try to be a Barnabas (encourager). As you read this post, regardless of your age, health, skills - always be an encourager. My mom would say; "If you can't say what you want with kindness, don't say it." Thanks mom for being an encourager - always. Papa needs to work on that too! I am trying to pull my load - I just read this to mama - now I am weeping - must be I am getting older than I think. We love you all - please pray for us.

Sunday 19 October 2008

Daughters, Son-in-laws & grandkids!



What a wonderful time mama and papa had! We got meet several blogger families which was the main purpose of our trip to Oregon. God is so good! The picture of the family at the table is Brent, Tam, Kass, Kota. Mama and Papa. Mama is the "hot" one!

The second picture is Deb (Godsgal) and I at Crater Lake, what beauty God has created! Both Deb and Crater lake!

The picture of the group standing in the airport is Roxanne Kristina and her family. She drove down to the portland Airport to meet us and to help papa get his luggage and get to our rental car.

Friends, these are part of your blogging family as well. Pray for them. Each family has life decisions to make, each family is keeping Christ at the center and are doing their best to serve Him where He has planted their feet. We all need to do that.

God Bless!
Mama & Papa

Wednesday 15 October 2008

New Adventure! Brent & Tam's !!

We arrived at Brent & Tam's Tuesday at 9:30 AM - But first let me mention Monday Afternoon! Mama and I found my best high school buddy that I had not seen since 1961 !!! What a reunion!! Now we are at Brent & Tam's until Friday AM.

Please note - on Thursday PM 8pm EST - go to InWorship's blog (see my blog roll), click on the tab that says "live" and you can "live chat" with us all! We have fallen in love with this family as most of you already have.

There is already a part of mama and papa that is sad - we had to leave Deb & Jer on Monday AM. Not sure when we will see each other again, but our attitude is; "see you soon". On last Friday, when we saw Roxanne it was for only about 30 minutes - and we are now family.

I pray that when Christ returns we will all be together for eternity - so, "See you soon"! Mama and I hate goodbyes !!

Saturday 11 October 2008

We are in Oregon!

God is so good! We had a wonderful flight and arrived at Debs (Godsgal) & Jer's place last evening. What a gracious family - we feel like family. Deb and I both cried as we hugged for the first time.

My pics will have to wait until I get home. Deb has posted a couple already at her blog. Check my blog roll to link there.

TOday was a blast! We all took part in helping get one of Jer's old tractors down to the Butte Creek Family day here. We had lots of fun. Then we went to an orchard and toured the grounds and even had a horse drawn wagon ride.

I will share more later - right now JER is barbecuing - you wouldn't mama and I to miss that would you ??

Wednesday 8 October 2008

On the road Again!!

Well - mama and I are back from the marriage retreat! she took to the fine tuning just great. We had a wonderful time - we stayed at the Grand hotel on Mackinaw Island. The movie, "Somewhere in Time" starring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeves was filmed at the Grand Hotel.

Mama and I are soon (this Friday the 10th) off again. We are off to Oregon! We are visiting two blogging families over a weeks time. We are visiting Deb & Jer (Godsgal) and Tam & Brent (InProgress & InWorship), links to these blogs are on my blog roll. We are excited, we will meet two wonderful families, worship with them and see a state we have never been to.

We would covet your prayers during the next week as we take this incredible journey. Pray for traveling mercies, a good time and that mama and I are good examples of Christ.

I am not sure if we will post between now and our return or not - but some how I am sure Deb and Tam will keep the events posted on their blogs.

God bless!

Mama & Papa

Friday 3 October 2008

Celebrate Your Marriage!!

Mama is still sleeping so be quiet when you comment today! I have a surprise for her! She will cry when she gets it!

Today is our 45th anniversary of meeting - we met 45 years ago on October 3, 1963 at noonish in a department store. Mama was employed there and I was to meet her for lunch. The meeting was extra special as we had written each other over 300 letters - today we would finally meet. I had just returned from an 18 month tour with the military overseas.

When she wakes up she will find a (she is stirring - be quiet) box of candy, a nice card and a very personal letter (none of your business!) with the card, all setting on the kitchen counter.

This will probably be my last post for a few days. Sunday we go to Mackinaw Island to attend a conference titled: "Celebrate Your Marriage!!" with Jay & Laura Laffoon, Dr. Kevin Leman & comedian Joby Saad. The celebration will be Monday & Tuesday October 6 & 7.

You may ask, after 43 years of marital bliss, why go? well - mama needs a little fine tuning. Papa has done his best and corrected most of mama's weak areas, but she could use a little fine tuning from the experts! Nothing major or earth shattering, but a little refinement would be good!

She is just getting up now - well, almost - heh heh!!

UPDATE! Sunday October 5th 10AM - Mama and papa are out of here! The fun begins ! We will be back Tuesday Evening - see ya then!

Wednesday 1 October 2008

Higher Ground ??

There is an old hymn titled "Higher Ground". Some of the words are;

I'm pressing on the upward way. New heights I'm gaining everyday:
Still praying as I onward bound. "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay.
Tho' some may dwell where these abound, My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

This hymn has been bothering Papa's heart lately. As I interact with my Savior am I seeking higher ground? When I interact with my best friend mama do I seek "higher ground" or am I making sure that I am in control and will not give? Jesus, please help papa to seek "higher ground"!

I watch as fellow Christians are exchanging harsh words, saying hurting words and wonder if I am guilty of the same? I know I have been there - guilty. Lord, help me to trust your leading in my life and "plant my feet on higher ground"