Jaden "Reading" His Nap-Time Book

When it was time for Jaden to catch a nap on Wednesday afternoon, we got out the three books he ALWAYS wants me to read to him. However, this time he wanted to read one of the books to me. I ran and got my camera to catch the moment on video. This was made at Grandma's house on Wednesday, 2/27/08 at 1:00 p.m.

To view it, please copy and paste the URL into your favorite browser:

http://www.youtube.com/v/G-VBIPBgiCw

Miss my day with Jaden? NO WAY!

Amy called at 6:30 this morning to tell me she was relieving me of having Jaden today since I had had a sick Belle on Monday and then a sick Jaden on Tuesday. I told her that I was definitely expecting and looking forward to having Jaden. She asked Jaden if he wanted to stay with Grandma or go to school, and he chose to stay here. We had such a fun morning together. We watched his RESCUE HEROES videos, played leggos, he played with his little people garage, and we did other stuff. We ate lunch and had bath time. He is down for his nap and I need to be working to make some real good progress on finishing up the lesson I will be teaching at the Retirement Center Bible Study on Friday as the regular teacher won't be with us. I will do that as soon as I finish this post. The video clip is of Jaden with his books before he lays down to go to sleep. We read the same three books each time. I ran to get my camera to make a picture of him at reading-before-naptime, but he always lets me film for a few seconds before he starts saying, "I want to see it" which means he wants to watch a playback of the movie on the camera. I was asking him what he just did in the bathroom (get a bath) so that's what that is about in the movie.

(Note: the video didn't upload and I've got to get back to work on my Bible lesson. I will try again later.)


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WET PANTS ~~ A Story of Compassion

Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them...

1Peter 3:8 ¶ Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous


WET PANTS

Come with me to a third grade classroom..... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.

The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'

He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered.

As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.

The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'

Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie.

She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!'

Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once too.'



May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us have compassion on others and to do good unto them.

As Thoughts Turn to Easter...

Easter is less than a month away, and is such a special time for us as Believers. I received this interesting information regarding this year's date for Easter and thought I would post it here.

Do you realize how early Easter is this year? As you may know, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

Found out a couple of things you might be interested in! Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare.

Here 's the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:

1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).

2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!

Interesting!

SICK GRANDKIDS!!!

Maybe I wasn't the brighest crayon in the box to let my grandkids go swimming on Saturday. Belle was sick on Sunday and Monday (with a fever of 103, cough, and headache) and Josh had it today (fever of 102). It isn't the "real flu" as they are basically over it in two days, and I know the "real flu" puts you down in the bed for days on end. But I am sorry my loved ones next door are getting sick one by one and pray that perhaps Jarrett and Brian will not come down with it. (Grandpa and me neither!)

I will present this caveat... Amy and Jaden both had this same malady last week (before I let Jarrett, Belle, and Josh swim on Saturday), so I think it is something going through the family and wasn't a direct result of the swim. I hope not anyway!!

Swimming in February!

We had a wonderful three days with the grandkids. Saturday was nice and laid-back with Grandpa Richard home instead of at work. By noontime, the sun had returned after a several-day hiatus and the temp got up into the high 60's. We went out in the backyard with the kids and enjoyed playing and watching them play. Jarrett and Isabella are both on the track and field team at school and this Tuesday is their first meet. Jarrett is to participate in hurdles so he got a nice big long stick for Isabella and me to hold so that he could practice. It's amazing how high that boy can leap. Jaden played with a water gun (oh boy!) and Josh and Belle ran around. It felt so good out in the sunshine. Richard and I came in with Jaden while Jarrett, Belle, and Josh stayed outside to play. I got Jaden bathed and down for his nap by 2:00. Brian and Amy called to say they were on their way back home and that they would arrive at around 4:00. At about 3:00, Isabella came in and said, "Please Grandma, Please. Don't say no. Please, please, please." She and the boys wanted to jump into the pool. Richard was hearing all of this and together agreed that it would be okay.

So, the three of them jumped in. Belle got right back out ~~ she was done. Jarrett and Josh swam for some 20 minutes before I told them to get out. I knew everyone needed showers and to get dressed for the game at their school. So, while much of the country is cold and has snow on the ground, our crew was enjoying a swim.... a COLD swim... but a swim nonetheless.

Here are some videos I made that can be copied and pasted into your browser for your viewing pleasure. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=70f3c24afe6d1b2c49cc

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ae89fe38b489142ebb8b

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=39aabaa67ef9f7252a12

Warriors Win!!

Brian, Amy, and the kids went to the game to cheer on their Warriors who were playing in their first-ever Regionals Championship game. What a win in the last second of the game!!! The photos above show a hard-fought game and the second one illustrates so well what one point can do for a team~~ the victory celebration or bowed down in defeat.

Published - February, 24, 2008

Buzzer beater lifts PCA

Mac Knefely
News Journal correspondent

Jon Andrews hit a 4-footer off the glass as time expired to give PCA its only lead of the game in a 57-56 win against Port St. Joe in the Region 1-2A championship.

Matt Goetsch assited on the game's final shot, but his three-point shooting proved to be the difference.

Goetsch hit eight 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 30 points for the Warriors.

"It's what you'd expect your senior leader to do — he kept us in the game when it wasn't going well for us," PCA coach Jim Schneider said. "Of course Jon Andrews hit a big shot — he hadn't made a basket all night, but he stayed with it when it counted."

Things looked bleak for the Warriors (23-3) as the Tiger Sharks got out of the gates with a quick 12-0 lead. But PCA hung in and fed off the emotions of the home crowd to earn the win.

PCA was held scoreless until Mike Goetsch hit a free throw with 3:04 remaining in the opening quarter.

PCA managed to pull within 14-7 following a pair of three's by Mike Goetsch, but the Tiger Sharks answered with five straight points to close out the period.

With the score 28-16 late in the half, PCA made it a 10-point game on a layup by Mark Heinold, then ended the half with a pair of 3-pointers to pull within six point, 30-24, at the break.

The Warriors made it a one-point game and forced Port St. Joe to call timeout with 4:27 remaining in the third quarter, but the tiger Sharks answered again, going on a 12-4 run to end the period with a 46-38 lead.

The Tiger Sharks appeared on their way to their third trip to Lakeland with a 52-39 lead midway through the final quarter, but their offense soon hit a dry spell, and PCA quickly took advantage.

Trailing by eight with 1:21 left, Jeremy Riche was fouled on a three-point attempt. Riche knocked down all three free throws to pull the Warriors within 56-51. After Port St. Joe missed at the line, Mike Goetsch found Matt Goetsch from downtown with less than a minute remaining.

The Tiger Sharks failed to convert at the other end, and Mike hit a free throw to make it a one-point game with 20.5 seconds left in regulation.

Another missed free throw proved costly as Andrews grabbed the defensive rebound and called timeout with 16.7 seconds.

PCA quickly in bounded the ball, avoiding a turnover, and Matt Goetsch found Andrews for the game-clincher with 3.0 seconds on the clock. Port St. Joe's desperation attempt sailed over the basket as several Warrior faithful stormed the court.

"I told them we were going to Disney World — I've never been to Lakeland, but I know it's near there — they just didn't quit tonight," Schneider said. "The crowd was such a positive for us. We really fed off their energy.

"It was like they were driving 80 on the interstate and we were going 55 at the start of the game. I think we just got our legs under us, but tonight was just about outside shooting, and we can do that."

Matt Goersch echoed the comments of his coach.

"We just didn't quit—I can't take anything away from those guys," Matt Goetsch said. "I told Jon he was lucky I didn't take the shot—I'm really proud of how we played tonight. A couple of them (three-pointers) were prayers—obviously, they were answered prayers. Honestly, I thought we were gong to lose in the second quarter, but we came out in the second half and played better as team."

Port St. Joe coach Derek Kurnitsky and his players were left wondering what could have been, but was humbled by the Warriors' resiliency.

"It was a great effort by our team tonight—they were just one point better," Kurnitsky said. "They were much better than what we saw on film, especially (Matt Goetsch). They played at a very high level and just made some unbelievable shots."

Josh's Progress On The Trumpet

Since it's been nearly a month of Josh taking a weekly lesson on the trumpet and I hadn't heard him, I asked him to play and show me what he is learning. I was quite impressed with his progress, and here is a video I made of Josh playing his trumpet:

Lunch Time at McDonald's with the Grandkids

Okay, we had to get out of the house so went to a McDonald's in town that has a huge screened-in play-yard. We were the only ones there so all four of the kids played and played. There was a lot of hide-and-seek going on. It is so warm and muggy here (74 degrees) and since that is a screen-in room, they were all as hot as fire crackers, but they had a good time.

Jaden is down for his nap. Jarrett is watching at DVD, and Belle and Josh are playing with Play-Dough of all things. Here is a video of the kids playing at McDonald's. (We were the only ones in there so Jarrett and Belle played, too.)

GRANDKIDS "BABY-SITTING" BLITZ

Psalm 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

What a joy to be here~~ healthy and happy to help out my daughter and son-in-law. Our Academy is closed yesterday and today as the faculty and staff have gone to Sandestin for their yearly CEC ~~ Christian Educators Conference. I guess as one of the principals, Amy had some responsibility of teaching sessions, etc. She left out on Thursday morning and, of course, Brian went to work, so I had the precious privilege of having lots of good company with Jarrett, Isabella, Josh, and Jaden on Thursday.

It poured rain all day long but we kept ourselves occupied. We watched some of their videos and DVDS, Josh and Belle spent several hours putting together puzzles.



Belle discovered that one box contained the pieces of 4 different puzzles (100 pieces each) and made it her project to go through the pieces one by one and separated them back into the right puzzle boxes. She was very methodical and merticulous with that job. Richard and Brian came in from work at dinnertime. I had made "spaghetti pie" for our dinner (a family favorite that came by way of Kay O in Ohio) so the men, kids, and grandma were all full and satisfied by the end of the meal.

On Thursday morning, I had gone over to Amy's at 7:00 (as she and Brian were leaving) so that the kids could sleep in on their first-of-two days out of school. Josh and Jaden were up when I got there but the teen and almost-a-teen slept in. Jarrett go up at 9:00. At 9:30, I was ready to come back to my house with the kids so checked on Belle. She was halfway awake so I asked her if she wanted to get up and come over with us or rest a little longer and come over when she got up. She elected to rest a little longer and than come over. (We are next-door neighbors and it is just a walk across the front yard from house to house.) In light of the older two sleeping in, I asked Brian at dinner about Jarrett and Belle spending the night at our house so that they could sleep and he could send the little ones over as he left for work. It turned out that Josh and Jaden neither one were awake when it was time for Brian to leave for work this morning. So, I went over and it wasn't long before a sweet little Jaden came and found me at his house with his "Good Morning, Grandma" and sweet hugs. I fixed him a little breakfast and in a bit Josh was up as well so we headed on over to my house at about 8:00.

Belle was up when we came in. She said she is sick with a headache and sore throat. I took her temp and it is normal (praise the Lord!) so I gave her some sinus medicine. Jarrett IS still sleeping. We might not see home for another couple of hours which is fine. Dr Dobson taught me years ago that teenagers need EXTRA rest.

A little while has lapsed since I wrote..

Josh playing with Jaden in the sun room
,

and Jarrett is still sleeping.


Belle isn't feeling well and is wandering around~~ not really knowing what she feels like doing. I suggested lying back down, but she didn't go for that one. It is cloudy and wet outside from all of yesterday's and last night's rain. We are predicted to have a 90% chance of rain with large hail and thunderstorms. Right now, it is calm outside and 68 degrees after a cold rainy 55 of most all day yesterday. It feels stormy with it so warm and muggy outside. I hope our quiet day doesn't get TOO exciting weather-wise.

Brian will be going to Sandestin this afternoon to meet up with Amy so the kids are here until sometime Saturday afternoon. The Academy basketball team is hosting the first of the tournament games on Saturday at 7:00 p.m., so at least we know Brian and Amy will be home in time for the games. I hope they enjoy their get-away as much as I am enjoying their kids~~ my GRANDkids!

Oh wow.... some wind has just kicked up. I had better check the weather channel to see if anything is brewing. Here's a message that has just come in:

A SQUALL LINE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL MOVE EAST ACROSS THE AREA TODAY. THE LINE WILL MOVE INTO SOUTHWEST ALABAMA AROUND DAY BREAK AND MOVE TO THE EAST OF INTERSTATE 65 DURING THE LATE MORNING INTO THE EARLY AFTERNOON HOURS. THE PRIMARY THREATS WILL BE DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH AND LARGE HAIL. AN ENHANCED THREAT OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...INCLUDING LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS...IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP DURING THE AFTERNOON ALONG AND EAST OF INTERSTATE 65 AS TEMPERATURES WARM INTO THE LOWER 70S AND ALLOW THE ATMOSPHERE TO BECOME INCREASINGLY UNSTABLE. ALTHOUGH NOT THE PRIMARY THREAT...AN ISOLATED TORNADO CANNOT BE RULED ESPECIALLY IN THUNDERSTORMS THAT DEVELOP AHEAD OF THE MAIN LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS THIS MORNING INTO THE AFTERNOON HOURS.

A Eulogy for Peter

My dear friend, Karen S, shared this with me. It touched my heart, so I emailed the Pastor who preached this eulogy and received his permission to share it on my blog.....

A Eulogy for Peter

You can hear this eulogy by pasting the following URL in your browser:
http://www.familyheritagebaptistchurch.org/Peter_Page/Peter4.html

Peter Constantine was a man who loved people, and I believe that he was a man who loved God. Though Peter couldn’t hear or speak yet he still loved to be with people. Peter was a very out- going man. Some of his ways were no doubt abrasive and many people I am sure shied away from him. But to those of us who knew him well, he was our friend. And if you happened to be driving a Ford then you were really his friend. My first encounter with Peter was positive because of course I was driving a Ford pickup! Our relationship was all “thumbs up” from then on.

Unfortunately for Peter’s his last ride, from his house to this funeral home, was in a Cadillac. I spoke with Richard Gillies the other day, and he told me that whenever Peter saw him driving his hearse, Peter would give him the “thumbs down.” With Peter in the community you would think that Mr. Gillies would have invested in Lincolns instead of Cadillacs. Because in this business a “thumbs up” is always better than a “thumbs down.” But in Mr. Gillies defense, I am sure that Peter has found out by now that every one in heaven drives a GM. Yes… we can safely assume that Peter has traded-in his Mustang for a Corvette. And I’m sure he’s loving every minute of it.

Peter began coming to our church about five years ago, when we were still meeting in the old school house. We at Family Heritage Baptist Church welcomed Peter with open arms. We loved him and he loved us. He was our brother in Christ and he was our friend.

Peter (not being able to hear) was of course very visual. He responded well to things that he could see. And when we put up the proposed picture of our new church on the wall of our old church, Peter was so excited. And when we started the renovation of our new church Peter came out often to help us in the work of renovating of our new church. He loved to help, and he was always willing to do what he could.

Peter also helped us with the building of our new shed this past October. In fact, one of the most exciting days for Peter was when he gave a gift to our shed fund. Once again we had a visual on the wall to chart the giving to the shed fund. With every $100.00 that came in we could place another log on the chart. My brother was explaining all of this to Peter when all of the sudden Peter reached into his wallet and pulled out a $100.00 bill and he bought a log for the Lord. This folks was a very exciting day in Peter’s life. This was the most money that Peter had ever given to our church. And Peter was extremely excited about what he had done. I can still remember his boisterous laughter filling our church. After Peter settled down he then pointed over to my brother and he said how about you. So Tom reached into his wallet and bought another log for the Lord. Peter’s laughter once again filled our church. He was so excited to see another log go up. And it wasn’t long after that, that the shed went up.

That was an exciting day in Peter’s life. For the first time Peter realized the value and the joy of investing in the Lord’s work. The Bible says that “the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.” I don’t believe that Tom or Linda or I have ever seen a more joyful giver than we did on that Sunday afternoon. We could just see the Lord’s working on Peter’s heart. I honestly believe that that day marked a turning point in Peter’s life. Peter was no longer a spectator of the Lord’s work. Peter had become a participator in the Lord’s work.

That day marked a turning point in Peter’s life. From that day on Peter was much more faithful in his attendance. He even started coming on Wednesday nights for our prayer meetings. And Peter began responding more positively to the preaching. I honestly believe that the Lord was getting Peter ready to come home to heaven.

Even last month at our annual mission conference, Peter once again showed a commitment to our church when for the very first time he made a monthly pledge to our missions program. It was apparent to me as a pastor that Peter was becoming more serious about spiritual things in the last months of his life. (Continued below photo of Peter)



There was one other recent change in Peter that I would like to share with you. In the past when Tom or Linda were not at church to sign for Peter, Peter would just turn around and leave. But in recent months he would stay even if they weren’t there. He was beginning to feel like he was a part of the family. In fact the last few times when Tom and Linda were out of town, Peter came up and he sat in the very first row. I believe he did that so that he could read my lips as I preached the Word of God. Yes, I do believe that Peter was developing a true hunger in his life for God’s Word. And so this afternoon, in honor of Peter and his growing love for God’s Word, I would like to share with you some things from the Word of God.

There are two things that I would like to share with you, first The Calling of Christ, and secondly The Compassion of Christ.

First; The Calling of Christ.

(Mt 11:25-27) At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

The first thing we see in our passage is that the Lord does not impart spiritual life and spiritual knowledge to the “wise and prudent” of this world. No, Jesus said that these things are revealed “unto babes.” In many ways Peter was just a “babe.” Peter had a very simple and childlike outlook on life. Though we all felt bad about Peter’s handicap, I do believe that it may well have been his saving grace. His handicap held him back from acquiring a sophisticated and cynical view of the world. And his handicap kept him simple and childlike in his disposition. It is what helped to make him a likely recipient of God’s grace.

Jesus said, in our passage, that “these things” would be given “unto babes.” It is sad how many of us become too grown up for God. It is sad how many of us become too smart for God. It is sad how many of us become to busy for God. But with Peter there were none of those distractions. Peter was in many ways just a child in a grown up body.

Jesus said in Luke 18:16, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” In many ways Peter was a child in a grown up body. And Peter did many foolish and childish things, of which we can all attest. But to his credit Peter’s faith in Jesus was also childlike. And of such is the kingdom of God.

A few years back Linda Ruemenapp (my sister in-law) invited Peter to Greenbush Community Baptist Church for some classes that were being given for sign language. It was after one of those classes that Peter began staying after for Wednesday night church. Then on one of those Wednesday nights some time in the latter part of 2001 Peter felt the Lord impressing upon his heart the need to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. So Peter did just that, he received Jesus Christ by faith. Dear people I hope you understand that faith is the only way that one can come to God. (Eph 2:8-9) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Peter had learned that he could not work for His salvation. He learned that he could not earn his salvation. For Peter this seemed to be an easy concept for him to grasp. For us who think so much of ourselves it is one of the hardest things to grasp. I would to God that more of us were like Peter in that regard. Jesus said in Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Peter confessed his sins and he received Jesus as his Lord and Saviour.

Peter had a simple child like faith in Jesus Christ. Shortly after that Peter followed the Lord through the waters of baptism. Though Peter didn’t grow in his faith, as much as we would have hoped, Peter always maintained a great love and reverence for the Lord. He never lost that childlike faith. Jesus had called Peter to salvation. And Jesus had promised that Peter would never lose that salvation. (Joh 6:37) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Our second point; The Compassion of Christ.

We have already shown that Jesus chooses to reveal himself unto babes. But now let’s look at how Jesus goes about revealing Himself. Jesus reveals Himself with love and compassion.
(Mt 11:28-30) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

In these next verses we see the compassion of our Lord. Not only does the Lord reveal Himself unto babes, He reveals Himself to those who labour and to those who are heavy laden. Certainly Peter was heavy laden. He carried a heavy burden that few of us could carry. Peter was locked in a world of silence. He lost his only brother in a terrible murder. He lost his mother with whom he was very close. And as we know Peter had a very difficult relationship with his father. All of that weight was weighing heavy upon Peter’s heart. But in Jesus Peter found peace and rest for his soul. In Jesus he found a friend who could understand his deepest thoughts. And his deepest hurts. He found a friend to whom he could talk. He found a friend who would listen. Jesus gave eter hope. Hope that Jesus would carry his burden. Hope that he would one day enter the pearly gates of heaven. Hope that one day Peter’s ears would be opened. And hope that one day his tongue would be loosed. Because of Jesus, Peter could continue on, when others would have given up. Because of Jesus Peter could smile, when others would have frowned. Because of Jesus Peter could laugh, when others would have cried.

One of the Lord’s greatest blessings in the life of Peter was his many close friends. Yes the Lord blessed Peter with good and faithful friends. Peter needed friends. He needed friends that he could turn to when he was afraid, or when he was in danger. And his friends were always there for him. I know that Kim Rice was a good friend and a great blessing to Peter. I know that Dave Cook was also a good friend and a great blessing to Peter. Through Dave’s guidance and careful attention Peter could maintain a secure and independent life. But of all his friends perhaps no one was closer to Peter than Linda. The Bible says that “a friend loveth at all times.” Linda was that kind of a friend to Peter. Linda was always there for Peter. And Linda helped Peter in the most important area of his life, and that of course was his spiritual life. As Peter’s pastor I would like to offer you dear friends a very hearty thank you for having made Peter’s life a little brighter and a lot happier. I cannot help but to think of the words of Jesus, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

In closing, let me assure you that for Peter it is all “thumbs up.” Peter is safe with the Lord not because his good out weighed his bad. Not because he followed all the tenants of a particular religious system. No, Peter is with the Lord, because Peter was trusting in Jesus. He had a simple child like faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

My last encounter with Peter was at church on a Wednesday night just two weeks ago. Peter signed to me after church that evening that he loved God and that he wanted to go to heaven. And he made it very clear that he did not want to go to Hell. I assured Peter that if he were trusting in Jesus that he would go to heaven. Peter reaffirmed to me that very night that he was indeed trusting in Jesus. And then he gave me a big bear hug and he told me that he loved me. And that was the last time that I saw Peter.

In honor of Peter’s memory let me ask you this question, what are you trusting in? Dear people if you are trusting in a religious system, it will be all “thumbs down” for you. If you are trusting in your good works, it will be all “thumbs down” for you. If you are trusting in what a pastor or a priest or a church can do for you, it will be all “thumbs down” for you. The only one who is worthy of your trust is Jesus, and the only one that can save you is Jesus. Jesus shed his blood on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven. As the hymn writer wrote, “Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow…”

When the Philippian jailer asked the Apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Dear Friend, have you put your faith in Jesus Christ? Are you trusting in Jesus with a child like faith? A child like faith has no “ands” or “buts” behind it or in front it. It is Jesus alone, by faith alone. That is what child-like faith is. You know, it takes a grownup to start adding clauses to the very simple gospel. Let me assure you, that if you humble yourself as a little child, and put your in faith Jesus alone, then for you, it will be all “thumbs up.”

I know that some of us who were close to Peter, felt as though we let him down in the last few days of his life. I know that his friends have been saying if only I had done this or that, perhaps we could have helped Peter. Many of us have worried ourselves sick with the terrible thought of Peter dying alone in a prison of silence unable to call out for help. Let me assure you this afternoon, that Peter did not die alone. His best friend was with Him. Jesus was there holding his hand. Jesus was there to wipe his forehead. Jesus was there to speak comforting words to Peter’s heart. The Bible says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” I have to believe that Peter’s passing was a precious thing. I have to believe that it was a beautiful thing. I have to believe that Jesus was with him. Ethan and Garret played that beautiful instrumental “All The Way My Savior Leads Me.” It is a wonderful hymn. Yes, I believe that Jesus leads his dear children not only in life but also in death. Not only in living but also in dying. So dear friend don’t play the “if” game about Peter’s passing. Just trust in Jesus, He will not fail you, and He did not fail Peter in his dying hour. Jesus the blessed Saviour led Peter all the way. Peter is gone from this world of woe. I will miss his big bear hugs. I will miss his encouraging comments after my preaching. I will miss his great boisterous outbursts of laughter. Yet it is a blessed thought to consider that the first voice to have filled the ears of Peter was the voice of Jesus. And the first words to have spilled from Peter’s lips were words of praise and thanksgiving to Jesus. Me thinks, I can hear Jesus saying to Peter “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” And me thinks, I can hear Peter saying to Jesus “Thank you Lord for loving such a sinner as I.”

(This eulogy message was preached on Wednesday February 13, 2008 at Gillies Funeral Home in Lincoln Michigan by Pastor Ernest Ruemenapp of Family Heritage Baptist Church.)

Happy Birthday to Katharina and Julie~~ Our Campus Daughters

Psalm 71:5 For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.

We had all ten of our campus daughters over for Sunday dinner and celebrated the two February birthdays in the group~~ Senior Katharina and Freshman Julie. It was a lot of fun. Here is a picture of our lovely birthday girls:



Here is a Godtube link to see and hear the girls sing "Happy Birthday" to their campus sisters. You will need to copy and paste it into your browser for a quick view:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=904f649391a1669b7b45

Jennifer and Julie stayed over until evening church service time and made apple pies for their guys. They were real cute making their homemade pies. Here are a few pics:

Missions Conference Kick-Off

Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

Our 2008 Missions Conference started on Sunday morning and goes through Wednesday night. It is always a moving opening service when our International Students march in behind the flags for their countries and many of them wearing their native dress and our church choir singing "May We Be a Shining Light to the Nations." I slipped into our sanctuary to watch the International students practice marching in. Our campus daughter, Katharina from Canada, was in the Parade of Nations and I made her picture as well as some other students I was able to talk to for a minute after they practiced and before we all headed to our respective Sunday School classes. Here are some of the pics of students that I made with the first one being that of Katharina, our Canadian campus daughter: (Please be sure to double-click the pics so you can see the beauty of the native dress the students are wearing.)





As the students marched in, our church choir was singing this song.

Song For the Nations

(May We Be a Shining Light)

Chris Christensen

May we be a shining light to the nations
A shining light to the peoples of the earth
Till the whole world sees the glory of Your name
May Your pure light shine through us

May we bring a word of hope to thenations
A word of life to the peoples of the earth
Till the whole world knows there's salvation through Your name
May Your mercy flow through us

May we be a healing balm to the nations
A healing balm to the peoples of the earth
Till the whole world knows the power of Your name
May Your healing flow through us

May we sing a song of joy to the nations
A song of praise to the peoples of the earth
Till the whole world rings with the praises of Your name
May Your song be sung through us

May Your kingdom come to the nations
Your will be done in the peoples of the earth
Till the whole world knows that Jesus Christ is Lord
May Your kingdom come in us
May Your kingdom come in us
May Your kingdom come on earth

EXCITING GAME WITH A BIG WIN and FANTASTIC FANS!

See that kid in the red shirt eating popcorn? And the man in the green shirt, the blonde lady to his right, and the little red-head kid between them? (Double-click on pics to enlarge for a better view.)


The Christian school where my daughter is an elementary principal and which my 3 oldest grandchildren attend has had their best basketball season ever and are now playing in the post-season games. Last night, their team played in their first playoff game and scored their first playoff victory in school history. This event was 40 years in the making. That brings to mind this verse from God's Word: Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

The Warriors won last night and advanced to the next event on their quest to take it all. Brian, Amy, and their 4 children attended the big game on Valentine's night and had a blast. In today's newspaper article online, I was looking at the pics from last night's game and found my crew in 2 of them. That was kind of neat. I have posted them here for posterity! GO WARRIORS!!!!!


Again, Brian and amy in the center of the picture right behind the PCA cheerleader. :)

Our LIttlest Slugger ~~ My Wednesday Fun with My Grandson

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GREAT DAY ADDENDUM - LOVE?

I receive a wonderful email devotional written by a man Richard knows through a previous business relationship. I enjoy Marty's GDAs (Great Day Addendums) and am always challenged in my heart by what he is learning and sharing on this journey called the Christian life. Marty often uses his wife, his little girls, or his dog Ginger to illustrate his thoughts. Today's GDA was simple yet profound (what an oxymoron!). I asked for and received Marty's permission to share it on my blog. I did take the liberty of changing the verses he quoted to the KJV per my preference. Here goes....

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." 1 Corinthians 13:13

As my girls prepared their Valentine's Day cards to take to school... and give to their classmates and friends, I was reminded of a song ... a song that a number of year's ago Tina Turner had a hit Single with that asked the question... "What's Love Got To Do With It?"...

That same question can be asked every year... every day... in most every situation...

So... What DOES love have to do with it?

Everything... Love has EVERYTHING to do with it.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Happy Valentine's Day... Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem
© Great Day Addendum Copyright 2008

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

It's here! The big day! I remember that as a child in school, I looked forward to the Valentine party even more than the Christmas party. Decorating those little white bags and hanging them in the classroom ~~ usually along the chalkboard tray as I remember ~~ thrilled me beyond measure. I loved giving valentines and I loved receiving valentines. I would keep them and re-read them over and over. Honestly, that is still a "sweet" memory.

The best Valentine of all is God's Word. The Bible is God's love letter to mankind. How He made this green earth and all the rest of creation. How He made provision for mankind during Old Testament days to have a right relationship with Him. How He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to live a sinless life and to be the ultimate sacrificial lamb slaughtered and His blood shed for our sins. The gift of eternal life for those who repent of their sins and receive Jesus Christ into their hearts as their Lord and Savior. The promise of Heaven when we leave this life. The revelation of things to come when God takes Satan down and sets up HIS kingdom here on this earth. (I will hear from my preacher-son Chip if my theology isn't quite right but he always deals with me so very gently and lovingly. I learn so much from him!!)

So, if I enjoyed reading all of those cute but cheap and rather meaningless little paper valentines as a child, why am I sometimes negligent to faithfully read God's Love Letter to me ~~ His Written Word? I love hearing it read. I love hearing it preached. I love hearing it taught. But far too many days during the years, I put reading God's Word for myself on the back burner of my life. I am baring my soul and confessing my sin as I write this. I don't know if a living soul reads this (and perhaps today, I am praying that no one will read it for my prideful self is not eager to admit to anyone else this lacking in my Christian life), but I am talking to my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ as I write this to confess that I haven't read their "Valentine" as I ought.

Dear God, I need to hear from YOU today. Personal stuff ~~ from YOU to me. Yes, Lord, that's it.... let me get off of here and into your WORD ~~ the most wonderful valentine of all. Thank you for your conviction and for urging me in this matter. I love you and thank you for your love for me ~~ today and every day.

Isabella at the Piano

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. We went to church at the Retirement Center this morning as Brian and Amy were singing the special music. On the way out of the complex, Belle spied a piano and asked if she could play a song for me. Of course, I was happy to hear her play and whipped my camera out to capture the moment. It turned out that she played one of my favorite hymns.... which inspired me to sing along... which this video would have been better without my singing for sure. I don't get to hear Belle play very often but always enjoy hearing the progress she is making. My Star.... Isabella at the piano this morning...

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Jaden was good in church this morning!

We went to church at the retirement center this morning because Brian and Amy were singing the special music. Jaden was in "big church" with us, and I wondered how he would do. Grandpa Richard and I were sitting in the row in front of them, and I kept thinking how quiet Jaden was being. When the service was over, I discovered the secret of his being so good....

We had a fun evening with Isabella...

I

In our local paper a week or two ago, I read about a local girl who has made it big and is starring in New York City's Broadway Show "Mary Poppins." Ashley Brown was coming to town to perform for her family and friends. Hmmmmm. That would be a fun thing for Isabella so I asked Grandpa Richard if we could go and take her, and we did. It was a wonderful evening with Belle. We went to IHOP for dinner and then on to the concert. We were very impressed with Ashley's gifted voice and talent. We read that she sang in her church as she grew up and hope that she is a Christian and has a testimony for Christ. Here the article that appeared in today's newspaper about Ashley's performance last night.

Brown brings Broadway to the Bay

News Journal Article on Sunday, February 20, 2008
Julio Diaz

It’s not hard to understand why Ashley Brown is a big star on Broadway.

The local native had a crowd of more than 2,300 people in the palm of her hand for two hours Saturday night at a homecoming concert with our Symphony Orchestra and the Children’s Chorus in concert.

After the Symphony, under the direction of Peter Rubardt, set the tone for the evening with an exuberant performance of the overture from “Gypsy,” Brown, looking chic in a crisp, white pantsuit, took the stage to a standing ovation. A grateful, emotional look – clearly visible to all in the auditorium thanks to video screens set up above the stage – crossed her face as she strolled out and effortlessly launched into her opening number of the evening, “You There in the Back Row” from the musical “13 Days on Broadway.”



Brown’s talent was clear from the opening notes, her strong, crystal-clear soprano soaring out over the crowd, touching hearts and raising goosebumps.

But it was more than talent, and more than the feeling of “hometown girl made good” that made the performance special. Brown possesses that ineffable quality that can only be called “star power,” bringing character and heart to every song she performed. Whether belting out a version of “Reflection” that easily rivaled Christina Aguilera’s hit version or bringing comic sass to the humorous “The Girl in 14G,” songs simply came to life in Brown’s capable hands.

Between tunes, Brown’s banter with the crowd was bubbly, effusive, funny and humble, joking about song selections and telling stories about her life in New York City. She also expressed her thanks for the support she’s received from the hometown folks during her Broadway success, noting how many area residents had traveled to see her perform.

“I thought it was about time for me to come to home to show my appreciation,” she said.

Brown pulled off a quick costume change between songs in a medley of “Tonight at 8” and “Look at That Face,” emerging from behind a screen in a stunning lemon-colored dress, having prepared for the blind date on which the character singing “Tonight at 8” was set to go.

Then, showing her personality once again, she sat at the edge of the stage to sing “Times Like These,” a touching ode to … a dog. When the subject of the song revealed itself at the end of the first verse, the video screens switched to a slide show of photos of Brown and her dog, “Eddie Elizabeth Brown.”

Brown introduced the evening’s musical director, Brad Haak, before performing a trio of selections from “December Songs.” Haak, who is also the musical director for Brown’s current Broadway hit, “Mary Poppins,” performed on piano for the trio of songs, her only accompaniment for the intimate numbers.

The first act of the show wrapped up with three numbers that showcased the magic of Disney. Brown introduced the members of the ensemble where she got her start, the Children’s Chorus, and ceded the stage to the young singers for two songs from Disney’s “Aladdin,” “A Whole New World” and “Prince Ali.” As magical as Brown’s performance had been to this point, the Children’s Chorus proved almost as magical, raising plenty of goosebumps of their own.

Brown then raised the ante with one of the signature songs from “Marry Poppins,” “Feed the Birds.” Most of us know the song best from Dame Julie Andrews’ Oscar-winning performance, of course, but Brown more than filled those considerable shoes with a truly moving performance.

After an intermission, the Symphony again took the stage to set the tone for the second act with a stirring rendition of the overture from “Funny Girl.” Brown returned in a flowing, ruffled black dress with a high collar and a vamp-ish hairdo, looking something like a better-dressed version of Catherine Zeta-Jones’ character in “Chicago.”

A jazzy medley from another pair of musical theater legends, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, followed, with Brown backed by a small jazz combo including Haak on piano, drummer Kevin Connell and bass player Jeb Stuart.

Tears came to Brown’s eyes as she dedicated “My Heart is So Full of You” to her family.

“I have the best family in the whole world and the best hometown in the whole world,” she said.

She credited those connections for keeping her “normal,” recalling her father’s advice, “remember where you came from.”

Those emotions carried over to Brown’s performance of the lovely ballad, and she seemed nearly overcome during her breathtaking rendition.

She misted up again while talking about her beginnings with the Children’s Chorus, who she brought back to the stage for the evening’s closing numbers, Sondheim’s “Our Time” and “Children Will Listen,” the latter of which Brown performed with the Chorus.

The crowd leapt to its feet for another standing ovation, and Brown was nearly buried in bouquets from admirers. She moved to stage right, but didn’t leave, and cracked to the audience, “keep applauding, there’s an encore … I’m so discreet.”

She wasn’t kidding about the encore, though, and came back to the center stage for a heartfelt version of “Tomorrow” from “Annie.”

“I had the best time tonight,” Brown exclaimed as she finished the song and said goodnight.

Judging by their roaring applause, 2,300 other people did, too.

Trying out a new video-sharing program~~ Smilebox

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61st Birthday Doings for Richard and Also For our Pastor (His 36th!)

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

I do believe that Richard had a fantastic 61st birthday. It was a day of good wishes and lots of love shown. It started with the grandkids coming one by one this morning before school to wish Grandpa "Happy Birthday." He came home from work with lots of nice cards. Tonight's birthday dinner was hosted by Brian and and Amy. Also honored as a 2/7 birthday celebrity was our dear Pastor Jackson. We enjoyed Pastor, Tracy, and their three sweet children. The other guests invited to the dinner were our dear Dr. Streeter and his wife, Karen. Of course, our grandkids made the evening extra special, too. It was a fabulous dinner that Amy prepared and it was a wonderful time of sweet Christian fellowship.

I made some videos this morning as the grandkids came over and then at the party tonight. Happy Birthday to my dear Richard and to our precious pastor.

Update on the Birthday Boy and Update on My Friend Peggy

I talked to Richard and our son-in-law Brian was taking him to lunch. Brian actually called and invited me but with taking Peggy to the doctor I wasn't able to meet them. I did so very much appreciate Brian's invitation for me to join them but knew that Richard and Brian would enjoy their "shop talk" over lunch.

My friend Peggy was told that she no longer needs her blood pressure meds and that they were over medicating her!! What great news to receive that she doesn't need them. She should feel much better in a few days as she comes off of them. God is good!!!

Gotta get in there and make a banana pudding for the birthday dinner party at Amy's and Brian's this evening.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RICHARD AND A PRAYER REQUEST FOR A DEAR FRIEND

It was so much fun this birthday morning. I started off the festivities with my gift and card for Richard, but it got MUCH better!! Amy called to tell her Dad that a birthday well-wisher was on our front door step. It was Jaden. He left and then another well-wisher appeared. It was Jarrett. He left and then another well-wisher appeared. It was Joshua. And then the prettiest well-wisher appeared. It was Isabella. What a sweet time Grandpa Richard had with each of his four grandkids. I didn't know a thing about any of that but luckily had my camera out so got it all captured on video. I hope to share it later, but for now, I have a friend in need....

Please pray for my friend Peggy. She has been having some low blood pressure episodes for a week or more. I had an early morning email from her husband that Peggy wasn't doing well and that she would be going to the doctor this morning. I called at 7:30 to check on her (hoping to talk to Jerry) but Peggy answered. I asked if she needed a friend to drive her to the doctor. She said she had thought she could drive herself but that she was feeling weaker by the moment and that she would appreciate it if I could drive her. I would appreciate your prayers for my dear friend Peggy.

Have a blessed day!!!

Another Snow Pic from Alabama~~

Job 9:30 If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean....

Gayla had promised to send me some snow pics, and she did just that today. I want to share one of the three pics she sent as her daughter Denise (age 16) and her son PJ (age 6 I think) are so cute. It looks like they were having a fun time together playing in the snow. Be sure to double-click on the pic to view it full size. Here are PJ and Denise:

GOD'S VALENTINE

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

That is my favorite salvation verse. To KNOW that God loved me so much when I was destined to be born a sinner that HE gave His only Son, JESUS CHRIST, to die for my sins is beyond my comprehension but is not beyond my faith. As Valentine's Day approaches, may we never lose sight of God's great love for mankind.

Update on Chip

Three months! It's hard to think three months have flown by since Chip accepted the position of "Associate Pastor for Students" at the "new church" in the Huntsville area. I was just looking at the church website and reading the staff page. I was blessed to read what Chip wrote for his blurb:

Chip Dean ~~ Associate Pastor for Students

"My passion is to see teenagers and college students come to know Jesus Christ and to grow in Him! I was originally born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and lived there for the first 20 years of my life. From there God moved me to places like Scranton, Pennsylvania to attend and graduate from Baptist Bible College. Later, God took me to the Louisville, Kentucky area where I graduated from Southern Seminary with a M.Div. degree and served on staff in a local church as youth pastor for 4 years. Through it all God has guided me. He has designed every step of my path to mature me in the faith of Christ and to equip me for His calling on my life to pastor students. My life goal is to bring glory to Christ through the lives of students in His church."

Chip is preaching a great series of messages to his teens which are posted on his blog for his students. Here is the URL if you would like to read and find out what he is teaching and preaching: http://storyline24.blogspot.com/

And as always, prayers are appreciated for Chip as he spends his life in ministry for the cause of Jesus Christ!

OOPS... Jaden wasn't feeling very good by lunchtime

Jaden was really warm again at lunchtime. I took him temp with an oral thermometer and it registered 99.7. I'm not sure that Jaden had it under his tongue ~~~ he surely did feel warmer than the 99.7 reading. He ate a fair amount of lunch and then we watched a video together to give the Ibuprofen some time to kick in before I put him down for a nap. When I put him to bed, he said his head was hurting. That was probably from the fever. He went right to sleep. I pray he feels better when he wakes up later this afternoon.

Monday Morning Update on Jaden~~

Jaden is here with me today. He is feeling much better after having the high fever yesterday and throwing up a couple of times last evening due to the fever. He feels just a tad warm right now but ate an egg for breakfast, has been playing, and is quite active. We are enjoying our morning. After lunch, I will give him a dose of Tylenol and put him down for his nap. Grandma will catch up on some things while Jaden sleeps this afternoon. I thank the Lord that Jaden is doing so well today.

It's Birthday Week!!

Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.


My loving and faithful husband of nearly 35 years has a birthday this week. On Thursday, February 7, Richard will celebrate his 61st birthday. That seems impossible but I guess I am getting old right along with him (but I'm still in my 50's for three more years!).

On the first Sunday of the month, we look forward to eating out with son-in-law Brian, daughter Amy, and our four precious GRANDchildren: Jarrett, Isabella, Joshua, and Jaden. We eat out with friends on the other Sundays of the month (and thoroughly enjoy the fellowship) but still, we look forward to our first-Sunday standing dinner date with the kids. Whoever is celebrating something special that month gets to choose the restaurant. Since Richard is the "birthday boy" this month, he chose his favorite Mexican restaurant. We saw several friends at the restaurant (we invited one dear couple to join us at our table) and had a surprise visit with a friend from Tuscaloosa and his new bride ~~ Jason H. and Rachel. It was so good to see them! Anyway, we enjoyed kicking off Richard's birthday week with a fun dinner out with family AND friends.

The only damper of the day is that when Brian and Amy retrieved Jaden from Children's Church, he was burning up with a fever. A "bug" of some description had caught up with him. He stayed in the lap of one of his parents during lunch and then they left as soon as they were finished to get Jaden home, treated with his children's fever medicine, and down for his nap. I imagine I will have a little buddy here with me tomorrow. I would appreciate your prayers for his quick recovery and that the rest of the family doesn't get sick.

Happy Birthday Week to my Schweetie (name borrowed from Kay O. as that is what she calls her dear Dan.)

God's Valentine to Us

It's finally February! January is kind of a dismal month with the holidays all behind us and the winter before us here in our neck of the woods. But, we have short winters here and with February comes the promise of warmer temps, more sunshine-filled days, and the promise of Spring sure to arrive. And then there is that fun day in February when we center in on our feelings of love. Valentine's Day is a sweet day for lovers everywhere ~~ married and those contemplating marriage and for those who are in a dating relationship. And we remember our family and loved ones on Valentine's Day. May we most of all remember how much God loves us and how far-reaching His love is for us. His love sent His Only Begotten Son to Calvary's Cross on our behalf. May we as Christians shine His love abroad from our hearts onto those around us each and every day. Happy Valentine's Day!